The Column of Life

Remember all the many friends that have gone before as well as those who are living with the plague initiated in the last century: December 1st, good people, is World AIDS Day. Go here for more info .

There is much this week to make unhappy gay news--just visit your local gay blogger if you want a dose. Therefore, this was stolen from last week's Next magazine about what promises to be a memorable film by Nathan Williams, Dirty Laundry . "A Feast Fit For A Queen" by Derrick Reaves

It's true Italians invented Latin. There's no disputing it. Italians, along with Spaniards, the Portuguese, the French and, believe it or not, Romanians are the Latins of Europe. Main Entry: 2Latin Function: noun Date: before 12th century 1: the Italic language of ancient Latium and of Rome and until modern times the dominant language of school, church, and state in western Europe — see indo-european languages table 2: a member of the people of ancient Latium 3: a Catholic of the Latin rite 4: a member of one of the Latin peoples; specifically : a native or inhabitant of Latin America Latin men are in every continent and, in honour of their much appreciated beauty, here are images of more than one whose origins reflect both hemispheres. Main Entry: 1Lat·in Pronunciation: \ˈla-tən\ Function: adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from Latin Latinus, from Latium, ancient country of Italy Date: before 12th century 1 a: of, relating to, or composed in Latin b: roman...

There was some talk around here about using this current event (or non-event, as the case may be) for Gay Thursdays. By then it may have fizzled out, or taken on more life. It is important to say this: all gay people are homosexual, but not all homosexuals are gay. Trent Lott may be homosexual, but he is definitely not gay. Benjamin Nicholas is both. He seems to be quite talented at being both. Now he is the center of what may turn out to be another GOP gay scandal. This web log has no problem with consenting adult activity. This web log has a lot of problems with hypocrisy and deep disrespect for one’s own kind. There is a lot of that going on here, perhaps with both participants in this nascent drama. From Dan Savage at The Stranger , pointing to the why and wherefore of the finger being pointed at Mr. Nicholas. "The credibility-challenged blogger that, er, fingered Nicholas stands by his story. Nicholas, for his part, denies ever having seen Lott in a professional capacity—or i...

These weekly meditations on serious Jungian interpretations of The Tarot are acquiring a bit of levity ... a spoonful of sugar. The Charming Son This Prince is a very charming, emotional, and romantic young man who enjoys being a center of attention, who can be truly delightful with a group of people, and who is usually subtle, sparkling, witty and diplomatic. He receives a great deal of attention and is constantly being pursued -- which has tended to make him rather self-centered and superficial in his interactions. He gives very little of himself which, perhaps ironically, is part of his attraction. He is a very detached observer of people (whom he often uses to his own advantage) but his judgments are usually quite subjective; he sees people in his own terms and can be quite thoughtless about the feelings of others. He is capricious and elusive in relationships, but although he likes to 'play around.' is actually a very loving person. He can be a wonderful to someone who pla...

These quotes are from his Wikipedia entry: 'There's a party goin' on in Mark's head, and I want to go to it!' – Liza Minnelli 'He is my equal.' – Ella Fitzgerald 'I was quite literally amazed. Mark's musicianship, range, intonation, diction, inventiveness and incredible rhythmic sense are all of a piece and all marvelous.' – Alec Wilder (composer) 'One of the major artists of our age.' – Stereo Review 'For decades, the question What exactly is a jazz singer has had two easy answers: Betty Carter and Mark Murphy.' – New York Post 'He is arguably the best male jazz singer in the business.' – Rex Reed 'I can't help relishing his sure and swinging time, his musical and ever-inventive phrasing and that certain quality of sound and feeling combined with time and taste that to me spells jazz.' – Dan Morgenstern (jazz journalist) 'He is one of the true remaining jazz hipsters of our time’. – Jazziz Magazine 'Ma...

Recovering from eating stuffing and getting stuffed can take many forms. There are assuredly many inhabitants of the United States who would be eating leftovers and here are a couple of light and tasty Mediterranean sides to go along with the Turkey and stuffing. Insalata Provenzale Eggplants, two medium, cut into one inch cubes Virgin Olive Oil, one third cup Coarse Salt Ground Black Pepper Zucchino, one medium, chopped Onion, medium, chopped Garlic, minced, one tablespoon Plum Tomatoes, two medium, chopped Fresh Thyme Leaves, one tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice, one tablespoon Parsley Leaves for garnish 1. Let the eggplant cubes ‘weep.’ Sprinkle with salt, place in colander for about 45 minutes. Rinse. Drain. Pat dry. 2. With half of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add eggplant. Salt. Pepper. Stir occasionally for ten minutes and then let drain on paper towels 3. Add remaining oil to pan and repeat process with the zucchino for about two minutes. 4. Add onion and garlic; st...

Revolution: The T-Dance For POZ Men November 25, 2007 San Francisco, CA Revolution has been going every month for almost a year now. It's the only advertised tea dance in the Bay Area for HIV+ gay, bi, and trans men to meet each other socially and without stigma. It's held at Club Eight in the South of Market area and has been growing each month. One of the cooler aspects about the event is that it has been a great way to reach out to poz men in the Bay Area who are not service seekers and who are generally younger. Image is from Darren G. Davis' graphic novel Lost Raven "The book isn't about sexual relations, but what it's like to live with this disease day to day,” said the book's author, Darren G. Davis, who has been HIV positive since 1999. “I want people to know if you contract the virus, there are options. I've been enjoying a successful career publishing mainstream comic books, and now I want to tell a personal tale, about a journey I'm takin...

Perhaps there is some validity to the idea that all of us are here for a purpose. There just may be a why and a wherefore to homosexuality. Something to be grateful for, a definite place in the larger scheme of things. Happy Thanksgiving!

connection Main Entry: con·nec·tion Pronunciation: \kə-ˈnek-shən\ Function: noun Etymology: Latin connexion-, connexio, from conectere Date: 14th century 1: the act of connecting : the state of being connected: as a: causal or logical relation or sequence b (1): contextual relation or association (2): relationship in fact c: a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties) d: coherence, continuity 2 a: something that connects : link b: a means of communication or transport 3: a person connected with another especially by marriage, kinship, or common interest 4: a political, social, professional, or commercial relationship: as a: position, job b: an arrangement to execute orders or advance interests of another c: a source of contraband (as illegal drugs) 5: a set of persons associated together: as a: denomination b: clan — con·nec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective Go here for Soaptown's take on it

For his Broadway debut in Jersey Boys , John Lloyd won the Tony Award (Best Performance by a Leading Actor), the Drama Desk Award (Outstanding Lead Actor), the Outer Critics Circle Award (Outstanding Lead Actor), a Theatre World Award (Outstanding Broadway Debut), was nominated for the Drama League Award (Performer of the Year), and can be heard as lead singer Frankie Valli on the Grammy-winning cast album. John Lloyd Young is one of only two American actors in history to win the Lead Actor in a Musical Tony Award for his Broadway debut (joining Robert Alda) and the only American actor in history to win the Lead Actor in a Musical Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards for his Broadway debut. Last night's Stockings With Care fund-raiser was a success for many reasons not the least of which was to have John Lloyd serve drinks to donors. He graciously smiled back at a kiss blown in his direction.

... at once perceptive, sensitive and flexible -- never wishing to offend, always willing to listen and to compromise. ... a consummate diplomat who avoids confrontation unless she feels that she has been wronged. ... her life is drawn in two somewhat contradictory directions: Family and home are all important to her; she draws strength from here family. Yet her interpersonal abilities bring her to the forefront of career and social situations, and she finds herself balancing delicately between the two worlds. On the negative side, she is actually very self-centered and has little interest in social causes or the rights of others. She can be both deceitful and disingenuousness, and always chooses sides and points of view which will bring her the greatest personal advantage in a given situation. From learntarot.com The personality of the Queen of Swords combines the positive air energy of the Swords suit with the inward focus of a Queen. You can always count on her to tell you exactly h...

Dusty Springfield's musical tour de force , her capolavoro in its original release had only three outright happy songs. They are here included led by "Just A Little Lovin'' Paul Howes says in The Complete Dusty Springfield , the ultimate compendium and reference guide for her music: Although Jerry Wexler claims that Dusty initially rejected all the songs that he gave her for the Memphis album, back in 1993 Dusty's recollection was slightly different. She recalled that in the early days of choosing material she was sent a tape containing about twenty songs and from that tape she picked "Son of A Preacher Man" and "Just A Little Lovin' (Early in the Mornin')." After that, she waded through things for a week at Jerry Wexler's house in 'Little Neck or Great Neck ... or one of those Necks.' She said that although she didn't like "Son of A Preacher Man," she did like "Just A Little Lovin'." ... Barry Ma...

Golden Apple Triangles Sugar, six tablespoons Cinnamon, ground, one half teaspoon Granny Smith Apples, two, peeled and grated Fresh Lemon Juice, one tablespoon Sea Salt, one eighth teaspoon Puff Pastry Sheets, two Flour to roll out sheets Turbinado Sugar, two tablespoons Preheated oven 375F 1. In one bowl combine two tablespoons sugar with the cinnamon. 2. In another bowl, mix the apples with the remaining sugar, lemon juice and salt. Let stand five minutes and drain. Reserve the juice. 3. On a floured work surface roll out a sheet of puff pastry to rectangle roughly 9x12 inches. Cut into six squares. 4. One tablespoon of the apple filling goes into each. 5. Lightly brush the edges of each with the reserved juice. Fold into triangles. Seal edges by crimping with a fork. Of course, do this with all of them. 6. Place all the turnovers in the freezer for at least fifteen minutes. 7. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 8. Brush tops of frozen turnovers with apple juice. Sprinkle w...

Pumpkin Pie alla Giovanni For the crust: Almond Cookies (Novelle d'Abruzzo) two cups (crushed very fine) Melted Sweet Butter, six tablespoons Crystallized Fructose Filling: Mascarpone, 350 grams Crystallized Fructose, two thirds cup Pumpkin Puree, one cup Fresh Orange Juice, two tablespoons Grated Orange Rind, one teaspoon Vanilla Extract, one teaspoon Almond Extract, one quarter teaspoon Topping: Sour Cream, one cup Orange Rind, grated, one teaspoon Vanilla Extract, one teaspoon 1. Combine crumbs, butter and fructose, press into a ten inch pie plate 2. Beat mascarpone until smooth and add eggs and fructose alternately (three times) and beating each time 3. Blend in just one cup of the pumpkin puree, orange juice, rind & flavours 4. Pour into crust and bake for 50 minutes in a 350F oven 5. In the meantime, fantasize about hooking up with the tough guy in the picture, and blend the sour cream, and orange rind. Spread on top (no, not him) of the ...

Pumpkin Pots de Crème Pumpkin Puree, eight ounces Heavy Cream, two cups Vanilla Bean, split lengthwise Egg yolks, eight Sugar, granulated, one half cup Cinnamon, ground, one quarter teaspoon Nutmeg, grated, one eighth teaspoon Amaretti Cookies, crumbled Ginger, crystallized, finely chopped, one tablespoon 1.In a heavy saucepan over medium heat bring pumpkin, and vanilla bean halves to a boil, set aside for fifteen minutes and then remove vanilla bean. 2.On top of a double boiler, combine yolks and sugar, whisk constantly until mixture forms a ribbon when whisk is lifted. (six to eight minutes) 3.Whisk in hot pumpkin mixture and cook over medium heat. Whisk often. 4.When mixture has achieved the consistency of thick cream (45 minutes or so) 5.Add nutmeg and cinnamon to the gently steaming mixture and mix well. 6.Strain into a pitcher or bowl with pouring lip. 7.Divide mixture among ten to twelve bowls or ramekins. Refrigerate at least four hours or up to two days. 8. Garnish each with t...

Host: Entertainment AIDS Alliance Location: Hamburger Mary's 8288 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90046 US When: Wednesday, November 28, 8:30PM What's the name of the game? BINGO ! How do we play it? LOUDLY ! Please join the Entertainment AIDS Alliance (EAA) for Legenday Bingo (aka Drag Queen Bingo), donate to a good cause, and have a chance to win fabulous prizes!! Judi Evans (Days of our Lives) will be our guest celebrity ball caller along with Bridgett from Madison County! Two wicked dueling wits! For $20 you get 10 chances to BINGO including the Grand Prize! Please arrive between 8-8:30 p.m. for parking and best seating, game starts at 9 p.m., and you should be out of there at 10:30 p.m. Some of us will be at the first Bingo seating at 7 p.m. for a different charity, if you would like to come early. $20 each sitting. This is not your grandma's bingo so if you've never been you'll have a blast, and if you have, you know what I'm talking...

And why there will always be an England: Brian Paddick, the former deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, today pledged to bring about a "dramatic" effect on crime and disorder if elected as London mayor. Paddick was earlier named as the Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate after he won a ballot of the party's London members. He will take on the current mayor, Labour's Ken Livingstone, and the Tories' nominee, Boris Johnson, in next year's election, scheduled for May 1. Article continues In his first speech after being chosen, Paddick said that crime was the "number one priority" of Londoners and urged them to look at his track record. "I am going to work with the commissioner to transform the relationship between the police and Londoners so that all but the tiny lawbreaking minority will have trust and confidence in, and be justifiably proud of their police service," he said. "The effect on crime and disorder will be ...

Main Entry: il•lus•trate Pronunciation: \ˈi-ləs-ˌtrāt also i-ˈləs-\ Function: verb Inflected Form(s): il•lus•trat•ed; il•lus•trat•ing Etymology: Latin illustratus, past participle of illustrare, from in- + lustrare to purify, make bright — more at LUSTER Date: 1526 transitive verb1obsolete a: ENLIGHTEN b: to light up2 aarchaic : to make illustrious bobsolete (1): to make bright (2): ADORN3 a: to make clear : CLARIFY b: to make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance c: to provide with visual features intended to explain or decorate 4: to show clearly : DEMONSTRATEintransitive verb: to give an example or instance — il•lus•tra•tor \ˈi-ləs-ˌtrā-tər also i-ˈləs-\ noun

There's nothing wrong with veering toward those with whom one feels a bit of kinship and with Adrian Paul, Anglo-Italian actor, there is more than one reason to experience the kinship. He may not be gay, but he played one in a TV Film: Tides of War , to be exact. When Matt Battaglia's name was also seen in the credits of the orginal Here TV production, one's kindred heart beat a little faster. Alas, his character was not the object of Mr. Paul's character's affection. The movie definitely passes muster in that one gets to see an expression of the kinship one feels, i.e. in the original version not the one available on DVD. What one needs is Mr. Battaglia and Mr. Paul in more of the same, expressing kinship all over the place and with each other.

The Mother Who Determines Experience The Wheel of Fortune has been generally accepted to mean fate, to mean chance and, especially, to mean good fortune--because of its traditional assignment to Jupiter, a broadly benevolent planet. Those may not believe in astrology should at least be aware that the same medieval society which created Tarot, and which lacked a psychologically descriptive vocabulary, often used planets to represent types of behaviour and personalities. So, it may be assumed that the inventors of The Wheel of Fortune intended that we interpret it in positive Jupiterian [Jovial] terms . However in the Jungian Tarot deck, the emphasis on good fortune has been expanded to suggest a wide range of experience. Unlike the card's design in any previous deck, a female figure is shown behind a wheel to which a youthful male figure is attached. This represents one of the most significant contributions of Jungian psychology: it shows the Mother who determines the experience of...