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Wednesday 10/8/2008

Franken-RAT

It's the year of the Rat, according to Chinese Astrology. So the North Halsted Merchants Association has adopted "Franken-Rat" as this year's mascot for the 12th Annual Halloween Parade.

Cute, yet weird, but, then again, isn't that what Halloween is all about?

Miss Foozie will once again serve as MC of the festivities. I'm guessing she's gonna be wearing a mouse costume.

The 12th Annual Triangle Neighbors' Northalsted Halloween Parade, sponsored by Effen Vodka, takes place on Friday, October 31, 2008 at 7PM.

Sunday 10/5/2008

Eeeewwwww... That's my Brother!

Though I'm really pleased that people have taken an interest in ChicagoPride.com's monthly feature "Bedfellows," when I opted to showcase my longtime friend, Atomic Sketch Event co-host Brian Hofmeister, last month, I didn't anticipate the fanfare that would make its way to my inbox. Since Hofmeister's feature appeared online and in Gay Chicago Magazine, I've received numerous messages from folks who find my dear friend quite a fancy fellow. And I suppose that's a good thing, but GROSS!

Hofmeister and I have been best buds for so long that I tend to favor him as family; so imagine how you'd feel if strangers sent you emails telling you how they felt a picture of your half-naked sibling was "really sexy."

I'm flattered but equally unnerved.

The September edition of "Bedfellows," featuring Brian Hofmeister, can still be viewed on ChicagoPride.com.

Wednesday 10/1/2008

"I was married to Tom Sizemore!"

When I accepted an assignment to interview Maeve Quinlan, I wasn't, as of then, familar with the former "Bold and Beautiful" cast member or her other acting work. I imagined her to be a fading soap star with a raspy voice, taking on unconventional projects as a desperate way to keep the flickering spotlight on her aging, wrinkled face, because those were the only jobs she could get.

So my foot went right in my mouth when the dazzling blonde, piercing blue-eyed bombshell with designer jeans, a tourquise-tassled handbag, high-heeled sandles and French-tipped toes approached me. Bold and beautiful indeed.

I later learned that Quinlan takes on the unconventional roles, not because she can't get anything else, but because she enjoys the challenge.

During our interview, Quinlan debated message-board postings that accused her of her being a "homophobe" by declaring, "I was married to Tom Sizemore," and we laughed. Apparently, being coupled to the Hollywood bad boy requires an open and liberal mind that could never give way to homophobia.

Just for shits and giggles, imbedded below is an audio segment of my interview with Quinlan, where I argue with a publicist trying to get me to wrap things up by demanding that the writer after me can wait until I'm done.

Sometimes, I can be such a bitch.

Boomp3.com

Writer CPMichael
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I couldn't get the file to play : -(

Posted by CPMichael on Friday, 10/3/2008 1:18PM

Writer CPJason
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yeah, sorry, looks like my attempt to imbed an mp3 file didn't work as hoped. I can email the file to you if you want, but I don't think you're gonna like it... ;)

Posted by CPJason on Friday, 10/3/2008 11:05PM

Monday 9/29/2008

This Way to The Crowded Bar Lines

At a Howard Brown function last summer, caterers attempted to accommodate the grumbling and growing bar crowds by bringing a tray of complimentary Cosmos onto the main ballroom floor. Yet each attempt was futile; the cocktail server couldn’t even get five feet away from the bar before the thirsty masses quickly relieved him of his wares. And the bar lines kept growing.

It’s not a trend, it’s a fact: A-list parties pandering to a mostly-gay guest list will no doubt yield a long line at the open bar that may or may not result in your actually getting a drink.

Such was the inevitable case at The Chicago House World Tour of OZ this past Saturday. With the evening’s festivities blocked into four signature rooms for the VIP reception, the silent auction, dinner and dancing/dessert, the bars would close come time for the attendants to be ushered onto the succeeding event’s corresponding room. Those still waiting on line for a drink at that time were SOL. Twice I found myself as one of those unfortunate SOL-ers, but I knew enough not to get angry because it happens at every gay affair. Despite the foresight of the best party planners or the expedience of the most experienced bartenders, there may be no way to ever fully oblige spirited ‘mos at a party; there’s just too many of us, and we all like to drink, especially when the drinks are free. To keep your glasses full all evening, you’ll just have to be resourceful. A helpful tip to keep in mind: Wine stewards are attracted to cash.

Nevertheless, The World Tour was off the hook! Chicago House Special Event Manager Jeremy Hilborn once again earned his reputation as the city’s most stellar party host. Much thanks go to him and to Chicago House for sponsoring ChicagoPride.com’s attendance this year.

And Thanks to Frank Failing of Male Image Photography for sharing his pictures of the evening with me (Typical, I forgot to bring my camera).

Saturday 9/27/2008

Worst. Video. Ever.

Back in the day, when Jim Verraros was writing his short-lived American Idol review column on ChicagoPride.com, he frequently voiced his curiosity as to what kind of album the show's season-seven high ranker, David Archuleta, would eventually make. Well James, it looks like you got your answer.

If Archuleta's recently-released video "Crush" is any reflection of the entire album--It's crap.

It's Michael Bolton meets Seasame Street; the video opens with Archuleta playing the piano dockside, while he and a group of teenie-boopers engage in a fun-loving, carefree day of picnics, lakeshore lounging and horse play. Serenading a pretty, young girl (???), Archuleta asks, "Am I crazy, or am I falling in love?"

No Honey, you're crazy.

I'm not gonna be all Perez Hilton about it, but the whole Archuleta-girl thing just wasn't working for me.

And David, put your shirt back on. Boys who don't have a stich of facial hair shouldn't be parading around half naked for all the world to see. That's just my personal opinion.

"Crush" can be viewed on Youtube.

I dunno....the song grew on me!

Posted by Monique Marquette on Saturday, 9/27/2008 7:49AM

But he's still pretty!

Posted by Ry on Saturday, 9/27/2008 11:12AM

Should we begin to take a vote on when David will be featured on the cover of People Magazine with "Yes, I'm Gay" as the headline?

I love Jim Verraros. At least he had the guts to come out after Idol while he was still working on his music and acting career. We should all support Jim!

Posted by I Love Jim on Saturday, 9/27/2008 3:11PM

Writer CPJason
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Much to my chagrin, I will agree--Jim does deserve his props for being out and open in the public eye since the beginning. Questioning the professional legitamacy of that active decision, I know, has often been something of personal contention for him; so yes, he def gets my support in that regard, for sure, and I hope he feels it was for the best and has no regrets.

Posted by CPJason on Sunday, 9/28/2008 4:09AM

Writer aray
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i wonder if he's going after older asians when he turns legal and gay. wink wink.

Posted by aray on Monday, 10/6/2008 7:12PM

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