(Detail, Walter Schott's Three Dancing Maidens, Central Park Conservatory Garden, January 2010 photo by author)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Fill His What???
Tonight at Gym bar I was celebrating a friend's birthday, and noticed the SNY coverage lingering on an interview with Seton Hall Women's Basketball Head Coach Phyllis Mangina.The image stayed on screen long enough for me to take a quick snapshot. Best. Name. Ever.
True Story! No Photoshopping required! Go Pirates!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The "Falling in Love" Collection of Adrian Alicea
By Darling!
New York-based fashion designer Adrian Alicea will present his latest collection at Couture Fashion Week in New York City on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. The fashion show will be held in the legendary Grand Ballroom of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria hotel on the city's legendary Park Avenue.
The "Falling In Love Collection" for Fall/Winter 2010 marks the solo launch of Mr. Alicea of the Nico and Adrian New York label. The distinctive ensembles incorporate the designer's original and edgy style in a fresh couture approach. The collection is inspired by the very essence of love and a wide variety of elements shine through: the designer's love of world travel, flashes of shades of red, pink and gold, animal prints and exotic furs, the sleek lines of modern architecture combined with the soft flowing movement of the fabrics of dance - from flamenco to ballet. It's all about the mix.
A native of Puerto Rico, Mr. Alicea is a gifted designer, creative director, and photographer who has traveled the world extensively and has spent many years moving in the chic fashionista circles of Paris, Japan, Brazil and New York. He began his career as an international model and dancer and that experience lead him to co-found the Nico and Adrian fashion house in 2001. The successful team's designs have been featured on the covers of Vogue Italia and Vogue Russia, among others. Their innovative and provocative creations have captured the attention of supermodels and Hollywood celebrities including Linda Evangelista, Patricia Velasquez, Omahyra, India Arie, Lil'Kim and Paris Hilton.
New York-based fashion designer Adrian Alicea will present his latest collection at Couture Fashion Week in New York City on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. The fashion show will be held in the legendary Grand Ballroom of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria hotel on the city's legendary Park Avenue.
The "Falling In Love Collection" for Fall/Winter 2010 marks the solo launch of Mr. Alicea of the Nico and Adrian New York label. The distinctive ensembles incorporate the designer's original and edgy style in a fresh couture approach. The collection is inspired by the very essence of love and a wide variety of elements shine through: the designer's love of world travel, flashes of shades of red, pink and gold, animal prints and exotic furs, the sleek lines of modern architecture combined with the soft flowing movement of the fabrics of dance - from flamenco to ballet. It's all about the mix.
A native of Puerto Rico, Mr. Alicea is a gifted designer, creative director, and photographer who has traveled the world extensively and has spent many years moving in the chic fashionista circles of Paris, Japan, Brazil and New York. He began his career as an international model and dancer and that experience lead him to co-found the Nico and Adrian fashion house in 2001. The successful team's designs have been featured on the covers of Vogue Italia and Vogue Russia, among others. Their innovative and provocative creations have captured the attention of supermodels and Hollywood celebrities including Linda Evangelista, Patricia Velasquez, Omahyra, India Arie, Lil'Kim and Paris Hilton.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Cocktails: The Scorpio and the Eighth Sign
By Brooklyn Bill
The other day, while going through some old magazines, I found an intriguing cocktail recipe in the November issue of Martha Stewart Living that I was eager to try. The drink is called the Scorpio and consists of sloe gin and ginger ale shaken up with some grated fresh ginger and lemon juice. Since I never have soda in the fridge, I figured I'd pump up the amount of fresh ginger and add simple syrup and seltzer water to approximate the taste and fizz of the ginger ale.
Then I got a better idea. Sloe gin tastes like cherry, and I love the combination of cherry and pomegranate, so I ditched the ginger ale in favor of pomegranate juice. And it was delicious.
I was going to name the drink the Virgo, after my astrological sign, but then I saw that MSL has been doing this Zodiac cocktail thing every month since November and so is bound to create a Virgo for the September issue. So I hereby christen my Scorpio variation the Eighth Sign, after Scorpio's position within the Zodiac.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Poetry on NYC Subways
By Justin
I have found that I really like reading and writing poetry on the NYC Subway. Somehow the boat like motion, white sound of the tracks, and the quiet souls in a corralled space makes for great poetry. I got frustrated on the subway this morning and wrote a poem between Christopher St and 33rd.
Naivety
Warm blood
Stomach tight
Shaking with emotion
Feels like my head will explode.
Wide smile
Eloquent speech
Repeated words
People cheer.
Sits on hands
Cocktail parties
Repeated words
People cheer.
Pass the buck
Military's in charge
Repeated words
People cheer.
Backroom deals
Points the finger
Repeated words
People cheer.
Warm blood
Stomach tight
Shaking with emotion
Sheep led to the slaughter.
I have found that I really like reading and writing poetry on the NYC Subway. Somehow the boat like motion, white sound of the tracks, and the quiet souls in a corralled space makes for great poetry. I got frustrated on the subway this morning and wrote a poem between Christopher St and 33rd.Naivety
Warm blood
Stomach tight
Shaking with emotion
Feels like my head will explode.
Wide smile
Eloquent speech
Repeated words
People cheer.
Sits on hands
Cocktail parties
Repeated words
People cheer.
Pass the buck
Military's in charge
Repeated words
People cheer.
Backroom deals
Points the finger
Repeated words
People cheer.
Warm blood
Stomach tight
Shaking with emotion
Sheep led to the slaughter.
QNY Goodbye: J.D. Salinger 1919-2010
By Father Tony
Born in Harlem, he lived on West 82nd, on Park and finally on East 57th before fleeing New York for the seclusion of rural New Hampshire where he made a rarely practiced art form out of shunning publicity.
Salinger ought to be read for the pleasurable cadence of his prose and for the refreshment of his style that is at the root of much subsequent fiction. He doesn't appear to have been a very nice man, and not one I wish I had known.
Born in Harlem, he lived on West 82nd, on Park and finally on East 57th before fleeing New York for the seclusion of rural New Hampshire where he made a rarely practiced art form out of shunning publicity.
Salinger ought to be read for the pleasurable cadence of his prose and for the refreshment of his style that is at the root of much subsequent fiction. He doesn't appear to have been a very nice man, and not one I wish I had known.
(left photo by Lotte Jacobi)
A Spooky Underpass
Heavy, wet early morning snow coupled with a damaged steam pipe yields a spooky experience under the 59th St. bridge. Luckily, I was unimpeded by trolls.
Oscar Wilde's Ernest In Love
Last night "mi novio", Cristian and I went to the Irish Repertory Theater in Chelsea to see Oscar Wilde's Ernest in Love. The show has received favorable reviews from both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times . I agree with both reviews. It's a wonderful little show and the musical adaptation is nicely done.
Prior to the show, we enjoyed dinner at Niso's . Niso's has always been a nice little intimate Chelsea gay-friendly restaurant/bar. Niso's is currently featuring a full pre-fixed four course dinner for only $25 per person. Niso's food is not superb but it was tasty, portions nice and the price was right.
Oscar Wilde was not only a great playwright, but also a great gay man. The current show is a musical interpretation of his famous play "The Importance of Being Ernest" which debuted at the Saint James Theater in England back in 1895. But even as Oscar and his the play were being hailed by critics, danger lurked for him. For behind the scenes, his enemies were working to bring down the gay Irish playwright. As Oscar was Irish and gay, that in itself was two strikes against him. Worse, he was in a relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas "Bosie", the gay son of a powerful and proper man of English society John Douglas the Marquess of Queensberry. Oscar's full potential was never realized as he lived, worked and loved as a gay Irish man in the Victorian Era of England. And Victorian wisdom or lack thereof, sustaining a fusion of political, legal and medical theories that defined homosexuality as a degenerative illness, would weaken the English people. Can't have someone around who will bring down England, now can we? As such and sadly as with most great individuals, his genius and art were not fully appreciated during his lifetime. Nor was his greatness nourished, thus suppressing his contribution to mankind as he lived in a closed society.
One of the show's and Oscar's most famous quotes is; The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple". But the show is the opposite of that statement. Pure and simple piano, violin and Irish harp are the musical background to the play. The theater is clean, cozy, small and yet intimate. Every seat in such proximity to the stage that you can see the details on the costumes and observe even the slightest facial expressions of the actors.
The play and Oscar have stood the test of time. But time is running short to see this one whose production ends the second week of February. Put it on your "to do" list.
Prior to the show, we enjoyed dinner at Niso's . Niso's has always been a nice little intimate Chelsea gay-friendly restaurant/bar. Niso's is currently featuring a full pre-fixed four course dinner for only $25 per person. Niso's food is not superb but it was tasty, portions nice and the price was right.
Oscar Wilde was not only a great playwright, but also a great gay man. The current show is a musical interpretation of his famous play "The Importance of Being Ernest" which debuted at the Saint James Theater in England back in 1895. But even as Oscar and his the play were being hailed by critics, danger lurked for him. For behind the scenes, his enemies were working to bring down the gay Irish playwright. As Oscar was Irish and gay, that in itself was two strikes against him. Worse, he was in a relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas "Bosie", the gay son of a powerful and proper man of English society John Douglas the Marquess of Queensberry. Oscar's full potential was never realized as he lived, worked and loved as a gay Irish man in the Victorian Era of England. And Victorian wisdom or lack thereof, sustaining a fusion of political, legal and medical theories that defined homosexuality as a degenerative illness, would weaken the English people. Can't have someone around who will bring down England, now can we? As such and sadly as with most great individuals, his genius and art were not fully appreciated during his lifetime. Nor was his greatness nourished, thus suppressing his contribution to mankind as he lived in a closed society.
One of the show's and Oscar's most famous quotes is; The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple". But the show is the opposite of that statement. Pure and simple piano, violin and Irish harp are the musical background to the play. The theater is clean, cozy, small and yet intimate. Every seat in such proximity to the stage that you can see the details on the costumes and observe even the slightest facial expressions of the actors.
The play and Oscar have stood the test of time. But time is running short to see this one whose production ends the second week of February. Put it on your "to do" list.
A QNY Favorite: Mike Diamond
By Father Tony
Mike Diamond is one of my favorite New Yorkers. There is nothing this queen won't do whenever a camera is near. The charmante Mr. Diamond was part of our press group in Key West where he took to his moped like Margaret Hamilton to a broom. Do you watch him on LOGO or Youtube? You really should. He's an enchantrix. And now this. Oy.
Mike Diamond is one of my favorite New Yorkers. There is nothing this queen won't do whenever a camera is near. The charmante Mr. Diamond was part of our press group in Key West where he took to his moped like Margaret Hamilton to a broom. Do you watch him on LOGO or Youtube? You really should. He's an enchantrix. And now this. Oy.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
My Funny Valentine
By Hungry Rabbit
Every year as Valentine’s Day approaches, everyone seems obsessed by chocolate and red roses. I love both of them—and like to receive them—but if half the country is giving them and the other half is receiving them, how special are they, really?
I preferred to do something different and unexpected. This approach is part me and part M’s influence. We like to celebrate V-day on a date close to but not on Feb 14th. Other than New Year’s Eve, it’s the worst night to dine out, according to M, who dislikes most pre-fixe menus that restaurants offer on those nights--not to mention the predictable desserts. I have to agree with M that there have only been a few restaurants we’ve experienced on V-day that were enjoyable. Another reason that he’s not a fan of a pre-fixe celebration is that he’s a pescatarian (he only eats fish and seafood and no meat) which limits his choices on a set menu.
M’s favorite dessert is any kind of apple pastry or pie, but since we’ve been having lots of apple desserts over the holidays, I thought I’d change it up to another equally tantalizing fruit group. Citrus is a refreshing in-season antidote to all the chocolate treats. I came to imagine a billowy, elegant dessert with a complex sweetness and tartness—and a white cloud-like topping that suggests decadence. It would be a dessert ready to be a Cupid’s bow.
The solution is Petite Lemon Layer Meringue Cake — a multi layer white cake that’s delicate, with a spreadable lemony filling in between each layer. This sophisticated dessert is the opposite of a rich butter cake with lemon-scented butter cream frosting. Who wants to end a fantastic meal with a heavish dessert that would make you sluggish rather than ready to dance?
(recipe and more, after the break)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tim Gunn and Project Runway - Very QNY
By Father Tony
The folks at the Lifetime Channel reminded me via email that nothing is more Queer New York than Project Runway and that they would like us all to watch it Thursday at 10PM.
I'd watch it just because of the charming Tim Gunn whom I once interviewed:
A New QNYer - Hungryrabbit
By Father Tony
When QNYer Mondschein mentioned that his friend Ken was interested in joining Queer New York, I went to his personal blog. Delighted with his words, images and recipes, I issued the invitation. In the good company of QNY foodies Stash and Brooklyn Bill, Hungry Rabbit will kill any remaining possibility for dietary restraint in 2010.
Please join me in welcoming Hungryrabbit to our team!
When QNYer Mondschein mentioned that his friend Ken was interested in joining Queer New York, I went to his personal blog. Delighted with his words, images and recipes, I issued the invitation. In the good company of QNY foodies Stash and Brooklyn Bill, Hungry Rabbit will kill any remaining possibility for dietary restraint in 2010.
Please join me in welcoming Hungryrabbit to our team!
Peter Cooper Village Bankrupt.
By Donnie
In 2006, Tishman - Speyer (owners of Rockefeller Center) and it's partner Blackrock purchased Stuy Town at the peak of the Manhattan real estate boom. The Wall Street Journal announced what had been known in real estate circles for some time; that the new owners defaulted on their mortgage and are turning the property over to creditors.
Legally, in sum and substance, Tishman-Blackrock thought they could boot existing rent controlled tenants and replace them with market rate tenants. The New York Court of Appeals denied the new owners' efforts to increase the rent. Sustaining a 2007 appellate court ruling, they held that owners/landlords who receive a special J-51 tax abatement forfeit the right to further remove apartments from rent regulation by luxury decontrol proceedings. As such, when the expected income from increased rent rolls vanished, their ability to pay off their financing costs and assumed mortgage debt went south. They bet wrong big time.
Peter Cooper Village is situated on lands that use to be called the Gas House District . Peter Cooper Village was and is still also home to legions of NY civil servants, Broadway actors, artists and other low and middle income New Yorkers. In order to get into Stuy Town, you were placed on a waiting list frequently for several years. It was common knowledge that if they called your name, you dropped everything and ran to sign a lease. If you didn't sign in a few hours - apartment sight unseen - you would lose your place! Met Life previously owned the rent controlled property. When real estate was peaking, they sold at the top of the market. They were led by a brilliant attorney Steven Kandarian who dumped the property largely because they predicted the past and current real estate bubble.
Politicians have not been honest with the facts of the current recession. Just last week NYU Professor Nouriel Roubini stated that China won't be able to pull the world out of the current recession. He further believes that China is fudging their economic numbers. Professor Roubini also predicted the current recession but his enemies label him "Dr. Doom".
The failure of Peter Cooper Village is an economic "fact" and reflects our present and turbulent economic and real estate troubles. Worse, The New York Times drew attention to the fact that Black Rock was selected by the Obama Administration to manage and or "rescue" the assets of Citigroup and AIG. We should all be concerned with Blackrock and it's close asociation with the government. But as Henry Adams stated "practical politics consists of ignoring facts". Ignoring troubles at Blackrock could significantly damage the nation.
(Photo Altaffer/A.P.)
Legally, in sum and substance, Tishman-Blackrock thought they could boot existing rent controlled tenants and replace them with market rate tenants. The New York Court of Appeals denied the new owners' efforts to increase the rent. Sustaining a 2007 appellate court ruling, they held that owners/landlords who receive a special J-51 tax abatement forfeit the right to further remove apartments from rent regulation by luxury decontrol proceedings. As such, when the expected income from increased rent rolls vanished, their ability to pay off their financing costs and assumed mortgage debt went south. They bet wrong big time.
Peter Cooper Village is situated on lands that use to be called the Gas House District . Peter Cooper Village was and is still also home to legions of NY civil servants, Broadway actors, artists and other low and middle income New Yorkers. In order to get into Stuy Town, you were placed on a waiting list frequently for several years. It was common knowledge that if they called your name, you dropped everything and ran to sign a lease. If you didn't sign in a few hours - apartment sight unseen - you would lose your place! Met Life previously owned the rent controlled property. When real estate was peaking, they sold at the top of the market. They were led by a brilliant attorney Steven Kandarian who dumped the property largely because they predicted the past and current real estate bubble.
Politicians have not been honest with the facts of the current recession. Just last week NYU Professor Nouriel Roubini stated that China won't be able to pull the world out of the current recession. He further believes that China is fudging their economic numbers. Professor Roubini also predicted the current recession but his enemies label him "Dr. Doom".
The failure of Peter Cooper Village is an economic "fact" and reflects our present and turbulent economic and real estate troubles. Worse, The New York Times drew attention to the fact that Black Rock was selected by the Obama Administration to manage and or "rescue" the assets of Citigroup and AIG. We should all be concerned with Blackrock and it's close asociation with the government. But as Henry Adams stated "practical politics consists of ignoring facts". Ignoring troubles at Blackrock could significantly damage the nation.
(Photo Altaffer/A.P.)
From the Air
Posted by baad lamb
When flying, I always want the window seat. Then I hope for clear skies the full length of my trip. On my most recent flight south, to recharge with The Father of Perpetual Leisure (AKA my huzbind), the sky was unfortunately hazy for the first hour, then completely immersed in thick pearl-gray clouds until inches from the Ft. Lauderdale runway. This was especially disappointing because the totally saturated South Florida suburban sprawl, so soul-crushingly dull when experienced on the ground, is actually endlessly entertaining when viewed from the air.
My layman’s guess as to the reason for the maze-like sameness to this development is that the high water table and the relentlessly flat earth essentially requires developers to divide their parcels into almost equal amounts of mounded dirt and channeled water. This sets down the basic parameters that send the site planners and landscape architects on their creative competition for best alien aircraft attractors.
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Myopia, an epic burlesque of tragic proportions
"The Myopia, an epic burlesque of tragic proportions" Atlantic Theatre Stage 2, January 19, 2010
What is the dividing line between self-indulgence and masturbation?
David Greenspan's two-act monologue walks that line with occasional steps in either direction, weaving an existential web around a tale of his father's attempt to write a show based on the life of Warren Harding, tying in an allegory of his mother as a giant Rapunzel. His approach is reminiscent of Wallace Shawn, but doesn't approach the detailed imagery found in Mr. Shawn's work. Mr. Greenspan doesn't seem to dig quite that deeply. He is never less than theatrical.
Gay Networking Event: NYC Times Square Jockathon
Posted by Beau
For any and all interested, TheMenEvent.com is co-sponsoring their annual Jock-a-thon networking and social event tomorrow, Tuesday January 26th, from 6pm - 9pm at Dave & Buster's on 42nd between B'way and 8th.
The event is being advertised as a one-stop recruiting, information, and meet-n-greet for all the LGBT sports groups, their admirers, and those interested in participating or admiring them. Groups include running, wrestling, volleyball, softball, sailing, bowling, cheerleading, rugby, tennis, basketball, and a gaggle of others. It's a hallmark to have a community so diverse and large enough to support over 30 different kinds of sports and recreation teams.
I have no clue whether anyone will actually be wearing jocks or gets anything more than the standard groping and ogling but I know these social events pull in hundreds of people and can be a ton of fun. I'm a member of Front Runners, the gay running group, so I'm going just because I have never been to one of these events or ever been considered a jock in my knock-knee'd life.
For any and all interested, TheMenEvent.com is co-sponsoring their annual Jock-a-thon networking and social event tomorrow, Tuesday January 26th, from 6pm - 9pm at Dave & Buster's on 42nd between B'way and 8th.
The event is being advertised as a one-stop recruiting, information, and meet-n-greet for all the LGBT sports groups, their admirers, and those interested in participating or admiring them. Groups include running, wrestling, volleyball, softball, sailing, bowling, cheerleading, rugby, tennis, basketball, and a gaggle of others. It's a hallmark to have a community so diverse and large enough to support over 30 different kinds of sports and recreation teams.
I have no clue whether anyone will actually be wearing jocks or gets anything more than the standard groping and ogling but I know these social events pull in hundreds of people and can be a ton of fun. I'm a member of Front Runners, the gay running group, so I'm going just because I have never been to one of these events or ever been considered a jock in my knock-knee'd life.
QNY Wine List: Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Not for the Impatient.
By Father Tony
Because QNY's Brooklyn Bill mentioned it, I snagged a bottle of Barton & Guestier Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006 while at the market, and ran my fingers over the papal coat of arms in raised glass before I placed it in the shopping cart. I had always been a bit let down by this wine and have avoided it for many years. We'll see what the Baad Lamb has to say about it.
Meh. To begin with, I can tell you what it isn't: fruity, jammy, with strong berries or oak. I think it is mildly floral in a gentlemanly way. It seems weary and wise. It is not stormy. More of a calm and cold starry night. Think Maurice Chevalier. (The baad lamb did not feel strongly about it and went back to his perusal of fractals and Google Earth overviews of Floridaian landscapes.)
However, after about an hour, it finally opened up, delivering a fuller more satisfying, almost effervescent shimmer. I guess you can't expect an elderly boulevardier to run like a boy. Some folks, like a certain famous wine critic who is responsible for giving this humble wine its cache, will like it immensely. Pas moi.
Meh. To begin with, I can tell you what it isn't: fruity, jammy, with strong berries or oak. I think it is mildly floral in a gentlemanly way. It seems weary and wise. It is not stormy. More of a calm and cold starry night. Think Maurice Chevalier. (The baad lamb did not feel strongly about it and went back to his perusal of fractals and Google Earth overviews of Floridaian landscapes.)
However, after about an hour, it finally opened up, delivering a fuller more satisfying, almost effervescent shimmer. I guess you can't expect an elderly boulevardier to run like a boy. Some folks, like a certain famous wine critic who is responsible for giving this humble wine its cache, will like it immensely. Pas moi.
Who Shot Rock and Roll
By Brooklyn Bill
On Saturday, my Dad visited me from the Sticks so he could catch the Who Shot Rock and Roll exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum with me. EVERYBODY who's a popular music and/or photography fan should go see it.
You weren't supposed to take even nonflash photos in that part of the museum, so I've got no photos of the photos. Actually, the first thing visitors see in the exhibit is a clip of Elvis Presley singing "Heartbreak Hotel" on the TV show Stage Show in 1956. My Dad wasn't sure whether he'd seen that performance until Elvis walked past a logo for Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and then he recalled that they'd hosted the show and he had seen it.
Two of my favorite photos involved the Beatles. One called "My Love" was taken by Linda McCartney and showed Paul in the rearview mirror of a car he was driving, with a street scene, including a double-decker bus, visible through the windshield in front of him. The other showed fanatical girls attempting to break through a police line outside Buckingham Palace in 1965. The Beatles were inside receiving their MBEs. The officer in the middle of the shot was all mussed up and on the verge of falling down due to a particularly excited teenager behind him. It was quite funny.
Another great starless shot showed Morrissey fans tearing apart a shirt of his, trying to get as large of a piece as possible.
I thought the show could have been sexier, and Dad was hoping for more photos of the early pioneers of rock and roll. But there's some fascinating history on display. The notes about the photographers' lives were often very interesting; a number of them started taking pictures in their late teens or early twenties.
Go on a weekday if you can: We crept along the first wall of the exhibit, inching forward as people finished reading the captions and taking in the images, and when we left, there was a huge line to get into that wing of the museum. And do it before the end of the month: WSR&R closes on Jan. 31.
You weren't supposed to take even nonflash photos in that part of the museum, so I've got no photos of the photos. Actually, the first thing visitors see in the exhibit is a clip of Elvis Presley singing "Heartbreak Hotel" on the TV show Stage Show in 1956. My Dad wasn't sure whether he'd seen that performance until Elvis walked past a logo for Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and then he recalled that they'd hosted the show and he had seen it.
Two of my favorite photos involved the Beatles. One called "My Love" was taken by Linda McCartney and showed Paul in the rearview mirror of a car he was driving, with a street scene, including a double-decker bus, visible through the windshield in front of him. The other showed fanatical girls attempting to break through a police line outside Buckingham Palace in 1965. The Beatles were inside receiving their MBEs. The officer in the middle of the shot was all mussed up and on the verge of falling down due to a particularly excited teenager behind him. It was quite funny.
Another great starless shot showed Morrissey fans tearing apart a shirt of his, trying to get as large of a piece as possible.
I thought the show could have been sexier, and Dad was hoping for more photos of the early pioneers of rock and roll. But there's some fascinating history on display. The notes about the photographers' lives were often very interesting; a number of them started taking pictures in their late teens or early twenties.
Go on a weekday if you can: We crept along the first wall of the exhibit, inching forward as people finished reading the captions and taking in the images, and when we left, there was a huge line to get into that wing of the museum. And do it before the end of the month: WSR&R closes on Jan. 31.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
J'adore the doors
By Father Tony
A while ago, the baad lamb pointed out this video.
Yesterday, he pointed out this one. Fasten your seat belt when you get to the one minute mark.
A while ago, the baad lamb pointed out this video.
Yesterday, he pointed out this one. Fasten your seat belt when you get to the one minute mark.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Queer Pageants and Queer Freedom.
By Donnie
Freedom is something we take for granted and recent events in China are a reminder that despite our national blemishes we are living in a great and progressively tolerant nation. The BBC is reporting that the Mr. Gay China pageant has been shut down by Chinese Police. Earlier this week Google bravely announced that it would cease business in the nation due to their own internal investigation which revealed substantial evidence that Chinese officials had breached their firewall and were engaged in cyber spying on citizens. The exact opposite of this suppression is my reminder for pageant aficionados that the 2010 Mrs Drag Queen Pageant takes place January 31st in Atlantic City. This year's host is Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fame. The Miss'd America is written and directed by Sandy Beach Hitchen. This is a great event and not too far nor pricey for a drag-away weekend.
Freedom is something we take for granted and recent events in China are a reminder that despite our national blemishes we are living in a great and progressively tolerant nation. The BBC is reporting that the Mr. Gay China pageant has been shut down by Chinese Police. Earlier this week Google bravely announced that it would cease business in the nation due to their own internal investigation which revealed substantial evidence that Chinese officials had breached their firewall and were engaged in cyber spying on citizens. The exact opposite of this suppression is my reminder for pageant aficionados that the 2010 Mrs Drag Queen Pageant takes place January 31st in Atlantic City. This year's host is Carson Kressley of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy fame. The Miss'd America is written and directed by Sandy Beach Hitchen. This is a great event and not too far nor pricey for a drag-away weekend.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Wanted For Questioning Justin Waller
Posted by Donnie
The NYPD Manhattan Homicide Task Force is seeking to question Justin Waller whose picture is adjacent to this post. Mr.Waller is an apparently gay man who lived with John Lea another gay Manhattan man. They both were residing in John Lea's residence located on West 46th Street in Hell's Kitchen. Mr Lea was discovered by his friends dead with multiple stab wounds to his body. Mr Waller was last seen on Wednesday outside the residence with a suitcase and was attired in blue jeans and a black North Face jacket. As he lived with the decedent, he is a person of interest in this homicide. For the news article on this brutal killing see the Daily News . Our condolences to the family and friends of John Lea. The NYPD accepts anonymous tips. If and when I receive more information I will report same. When I facebooked John Lea, we shared a friend in common. Let's help solve this horrible crime and if you know Waller or anything about him call the NYPD 1-800-577-TIPS.
The NYPD Manhattan Homicide Task Force is seeking to question Justin Waller whose picture is adjacent to this post. Mr.Waller is an apparently gay man who lived with John Lea another gay Manhattan man. They both were residing in John Lea's residence located on West 46th Street in Hell's Kitchen. Mr Lea was discovered by his friends dead with multiple stab wounds to his body. Mr Waller was last seen on Wednesday outside the residence with a suitcase and was attired in blue jeans and a black North Face jacket. As he lived with the decedent, he is a person of interest in this homicide. For the news article on this brutal killing see the Daily News . Our condolences to the family and friends of John Lea. The NYPD accepts anonymous tips. If and when I receive more information I will report same. When I facebooked John Lea, we shared a friend in common. Let's help solve this horrible crime and if you know Waller or anything about him call the NYPD 1-800-577-TIPS.
QNY Wine List - Penfolds Bin 2 - An Educated Peasant
By Father Tony
Sometimes, I suspect that wine "experts" relegate vast sections of the wine universe to "inferior" and therefore "cheaper" because those wines are simply not "complex". We have friends who are complicated and others who are simple. Neither adjective is a guarantee of or barrier to an appealing personality. To illustrate this premise, I'd like to make the case for a wine with an attractive personality that is closer to simple rather than complex and definitely a bargain at $17.
The Penfolds Bin 2 shiraz mourvedre 2007 is the dark lord of Australian wines. Here is the intriguing Southlands description.
The Penfolds Bin 2 shiraz mourvedre 2007 is the dark lord of Australian wines. Here is the intriguing Southlands description.
First made in 1960 with a wish to create an Australian 'Burgundian' style! The fruit is sourced predominantly from the areas of Langhorne Creek, Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Matured in previously used American oak barrels for 8 months to create a wine which combines ripe plum, blackcurrant and liquorice with well definied tannins on the finish.
The mourvedre grape is, it seems, a Spanish peasant whose DNA has been analyzed of late and is gaining in popularity. It is often a work horse used to fortify more delicate grapes. I don't think I've ever tasted it on its own. (Think Louis XIV chasing one of the queen's handmaidens? Very "Upstairs Downstairs".) Combined with shiraz in the Bin 2, the result has muscular calves over delicate ankles. Chase it.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A Corner Office?
In Manhattan, where every square foot costs thousands of dollars, we all learn to be efficient in its usage. Here is a tiny cafe in which an office, accessible only by ladder, has been set up behind the menu board.
We watched the elevated clerk disrobe, and wondered if perhaps he was preparing to nap on a narrow bed accessible by climbing over his desk.
We watched the elevated clerk disrobe, and wondered if perhaps he was preparing to nap on a narrow bed accessible by climbing over his desk.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Inedible Indelible Commas
By Father Tony
At the Fairway, the Tomme de Savoie looked good, but I was distracted by this sign with its random various, inexplicable odd, capricious arbitrary employment of the comma.
At the Fairway, the Tomme de Savoie looked good, but I was distracted by this sign with its random various, inexplicable odd, capricious arbitrary employment of the comma.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Mini Food Review: Grilled Gruyere Cheese Sandwich from E.A.T.
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Queer Rising in NYC
By Justin
New York City is one of those cities where people still get out to make a difference -- even when it is raining. In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the largest antiwar demonstration at that point in history, in New York City. More than 1,100 people marched with King (who advocated nonviolent, direct action) from Central Park to the United Nations' headquarters to protest the Vietnam War.
This Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, Queer Rising, a new civil disobedience group created in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made a difference. Queer Rising is a group that is part of the change that is happening to the LGBTQI community nationwide. They are taking the struggle for equality into their own hands and educating the public on our struggle.
On Saturday, members of Queer Rising stood in Times Square near the TKTS booth with a captive audience and chanted, handed out flyers and had conversations with onlookers about equality for Queer Americans.
They then moved underground to the subway and handed out many more flyers and then it was off to the Grand Central Station where many people took pictures and were handed flyers and were engaged. 750,000 people pass through Grand Central Station daily so it was a great venue.
This weekend I was reminded of the Dr. King quote when he said “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. What a great way to spend a weekend in NYC -- making a difference!
You can find out more about Queer Rising on Facebook.
New York City is one of those cities where people still get out to make a difference -- even when it is raining. In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the largest antiwar demonstration at that point in history, in New York City. More than 1,100 people marched with King (who advocated nonviolent, direct action) from Central Park to the United Nations' headquarters to protest the Vietnam War.
This Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, Queer Rising, a new civil disobedience group created in the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made a difference. Queer Rising is a group that is part of the change that is happening to the LGBTQI community nationwide. They are taking the struggle for equality into their own hands and educating the public on our struggle.On Saturday, members of Queer Rising stood in Times Square near the TKTS booth with a captive audience and chanted, handed out flyers and had conversations with onlookers about equality for Queer Americans.
They then moved underground to the subway and handed out many more flyers and then it was off to the Grand Central Station where many people took pictures and were handed flyers and were engaged. 750,000 people pass through Grand Central Station daily so it was a great venue. This weekend I was reminded of the Dr. King quote when he said “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. What a great way to spend a weekend in NYC -- making a difference!
You can find out more about Queer Rising on Facebook.
Missing Summer?
By Father Tony
In case you forgot what summer looks like, here's a jewel of a park in Hell's Kitchen where there is a long waiting list for a plot in the Clinton Community Garden. (Only residents within a ten block range are eligible.) Click for maximum warmth.
In case you forgot what summer looks like, here's a jewel of a park in Hell's Kitchen where there is a long waiting list for a plot in the Clinton Community Garden. (Only residents within a ten block range are eligible.) Click for maximum warmth.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Is Rico Lebrun Hiding in the Post Office?
Posted by baad lamb
It’s the end of an epic walk on a sunny day in March 2008, and I’m photographing the matching verdigris light fixtures projecting off the long and repetitious north façade of the Farley Post Office. The iconic 8th Ave main building is full of immediately recognizable features, its block-long stairs rising monumentally to the equally long series of entry doors, with enough room across the architrave to spell out the entire well-known phrase “Neither snow nor rain etc.”. But here, on 33rd much closer to 9th Ave, these lights are the major protrusion on the utilitarian section known as the Western Annex, and they mark an equally utilitarian entrance.
A few more pictures and it occurs to me that I have never been inside this Charles McKim landmark, built across the avenue from his undisputed masterwork Pennsylvania Station (RIP). And now, right here a door was presenting itself, and it was unlocked. Rather than go around to the front, I went in.
Who was Rico and what did he do? Pictures and more after the jump...
“As for the subject matter: they are ‘flood’ figures, ‘hell’ figures, ‘Roman” figures – but no, in reality they are apparitions of my own being to myself, because I would like to be double, or many, upside down and right-side up, masculine and feminine, carnal and remote, seen and unseen; these obsessive shapes keep popping up and now they keep me company – a company I have always wanted, now they do, they come, they stay, they mirror me.”
A few more pictures and it occurs to me that I have never been inside this Charles McKim landmark, built across the avenue from his undisputed masterwork Pennsylvania Station (RIP). And now, right here a door was presenting itself, and it was unlocked. Rather than go around to the front, I went in.
Who was Rico and what did he do? Pictures and more after the jump...
Clever High Line Benches
By Father Tony
One of the many delights of the High Line are these benches on wheels that slide along the retained train tracks.The baad lamb would prefer these benches without their brakes.
One of the many delights of the High Line are these benches on wheels that slide along the retained train tracks.The baad lamb would prefer these benches without their brakes.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
An Alcoholic Ice Cream and a Creamy Alcoholic Drink
By Brooklyn Bill
A couple of weekends ago, I made a flavor of ice cream I'd never attempted before: eggnog. I based it on the recipe for (predictably) Eggnog Ice Cream in Claudia Fleming's The Last Course and the Simplified Eggnog recipe in Dale DeGroff's The Essential Cocktail.
That Simplied Eggnog recipe is, in turn, based on DeGroff's recipe for Brandy Milk Punch, an eggless holiday drink containing cognac, milk, simple syrup, vanilla, and nutmeg that sounded completely delicious. So I shook one of them up last night to break in my new cocktail shaker.
QNY Review - A Single Man
By Father Tony
There were many moments when Tom Ford's beautifully furnished movie brought a smile of serene satisfaction to my lips. His palate is perfectly understated and evocative, and an antidote to the crazed saturation and thrift store assemblage of things like Almodovar's Broken Embraces (A film I very much liked and one that also deals with an anguished man and a tragic accident. I'd love to see them both screened at once.) Every single aspect of this film shows a deep understanding of the early wealthier ranch style 1960s, those people and that Christopher Isherwood story.
The look of A Single Man would not be enough to merit my recommendation. See it for Colin Firth's excellent delivery of a middle aged gay man who has suffered loss. See it for Julianne Moore's perfect performance in a role that one might have imagined inhabited less comfortably by the likes of Meryl Streep. See it for the beautiful face of Nicholas Hoult. (Photos after the break.) See it to hate Tom Ford for being so good right out of the gate as a writer/director/producer. Do ya think maybe something in the Isherwood novel resonated?
There were many moments when Tom Ford's beautifully furnished movie brought a smile of serene satisfaction to my lips. His palate is perfectly understated and evocative, and an antidote to the crazed saturation and thrift store assemblage of things like Almodovar's Broken Embraces (A film I very much liked and one that also deals with an anguished man and a tragic accident. I'd love to see them both screened at once.) Every single aspect of this film shows a deep understanding of the early wealthier ranch style 1960s, those people and that Christopher Isherwood story.
The look of A Single Man would not be enough to merit my recommendation. See it for Colin Firth's excellent delivery of a middle aged gay man who has suffered loss. See it for Julianne Moore's perfect performance in a role that one might have imagined inhabited less comfortably by the likes of Meryl Streep. See it for the beautiful face of Nicholas Hoult. (Photos after the break.) See it to hate Tom Ford for being so good right out of the gate as a writer/director/producer. Do ya think maybe something in the Isherwood novel resonated?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A QNY Theater Review: Finian's Rainbow
Posted by Brooklyn Bill
Joyce and I went to see Finian's Rainbow on Thursday. We both found it to be a lot of fun.
Neither Joyce nor I was that familiar with the story. I knew it involved people in the mythical Southern state of Missitucky, including a racist white senator who gets turned black. I'd also heard that the songs were great, and I was aware that dreamy Cheyenne Jackson played the romantic lead, who, it turns out, is named Woody. How appropriate. ;-)
The songs were pretty consistently catchy. My favorite number—and the showstoppingest by far—was "The Begat," which is about, you know, reproducing in the biblical manner. It's performed by the Gospeleers (Bernard Dotson, James Stovall, and Devin Richards) and Bill Rawkins (Chuck Cooper), the black incarnation of Senator Rawkins. Any song that includes the lyrics "When the begat got to gettin' under par / They begat the daughters of the D.A.R. / They begat the babbitts of the bourgeoisie / They begat the misbegotten GOP" is bound to get big cheers from a New York theater audience, but these four guys really knocked it out of the park.
Joyce and I went to see Finian's Rainbow on Thursday. We both found it to be a lot of fun.
Neither Joyce nor I was that familiar with the story. I knew it involved people in the mythical Southern state of Missitucky, including a racist white senator who gets turned black. I'd also heard that the songs were great, and I was aware that dreamy Cheyenne Jackson played the romantic lead, who, it turns out, is named Woody. How appropriate. ;-)The songs were pretty consistently catchy. My favorite number—and the showstoppingest by far—was "The Begat," which is about, you know, reproducing in the biblical manner. It's performed by the Gospeleers (Bernard Dotson, James Stovall, and Devin Richards) and Bill Rawkins (Chuck Cooper), the black incarnation of Senator Rawkins. Any song that includes the lyrics "When the begat got to gettin' under par / They begat the daughters of the D.A.R. / They begat the babbitts of the bourgeoisie / They begat the misbegotten GOP" is bound to get big cheers from a New York theater audience, but these four guys really knocked it out of the park.
Gagapelle
By Father Tony
I am only a tepid fan of native New Yorker Stephani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, but I do love these photos I saw on yvymag. New Yorker David LaChapelle's energy may be waning as a natural consequence of his inevitable growing older. Witness his parents: Pierre et Gilles (mother), Gilbert and George (father) and Viktor and Rolf (aunt). Also, it is interesting to note that he always chooses and focuses on a muse whereas his partnered parents seemed to scrapbook more of themselves into their projects.
In any case, I am becoming a fan of yvymag where I am able to sample all the current imagery of young male pulchritude that I ordinarily encounter only in the pages of the magazines in my gay doctor's waiting room.
I am only a tepid fan of native New Yorker Stephani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, but I do love these photos I saw on yvymag. New Yorker David LaChapelle's energy may be waning as a natural consequence of his inevitable growing older. Witness his parents: Pierre et Gilles (mother), Gilbert and George (father) and Viktor and Rolf (aunt). Also, it is interesting to note that he always chooses and focuses on a muse whereas his partnered parents seemed to scrapbook more of themselves into their projects.
In any case, I am becoming a fan of yvymag where I am able to sample all the current imagery of young male pulchritude that I ordinarily encounter only in the pages of the magazines in my gay doctor's waiting room.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Great Minds Think Alike
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Gay Homicide Mystery In Louisiana
By Donnie
Friends of Robert Le Compte toast his life at a recent fund raiser held in his memory, but the Houma Police Department and Terrebone Parish Sheriff's in Louisiana are still seeking clues in the brutal Christmas homicide of Robert Le Compte. Le Compte, who was gay and open about his HIV positive status, worked as bartender, and was killed inside The Drama Club, a gay bar located in Houma, Louisiana.
Local news KFDM has reported that even with over two weeks of investigation into the killing, police still have few leads or suspects. As in this or any other homicide investigation, the first 48 hours in a homicide investigation are critical. This is because witness recollection, video recordings, evidence and emotions of parties involved are heightened.
Police Detectives have stated that Robert Le Compte was found stabbed to death on the dance floor inside the Drama club. A note was also left at the scene accusing Robert Le Compte of giving his killer HIV. During the investigation, police interviewed his roommate and owner of the club, Randall Chesnut, who told investigators that $4000 in club revenue had been removed. As such, a motive of robbery may also be a factor in the Le Compte homicide.
It should be noted that Houma was the venue for the infamous gay serial killer Joseph Dominique who was sentenced in 2008 for killing over 20 gay men. This may or may not be relative. More disturbing is the possibility that a copy cat serial killer could be emerging.
(photo Houma Today Teressa Pace Correspondent)
Friends of Robert Le Compte toast his life at a recent fund raiser held in his memory, but the Houma Police Department and Terrebone Parish Sheriff's in Louisiana are still seeking clues in the brutal Christmas homicide of Robert Le Compte. Le Compte, who was gay and open about his HIV positive status, worked as bartender, and was killed inside The Drama Club, a gay bar located in Houma, Louisiana.Local news KFDM has reported that even with over two weeks of investigation into the killing, police still have few leads or suspects. As in this or any other homicide investigation, the first 48 hours in a homicide investigation are critical. This is because witness recollection, video recordings, evidence and emotions of parties involved are heightened.
Police Detectives have stated that Robert Le Compte was found stabbed to death on the dance floor inside the Drama club. A note was also left at the scene accusing Robert Le Compte of giving his killer HIV. During the investigation, police interviewed his roommate and owner of the club, Randall Chesnut, who told investigators that $4000 in club revenue had been removed. As such, a motive of robbery may also be a factor in the Le Compte homicide.
It should be noted that Houma was the venue for the infamous gay serial killer Joseph Dominique who was sentenced in 2008 for killing over 20 gay men. This may or may not be relative. More disturbing is the possibility that a copy cat serial killer could be emerging.
(photo Houma Today Teressa Pace Correspondent)
Get In Line For Gareth Thomas
By Father Tony
Some yenta projects are easier than others. Hey, Gareth Thomas! Come to New York where I'll promise you a line of candidates much longer than an American Idol audition.
Some yenta projects are easier than others. Hey, Gareth Thomas! Come to New York where I'll promise you a line of candidates much longer than an American Idol audition.
This morning's NYC sunrise
(During my run in Central Park looking east over the Jackie Onassis Reservoir)
A QNY Interview: Keith Adams Gets On With Life
By Father Tony
Keith Adams, briefly a New Yorker, is a fascinating blogger who has written an equally fascinating book entitled Broken Whole: a California tale of Craziness, Creativity and Chaos. His publisher describes Keith's book this way:
Keith graciously answered my questions. Words and pictures, after the jump.
Keith Adams, briefly a New Yorker, is a fascinating blogger who has written an equally fascinating book entitled Broken Whole: a California tale of Craziness, Creativity and Chaos. His publisher describes Keith's book this way:
This violently colorful, devastatingly forthright recounting of the author’s search for self amidst the shards of mania, takes place almost exclusively over the course of the summer of the author’s forty-first year, set against the glittering background of the Corridor of Dreams – the swanky swathe of the West side of LA stretching from the Hollywood Hills to the boulevards of Beverly Hills. With its tale of luxury goods, spiritual discovery, thrust for glory, brilliant ideas, not so brilliant ideas, fist-fights, arrest by the LAPD, and, ultimately, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, it asks if the gleaming personality chained up by mood stabilizers is the real self, and, if it is not, is there any such thing as a real self?
Keith graciously answered my questions. Words and pictures, after the jump.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A QNY Theater Review: Chekhov Lizardbrain
Posted by Brooklyn Bill
On Monday evening, my buddy Jack and I went to see Chekhov Lizardbrain, an entertaining and unusual play inspired by Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters and the life and work of autistic livestock-behavior expert Temple Grandin. It was created and presented by Philadelphia's Pig Iron Theatre Co. and is back in New York as part of the Under the Radar Festival after a critically acclaimed run here in fall 2008.
The play is about a socially awkward botanist named Dmitri who has a more-confident alter ego named Chekhov Lizardbrain. Dmitri has bought a house in his hometown of Oswego, New York, after having gotten a Ph.D. in Portland, Oregon. The house belonged to childhood friends of Dmitri's, three brothers named Peter, Nicholas, and Sascha. Dmitri is trying to remember as much as he can about what led up to his purchase of the house, whose heater has failed in the dead of winter. In the majority of scenes, the brothers wear long underwear, top hats, and fake mustaches and act out fantastical versions of events; in Dmitri's more-realistic recollections, the guys wear regular clothes and work out their real-life family conflict: The two older brothers, who have moved away from Oswego, have to convince Sascha to sell his third of the house he's lived in his whole life, including while caring for their ailing parents.
The actors were all great, but extra praise must go to James Sugg, who earned an Obie for his performance as Dmitri/Chekhov Lizardbrain. He passes seamlessly between his two oddball characters.
On Monday evening, my buddy Jack and I went to see Chekhov Lizardbrain, an entertaining and unusual play inspired by Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters and the life and work of autistic livestock-behavior expert Temple Grandin. It was created and presented by Philadelphia's Pig Iron Theatre Co. and is back in New York as part of the Under the Radar Festival after a critically acclaimed run here in fall 2008.
The play is about a socially awkward botanist named Dmitri who has a more-confident alter ego named Chekhov Lizardbrain. Dmitri has bought a house in his hometown of Oswego, New York, after having gotten a Ph.D. in Portland, Oregon. The house belonged to childhood friends of Dmitri's, three brothers named Peter, Nicholas, and Sascha. Dmitri is trying to remember as much as he can about what led up to his purchase of the house, whose heater has failed in the dead of winter. In the majority of scenes, the brothers wear long underwear, top hats, and fake mustaches and act out fantastical versions of events; in Dmitri's more-realistic recollections, the guys wear regular clothes and work out their real-life family conflict: The two older brothers, who have moved away from Oswego, have to convince Sascha to sell his third of the house he's lived in his whole life, including while caring for their ailing parents.The actors were all great, but extra praise must go to James Sugg, who earned an Obie for his performance as Dmitri/Chekhov Lizardbrain. He passes seamlessly between his two oddball characters.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New York City Men Going Down Under
Posted by Beau
My husband and I are currently in the final weeks of our Tic-Tac/Sesame Seed diet in order to shoe-horn ourselves into ridiculous swimming attire for the Atlantis Auckland to Sydney Big Gay Cruise next month.
What the Hell does this have to do with New York?
My husband and I are currently in the final weeks of our Tic-Tac/Sesame Seed diet in order to shoe-horn ourselves into ridiculous swimming attire for the Atlantis Auckland to Sydney Big Gay Cruise next month.
What the Hell does this have to do with New York?