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Showing posts from October, 2007

The Wednesday Word: Cycle

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Samhain, which is the pagan name for this time of year has evolved into what we now know as Halloween, a unofficial holiday that runs the gamut from emulating monsters and fright nights to people running around in costumes parading up and down streets and drinking themselves silly in bars. It’s the perfect excuse for men to put on dresses or gay priests to wear tutus. It is not in its origins quite all that. The Apostolic tradition usurped this pagan festival and turned into All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. (Hallows = Holies or Saints; E’en = Eve) The late Scott Cunningham wrote quite a few books on Wicca and Paganism in his short time on the earth. And since this is the time of year to remember those who have passed on let’s recall what he had to say about it. At Samhain … say farewell to the God. This is a temporary farewell. He isn’t wrapped in eternal darkness, but readies to be reborn of the Goddess at Yule. Samhain also known as November Eve, Feast of the Dead, Feast of Apples, H

Tuesday Talent: Daniel Hugh Kelly

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It takes a consummate actor to allow his viewers to hate him and Daniel Hugh Kelly has done so very well twice as a murderous homophobes on both Law & Order and As The World Turns . It's hoped that those can put him to work more were watching and will do so. Condensed from Soap Opera Digest :"Saluting The Colonel" In the 26 years since he left his role as Frank on Ryan's Hope , there's not much Daniel Hugh Kelly hasn't tackled in show business, from rabid dogs ( Cujo ) to demons ( Supernatural ). He's been an astronaut ( From the Earth to the Moon ) and a car thief ( Hardcastle & McCormick )... He's also played a lot of military men, including at least two other colonels... Now his role as Noah's strict father, Colonel Winston Mayer, on As The World Turns has brought him back to soaps, but this prolific actor claims he "never really left daytime," anyway. Soap Opera Digest: How did you become involved with the show? I understand

Lunar Monday: The Eight of Pentacles

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Pentacles represent money, career advancement and material goods and skills needed to provide security. It is about the material comfort levels of our physical existence. This suit's element is earth. Pentacles represented the merchant class. Its element is north. The story set forth in this suit is one of an ambitious young person who wishes to establish themselves in business, It details the struggles of that person until finally their dream is achieved. These cards represent manifestation. The eight represents the apprentice or the enthusiastic student, who pursues his or her work with the sheer joy of loving what he or she is doing. It emphasizes that hard labor will bring its own rewards. It also suggests the need for meticulous attention to detail. (www.bewitchingways.com) According to Jungian Tarot: Without question this is one of the most intriguing and mysterious cards of the Tarot. It means the essence of subtlety and diplomacy applied to some specific end. Great intellig

Song of the Week: Whiskey, Whiskey

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Whiskey Whiskey (Tom Ghent) « © '70 Combine Music, BMI » He's a little bit of the sunshine just before it rains A little like this quiet night before the cold winds came He's a little bit like the weather I never know when he's gonna change He's a part of my heart and a whole lot of my pain So whiskey whiskey my old friend I've come to talk with you again Milk of mercy please be kind drive this feeling from my mind Don't you know somehow his smile can make the day begin He'd take away this mask of grey and let the sun shine in Now I find that I've been blinded by the cold and winter wind He disguised behind his eyes oh what a fool I've been So whiskey whiskey... Whiskey whiskey... ********** Rita Coolidge harmonizes on this great piece of music with her then husband, Kris Kristofferson. And, of course, it's a great excuse to post a picture of Timothy Adams in western motif and otherwise. Visit his fan site.

Saturday Beefcake: What we were eating a year ago

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'Tis that time of year when many inhabitants of the United States of America start that long journey until after January 1st into overindulgence. The task begins now with Halloween with its tricked treats and ends with the New Year with its tricks and the call for designated drivers. In between there should be much dieting, while placing emphasis on the treadmills and related accessories. Easier said than done. It is that very reason that John Antorino's image graces today's Beefcake entry. He is a man who obviously knows how to handle the temptations of overindulgence while at the same time exemplifying what one might be better choosing to indulge in, so to speak. The recipe choice is very appropriate for the time of year and very much an exceptional suggestion for indulging either over or under. Scaloppine di Tacchino Seasoned Flour (sea salt & ground pepper) 2 Eggs, large beaten with milk 2 Cups Fresh beadcrumbs 3 Cups finely chopped pecans

Friday's Main Event: Cinema Against AIDS

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Cinema Against AIDS October 26, 2007 Rome, Italy amfAR's first Cinema Against AIDS benefit was held in Cannes during the 1993 International Film Festival and hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR's founding international chairman. Since then, this annual black-tie gala has established itself as the most consistently exciting and well-publicized party held during the festival. In addition to Dame Elizabeth, who has hosted the benefit on seven occasions, Sharon Stone has been a chair and auctioneer since 1995. Spazio Etoile Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina Palazzo Fendi Kate Fitzsimons (212) 806-1612 kate.fitzsimons@amfar.org www.amfar.org For more events like this one go here .

Gay Thursdays: Ryan Idol's Hope

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After The Ritz , Idol says, he'll return to work on his autobiographical one-man show, My Messy Bedroom: Anatomy of an Idol . From here on in, it's an actor's life for Idol. "I'm going to start focusing on finding a manager and agents, and we'll see what happens," he says. "I finally have gotten to a place where I feel like I have a tight-knit family." (NY Daily News) “… My Messy Bedroom: Anatomy of an Idol … begins with my childhood story and continues through the rise and fall of Ryan Idol and then the after... I collaborated with a bunch of writers who I paid to collaborate with, and at this point and time am working hands on with Jerry Douglas who's a writer/director in the adult industry. We were going to put this up this fall until The Ritz came along, which I couldn't pass up. (BravoTV.com) “Over the years I have chosen to not label myself because there are plenty of others who will. I am happy to not label myself. Even though I c

Wednesday Word: Ryan Idol

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There were more than one known entities in Roundabout's The Ritz , one of which was Rosie Perez's comedic genius if not necessarily in delivering a line but in delivering physical, visual and audio farce as Googie Gomez. There are two stars of Terrence McNally's play. One is Ms. Gomez who can leave the observer in fits of laughing tears, because in all of her absurdity she is identifiable. She is us. That's why we love her. The other star is gay male sexuality, which for all intents and purposes is penetration and slurpiness but in most peoples' reality it is soul and depth. It's love. Therefore, while Rosie's newest vehicle shows off what she can do, the supporting role supplied by Ryan Idol a.k.a. Marc Anthony Donais is in many ways what it is all about and what the burgeoning gay consciousness was in the 70s before the AIDS crisis cut it right down. Here are classic images of Mr. Idol who appears as "Crisco Patron" in this farcical tribute to th

The Tuesday Talent: Danny Arroyo

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Danny’s ability to constantly see the world through the eyes of a child has granted him the extraordinary gift to live his life in super-size magnitude and maintain his boyish charm. Born in the Bronx, Danny not only inherited the go-getter panache of the Big Apple, but as well the eclectic background of his parents – mixed backgrounds with a splash of Latino blood. No wonder he is blessed with good looks and certain fiery, sexy passion. Danny was Pablo Garcia on General Hospital: Nightshift, an overly flirtatious orderly, and an advocate of the old saying, "What happens in the night shift, stays in the night shift". Experiencing this man in person is quite another experience. It is easy to see that this is a person who could easily live a long and happy life given his genuine approach to the people around him. Here's the official site .

Lunar Mondays: The Six of Wands

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This card is very often indicative of triumph and acclaim. The Jungian meditation on this card's value is strong leadership and accordingly is the key card of leadership in The Jungian Tarot Deck. It is indicative of an individual who easily assumes command under any circumstances, and who handles difficult situations with skill. The person tends to be strong and impulsive, self-assured and somewhat egocentric who loves a challenge and perhaps reckless: one who is always ready for a new adventure or for a good fight. There is tremendous loyalty and caring for subordinates, who are dealt with thoughtfully and with concern for their opinions, and who return these feelings with affection and with sincere trust. Of course, there is good and there is bad leadership. A less than ideal administrator may deceive or lie, or be insensitive ... Jungian cards point the way to a productive meditation on what is at hand and within. This description is based on Robert Wang's handbook.

Song of the Week: Love's The Only Way

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My dream from childhood has been to be a singer and through my music help create a more peaceful world. As I grew I realized that it would serve me well to have an alternative that would support me as I developed my own musical identity. Thus, I became a Physicians Assistant. Now, I get to practice 'healing' both as a medical provider and hopefully with the music that I write and sing. I am blessed by this. As well, I am honored to have my music be a part of these great...and most important...events. Giovanni, my friend, thank you for this wonderful opportunity. God bless! Sincerely, Sarah

Saturday Beefcake: James Guardino

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Temporarily existing in West Hollywood reminds one that a community by and for gay people often brings about much needed candy for one's eyes. Today's subject however might very well be an East Coast denizen--no matter seems like he'd fit in anywhere Recipes chosen are on the main site and may have appeared in earlier posts. If they have, consider them pleasant reminders. Zuppa di Lenticchie (Lentil Soup) 1.5 tbsps fruity Olive Oil 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 medium onion, diced 1 small fennel bulb, diced 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup lentils, rinsed, etc. 2 tsps. salt pepper to taste 2 tbsps chopped fresh basil 1. Heat half the olive oil in large pot. 2. Add garlic, onion and fennel. Saute until soft [5 minutes] 3. Add the broth and lentils. Bring to a boil. 4. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until lentils are tender [about 45 minutes] 5. Serves 6 people. Drizzle olive oil over each serving and garnish with basil. Lasagne Con Melanzane e Zucchine Fresh Lasagne

Friday's Main Event: Ilene Kristen at The Abbey

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This post is from last May's Fund-Raiser at Prohibition for New York AIDS Walk and last night Ilene Kristen proved at The Abbey that some things simply never change. She wowed the crowd with just a couple of songs and her winning ways. She was joined by Brian Krause, Jacklyn Zeman, Danny Arroyo, Ron Hale and Thom Bierdz. She knows how to make it all worthwhile. Friendship is probably the best human relationship available and when it happens, it is a true blessing. And friendship does that, i.e. it just happens, usually because there are individuals who know how to do it well. Loyalty pays a big part in it. Couple that quality with the heart of a journeyman actor and singer who finds true expression in work and you have Ilene Kristen. Ilene was the first in both fundraising events that POZ team promoted at Prohibition to offer her time and talent. This year more was asked of her when the band was stranded due to inclement weather and she herself was under the weather. She carried on

Gay Thursdays: Bringing It All Back Home

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For today's fund-raiser at The Abbey Ilene Kristen stated that she didn't want to be the star of the show. She won't be. She is right. She is not the star of the show. Today's star is Jeff Jenest-- or actually those he represents. Gay Men were the pioneers in this crisis and by and large rose to the occasion setting high the standard on how to combat disease. People like Jeff who are thriving are what winning the battle is all about. Therefore, Jeff is representative of all who are living with HIV of both genders and every ethnic group. That this fund-raiser is taking place at The Abbey, quintessential gay locale in West Hollywood is bringing it all back home in a manner of speaking. Come out .

The Wednesday Word: The Bandwagon

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Main Entry: band·wag·on Pronunciation: \ˈband-ËŒwa-gÉ™n\ Function: noun Usage: often attributive Date: 1855 1 : a usually ornate and high wagon for a band of musicians especially in a circus parade 2 : a popular party, faction, or cause that attracts growing support —often used in such phrases as jump on the bandwagon 3 : a current or fashionable trend We're glad they are on board. Ron Hale (General Hospital), Les Brandt (Another World) and Don Jeffcoat (One Life to Live) There will be a Ryan's Hope reunion of sorts at The Abbey with Ilene Kristen and Ron together on October 18th .