LGBT

Tell me – I am curious to know….

Why, in the history of film, have family entertainment films been absolutely devoid of any LGBT love whatsoever?

If you actually sit down, and ask kids weather or not they care if there are two men, two women, or otherwise kissing each other up there on the screen, (especially if they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual themselves), then you may be surprised that they wouldn’t care.

With children, I would bet that it is far more simple than that. As long as good prevails in the end, it’s fun, magical, and the story is quality, than all is well.

It has been suggested to me that all this is over paranoid parents, who clearly are the ones paying for the entertainment, wouldn’t be able to stomach such stuff.

Now, to an extent, one can very much understand that studio’s point of view. Supposedly, most of the world is straight. So, it makes sense to market to most of the world.

Thank you so much for missing out on potentially more LGBT dollars, than you would have gotten otherwise (if such a thing can even be quantified, when based on who is “out”, and who isn’t..??).

I also find it incredibly interesting that such an idea is never explored, hinted at, tested, or otherwise produced on any level, despite how many LGBT folks are clearly within the upper echelon of Hollywood royalty.

Ahhh….. “The Hollywood Rules”. So productive! Oh, I forgot! They are productive when they want to be! Otherwise, the “rules” are then “the black book”. Cute.

An interesting notion….. A young adult piece of fiction with LGBT characters, issues, etc…. It’s only a matter of time. Just now, while I write this, such a thing is being produced, I happen to personally know.

The straight angle of young adult, and children’s stories that have been put out by the major seven Hollywood studios have captivated me for too long. Something huge is coming, and I am happy to be at the helm!

“RAMONA, CA – Wrongly citing a school policy on sex education, a California school illegally censored a sixth grader’s classroom presentation about Harvey Milk earlier this month. According to a demand letter sent by the American Civil Liberties Union to the Ramona Unified School District today, the school violated Natalie Jones’s free speech rights when it refused to allow her to give the presentation in class. Instead, the school improperly required classmates to get parental permission to see the presentation during a lunch recess”

-PR-CANADA.NET
May 25, 2009
http://pr-canada.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=99707&Itemid=65

In addition to all of the obvious reasons why this is incredibly wrong, I was actually personally wondering why they wanted this presentation to be given during a lunch recess? Is the normal school time not good enough for them? Also, I thought that the lunch recess was just that – a recess. Surely, Natalie Jones has some playing to do!

How dare they, huh?

In seeing both the original documentary that “Milk” was based on, and the amazing film, please excuse me if I am wrong, but, I could’ve sworn that sex was not the main focus of those movies, and in turn, his life!

What exactly are they afraid of?

Thoughts that came to mind were the potential that the school board’s “ideals” were caught up too much in “traditional” Judeo-Christian beliefs. But, even there, if you do your history, the Bible was changed by kings, throughout time, to mainly Europe’s “benefit”.

So, THIS IS DOUBLY WRONG, being that these cowardly actions were being enacted by an educational institution!

Within the past five or so years, the media has been more out in general. Look at shows like Queer as Folk, and Will and Grace. You don’t think there are at least a small percentage of kids out there watching these shows? With the media leading as such, teenagers especially, will find it more comfortable to be out. Sixth grade is definitely the age, especially for girls, to start to at least quantify the possibility of being something other than straight.

Now, I have no idea what sexuality Natalie Jones is. It is the stance of the writer to wholly applaud her actions.

Here’s an interesting idea! Couldn’t Natalie Jones band together with a bunch of like minded students to plaster the school with clever posters in support of her cause? Maybe she could hand out pamphlets at lunch time? Hand out condoms, with the proper messages that wishes to get out there be attached! Hang a huge poster of Harvey Milk with a slogan – “My Hero!” attached at the bottom in front of the principle’s office! Anything to get her point across, and that she means business!

She needs to organize a group of individuals to be set behind her, to show the drama of the message.

Well, best of luck, Natalie Jones!

Caffeine, caffeine, caffeine, caffeine, cccaaafffeeeiinnee!!! For many, this is the only reason why they drink the age old classic. Deep. Dark. Complex. Rich. Earthy. Some words to describe, certainly. You have your “sludge”, your high end gourmet, and everything in between. Coffee culture abounds. Creativity thrives off of the ethereal, dark brown liquid.

Cappuccino? Latte? Blended with ice? Are you a Starbucks person, or a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf person? Rarely are you both.

In tasting coffee, so many out there merely equate it’s surface qualities as being burnt, strong, or weak. One doesn’t often find people treating it like the finest of wines. Often, one wonders if the only folks out there who care about it’s deeper qualities are the manufacturers.

Next time you taste a cup of drip, try not to throw in any creme or sugar. If that is too jarring, decrease the amounts of both over the period of a week to a month.

Why? Would you drink wine with creme and sugar?

During a tasting, try to open your mind a bit. At first, you get the standard coffee taste. Take a few more sips. Are their nuts? Do you taste a fragrance? Perhaps some earth? There is no right or wrong answer.

If you had a house blend today, try one that is dramatically different tomorrow. A coffee of this kind might be a French roast.

Once you are a bit more well seasoned, you may want to purchase several kinds. Some for your everyday brews, and others for your once in a while, or special occasion brews.

In the industry, a preferred method of drinking coffee is the french press, and it’s no wonder. It brings out the most nuance, flavor, and character of the bean.

So, go out there! Get started! Look to this blog for more entries that are devoted to this classic beverage. It could be a particularly wonderful cappuccino, an amazing syrup, or a new, and rare blend that I have discovered. In whatever case, I promise to keep it fresh, exciting, and delicious!

Is your office a complete mess, and could use a magic, organization fairy to come by wave her magic wand, and BLAM, it’s all gorgeous, high end, and svelte?

Perhaps you are using chairs as makeshift storage areas, or worse, temporary shelves?

Maybe you just want a fresh, and new overall design, because you are in the mood?

Fear not! In this hot topic, I discuss the ins, outs, dos and don’ts of good interior design. And, guess what? I make it easy! What’s that you say? You don’t know a silk from a chartreuse, or an Eames chair from an easy-chair? No problem! Take a deep breath! By the time you are through reading, you should walk away with some great tips to help your personal space be your best space.

First, color is of utmost importance. Color can make a room feel lively, dead, boring, or exciting. Don’t worry if you haven’t had color theory. Look to the world around you. If you want natural colors, look at some photography that you love of nature, and steal that color palette. Want something for the kids? See what colors are in their favorite cartoons. Notice how, usually, the colors of the main characters are the brightest, and aren’t used anywhere else in the show? There’s a reason for that. When you walk into a Starbucks, there’s a reason why that green, iconic logo is the only thing of that color in the store.

So, pick three or four colors, and then list them in the order of importance to you.

You’re best bet is to shy away from clashing color palettes. How would that scary vampire movie look with bright blues and flashy neons used in the production design? Immediately, you would get a mood change.

If there’s a particular time period in history that you enjoy, find some artwork, or photographs from then, and develop a palette that way. I would, again, find work that focus’s around a particular theme, because, artistically, the design of that theme should be well thought out, in terms of it’s message. And, usually, the more popular the message, the better the design, because it has stood the test of time.

Once you have decided on a winning color palette, it’s then time to choose some more of the formal elements. You can always start by going through your favorite interior design store catalog, and see what those designers have done. Ah! You see a gorgeous space that mixes neo-classical elements with arts and crafts? Or, 1950s retro with Victorian, and it all works? Why? Usually, it’s because color is tying things together.

So, go nuts! Look at several different kinds of chairs, beds, tables, lamps, paint colors, etc… If you have the money, try Macys, Armani Casa, and the like. If you have perhaps lesser means, than explore places such as *IKEA. And, in any case, go to garage sales of all kinds! Make the process fun! By the way, art, in and of itself, is difficult enough as it is. If you don’t make it fun, it can overwhelm you. Sometimes, don’t think. Just do! Go with your gut, because it is usually right!

Use your camera. Go to places and take pictures of different items from several angles. Then, group the pictures into an array on your table, and see if that faded purple lamp actually does go well with that spotted brown couch.

Inspiration can come from many different places! I find it driving down the street, going to theme parks, walking my dog, the beach, etc… And, let me tell you – brilliant ideas that have changed my life have come to me while I was in the shower. It’s crazy, but it works.

So, now you have purchased a bunch of gems, and you have no idea what to do with it all you say? Think of your room in terms of a grid that makes sense. Remember the cartoon? Put whatever you feel is your most prominent piece in the center of the room, or somewhere where you want it to be seen. Ideally, this is also your first color. Try and create a sense of drama. Maybe your bathroom towels match your kitchen rug. That’s totally cool. The more you can extend out your color space into the whole house, the more it will feel like a solid design approach.

At this point, I would certainly choose one color to tie the place together with. Whatever it is, dot it throughout. A pillow. A table runner. A lamp. A lightbulb. This could be your secondary color.

Your third and fourth colors could be plants, candles, rocks, etc.. Your finishers.

Try and place these kinds of items in the center of your tables.

Another helpful hint. Please, please, please, make this your own. Take my advice, and turn it on it’s head. Add to it. Embellish it. I am here to merely provide a solid base and grounding.

Hopefully, when you’ve finished, you will have a gorgeous space fit for the likes of the highest end!

*IKEA is a one stop shop. Period. Everything you could ever imagine that is available for a home is there, from ceiling to floor. It all works together, to a degree, and the place is a ton of fun. Granted, it may not be the highest end stuff on the planet, but, it fulfills nearly every conceivable design need, plus, plus, plus.

Definitely hot topics for any gay man.

What’s your favorite? Can you tell the difference between an Arabian Mocha Sanani and a French Roast? Bejoulais, or Merlot? Spagos or Eat.?

In this blog entry, I will highlight one very, very cool, cutting edge, and “in” to the over extreme – SLS by Starwood.

The atmosphere is clearly upscale industry. I, myself, am in a hipster t-shirt, sporting Calvin Klein black slacks, and comfortable shoes of the same name. All around me is upper class action! Every furn ishing is original to the piece. I absolutely love it when a locale can take you away from an entire around the world historic viewpoint, and be it’s own thing. Clearly, SLS does this. It’s decor is from every place, every time, and totally works together in an original manner.

The couch I am sitting in is, in form, from the neo classical era. However, it has a really awesome photographic print of an Asian hipster scene adorning the cushions. The clear chair on the other side of my table is ala Jetson’s clear plastic. Wonderful! See. Be seen. I just realized that my booth is surrounded by mirrors. Is this a fun house? A Hollywood fun house, for sure! If you’re lucky to spot the psychic, you can even get your cards read. Man, I wish more places were like this!

In their restaurant, I am currently dining at “The Bazaar” by Jose’ Andre’s. The cuisine is a tapas style – small, little bites, and is from Spain. Take traditional tapas, add a humongous amount of creativity, and you hav e SLS. I have been here several times, and am constantly surprised.

Tonight, it’s all about CAVIAR!!!

I have decided on the Avgotaraho, from Greece. It’s a Greek cured and pressed mullet caviar. Very different. Very interesting. As well, I am doing a presentation of American caviar with the traditional steamed blinis, creme fraiche, and lemon air?

My drink – a very tasteful selection of Sake. Tokubetsu Junmai Old Mountain (Housui Yamahai). Super dry, with premium yeast mash sourness, giving way to pleasant and mild sweetness is the description from the menu. I couldn’t agree more! Wonderfully “tannic”, and pairs perfect with the eggs. And, if I may, a detail that is impeccable… They served it in a Riedel glass. Truly masterful. So often the “nose” of sake is missed, because of what it’s served in. Here, since it is served like a Chardonnay, you get it. It’s gorgeous. $14.

The American just arrived. It is served on a small stone square. The bun, warm. The lemon air – fine lemon bubbles. Cute! This presentation was extremely well thought out. For the price, admittedly, you wouldn’t get a caviar that rivals some that are more fine. However, the way the bun pops in the mouth, and how the lemon air adds an extra zing makes it all worth it! $10.

So, the Avgotaraho isn’t what I expected. It is very small, thinly sliced pieces of egg (NOT the traditional caviar kind), with little bits of wax on top, and what look like some kind of tiny herb. Lets try….

It does have these delightful bits of lemon on top. This dish is incredibly complex. Let’s have some fishy fish, wax, and scale it way, way up. If you enjoy sardines, and anchovies, than you will love this, because it has a similar strong taste. I would say that your palette should be nicely complex, and open minded. The finish with the sake should be wildly applauded. Again, a clear surprised from Mr. Andres. $15.

Admittedly, it was trippy to look up while drinking, and see myself in the mirror above!

This is only the tip of the culinary food chain in terms of description. So, come. Be entranced! Bring a date! Find out your future, with alcohol coursing through your system! And spend hours!

Gay marriage. Such a hot topic today! I must admit, I never thought it would have happened to me. We have a son. An adorable miniature Italian Greyhound named Prince. Trust, the names fits well.

My other half, Ralph is 43, and I am 31. He’s black, while I’m white. He a Jesus centered upbringing, while mine was a healthy mix of Jewish and Wiccan. Does he have a body of Herculean proportions? Maybe not to others, but to me, he’s perfect. And me? Well, I’m a thin stick!! So what? We love each other.

So often, in the gay world, age differences can mean the world. But, luckily for us, we both saw past that upon our eyes meeting for the first time.

Where did we meet? Would you believe, myspace? Traditionally, the gay personals area of myspace is nothing more than a hook up board. And, for only one nighters at that. From someone who has been to at least five different dating sites, I honestly did get the most from myspace!

I wasn’t really expecting us to get past the first date. It was quite traditional. We went out to a movie at the ArcLight Cinemas, and had a great time. For food, we enjoy the same kinds, so going out to eat at restaurants is often not much of a battle.

I have to say, if there was any aspect, or angle that I attribute the longevity of our marriage to, it is the fact that we both come from similar background. His family lives in Palos Verdes Estates, and mine in Beverly Hills. It is true when you hear that “rich folks hang out with rich folks”. I can imagine that the same is true with all other groups. It is an innate, and inherent understanding that we both have, and grew up with.

If I can illuminate further, at one point, while discussing past men that he has dated, and questioning why our marriage is successful, Ralph mentioned, “You know how to act around my mom and dad – around rich people.” Then, it hit me. We were going to be together forever. I know, strange, eh?

His parents happened to have owned a Budweiser distributorship, serving an incredibly large sector of Southern California. My grandparents owned Beverly Hills Sound Company who rented walkie talkies and sound equipment to the entertainment industry. For all of you Lucy fans out there, David Wolpa was my grandfather’s name, and he worked with the cutting edge Glen Glenn sound on the show, as well as many other t.v. shows, and motion pictures at the time.

A large part of our relationship is our dog. We spoil him, and treat him like a child. Wherever we go, if possible, we bring him. Whenever we are out, and purchasing something for us, it is often that we buy for him first. He licks our plates clean at the dinner table, even after we have fed him his regular dog food! Princee-pooh!

I find that our work lives are even interesting, as we are both always learning something from each other’s professions. He works at the Gay and Lesbian Center in Hollywood, and while servicing the entertainment industry with small projects, I am quite happy working with Staples in their Copy and Print Center. Oh, and I must say, for those whom may think that a “copy monkey” isn’t creative work, clearly, you have never worked in a copy and print center! It is enormously creative, and each job and client is different. This is how I view it. The full service copy and print center is in it’s own little world, doing jobs for clients. Then, there is the self serve world, which is it’s own ball of wax, but works with the full service world. Then, there is the rest of the store at large that works with the other two departments. Then, there is the team that you work with to smoothly tie it all together.

What makes it incredibly creative are the challenges. When a customer asks you to do something that is normally outside of the “normal boundaries” of the center, it’s how you solve that customer’s solution that makes you valuable.

In terms of Ralph’s work – to say the least, don’t know how he does what he does on a daily basis. He is a true angel. He works in a beautiful homeless shelter for primarily LGBT youth, ages 18-24. Ralph says that it is rewarding work and very challenging. As well, he is very passionate about his work.

Do our families know each other? Not yet. No marriage is perfect. In this case, it is about protecting our marriage. We are hoping for a meeting of the two forces as soon as possible. And, you know what? That’s o.k. Ultimately, you have to do what you have to do to keep the love between you strong. Is it selfish? Well, that depends upon how you look at that. On the surface, perhaps. When you look deeper into it, if, only once in your life, you find that perfect other, than maybe it isn’t so much so.

Heavens, what do we do for fun??!!!! Lots of things! We enjoy Disneyland, Santa Monica beach and pier, Pasadena, Palm Springs, many places. Being in California definitely provides it’s fair share of eclectic activities. All in all, the ideal city for us to live, and my personal favorite would have to be Pasadena. I call it the “Paris of Los Angeles”. It’s rich history, culture, and good natured people are grossly under estimated.

We can enjoy a lavish dinner at the Ritz Carlton hotel castle just as easily as a seven dollar lunch at King Taco. For fast food mexican in the area, you can’t beat it. We often go for various reasons. One thing’s for sure. The Gamble House in town will keep anyone coming back! This is an Art’s and Crafts masterpiece, and was created around the turn of the century by Greene and Greene. Today, it is owned by the University of Southern California, and architecture students live and study there. In addition, they do give public tours.

Pasadena is also home to the world famous Art Center College of Design. They are known for their automotive design, but excel in all of their areas. For myself, I have taken classes both at Art Center, and Pasadena City college in graphic design. Both have propelled my career forward.

When Ralph and I are browsing around the streets, we enchant ourselves by walking in and out of different alleyways, seeing interesting little shops, arguing over what is expensive, and what isn’t, and by the end of the day, we are drinking tea, and driving home. The rich diversity of places we go out to, and activities we enjoy can not only be defining, but certainly enhance our already strong marriage.

I could fill ten books with this information. This is but a taste. A first go at this exciting blog! Thank you, and we hope to see you back soon!