Host Shawn Palacious dishes on the hottest cultural events, appearances and live performances in South Florida, including “9 To 5: The Musical” at The Broward Center, Rita Rudner live at Boca Black Box, Joe Posa as Joan Rivers at Delray Beach Playhouse, Neil Sedaka live at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Miami’s Ultimate Drag Queen at Magic City Casino, and the Top 3 picks of the week.
Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs & Special Events, and Erick Eldridge, Special Events Manager, stop by the Hotspots Live studio to give us all the details on The 5th Annual Diversity Honors at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.
On March 30th and 31st, Compass Community Center will host their annual Palm Beach Pride at Bryant Park in Lake Worth. The festival is expected to draw over twenty thousand people to town for the weekend’s ever-expanding number of events and activities, which include the annual Pride Parade through downtown Lake Worth, a “Youth Village” that is available to families on both days, delicious international cuisines, and world-class entertainment.
Palm Beach Pride’s theme is “50 Years of Pride” which is a recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, the event largely honored as the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement.
This year, for the first time, Compass is partnering with the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County to create a unique piece of art that will serve as the backdrop of Palm Beach Pride’s stage. Rolando Chang-Barrero of The Box Gallery in West Palm Beach submitted the winning entry which will feature members of the community consistent with the 50 Years of Pride theme, and the festival will feature more art and artists than ever before, all around the park.
Another exciting addition this year’s Pride festivities is an expanded family fun area, or “Youth Village”, made possible by a partnership with South Florida Family Pride. Compass also welcomes Big Dog Ranch and XXX, with dogs available for adoption all weekend.
“One thing that sets our Pride apart from others is how family-friendly it is. We hope everyone enjoys the festival, including families with children,” Amanda Canete, Compass’ youth program director, explains. Compass’ youth group participants will be at the festival, volunteering at the youth village and raising funds for their upcoming Equality Prom and Lavender Graduation.
Palm Beach Pride is possible thanks to major sponsors such as CAN Community Health, ViiV Healthcare and PNC Bank. Attendees will be able to enjoy the festival on the water, visiting over 100 vendors and enjoying a variety of great food options, adult beverages for those old enough to partake, and two full day of high energy entertainment. Compass members can take advantage of perks at the members tent, and free HIV testing will be available to all, thanks to our partners at AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
The list of entertainers this year is exciting and diverse. Saturday will feature numerous local performers, including drag queens and musicians, and local celebrities from the KVJ show on 97.9 WRMF. World-renowned DJ Citizen Jane will be spinning throughout the day between shows. Emcees Melissa St. John and RaeJean Cox will be back to entertain for the weekend, too. Sunday’s headliners include openly gay rap artist Cazwell whose True Color Tour, featured on Logo, traveled to 15 cities in North America benefiting the Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG and The Matthew Shepard Foundation. Compass is also thrilled to feature Robin S, whose hits “Luv 4 Luv ” and “Show Me Love” hits peaked #1 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Hot Dance Singles and topped the charts in R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and the Billboard Hot 100.
This year’s parade will feature pioneer members of the local LGBTQ community, many of whom are participants in Compass’ Legacy Project. The Project is an intergenerational storytelling program that features mature members of our community being interviewed by LGBTQ Youth. Also featured will be Miss Palm Beach Pride 2019, Kataleya Davenport Dupree.
Tickets are for each day of the festival are $8 until Thursday, March 28, and $10 starting on Friday, March 29. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Compass, the Book Cellar, Studio 205, Rooster’s, The Mad Hatter, Penny’s at the Duke, and Fort Dix. For more information about Palm Beach Pride, go to compassglcc.com/community-and-events/palm-beach-pride/.
Compass Community Center is Palm Beach County’s only LGBTQ Community Center and works to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. Without a doubt, Palm Beach Pride exists as an important component of Compass’ efforts to create a safe place to live and allows for more effective local advocacy. The event has now grown from a small gathering to one of the largest festivals in South Florida.
Cuando hablamos de cuba debemos resaltar su historia su cultura y mas que eso la caludad de Gente que es la comunidada cubana sus costumbre sus comidas La prehistoria de la isla deCubainicia con la llegada de los primeros aborígenes hasta la llegada deCristóbal Colónen 1492. La historia escrita de la isla comienza con la penetración española que creó laCapitanía General de Cuba.
Durante el primer viaje deCristóbal Colón, la primera isla visitada y conocida por los nativos comoGuanahanifue bautizada con el nombre deSan Salvador, la segunda con el nombre de “Santa María de la Concepción Rum Cay, la tercera la bautizó “Fernandina”Isla Longen honor aFernando segundo de Aragónpor su gran tamaño, y a la isla llamada Samaet por los nativos la bautizó como IsabelaCrooked Islanden honor aIsabel I de Castilla. Es en esta última isla el21 de octubrede1492donde Colón escucha hablar a los nativos de la isla llamada Colba oCubay de Bohio (La Española). Colón se entusiasmó, pues estaba convencido de que Colba eraCipango, incluso portaba cartas de losReyes Católicosdirigidas alGran Khan, pues el objetivo del viaje era precisamente viajar a las tierras de oriente en busca deperlasyoro.
Acompañado de diez nativos deGuanahani, el miércoles24 de octubrepartió de la isla Isabela en busca de Cuba, después de cruzar unos bancos de arena (Ragged Island) en la tarde lluviosa del sábado27 de octubrede1492avistaron la isla.
Colón bautizó a la isla con el nombre de Juana en honor aJuan de Aragónquién aún vivía y era el heredero a la corona de losReyes Católicospatrocinadores del viaje. Frecuentemente se piensa que fue bautizada en honor aJuana I de Castilla, lo que es un error, pues ésta sólo fue posteriormente la heredera del trono tras las muertes del príncipe Juan (4 de octubrede1497) y de su hermana mayorIsabel de Aragón(23 de agostode1498).
Años más tarde, el nombre de Fernandina fue trasladado a la isla de Cuba por su gran tamaño en comparación a la isla Long, también se le pretendió asignar el nombre deSantiagopor la ciudad que fundóDiego Velázquez de Cuéllaren1515. Sin embargo la isla siempre fue referida con el nombre de Cuba, ya sea por Cubanacán ó por una derivación de Colba.
Una de las cosas que me gustaria resaltar es su gastronomia el cual incluye deliciosos platos como los de acontonuacion algunos de muchos deliciosos platillos cubanos
Congrí
Una receta de la cocina de Cuba que mezcla de arroz y caraotas negras. Tiene algunas variaciones, depende en la región que lo pidas y del cocinero. Su origen parece ser africano.
Picadillo a la Criolla
Posiblemente otro de los más conocidos entre las comidas típicas cubanas. Llevamuchos productos españoles, carne de res, cerdo, jamón, cebolla, pimiento, ajo, tomates, uvas pasas, aceitunas, alcaparras, comino, laurel, y otros ingredientes. Se sirve con arroz blanco y plátanos maduros fritos.
Vaca frita
Este es un plato típico cubano, debido a sutextura crujiente. Es muy parecido a la Ropa Vieja, pero sin tomates. Lleva cebolla, ajo, limón, sal y res.
Ropa Vieja
Ropa Vieja es el plato típico cubano más representativo. Su nombre proviene de su aspecto. El origen exacto de esta comida es un misterio, algunos dicen que llegó a Cuba de las Islas Canarias, aunque no hay referencias históricas de este hecho.
No me gustaria concluir sin antes hablar de los maravillosos destinos turisticos que podemos vicitar en nuestra vicitas a cuba a continuasion los tres mas visitados por turistas enpezamos con varadero Más de veinte kilómetros de playas de ensueño han hecho de Varadero uno de los lugares turísticos de Cuba de mayor renombre mundial, litoral que cautiva con sus arenas blancas que asemejan talco, aguas cálidas y transparentes, entornos de exuberante vegetación, sol durante todo el año e infraestructura hotelera de excepción.
Paraíso para amantes del snorkel y el buceo, Varadero también fascina por su extraordinaria biodiversidad marina, hogar de sitios únicos tales como la Playa el Coral o la inmensa cueva oceánica “Hoyo Azul Ojo del Mégano”, que permiten sumergirse a grandes profundidades entre diferentes tipos de corales, moluscos y peces multicolores. Más información enviajes a Varadero.
Haora es el turno de la incomparable ciudad de Cienfuegos Apodada como la Perla del Sur, es reconocida como una de las ciudades más bellas de Cuba, destacando por sus elegantes arquitecturas de influencia francesa desplegadas en un hermoso centro histórico declarado Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco.
Otros atractivos de Cienfuegos corresponden a su litoral bañado por el Mar Caribe, con playas como Rancho Luna y sus impresionantes columnas de coral, un verdadero laberinto marino donde es posible realizar snorkeling y buceo.
Y por ultimo pero no menos importante Cayo Santa María Parte del grupo de más de 500 islotes dispersos en las aguas turquesas del Mar Caribe conocidos como Cayos de la Herradura.
Destacan en el lugar el sorprendente paisaje de canales entre los cayos, bosques de manglares, y paradisiacas playas rodeadas de cocoteras, cuyas aguas de baja profundidad permiten sumergirse entre un universo de corales y peces multicolores.
Bueno amigos hasta la proxima fue un verdadero placer sobre la mas grande de las antillas su amigo de siempre Oscar Ambulo.
Logo TV founder Matt Farber’s 2019 Outlandish performance series at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale concludes on Saturday, April 6 at 8 pm with “Lee Squared: A Tribute to Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee.”
In this funny and touching review, New York City Bistro and MAC Award winners David Maiocco and Chuck Sweeney reprise their iconic performances as the music legends who defined four decades of music and pop culture. Two “Lees” for the price of one!
Liberace lived a life of flamboyance, sparkle, and lavish costumes. In this hilarious show, the virtuoso musician gets one more chance to glitter and shine as he tickles the ivories through his favorite songs. And, well, Miss Peggy Lee is beyond description.
It was a pleasure to sit down with David and Chuck for this Hotspots interview:
At what age did you each begin performing, and how did it happen?
David– I started playing piano by ear at 3, and I started performing when I was 5 years old, By 7 I had lessons, and by 9 I was giving recitals and preparing to do this for the rest of my life.
Chuck– I probably was about the same age as David. It was whenever the “Sound of Music” was released and I became obsessed with movie musicals. I would go see them and then perform the entire musical for my family in my living room.
What was your first professional/paid role?
David– My first paid gig was when I was 15 years old and I got a music directing job with a summer youth group directing the musical “Snoopy.” I got paid $300.
Chuck– It was with my best friend Michael at about 14 or 15. We were the hired act for my grandmother’s organization, “The Catholic Daughters of America’s,” luncheon and we got paid $20 each and a meal.
Do you impersonate other characters?
David– This is my first professional impersonation or characterization. Most of my life I was a pianist and a musical director.
Chuck– I impersonate Judy Garland, Phyllis Diller, Ethel Merman, Eartha Kit and many others. Judy was the one that gave me my start.
Other than this role, what has been your favorite to play?
David– I would say my favorite was being an off Broadway conductor.
Chuck– I loved doing regular musical theater, and eventually I will get back to it.
What is your fantasy role?
David– I want to play the Olivia Newton John’s role is the Broadway Musical “Xanadu.”
Chuck– I would love to play in “Hello, Dolly!” as Dolly Levi.
How did you two meet?
David– We met in 1998 when I was the conductor of an off Broadway Judy garland musical. Chuck came to audition, and was the alternate Judy in the show which ran in the Village for 4 months.
What should our readers expect from“Lee Squared: A Tribute to Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee”?
David– There is something for everyone from 11 to 88. There is real singing, and real comedy packed into an hour of a roller coaster ride.
Chuck– They should expect lots of sheer costumes, sequins and comedy. We are living in dire times and the beauty of our show, is that for at least one hour you can get lost with silly comedy and brilliant musicality.It’s as if Liberace and Peggy Lee are still alive and working it on the cruise ship circuit.
Tickets for “Lee Squared: A Tribute to Liberace and Miss Peggy Lee” start at only $30 at OutlandishFL.com.
Beat the egg, and combine all the ingredients, gently folding in the crabmeat (so as not to break it up too much). Shape into patties in whatever size you choose. Fry over medium high heat until golden. Serve and enjoy with a squeeze of lemon and some tartar or cocktail sauce.
Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami(MOCA) is thrilled to welcome backRachelle Cobaas part of its monthly “Jazz at MOCA” series. With riffs that can bring down the house and a voice that awakens the hearts, Coba sweeps away her audiences with her own high-powered brand of blues; from soul, to country, to uptown, onto the stage. Her take on the blues is unexpectedly honest and mesmerizing. After years of performing in festivals like Chicago Bluesfest and opening for renowned artists including Dr. John, The Cate Brothers and Candye Kane, Coba has crafted her own style and formed The Rachelle Coba Band. With an exciting new trio, Coba has relocated back to South Florida and is playing to steadily growing audiences in the US and abroad. The public is invited to enjoy the jazz rhythms of the Rachelle Coba, rain or shine! The museum will be closed for installation of its upcoming exhibition.” This event is free and open to the public, but for more info go to:mocanomi.org.
Saturday, March 30
The Pubstarts “The Good Times Saturday Brunch” starringMaryel Eppssinging jazz, and gospel from 2-3:30pm.
Compass Community Centerpresents the28thannual Pride of the Palm Beachestoday and tomorrow from 12-6pm (don’t forget the annual parade at 11am on Sunday). Tickets are $8 in advance (Compassglcc.com) and $10 at the gate.
The Harvey Milk Foundationand thePride Center at Equality Parkpresents the fifth annualDiversity Honorsat theSeminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. This event honors those who are transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness. For more information, see the feature in this week’s magazine or go to DiversityHonors.org.
Magic City Casinopresents their annualUltimate Miami Drag Queenat 9pm. The night will feature special appearances byRupaul’s Drag Race’s Shangela and Miss Vangieas well as current winnerTiffany Fantasiaand the 2017 winnerAthena Dion. Tickets are just $25 (VIP Tables are available) at theultimatemiami.com.
The Miami Gay Men’s Chorusproudly presents Boys on Broadway featuring songs from their favorite shows – Guys and Dolls (sans the dolls), How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, West Side Story, South Pacific, Cabaret and many more – that have been sung by men or groups of men…with a twist or two here and there. The show takes place at 8pmat Coral Gables Congregational Churchlocated at 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Tickets are $25 for adults (in advance at MGMChorus.org). Children 12 and under enter for free.
The Manor Complexpresents “The Manor World” in the ballroom starringInternational DJ/Producer Dani Toroand performing live,Nalaya, the voice of Ibiza.Noche Latina Saturdays, in the Ivy Dance room and Patio, celebrates theLatin Pop Divaswith performances byViva MirageandLana Novva Lannude. The night will also starDJ Cubano Miikand sexy Latin Go-Go Papi’s.Doors open at 11pm to 4am, and feature NO COVER before midnight (FL Res) and only $7 for members after midnight and $10 for non-members (18-20 – $12 all night).
Sunday, March 31
The PubpresentsLady Fancy’s Gospel Jubilee, which is a church of a different kind and features good old fashioned Southern Gospel music at 7 pm.
The annualJapanese Spring Festivalreturns today from 10am to 4 pm to theMiami Beach Botanical Garden,located at 2000 Convention Center Drive. Admission is free with registration atbit.ly/MBBGarden. The Japanese Spring Festival invites guests to experience Japanese culture firsthand through interactive and immersive encounters including thundering performances of Taiko drumming by Fushu Daiko, Ikebana floral design workshops, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, hands-on origami lessons and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to shop for unique artisan items in a Japan-inspired marketplace. For more information visitmbgarden.org.
Tuesday, April 2
The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce(MDGLCC) invites you to kick-off the Miami Beach Pride celebration by attending ourSpotlight Mega-Mixer. Mingle and network with over 200 Chamber members, guests, visitors, and the community at large. The event will take place from 6 to 9pm at theOasis Patioof theShelborne South Beach, and features food bites, open bar (courtesy of Bacardi), and music. Admission also includes participation in a drawing for great prizes provided by Chamber members including VIP tickets to Miami Beach Pride and the opportunity to be on the Chamber’s float in the Pride Parade along Ocean Drive on April 7th! Admission is: Pre-Paid Online = $10 (Chamber members) and$20 (Others), and at the door = $15 (Chamber members), and $25 (Others). Portion of the proceeds to benefit Miami Beach Pride.
Wednesday, April 3
A new art museum, called theGeorge Daniell Museum(1205 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach), will open in South Beach today in conjunction withMiami Beach Pride events. It will feature the full collection of prominent American photographer and artist George Daniell, a gay man who worked forTime, Life and Esquire Magazines, and who captured the images of many celebrities (Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, Lena Horne, Georgia O’Keefe, etc). Many of the photographs also feature his more personal photographs, which bring a homoerotic sensibility to his work. This is the first time the entirety of his collection will be available for public view. The grand opening celebration is open to the public at 6pm. The grand opening will feature music byDJ’s Andres AguirreandMayra Jaimes, an open bar, food and access to the museum galleries. The event is free to attend. In addition to the new museum, there will be a George Daniell pop-up shop that will offer first access to limited edition photography prints and books by the artist.
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Forget what you thought you knew about hand sanitizers…it’s time to upgrade that old-fashioned sanitizer that leaves your hands feeling sticky, dry and smelling like a doctor’s office. Meet the multifunctional and deliciously-scented Touchland Power Mist moisturizing hand sanitizer. Packaged in a sleek, modern container perfectly sized for your pocket, Power Mist’s pulverizer spray system ensures that the fast-evaporating sanitizer formula is evenly distributed across your hands to kill 99.99% of harmful, illness causing germs, while the naturally hydrating ingredients keep your skin feeling soft and moisturized all day long. Available in 8 scents: neutral,aloe vera,citrus,watermelon,mint,forest berry,lavender&vanilla cinnamon for only $11.95. For more information, or to purchase go to:Touchland.com.
InGiant Little Ones, actor Kyle MacLachlan plays a gay divorced dad named Ray Winter parenting a distant teenage son, Franky (Josh Wiggins), who’s grappling with his own sexual identity. I repeat: Kyle MacLachlan, a gay dad. The 60-year-old actor’s range knows absolutely no bounds, inhabiting diversified worlds and traversing genre, from comedy to drama, from soapy to supernatural.
MacLachlan’s first major role was in David Lynch’s 1984 adaptation ofDune(soon,Call Me By Your Nameactor Timothée Chalamet will be slipping into MacLachlan’s stillsuit for the forthcoming remake) and two years later, in 1986, he collaborated with the screen auteur again onBlue Velvet, starring alongside Isabella Rossellini. But it was Lynch’s early-’90s cult TV seriesTwin Peaksthat arguably made MacLachlan a marquee name (in 2017, he reprised his role as Agent Cooper inTwin Peaks: The Return).
In his three decades in TV and film and on stage, MacLachlan has played a city official based on first big-city openly gay Mayor Sam Adams, Fred Flintstone’s boss, the guy who fucks Nomi Malone in a swimming pool, Riley’s dad inInside Out, Charlotte’s husband onSex and the City, Bree Van de Kamp’s husband onDesperate Housewives, and because why the hell not: Cary Grant’s ghost. Starring in writer-directorKeith Behrman’sGiant Little Onesas HelpfulGay Dad was really just an inevitably, but for MacLachlan, Ray is a warm hug of a role he deeply feels is important. One that, as a parent himself, even hits close to home.
Here, the actor talks about raising his son, Callum, much like Ray Winter does, gay fans who slip into his DMs and bears who love his rosé.
You’ve played dads before. But what about Ray spoke to you differently?
He had a journey in this as well, which I liked. It was really about the connection with his son, and at that age it’s very difficult and made even more challenging by the fact that the parents are separated. Under the circumstances, Franky just doesn’t know what to think or what to say, and I like that (Ray) really hung in there. I think in the original draft he was maybe a little more demanding, and so we kind of softened that a little bit. There are still those issues, but it was really important to me to feel like Ray was there and he wasn’t gonna go anywhere and to remain as non-judgmental as possible.
His presence is always felt, but he’s able to give his kid space at the same time. I appreciated that he tells his son to focus on who you’re drawn to and not what to call it, essentially letting him know that sexuality is a spectrum. How did that resonate with you?
That was a really nice piece of writing on Keith’s part, I thought. Again, trying not to judge. Especially at that age, I remember for myself just kind of trying to find where you fit in, what you’re good at, what you’re not good at, who’s your group. There’s lots and lots of questions and insecurities that are masked by a false sense of identity or control or“I don’t want to hear what you say, I’ve got it figured out myself.”The idea of just being present, it’s the way I approach the relationship with my son, the not judging. I’m not going at it trying to make him into something he doesn’t want to be.
You were the stepfather of a gay son, Andrew Van de Kamp, onDesperate Housewive. Who does the better job parenting a queer kid: Orson Hodge or Ray Winter?
(Laughs) Orson, bless his heart. You know, he had good intentions, and there was an understanding there at attempting to connect. I don’t think Orson was ever comfortable in that role. I think Ray is more conscious and he’s a champion, in some ways, for anyone who’s being judged. In this particular case, it’s“hang on a second.”He’s sort of about turning the page:“Let’s look at this and what’s really happening here.”I liked that. And he does it with an inner strength and a firmness, but it’s not without a wry sense of humor, and that I liked about him too.
When were your eyes first opened to having an LGBTQ following?
I think it was probably withBlue Velvet, I guess. Thematically it expected so much of the audience and it told a story that was so unusual and so true. That sort of started it, but I think with the advent of social media, suddenly it’s really obvious and present. And it’s great.
How has it become obvious through social media?
Just through comments, and itsfun to read and great to feel the support. And then because so much of it is built around David Lynch, there’s a real shorthand just in terms of terminology and phrases, and because of David’s visuals and his images and his dialogue, of course.
I have a friend who saysBlue Velvetwas responsible for his sexual awakening. Is that what gay fans tell you on Twitter?
(Laughs) Maybe not quite so personal! But you know, that’s film. Film is all about experiencing something and having your eyes opened, and I think that film in particular was about that; the exploration of it and the themes of it were so interesting, and they hadn’t really been dealt with that much.
What kind of attention didShowgirlsget you from the LGBTQ community?
(Laughs) I don’t think it found its camp niche until a little bit later. It had to go through the“Oh my god, this is perhaps one of the worst films ever made”reaction and then people sort of said,“I think it was, in a way, a guilty pleasure.”Then that began to grow, and there’s a true hardcore following of it and that’s really fun. I’ve never said,“Oh yeah, in fact, actually, that was the intention,”or,“Oh yeah, it’s a great film” – it’s not a great film. But it succeeds at a level that I think is still entertaining and fun. And why not? That’s our business.
I was at a gay bar once and they were showingShowgirlson all the TVs. When you shot that film, did you expect for it to live on in the LGBTQ community like it has?
I think we all entered into the film– certainly, I did– looking at the creative side of it. So you had really talented people– (director) Paul Verhoeven, obviously–and I think his intention was to do something that was sort of hard and cutting-edge and exposéand I think it kind of got away from him a little bit and became something else that was unexpected. But at the same time, we’ve all embraced it and said,“This is where it went,”and I gotta say, the film was probably gonna have a much longer life because of how it ended up than if it hadn’t. If it was a film that we intended to make, it would’ve been great and fine and OK, but now, it will live on forever.
Particularly at gay bars.
At least there! And midnight showings!
For 2004’s rom-comTouch of Pink, what was special about portraying the ghost of Cary Grant who gives advice to a gay Muslim man?
It was really fun. First of all, just the research alone was great. Getting to watch all the films, reading up about him, who he was as a person and the business side of things in Hollywood and how he really, really created this persona, which I think he tried to get away from but it was what he was known for. So I loved the research of it.
And the director, Ian (Iqbal Rashid), whose story this actually was, was so lovely and I see him occasionally when I’m in London. He’s just a terrific person and a very, very talented director, and I was flattered. He had actually seen me on the stage doing a new play with Woody Harrelson and I don’t quite know how he got there from that performance (laughs), but he thought I’d be perfect. So that’s a pretty big mantle to try to take on, and so we sort of softened that a little bit and said he’s more the spirit of Cary Grant–he’s not exactly Cary Grant. But I enjoyed stepping in those shoes and trying out that language and that kind of attitude and that whole thing. And it’s got a beautiful message, and just the ending when he has to let go, it’s very touching, I think.
In 2018, you were honored with a Dorian acting award by GALECA, the Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, forTwin Peaks: The Return, and in 2009,Desperate Housewivesreceived Outstanding Comedy Series from GLAAD. Is there something special or distinct about having your work acknowledged by LGBTQ audiences and organizations?
Yeah, those stories, if they can speak to a community and there’s a resonance there, that’s the goal of this. They should be universal, but I think that if there’s a relationship that can be created then we’re doing a good job; something that’s worthwhile that creates an emotional response and a connection, that’s really what you want. I mean, that’s what I want.
You played the mayor of Portland inPortlandia. Do you think that character would make a good mayor of Twin Peaks or Wisteria Lane?
(Laughs) He wasn’t a really good mayor–but he was incredibly enthusiastic! I think that was the fun of it: He always got things a little bit wrong but they kind of ultimately ended up OK, with the help of Fred (Armisen) and Carrie (Brownstein), certainly. But, oh god, at least it would be a lot of fun to have him as a mayor of any community, I think.
Why haven’t we seen you in more openly gay roles?
(Laughs) It’s a good question. You know, the work just kind of comes, and it’s one of those things where once it sort of filters through a little bit of whatever it does in Hollywood it finds its way into my inbox and you take a look at it.
Have there been gay roles you’ve turned down?
It’s always about the quality of the material, so if it there was, it just wasn’t worth telling.
But then you read something likeGiant Little Ones.
And you know that it is a beautiful story. I had the reaction that everyone had: This is a story that needed to be told, and for any kids out there who are having this kind of“I don’t know, I don’t know”and they don’t have anywhere to turn, it’s like, well, we’re not the answer, but we’re at least an experience to say,“You’re not alone.”
And a reminder to your own son that his dad is OK with whomever he becomes or wants to be.
In fact, he attends a school in New York and it’s all about that. It’s all about the acceptance of everyone, and it’s a wonderful thing to watch because that wasn’t my experience growing up. Public schools, small town, very conservative. Not unlike the situation of Franky, there was a lot of“however tough you are”and“whatever sports you play,”those are your identifiers. It’s nice that he’s having a completely different experience.
In your spare time, you are a winemaker. Are gay men some of your most loyal rosébuyers?
(Laughs) I should hope so, for god’s sake! Roséis one of those crazy things: It just keeps expanding and people love it and now it’s not just for summer anymore, it’s not just for the Hamptons anymore. It can be year-round and, yeah, it’s been really fun. And yeah, very supportive.
In a queer context“bear”means a hairy, chubby gay man, so it can’t hurt that“Pursued by Bear”is the name of your brand.
You know, I was really going after the Shakespeare play, obviously, but yeah, not unaware and I thought, that’s kind of funny. There’ve been occasions where I’ve met a few guys– bears, you know–and they’ve said,“Oh yeah, I’ve got this in my cellar.”And it cracks me up! I’m like,“Fantastic, I’m glad you like it.”Its good wine and it should be enjoyed.
After earning national acclaim as the standout star of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Piff The Magic Dragon continues to win over audiences across the globe with his mythical mixture of wizardry, wit and sarcasm that ignites a one-of-a-kind comedy magic show you have to see to believe! Joined by his trusty sidekick Mr. Piffles, The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, the dynamic duo perform nightly to sold-out rooms at his residency at the world-famous Flamingo Casino in Las Vegas in the newly renamed Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre. In addition to the residency, Piff along with Jade Simone, a genuine Las Vegas Showgirl, and Francis the Squire, a.k.a. the Eunuch in a Tunic, are currently performing across the US and Canada as part of their 2019 tour, The Lucky Dragon, which comes to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, April 4 and Parker Playhouse on Friday, April 5
It was a pleasure to sit down with Piff for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
Were you always a performer, even as a child?
I didn’t start as a child, but I got the bug at 15.
What came first comedy or magic?
Magic came first. However, I was always making funny remarks to people and then it eventually turned into a combo act.
What was the first magic trick and magician you ever saw?
I am pretty sure the first magician I saw was David Copperfield, and he was escaping from Alcatraz. I never knew what he did that he was in Alcatraz…LOL!
What was the first magic trick you ever performed?
I had a little box that had an orange ball in it and the ball would be there when you opened it and vanish when you opened it again. I am still closing with that trick to this day.
Do you have a mentor or mentors in the magic world and why?
Penn and Teller have been a big part of my life for the last few years and have given me a lot of material and help.
When did Mr. Piffles become part of the act?
In 2009, I thought the act needed a gimmick and Mr. Piffles was born.
How was it to perform on Americas Got Talent and Penn and Teller Fool Us?
I went on Penn and Teller in 2011, and I didn’t fool them, but the clip went viral and I got offers all over the world to perform. I ended up getting a small part in a big show in Vegas. I liked it so much that I wanted to stayin Vegas so I went on AGT in hopes of winning and getting my own show. Even though I didn’t win, my dreams came true and I got my own show in Vegas.
How exciting was it when you got the call that you were going to have your own residency and room at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas?
It’s been amazing, we have been there for 3 ½ years now and they just renamed the theater the Piff the Magic Dragon Theater. It is such an honor!
What does the future hold for you and Mr. Piffles?
We are just about to release our first special that we have been shooting over the last year. We are both looking forward to that.
Also, I want to tell everyone that we have a podcast called the Piff Podcast, at Thepiffpod.com. I would love your readers to check it out.
What should our readers expect from your show The Lucky Dragon Tour?
Well do you like a grumpy dragon doing magic, then come. If not come for the dog and stay for the dragon. In this tour we have a bunch of new tricks and some classic ones to please everyone.
Catch Piff, Mr. Piffles, Jade Simone, and Francis the Squire, a.k.a. the Eunuch in a Tunic at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $24.50 at StrazCenter.org.
Also showing at Parker Playhouse on Thursday, April 5 at 8pm. Tickets start at $30 at ParkerPlayhouse.com. A pre-show Piff’s Private Party is available for an additional $40 with any ticket purchase and offers the opportunity to meet the artist and other exclusives.
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents Piff the Magic Dragon in The Lucky Dragon Tour at 7:30pm. 50% Comedian. 50% Magician. 100% Dragon. After earning national acclaim as the standout star of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Piff the Magic Dragon continues to win over audiences across the globe with his mythical mixture of wizardry, wit and sarcasm that ignites a one-of-a-kind comedy magic show you have to see to believe. Joined by his trusty sidekick Mr. Piffles, The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua™, the dynamic duo performed to sold out rooms at the world-famous Flamingo Casino in Las Vegas in the Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre. Now Piff and Mr. Piffles—along with Jade Simone, a genuine Las Vegas Showgirl, and Francis the Squire, a.k.a. the Eunuch in a Tunic—take to the road for the Dog Who Knows national tour.
Ballet and drag – merge in The Trocks, the world-famous all-male comic ballet company. Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo give new meaning to men in tights and go where no man has gone before: on pointe. Their hilarious spoofs of famous ballets like Don Quixote, Swan Lake and Nutcracker are done with impressive classical technique, making The Trocks “a mocking, loving, beady-eyed and wildly merry view of ballet. Not to be missed.” (Financial Times, London). Catch them at the The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall tonight at 7:30pm and tomorrow (April 5) at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa at 7:30pm.
Friday, April 5
Southern Nights Orlando welcomes Soju, from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 11 (18yr+ Welcome). Drag Shows at 11pm & 12:30am featuring Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Sassy Devine, Tasha Long & Tashae Sherrington!
Southern Nights Tampa presents their monthly NeiBEARhood Takeover with the 4th Annual Circuit Cub GLOW Jockstrap Party (Neon/Glow/Jockstraps strongly Encouraged) starring DJ Neon the Glowgobear. Come early and stay late as this is one of our LARGEST events of the year!! 21+ Only with free admission before 10pm.
Saturday, April 6
Cristoph’s Tampa will be celebrating their 1st anniversary tonight with performances by Alexis De La Mer, Stephanie Stuart, and Lady Janet along with music by Mike Sklarz. We here at Hotspots Central wish Jaqueline and her entire staff a very happy anniversary and wish her many more years of success!
The Parliament House presents a celebration of hair: “Wigfest 2019” featuring a Wig Fashion show featuring the most creative looks, on-site barber and wig stylist, vendors & exhibitors, and $300 cash for the best wig.
One of Tampa’s best parties is back with a new name, a new look, but the same “eat, drink, party” spirit! Best of Tampa Bay is now TASTE at The Straz, an ALL-INCLUSIVE all-you-can-eat food and drink extravaganza boasting more than 50 of Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants and caterers, and wine, liquor and craft beer tastings. Also, enjoy full open bars and 5 live bands! Since its inception 34 years ago, the Straz Center’s signature fundraising event has generated more than $2.5 million for arts education programs. Supporting the arts never tasted so good. Admission is $85 and $140 for VIP Admission. To purchase in advance call at (813) 229-7827.
Tuesday, April 9
Winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, including Best Musical—and the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, Dear Evan Hansen makes 2 stops in Central Florida. The first is in Tampa from April 9-14 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and the second is in Orlando from April 16-21 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. To find out more see the feature in this issue.
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents, Spamilton: An American Parody from today through Sunday, May 12. Don’t miss this “convulsively funny” (TheNew York Times) parody from the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit Forbidden Broadway. After tearing it up in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, Spamilton: An American Parody will stage a singing, dancing, comedy revolution in Tampa for a limited time only. The Huffington Post raves “you don’t have to see Hamilton to have side-splitting fun at Spamilton.” Tickets start at only $30. To find out more see the feature in this issue.
More than two decades ago Jonathan Larson’s RENT opened on Broadway and forever changed American theatre. It continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall with its vibrant 20th anniversary tour. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.
Thursday, April 11
Derek Hough: Live! The Tour comes to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30pm. This new production comes from the EMMY award winning mind of Derek Hough! The show features brand-new stage production, astounding versatility and, as always, Derek’s magnetic stage presence. Fans will journey through a true fusion of dance and music, as Derek explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hop-hop and everything in between. Creative team and two-time EMMY winners, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, also known as NappyTabs (Jennifer Lopez: All I Have Residency; Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour; GRAMMYs® creative direction), will co-create, direct and supervise choreography for the tour.
Amalie Arena presents KISS in their End of the Road World Tour at 7:30pm. After an epic and storied 45-year career that launched an era of rock n roll legends, KISS announced that they will launch their final tour Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide have said this tour is devoted to the millions of KISS Army fans. Tickets start at only $25.75.
Join EPIC (Empath Partners in Care) and people from across Tampa Bay as we Dine Out to End HIV. Dining Out for Life is an international event, with more than 3,000 restaurants donating a portion of their proceeds in benefit of local AIDS service associations. For 14 years Tampa Bay restaurants have joined together in support of EPIC and those they serve who are effected or affected by HIV. Visit their website at DineTB.org to view a list of participating restaurants. Be sure to check back – new restaurants will be added daily up to the day of the event. For more information or to become a sponsor, please contact: Brooke Boccacino at (727) 523-3352, or at Events@EmpathHealth.org.
Friday, April 12
Cristoph’s Tampa presents a Blackout Party starring Stephanie Stuart with music by Mike Sklarz and a clothing check available.
Saturday, April 13
The Parliament House presents 8time Grammy nominated Dawn Robinson (formerly of En Vogue) live in concert singing her hit songs “Free Your Mind,” “Don’t Let Go,” and Giving Him Something He Can Fee.”
Stonewall Orlando presents Neema’s Legendary Birthday Party as part of his Amor, upscale Latin Party. Dorrs open at 9pm with $10 cover till 11pm and $15 thereafter. An expanded show time is at 12 midnight featuring Yeisa Jovovich, Angelica Michelle Jones, Kimberly Vasquez Arciliares, Nouba Soleil, Natalie Nayles, Kandy Ho’ and Naomi Aguilera. I would personally like to wish Neema a very happy birthday and wishing him many more years of success!
Thursday, April 18
Southern Nights Orlando presents “Avengers EndGame Party” with the Freshman Lineup at 10:30 Hosted by MrMs Adrien, and the main show at 12:30 Hosted By Axel Andrews with Kaija Adonis , Roxxxy Andrews , Kitana Gemini and special guest. Music by DJ DLUX and there will also be a costume contest. Free admission before midnight if you are 21+.
Saturday, April 20
Cristoph’s Tampa presents their monthly Bear Soup with the one and only Alexis De La Mer and music by DJ Mike Sklarz.
Tony Award -winner (Cabaret) Scottish-born Alan Cumming returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall with his new show Legal Immigrant, celebrating his ten years as a US citizen, growing older and what it feels like to be an immigrant in today’s America. The show is a true old-fashioned cabaret, a smorgasbord of songs and tales; laughter, tears and, of course, provocation! Alan is also known for his role as Eli Gold on The Good Wife and as co-host of the Tony Awards in 2015.
Saturday, April 27
Cristoph’s Tampa presents a “Super Hero Party” starring Lady Janet and music by DJ Jayson.
Join Balance Tampa Bay for their 9th Annual Kickball 4 Kids from 10am to 1pm (at press time the location is TBD)! As always they will have teams in a tournament type of game with a $20 suggested donation per person; $175 suggested donation for a team of 10. Their beneficiary this year will be their friends at Academy Prep Center of Tampa! Academy Prep has a mission to inspire and empower students qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Whoopi Goldberg who is one of a very elite group of artists who have won a Grammy (“Whoopi Goldberg,” 1985), an Academy Award (Ghost, 1991), a Golden Globe (The Color Purple, 1985 and Ghost, 1991), an Emmy (host of AMC’s “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel,” 2002), a Daytime Emmy for “The View,” 2009) and a Tony (Producer of Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2002). She is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse and the battle against AIDS.
Saturday, April 30
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents The Temptations & The Four Tops at 7:30pm. For more than fifty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits, and sold-out performances throughout the world. Their hits include: ”My Girl,” “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby;,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is only Skin Deep,” “I Wish It Would Rain,” And many more. .the hits kept coming. The Four Tops made their first single for Chess in 1956, and when Motown’s Berry Gordy Jr. found out they had hustled a national “Tonight Show” appearance, he signed them without an audition to be the marquee act for the company’s Workshop Jazz label. Their first Motown hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving” in 1964, made them stars and their sixties track record and their other hits include: “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” “It’s The Same Old Song,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Standing In The Shadows Of Love,” “Bernadette,” “Ask The Lonely,” “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over),” “Something About You,” “You Keep Running Away,” “7-Rooms Of Gloom” and their covers of “Walk Away Renee” and “If I Were A Carpenter.”
Now this is an interesting Help Wanted ad: Marvel is looking for an openly gay actor to play a superhero. The call is out for a roughly 30-to-50-year-old actor with a superheroic body to co-star in the 2020 filmThe Eternals. Any ethnicity will do, but there has been a stated preference for a queer candidate to take a role in the Chloe Zhao (The Rider) film. What’s up with this? Well, last year, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige stated that the studio wanted to incorporate more LGBTQ+ inclusion in their films, both in terms of casts and characters. And here is the form that commitment is taking. And you know what? We’ll take it. More on this one as it develops. In fact, while we’re at it, we think it would be appropriate if Marvel not only included a queer actor or character here and there, but if an alternate universe all-LGBT Avengers happened and they destroyed anti-gay villains throughout the galaxy. Free ideas here, Hollywood.
Charlize Theron takes aim atAtomic Blonde 2
Possibly while you weren’t looking, the Charlize Theron action filmAtomic Blondekicked up about a hundred million bucks at the box office and a devoted post-theatrical cult audience. And you know what that means: franchise time. If you missed it, Theron played a lady-loving British spy named Lorraine Broughton. The film was filled with neon, lesbian make-outs, cool music and ass-kicking. We’re fans. And we’re really fans of Theron’s plan to go down that road again. Right now all we know is that the project is “going forward,” which could mean just about anything, and there’ll be more on this as it brings on a cast and start date. But in the absence of aMad Max: Fury Roadprequel or Theron stepping into James Bond’s shoes (and she should, quite frankly), we’re ready for a fast tracking. We don’t even care if it goes straight to Netflix, just please bring on the furiosa.
Romeo San Vicente’s superhero origin story is currently streaming on P*rnhub
My boyfriend’s brother has been coming over to visit our place frequently. They were estranged and hadn’t spoken for years because of some sibling rivalry. His brother is also gay, and very flirtatious. He gives me winks and inviting looks, pats on the ass, and a couple of times when saying goodbye, he tries to go for my lips when we go to kiss on the cheek. I don’t like it, and I think it is disrespectful, but I don’t want to cause problems between them again since they just reconnected. How do I put an end to this?
Sincerely,
Jimmy P.
Dear Jimmy P.
After hearing this, it makes you wonder what the sibling rivalry was about. I believe very firmly in boundaries, and he is crossing them with you. Knowing that you are his brother’s boyfriend, out of respect if nothing more, you are off limits. You must put a stop to it. Take him aside, be very direct with him, and let him know that it makes you uncomfortable and that you find it disrespectful. Also reiterate that if it continues, you will say something to your boyfriend about it. In this situation, you have every right, because his behavior is not acceptable.
Dear Andreus,
I like to watch p*rn, and my partner says that it bothers him. He feels that since we have each other, it is almost like cheating to him, when I watch p*rn. I disagree. We have been together for eight years, and of course we are not doing it like bunnies anymore. I have a higher sex drive, so that is my outlet. Our sex is also very routine, because he always likes the same things. He doesn’t like the idea of me getting off without him. But, what choice do I have if he is not satisfying my needs frequently enough?
Sincerely,
Thirsty Tom
Dear Thirsty Tom,
Relax, you are not thirsty at all. This is an issue that many couples face, especially a good distance into their relationship. Dynamics change, sex changes and from day one there is usually one partner with a bit of a higher drive than the other. I would rather my boyfriend watch porn, then to go out looking for someone else. If he does not want you to watch it, then you two must figure out another way to spice things up. Maybe some role play, or just merely switching things up in the bedroom to bring a bit more fire into things. Sometimes people don’t slow down from sex because they don’t want it, they just lose interest in the routine. You can take the initiative to try something new with him. Find out what he really likes and express to him some of the things in the porn that really turn you on. You guys might be able to put the spark back into your romance. You could always make your own movie, that way, he is the star!
On March 30th and 31st, Compass Community Center will host their annual Palm Beach Pride at Bryant Park in Lake Worth. The festival is expected to draw over twenty thousand people to town for the weekend’s ever-expanding number of events and activities, which include the annual Pride Parade through downtown Lake Worth, a “Youth Village” that is available to families on both days, delicious international cuisines, and world-class entertainment.
One of the things everyone looks forward to at Pride Palm Beach is the production that Velvet LeNore is going to produce and star in. It has a become tradition, and on her 20th anniversary of performing at Pride, I thought I would sit down with her for a short Hotspots interview:
How did you get involved with Pridefest?
Eric Miller was one of my really good friends and he worked for Compass at the time. He started doing drag for fundraisers for Pride and he asked me if I would perform with him. Since I did the fundraisers they asked me to perform at pride and I loved it.
You are known for your productions at Pride, how did that happen?
My second year of Pride, I did the production of Lion King for my birthday 1 week prior at Rebar. It went so well we decided to perform it at Pridefest. At Pride the production went over so well that Compass asked me to continue bringing productions every year.
How do you keep the production fresh every year?
I usually feed off what’s going off in the world combined with what the theme of Pridefest is that year. For example one year the theme for Pridefest was “Glee” so we did an entire Glee production.
How does it feel to be celebrating your 20th anniversary of performing at Pridefest?
I’m excited and proud that I have been blessed to do it for 20 years. I am inspired to inspire, and so many of the young gay population tell me they look forward to my production, which puts a fire underneath me to make it better and better.
What should we expect this year from your production?
I don’t want to tell you exactly what I am doing, as I want everyone to be surprised. However, we have added more people to the production, have the best costumes we have ever had and we have added general effects and explosives. It’s going to be something you don’t want to miss.
Tickets are for each day of the festival are $8 until Thursday, March 28, and $10 starting on Friday, March 29. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Compass, the Book Cellar, Studio 205, Rooster’s, The Mad Hatter, Penny’s at the Duke, and Fort Dix. For more information about Palm Beach Pride, go to compassglcc.com/community-and-events/palm-beach-pride/.
Compass Community Center is Palm Beach County’s only LGBTQ Community Center and works to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. Without a doubt, Palm Beach Pride exists as an important component of Compass’ efforts to create a safe place to live and allows for more effective local advocacy. The event has now grown from a small gathering to one of the largest festivals in South Florida.
Do you love to eat and have lots of great marathon sex? How about if you could satiate both needs at once?
This week here’s the low down on five super foods so yummy they’ll help keep you horny and coming back for more. Supplement your diet today and you could be having the best sex of your life tomorrow… and every day for the rest of your life!
Scrambled, poached or hard-boiled, eggs are a good source of B Vitamins, a key nutrient for keeping your sex drive roaring and your mind clear and stress free. Fatigue, job demands and partying too hard, exhaust your supply of B Vitamins deflating your metabolism and leaving you limp and lethargic. Try taking things easy – over easy with a plateful of eggs rich in Vitamin B now and at breakfast, lunch or supper.
When it comes to eating for great marathon sex, have a heaping bowl of ice cream. Yup, ice cream is endurance food for sex. It has high levels of calcium and phosphorous, two minerals that build your muscles’ energy reserves and boost your libido. All that calcium can add real “oomph” to your orgasms since the muscles that control ejaculation need calcium in order to spasm and contract properly. Just don’t overdo this sweet stuff because ice cream is also high in fat content.
So, you want healthier, better quality sperm? Call in the Brazilians – the Brazil nuts, that is. Brazil nuts are a top source of selenium, a mineral that helps keep sperm cells healthy while also helping the little buggers to swim faster. Brazil nuts are also a great source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects sperm cells against free radical damage caused by air pollution and other toxins you may soak up all day long.
Do you have a carnivorous side to you? Visit your favorite steak house and chow down on a good lean hunk of steak. Steak is loaded with zinc, a mineral that boosts libido and enhances arousal during sex. And best of all, eating red meat can help boost your testosterone level while limiting your body’s production of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) – a substance that prevents blood flow to the penis and reduces male sexual stamina. A lean cut of steak a couple times per week can be beneficial, just be careful how you prepare it. Trim excess fat and grilled or broiled is best.
After your slab of lean juicy meat, finish the evening with a couple of delightfully sinful pieces of dark chocolate. The cocoa in chocolate contains stimulants that increase your body’s sensitivity to touch. Chocolate also contains phenyl ethylamine, a chemical that can give you a slight natural high. Cover your boyfriend in dark chocolate sauce and you’re both destined to enjoy a dessert sure to delight your discriminating palate.
Welp, child sex abuse in the Catholic Church is in the news again and, gosh, wouldn’t you know it? The Catholic Church is trying to blame it on the gays. Again.
A Pennsylvania grand jury report found sex abuse rampant in the church, something everyone who has ever delved into it has also found to be true. According to the report some 300 priests preyed on children for decades while church leaders turned a blind eye to the literal hell on earth they were letting fester.
There’s a reason why in every Hollywood depiction of prison there’s a child abuser, usually a sexual abuser, who gets shanked in the showers. After all, it’s easy to hate that guy. I’m not condoning violence, just pointing out that as a society we pretty much agree that child abusers are THE WORST.
Unless they wear a black robe and a white collar. Then instead of going to prison, you just get transferred to a new parish with brand-new parishioners to terrorize.
There are many reasons why this is such a bad practice, but I would like to point out that by moving the priest away from his victim(s) the church is essentially saying that the victims are the problem. The priest is the innocent here, seduced by the tender flesh of wicked children, as opposed to a very sick person guilty of the worst kind of abuse.
And if you feel like you’re experiencing déjàvu, well, you are in the sense that, yes, this has happened before. And it keeps happening. All over the world. But the Catholic Church knows just who to blame.
In a 2018 interview with Thomas McKenna, the president of Catholic Action for Faith and Family, Cardinal Raymond Burke says,“It seems clear in light of these recent terrible scandals that indeed there is a homosexual culture, not only among the clergy but even within the hierarchy, which needs to be purified at the root.”
Now, it may sound like Burke is shining a spotlight on problems within the church itself, something that really needs to be examined more closely and would be examined more closely if the church stopped trying to cover up its sexual abuse epidemic. But, of course, that’s not what Burke is doing here. He’s basically saying,“If we just get rid of all the gays who are mucking up each level of the hierarchy everything will be just fine.”
But, of course, it won’t. Rather than spend a second examining the institution to stop abuse, the church once again seeks to change the subject.
Look, all organized religion requires a great deal of suspended disbelief and magical thinking, aka“faith,”in order to work. Critical thinking is pretty much the antithesis to religious doctrine. Which is why the church is seeking to capitalize on the gross mischaracterization that gay people are pedophiles in order to absolve its own sins.
“I think it has been considerably aggravated by the anti-life culture in which we live, namely the contraceptive culture that separates the sexual act from the conjugal union,”Burke tells McKenna.“The sexual act has no meaning whatsoever except between a man and a woman in marriage since the conjugal act is by its very nature for procreation.”
Got that? Gays are a problem, but the whole thing has been made even worse by all of these whores on birth control having sex without making babies. Thank you for attending this TED Talk about sex by a man who supposedly has never had sex.
Burke calls homosexuality“disordered”and he’s not the only conservative Catholic calling for a purge of gays from the priesthood. However, Burke and the others are not making any distinction between“gay”and“pedophile,”a distinction that is, uh, really important because they are not one and the same. Unless, of course, your goal isn’t to keep kids safe from abuse, but is actually to CYF (cover your frock).
Forget what you thought you knew about hand sanitizers…it’s time to upgrade that old-fashioned sanitizer that leaves your hands feeling sticky, dry and smelling like a doctor’s office. Meet the multifunctional and deliciously-scented Touchland Power Mist moisturizing hand sanitizer. Packaged in a sleek, modern container perfectly sized for your pocket, Power Mist’s pulverizer spray system ensures that the fast-evaporating sanitizer formula is evenly distributed across your hands to kill 99.99% of harmful, illness causing germs, while the naturally hydrating ingredients keep your skin feeling soft and moisturized all day long. Available in 8 scents: neutral
Dear Andreus,