Every once in a while I’ll do a feature on people who I call The DreamChasers. Ones that have reached out to me in hopes of some media love and recognition for jobs well done. I’m unable to get to everyone right away and some things just aren’t right for the site. I include artists here for features of entertainers that I believe in and who grabbed my attention. They are varied but talented and I’m thrilled to have a piece of them here on my domain.

“Life Goes On” is the latest offering from out rapper and singer Solomon who infuses his own experiences of adolescent rumblings, drug fueled youth and family turmoil to create honest music that has a really nice edge to it. The melody is comfortable and his voice is cool. I love his sexy pout. (I wanna chew his lips off!) Solomon says this when asked about being a rapper and a singer, “I’m an artist. There are days I rap and days I sing. Just so happens this new single is a dance single.” He also cover’s Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” and does a great job on it. I love her version while he really makes it his own. I honestly enjoyed it. Especially the rap during towards the end. I was just getting off to the hot “Wit Us You Can’t…” Very kicky and up.

Check out Solomon and let us know what you think! I’m feeling him and what he’s doing! Wishing him BIG LUCK from my camp. WHURQ!

OUT RAPPER – SINGER

SOLOMON!

Here we are in the home stretch of the Picture Me Happy charity event Splash into Summer Bash at ACE Hotel Swim Club and very few tickets are left. Founder Tim Courtney has been working diligently with his team on this event for a while and he’s thrilled at the turnout of support. The latest happenings include the joining of soap opera legend Bobbie Eakes who has offered to give her time and appear with our Reality Royalty celebrity hosts Asa Soltan Rahmati, Reza Farahan and Michael Costello.

Bobbie Eakes was Miss Georgia in 1982 making the Top 10 at Miss America and has been a shining star ever since. Between her famous roles on All My Children and The Bold and The Beautiful, to her musical performances with Collin Raye and dear friend the handsome Jeff Trachta, through her dedicated charity work, Bobbie gives of herself in the hopes of bringing true goodness around her. She is lucky enough to still have time to pursue her music with the Divas, a country-pop trio made of fellow actresses Kassie DePaiva and Kathy Brier.

Here’s what Bobbi had to say when asked about the ins and outs of celebrity, the competitive pageant world and the life of a popular soap opera actress. Forthcoming, approachable and so real. She is simply gorgeous!

Steven Michael – Good morning, Lady. Thanks again for being involved in Tim Courtney’s charity benefit. Everyone is excited and the energy for the event is everywhere. Glad you’re going to be part of it! Let’s jump right into a round of Q/A so people may know you a bit better. Here we go…

I know you and Jeff Trachta are close and have performed for years together and making music. How does he influence and encourage you to be better and keep going? I love Jeff. He’s so talented!

Bobbie Eakes – Jeff has been a dear friend of mine for many years. We not only played husband and wife on The Bold and The Beautiful but we also recorded two double platinum records in Europe and toured extensively. We’ve had so many laughs together and he’ll always be a like a brother to me. His positive outlook on life is so uplifting and he lavishes those he loves with encouragement and complements.

I agree, Bobbie. I know Jeff from the gym and have always had a great connection. So genuine. He treated us to his wonderful performance at the Spa Resort Casino a few years back and we LOVED the show. His voices are amazing!

***Jeff Trachta had this to say about Bobbie via Twitter, “Not only is Bobbie Eakes one of the most talented people I know, she is a great friend with the biggest heart.”

JEFF TRACHTA – BOBBIE EAKES

DUETS

When you are having downtime, away from the camera-ready makeup and hair, what are you wearing and doing? Are you able to have these moments without the viewer’s eyes, so to speak?

I’m usually very casual during the day. And, with this hot Palm Springs weather I can’t be bothered getting too dressed up most of the time. Also, exercise is a big part of my routine so I’m often in my running gear. I’ll only put on make up if I’m going out somewhere to lunch or dinner, etc.

I believe there’s going to be plenty of sunscreen at the event on Sunday. One of the pharmacies, CVS – I believe, donated a ton of it! The weather is supposed to be 103. How does celebrity feel? Overwhelming or do you take it for what it’s worth and see it clearly?

Well, let’s be very clear, I’m not a celebrity to the point that it is a bother. I don’t have paparazzi following me around town. I do have a lot of very supportive and kind fans and it’s a great feeling to know that you brighten someones day through your work, whether it’s portraying a character on tv and film or through my music. I try to keep up with all the wonderful fans through Twitter and Facebook.

I was on the set of Passions once and it was so quiet when they were filming these dramatic scenes that would usually have music churning through. Are you ever able to step outside yourself during a scene and soak it all in? You’ve been very successful in television.

I have always been very grateful for the work I’ve gotten to do. I try to never take it for granted because I sincerely feel blessed to be working for such a long time in this industry. When I’m in a scene, if it’s all going the way it’s meant to, I completely lose myself in the work and become that character. It helps to be working opposite talented actors who make it that much more real for you.

The longevity of a soap opera actor can be quite lengthy and profound. If you could act, sing or something else ONLY, what would you do? What’s most important to you regarding performing?

I get this question all the time and it is impossible for me to answer it. And to be frank, I don’t want to jinx it! I’ve always been able to do all the things that I want to do. I’ve been a singer and actor since my teens and I don’t see any reason why that can’t continue for years to come.

I agree, Bobbie! Keep chasing dreams and following true passions. I do! Any wonderful tales from the set you would like to share. A thrill of working with this actor or really couldn’t believe that something happened to that one’s character? Some juicy soap opera spill would be great!

One memorable job was playing opposite Dick Van Dyke in an episode of Matlock. It was one of my first roles and I played Dick’s young girlfriend. He murders me in a jealous rage and I’ll never forget how strange it was to see the always warm and funny Mr. Van Dyke playing a vicious killer. Looking up at him ‘stabbing’ me was frightening and surreal. That was probably the first and last time he ever played that kind of a villain.

How bizarre! Yes, he’s usually happy-go-lucky always. What about competing in pageants did you enjoy and not enjoy? Any fun memories?

I had an all around great experience as Miss Georgia and was thrilled to compete as a Top Ten finalist in Atlantic City. About a year after the competition, I actually moved into a house in Burbank with the girl who won Miss America that year, Debra Sue Maffett, along with Miss Tennessee and Miss Louisiana. If reality TV had been around back then, it would have made a great series.

This wonderful finale with Bobbie Eakes completes my series featuring the headliners of Picture Me Happy’s Splash into Summer Bash at ACE Hotel this Sunday! Since I’m going to be in Nashville visiting home and unable to attend, I really wanted to contribute my time the best way I could. For those attending, enjoy yourselves and meet new friends! Tweet me pictures and let me know how everything goes! And know that you’re doing a great thing by helping children that can really use your compassion and care.

When it comes to getting the exact mood an event needs to be successful, a fierce DJ must to be available for filling the ears and spirits of the party goers, and get them to the dance floor. West Hollywood has that precious gem in their midst and you can find him creating magic as the resident DJ at the beautiful Mickey’s on Santa Monica Boulevard. DJ eur-O-steve hails from the UK but finds America as his home now. For everyone attending the Picture Me Happy charity benefit at ACE Hotel Swim Club May 20, DJ eur-O-steve will be the one making your feet move and heart race with jams, rhythms and grooves!

I’ve been elated that I’ve been able to assist charity founder Tim Courtney with getting some media love out for the event including these quick Q/A teasers with the celebrity hosts and now with our Musical Magician. Everyone has been so generous with their time and effort getting the round of questions back to me, I’m loving what I’ve been able to share with you.

Steven Michael – How did you get started in spinning music and creating wonderful moments for people with your mixing? Do you use the modern day way with a nice laptop or do you have to schlep discs or (Gasp!) vinyl into your clubs and events?

DJ eur-O-steve – Started as a DJs assistant in London, doing the back-breaking schlepping of the heavy vinyl – seeing their talent got me hooked! Now I use the modern way with a laptop controlled by CD or vinyl – able to have a much larger catalogue at hand, but not relying on any automation to mix!

Do you find people want to get at you more because of your status as a DJ? Do you have Groupies and $tarFuc#ers around you at all times?

Definitely, there are some hilarious colourful characters, or people expect you to “put them on the list” – I recall getting unfoundedly “heckled” for the first time in the US just recently, was quite an experience – the dancers and crowd near the stage turned against them and they got ejected, the dancers I work with are so good to me!

I admit that during my performing days I had a few bitter queens that booed me once and you need that support. What do you go through when you have a dance floor and no one on it but plenty of people in the club and nothing seems to be what they want to hear? What is your secret weapon on moving people on to the dance floor?

Every DJs nightmare – it does happen sometimes, or a crowd is tough to get “warmed up.” I will cycle through some different material and watch closely to body movement, or toe tapping until you find the right element. I have stuff up my sleeve that I find people can’t resist in the form of certain “flashback” re-worked tracks.

The crowd at the ACE will have a great space for dancing so turn them out. What music will you be playing at Splash into Summer Bash at ACE Hotel? Vocal diva standards everyone knows or tribal infused friction sounds for the hardcore? Is this more along the lines of what you usually play or do you tailor it to the venue and theme?

Fun, happy, energetic vocal house/electronica is perfect for a daytime pool party – which is actually a personal favourite style. Every physical event needs to be tailoured somewhat, have to gauge, respond, and adapt to the crowd in terms of musical style and choices.

Sounds perfect for the Palm Springs personalities. DJs spend many a late night in clubs and at circuit parties. How do you do it night after night? Doesn’t it wear you out or are you a bit peculiar when and where you work?

It can wear you down if you spread yourself too thinly, (so to speak) – I do choose when and where I work and make sure that the places are enough diversified to keep me fresh and sharp at it!

Any feelings or memories about our Palm Springs Oasis? Do you make it down often? And what do you do when you’re not working?

LOVE IT! It really is such a wonderful relaxing place to go and chill, or have fun with friends there. I am quite hooked, hopefully be working more gigs there to get me out more often! When I’m not working I am a trashy television addict, but also keep myself fit at the gym and hiking.

Working at what I describe in word as THE premiere fitness facility in the valley, World Gym Palm Springs, gives ample opportunity to watch the fierce models work the shiny runway with its red trim which is better known as the track that circles the machines in the middle of the gym. I see some who wear the hell out of their clothes like nobody’s business (Translation: Bitch, whurq!) and others who really, really shouldn’t be gigged-up in what they’ve chosen on a given day (Translation: O, girl. No.)

ADIDAS SOCKS	NIKE SOCKS	NIKE SOCKS
ADIDAS SEXY SOCKS	NIKE BRIGHT – FUN	NIKE CLASSIC WHITE

 Nonetheless, gay fashions come and go. And I’ve seen many trends hit hard and then taper off like a pair of perfectly frayed jeans. What’s the hottest gay fashion happening right now? From what I can tell, it’s ALL about soccer socks! I noticed them in San Francisco during Folsom Street Fair at Mr S-Leather and a few guys at the gym have adopted the style for their very own, as well. On muscular legs they look sexy but it’s not for everyone. I prefer a pair of solid black or white with stripes. Classic! But bright colors are fun on the right personality. Thoughts?

“Honey Boo Boo Child…!” “Sparkle, Baby!” “Luxuriate.”

All I can really say when watching TLCs guilty pleasure Toddlers and Tiaras is “Wow” and “Oh, my god.” Seriously. I find myself sitting in awe watching the television while anxious delusional mothers fill their children with caffeine before parading (or dragging) them around to live a life they never did or were able to. And here we sit watching every jaw-dropping episode. Shame on the parents? Perhaps shame on us. Nonetheless, it’s usually the first choice when scrolling through the list of DVR recordings. It is my guilty pleasure. You watch the Kardashians so don’t judge me.

The bottom line is very few of the featured toddlers have any chance of making it out past the pageant world that their parents (usually by the full force of the mothers) have placed them in. Fathers seem to stay clear for the most part. It also seems very few of the toddlers really enjoy doing it when it comes right down to it. So I guess it’s actually the moms that really enter the pageant. Because as you see in most of the shows it’s the spastic mother perched behind the judges doing the routine for the audience while facing their daughter who is on stage gazing out at her with deer-caught-in-headlight eyes and cluelessness that must be seen to believe.

Now, there are a handful of ones that the TLC show features who are fierce competitors for their age. But with that usually comes diva attitudes and alter egos that are truly encouraged by the moms which only build the infrastructure of the hell on heels these toddlers will grow into. Just saying. With millennium names like Mackenzie, Alaska and the breakout toddler now-retired at six forever Ultimate Grand Supreme Eden Wood who has her own show on Logo TV, these children are equally the non-traditional unrealistic youth their airbrushed glamour shots portray.

Of course, many viewers with critiques scream that it’s child abuse as the cameramen film the screaming babies and children not wanting to practice. And what about us who watch from our homes? Here’s what I think. I believe that babies are way too young to be in competition. If their child is unable to walk out alone on stage then she is too young and can’t make the decision for herself if she really wants to be there. If the child does’t want to be in pageants, they shouldn’t be. And, the mothers should be sitting down in their seat because the little one on stage needs to learn how to make it on their own because title holders are leaders not followers. Pageants can build self-esteem but at what cost? Creating living dolls dressed in the hooker outfit from Pretty Woman, not so much.

Personally I’m not a huge fan of what the girls call “the soda that tastes like candy” which of course is Red Bull. That seems like a favorite of the “kiddy crack” the parents pour into their children along with Pixie Stix, sugar packs, Mountain Dew and who knows what else. And with every rush comes the sugar crash afterwards which usually happens during crowning. However, those crowns are lovely! But does that compare to the tables of toys that are offered at the pageants for bribery gifts and blackmail encouragements for the contestants for jobs well done? Hmm. It all makes one ponder.

Unfortunately it seems that most of the families have nothing to their name other than the sparkly homage of crowns won and banners draped in one room of the house. When the cameras catch footage of in-home rehearsals the interiors are of wall panelling and are quite bare in need of attention from the financial flow that heads toward pricey pageant dresses thick with ruffles and bling, ratted-out hair bigger than Texas, manicured nails, travel, coaches, spray tans and fake teeth called “flippers.” I actually don’t mind flippers for what is known as “glitz” pageants because let’s face it that children lose teeth and they don’t always grow in perfectly. But taste levels need to be addressed. Glamour is key while gaudy horse teeth on a child is not.

And what about the Ultimate Grand Supreme Eden Wood and her quest for stardom outside the comfortable pageant world she once dominated while tearing through Manhattan with crazy stage mom in tow? Well, I haven’t watched one episode because I just can’t be and am not bothered. I try to not get caught up in the exploitation but here I am typing and sharing opinions about children. No Tea – No Shade. I really mean no harm, just concern for the sake of impressionable children.

But the previews that Logo TV cram down viewer’s throats show a struggling Eden as she auditions for people seeing past the glossy, animated 11×14 promos of painted adolescents that worked in the pageant arena. Perhaps it’s these eerie, possessed and unreal but necessary portraits, that add to the delusion the greatest. Someone must be quite the artist when airbrushing the humanity out of these little girl’s faces turning them into the image of a painted made-up  adult.

It is all quite twisted and here I am blogging over 950 words about it. Toddlers and Tiaras is outrageous and addictive. While some mother’s have their child adjusted by a chiropractor at age four others are proudly known as “the Tanning Lady allowing their five-year-old to go along and fake-and-bake in a tanning bed, too. And I continue to watch in admitted awe and verbally judge right along with the small-town adjudicators that have the main say in who bumps for a higher title and who only gets the dreaded divisional queen. That’s right, I watch the show. I know the way it works.

It seems that I’ve become quite the go-to for anything Persian culture these days! Exaggeration – yes, perhaps. But having the unique opportunity to connect with both Reza Farahan and now the gorgeous Asa (always seen as A$A in print) Soltan Rahmati from Bravo TVs Shahs of Sunset via the Internet gives me a personal glimpse inside their glamourous and increasingly popular worlds of Persianity. I was amazed at the speedy return I received from these celebrities in getting the responses back. As Asa tweeted me back, “I do this boo.” Yes she does.

From the time I sent the Q/A to when I gathered them back in my inbox, I was simply impressed, truly. I know people are busy. When someone cares enough to get something completed like this, they’re aces in my book. Truly a class act. Both Asa and Reza! Like I do during interviews, I tend to quote verbatim what I’m given with very little change only for continuity. These are actually the generous stars replying back to me taking time to let fans in on a little bit of their true selves the cameras may not show. Genuine content and connection is very important to me. The fact that they trust me in giving of their time makes me feel very good.

Here’s what the goddess Asa Soltan Rahmati had to say about loosing her private life to reality TV, the difference between becoming a pop star and PPP – Persian Pop Priestess and how equality and human rights are very important to her! With the whirlwind networking of social giant Twitter, we’ve become fast friends! She encourages her fans to follow her on Twitter @AsaSoltan for updates and current news!

Steven Michael – Thanks so very much for doing this, both the Q/A and the Picture Me Happy charity benefit on May 20 at ACE Hotel Swim Club. Founder Tim Courtney is so looking forward to seeing you and Reza. Glad it’s worked out that you will be involved, too! Are you excited?!

A$A Soltan Rahmati – I just watched the Picture Me Happy video on YouTube and I am thrilled to support and be part of it!

I’ve been checking out your iTunes page of music. Loving it very much. Especially “Diamond Water.” The groove is very my feeling. How hard has it been to stay true to your culture in the process of becoming a pop star and not conform? We saw a bit of your struggle on the show.

I’m a PPP- Persian Pop Priestess and a Gypsy Jetsetter, so I stay true to my personal culture 100%. The world raised me and I’m a universal being. While laying new ground for Persianity, I very much am a citizen of the world and know that other international gypsies feel my movement.  ’Diamond Water’ is very close to my heart. Am sooo jazzed about shooting the video for it this summer. Am also working on actually bottling my Diamond Water… because everywhere I go, people ask me for it.

Give me a glass of it! I love anything where bling is involved! However, I do have one question to ask. And I really need your answer on this. Whatchu know about gold? I had to go there! The song’s main chorus hook was in my head all evening! Does that describe your lifestyle? “GOLD” your newest track, right?

TALA!!! Hahaha… Actually ‘GOLD’ is the very first song I every made. I just never released it. Recently we shot and premiered the music video for it. The feedback I’ve gotten from it has been so amazing. I’ve always had lots of gold around me since I was a little girl. In Iran, for birthdays we used to get a gold bangle from family… and that adds up you know. The epic Persianity summer jam ‘Tehrangeles’ is my newest track.

Your music seems to find many rhythms and beats which is very refreshing. It has many unique sounds to it but it does stay very true to your Persian culture. I’m digging it! How do you like Palm Springs? Do you make it down often and what parts of the desert do you simply adore?

I love Palm Springs. Mid-century modern architecture, desert, palm trees, kaftans, gold, and pools… my kinda scene. Growing up in L.A., I’ve been coming to this lovely desert dream since I was a teenager. Plus I was born in a small desert town in Iran, so I have a very special relationship with the sun and the springs.

When the cameras and lights are off and viewers aren’t gawking into your life that’s displayed on TV, what is Asa doing and wearing? Do you ever have down time that is pure relaxation without the need of image control and angles, if you know what I mean?

Absolutely. I DO ME, on or off camera! When we’re not shooting, I’m creating, whether it’s music, videos, paintings, installations, traveling and taking photos, visiting distant bazaars finding treasures, BBQing with my family, biking to the beach, dancing, hitting up the farmers market and cooking up a storm, writing, reading, learning new stuff.

We have to keep going with our creativity or simply shrivel up and not exist. That’s me, too! I’ve always got something on the burner trying to happen. What’s the biggest challenge about shooting reality TV? I’d imagine it would be privacy. I’d die not having music playing everywhere.

Yea the music thing was a big one for me. It made me realize that my life ALWAYS has a soundtrack. Privacy is also tuff because not everyone in your life wants to be on TV.

Do you realize you have a growing gay fan base? People are very excited to meet you at Picture Me Happy’s benefit on May 20. I bet you turn the heads of both men and women more than you know! You and costar Reza Farahan on Bravo TVs  Shahs of Sunset seem to have a great bond! We really do enjoy watching the show!

I’ve always had very, very close friends who are gay. And being an artist and living ‘outside the box’ always, I’ve been very curious and active about gay rights. A few years ago my mom and I went to a conference at UCLA about gay refugees from Iran and being a political refugee myself I completely felt the pain. There were lawyers present who represent gay men and women who fled Iran and sought asylum here. There is so much violence against homosexuals in the world. I am perplexed and disgusted that in the year 2012 we are still talking about gay rights, which by the way in my point of view is a HUMAN rights issue. Reza is my boi, LOVE him. We have so much fun together and a beautiful connection.

Beauty and brains, my love! You’re stunning for this. Asa, THANKS! THANKS! THANKS! I’m so sorry I’m going to be away visiting my Mom in Tennessee during the event and will be missing meeting you in person. Thrilled we could do this for my blog and for promotion for Splash into Summer Bash at ACE Hotel Swim Club for Picture Me Happy beforehand. Best luck with the music and Shahs of Sunset!

Have a great time with your Mom, Steven!
Much Love to you. 

For more Asa Soltan Rahmati check out this gem of a blog find on the wonderful Tamara Tattles. The posting is very in-depth and her juicy website gives quite the grease when it it comes to everything reality TV. No Tea – No Shade. It’s the One.

Coming May 20 to the ACE Hotel and Swim Club in Palm Springs is celebrity photographer (and dearest confidant) Tim Courtney’s annual charity event Splash into Summer Bash for Picture Me Happy benefiting terminally ill children in California. Monthly, Tim takes a group of selfless giving people to hospitals and offers the wonderful children a photography lesson with cameras and parents involved. This year’s main event has grown leaps and bounds from last year and promises to be the talk of Palm Springs in the next few weeks.

Persian stud muffin Reza Farahan from Shahs of Sunset on Bravo TV will be playing host with the most, along with gorgeous cast member Asa Soltan Rahmati and our very own reality wonder from Project Runway: All Stars Michael Costello. Music will be delivered by famed British DJ Eur-O-Steve with pulsating beats and handwaving by dance floor fillers without bright fabric fans occupying their hands. There’s an open bar, a fun photo booth and outrageous raffle items up for grabs. Bring your swim gear and splash in the pool to cool off from the man heat! Shirtless hunks and bikini-wearing girls unite for one great cause!

Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts with a trip home to Nashville to see Mom, my media pass will stay pristine and virgin for I’ll be unable to attend the benefit. Sad faces all around. I was shattered when I realized the event and trip were colliding. I’m excited about going home but I was also excited about tugging on Reza’s mustache in person. I find him super sexy and his this-is-me-deal-with-it-love-me attitude very attractive. I really do. Maybe we’ll connect in Los Angeles soon for a cocktail. But not this time. Again, frowns and pouts from my end. But I digress…

Luckily with the power of immediacy on the social network giant Twitter, I got in contact with Reza and bing-bam-boom he agreed to do an interview with me via the Internet before he arrived for hosting duties at ACE on the 20th. I was surprised and thrilled at the quick timeliness of Mr. Farahan’s responses. We stayed in contact and he replied within the week. I know he is busy running Sunset Boulevard and am gracious for his time. I quoted Reza verbatim with only slight changes for continuity. Here’s what we discussed!

Steven Michael – Your mustache is everything! It’s taken on a celebrity of its own. How is fame feeling with Shahs of Sunset getting such great attention?

Reza Farahan - My mustache is on ‘fire’ (wink,wink) and he couldn’t be happier with the attention he’s been getting lately. He and I are both thrilled that we have this platform and that we’re able to use it to bring awareness to homosexuality/homophobia in the Persian community.

How has the Persian community been in response to the show? Do they feel it’s an appropriate impression of the brotherhood and lifestyles and clear representation?

We’ve gotten mixed reviews from the Persian community. But I have to tell you that I could care less what the Persian community thinks. There are truly no 6 people of any community that can represent the entire community at large. I represent myself, period. The only people that I care about are the Persian/Middle Eastern youth that are struggling with their sexuality. I wanted to give them a voice and show them that you can exist, be strong, successful and accepted by your friends, family and the community. The Persians that make up my community are entitled to their opinions. The beauty is that I can count the number of people who’s opinion matter to me on 2 hands.

I really find your answers so honest and refreshing, Reza. Thank you! What do you find inviting about Palm Springs? You’ve been here recently for a few events and will be hosting the benefit for Picture Me Happy. Do you enjoy your visits here?

I absolutely adore everything about Palm Springs. It’s not just a place, it’s more like a lifestyle. I find that as soon as I get on the 111, I relax. The people, the mountains, the architecture, the weather, the restaurants, the hotels and especially the pool at the ACE Hotel (Not to mention their peanut butter pie), I LOVE IT ALL!!!!! I could see myself living there full-time at some point.

We’ll have to stay in touch for when you come back next time! What’s the biggest misconception about filming reality television? Do you feel the show’s editing represents you and your friends according to truth or is it sensationalized any? And when the cameras and bright lights are off, how different are you than when you are actually being filmed?

I can honestly say that the Reza you see on TV, is the same Reza that exists in his everyday life 24/7. The thing about reality TV is that they shoot for a certain number of months and edit out the mundane or boring. But everything you see on our show organically happened in real life. I am as opinionated and loud in my everyday life, as I am on ‘Shahs Of Sunset.’

How does the Iranian community view homosexuality?

The Iranian community thus far has ignored homosexuality. They act like it doesn’t exist and if it ‘pops up,’ they try to make it go away. I thought that by being my authentic self on this show, and knowing that the entire community would watch, that I would force people to talk about homosexuality in our Iranian community. ‘Here I am people, I exist, now deal with it.’

Finally, what kind of man would you want to spend your long life with? Will he have a mustache, too?

Great question. For some reason, I am drawn to tall, lean white guys, with or without facial hair. I think it’s because that is the exact opposite of me? But that’s just the physical component. My soul mate would need to be confident, kind, smart and he’d need to challenge me and keep me stimulated!

(that’s one lucky girl…!)

My appreciation to my buddy Reza Farahan for giving us a glimpse of the reality he calls life. I encourage everyone to attend the Splash into Summer Bash for Picture Me Happy event and meet Reza in person. And give his mustache a good tug for me! You know, for the kids…

Indie-Electro-Rocker Mac Valentine contacted me through my website in hopes for some media love and audience appreciation. He just relocated to Palm Springs so I definitely wanted to bring him to light and introduction as our new neighbor. Valentine is an accomplished solo artist that mixes hard-edged electronica in the style of heavy hitters in rock as Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Korn and Marilyn Manson (without the distinctive rasp.) OS 1.01 is Mac’s first album and is really worth a listen. Valentine even offers a free download of the album. The tracks I found quite kick-ass were the electro-groove of “Hurts You Like Hell” and driving force of “Arm the Alarm.” Both “Let Heaven Rebuke Me” and “Be My Man” both bring home the honest theme of self acceptance and personal struggles. This queer shock rocker has something that caught my attention and hope you give him a listen. 13 original songs – ALL ROCKING!

Getting right into it, I thought the stage from last evening’s Ru-union of RuPaul’s Drag Race was quite grand. I wish the show itself would have lived up to the grandeur. As many of us know, Madame RuPaul herself dragged us right up until the very end of the final season’s episode announcing that the winner would be revealed at the reunion show the following week on Logo TV. It was actually at that point I basically lost interest in the season, ready to move on to season 5. No Tea – No Shade. But I thought it was a tired ploy to get people to watch the reunion. We would have anyway but I get what they did it and why.

I enjoyed the opening production of season 4 Ladykins, seeing former Dolls from previous seasons in the audience and scattered celebrities among the theatre. With the fact that all of the girls were there in New York for the finale, one would figure that the show should have been two hours with ample time to speak with each girl instead of a brief flash of each. Only Madame LaQueer was able to get out a read towards Jiggly Calienté when RuPaul quickly opened the “Library for Throwing Shade.” The show felt quite forced during these parts. Rushed, in fact.

Then we had Willam come out kicking and screaming (so to speak) by the brute of the delicious Pit Crew for a solo chat with RuPaul. Willam did look good with her sheer latex dress and mega layers of blonde hair, I admit. Of course, everyone wanted to know why she was eliminated from the competition. Well, she says she was forthcoming with the producers that she was breaking the rules regarding the fact her partner was coming to visit for conjugal moments between the two. Love is love… But was it worth it for the prize of $100K?!?!

Well, guess what, I blogged the Tea that she was having her boyfriend coming to visit over a month ago. Sources told me and I shared with my readers. All on the ssh-ssh. Willam, of course, rebutted with a comment on my website saying that “the scoop I had was more like a scoop-on” (like a coupon, I assume.) Hmm, I may not have mentioned the romantic part but guess what… I got Willam’s attention and more Internet traffic because of it. People want to know about her! I was thrilled she replied with a read. I showered her with compliments about her career and we moved on. Regardless of what exactly went down it made for great entertainment. Of course, now Willam has come forward saying on the blog Reality Blurred that the reason she gave on the Ru-union was “false” and is looking for a deal with Logo TV for what I’m assuming will be her own show. You better work, Bitch.

Next up was Latrice “Mother F!%king” Royale. Standing ovation! The only one of the evening from my seat. Royale sat with RuPaul and expressed her feelings of overwhelming love and support she has felt from fans and new friends. Latrice was my winner for America’s Next Drag Superstar. She spoke of not being ashamed of her mistakes like some unfortunate time in prison and how she is treating each moment of her life like it’s gold. When she was eliminated I felt a sharp dagger in my heart for her. Like she said to RuPaul upon elimination, her “life has been changed forever.” All of their lives have. And conDRAGulations on a well deserved Miss Congeniality. Boom-Shaka-Laka-Boom!

SEASON 4 ON DVD

CATCH EVERY MOMENT!

The final three were brought out and poised for the crown. The ruthless youth of Phi Phi O’Hara, goth-spook inventive Sharon Needles and professionally polished Chad Michaels sat ready for the big finish while sister contestants shared thoughts and emotions about them, especially about O’Hara. She wasn’t the most popular contestant ever to sashay away from RDR. This is the truth. She defended herself, apologized to some but stood her determined ground. Willam had the quote to the night when she said that she had “no Ru-pologies” for what she had done. No she obviously doesn’t. And Sharon offered that when you’re being boo’d while on stage it’s actually applause from ghosts. The shade, the shade of it all.

In the end, Sharon Needles was awarded the tiny tiara and seemed fairly complacent while the punchbowl crown sat quietly beside the the three. If the story comes to me correctly, RuPaul filmed three endings which explains the strange energy level of the show’s end and lack of excitement. Since shady queens couldn’t keep their mouths shut about last season’s winner, RuPaul refused the spill. I heard Sharon say that she’s “been humbled by it all” and I really hope that she stays humble through the fame. These girls have people coming at them now, more so than ever. Their performance fees jump considerably because of the show and popularity soars. But we should realize the reality of being a reality star. Enjoy the glory, girls! You deserve it all, every single one of you!

Signing up for classes at Drag U now. Professor Latrice Royale, please. Teach me tonight.

I’ve been procrastinating about doing this for a while as I sat on the choreography running my mouth instead of my feet. I’m not 16 anymore. I’m more like 16 + a decade + eight years + another decade. I will always choreograph, either for someone or inside my head. My passions are dance choreography and creative writing. With four blogs going and my second book in the works, I’ve got the writing covered. Unfortunately there’s few opportunities for dance in the valley so I’ve decided to start really focusing on getting my moves and steps out there so hopefully someone will see me and need what I have to offer. I’m available!

I’ve taught various styles of technical jazz dance over the years and enjoy moving dancers into new levels of performance. However, I find that I’m a better choreographer than I am teacher. I want to create the moves, teach them to capable performers and clean the rhythms. It’s hard for me to step back into square one and teach basics. But, and that’s a nice firm tight butt, I will and can teach anyone if they in return give me positive attitudes and passion to be there. (Don’t want to shoot myself in the foot!) Give me intermediate to advanced students with energy and pizazz, and we’re gonna rock. Just being honest…

REALITY STAR KIM KARDASHIAN SINGS!

JAM (TURN IT UP)

The song “Shake” (on the YouTube video above) is one I’ve had for a few years. Kim Kardashian claims she had nothing to do with this but my friend DJ Bifford Michael informs me otherwise. Though, Kimmy has taken to the microphone and released “Jam (Turn It Up)” as a first single available here but offers that she’s not starting a singing career. Regardless, I like “Shake” a lot even though it’s been panned considerably. I enjoy what the the beats and grooves offer me as a choreographer (and forever showgirl.)

I felt like this take of the video worked best of the three I filmed. Not bad for an old man. I thought I handled my stamina during the filming very well considering I’m not in class regularly. However, it was after we stopped that it felt as if a small hammer was pounding from the inside of my chest trying to bust through by lungs. Wow… It was intense. But bitch can still move! Trust. Now, that’s the Tea.