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Congratulations 2008 World Champions |
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queerVOICE
Just 4 Day Left!
James Duggan copyright 2008
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With just four days left in the presidential campaign I can say I've never been happier to see an election day arrive. The only thing remaining is to get out the vote!
But truth be told I'm just about tired of it all. Despite my fascination and passion for politics and being a news junky, I can't tolerate the news anymore. For someone who usually has a television on in his office that is normally being flipped between the cable news programs with a frequency that annoys even my canine companion, Buck (of BUCKmonkey), this is exceptional.
But as we enter the last weekend prior to the big day, I want to make a few closing remarks to any interested or undecided voters.
First, to the Hillary supporters who now support John McCain, you betray any support you claim to have had for Hillary Clinton. While I myself did not support her I supported her ideals and principles. John McCain does neither and is in fact the antithesis of Senator Clinton.
To the Hillary supporters who have yet to decide who they are voting for, the only clear and reasoned action is to support Senator Obama. Anything less would be, as I mentioned above, a betrayal of your original support for Senator Clinton.
To the undecided . . . you've got to be kidding. What are you waiting for, the flip of a coin, the settling of tea leaves? Is there some magic pill that will relieve your indecision as if it were some form of nausea? After two years of hearing from these candidates, what the heck are you unsure of?
To the queers who are supporting John McCain . . . well I just don't get it. I've listened to your opinions and arguments and I'm not buying it. Your vote for McCain is a vote against the civil rights we have fought long and hard to achieve and to those we have yet to obtain.
With the continued rise in hate crimes directed at queers, McCain is still opposed to our inclusion in the Federal Hate Crimes bill as well as providing simple workplace protections against discrimination.
His running mate, Gov. Palin, supports and advocates a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Just as important is the fact that if McCain is elected the balance of the Supreme Court, for decades to come, will be lost to the right. This alone is reason enough not to vote for McCain! His election as president would put the queer civil rights movement back decades. This is a betrayal of our very selves and our very existence.
To my fellow Obama supporters, we have just four days left to focus on getting out the vote. It is not sufficient that we simply go and cast our vote; we need to encourage others, including friends and family, to vote with us.
I encourage you to check out the list below of the current toss up and leaning states and if you have friends or family there then ask them to get out and vote for Barack Obama while encouraging them to do the same for their friends and families as well.
On Tuesday, November 4th, MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!
Comments: james@QUEERtimes.net
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Battle Ground States |
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State |
Obama |
McCain |
Advantage |
Toss Up/Leaning |
| Georgia |
45.8 |
50 |
McCain +4.2 |
Toss Up |
| Indiana |
45.6 |
47.6 |
McCain +2.0 |
Toss Up |
| Montana |
44.8 |
46.8 |
McCain +2.0 |
Toss Up |
| Florida |
48.5 |
45 |
Obama +3.5 |
Toss Up |
| Missouri |
48 |
47.8 |
Obama +0.2 |
Toss Up |
| N. Carolina |
49 |
46 |
Obama +3.0 |
Toss Up |
| Arizona |
44.2 |
49.4 |
McCain +5.2 |
Leaning |
| Colorado |
50.8 |
44.3 |
Obama +6.5 |
Leaning |
| Nevada |
50.3 |
43.3 |
Obama +7.0 |
Leaning |
| New Mexico |
50.3 |
43 |
Obama +7.3 |
Leaning |
| Ohio |
49.2 |
43.4 |
Obama +5.8 |
Leaning |
| Pennsylvania |
52.3 |
42.8 |
Obama +9.5 |
Leaning |
| Virginia |
51 |
44.5 |
Obama +6.5 |
Leaning |
| W. Virginia |
42.2 |
50.2 |
McCain +8.0 |
Leaning |
| Source: Real Clear Politics as of 10.30.08 |
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12th Street Gym |
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OCTOBER: 31 Days. 31 Icons. |
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What it Looks Like From Here
A Qt Exclusive
Thom Cardwell
copyright 2008 |
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I'm REALLY freaking out! Halloween is already upon us and there are more parties this year in Philadelphia than ever.
During the past few days, everyone has been asking me where I'm going, what I'm doing, for Halloween, and, most importantly, WHO I'm going to be. Of course, I'll never tell anyone the answer to the last of these three questions. You'll have to recognize me. BUT I'll give you a hint--I'll be dressed of my one of my longtime and all-out favorites of my several alter-egos.
Since I don't "do" drag, I won't be going as Edwina "Eddy" Monsoon from "Absolutely Fabulous," however, though I'll be amusing the persona of a male figure, he's really not like the "real" me in the least. Well, maybe, there are a few little things that me and my alter ego (sometimes referred to as "The Count") actually share, well, our love of male flesh but I won't go further, at least, not in my column.
So where will you see me on Halloween?
 This year it's hands down, that I recommend celebrating Halloween, partying the night away like they'll never be another tomorrow, with none other than Elvira, The Mistress of the Dark, who is hosting, for the first time ever, an incredible monster bash, at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, the 19th Floor, 200 South Broad St., 9 pm to 2 am, on October 31.
There's two ticket prices, a basic admission of $30 per person, and a VIP package at $75 per person that includes an "open bar" from 9 pm to midnight, hors d'oeuvres from XIX Nineteen, and full access to the exclusive VIP area, costume wearers (who's YOUR alter-ego?) can enter the costume contest to win some great prizes. Revelers will enjoy dancing "all night long" to the special evening's "featured" DJs--Adam Freemer, Carl Michaels, Donato and Larry T. Event organizers promise that Elvira will be making special appearances throughout the "fantastical" Halloween-esque evening of madness and mayhem.
Trust me, you won't regret for a moment joining The Mistress of the Dark, myself and many of the city's most wonderful partiers at this unique Halloween event!
Happy Trick! Happy Treat!
For more information call 215.790.1919; or visit gophila.com
 Someone unique to the city's scene where underground performance art resides is Greg Giovanni, who, with his extraordinary talent has been a leader in this movement for more than two decades.
Giovanni is being featured in "Performance in the Present Tense: Big Messy Retro + Fest, Part 1," a two-week retrospective at the venerable Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., in Old City, Philadelphia.
Offering four different theatrical pieces, eight performances over four days during two consecutive weekends, Giovanni presents the breath and depth of his theatricality, though collaboration, with "some of Philadelphia's best companies and dramatists reinterpreting four exceptionally riotous works in a 'festival of voices' that stands testament to one versatile artist."
On October 31 and November 1, 7 p.m., Giovanni appears in "Lecture in Theatre History: Greek Active" with Azuka Theatre, directed by Kevin Glaccum that is a good old-fashioned soloist performance-art piece, masquerading as a survey of Ancient Greek Theatre (1995); and at 9 pm, in "The Ixionda, with Robert Smythe, in a Jacobean Masque incorporating classical themes, verse, metaphysical conjecture and a love story between a man and a half-beast (1990): 0n November 7 and 8, 7 pm, in "Bloom's Fork," with the Philadelphia Dramatist, and directed by Valdemer "Wally" F. Zialcita, an urban retrospective on life in the early 20th century on the streets of "Athens on the Delaware," as Philadelphia then called (2002); and, at 9 pm, in "Naked Cocktail," with Brat Productions, directed by Madi Distefeno, a surreal, quick change farce featuring mad scientists, giant insects, and cabaret songs, "Prepare for the worst hang over of your life!" (1997, 2001).
Bravo to the genius of Giovanni!
Tickets are $25 per performance; $12.50 for Painted Bride members, or buy two tickets for 2+ performances and get 20% off.
For more information, call 215.925.9914, or visit paintedbride.org
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Lift The Ban |
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Medical Marijuana Rally |
William Haney of Medical-Freedom.com will host the fourth annual medical marijuana candlelight vigil on Saturday, November 11th at 8 p.m. on the north side of Philadelphia's City Hall. No walking...just meet around 7:30 and light candles at 8:00.
The annual candlelight vigil commemorates deceased and living patients, diagnosed with one of the conditions for which cannabis is a medically recognized palliative.
The vigil raises awareness by informing the public of the medical value and benefits of medical marijuana, which is now legal in many states. Maine, Vermont, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Rhode Island allow cannabis to be grown and used for medicinal purposes. The US Supreme Court ruled on June 6, 2005 that people who use cannabis with a doctor's approval can still be prosecuted under federal drug laws but did not overturn any State Laws.
For more information about last years' successful vigil, universalarts.net/candl.html
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Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation |
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Thom's Table
Thom Cardwell
copyrighted 2008 |
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Starr and Butcher and Singer
 Despite the economic climate, the city's leading restaurateur Stephen Starr can't be stopped from opening yet another restaurant. This month it's Butcher and Singer, 1500 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, a steak and chop house in what was once Striped Bass.
The "master" of the "concept restaurant, Starr said "it's all retro" for Butcher and Singer. The ambiance will be about an intimate and sophisticated dining experience in a relaxed clubhouse setting, "inspired by such legendary institutions as 21 Club and The Original Delmonico's Steakhouse in New York City, as well as the former glories of The Brown Derby in Los Angeles and Philadelphia's Frankie Bradley's."
Located within the former National Bank, circa early 1900s, low lights and dark woods evoke a feeling reminiscent of a bygone era when women donned full red lips, men always wore a suit and tie, and post-Prohibition liquor flowed freely at Butcher and Singer, Starr quipped.
Shawn Hausman was hired by Starr to carry out the concept for the 132-seat restaurant. Hausman has created three intimate sections with two elevated platforms flanking the central dining room. His credentials include working for Starr on Parc and Continental Midtown in Philadelphia in addition to The Standard Hotel Downtown Los Angeles and The Standard Hotel + Spa Miami.
What's on the menu? Butcher and Singer offers a variety of raw and chilled seafood selections available a la carte or as a towering plateau. Other items include classic appetizers and salads, such as Chopped and Caesar Salads, both skillfully prepared tableside, bringing back some classic traditions, during both lunch and dinner.
Beyond that, Starr said that the menu also features freshly caught fish, coldwater lobster and iconic entrees like Lobster Newberg, Steak Diane and a classic Surf and Turf; along with classic desserts like chocolate fudge cake, Grand Marnier cheesecake, a decadent ice cream sundae and fresh fruit crepes.
Starr has hired Shane Cash, formerly of the Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in Virginia, as executive chef for Butcher and Singer.
For More information, call 215.732.4444; or visit butcherandsinger.com
Brandywine Valley Wine Trail hosts Vintner's Dinner
 It's a celebration of the gods! Well, to be specific, Bacchus, the God of the Grape, when the seven vintners of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will celebrate the end of grape harvest season! They are hosting a Vintners' Dinner, Longwood Gardens East Conservatory and Ballroom (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA), 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., November 8, at $135 per person to benefit the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail.
Pat Ciarrochi, longtime KYW TV 3 anchor, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies; legendary Joel Peterson, winemaker, president and founder of Ravenswood Winery; and singer Rocco Fiorentino, who is blind from his premature birth and the inspiration for The Little Rock Foundation, will perform for the audience. The gala event will include a wine and hors d'oeuvresreception with live piano music, a sit-down dinner paired with wines from the local vineyards and dancing to the Brass Ensemble of the Kennett Symphony.
The seven wineries include: Black Walnut Winery, Chaddsford Winery, Kreutz Creek Vineyards, Twin Brook Winery, Paradocx Vineyard, Penns Woods Winery and Va La Vineyards.
The silent auction will benefit The Little Rock Foundation, an organization of parents who have children with blindness, visual impairment and other disabilities.
For more information, call 610.444.3842 or 866.390.4367; or visit
bvwinetrail.com/news.html#vintners
Mio Pomodoro opens at the Jenkintown Train Station
 Executive chef Clark Gilbert has recently opened Mio Pomodoro, West and Greenwood Avenues, at the Jenkintown Train Station.
Housed in the elegant and historic train station, Gilbert has creat
ed a menu that complements the inviting space, featuring modernized Italian dishes made with premium fresh ingredients.
Gilbert said some of the highlights of the menu at Mio Pomodoro w
ill include: pappardelle with braised lamb shank, ricotta cavatelli Bolognese with chick peas, saffron shellfish risotto, braised short ribs with polenta, sautéed shrimp with white beans, broccoli rabe and grape tomatoes, and a selection of brick oven pizzas.
The bar will feature signature cocktails along with Italian, California, and New World wines that Gilbert has personally selected to be paired perfectly with the dinner entrees.
For more information, call 215.885.9000; or visit miopomodoro.com
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I Wish I Had Said That: |
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 It's Halloween! Jonathan Riggs offers his own "bloody" valentine (Instinct, October 2008) confessing his penchant for bloody, slasher, horror movies, especially at this time of year, told the magazine's editors: "Anyone who's ever been camping knows just how dark and scary the woods can be; anyone who's ever swum in the lake and felt. . .something. . .brush against you--these are more visceral, universal terror experiences than an incredibly art-produced nightmare tailored to your individual psyche. . .But, hey, I admit it: The Friday The 13th movies themselves--with a few exceptions--were sturdy, stolid and stupid. The casts were huge and packed with extremely good-looking; 80s teens in the height of mall fashion. Plus, there were plenty of opportunities to see cute guys in revealing situation and if you're into it, Kevin Bacon in a blue Speedo."____________________________
 Queer Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar LOVES women, from "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" to "All About My Mother," in an interview with Jim Nelson (GQ, April 2007) talks about some of his likes and passions: "It's true when heterosexual men make movies--I'm not talking about pornos--they pay less attention to the power and sexual beauty of women. The goal should be simple: to create wonderful women. It doesn't matter whether you are gay or straight--if you pay attention, you will discover how rich they are. I don't like when journalists, usually heterosexual, say, 'Oh, you understand women better because you are gay.' That's absolutely ridiculous. I'm gay, but I don't want to become a woman. I understand women because I'm interested in them. I like them personally, I like them as dramatic subjects, they are richer than men."
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 Queer fashion designer extraordinaire John Galliano, lives for fashion, literally, he breathes, eats, sleeps, thinks, speaks about the role of fashion in society and its impact upon our ways of living, he told writer Miles Socha (WWD Scoop, June 2008) in defining the meaning of fashion: "I think that essentially, fashion is to seduce, to shock and, above all, get you to escape. Clothes are the scripts to make your dream. You just have to decide what character you want to be that morning."
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I'm Glad I Never Said That!
Eighty-two year-old Jerry Lewis dropped an anti-queer slur when he was asked by a Australian TV reporter following a news conference in Sydney on Friday for his opinion on the sport of cricket: "Oh, cricket? It's a fag game. What are you, nuts?"
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Raising The Colors |
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