The Daily Sheet October 16 - 31, 2009

[Stilllearning]

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

Musical Profile: CellarDweller115

Ten Songs that are meaningful to me. I’ve included links to the official YouTube videos, or fan made videos for the songs. “Everyday People” - Joan Jett:  This song always reminds me that people are different, and we need to accept those differences.  If we want to be accepted for who we are, we have to accept others for who they are. “Another Man” - Barbara Mason:  I first heard this song in the early 80s.  It was the first time I heard a song that was about homosexuality.  It’s about a woman who finds out her man is on the “down low” with another man.  Definitely not politically correct, but it was stuck in my brain the first time I heard it. “Never Let You Go” - Sweet Sensation:  In the late 80s, a new genre of dance music came to prominence.  It was a blend of pop music with salsa and merengue.  A number of acts had success with this style of music, which was later named “freestyle”.  This song is by my favorite group from the freestyle community, and the lyrics speak to me about commitment, which is something I’m looking for in my life.   “Travelin’ Thru” - Dolly Parton:  From the TransAmerica soundtrack.  I’ve always loved Dolly’s voice, and the lyrics remind me that life is a journey, and we’re meant to learn about ourselves along the way.  Not sure where my journey is taking me at the moment, but I’m not about to stop travelin’. “Prayin’ For An Angel” - Marline Miranda:  Another freestyle song.  I’m a romantic at heart.  I believe in commitment, love, and marriage.  Mom and Dad have been married almost 45 years.  My younger brother is married.  Meanwhile, I’m waiting for my angel.  I know he‘s out there.

“I Am What I Am” - Gloria Gaynor:  I hadn’t heard this when it was first released, but rather many years later on a CD called “Hi-NRG”.  It was a compilation, and this was one of the songs.  I heard it the first time not long after I first came out, and play it whenever I feel the need.  I am what I am…..and anyone can say whatever they like about me.  Makes no difference. “The Last Day” - Marilyn Scott:  Very different from the style of music that I generally listen to, but I love the message.  “Doesn’t it strike you as strange, that we’d only begin to start living our lives, if today were the last of all days.”  This song reminds me to live life more…..no regrets.  Don’t look back when the end is near, wishing you could’ve, look back and think, “I did it!” “Far Away" - Nickelback:  This song always gets a response from me, because of the fact that it is (for me) connected to Brokeback Mountain.  The first fan video that I watched was done to this song, and that video is imbedded into my brain.  I heard it before the song was a hit, and later when the official video was made, I would turn, expecting to see Jack & Ennis on the screen, and then laugh when it was the group. “I’ll Be There For You” - The Rembrandts:  For a long time, I felt like I had almost no friends.  I look back at my past, and look back and realize I could count the close friends I had on one hand.  I always heard that your social circle shrinks as you get older.  For me, the reverse happened, and I’m grateful for that.  This song is how I feel for my friends. “Comin’ Out Of Hiding” - Pamela Stanely:  Some early 80s dance music.  This song was a hit in ‘84, and I made it a “theme song” for me when I first came out.  I wasn’t going to allow myself to be hidden anymore regarding my sexual identity.  There was no reason for it, and it was the best decision I’ve made.

Michelle Williams in Vogue

"Michelle Williams these days divides her time between her house in Brooklyn and a house in upstate New York. The location of the latter property is a secret, for understandable reasons: Since the death in 2008 of Heath Ledger, the father of her daughter, Matilda, the beautiful and shy actress has inevitably found herself at the center of a morbid cult and, most pertinent, the object of the tabloids' banal, destructive intrusiveness. "She has been extremely reluctant, as a consequence, to give interviews of any sort, even to promote her film work -- the most recent example of which is Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island, in which she plays (not inappropriately) a ghost. Williams told me, "I didn't know what my boundaries were for a long time, which made interviews feel very unsafe. I can talk about grief, because that's mine; about single parenting; about trying to balance work and kids. But what I don't have to talk about is what happened between Heath and me in our relationship." "Whether or not Williams wants to talk about it, it's clear that she loved Ledger and that her grieving has been twofold: There was death, but before that there was the loss of her partner and the dream of an intact family, a loss that Williams, it's pretty clear, did not want. "Brokeback Mountain was an unrepeatable moment in time, a very charmed time in my life. I was in love; I was in a movie I was proud to be a part of, and with a beautiful brand-new baby. Everything was good in that moment." After the split, she did everything to get away, including taking on a film in Sweden. "I just didn't want to be at home. Geography is a great solution for heartbreak." "The role that she now plays with extraordinary style and care is that of a young single parent. She is no longer with director Spike Jonze: "The timing was impossible. I thought falling in love again was the only thing that was going to save me from the pain. This erroneous idea: It just makes things more complicated." And dating with a kid? "I obviously don't know how to do it." But she's not complaining. "I'm falling more and more in love with her," she says of Matilda, "and I think she deserves the bulk of my attention. We're lucky. I can work. She can go to a good school. There's a lot there for her. And she can know her dad in so many ways, and so many of his friends who will be able to tell her so many stories. His friends, his family—they were a big part of his life, and they will be a big part of her life."' Read the full story. Source: abcnews.go.com

Brokeback Mountain Sims

This has been around a while, but it's still available for gaming BBM fans. It's one of the featured downloads on www.modthesims.info and features two dudes you might enjoy moving around with your joystick: "Here are Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger as their Brokeback Mountain characters Jack Twist & Ennis Del Mar. They come packaged with the Maxis Nightlife clothes in the first pic. I also have University installed, so they probably require both EPs unless you use Clean Installer. "The hair you see in these pics is the hair under their hats - I nixed that crazy Elvis-hair for these two cowboys. Any other pictured clothing not included." Read more. Source: modthesims.info

Search On for Ledger Scholarship Winner

"Heath Ledger's family and Los Angeles-based Australians in Film (AIF) have embarked on a new search for a young Australian actor to carry on the spirit of the late Oscar winner and Dark Knight star. "The winner will receive the 2010 Heath Ledger Scholarship. "Sydney's Oliver Ackland, 29, was awarded the inaugural scholarship at a red carpet event at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont hotel earlier this year. "The scholarship is designed to open doors to Hollywood casting directors and studios. "The 2009 scholarship was backed by Hollywood A-Listers Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Hugh Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness, Phil Noyce, Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin and Ledger's former fiancee, Michelle Williams. "Judges included film director Gregor Jordan and Oscar nominee Rachel Griffiths. "We are honoured and proud to know that the Australians in Film Heath Ledger Scholarship continues to be so well supported and respected within the industry," Ledger's mother, Sally, said. "AIF and scholarship chairperson, Susie Dobson, said applications will be accepted from October 5 to November 30, 2009, and the winner will be announced in Hollywood on the eve of the March 7 Academy Awards ceremony." Read more. Source: news.ninemsn.com.au

Exploring Male Intimacy Through Traditionally Feminine Mediums

Forum member killersmom enjoyed an art show when out and about in San Francisco with michaelflanagansf and Sid401k. Magnet, a health and social well-being center located in the heart of the Castro district, was exhibiting the unique textile works of artisan John Paradiso: "My art is an on-going exploration of gay male identity and the intimacy between men. The work is a statement about my experience navigating a sex-positive lifestyle among a prevalence of sex-negative messages. "I have been creating the SEW MANY MEN and MEN WORKING series over the past several years. They combine images of men and masculinity with working methods that are considered traditionally feminine, such as sewing, embroidery and hand quilting. "In the SEW MANY MEN series, I hand quilt contour drawings of men taken from gay male pornography. Pornography, for me, has been both a sexual outlet and a place to find inspiration. As a young gay man, pornography served as my first gay sexual education. This series takes the overt sexuality of pornography and places it into the context of nostalgia, the home sewn, and a more romantic point of view." Read more. Source: john-paradiso.com

Lady Gaga: It Isn't Equal If It's Sometimes

From Towleroad: "Here's a brief chat we just had with Lady Gaga following her remarks at the National Equality March this afternoon. Wow. The March was an incredible success."' "...I feel that homophobia runs rampant in the music industry, and that artists are allowed to speak openly in a hateful way, in a homophobic way, in a misogynistic way, um, and the press does not challenge them... and, uh, I'm going to be taking a very strong stance against that, and I am an artist that refuses to accept that behavior." Watch a clip of the Lady Gaga interview with Towleroad.  Source: towleroad.com Listen to her  unique version of John Lennon's "Imagine" at the HRC National Dinner on YouTube.

Stars Pay Tribute to Stephen Gately

"Stephen Gately's Boyzone bandmates have led tributes to the late singer. "The body of the 33-year-old singer was discovered at his holiday home in Majorca on Saturday (10.10.09) and, after flying into the Spanish island to comfort his partner Andy Cowles, the Love Me For A Reason hitmakers - Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Keith Duffy and Mikey Graham - issued a statement about their grief. "It read: "We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother. '"We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were looking forward to many more. '"Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our loves and those of the many friends he had all over the world. '"We love you and will miss you forever Steo."' Read more.  Source: list.co.uk

When in Philly: Bob and Barbara's ~ Where Pabst Blue Ribbon Embraces Drag

Is anyone arriving in Philly on Thursday? You might find drag night at Bob and Barbara's just what the nurse requires. Located just outside the Philly's "Gayborhood" (and one block from the Lombard-South Station BSS), this is one dive bar where you might shriek, "What the what?!?" and end up smiling. From gophila.com: "If you want the perfect dive bar plus a racially diverse, gay and straight crowd, welcome Bob and Barbara's. The dark shadows and the flickering neon lights, along with [you fill in the blank] make this the perfect watering hole." Check out the gophila website for hours and a map. The joint seems to get some good reviews. A reader on yelp.com says: "It's Bob and Barbara's, dude. You just gotta go." "It's always fucking something there. Drag show, spelling bee, porn bingo, or, as my friends and I found out the embarrassing way...all male revue.  Yes ladies, you too can have Scorpio the Delivery Boy rub his man parts on your various appendages. (Last Sunday of the month only...unless you, um, er..schedule a special delivery maybe?) You're welcome. "What are you waiting for? For $9 (three specials) plus tip you could be making so many terrible decisions right now!" Still not convinced? Even Details says it's one of America's best dive bars around (Zeitgeist made the West Coast proud): "The owners of this dive understand that sometimes even serious drinkers need a little entertainment. On Thursdays, $6 gets you a drink ticket and a drag show. Friday and Saturday bring the Crowd Pleasers, a bluesy band specializing in "liquor-drinking music." And it's not like the South Street institution makes it hard for you to tie one on any other night of the week: The house special, a can of PBR and a shot of Jim Beam, is a borderline-irresponsible three bucks." What's more, according to a local, is that there's even good food on the weekends. Check out more gay-friendly Philadelphia events and happenings at gophila's We Your People page, and on Yelp.

The cozy interior just screams dive-y. Bob and Barbara's 1509 South Street Philadelphia, PA (215) 545-4511

WikiWhat?

This week's WikiWhat? entry is a shade of the color purple. It's violet and celebrates the re-release of a discontinued liqueur used to make classic American cocktails in colors that Jack Twist might have favored (if his shirts and chairs said anything about the blending of red and blue). The newly ressurrected spirit's name is simply, Creme Yvette. "Creme Yvette, also called Creme D'Yvette, is a proprietary liqueur made from parma violet petals and possibly vanilla & other spices. Once manufactured by Charles Jacquin et Cie in the United States, who purchased the brand formerly made by Sheffield Company of Connecticut. It has become almost impossible to find since the production has stopped. The liqueur was, however, recently ressurected by Rob Cooper, the creator of St Germain elderflower liqueur. "Creme de Violette is the forerunner to the liqueurs Parfait Amour and the American variation, Creme Yvette, both of which are decidedly different with pronounced vanilla and/or citrus flavors. When Crème de Violette is not available it is possible to use the Parfait Amour or Creme Yvette to replicate the violet color in a drink, though the taste profile is quite different. Pictured at left is the Aviation Cocktail, provided by gourmet.com along with this bit of info:

"Violet-scented cocktails, once fairly common, almost disappeared 50 years ago, dismissed as auntly and old-fashioned, unable to compete with the more immediate pleasures of Mai Tais or Rusty Nails. Crème Yvette, a violet liqueur discontinued in the late 1960s, has been a grail of American cocktailians for years, a faint breeze from the past whose sweet woodsiness was the key to so many of the formulas in the great old bar books, not just the Eagle’s Dream but the Ping Pong, the Blue Moon, and especially a proper Aviation Cocktail—bold tastes lost to time. An Aviation made with maraschino liqueur alone can be delicious, but it bears the resemblance to the violet-tinged original that a computer-tinted print of Casablanca does to the black-and-white master."

Post of the Day

Posted by fritzkep in the The Diner - Volume 7

"Pope Benedict cannonized Saint Damien of Molokai today. I've been looking forward to this for a long time, since he has for a long time been one of my personal heroes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Damien "A sculpture of him is in National Statuary Hall in the US Capitol as well as in front of the Hawaii State Capitol, and the place in Hawaii where he lived and died is a National Park." http://www.nps.gov/kala/index.htm Portrait of Father Damien, attributed to Edward Clifford, 1868.

The Forum Image

Posted by huntinbuddy in The Rose Garden

"I have 24 different hybrid teas around my lawn, and it always seem the
late summer makes for the best roses. It will freeze for the first time
within a month, and then they will be gone until next spring."



"Jackson & Perkins also, but can't remember their
name for this one. Let's just call it Pretty Pink"

Quote of the Day

“The difference between a Miracle and a Fact is
exactly the difference between a mermaid and a seal.”

~ Mark Twain (Letters from the Earth: Uncensored Writings) ~

Photocaption of the Day

By HR in Photo Captioning Fun 5

My type?
Oh, I dunno...
Curly blond hair,
Velvet brown eyes with a hint o' green,
Soft lips hidin' a shy smile.

	Sounds real nice. Shur hope y' find her.
sigh

Contributors: CellarDweller115, killersmom, fritzkep, huntinbuddy, HR

Calendar of Events

If you have ideas about initiating a gathering, go to Start Your Own Threads
and get the ball rolling to plan a get-together near you.


Mini-Slash Bash
Philadelphia - October 23-25, 2009



Mini-Slash Bash Itinerary


Panel Discussion: “Whatever Happened to Ennis del Mar?
Autry National Center, Los Angeles - December 13, 2009


Let us know of any events you’d like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum.

Today's edition by gnash

Formatters: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition formatted by gnash

Researchers: BayCityJohn, Killersmom, Kittyhawk, Marge_Innavera, Stilllearning

Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning, MissYouSoMuch

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day.
If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to marge_innavera or gnash.

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When a new issue of TDS is posted, you will be notified by e-mail.

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[Stilllearning]

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Underground Railroad East   

According to The Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR), "The Underground Railroad was an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by 19th century Black slaves in the United States to escape to free states and mainly to Canada with the aid of abolitionists who were sympathetic to their cause. In Canada they had their freedom. In the past few years one of our major activities was about asylum seekers who must escape Iran due to their sexual orientation and we will continue this work under IRQR. Iranian queer refugees are resettling in Canada, and also in United States and in parts of Europe. "IRQR is an international, non for profit, queer human rights organization based in Toronto, Canada. We help Iranian gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered refugees all over the world. We help when Iranian queers are threatened with deportation back to Iran.  We also assist Iranian queers in obtaining asylum in friendly countries.

"When Iranian queer people flee persecution in Iran, they generally go to Turkey. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) interviews these refugees and decides whether their case for asylum is valid. If they are granted asylum status, the UNHCR finds a new country for each person on base of their profile." In 2005, according to Digital Journal, IRQR founder Arhsam Parsi "was engaged in perhaps the most hazardous profession in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Then a 24-year-old native of Shiraz, Iran's sixth-largest city, Mr. Parsi was working secretly in the city of his birth as a gay activist promoting LGBT rights in the Islamic Republic.   "In that capacity, Arsham operated a clandestine Yahoo chat room called Voice Celebration, counseled suicidal gay teens online, and had been assisting a doctor since 2002 with a study of HIV among local gay and bisexual men. In 2001, Mr. Parsi formed a small LGBT Internet group called Rangin Kaman, or the Rainbow Group, which was renamed the Persian Gay and Lesbian Organization in 2004. As the PLGO would not be recognized in Iran, a friend of Mr. Parsi's officially registered PLGO in Norway. PLGO became the foundation for Mr. Parsi's Toronto-based Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO) in 2006. IRQO became the Iranian Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) in 2008."  The IRQR's activities include "seeking safe havens both within and without Iran, assisting with asylum applications, providing housing and financial assistance to those in desperate need, and petitioning Western and other governments of behalf of Iranian LGBTs facing deportation back to Iran.

"Mr. Parsi is also co-coordinator and cultural ambassador to the Stockholm-based International Lesbian and Gay Cultural Network (ILGCN), an official member of the Brussels-based International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the Toronto-based Rainbow Railroad group, and the Berlin-based Advisory Committee of the Hirschfeld-Eddy Foundation for LGBT Human Rights. In April 2008, Mr. Parsi's former Iranian Queer Organization (IRQO) received the Felipa de Souza Award by the New York-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC). Two months later, Mr. Parsi's work was recognized with the Toronto Pride Award for Excellence in Human Rights." Visit IRQR for more information.

Harvey Milk Day In; AIDS Programs Out

In California, Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger agreed on the observation of Harvey Milk Day, but has also included AIDS program in his budget-slashing measures. "Harvey Milk Day, a state day to honor the slain San Francisco gay rights advocate, is now official in California thanks to a somewhat unexpected signature Monday from Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has vetoed such legislation in the past.  The bill was one of two key gay rights bills authored by State Senator Mark Leno of San Francisco, who says he's "pleasantly surprised" that the governor put his pen to both; the other bill makes gay marriages performed in other states legal in California. "Leno, reached Monday, said he believed Schwarzenegger finally signed the bill this session to establish a day for the late San Francisco supervisor because 'Harvey Milk Day is an idea whose time has come.' In the past, Schwarzenegger 'could suggest that Harvey was a local personality,' he said. "But that was before Milk's life and accomplishments were recognized in a shower of honors last year: there was the success of the Oscar-winning film, Milk, the biopic starring Sean Penn, who also pushed for the measure; the President's Medal of Freedom, and an induction into the Goveror's own California Hall of Fame.  'It all seemed to come together,' Leno said, adding that 'I greatly appreciate the governor's revisiting this bill.''

"As for the vociferous opposition from some religious and conservative groups, like Save California.com, who are already calling the signing "outrageous"?  'The vitriol spoke for itself,'' said Leno.'' On the down side, however, Gov. Schwarzenegger did veto AB 382, sponsored by openly gay Assembly Member Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco). The law would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the Sexual Abuse in Detention Elimination Act as a factor to be considered in housing prison inmates. Ammiano had stated during committee testimony that "while anyone can be a victim of sexual violence in prison, typical victims are young, nonviolent, or first-time offenders. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender prisoners or those perceived to be LGBT are also exceptionally vulnerable to violence." As part of drastic budget cuts in California, "cuts to AIDS programs include an 80% reduction in funding for Education & Prevention, a 70% cut in HIV Counseling and Testing, a 50% cut for Early Intervention (that provides primary medical care), a 100% cut in Therapeutic Monitoring Program (the program that monitors the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS drugs administered through the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program), a 20% cut in Housing and more than a 50% cut in funding for Home and Community-Based Care."

See sfgate.

Comments On Gately Ignite Protests

Pinknews reports that "a Daily Mail column by writer Jan Moir has provoked a storm of anger on the internet for apparently suggesting that Boyzone singer Stephen Gately died because he was gay. Gately was found dead in a Majorca apartment last weekend. Post mortem examination results show he died from natural causes. "Hundreds of people have contacted the Press Complaints Commission over the article, while the Daily Mail appears to have removed advertisements from the column's web page.

"Moir wrote today: 'Healthy and fit 33-year-old men do not just climb into their pyjamas and go to sleep on the sofa, never to wake up again. And I think if we are going to be honest, we would have to admit that the circumstances surrounding his death are more than a little sleazy.' "She also drew comparisons between Gately and Kevin McGee, the former civil partner of Matt Lucas, despite Gately dying of natural causes and McGee committing suicide after months of depression and addiction. She wrote: 'Another real sadness about Gately's death is that it strikes another blow to the happy-ever-after myth of civil partnerships. Gay activists are always calling for tolerance and understanding about same-sex relationships, arguing that they are just the same as heterosexual marriages. . . .  Of course, in many cases this may be true.' " Pinknews reported that "Post mortem examination results show [Gately] died from pulmonary oedema, or a build-up of fluid in the lungs."  Eulogizing Gately as "a charming and sweet man who entertained millions", Moir issued a statement saying that she had been referring to drug use and not homosexual relationships, and described the reaction as "a heavily orchestrated internet campaign."

Boyzone

In the MailOnline column, Moir commented that "through the recent travails and sad ends of Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger and many others, fans know to expect the unexpected of their heroes - particularly if those idols live a life that is shadowed by dark appetites or fractured by private vice." She did not openly express sketicism about the reports of natural causes, but remarked that "the Gately family are - perhaps understandably - keen to register their boy's demise on the national consciousness as nothing more than a tragic accident".

 
Around the Cyber-Neighborhood

One of the best ways to see Wyoming’s spectacular scenery close-up, and get an up-close-and-personal experience of the state is to stay in a bed and breakfast inn or guest ranch.  One of the best online guides is Bed and Breakfast Inns and Ranches of Wyoming.  You can search through the site by city, or go to the separate areas for B&Bs, guest ranches and cabins. The "Chuck Wagon" has recipes from member inns, ranging from Rhubarb Coffee Cake, Blue Spruce Olive Chicken Mozzarella and Marina's Chicken Gumbo. Each listing includes contact information, rates and a link to the inn’s website. Spahn's Bighorn Mountain B&B "Solar powered log home and cabins on a high pine-forested mountainside. Our forty acre site adjoins one million acres of public forest lands -- with deer, moose, and eagles on-site. Established in 1986, we are one of the oldest B&Bs in Wyoming." “Our premium room with cozy western furniture set off by the warmth of hand-peeled logs and country curtains. Queen bed, twin bed, outside balcony, 100 mile view. Attached private shower bath.” Devil's Tower Lodge “Built around the former Park Superintendent's home, each of our four B&B rooms afford dramatic Tower vistas and include a queen bed, creative decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air deck, a private bath, and a hearty country breakfast.”

Slash Bash Tips

lawgoddess has posted a few common-sense tips for those attending the Mini-Slash Bash in Philadelphia this weekend: "You may want to start exchanging cellphone numbers with three or four people you know by PM. That way you'll be able to reach someone and find out where we are if you're running late or whatever. I'll send out a PM with my cell to the group. "Also, bring your cameras. But please ask everyone in a group picture before you post any pictures online. Most people don't mind, but it's always best to ask." She's also posted a picture of South Street in Philadelphia, "where we're going to explore during the day on Saturday." The area has an everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know website, which attendees might want to check out.

Revisting the Mountain (in Alberta)

CellarDweller115 took a number of pictures at Brokeback sites last summer, which he's shared at Movie Locations and Photos.  Some pictures show the settings as seen in the film, followed by photos taken on last summer's visit.  Churck's photos start on page 26. Visit to the film site of Jack's death scene "At a gift shop the day prior, I had found a cowboy angel pin.  I decided to leave it at the site."

Lureen's barrel ride at. . . .

         

. . . the Rockyford Rodeo.                                         

Fun Question of the Week

This week’s Question: Artist Vincent Van Gogh sold just one painting during his life time, which painting was it? Let us know your answer in the response thread. Last week's question and answer: Who said: "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors?" The answer - Plato

The Forum Image

Cally shares some photos of Dartmoor (southwest England) in Life Through the Lens 4: 




"The seedheads - still wet with the heavy dew -  of a yellow clematis, which has thick petals like lemon peel."

Quote of the Day

“Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together.”

~ Eugene Ionesco ~

Photo Caption of the Day

From royandronnie at Photo Captioning Fun 5:  

"Ennis? Why you lookin at me like that?"



"…because I can't help it…"

Contributors: royandronnie, Cally, CellarDweller115, lawgoddess

Calendar of Events

If you have ideas about initiating a gathering, go to Start Your Own Threads
and get the ball rolling to plan a get-together near you.

Mini-Slash Bash
Philadelphia - October 23-25, 2009



Mini-Slash Bash Itinerary


Panel discussion: Ennis del Mar
Los Angeles, Autry National Center - December 13


Let us know of any events you’d like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum.

Today's edition by Marge_Innavera

Formatters: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition formatted by denim girl

Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning, MissYouSoMuch

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day.
If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to marge_innavera or gnash.

Researchers: BayCityJohn, Killersmom, Kittyhawk, Marge_Innavera, Stilllearning

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, click the “Notify” button at the top or bottom of the page.
When a new issue of TDS is posted, you will be notified by e-mail.

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[Stilllearning]

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

Philadelphia Mini-Slash Bash in Full Swing!



TDS would like to wish all Mini-Slash Bash attendees
a wonderful, safe, and slash-a-licious Philly weekend!

Photo: Hughe Dillon

Congress Extends Hate Crime Protections to Gays

"Physical attacks on people based on their sexual orientation will join the list of federal hate crimes in a major expansion of the civil rights-era law Congress approved Thursday and sent to President Barack Obama. "A priority of the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., that had been on the congressional agenda for a decade, the measure expands current law to include crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The measure is named for Matthew Shepard, the gay Wyoming college student murdered 11 years ago. "To assure its passage after years of frustrated efforts, Democratic supporters attached the measure to a must-pass $680 billion defense policy bill the Senate approved 68-29. The House passed the defense bill earlier this month. "Hate crimes law enacted after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1968 centered on crimes based on race, color, religion or national origin. "The expansion has long been sought by civil rights and gay rights groups. Conservatives have opposed it, arguing that it creates a special class of victims. They also have been concerned that it could silence clergymen or others opposed to homosexuality on religious or philosophical grounds. "Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights group, hailed the bill as "our nation's first major piece of civil rights legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Too many in our community have been devastated by hate violence."' Read more.  Source: Associated Press

Diana Ossana Optioned for Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature

As reported last week in Publisher's Weekly: "Proving that Hollywood's interest in YA fare is showing no signs of waning—and is scouring the backlist for more—producer Diana Ossana (Brokeback Mountain) optioned Robin Brande's Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature, which Knopf  published in 2007. The novel, Brande's debut, is about a high school girl who becomes unwittingly embroiled in local controversy after shining a light on an organized push to "de-gay" a classmate—she's ostracized by friends, her church and her family." The author has this to say about the new on her own website: "Thank you, Diana Ossana! Not only did she produce Brokeback Mountain, she also won the Academy Award for co-writing the screenplay with Larry McMurtry. I am honored and thrilled that she’s going to write the screenplay for Evolution!!!"

Gustavo Santaolalla to Speak at SXSW 2010 Film Conference

"Academy Award-winning Argentine composer, solo artist and producer Gustavo Santaolalla has scored films as diverse as Babel, Brokeback Mountain and Amores Perros. He has also produced acclaimed albums for the likes of Cafe Tacuba and The Kronos Quartet. Santaolalla's iconic 'electrotango' band Bajofondo, meanwhile, draws from a huge, eclectic sonic palette, and gained an army of fans worldwide. SXSW is delighted to bring you this featured conversation with Gustavo Santaolalla and BMI's Doreen Ringer Ross." "The SXSW Film Conference and Festival is a uniquely creative environment featuring the dynamic convergence of talent, smart audiences and industry heavyweights. A hotbed of discovery and interactivity, the event offers lucrative networking opportunities and immersion into the art and business of the rapidly evolving world of independent film. "Over the first five days, the Film Conference buzzes as world-class speakers, creative minds, and notable mentors tackle the latest filmmaking trends amidst the unmatched social atmosphere of the SXSW experience. Simultaneously, the internationally acclaimed, nine-day Festival celebrates raw innovation and emerging talent, with a truly diverse program ranging from provocative documentaries to subversive Hollywood comedies." Read more. Source: sxsw.com

Oscar-Winning Musician Gustavo Santaolalla Talks Artistry

"Argentine musician Gustavo Santaolalla is the Academy Award-winning composer of the score for the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain. Santaolalla, an eclectic musician, produces everything from techno tango to albums for the Kronos Quartet. Santaolalla stopped in the studio to talk to Michel Martin about his career and his latest project, Bajofondo Mar Dulce. "MARTIN: I mentioned that, you know, I mentioned that many people will know your work from Brokeback but, of course, you have second Academy Award for Babel. And I wanted to ask, when you're composing for film, how does that work; and is that different from when you're composing for... "Mr. SANTAOLALLA: Yeah. It's absolutely different in a way and yet, you know, it's always, it comes from the same well, let's say. You know what I mean? It's connecting with that thing that is very hard to describe in words. But the disciplines are very different you know, in format. In the film work, I love to work mainly from the script and from talking to the directors, so a lot of the music, big portions of the scores that I've made have been composed before the movies were even shot. "I mean the biggest example of that is Brokeback. I mean the whole score of Brokeback Mountain I did before the movie, before they even shot one frame. Read (or listen) to more. Source: npr.org

Jack Twist Custom Figure

"Yeehaw! Say howdy to Jack Twist, of Brokeback Mountain fame!" According to Wikipedia, "Kitbashing or model bashing is a practice whereby a new scale model is created by taking pieces out of commercial kits. These pieces may be added to a custom project or to another kit. For professional modelmakers, kitbashing is popular to create concept models for detailing movie special effects. "For the hobbyist, kitbashing saves time that would be spent scratch building an entire model. Hobbyists may kitbash to create a model of a subject (real or imaginary) for which there isn't a commercial kit." Here is an example of a kitbashed Jake, where clothing from a James Dean figure, a "Caucasian TrueType body", and a headsculpt of Jake Gyllenhaal taken from a military figure were all brought together to make an undeniably unique version of Jack Twist. While there seems to be a resemblance, especially in the eyes, we're not sure if Jack ever sported a goatee up on Brokeback. But who really knew what went on during his long months apart from Ennis? See more of kitbashed Jack Twist. Source: rabid.puppy.blogspot.com

Trick or Treating with Ennis and Jack

Gay Halloween Costume Idea 3 – Ennis and Jack from Brokeback Mountain "The gay interest film that took the world by storm, Brokeback Mountain gives an ideal opportunity for making a gay Halloween costume inexpensively for either a single man or a gay trick-or-treating couple, just don't forget to add some Wyoming drawl alongside this Halloween party outfit for that truly authentic feel. The items required include: "A cowboy hat. Ennis appears to favour a lighter cream hat whereas Jack, as a rodeo man, prefers a jet black one. "Plaid shirts. Ennis wears light blue or pale shirts whereas Jack is more adventurous with deeper colours such as greens and reds. "Scuffed cowboy boots are a must for the final touch to this gay cowboy Halloween costume." Here are a few eHow tips for making your Halloween more fun: "Step One: Discover the mood and history of "Brokeback Mountain" before attempting this costume. You should read the original short story by Annie Proulx and the screenplay. Also see the film starring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. There is much inspiration to be had from the beauty of the story. "Step Five: Grab a pair of well-worn blue jeans. Tuck your shirt into the jeans. Although you are out working all day, there is no reason to look like you've done so. Keep pride in your appearance by tucking in your shirt neatly. "Step Seven: Add additional touches to your costume if you'd like. You could carry around a cowboy prop like a rope or a can of beans like they had to eat when stuck up on the mountain. This is where your creativity and personal preferences can come in to make the costume your own." Source: ehow.com and suite101.com

Writes Jessica of Seal Beach: "My husband and I dressed up as the characters from Brokeback Mountain because we loved the film and the costume was virtually effortless!" Check out more wacky examples of celebrity Halloween costumes over at people.com

Akbar and Jeff: Thoughts on Matt Groening's Cartoon Gay Couple

Hats, Huts, and Humanity "They’ve been together since the 1980s, when Matt Groening, the eventual creator of The Simpsons, added Akbar and Jeff to his Life in Hell series. Though he initially teased journalists by saying they could be twin brothers, gay lovers, or both, Groening quickly acknowledged that Akbar and Jeff are indeed a gay couple. Teetering fickly between adoring love for each other and utter frustration with each other, the couple’s odd brand of humor has resonated not just with gay men but with everyone who’s befuddled and bemused by the absurd ups and downs of human relationships. Indeed, the fez-hatted, big-nosed guys wearing Charlie Brown shirts speak to the masses despite being living in the shadows of The Simpsons. "Akbar and Jeff aren’t political activists in their two-dimensional world, but Groening has acknowledged here and there that the couple faces some social hurdles. They are, on occasion, discriminated against for their identity. They have even commented on legal decisions affecting the gay community. And in one AIDS-themed cartoon that appeared over 15 years ago, Akbar and Jeff even discussed HIV tests. But despite the occasional tackling of “issues,” the real genius of Matt Groening’s duo is their ambivalent, curious, and enduring relationship." Read more.  Source: associatedcontent.com

TODAY'S GAY HISTORY MONTH ICON:
Robert Rauschenberg, Artist



Robert Rauschenberg's untitled 'combine', 1963.

Visit the GLBT History Month website.
See previous GLBT History Month Icons

Welcome to the Future of Condoms "Introducing TheyFit™ condoms, the world's first Sized-to-Fit condom line in 70 custom-fit sizes. The custom tailored fit makes these condoms safer, while significantly increasing comfort and pleasure for a more natural experience. Before ordering, you will need to use our Fit Kit™ to measure the Johnson in question. Welcome to the future of condoms. "Once you've been custom-suited, an off-the-rack condom feels like punishment." -- Men's Health Magazine "TheyFit condoms feature 70 sizes to ensure that every guy, from 3" to 10", can get a condom that fits properly for maximum security, comfort, and pleasure. These smart condoms are also sensuous, strong, and thin for total enjoyment." Read more. Source: condomania.com

WikiWhat?

RuPaul Milton Berle Mr. Golden State Cub and Bear '09

With Halloween around the corner, how about checking out what Wikipedia has to say about Drag Queens? "A drag queen is a man who dresses and acts like a woman, often for the purpose of entertaining or performing. There are many kinds of drag artists and they vary greatly from professionals who have starred in movies to people who just try it once. Although many drag queens are presumed to be gay men or transgender people, there are drag artists of all genders and sexualities who do drag for various reasons. "Generally, drag queens dress in a female gender role, often exaggerating certain characteristics(such as make-up and eyelashes) for comic, dramatic or satirical effect. Other drag performers include drag kings, who are women who perform in male roles, faux queens, who are women who dress in an exaggerated style to emulate drag queens and faux kings, who are men who dress to impersonate drag kings. "The term drag queen usually refers to people who dress in drag for the purpose of performing, whether singing or lip-synching, dancing, participating in events such as gay pride parades, drag pageants, or at venues such as cabarets and discotheques. In the United Kingdom, alongside traditional drag work such as shows and performances, many drag queens engage in 'mix-and-mingle' or hosting work at night clubs or at private parties/events. Drag is a part of Western gay culture; it is often noted that the Stonewall riots on June 27, 1969 in New York City were inspired and led by drag queens, and, in part for this reason, drag queens remain a tradition at pride events" The article has information on drag queen names (Miss Understood, Peaches Christ, Dame Edna, Coco Peru, Divine); drag and transvestism; genres and and societal reception ("A common criticism of drag queens is that they promotes harmful stereotypes of women, comparable to blackface portrayal of African-Americans by white performers that was popular in the early 20th century."). There's also a section on the drag queen in film, with such notable titles as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Birdcage, Hairspray, and The Rose. But most men aren't comfortable in sequins, feather boas, and stiletto heels. Need a more butch angle? Check out The Gay Bear, where men dress up in a different way, and not just for trick or treat: "Bear is LGBT slang for those in the bear communities, a subculture in the gay/bisexual male communities and an emerging subset of LGBT communities with events, codes and culture-specific identity. It also describes a physical type. "Bears tend to have hairy bodies and facial hair; some are heavy-set; some project an image of working-class masculinity in their grooming and appearance, though none of these are requirements or unique indicators. Some bears place importance on presenting a hyper-masculine image and may shun interaction with, and even disdain, men who exhibit effeminacy. The bear concept can function as an identity, an affiliation, and an ideal to live up to, and there is ongoing debate in bear communities about what constitutes a bear. "Bears are almost always gay or bisexual men, although increasingly transgender men (transmen) and those who shun labels for gender and sexuality are also included within bear communities. "Bear in LGBT communities is a metaphorical reference to the animal of the same name with similar notable features. These features include the animal's hairiness, its solid proportions, and also its perceived masculine power. The bear is both fat and powerful, and the reconciliation of these two qualities is at the heart of the Bear concept's appeal."

Post of the Day

Posted by jack in How the Dave Cullen Forum Has Affected Me

funny you should get started on gay kisses.  just last night i was telling a friend i had found a video compilation of 100 gay kisses, and i could think of some not included. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot6VYUdDl0U turns out there is more than one version http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIjmBDHmzSs i hadn't realized how far we have come since an implied gay kiss on melrose place was a scandal...

The Forum Image

Posted by coal615 in Cowboy Up!

Quote of the Day

“kisses are a better fate than wisdom.”

~  e. e. cummings  ~

Photocaption of the Day

By RickB in Photo Captioning Fun 5

Jimbo:
Hmm, that's odd.
Is it just my imagination,
or did Twist just get a whole lot prettier
since my last beer?

Contributors: jack, coal615, Lyle (Mooska), RickB

Calendar of Events

If you have ideas about initiating a gathering, go to Start Your Own Threads
and get the ball rolling to plan a get-together near you.


Mini-Slash Bash
Philadelphia - October 23-25, 2009



Mini-Slash Bash Itinerary


Panel Discussion: “Whatever Happened to Ennis del Mar?
Autry National Center, Los Angeles - December 13


Let us know of any events you’d like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum.

Today's edition by gnash

Formatters: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition formatted by gnash

Researchers: BayCityJohn, Killersmom, Kittyhawk, Marge_Innavera, Stilllearning

Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning, MissYouSoMuch

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day.
If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to tds@davecullen.com.

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, click the “Notify” button at the top or bottom of the page.
When a new issue of TDS is posted, you will be notified by e-mail.

The Daily Sheet Archives
Respond to The Daily Sheet

[Stilllearning]

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

40 Years of the Blade

The Washington Blade, which started out as the Gay Blade, a single letter-sized sheet printed on a mimeograph machine, turns 40 this year.  As part of the anniversary celebration, a special website announces that "one of the ways we’re celebrating is looking back at the rich archive of photos the paper has amassed over four decades."  The website displays four decades of photos and a timeline of memorable moments and important news events.

The AIDS quilt NAMES Project on the National Mall on October 10, 1992




Maureen Here with her partner, Jazz, at an ACT UP kiss-in event in Washington on May 1, 1988




(left) A 1983 black Pride event in Washington
(right) Black Bride 2008

The "one-man library on gay rights" Lou Chibbaro Jr. during the 1980s

Lou Chibbaro Jr., who's been writing for the Blade for 40 years, originally used the pseudonym "Lou Romano", because "those were the days when being associated with a gay newspaper could ruin a reputation" according to a lengthy profile that appeared in the Washington Post last week.  Chibbaro has "covered it all -- the political campaigns, the historic marches, the scandals, the rise of AIDS, the hate crimes and more than a few salacious murders."  He didn't earn a full-time salary until 1984, originally moonlighting as a cab driver. When he came out to his parents in 1975, he followed up the revelation with a 7-page letter "that he hoped would make it easier for them to digest the news. 'There are many who have advised me never to tell my parents I'm gay,' Chibbaro wrote. 'I think it's to your credit that I can't do this. I just can't and won't live a lie.' ”  He had dropped the pseudonym a few years before, after writing a story about a fire at the gay-oriented Cinema Follies that killed nine men.  The story became one about "the prison of the closet", and led to his decision to start using his own name. Other things haven't changed, however.  Not a fan of electronics, Chibbaro still maintains "a fat, source-rich Rolodex, the only one remaining in the tech-happy and every more youthful Blade newsroom.  He also has the only clunky old cassette tape recorder, and the only filing cabinets jammed with files."  His notes, files and other archives, 26 boxes worth, are now at the George Washington University library as the "Lou Chibbaro Jr. Reporter Files."

Chibbaro is still, however, part of the Blade's history and a chronicler of the gay civil rights movement. One of his most recent assignments was interviewing protesters outside the HRC's dinner with President Obama as speaker this month.  And he now has a first-row seat at Presidential news conferences, after being seated in the back under previous Administrations.   Read the story about Chibbaro and the history of the Blade in the Washington Post.

News From All Over

Toronto to Host World Pride 2014 "The Canadian city of Toronto has been chosen to host World Pride in 2014.  Toronto Pride announced the news on its website, which said: 'Presented by InterPride, World Pride promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) issues on an international level through parades, festivals, and other cultural activities.' "Announced in the first session of Sunday, October 18th, at the annual InterPride Conference in St Petersburg, Florida, this will be the fourth scheduled World Pride since the event's inception in Rome in 2000. "Executive director of Toronto Pride, Tracey Sandilands, said: 'This triumph for Pride Toronto will not only be beneficial to the community, but will also have a greatly positive outcome for Toronto, for Ontario, and in some ways, for all of Canada.' "  Human Rights Groups Protest Uganda's Proposed Death Penalty For Homosexuality "Seventeen human rights groups have called for proposed new laws on homosexuality in Uganda to be scrapped immediately. "This week, Ndorwa West MP David Bahati, of the ruling party, tabled the private member's bill in parliament to create a new crime of 'aggravated homosexuality'. According to his bill, those convicted of having gay sex with disabled people and those under the 18 would face the death penalty. "The bill also imposes life imprisonment on those who have homosexual sex. Although this is already the case in Uganda, the new law widens the definition of the offense. Other offenses include promoting homosexuality, aiding and abetting homosexuality and keeping a house "for purposes of homosexuality". Sweden Allows Gay Couples to Marry In Church "The Lutheran Church of Sweden has decided to allow gay couples to marry in church. Gay marriage became legal in the country on May 1st, allowing couples to wed in religious or civil ceremonies. "Until now, the church had not decided whether to allow them to marry in church. In June, the church board submitted a petition to the Church of Sweden synod. "Six of the seven political parties in Swedish parliament backed the proposal to introduce a gender-neutral marriage law."   Germany gives pension rights to gay civil partners Last Thursday, Germany's high court declared civil partners of government employees eligible to receive the same pension rights as straight married employees. The Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe, the highest court in the country, heard the case of a Hamburg public servant who had been in his job since 1991. "The public-sector pension company VBL had refused to consider him in the same way as a married person, despite the fact he had been in a civil partnership for eight years.  Under VBL's stance, he would have received €74 less each month than a heterosexual married man, while his partner would receive no surviving dependents’ pension if he died.  The court ruled today that VBL's position was unconstitutional. "The unnamed man's lawyer Dirk Siegfried said: 'I see this as a very big step for the equality of homosexual marriage not only for employee pensions, but in many other areas too.' "  "National Public Radio is demanding that the "Stand for Marriage Maine" group stop using its content in television ads supporting a people’s veto of a new same-sex marriage law. "Content from an NPR story was used in Stand for Marriage Maine’s latest television ad, which began airing Oct. 16 and suggests that gay relationships and gay sex may be discussed in schools if the law isn’t overturned. "The Sept. 13, 2004 story, titled “Massachsuetts Schools Grapple with Including Gay & Lesbian Relationships in Sex Education,” was part of an All Things Considered program, according to Dana Davis Rehm, NPR’s senior vice president for marketing, communications, and external relations." For the full stories, see Pink News and the Portland Press Herald.   Editor's note: These are only a few samplings of gay civil rights news from around the world. Suggestions for international stories are welcome - contact Marge_Innavera.

Raising Funds (and a few eyebrows) in 2010

The Blabbeando blog reports that "a calendar released by an LGBT rights organization in Spain is raising some eyebrows for its use of religious imagery in what is a predominately Catholic country. "The 2010 calendar, which had an initial pressing of 10,000 copies, shows settings that mimic religious paintings and features transgender models dressed like the Virgin Mary." The calendars are intended to raise funds for the LGTB Collective of Madrid View all 12 calendar images here.

YouTube: WWII Vet For Equality

On April 29th, hearings were held for testimony for and against Maine's marriage equality bill. Among the speakers supporting the bill was World War II veteran Philip Spooner, whose testimony is now available on YouTube. Spooner described himself as "a lifetime Republican and an active VFW chaplain. My wife Jenny died in 1997. Together we had four children including one gay son." Spooner served the US Army from 1942 to 1945 as a medic and an ambulance driver, and saw a great deal of action including the Battle of the Bulge.   Spooner recalled a conversation he'd had when he went to vote last November.  "A woman at my polling place asked me 'do you believe in equality for gay and lesbian people?'  I was pretty surprised to be asked a question like that.  It made no sense to me.  Finally I asked her, 'what do you think I fought for at Omaha Beach?"  Spooner felt that the conflict he'd fought in was an affirmation of freedom and equality. . .  we must have equal rights for everyone. That's what this country was established for. It doesn't make sense that some people can marry and others cannot just because of who they are." Click on the image to view the whole video The video has over 400,000 hits on YouTube. In Portland, Maine's CBS affiliate WGME referred to Spooner as the "Face of [the] Same Sex Marriage Campaign."

Around the Cyber-Neighborhood: Ghost Towns

Ghost Towns of the West is part of A Different View, "a web site devoted to fine art photography, with emphasis on digital photo manipulations. There are eight separate photography galleries with over 350 digital photographs which include;  traditional fine art photographs; photographic collages; photographs of decaying "things" such as old cars, tools, ghost towns, and buildings; fine art nudes; landscape photographs; and experimental photographs using Photoshop as a medium." The site's imaginative, painterly images of ghost towns are all for sale. While Ennis' home town of Sage is never a setting in either the short story or film versions of Brokeback, there are six images of Sage available on the site, including one aptly titled "Mommie Isn't Coming Home" and two of deserted Sage houses inhabited by wistful spirits. "Ludlow, Colorado, Main Street" For information about Wyoming ghost towns, visit Ghost Towns.com.

 







Forum Friends In Philly

Forum members are already posting pictures of the mini-Slash Bash in Philadelphia this weekend. View them this week at Forum Meetings/Reunion/Visits. CellarDweller shares a group shot: Left to right: CellarDweller (Chuck), Donna, tmn1966 (Teri), dejavu (Debbie), testadura (Tess), MichaelFlanaganSF, Jenny, grlewis, Stilllearning (Dawn), bcatjr (Bethie), trekfan (Linda), and Teresa. Also in attendance (but not pictured): lawgoddess, MissYouSoMuch, and stars go blue. Slash Bash Recap By donna The City of Brotherly Love was the perfect setting for the Mini Slash Bash that took place over the weekend of October 23-25. Brokies from as far away as the West Coast descended upon Philadelphia for a gathering of readers, writers, and friends of slash. Fortunately, the rain did not put a damper on the Brokie love! From our home base at the DoubleTree Hotel Philadelphia, our first stop was Bar Ferdinand on Friday night. At this tapas bar, we were served every manner of delicacy in a family style arrangement. By the time the main courses were delivered, most folks were stuffed and trying to save room for dessert.   Although it rained a bit on Saturday, many folks gathered for a trip to South Street. We wandered toward our destination, stopping for caffeine at Starbucks and wondering if we would spy any familiar celebrities in Whole Foods. After enjoying the eclectic shopping experience that is South Street, we managed to gather in a local pub for lunch before heading back to the hotel.   Later Saturday afternoon, the DoubleTree hotel staff graciously allowed us to use an executive meeting room for what became one of the many highlights of the Mini Slash Bash. In comfortable privacy, we were treated to a reading of fics by several writers. The readings included new works in progress as well as readings from past chapters of beloved fics by their respective authors. Many listeners found the reading to be an emotionally moving experience.   After a short drive down I-95 in the rain, we were treated to dinner and Brokie festivities at StillLearning’s house. Here, we indulged in every manner of food and alcohol before adjourning for a fun trivia contest in which everyone earned a gift bag stuffed with Brokie treats. In what seemed to be a challenge to fill our bellies beyond capacity, we were faced with scrumptious desserts created by our own Testadura.  Lemon pound cake chocolate chip cookies, and fudge covered brownies… resistance was futile!  Many of us relaxed before our drive back to the hotel with a screening of Brokeback Mountain in StillLearning’s rumpus room.  As usual, watching the movie with other Brokies was an experience not soon forgotten.   On Sunday morning, the group gathered one final time for brunch at Café Estelle. The assortment of breakfast foods rivaled those that slashers are accustomed to receiving from Roby in LeBar. Many photographs were taken and good conversation took place. The exhausted participants left for their respective homes with fond memories of a weekend spent among friends. Pictures can be found here.

Fanart: The Jam Session

AZ.bbm recently posted an addition to the Forum's gallery of Brokeback-inspired artwork -- the Don Wroe Cabin Jam Session.

"Dawn Rose" Studio at Don Wroe's Cabin



Drum Solo -- Willie & friends drop by 'Dawn Rose' Studio at the Cabin to 'make tracks' with the boys.

(L-R):  
"Jack Twist"
Willie Nelson
Bonnie Raitt
Gustavo Santaolalla
"E.J. del Mar-Twist, Jr." (Joey Gordon-Levitt)
"Ennis del Mar"
James Taylor

[Click image for full-sized version]

Topic of the Week: Impacts of the Forum

In last week's "topic of the week," Forum members were invited to share the impacts on their lives, as well as their favorite threads: chapeaugris: "One thing this forum has pointed up to me is my facility with language but also my difficulty with expressing what I think. A couple people have referred to the slash reading and writing as a "hobby." I think many of the folks who hang out on that thread (a lot of them exclusively there) see it as much more than that. If you read many of those stories it becomes clear after a while that quite a few of those writers are filtering their own life experiences through Ennis and Jack. A great many of them have never written any fiction before this. That is the case for me in both instances. It's been very fulfilling for me to take the time I need to analyze those two characters, inject something of myself  and come up with a new creation." BayCityJohn:  "Most of my friends are forum members now, and they're all over the world. I never would have imagined such a thing happening in my old age. I can travel to th U.K., The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Denmark, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia, Israel, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Japan, China, Korea,Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, India, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Costa Rica, Argentina, (and I'm forgetting some) and chances are I'll be able to get together with someone from the forum." Nikki:  "What the Forum did for me, and what I think is most important, was to help me gain new insight into the gay community from reading members' postings, the gay history thread, and viewing gay films. I'm rounding out 3 plus years now, and feel like I know many members from exchanging postings on various theads even though it's not likely I'll ever meet very many aside from the few I've met at the Philly Bash last year and this coming week." To read other Forum members' accounts, visit Topic of the Week (57th Edition).

 



Fun Question of the Week
 

This week’s Question:  What file-sharing software was named for creator Shawn Fanning's frizzy hair? What happened to this software program? Let us know your answer in the response thread. Last week's question and answer: Artist Vincent Van Gogh sold just one painting during his life time, which painting was it? Huntinbuddy got this one right! Here's what he tells us about his favorite artist: "Van Gogh sold just one painting out of more than 900 he produced in his lifetime.....  Red Vineyards of Arles, 1888. Oil on canvas, and it is housed at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Art, Moscow, Russia.

Forum Image Classics

Our Forum has a rich and extensive archive of BBM insights, poetry, recipes and photos.  
Boris posted a series of images of the Hearst Castle, at Life Through the Lens.  



"A floor that's so valuable that people can't step on it."




A nice little place for a midnight swim.


and a preview of the upcoming holiday season from PatSinnott

Quote of the Day

“It is very easy to forgive others' their mistakes. It takes more grit and gumption to forgive them for having witnessed your own.”

~ Jessamyn West ~

Photo Caption of the Day

In Photo Captioning Fun 5, gnash started a series of interpretations of Brokeback's first tent scene with an uncharacteristically intellectual Jack:

jack: "resistance is thought transformed into feeling. change the thought that creates the resistance, and there is no more resistance..." ennis: "says who?" jack: "mr. conklin... you know, he's the same guy who says that dreams get you into the future and add excitement to the present." ennis: "the p-present?" jack: "yup." Other Forum members' interpretations: Marz: Sleepy Ennis: why have i got three arms???! RickB:  Jack: "Ennis! Wake up! I had a scary dream!" Ennis: "Ugh, me too. I was havin this nightmare where you woke me up in the middle of the night just to tell me that The Guiding Light had been cancelled, so I strangled you for waking me up. Now, whut was your dream?" Jack: "That's queer, all of sudden, I don't remember."

Contributors: gnash, chapeaugris, BayCityJohn, Nikki, Boris, RickB, Marz, PatSinnott, AZ.bbm

Calendar of Events

If you have ideas about initiating a gathering, go to Start Your Own Threads
and get the ball rolling to plan a get-together near you.

Panel discussion: Ennis del Mar
Los Angeles, Autry National Center - December 13


Let us know of any events you’d like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum.

Today's edition by Marge_Innavera

Formatters: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition formatted by denim girl

Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning, MissYouSoMuch

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day.
If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to marge_innavera or gnash.

Researchers: BayCityJohn, Killersmom, Kittyhawk, Marge_Innavera, Stilllearning

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, click the “Notify” button at the top or bottom of the page.
When a new issue of TDS is posted, you will be notified by e-mail.

The Daily Sheet Archives
Respond to The Daily Sheet

[Stilllearning]

Saturday, October 31tst, 2009

Obama Signs HIV/AIDS Bill Extension; Implements Lifting of AIDS Travel Ban

"President Barack Obama signed an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS bill this morning. "The legislation provides care, treatment and support services to nearly half a million people, most of whom are low-income. "Obama also announced that the Department of Health and Human services has finally crafted a new regulation spelling the  end to the HIV Travel and Immigration Ban. The regulation goes into effect in January. '“We often speak as if AIDS is going on somewhere else. Often overlooked is that we face a serious HIV/AIDS epidemic of our own,” Obama said prior to the signing. He noted that early on, AIDS was considered a “gay disease, and those who had it were viewed with suspicion.” "This is the fourth re-authorization of the Ryan White bill, and Obama said it was the first time that the bill was not controversial or divisive, and passed with bi-partisian support. "There are 1.1 million living with HIV/AIDs in the United States; more than 56,000 cases are added each year. Obama noted that gay men, though they comprise 2 to 3 percent of the population, make up about half of all new cases, and that African-Americans make up almost half." Read more. Source: 365gay.com

West Hollywood: Celebrating Halloween and a Birthday

"West Hollywood will celebrate its 25th anniversary next month but the city's biggest party, like every year, will be on the last day of October. While Halloween has been 86ed from the Castro, WeHo embraces it. With a population of just 36,000, West Hollywood will welcome hundreds of thousands for a mile-long street party. This year, Halloween conveniently falls on a Saturday. West Hollywood businesses hope that out-of-towners who make the weekend trek to one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in the world will sample enough of the city to make return trips other times of the year. "Until it became a city on November 29, 1984, West Hollywood had been an unincorporated part of Los Angeles County sandwiched between Beverly Hills and the city of Los Angeles. Being a bit of a no man's land helped West Hollywood's gay community thrive. While city police in Los Angeles had a history of harassing gays, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office, which oversaw West Hollywood, took a more laissez faire approach. The gay community has been good to West Hollywood in return, helping to transform it into one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California. "The city will celebrate its 25th birthday for a year starting with a celebration on Sunday, November 22, from 4 to 8 p.m., at a location that is yet to be determined. That's a week before the official day to avoid a conflict with the Thanksgiving weekend. A street party is planned on San Vicente Boulevard on April 17, 2010. WeHo's yearlong celebration will end on November 29, 2010, possibly with a community awards program, although details are still being worked out." Read more. Source: ebar.com

Halloween Carnaval (Watch it streaming live)

Crash Director Paul Haggis Breaks With Scientology

"Paul Haggis, the Oscar-winning writer-director whose credits include Crash, Million Dollar Baby and Letters From Iwo Jima, has left the Church of Scientology. "In a stunning move, Haggis has written a letter explaining his exit to Tommy Davis, the celebrity wrangler for Scientology and the son of Scientologist actress Anne Archer. The veracity of the letter has been confirmed by a friend of Haggis. "I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated."  -- Paul Haggis "Two things seem to have pushed the popular, amiable Haggis over the edge. One was Scientology’s backing of Proposition 8 in California banning gay marriage. "The other is more personal. It turns out that Haggis and his wife, actress Deborah Rennard, came into Scientology through her parents, of all things. But at some point, Rennard was ordered to break off from her parents and have nothing more to do with them because they’d violated some code of the sect. This heartbreaking situation has finally taken its toll.:

"Haggis has taken an enormous step here, and one that should resonate among all celebrity Scientologists. Here’s [an excerpt from] his letter: "Tommy, "As you know, for ten months now I have been writing to ask you to make a public statement denouncing the actions of the Church of Scientology of San Diego. Their public sponsorship of Proposition 8, a hate-filled legislation that succeeded in taking away the civil rights of gay and lesbian citizens of California – rights that were granted them by the Supreme Court of our state – shames us. "I called and wrote and implored you, as the official spokesman of the church, to condemn their actions. I told you I could not, in good conscience, be a member of an organization where gay-bashing was tolerated." The full text of the letter can be found here.    Read more. Source: showbiz411.com

Cashing In On the Latest Vampire Craze

"As far as I understand, the dilemmas of a gay vampire are many. What shade of black should I wear? Do bloodsucking orgies with multiple partners make me a slut? Should I prey on twinks or muscle studs… or both? Should I suck dicks or necks… or (gasp) both? "With all these questions and more to mull over night after night, it’s hard to believe that your average undead GQ model with a six-pack to die for has enough time to hunt humans let alone battle less reputable bloodsuckers who are out to ruin the good name of honest, hardworking vampires across the globe. "Still, gay vampires share some frighteningly similar characteristics to mere gay mortals such as you and me. Most days, sunlight is unbearable. Capes, sadly enough, are now only fashion appropriate for gay vampire drag queens. "And as you would expect, straight males with latent homosexual desires find these night creatures captivatingly irresistible and are willing to bend their sexuality for a small bite of the forbidden. It should come as no surprise that erotica writers are cashing in on the latest vampire craze. If you think this is the return of the wink-wink-nudge-nudge stylings of Anne Rice’s Interview with a Vampire series, think again." Read more. Source: xtra.ca

Never Coming to a Theatre Near You: Recut Film Trailers

"While fan-made trailers can generate enthusiasm about the release of an upcoming film they may be linked to – as was recently the case with fan-made trailers for teen vampire film, Twilight – there is also a general enthusiasm to play with the form of the trailer and all that it signifies, while in the process, stripping the trailer of its traditional function. Following the release of the trailer for feature film Brokeback Mountain, numerous recut trailers emerged on YouTube which took the romantic and sexual relationship of the two male leads in the film, and applied this narrative to films depicting two male leads in a non-romantic friendship. In effect, new films were created that used the basis of Brokeback Mountain to shift plots in existing films, creating a new narrative in the process. The many Brokeback… parodies vary in popularity, and have been uploaded to YouTube continuously since 2006. The titles include Brokeback to the Future, Saved by the Bell: Brokeback Style, Brokeback of the Ring, The Brokeback Redemption, Broke Trek, Harry Potter and Brokeback Goblet and Star Wars: The Emperor Brokeback. The trailers use footage from a variety of film and television sources that show a friendship between two men and introduce it to the “style” of Brokeback Mountain.

"There are several techniques which are used uniformly across all of the trailers in order to convey this new plot: the original score used in the Brokeback Mountain trailer begins each recut trailer; the use of typically white text on a black screen based on the original trailer’s text, or a slight variant of it which is specific to the film which is being recut; and the pace of shots altered to focus on lingering looks, or to splice scenes together in order to imply sexual contact. Consequently, there is a consciousness of the effects used in the original trailer to sell a particular narrative to the audience as something that an audience would want to view. The narrative is constructed as being universal, as any story with two men as the leads and their friendship can be altered to show an underlying homoerotic story, and the form of the trailer allows these storylines to be promoted and shared. The insider knowledge of the fan that has noticed these interactions is able to make their knowledge communal. "The instant identifier of a Brokeback… trailer is the music that was used in the original trailer. This signals that the trailer for Brokeback Mountain was itself so iconic that the use of its soundtrack would be instantly recognisable, and the re-use of music and text suggests that the recut trailers reinforce this iconography and its capital by visually reinforcing what signifies Brokeback Mountain. The network these trailers create includes the film Brokeback Mountain itself, but the recut trailer begins to open a new trajectory for the narrative to mould and shift, identifiable by techniques present in the trailer but not the feature film itself." Read more. Source: journal.media-culture.org.au

Watch Broke Trek on Youtube.

Speaking of Brokeback... Brokeback Mountain mentioned again, this time by Emmy-winning star Leslie Jordan (Eating Out 3, Sordid Lives, Will & Grace), in his Advocate.com interview: "Advocate.com: Do you think queer indie films need gratuitous sex and full-frontal nudity to succeed? "Leslie Jordan: It does sell tickets. The minute I heard you got to see Jason Segal’s dick, I bought a ticket to Forgetting Sarah Marshall. My gripe has always been that you’ll have a gay indie with a great message, but once you add nudity you end up just preaching to the choir. All the gay people are going to see it because of the nudity, but you’re not going to reach a wider audience with a bunch of boys sucking each other off. Brokeback Mountain had the perfect wide appeal. Yes, it had a little spit and butt-fucking, which was hot, but that didn’t overshadow the love story." Read the full interview.  Source: advocate.com

Ennis del Mar: Is My Life Over? Here's a bit of trivia for All Hallows' Eve: Why is the number 17 considered unlucky in Italy? "In Italian culture, the number 17 is considered unlucky. When viewed as the Roman numeral, XVII, it is then changed anagramtically to VIXI, which in the Latin language it translates to "I have lived", the perfect tense implying "My life is over." (c.f. "Vixerunt", Cicero's famous announcement of an execution.) "In Italy, it is not uncommon to notice that buildings do not have 17th floor, hotels do not have a room 17. The Italian airline carrier, Alitalia, does not have a seat 17. Renault sold its "R17" model in Italy as "R177."' Read more at funtrivia.com

Guess Who?



Lookin' good in a suit...

WikiWhat? -- DC's Gay Ghost: A Hero In Hiding

Wikipedia's entry for the Gay Ghost isn't as concise as it could be, so we've supplemented our ghostly findings with information from Toonpedia's Don Markstein. "The Gay Ghost debuted in the first issue of Sensation Comics (January, 1942), the main purpose of which seems to have been to provide a venue for Wonder Woman to star in. He shared the back pages with Mr. Terrific, Little Boy Blue and other minor features, the main purpose of which seems to have been to provide filler to back up the star. He wasn't the first to follow The Spectre in the "restless spirit as superhero" sub-genre — by that time, MLJ's Mr. Justice, Marvel's Vision and even Novelty Press's Sgt. Spook were all long-established — but they tended to be a short-lived lot, and he lasted longer than most. "Apparently, his name, like that of Mr. Satan, was against him. The meaning of the word "gay" shifted considerably, and DC (which had come to own the old All-American properties) wasn't keen on publishing any "gay" superheroes. There was a reprint or two, but in them, his name was changed to The Grim Ghost, despite the fact that he'd always smiled and joked, and never acted the least bit "grim". "...all characters which were once published by DC comics but are no longer active are sent to a dimension called "Limbo" [Limbo refers to a fictional location in books published by DC Comics], where they remain until they are revived by returning to active publication. Characters never remember being in limbo. In Animal Man #25, Animal Man becomes the first character to visit limbo while still "current" and encounters a large number of old Golden Age and Silver Age DC comic book characters. The Gay Ghost is among them, but he expresses that he does not want to be "brought back," since the colloquial meaning of the word gay has changed since the character was created in the 1940s, and he is not himself a homosexual." Read more. Source: toonpedia.com

The Forum Image

Posted by killersmom and conny in Life Through The Lens 4

Forum Humor

Posted by CellarDweller115 in Bring Your Humor Here...

"Oh dear.......the rumors may have been true."

Quote of the Day

“I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween.”

~ unknown ~

Read more Quotations for Halloween.

Photocaption of the Day

By Lyle (Mooska) in Photo Captioning Fun

"Heat of night and lover's tune
Paw the white out of the moon.
Where bluebirds sing...
...and there's a whiskey spring
Jack and Ennis: Do your thing!"

Contributors: CellarDweller115, killersmom, conny, Lyle (Mooska)

Calendar of Events

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Panel Discussion: “Whatever Happened to Ennis del Mar?
Autry National Center, Los Angeles - December 13, 2009


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Today’s edition formatted by gnash

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