Saturday, July 31, 2010
RECAP: Montreal Day 3
Yesterday my able homo-guide started our excursion at the famous St. Viateur Bagels in Montreal's hipster-heavy Mile End, home to many of the city's artists, musicians, and writers. Think Billyburg, but with slightly fewer sleeve tattoos. The bagels aren't very New York-y, more like unsalted warm pretzels, therefore I liked them. After bagels, Daniel rented me an orange electric scooter and we were off to Marché Jean-Talon, a sprawling green market in Petite Italy, where I plotzed over the pastries and wondered WFT some of the veggies were supposed to be. Purple carrots! Lots of photos in the below slideshow for you foodies.And then we were off to Mont Royal, the mountain in the dead center of town for which Montreal is named. My poor little scooter could barely get up the mountain, but eventually we got to the top where a local Portuguese band was shooting a music video. Daniel then toured me around the Parc du Mont-Royal, which was designed by Frederick Olmstead, who also created Central Park. The view of downtown and the Olympic Stadium are breathtaking from some points in the park.
After turning in the scooter, we scooted back down to the gay village for a posh dinner at O'Thym, where I had the best filet mignon I've had in many years. (Lots of great photos of our dishes below.) Joining us for dinner was a fun group of Montreal movers-and-shakers, including well-known Three Dollar Bill columnist Richard Burnett, "the Michael Musto of Montreal." Love him. And then we were off to the Gotha Lounge for the JMG meetup, where about 20 very handsome and intelligent men turned up to hang out with us. Usually these things sort of put me on speed-dating mode in an attempt to properly meet everybody, but we ended up clubbing with lots of them and I got to chat extensively with almost everybody. More on the meetup and the rest of last night later, right now I'm late for poutine! Full-screen versions of the below slideshow are here.
Bareback In Brazil
The SFist is questioning the appropriateness of the above ad which is now appearing in San Francisco. LAN Airlines, a "gay-friendly" airline that served as the official international airline for San Francisco Pride 2010, has a new ad campaign popping up at Muni stops all over San Francisco. Hmm. Do you think LAN -- who, we repeat, markets to San Francisco's LGBT community -- knows what "bareback" means, especially to certain folks in the Bay Area? Or didn't they know horse riding without a saddle is a dangerous problem affecting the gay community?
Daily Ungrumble
I think my favorite moment last night came when a hot little Quebecois whispered to me in passing, "Wahhtch out fah Pahno Peet, Joe!" Cracked me up.
St Anne's feast
Saint Anne was the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ. Saint Anne may be recognised by her depiction of holding Mary who in turn holds an infant Christ.
Every year thousands of people will celebrate Saint Anne's feast day. In Malaysia, people will travel all the way to Bukit Mertajam to visit the St.Anne's church to celebrate the feast day. It always falls at the end of July every year.
I, on the other hand, usually celebrate Saint Anne's feast at the church in Port Klang. This year is no different. Boy, were there hundreds of people in a rather small church. It overflowed with Catholics and non-Catholics from all over places. There were too many of us that many had to stand even outside of the church. Luckily, there's projections and loud speaker. Even the hall was full!! It was fully packed and hawkers took advantage to sell their tidbits and many other stuffs to the people to earn some extra money.
It was a normal mass only that it was a feast day. It was 2 and a half hours long. After that there was procession but my family didn't join in. It was just too crowded! People flock the church every year to have their prayers answered or to thank St.Anne for their answered prayers. It is like the Catholic version of Thaipusam or something like that.
This is the story on how St Anne became a important feast day:
In Scranton, a church named after St.Anne was built. Six years passed, when on the morning of August 15, 1911 the people suddenly noticed signs of serious disturbance underneath the property caused by subsidence of the underlying coal mines. A huge slide seriously damaged the entire building. The disastrous movement continued for a week and the residents had to be evacuated. Experts feared the total destruction of Saint Anne's. The conviction grew that nothing but the special protection of "good Saint Anne" could save the building. The Fathers replied: "Saint Anne will take care of her own". Engineers inspected the situation and reported that the subsidence was over and everything secure and safe.
Less than 2 years later, and two days after the feast of Saint Anne, on July 28th 1913, came another scare. A mining expert called the residents saying the worst squeeze known in local mining history had just taken place and that it was not safe for anyone to stay in the building. A great slide was carrying the entire area to the east. The whole hill was going and nothing on earth could save the church. It was doomed to collapse. The next morning mining experts were shocked to discover that the mighty slide had suddenly stopped, turned back, and actually settled solidly directly under the monastery. The great fissures were closed by the impact of the slide which actually saved Saint Anne's church. One expert said it was a miracle: "The Lord Almighty through the prayer of Saint Anne had done more that night for the residence than all the engineers in the world could ever do!"
A generous group of citizens got together to help repair Saint Anne's which was rededicated on Sunday July, 22, 1916, in a magnificent citywide outdoor celebration on the grounds. Father Nicholas Ward, was an intelligent, holy priest with an exceptional devotion to Saint Anne. Often he predicted that Saint Anne's monastery would in time be a place of public pilgrimage to which people would flock. He died at Saint Anne's church in 1922. After his death, devotion to Saint Anne greatly increased.
On Nov 3, 1924 the first public devotions in honour of Saint Anne were begun in the little chapel on the first floor of the church. Week after week larger congregations came to the services. By the spring of 1925 novena devotions had to be held outdoors in a tent.
The history of the church and novena shows that the hand of God has made Saint Anne's a holy place where prayers are heard and answered. During that very first year, novena advocates wrote close to four thousand letters of thanksgiving for favors granted by the prayers of Saint Anne.
Good St. Anne, you were especially favored by God to be the mother of the most holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Savior. By your power with your most pure daughter and with her divine Son, kindly obtain for us the grace and the favor we now seek. Please secure for us also forgiveness of our past sins, the strength to perform faithfully our daily duties and the help we need to persevere in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Every year thousands of people will celebrate Saint Anne's feast day. In Malaysia, people will travel all the way to Bukit Mertajam to visit the St.Anne's church to celebrate the feast day. It always falls at the end of July every year.
I, on the other hand, usually celebrate Saint Anne's feast at the church in Port Klang. This year is no different. Boy, were there hundreds of people in a rather small church. It overflowed with Catholics and non-Catholics from all over places. There were too many of us that many had to stand even outside of the church. Luckily, there's projections and loud speaker. Even the hall was full!! It was fully packed and hawkers took advantage to sell their tidbits and many other stuffs to the people to earn some extra money.
It was a normal mass only that it was a feast day. It was 2 and a half hours long. After that there was procession but my family didn't join in. It was just too crowded! People flock the church every year to have their prayers answered or to thank St.Anne for their answered prayers. It is like the Catholic version of Thaipusam or something like that.
This is the story on how St Anne became a important feast day:
In Scranton, a church named after St.Anne was built. Six years passed, when on the morning of August 15, 1911 the people suddenly noticed signs of serious disturbance underneath the property caused by subsidence of the underlying coal mines. A huge slide seriously damaged the entire building. The disastrous movement continued for a week and the residents had to be evacuated. Experts feared the total destruction of Saint Anne's. The conviction grew that nothing but the special protection of "good Saint Anne" could save the building. The Fathers replied: "Saint Anne will take care of her own". Engineers inspected the situation and reported that the subsidence was over and everything secure and safe.
Less than 2 years later, and two days after the feast of Saint Anne, on July 28th 1913, came another scare. A mining expert called the residents saying the worst squeeze known in local mining history had just taken place and that it was not safe for anyone to stay in the building. A great slide was carrying the entire area to the east. The whole hill was going and nothing on earth could save the church. It was doomed to collapse. The next morning mining experts were shocked to discover that the mighty slide had suddenly stopped, turned back, and actually settled solidly directly under the monastery. The great fissures were closed by the impact of the slide which actually saved Saint Anne's church. One expert said it was a miracle: "The Lord Almighty through the prayer of Saint Anne had done more that night for the residence than all the engineers in the world could ever do!"
A generous group of citizens got together to help repair Saint Anne's which was rededicated on Sunday July, 22, 1916, in a magnificent citywide outdoor celebration on the grounds. Father Nicholas Ward, was an intelligent, holy priest with an exceptional devotion to Saint Anne. Often he predicted that Saint Anne's monastery would in time be a place of public pilgrimage to which people would flock. He died at Saint Anne's church in 1922. After his death, devotion to Saint Anne greatly increased.
On Nov 3, 1924 the first public devotions in honour of Saint Anne were begun in the little chapel on the first floor of the church. Week after week larger congregations came to the services. By the spring of 1925 novena devotions had to be held outdoors in a tent.
The history of the church and novena shows that the hand of God has made Saint Anne's a holy place where prayers are heard and answered. During that very first year, novena advocates wrote close to four thousand letters of thanksgiving for favors granted by the prayers of Saint Anne.
Good St. Anne, you were especially favored by God to be the mother of the most holy Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Savior. By your power with your most pure daughter and with her divine Son, kindly obtain for us the grace and the favor we now seek. Please secure for us also forgiveness of our past sins, the strength to perform faithfully our daily duties and the help we need to persevere in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Loren Jewels to create Kim Kollection
Loren Ridinger, Creator of the uber-luxurious Loren Jewels announced today that she and Kim Kardashian are partnering to design an exclusive line of earrings to be called the “Kim Kollection.” This stunning 20-piece Jewellery collection will incorporate diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other precious gems and metals offering Hollywood glam exclusively through Lorenjewels.com.
“Kim’s a fashion icon and millions of people are inspired by her style making our collaboration on the “Kim Kollection” a natural fit,” said Ridinger. Kim’s glamorous Hollywood lifestyle inspired her to design and collaborate with her close friend, Loren Ridinger, to create this ultra-chic line of earrings.
“Kim Kollection” is scheduled to be released this fall and will be officially launched on August 7th at the marketamerica.com International Convention with over 25,000 attendees.
Afternoon View - On Mount Royal
Today's excursion included a trip to the top of Montreal's namesake. More on today in tomorrow's recap. I hope to see some of you local homos tonight at Gotha at 9pm!
David Pakman Interviews Porno Pete
Midweek Politics' David Pakman grills Porno Pete LaBarbara about Petey's notorious undercover adventures into the nation's leather events and all the other things that make LaBarbera the biggest kook in Kooklandia. Can you count the lies and contradictions? Somebody start a counter.
RECAP: Montreal Day 2
Yesterday my able homo-guide from Touisme Montreal and I picked up a couple of Bixi bikes and made an all-day excursion across the enormous Jacques Cartier Bridge over the St. Lawrence and down onto Île Sainte-Hélène in the middle of the river, where we toured Parc Jean-Drapeau.There we circled the Biosphere from the 1967 World's Fair and rode the actual raceway of the Canadian Grand Prix, past the Casino de Montreal and the Olympic Basin. Then we crossed back across the St. Lawrence, rolled past the way cool Habitat 67 (above) and down into Old Montreal, where we docked the Bixis and strolled around the cobbled streets in a sea of tourists, stopped for girly frozen drinks on the rooftop terrace of the fancy-schmancy Hotel Nelligan, and had a fab meal at Garde Manger.
After dinner we headed back to the gay village to drop at the Divers/Cite concert being held at the park directly adjacent to my hotel, where the capacity crowd was jumping to DJ sets in between live performances from local Montreal bands and singers. I was unfamiliar with the artists and didn't understand a word, but it was all pretty great. And I got to run into my pal Suzanne Girard, the co-founder of Divers/Cite, whom I know from back when she ran Montreal Pride.
Then I had to run off to meet up with my beloved Farmboyz, who have driven up to revisit their former hometown. I was pretty beat from my 10-mile bike ride (those bridges!) but I managed to hang on for a few drinks at Le Stud (packed!) and the Aigle Noir (Black Eagle), from whose front deck we enjoyed the parade of hotties down St. Catherine. GREAT day! Lots more to come. Full-screen versions of the below slideshow are here.
Quote Of The Day - Phyllis Schafly
"Unmarried women, 70% of unmarried women, voted for Obama, and this is because when you kick your husband out, you've got to have big brother government to be your provider." - Eagle Forum president Phyllis Schafly, who says that the president is deliberately trying to increase the number of people on welfare in order to ensure his reelection.
JERUSALEM: Ultra-Orthodox Protest But Pride Parade Goes On Without Injuries
Yesterday's gay pride parade in Jerusalem was met by three separate protests by the city's Ultra-Orthodox Jews, but the event finished without significant incidents or injuries.It was homosexual rights vs. religion on Thursday in Jerusalem as some 3,000 Israelis joined a gay pride parade, marching with colorful balloons and dancing in the streets. The march infuriated Orthodox Jews. But Yonatan Gher, one of the parade organizers, says there is no religious monopoly on the Holy City. "The reason the march takes place in Jerusalem is not to upset anyone," said Gher. "We're here because we're Jerusalemites. This is our city as much as anybody else's." Ultra-Orthodox Jews held counter-demonstrations, carrying signs that read: "Sick perverts, get out of Jerusalem." Many agree with this man who says that the Bible describes homosexuality as an "abomination." "The promotion of a gay lifestyle in the streets of Jerusalem, which is the holiest city for the Jewish people, [and] for the other religions - for Muslims, for Christians - it's a provocation" said one Orthodox Jewish man.The planned donkey parade by Jerusalem's deputy mayor was downgraded to a donkey puppet event, when he was denied permission to bring the animals through the city's center.
Concerned Women Are Concernified About Chelsea Clinton's Jew Husband-To-Be
Citing statistics about the divorce rate for interfaith marriages, the Concerned Women for America aren't too happy about Chelsea Clinton marrying a Jew. It won't even be a real Christian marriage anyway! If doctrine is more than just cultural observances, there is no way it can merely be a casual, insignificant part of a believer’s life. For the true Christian believer, this means a life lived in light of Christ’s singular claim that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Taking His claim seriously, that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), means that all decisions are made in light of His teaching and commands. This includes His teaching that marriage is intended by God to be a life-long covenant — not just between the couple, but sealed by God and witnessed by fellow believers in the couples’ church community. That said, real Christian marriage includes a commitment to follow Christ, both in lifestyle and in childrearing. Religion that is not practiced is little more than a set of myths and of no more significance than the fairy tales told to toddlers at bedtime. Faith that does not make demands on behavior is not faith at all. Inevitably, a lack of unity in faith entails multiple problems on both the little and the large issues that couples continuously encounter as they face the task of building a strong, meaningful, harmonious marriage. How could it possibly be otherwise?(Via - Good As You)
FLORIDA: "No Homo Mayor" Church Plans "International Burn The Koran Day"
Gainesville's Dove World Church, made famous last year for it's "No Homo Mayor" campaign, is planning to burn Korans on September 11th.
RELATED: You might recall this gem from one of Dove World's pastors.
RELATED: You might recall this gem from one of Dove World's pastors.
More Layoffs For Focus On The Family
The anti-gay Christian group Focus On The Family, which has laid off hundreds of employees in recent years, is about to go through another round of cutbacks. According to the Colorado Gazette, another 100 bigots get their pink slips today. “We are still working out the details of fitting our FY ‘11 budget to the figure our board of directors established,” Schneeberger wrote. “As soon as those decisions are final — we’re aiming for next week — we’ll share them with our ministry family first and then with our constituents and friends in the media.” In recent years, Focus has struggled to meet its budget. Even though the organization cut its budget from $160 million in fiscal 2008 to $138 million in fiscal 2009, it still suffered a $6 million shortfall. Schneeberger said last September that the deficit was largely due to the loss of donations from small- to medium-sized businesses. Donations from families has remained steady, he said.As of yesterday, FOTF had about 850 employees.
(Tipped by JMG reader Dennis)
Morning View - Bixi Stand
Montreal has a fantastic public bike system called Bixi (bike-taxi), in which you can swipe a credit card and take a bike for free for up to 30 minutes. Longer rides start at $1.50/hour and are very reasonable thereafter. You can return to the bike to any of the numerous docking stands around town, making them perfect for short one-way commutes. An iPhone app will tell you the closest available bike and the closest open dock for returns. The stands are everywhere.
Celeb weddings!!
It got me thinking they are quite a few celebrities getting hitched around this time of the year. One of them is our very own Malaysian beauty queen, Andrea Fonseka that got married in a church wedding today with her Australian fiance, Paul Dewar.
I think they make a handsome couple =)
Besides that, just recently Orlando Bloom got married to his Victoria's Secret model girlfriend, Miranda Kerr. It was announced that they will be expecting their first child together.
Their baby's gona be absolutely gorgeous!
Also, Megan Fox married her long-time beau, Brian Austin Green in Hawaii on 24th June. It was a private ceremony of four and they were wed by a local Hawaian priest. Brian's son from a previous marriage was the only witness.
Megan looked smokin' in this Armani gown!
Carrie Underwood also swapped vows with her NHL player fiance, Michael Fisher. They had a beautiful ceremony in Ritz Carlton on July 10th.
The blushing bride and her husband
Further, there are quite a few about to get hitched. One would be the quirky singer, Katy Perry and her comedian fiance, Russell Brand. It is rumoured that they may get married soon in a lavish ceremony.
They make an odd couple but somehow it works!
Then, there's this big hoo-haa over the upcoming nuptials of Chelsea Clinton and Wall Street hedge fund beau, Marc Mezvinsky. The details are top secret and no one is allowed to say a word about it. So, there can only be speculations. Anyway, they will be married tomorrow, July 31.
and many others....!
I LOVE weddings =D I mean who doesnt love the sound of the wedding march, the blushing bride walking down the aisle with her father to meet her husband-to-be, the fresh scent of flowers, the bridal arch, the wedding dinner, beautiful gowns and suits and the ceremony itself is so happy and full of laughters. Now, that's a picture perfect day to get married.
I definitely want a traditional kind of wedding with a little modern twist- that big, white gown in a church wedding minus that chinese tradition of 'groom going through silly stuffs to get the bride' and a dinner with a big dance floor for guests to par-tay! Oh well, one can only dream =p It's too early for all these. Ask me in 10 years time and perhaps I may want a different kind of wedding hehe
Besides that, just recently Orlando Bloom got married to his Victoria's Secret model girlfriend, Miranda Kerr. It was announced that they will be expecting their first child together.
Also, Megan Fox married her long-time beau, Brian Austin Green in Hawaii on 24th June. It was a private ceremony of four and they were wed by a local Hawaian priest. Brian's son from a previous marriage was the only witness.
Carrie Underwood also swapped vows with her NHL player fiance, Michael Fisher. They had a beautiful ceremony in Ritz Carlton on July 10th.
Further, there are quite a few about to get hitched. One would be the quirky singer, Katy Perry and her comedian fiance, Russell Brand. It is rumoured that they may get married soon in a lavish ceremony.
Then, there's this big hoo-haa over the upcoming nuptials of Chelsea Clinton and Wall Street hedge fund beau, Marc Mezvinsky. The details are top secret and no one is allowed to say a word about it. So, there can only be speculations. Anyway, they will be married tomorrow, July 31.
and many others....!
I LOVE weddings =D I mean who doesnt love the sound of the wedding march, the blushing bride walking down the aisle with her father to meet her husband-to-be, the fresh scent of flowers, the bridal arch, the wedding dinner, beautiful gowns and suits and the ceremony itself is so happy and full of laughters. Now, that's a picture perfect day to get married.
I definitely want a traditional kind of wedding with a little modern twist- that big, white gown in a church wedding minus that chinese tradition of 'groom going through silly stuffs to get the bride' and a dinner with a big dance floor for guests to par-tay! Oh well, one can only dream =p It's too early for all these. Ask me in 10 years time and perhaps I may want a different kind of wedding hehe
The Goatse Of Love
For when your love is so strong, it can't be torn apart. But it can be held open.
Homoquotable - Ellen DeGeneres
"A couple months ago, I let FOX and the "American Idol" producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me. I told them I wouldn't leave them in a bind and that I would hold off on doing anything until they were able to figure out where they wanted to take the panel next. It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for."I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on "Idol" and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be." -Ellen DeGeneres, announcing her decision to leave American Idol after only one season.
We’re delighted with the high demand for Pure, Bleasby
This weekend’s Pure looks set to be in the best in its history, with a 17% increase in the number of brands exhibiting at the show. The number of pre-registered visitors is also the highest recorded for the show.
Event Director Sam Bleasby said ‘we’re delighted with the high demand for Pure; it is a testament to Pure’s popularity, and how, especially in a tough economic climate, buyers needs are able to get the best possible choice and range of inspirational collections that will benefit their business. We’ve invested in the show to make it more appealing to buyers than ever before, with a new premium section, champagne tea parties, and two stages packed full of essential seminars , catwalks and industry leading guests.’
New for August, the opulent surrounds of the Pillar Hall at Olympia will play host to a handpicked selection of the best high end, and exclusive boutique womenswear brands from around the world. Buyers will be able to source from over 20 leading labels including Antik Batik, Betty Jackson Two, Stefanel, Anonymous by Ross + Bute, Single and Best Behaviour.
Top British designer Zandra Rhodes will be returning to the show with her handbag collection and her footwear range. Zandra Rhodes and Vogue.com will be live on stage, presenting key pieces from Zandra’s archive showing her signature prints, textiles, colours and fabrics and how they have influenced her current handbag and footwear collections.
Read More... @ Fibre2fashion
Sexy Celebrities in Sexy Dresses
9. Jennifer Love Hewitt wears this Herve Leger bandage dress perfectly and unlike on this week's worst dressed list, Jennifer has chosen a style that is fantastic for her figure and gives her all kinds of hidden support to enhance her curves!
8. AnnaLynne McCord looks like such a lady in this white tiered Alice + Olivia dress! It lengthens her body and her back swept hair is stunning on her young skin. Well done AnnaLynne!
7. We thought the Sex and the City ladies were a bit blah on the red carpet this week for their premieres, but we did love Kim Cattrall's looks! She was sexy and elegant and glamorous and still managed to be age appropriate. What a lady!
6. Scarlett Johansson is Spring fresh in this floral dress and sid-curled hair, we also love the fresh and colourful makeup. This girl has a style that she sticks to and it works everytime!
5. Another lady who can do no wrong on the red carpet! Diane Kruger looking fantastic at a Hugo Boss party in a playsuit made from mens suiting fabric. Fabulous! Ooh and the wavey curl updo with the leopard print pumps are a fun touch!
4. Yay Sarah Jessica Parker finally came close to wowing us at the London premiere of Sex and the City 2 premiere, after a boring and safe week of fashion choices. She paid tribute to her friend, designer Alexander McQueen in this dark fairytale dress with the big headpiece. We liked!
3. Peaches Geldof has had a makeover! She is tanned and bronzed, her teeth and eyes look brighter and whiter and she is rocking this season's bronze metallic fashion trend. We love it! Especially the headpiece, but maybe she could go easier on the tan?
2. We think Scottish actress Karen Gillan looked amazing at the British Television Awards this past week! The bronzey colour of the dress suit and the flesh tone camisole work perfectly with her red hair and skin colour. What a gorgeous outfit!
1. Emma Roberts goes godess! This cut-out shoulder mini-dress was a total winner for us, especially with the metallic pumps and jewelled clutch and the subtle hair and makeup! Wow!
Fashionistas shined brightly in some of this season's sparkly, metallic and floral trends this week! Some of our favourites have to be Jennifer Love Hewitt, who is learning how to dress for her curves and Diane Kruger who knows how to make fashion chic and fun at the same time! See who was our number one look though!
Credit: posh24.com
Mid-Week Spitalfields Market... & Save Money on Fashion with Vouchers and Comparison Tools
“At moneysupermarket, we love to save people money- especially on things they love like fashion. Fashion is everywhere- in books, at the shops, on the internet- you can't get away from it” said Rachael Miller of moneysupermarket. “We want to make it easier for you to find fashion that's affordable and stylish without having to break the bank”.
Their vouchers channel has a wide range of money off vouchers to save you some money when buying clothes or beauty products. If you're heading to the high street, they have vouchers to print off and take with you. If you're indulging in some retail therapy online they have voucher codes for you to enter at the checkout. They even have an iPhone app which allows you to have access to our vouchers 24/7. There is now no excuse not to make savings in your favourite fashion stores!
If you're looking for your next big beauty buy don't only look for vouchers- compare prices online on moneysupermarket's shopping channel. This will ensure that you're always getting the best deal. This will save you a little cash which you can spend on even more clothes and beauty products!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Evening View - At Garde Manger
Tonight my able homo-guide to Montreal treated me to dinner in Old Montreal at Garde Manger, a highly-regarded place recently made more famous because of a reality show starring its owner, which is now running on the Food Network in Canada. I recommend the halibut. And the scallops. And the bartender. Definitely the bartender.
FRIDAY: JMG Meet-Up At Gotha
Hello Montrealers, we're planning a little JMG-meetup at Gotha Salon Bar on Amherst at 9PM on Friday (tomorrow.) I imagine the night will continue from there to far more debauched locales, but we'll start with pretty. Hope to see you there!
Pink Cars Get Stolen The Least
According to a study of stolen cars, painting your ride pink is more effective than just about any theft-deterrent system. "A study in the Netherlands illustrates car thieves' preferences. From 2004-2008, the most commonly colored vehicle stolen was black. This may be because black vehicles look more luxurious. Following close behind black were gray/silver automobiles. Of the 109 pink cars in the study, not one was stolen. A bright and uncommon color, like pink, may be as effective deterrent as an expensive security system. Ben Vollaard, who conducted the research, wrote, 'If the aversion to driving a car in an offbeat color is not too high – or if someone actually enjoys it – then buying deterrence through an uncommon car color may be at least as good a deal as buying deterrence through an expensive car security device.'""Honey, I just wonder what you doin' in the back of your pink Cadillac."
MEMPHIS: Death Threats And A Dead Cat For Sponsor Of LGBT Rights Ordinance
Memphis city councilwoman Janis Fullilove is paying the price from God's Gentle People™ for sponsoring an LGBT rights law. So far she's received four telephoned death threats and the body of a dead cat tossed on her front lawn. Police think the threats are serious enough have increased patrols around her home to keep her safe. All four calls came Tuesday and each call mentioned the proposed employee non-discrimination ordinance. Someone also threw a dead cat on her lawn. Each phone call mentioned her support for banning discrimination against gays in city government. Distraught, Fullilove reached out to Jonathan Cole with the Tennessee Equality Project. "She essentially said that they were threatening to kill her," said Cole, who thinks the death threats are just another example of intolerance in Memphis. "It's scary and our city needs to stand up to this kind of ugliness." Police are keeping a close eye on Fullilove and her family. She's asked her telephone provider to track the calls. Meanwhile, Cole says the councilwoman's experience should highlight the need for the ordinance to protect gays and lesbians working for the city.Fullilove (great name!) says the threats will not make her back down. The vote on her legislation is expected to come on August 10th.
NOM Supporter Father Michael Becker: God Did Not Create Anal Sex
Towleroad provides the transcript:
"If you want to get to the nuts and bolts of it in the male homosexual world, I think the most heinous act is anal sex. Now, if anybody were to think about that in truth, they would say one person is being harmed by this act, which is why there are so many gastrointenstinal afflictions that come to many homosexuals that do this, and other kinds of afflictions. When you look at that individual act, you say, 'Did God create that? No way.' And would you ever want one of your children or grandchildren to be submitted to that kind of act? No."
Quote Of The Day - Anne Rice
"For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a Christian. I'm out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being 'Christian' or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to 'belong' to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten ...years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else."In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In the name of ...Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen." - Famed novelist Anne Rice, from her Facebook page.
NOM Speaker Compares Gays To Pedophiles, Satan, and Adolf Hitler
Another lovely NOM speaker, Pastor Brad Brandon, as compiled by Think Progress. Read their dissection of Brandon's bigotry. It's astounding.
GetEQUAL Calls On Lady Gaga To Join Artists Boycott Of Arizona
GetEQUAL's message to Lady Gaga: Lady Gaga, Please be a lady FOR our community. The state of Arizona is EXTRA right now. A wave of laws like SB 1070 is making it a crime to be brown and putting whole communities at risk. Both migrant and LGBTQ communities know what it is to have to fight for our full human dignity to be affirmed. You have the opportunity to play a special role in that fight in Arizona. Communities have called for a boycott of the state to make it happen. As an icon and beloved artist, please join us in boycotting Arizona and turn your trip into an opportunity to meet your little monsters in the migrant LGBTQ community so that you can speak out against the hateful laws and be a champion for this human rights cause.If she does join the boycott, will Elton John call her a fuckwit?
Afternoon View - Visitation & St. Catherine
In the summertime, the main street through Montreal's gay village is closed to traffic.
NEW JERSEY: Attorney General Nixes Investigation Of Park Killing By Cops
New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow has turned down requests that her office launch an independent investigation into the killing of DeFerra Gaymon, who was shot in a Newark-area park by an undercover detective who now claims Gaymon made a sexual advance on him. Gayman was a Georgia business executive who was in town for his 30th high school reunion.Last week, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey formally requested Dow open an inquiry into the fatal shooting of DeFarra Gaymon, 48, during a confrontation with the officer in Newark’s Branch Brook Park. The detective was investigating complaints about people engaging in sexual acts in the park. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the shooting, though the ACLU said, “considering the seriousness of the incident and many unanswered questions, this investigation demands the legitimacy that only an external review can provide.” After meeting with her top officials today afternoon, Dow concluded there was “no indication of a conflict with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office handling this case fairly and impartially,” said her spokesman, Paul Loriquet. “That was never called into question.”And now the "investigation" remains with the very agency whose officers were involved. Wanna bet how THAT turns out?
ACLU & Lambda Legal Sue Hawaii
On behalf of six local couples, the ACLU and Lambda Legal are filing suit against the state of Hawaii today in a demand for equal rights. The lawsuit doesn't seek the titles of "marriage" or "civil unions" for gay partners. Instead, it requests that the court system extend them the benefits and responsibilities of marriage based on the Hawaii Constitution's prohibition against sex discrimination. "We continue to be discriminated against," said plaintiff Suzanne King, who has been in a relationship with her partner for 29 years. "We're a family unit, and we live our lives just like everyone else, but we aren't treated the same." The legal action in state court comes as a response to the Republican governor's veto July 6, when she said voters should decide whether to reserve marriage for couples of a man and a womanThe chairman of the Hawaii Christian Coalition objects: "I feel insulted. They keep bringing up Martin Luther King, black rights and women's sufferage. This is not about that. This is about two males or two females practicing sex. It's behavior. It's no different from smokers or drinkers."
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