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Showing posts from May, 2006

Slaying the Dragon

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"Ending the pandemic will depend largely on changing social norms like empowering women, reducing the stigma of the disease and encouraging a greater reduction in the number of sex partners, the report said. Most countries have strong foundations for building an effective response against AIDS, the report said, but systems to carry out the plans remain inconsistent ..." See the rest in the New York Times

Pleasant Surprises

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One of which came today in the form of great photos from the AIDS Walk Fundraiser at Prohibition on May 17th. Kelli Giddish and Sydney Penny were in attendance that evening and were exactly that: pleasant surprises. Welcomed images on an otherwise serious day. Considering what a lovely time was had that day while raising awareness and money for a serious cause, the arrival of these pics on a day when a visit was made to Saint Pat's to get a mass card seemed par for the course. So, rather than write a dissertation on the value of mass cards in this Day and Age, let's reflect on the goodness and generosity of lovely ladies, oh, and, yes one rather lovely man.

Memorial

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Death is a fact of life and it comes to everyone. War brings death but it is not inevitable. Today's remembrance is for the fallen. While there is no such thing as a good war, There are perhaps those that are righteous. There can be on the other hand a peaceful death and it is the best anyone can hope for. The sadness of those left behind knows no equal and it forever changes their lives. Still a creative life full of dear people enables that final peace for the departed. It's been said that fear of death is tantamount to fear of living and living necessitates being surrounded by loving friends and relatives. Grieving is that process that helps the living to go on after the departure of a loved one even if it does not supply any revelation as to the meaning of life. Death by war necessitates fear and turmoil. Support of the soldiers means that we want them to come home to their loving friends and relatives. We want their good intentions to protect them. We hope that there will

A First for Brokeback Mounties

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Pookie sent this from Canada: By LYN COCKBURN Will Angelina and Brad ever get married or will they spend all their time creating, producing, adopting and acting like children? I don't know the answer to that question. What I do know is that Jason Tree, 27, and David Connors, 28, are indeed getting married. On June 30. To each other. In Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Their nuptials will constitute the first ever same-sex marriage in RCMP history. And yes, the two constables say they have heard the phrase "Brokeback Mounties" several times since they announced their intentions. And they don't seem to mind the various headlines that read "Mounties get their men - each other." The two met in high school, got together in university, have been dating for eight years and living together for several. They have obviously not made a secret of their sexuality. In fact, when Const. Connors graduated from RCMP training, he had Const. Tree present him with his badge - and announ

Song of the Week: What Can I Do For You

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When Patti Labelle & the Bluebelles reinvented themselves in the 1970s and became the marvelous triune Goddess known as Labelle, a power was unchained and that power was perfectly expressed in "What Can I Do For You?" from what was probably their best album Nightbirds . Their performances brought out a generation that itself was eager to be unchained through their music. The Vietnamese 'Military Excursion' was over and Watergate was behind them and the plague had yet to hit. People want truth or nothing at all People want sincerity and nothing more ... People want to live not merely exist People want to enjoy not suffer in peace ... What Can You do, What Can you Do For me? Their performances at Oakland's Paramount in 1975 and 1976 gave ample evidence to the unchained generation. The performances brought out people as diverse as Dusty Springfield who joined them on stage for the song you're hearing now and Sylvester who could have easily been one of t

Saturday Beefcake

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Pictured is Matthew Mills a New York City Firefighter and the photo comes from their 2006 calendar. Mr. Mills graced the month of April. He is only one of many reasons to love New York. Summer is another reason to love New York and this weekend gives it an unofficial start, although there is still a little something called the Solstice in about three weeks that actually kicks off Summer. Restaurants in these parts will be very busy and most good ones will offer their summer fare. Below is a type of Summer gnocco a bit lighter than its traditional counterpart in that it lacks potatoes. This recipe is called many things and has more than one version, here it is entitled Naked Ravioli in honour of Mr. Mills being halfway there and with the fond hope that he and his kind will have a relaxing tourist Season. Ravioli Nudi 1 1/2 kilos of fresh Spinach 500 grams of Ricotta 4 egg yolks 250 grams of grated parmigiano Nutmeg, grated salt, pepper, flour melted unsalted butter olive oil 1. Simmer

The Face of AIDS

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Marj Dusay has been all over the Soap Opera Globe from Guiding Light to Santa Barbara to All My Children to Capitol . She is a journeyman actor and where she shows up it is all the better. To have an AIDs Walk fundraiser with Soap Opera actors and not have her there is tantamount to discounting first hand experience. She has stepped into many a difficult situation as an actress, but none so difficult as the real life situation as losing a son. During one of her stints as Alexandra Spaulding on Guiding Light, she was interviewed by Soap Opera Weekly and shortly thereafter the unthinkable happened to her. She said this in an addendum to that interview entitled, "A Mother's Farewell" as advice to the parents of children with AIDS: Be there with them ... at least write notes, talk. Say, "I care." It's a very lonely -- very lonely -- embarassing disease. You're sitting around not knowing when you're going to go ... A lot of them are really trying to ac

Still Goin' Strong

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One week later and the feelings continue from what was acomplished at Prohibition. Sweet Southwest Charlotte provided us with a couple of photos. These photos contain elements -- not all the elements, but important elements that made helping raise money for the AIDs Walk a unique and memorable experience: pictured are Thorsten Kaye, Ilene Kristen and, of course, Sweet Charlotte -- the elements are performance and presence. Ilene's performance last evening at the Triad lived up to expectations and provided two surprises in the form of One Life to Live 's Tuc Watkins who seemed to enjoy the music and Heather Tom who seemed to enjoy being in the presence of her boyfriend. It was typical of an evening with Ilene: talent everywhere.

The Once and Future Singer

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Hey, This week's "Undercover" show features a genre I specialize in, "Cheesy" '80s Songs. Not much to say about that, except you haven't really heard "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" until you've heard my version. Ok, that's not true, but I will be debuting a new song and we will have a great guest performer visiting from Nashville, Jon Bozeman. You can check him out at www.jonbozeman.com. He will be performing "Jenny, (867-5309)" in the spirit of the evening along with some of his originals. Hope you can make it out to Mr. Denehy's on Carmine @ 7th Ave, downstairs at 8:30 PM, Thursday. MAJ P.S. I'm playing at the Harrisburg Art Fest this Sunday in PA, in Frederick, MD on Monday and then I'm doing an all night show uptown in NYC on Monday June 5th at Prohibition, (503 Columbus Ave.). Details on that show will be coming next week. Send a friend if you know anybody in my path. Thanks for the continued support.

The Once & Future President

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From Arianna Huffington: "The pressure on Gore to run will continue to grow because watching him speak out so eloquently, so passionately, and so personally on this issue -- in other words, displaying real leadership -- is like suddenly being served a steak after a steady diet of fast-food burgers. It's a stark reminder of just how far we've lowered the bar on what we expect from those we elect. It's as if we've been so pummeled by ersatz candidates espousing focus-group approved piffle that we've come to accept as normal the idea that if you are going to be in politics you are going to have to sell out -- shaped and molded by campaign consultants and pollsters, your ideals and principles wrung out by the very process of becoming a candidate. Each disappointment (et tu, John McCain?) is like a wound, and the scar tissue that remains has desensitized us. When people are exposed to the new Gore -- authentic, funny, self-deprecating -- you can almost feel their re

Song of the Week: Relentless Talent

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Ilene Kristen's "Flesh and Blood" The ways of the world we don't understand Everywhere leads us to why Hold on to the earth with your own two hands And never say goodbye Following Ilene's participation in POZ magazine's AIDS Walk fundraiser at Prohibition, a staff member remarked that she is a "force of nature." Coining a phrase from Brokeback Mountain 's advertising campaign nothwithstanding, it is an accurate although hyberpolic description of a woman whose heart is unique and universal at one and the same time. One gets the sense that she's an old soul that will go on forever holding on to the earth with her own two hands. Her performance last Wednesday showed all who were there that she is indeed worthy of all that. Once again she is showcasing her talent at the Triad this coming Wednesday at 9PM 212.362.2511. Do yourself a favour ...

Walking On 2006

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There is a sense of satisfaction that comes from completing the 10 kilometers that are assigned to the AIDS Walk around Central Park. It is an event that takes place in a city that many consider to be a cultural nucleus. Many of us have survived a plague that decimated our generation and what was once called Gay Related Immune Deficiency Syndrome has changed its complexion. There are still many a white Chelsea "boy" at the Walk but there are also many young African Americans. the satisfaction comes from raising money and being there to raise awareness. The money helps -- and yes, there are those who are concerned about where the money goes, perhaps Africa itself is more in need -- but there are still those here who need it and the ones who need it most might not yet know that they do. The satisfaction comes from being among those who make it known. The last three months spent nudging friends, shamelessly requesting help from people who are virtually unknown and actually crea

Saturday Beefcake

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Having a conversation with Alec Musser involved talking about his good experience working on All My Children and it did not get around to discussing his nutritional tips for staying in the flawless shape he's in, not to mention that not a small part of his perfection is his creative thinking as well as emotional depth. Some were hooked even before knowing all of that. In the meantime the recipe we offer is an old favourite along with one of Alec's better photographic images in the hope that Alec is well on his way to becoming a perennial favourite. Pollo alla Birra 1 kilo of chicken (breast and thighs or any combination) 2 onions, peeled and sliced 1 pint of beer Lemon Unsalted butter, flour, oregano, salt & pepper 1. Marinate chicken for 24 hours in the beer and onions with some essence of lemon 2. Season the flour with the spices and mix well. 3. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture 4. Saute the chicken in the butter until tender 5. Serve with lemon slices. (variation

A Force of Nature

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Ilene Kristen and friend at the POZ magazine fundraiser on May 17, 2006. Ilene's friends are blessed to have her in their lives.

They always get their man

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Gay Mounties To Wed from 365gay.com (Halifax, Nova Scotia) In what may be Canada's highest profile gay wedding of the year two Mounties will wed next month in Nova Scotia. It is the first same-sex marriage within the RCMP. and the couple will wear the distinctive scarlet dress uniforms the force is known for worldwide the Chronicle Herald newspaper reports. Const. Jason Tree, 27, and Const. David Connors, 28, met while in high school. They've been a couple since their university days eight years ago. In an interview with the Chronicle Herald Tee said they have never experienced a problem on the force. They are so well liked members of the force, also in their dress tunics, will form an honor guard at the wedding. "This is a first for us," RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Skidmore told the paper. "Certainly, the RCMP welcomes a workforce that is representative of Canadian society, and that is the case here." Canada last year became the fourth country in the world to l

Love Out Loud

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Ilene Kristen, Michael Clay & Mark Aaron James at the finale for POZ magazine's AIDS Walk fundraiser

1000 Words

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This is a scene you're not likely to see on All My Children any time soon, but it was indicative of the good feelings that were happening all over the place last night at Prohibition for POZ magazine's AIDS Walk Fundraiser. Thorsten Kaye and Alec Musser were there to lend a hand.

Mark Aaron James News

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One of last night's stars, goes on once again today Hey, This week's "Undercover" show will feature songs with numbers in the title. It's an interesting genre that will allow me to play songs by Prince, Britney, Meatloaf, Janis Ian, The Doors, Wallflowers and many more. I plan on starting with "One is the Loneliest Number" and finishing with "If I Had a $1,000,000." Hopefully, a good number of you will come to catch what's in between this Thursday, Mr. Denehy's, Carmine @ 7th Ave, 8:30 PM. MAJ

See Below

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generous One entry found for generous . Main Entry: gen·er·ous Pronunciation: 'jen-r&s, 'je-n&- Function: adjective Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French genereus, from Latin generosus, from gener-, genus 1 archaic : HIGHBORN 2 a : characterized by a noble or forbearing spirit : MAGNANIMOUS , KINDLY b : liberal in giving : OPENHANDED c : marked by abundance or ample proportions : COPIOUS synonym see LIBERAL - gen·er·ous·ly adverb - gen·er·ous·ness noun
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The publishers and staff of POZ magazine and Real Health cordially invite you to an AIDS Walk New York fundraiser on May 17, 2006 from 6 to 8 pm to be held at Prohibition . 503 Columbus Avenue . New York City . 212.579.3100 This effort has been a labour of love for all involved. The staff of Smart & Strong and Poz magazine would like nothing more than to make their mark contributing to New York ’s most significant fund raising event which just happens to coincide with their daily activity, the search for the cure and making life productive for the hiv+. It’s about life. It’s about being who we are.
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From David Kirkpatrick in today's New York Times: WASHINGTON, May 13 — Some of President Bush's most influential conservative Christian allies are becoming openly critical of the White House and Republicans in Congress, warning that they will withhold their support in the midterm elections unless Congress does more to oppose same-sex marriage, obscenity and abortion. "There is a growing feeling among conservatives that the only way to cure the problem is for Republicans to lose the Congressional elections this fall," said Richard Viguerie, a conservative direct-mail pioneer. Who knew that finally a neo-con evangelical could say something that made sense? Republicans losing this fall might very well be the way to start solving a lot of problems. Elsewhere in today's NY Times there's that Cheney woman again calling John Kerry "slime." It's becoming more like a case of the pot calling the kettle annoying. Isn't there some type of Roy Cohn Anonym

Chris Meloni's Autographed Picture

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This item is being put on auction on Ebay ( Item number: 7619504621) to help defray the cost of an AIDS Walk New York fundraiser that will be taking place on May 17th at Prohibition in New York City -- go here to check it out . It is already autographed by Chris Meloni -- about 4 years ago -- with a black sharpie, so it's somewhat less conspicuous than it should be -- but definitely there. It is framed! 24 x 36! It's a great addition to a Chris Meloni fan collection. The winning bid is a donation for what promises to be a great event.

Marshal Arts, Part Four

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Marshal Arts, Part Three

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No, he's not Mr Dillon.

Martial Arts, Part Two

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Saturday Beefcake: Eat or Be Eaten

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It's not so much that meat is necessarily good for you that beef recipes sometimes accompany this Saturday tribute to the prurient interest. In fact it was an originally a beef recipe that inspired the term that was itself inspired by a half naked Guy Madison. Eating another creature to some is a sign of strength. There is much to say that that's all it is: a sign, religious beliefs aside. Still a great many adhere to the belief that beef once a week does no harm. We live in a carnivorous society and it can't be denied that a good hunk o' meat every so often is enjoyable to the senses and the protein gives a nice physical jolt. Speaking of strength, it is exactly what is needed in a carnivorous society, it is necessary for defensive combat. It's not necessary to list the ills and evils that need to eradicated, religious beliefs aside. Self defense is necessary on a number of levels and, therefore, strength on many levels: inner strength being the least of them. Me

From Jay Spears

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And what's up with the Mighty I Like Mike ? He's been drafted by the NFL, that's what! The song was used on a nationally televised NFL game last fall, Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons. Mike Holmgren is the Seahawks coach; Michael Vick is the mega-star quarterback for the Falcons. I didn't see it, but I'm guessing they had a "Mike vs. Mike" thing going. What's not to like? Just what you need: new pics of Jay! Right on the front page of my website there's a link to a gallery of new photos by my pal Sean Maguire, who took the photos of me on Boy Howdy . I'm sure you'll find something there to amuse you. See Jay perform live in the flesh ...! The MainStreet Songwriters Showcase ...because there's nothing like a great song! Café Bellissimo 22458 Ventura Blvd. (1 block west of Shoup) Woodland Hills, CA 91364 818-225-0026 Host Garret Swayne leads off at 7:30, followed by featured guests WeirdBrother, an eclectic folk duo.

Quite Contrary

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It would be too easy to call Mary Cheney a stupid bitch. First of all she's not at all that stupid in view of the fact that much of what she has said recently is calculated to get the book buying public to read her book, including those who don't like her. From rawstory.com: In response to an article Wednesday in which Vice President Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter is quoted as calling Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) a " RAW STORY ....“Seems like a suspicious lecture from a political operative who flacked for the most anti-gay administration in history and allowed Karl Rove to divide America for political gain," Wade said. "She’d be more credible if she pushed dad’s administration to support hate crimes legislation and equal rights for gay Americans.”Miss Mary accuses the Kerry-Edwards ticket for exploiting her sexual orientation for political gain. " Sitting in the studio audience when Edwards mentioned her sexual orientation, Cheney said she looked at the vice-

Leftovers?

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Cultural identity can be viewed from many angles and often is. The words "immigrant stock" can be interpreted from more than one angle either as a compliment -- usually for physical strength, as in "Strong like bull" or as an insult, "fat like cow." Well, the positive side of the terminology often refers to diligence and strong family ties. Like many nations all over the world the United States for the most part is a polycultural mixture of a nonindigenous populace. Yes, Virginia, the history of the world teaches us that many nations were/are so-called melting pots. The melting is continuous, it should be noted -- no nation is melted. Of course, Native Americans or Indians are still here as a people, but their culture isn't. Not per se. One of the world's most interesting melting pots next to Hawaii is Sicily. Its governing peninsula Italy is also a rather interesting and very beautiful melting pot. Italians are also a rather large part of immigran

Vlad Honey, Would You Mind Passing Me The Agenda?

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From Gene Stone over at HuffingtonPost.com "There's been a great deal of talk over the last few decades about something the reactionary far-right wing calls the 'homosexual agenda.' This agenda seems to have many differing and apparently, to the right wing, confusing points, so it's time to clear up exactly what the homosexual agenda is -- in five words or less." Here's the link to the rest .
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Pondering the political atmosphere let alone writing about it is infuriatingly frustrating. The sense of powerlessness is depressingly worse than the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Era. the silliness of scapegoating is exacerbated by the lies and manipulation for getting into an unnecessary war. It cannot be said enough. Those of the generation that marched for Civil Rights and protested another unnecessary war yearn for the time when the current regime might be brought to task. This administration it was recently announced is over. It was mentioned here that the events surrounding Katrina signaled the virtual end of this Presidency. This is not a time for rejoicing. Listing the lies and posturing that is Mr Cheney would take up much too much space. He is a paradigm for eliciting gut wrenching anger, especially with the exploited and exploitive existence of a lesbian daughter. His departure from public life cannot happen soon enough. Whatever satisfaction might be gleaned from Mr. Bush&#

To Know Her Is To Love Her

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Song of the Week

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The Wisdom Of Time (W. Robinson, P. Moffett, C. Burston) - Produced by "Smokey" Robinson Baby crawls before he walks He coos and mumbles before he talks As the world turns we live and learn with the wisdom of time As the world turns we live and learn with the wisdom of time Growing up through years of wonder While some grow older and some go under Life seems a strain But it stands to gain with the wisdom of the time Yesterday we've been separated Today our thoughts should be integrated Divided we'll fall or together stand tall with the wisdom of time Yeah, Divided we'll fall or together stand tall with the wisdom of time Time the healer of wounds The sealer of fate With the greatest power to educate Through your wisdom teach us not into hate Before it's not too late Narrow minds keep us locked up tight, but Broader minds are the key to what's right So let's keep hopin' For minds to get open with the wisdom of time Baby crawls before he walks He c

Saturday Beefcake

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Weddings are fun. They are great fun all the way down to the cake. They are fun even for those who are not necessarily supportive of everything matrimony entails. So, along with a recipe for what will be called a Sicilian Wedding Cake, the Beefcake portion of this weekly post will include photography of same gender couples who are not necessarily married, but may or may not have great fun eventually. While searching for recipes for Pan di Spagna, which is an integral part of this recipe, it is evident that it requires much work because all recipes require much manipulation especially of the eggs and sugar. This posting will forego that and focus on the construction of what has been called a Cassata alla Siciliana . This recipe is a bit different from the cassate that one might find, hence, Sicilian Wedding Cake -- Torta Matrimoniale alla Siciliana 1 Pan di Spagna 500 gr of Fresh Ricotta Heavy cream, whipped Confectioner's sugar (about 150 grams) Cointreau or any orange liqueur Cit

A Couple Waiting to Happen?

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Heath Ledger was considered for the part of Alexander in Oliver Stone's film, instead it went to Colin Farrell. Heath went on to Brokeback fame and, of course, most movie buffs are aware of the travails of Alexander the Great Poofter or not so poofter as the edited cut may be. Mr. Farrell also gave the world his sensitive portrayal in Home At the End of the World . Now it seems that Mr. Ledger is slated to replace him in the Bob Dylan biographical film. Columnist Roger Friedman says: "The reason for Farrell's departure is unknown." Both Ledger and Farrell seem to be of the same ilk, viz. a very fine ilk, a very fine talented ilk that has caught the imagination of filmmakers and the viewing public alike. Have they ever been in the same room? It seems that their careers overlap in more than one instance and it also seems that if the imagination were to be captured in any other ways, these guys should capture it together somehow someway.

Thank You, One Life to Live

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There is often a person who is part of a cast that the viewer would like to see more of and that applies to One Life to Live 's Timothy Adams in every sense. More attention would have been paid to Marcie and Michael's wedding had it been known that Ron Walsh was going to show up. Of course it makes sense that Marcie's family would show up. Still the exceptionally fetching Mr. Adams has had precious little screen time since being cast as Ron Walsh so it was a great surprise. It is hoped that the tornado doesn't take him away forever. By the way, Llanview's not in Kansas and tornados in the Philadelphia area are rare if not nonexistent. So, who's quibbling? When Ron's around the facts don't matter. Too bad a beach wasn't invented for Pennsylvania. Of course, his appearance will be too brief. Recurring status for Soap Opera actors is a hit and miss situation. For the avid fan it is a miss most of the time. Some are satisfied with whatever they can get.
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Joey Figgiani used to play at the Psychic Cafe in the Village. The Psychic is no more but Joey's music lives on. It was a joy to watch him perform because he was genuinely enjoying his musical expression. Since those not so long ago days, Figgiani went to Music City, a.k.a. Nashville, TN to record what he does best. Go here to find out more about him . What follows is just a glimpse: "The songs on Joey Figgiani's new album The Place Between Moving And Standing Still are like a collection of thumbnail sketches that will resonate with anyone brave enough to have taken this journey. The album showcases an eclectic musical style, ranging from Pop Rock to Alternative, Americana to Delta Blues, showing Figgiani as a true artist who cannot be categorized by typical standards. Each song takes the listener to life’s most basic experiences, and reveals a meaning that grows more profound with each listen. The collection is sometimes smooth, often gritty, but always sincere. Any lis

One Hand, One Heart, part two

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In West Side Story Tony & Maria get married in the dress shop with only each other as the ministers of the sacrament. It is in fact theologically sound for the bride & groom to do so. Priests, ministers and such are mere witnesses who provide a public blessing. The Catholic Church has done so many songs and dances around the institution of marriage but its dogma remains that the true ministers of the sacrament are the bride and groom. The beauty of Tony & Maria's marriage as celebrated in "One Hand, One Heart" is that it is forbidden love and that they go forward all the same. Yet again the ruling party in the United States is making noises about an amendment to the Constitution defining marriage as only being valid between a male and a female which would in effect ban homosexual marriage. It is often referred to as a gay marriage ban. Perhaps some should remind the powers that be that if two people want to get married, they will anyway. It can be done public