In this homage to great dance club music from the 80s and 90s, Netherlands-created pop group Bear Force One
LGBT – QUEER BOOKS
GAY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Tag Archives: Gay Culture
BEAR FORCE ONE – FURRY ROCKERS RULE
PALM SPRINGS PICTURES
Need a gift idea for a special someone who loves the local Palm Springs way of life and gay culture that can be found here in our warm Coachella Valley? Here are a few fierce and fabulous picture books that will make a wonderful addition to someone’s coffee table, home or office. As varied as the pictures themselves, the three titles below really show what our valley is about and gives the viewer a glimpse of the incredible lives many of us live. With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming up not to mention that unique individual that would love this generous thoughtful gift just because, these books are perfect!
| Palm Springs Modern | Palm Springs Holiday | Palm Springs Living |
|---|---|---|
MODERN LIVING  |
VINTAGE HOLIDAY  |
DESERT LIFE  |
WHITE PARTY 2012 PALM SPRINGS
“I can’t believe White Party is already here!” I overheard someone say the other day at the gym. He continued, “I’m not at my ideal swimsuit weight yet. How can I cope with the gorgeous untouchables that arrive soon?!” His honest but hopeful friend replied, “Eh, hope it takes a turn and brings on the cooler side of things and find yourself some impressive layers. If that does’t happen and it’s gorgeous all around you, get ready to drink a lot.”
I, too, can not believe it time for Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party. Soon the beautiful ones will be prancing up and down the track of World Gym on our weekend pass strutting it out and causing a stir with their ways. Love them. No, seriously. My fingers are not crossed behind my back. Smiling through the pain. Actually, with the exception of a few of them, most everyone is cool and knows I don’t deal with it. It meaning attitude. This will be my 7th year working at the LGBTQ infused fitness experience, World Gym. The children come through! Translation: No, no kids. “Children” meaning the circuit squirrels. Ah, those were the days. I remember them very well… somehow.
World famous DJs invade turntables and fill dance floors with hungry party goers. Fierce performers like the recently announced Mary J Blige
SHARE NIGHTCLUB LAS VEGAS
It always works out that I get busy with travel and happenings around the finale of winter and premiere of spring. 2012 is no exception. Next weekend the Husband and I are heading to – you guessed it – LAS VEGAS! A good (and gorgeous!) friend Michael Crisp has opened yet another premiere nightclub and LGBT lifestyle venture in Sin City and we’re heading over in support and love. On March 3, Share Nightclub celebrates its official grand opening with VIP at 9 p.m. (that’s us!) and general masses at 11. It’s going to be off the blinged-out chain!
Attendees and celebrities scheduled to appear include host Ross Matthews, photographer Mike Ruiz, the NOH8 Campaign, Carson Kressley, sweetheart Ronnie Kroell, Penn and Teller, Luciana
TAKING THAT EXTRA FIVE
STEVEN SPILLS © 110
TAKING AN EXTRA FIVE
I actually got this idea from a stray copy of Glamour magazine that was laying around the gym. Yes, I read it for the hot trends and pictures of gorgeous women I’ll never be. No comments, Sassy? It seemed like a fun way of sharing timely advice and a few opinions on how to make the most out of things that are worth taking the extra five minutes to do!
We are all in a hurry. Well, those of us who work jobs and have lives outside them seem to have much less time to do things than those that who, for whatever reason, do not work. Yes, I’m trying to be a strong victim. However, there are certain things and special times that we ALL need to stop and cherish or option those extra five minutes into something worthy of the pause.
After a long day at work or day trip away, you’ve arrived home damn tired. Yes, I concur. But, guess what? You’ve interacted with people, talked to them and been places. Your pets have not. Man’s Best Friends
In a hurry? STOP! Glance in the mirror and check your nose for dried accouterment and your teeth for poppy seeds or parsley. Look directly at yourself smizing
Take time at the grocery store and read the labels of the food you’re buying. When the real ingredients underscore the preservatives by far, things are bad. Learn about what it takes to keep a healthy heart
Leave five minutes early to everything you have to be at. Why are you rushing into Yoga
Stay in touch and let your friends, BFFs, parents and family know you’re alive. Take those few minutes and just reach out to someone who cares and that you care about. Even taking time to speak to someone you may not know or that could be going through something you’re unaware could very well mean a lot to them. It takes more effort to avoid someone than to simply say, “Hello.”
When sending out online photos always take the moment to check what’s in your background and around you in the photo. Move the frame with grandma’s picture and step away from the wood paneling and rifle rack. Use time to snap some decent pictures of yourself. Take a bunch and delete the bad ones. Find your light and angles. The light should hit you between the eyes. Use your camera phone or go all out and check the Sony Cyber Optical Zoom Camera
I have a new thing that I do when things start moving too fast around me. I imagine jumping high in the air before l land digging my heels deep into bricks as they break underneath me stopping just before hitting an imaginary wall in slow-mo. That tunes me down and I enjoy a calming breath. Using just five special minutes to take it down a notch will keep one more focused and present in the now.
Order some business cards or calling cards online so you don’t have to brother your bartenders or gym staff for a pen and paper (or shudder — matchbox) for your trick, err, coffee date. Vista Print is amazing for cheap and on-the-quick ordering online. Before you know it, they’ve arrived on your doorstep! Voila!
Pick up your remote if you have time between shows and channel surf into waves of television. Learn about something new, perhaps. Get lost in the gem shopping channels or BBC News. Just escape! If it’s only for five minutes take a break for yourself. You deserve more but can’t afford it, I know. Neither can I. Nor can I afford more words. Goodbye!
2012 © PULP
STEVEN TAKES SIN CITY
STEVEN SPILLS © 109
ONE NIGHT IN HEAVEN
As we all know by now that what happens in Vegas during one of my fabulous trips is told here with every gruesome detail of debauchery. Quick recap if you’re just joining in… I love Las Vegas
I turned forty-something on 01/01 or as many call it “thirty-nine for another year.” The husband and I aren’t into big parties so we always discuss how to spend our special days respectively and that’s how we do it. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and I have a very nice relationship with one another. The place is sick! I couldn’t think of a better location for our one night getaway. This stunning resort offers everything I need for comfort and joy. Unique surroundings celebrating individuality of the guest delivering immediate results for every person’s whim or desire. And those magnificent open-air balconies are decadent.
The anticipation grew within me as flashy billboards that dress the sides of I-15 heading into Las Vegas increased in volume and intensity. Since laying low on New Year’s Eve and saving our mojo for Sin City, we lived vicariously through the bright marquees that told of The Dutchess
Once we checked into The Cosmopolitan, we discovered that our upgraded suite faced the fabulous fountains of Bellagio. I was in heaven. That’s what I personally call The Cosmopolitan, “Heaven,” because it is. I immediately opened the sliding doors and caught the first of many fountain shows we would witness during our stay. We called down for the bags and within a blink they were delivered to our room and unpacked. Soon after, we headed over to Bally’s to pick up our tickets for Jubilee! and run the Strip for a few minutes before dinner.
The energy downstairs in the casino at The Cosmopolitan was still rowdy and right on target for ringing in the New Year from the night before. Wheel of Fortune slot machines shamelessly gobbled up the twenties we fed them as we strutted through. It didn’t ruin our good moods. However, it was when we entered Bally’s that there was some concern. Talk about Hunger Games.
We took the moving walkway up to Bally’s and entered. It was quite surreal being there considering the property was once MGM Grand where I would visit as an impressionable child with my parents. The hotel hasn’t changed much since then. As soon as we entered, this aggressive sales chick basically jumped on us sinking her teeth into us seeming concerned about our travel needs. I immediately replied, “Get to the pitch. We have to go.” She laughed and pushed us off on an anxious sales guy. We declined their offer and continued on to pick up the show tickets.
Downstairs I strolled through memory lane as we walked past shops where I once spent my trip allowance on Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. Although, I don’t recall desperate sales dudes standing at kiosks offering what appeared to be counterfeit Louis Vuitton
With a few minutes to spare I slid into the sunken Japanese tub back in the room for a soak and got lost in the burning neon bulbs of the Strip that radiated before me. Ah, bliss. Once arriving downstairs to Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill we ordered a ton of delicious sushi displayed extravagantly on long boards and even had a generous round of sake complements of the resort. Luckily the walk over to Bally’s afterwards for the show would help walk off our amazing cuisine.
Jubilee! celebrates its 30th anniversary and is quite spectacular still today. Topless showgirls in stunning costumes of beads and rhinestones, grand sets that rise and fall throughout, and familiar songbook classics performed with heart and experience is what any theatre addict will find nightly inside the ballroom at Bally’s. It greatly satisfied the repressed showgirl deep inside me. It’s a must-see for any true Vegas junkie. You can bet on it!
2011 © PULP
Posted in FABULOUS TRAVEL, HERE'S THE TEA, LAS VEGAS, MY WORDS IN PRINT, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, STEVEN SPILLS
Tagged Bally's Las Vegas, Bellagio Las Vegas, Best Las Vegas Entertainment, Best Resorts Las Vegas, Blue Ribbon Sushi Las Vegas, Gay Culture, Gay Travel, Great Travel Tips, Jubilee! Bally's Las Vegas, Las Vegas, MGM Grand Hotel Casino, PULP Magazine, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
“THE HELP” HITS HOME
We are all into Redbox (even though I believe it’s with a lower-case “r” in the logo) right now. Easy movie rentals for $1 and there is a kiosk almost everywhere. Reserve the film online or take your chances at the actual machine, then pick it up for the night returning it by 9 p.m. the next evening at ANY Redbox kiosk. I always wondered how you could rent a movie at the airport via Redbox with the transient ways of a traveler. Where would you return it? Now I know. Sorry it took me so long to get to one and rent movies. Only the latest and hottest flicks are available. Rarely do I see a former box office smash or the like but those are on cable so no big deal. If you’re weary of sliding your credit card, use one that you have a good report with like American Express and trust it will all be fine. And grab some popcorn!
Last evening we picked up The Help
In the film, the sight of confederate flags brought the feeling home to me personally since the mascot at my high school in Nashville, TN was a confederate soldier, a rebel, holding the flag. Years passed and I believe the school changed the mascot to panthers or cougars or something along those non-discriminatory lines. We would spray paint a HUGE rebel flag across the lawn during Homecoming Week every year. This was the south in the eighties, remember.
Enjoy the film and when the award shows are televised you’ll be in the know about what wins the awards. And again, grab the damn popcorn!
Posted in BEST IN FILM, HERE'S THE TEA, OUR BIG GAY LIFE
Tagged Award Show Season 2012, Blogging LGBT Issues, Bryce Dallas Howard, Emma Stone, Gay Culture, Gay Nashville, Gay Pop Culture, Gay Travel, Great Travel Tips, History of Confederate South, Jesscia Chastain, Local Palm Springs News, Octavia Spencer, Renting from Redbox, The Help, Viola Davis
OUR GAY CULTURE
STEVEN SPILLS © 108
JUST IN JANUARY
How are those resolutions going?! You know that if you’re going to change something you should just start now not later. When you are serious about the switch from what’s-happening-wrong to make-it-better-you then you’re not going to wait. Just do it! (As the Nike campaign instructs.) If slowing down and taking that needed breath is what’s on order, take that few seconds to hit the breaks on the chaos of life. When a fire could perk up your work speed or dream chasing, imagine walking on hot coals barefooted and get moving.
January brings in tons of popular culture collectables including devastating drag queens, salacious British extremists and red carpet gowns on award-winning actresses. Where do we begin? There’s so much going on that calendars are full and people busy. What more can we ask for? And as Joan Crawford, err, Faye Dunaway commanded in Mommie Dearest, “Now, let’s get to work.”
Well, Sweetie Darling. You do know that brand new episodes of that 90s smash cult hit Absolutely Fabulous are hitting Logo TV, in association with BBC America, throughout January. Everyone’s favorite duo is back! Edina and Patsy bring that absolute fabulousity that we’ve come to expect from them. In conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of their original production, three new episodes bring our party mavericks into an era of Kardashians and having to realize results of past indiscretions.
Watching our women portray these iconic tawdry extremists so deliciously brings back brilliant memories of my life in Atlanta. I would sit around with my group of best confidants watching the series, circa mid-90s, recovering from a long weekend of excessive hardcore celebrating like our Madame Monsoon and Diva Stone would pull off in a night. I’ve seen one of the newest episodes at press time and find their delivery as impeccable as ever and already yearn for more! Set the DVR, Sweetie! Alright?!
Joyful Noise starring two of our favorite ladies of stage and screen, Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah, hits theaters on January 13. “It’s ladies night. Oh, what a night. What a night.” Just saying this is a lesbian’s wet dream come true. Parton’s pretty and curvaceous style and Latifah’s undeniable sass and witty grit come together on film to try and save a struggling gospel choir win a national competition. Both artists have talented voices so I would bet the soundtrack will be a must-hear! Maybe we’ll even see our ladies on the red carpet during our upcoming award show season turning heads with other stunners dressed in the likes of Tom Ford, McQueen and Versace.
On January 24, speaking of struggling choirs, our hardworking cast of Glee will be delivering an entire episode of Michael Jackson smashers dedicated to the late King of Pop including Brittany and Santana singing “In the Closet” and Darren Criss’ character Blaine crooning “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” With the series having both its high notes and low registers this season, I’m looking forward to seeing what they produce with this episode. Guaranteed, the results will be detailed and dissected by critics and fans alike. Us included!
Do you consider yourself a Heather or a Booger?! Watch the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and figure it out. Now I love a good drag pageant and by the looks of the previews running on Logo TV, the new season of RDR is going to be bigger and better than ever before. The prize money for top spot as America’s Next Drag Superstar has been yanked to $125K so these other reality programs need to step up their games. It has even made me contemplate shaving my chest, taping ‘em up, tucking it back, painting my canvas and competing for the crown. Would that be so bad?!
This season’s premiere is January 30 and brings the likes of edgy competitors Sharon Needles (love that name!) and bald but beautiful The Princess; fierce mammas of size South Beach’s Latrice Royale and the self-proclaimed “Asian plus-sized Barbie” Jiggy Caliente from Queens, NY; and legendary Cher impersonator Chad Michaels from San Diego, to name just a few. There’s thirteen divas vying for the title this round and my score card is anxious for some at-home judging. Join me, please!
Toss in a few moments on the calendar for the “weird but wonderful” happening in January and we have our month: Milk Day (01/11), the Frisbee’s birthday (01/13), National Dress Up Your Pet Day (01/14), National Popcorn Day (01/19), and (my favorite) Hugging Day (01/21).
2012 © PULP
Posted in HERE'S THE TEA, MY WORDS IN PRINT, OUR BIG GAY LIFE, REALITY TV RECAPS, STEVEN SPILLS
Tagged Absolutely Fabulous, British Television Humor, Celebrities Who Inspire, Dolly Parton, Gay Culture, Gay Events January, Gay Pop Culture, Glee on Fox, January Days of Interest, Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Joyful Noise, Michael Jackson Tribute Glee, PULP Magazine, Queen Latifah, Reality TV, RuPauls Drag Race, Television Icons
BEWARE! BEFORE YOUR NEXT SEXT…
Just some food for thought while I’m unwinding from the workday and deciding what size glass I’ll need for wine. I was “chatting” earlier with someone on one of the social networking apps on the iPhone. It was getting all hot and bothered, the conversation, that is… and I sent him some “information” and he in returned the favor. Boy, did he ever owe me this favor! But I digress.
We finished what we had to say and I put down my phone from doing a screen capture of what he had sent for further use. My short-term memory loss kicks in after work. Long days, you know! Anyhoo, A “screen capture” is a feature on the iPhone that offers the owner a chance to capture ANYTHING on the iPhone’s screen. Yes, anything. It puts into the Camera Roll file as a photo and then you have it saved until you delete it. Hmm.
Now, this is hardly news to anyone. Or is it?! So… the next time you sext (sending sexy content to another via texting) just insist on the fact that you look your best, your picture has good lighting in the darker areas of the “room,” you spell all of your filth correctly and you wouldn’t mind giving everyone else around the opportunity to see it, as well. ”Oh, they wouldn’t do that now would they?!” you request? Oh, come on, Toots! Don’t be naive.
No, not everyone will go to that trouble but there have been assholes on Facebook that post screen captures of the guy grids on Grindr and other idiots that have no life other than to bother others with the same bullshit. Some of the mobile apps for networking even allow you to save any picture. This is just a wake-up call to everyone that believes and reads my words. We won’t cease sending personal information but maybe this will make you stop before the next time and rethink things before proceeding with caution. Just saying.
LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS
Somebody stop me! I’m a shopping fool. Not only have I found myself in the mall on my last trip to Nashville but again yesterday The Husband and I pressed it to Palm Desert Mall and braved the crowds and strollers. I have found online shopping becoming my fast new best friend. Eww, the shopping mall! OK, anyhow… Need that last minute Christmas gift idea? Wanna buy something for yourself instead? You’ve come to the right place. So get to shopping. We’re in the home stretch to the Day of Santa!
I can’t start my day without my coffee. End of discussion. Well, let;s just say it’s damn hard. I’ve been checking into the Keurig Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System
Baby, it’s cold outside. Yes, indeed. The North Face Mens Black Denali Jacket
So you’ve gotten the new Apple iPhone 4 16GB Smartphone or your iPod is desperate for a place to call home. The Logitech S715i Rechargeable Speaker for iPod and iPhone
I like a man who smells good. Hey, screw that! I love a man who smells great! I enjoy smelling tasty, myself. Tom Ford by Tom Ford for Men. Eau De Toilette Spray is delicious and anything he does and sells, I’m buying.
He wears the butch shirts and you’ve always wanted to know where he got them. Well, I’m here to help! Xtreme Couture Randy Couture has the hottest t-shirts with bling or without, bright colors or dark and sinister like your wild side. And by the way, I wear a large. Just saying… HO-HO-HO!
