The Column of Life

Patricia Mauceri has been let go by One Life to Live allegedly because she refused to play her character, Carlotta Vega, as accepting of homosexuality, because it is against her personal beliefs as a Roman Catholic. She has been replaced by Saundra Santiago who has done stage and screen, most recently and very memorably in the revival of Nine . What makes it even crazier is the rumour is that Mauceri's involvement could not possibly have been for more than a scene or two, given that her character is recurring and has been reduced to serving coffee in most instances. Carlotta hasn’t been seen in months. Accordingly, Carlotta mistakenly thinks her own son Cristian might be gay and is proactive in helping him accept it. Good Grief! Carlotta has been witness to multiple marriages of her offspring among other things, among them a crime lord sibling--none of which are acceptable to Mauceri's Church. How many things as an allegedly staunchly Roman Catholic mother did Carlotta accept...

President Obama celebrated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots to at the White House Monday, and he used the opportunity to address some grumblings in the gay community. "We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love, and I know that many in this room don't believe that progress has come fast enough, and I understand that," he said. "It's not for me to tell you to be patient anymore than it was for others to counsel patience to African-Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half century ago. But I say this: We have made progress, and we will make more. And I want you to know that I expect and hope to be judged not by words, not by promises that I made, but by promises that my administration keeps ... We've been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration." Obama added...

This web log is fond of posting annually about our Dusty and "Born This Way," and we will once again as you will notice below. This year there will be two other songs in the pride post. The lead song is Lee Lessack's duet with David Burnham, "Let It Be Me" from Lee's CD In Good Company . It's presence here is because it a gorgeous love duet sung by two men. Of course, The Everlys had a major hit with it. They were brothers and obviously sang it from a different perspective. Lee and David's rendition is perfect for this site and gay pride. This site comes from a gay man's perspective and that perspective is the subjective way used to speak to eternal and universal truths. This duet is here to let the world and Mr. Obama's administration know that gay people are loving individuals. "Let It Be Me" speaks to that experience. Lee and David say it so eloquently through the beauty of their voices. We want our rights and we want them now. N...

Del Shores has pointed out to the fans of Sordid Lives that Ted Detwiler starred in his Southern Baptist Sissies , before he became Jacob on the series. Fans of Ted and the series need to let TPTB know that there is much to be gained in keeping the fetching Mr. Detwiler on our radar. Go here to help save the very entertaining Sordid Lives . Geez Louise, it's original gay programming! Hello?! Anyone who grew up on a surf board and turned professional at the tender age of 16 is worthy of attention. There are more than enough reasons to pay attention to this fine young gentleman who turned to theatre after an ankle injury. It was Ted Detwiler’s and Del Shores’ mutual good fortune that they both were working on the situation comedy Ned & Stacy where they met. Their friendship and collaboration has led to our good fortune in enjoyable art with both Sordid Lives and Southern Baptist Sissies . He has starred in numerous musicals and plays. TV credits include Crossing Jordan , S ...

... A long day's journey into night.

From the July issue of Real Simple . Sometimes a kebab is just a kebab.

Grilling something seasonal is what summer fare is all about. One must necessarily partake of something that satisfies. Here, dear visitor, is something or more than one thing that fulfills.

Rise and shine!

Doreen Montalvo ( In the Heights ) Monday, August 3, 2009 7pm The Triad 158 W. 72nd St $20 (two drink minimum) 212.868.4444 (www.smartix.com) 212.362.2590 (www.triadnyc.com) "I've Just Got to Sing My Song" Piano: Gillian Berkowitz Directed by Ilene Kristen

Many thanks to SID for the great spread given to the POZ magazine fund-raiser at Prohibition last month. There is lots of ABC news in addition to the wonderful photos from Steven Bergman in the July 13th edition on news stands Monday June 29--this coming Monday! There's a great pic of Thorsten Kaye with Dab the AIDS Bear, named in the caption as the unofficial mascot. Look for news about some of our favorites like the quite fetching Matt Walton , Jason Tam, John Brotherton and Scott Evans. All guilty pleasures should look this good!

It was slow. I graduated high school early because I knew I needed to get to New York City. I moved here and lived with my older sister. She knew first, and then my mother, and then my little sister. It was one by one. It took a lot of courage, and then it was so funny, because there was such a build-up before I would tell each family member, and then their reaction was kind of a letdown. "Okay. Cool." I don't have any big sad coming out stories. I'm so, so fortunate. I know a lot of people that have bad stories with parents or family members or friends. I can't even think of one. Go to AfterElton.com for all of it.

The inspiration for Tom Fontana's latest TV offering, The Philanthropist , which will be served up on NBC TV this evening at 10pm EDT, is Bobby Sager, a living, breathing philanthropist. His presence at last night's screening at The Paley Center was an inspiration. Coming away from the experience with his words regarding his own real life experience and what everyday people can do with "small steps" every day actually made you believe. It's his hope that the show's eight episodes broadcast this summer "season" will inspire folks to take those baby steps. You don't need to be Mother Teresa or a billionaire to change the world. What is good about coming away from this viewing experience is feeling as if you've actually been somewhere. Cinematographically the telefilm is lush--the best that Madagascar masquerading as Nigeria has to offer. As for Fontana, if pornography were based on intellect he would be a centerfold. It is obvious that there is...

Shin Inouye, a White House spokesman, said, “Next Monday’s event is a chance for the White House to recognize the accomplishments of LGBT Americans. Invited guests include families, volunteers and activists, and community leaders. This event was long planned as a way to applaud these individuals during Pride month.” More about it here. If only one of those gay White House visitors could channel the late, great and outspoken Eartha Kitt. At the White House, Miss Kitt gave Lady Bird [and LBJ] an ear full about Viet Nam back in the day to her own professional detriment. She left us a great lady. Kitt became a vocal advocate for homosexual rights and publicly supported same-sex marriage, which she believed to be a civil right. She had been quoted as saying: "I support [homosexual marriage] because we're asking for the same thing. If I have a partner and something happens to me, I want that partner to enjoy the benefits of what we have reaped together. It's a civil-rights thing...

Thank You, Kenny. RIP. And when I think of you That’s all I have to do For the knowing that you there Is all I need. I am walking through The Silver Morning And I feel the music inside me What did I find Was it peace of mind Gonna Bring it home to you You are moving in a sound so warm The love that we had was an endless thing What can I say when I need you more each day I wish you could be here I am walking through the Silver Morning And I feel the music inside me

This is a magical time of year. This is the time of year to manifest divine gracious gifts, most of which are the great people in our lives. It is magical because it is that time to shed the light on who we are. It is when we enthrone the Sun God, the symbol and the manifestation of self, in Latin, ego which also means "I". The longest hours of daylight accentuate the virtue of loving one's self. Here comes the Sun King.

The conventional wisdom is that a twenty minute power nap can do a world of good if you keep it to twenty minutes. There is a universe of wonderful pastimes that can be accomplished in a mere twenty minutes. Use your free time to good ends.

Barbecued Salmon Serves four ¼ cup honey* 6 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups tomato sauce* 1½ cups tomato paste* 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dry mustard 3 teaspoons kosher salt* 3 teaspoons fresh black pepper 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 pound salmon fillets, cut into 4 pieces 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning blend 1. Preheat the grill. 2. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey and garlic over moderate heat, and cook until the garlic begins to brown and soften. 3. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion powder and mustard. Add 2 teaspoons of the salt and 2 teaspoons of the pepper. Mix until completely combined. 4. Add the vinegar, and continue stirring. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, and then set aside. 5. Season the fish with the Mrs. Dash, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1 teaspoon pepper. 6. Place the salmon on the grill, and cook 2 to 3 minutes per sid...