midnight lounge dot net

Mark Ronson and Lily Allen

2007-10-30T11:12:00.001-04:00

Oh My God - do you love it?

2007-10-30T11:09:00.000-04:00

upcoming - a review of Justin Currie's latest disc, along with Robyn and Roisin chatter.

Talk soon.

Handle This

2007-10-10T22:38:00.000-04:00

Don'tcha just love it!

Of course, we did, back in April of 2006. It's due time Miss Swedish Thang is gettin' recognized. Robyn, 3.0 is scheduled to drop here in the states in December. Sit tight!

back, for as long as it matters...

2007-09-06T21:08:00.000-04:00

Provincetown sunset, Labor Day weekend, 2007

uh huh. don't ask.

...back from a little P-town excursion and instantly inspired to blog again.

What I've been listening to, on repeat:

Song for Mutya (Out of Control) (Extended Mix) - Groove Armada featuring Mutya (Mp3)

Isn't it decadently fun?

There's such great energy in music right now. Darren and Annie, Tracey and Roisin. Oh, it's delicious. And, as much as I'm a hater, I have milked the Rihanna album to a comatose state!

Oooh, and how about Sara Bareilles, eh? Can you love her any more??

...And a new favorite (old to you, I'm sure) blog for me is XO's Middle Eight. We are so N-SYNC with some gems, it's eery.

Tracey Thorn - It's All True video

2007-02-01T19:06:00.000-05:00

...it's been a week of all things Tracey. I was able to get an advance of Out of the Woods and it's brilliant. Gorgeously dark and really quite gay. Right now I'm hooked on A-Z, Easy, Falling off a Log and Grand Canyon. The last seems to me a a stellar mashup of Five Fathoms, Lullaby of Clubland and The Future of the Future. It's a gay anthem.

I've never been a strong fan of Everything But the Girl's music videos. I sort of hoped Tracey would lend a different direction with her solo approach. Not so much.

You decide. Here's the video for Tracey Thorn's It's All True.

closin' out the '06

2006-12-27T10:49:00.000-05:00

Provincetown-bound for the new year. Say hi.

Previously Ptown at the lounge:

Provincetown Harbor
The Heart of the Matter
At the Closing of the Year
Back to the Cape
View from the Sky
Ptown peeps
On Random
Up and Coming Up
The Sun Continues to Shine
Comfortable Shoes
The Pilgrim Monument
Back in Business, baby
At the Closing of the Year
Utilities: Send my Love
Provincetown: A Love that Will Never End
St. Peter the Apostle in Ptown

now hear this

2006-12-06T16:59:00.000-05:00

you can now hear the original version of Tracey's upcoming single "It's All True" on her MySpace page.

scrumptious.

comin' out

2006-12-05T11:08:00.000-05:00

only tracey can bring me out of hiding.

the voice of ebtg is prepping to release a solo album March, 2007. expect more soon.

hometown beating

2006-11-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

I'm a hometown boy. Always have been. I grew up in a small town with strong family roots and people everywhere knowin' my name. I would probably still be in my hometown had I not been gay.

I left home for college and haven't really lived there since.

Back in mid-October, a gay man walking the streets of my hometown was mercilessly beaten. Because he's gay.

The alleged attackers are now in custody, awaiting grand jury.

The victim of the hate crime recently spoke to Elmira's Star Gazette about the beating.

...He tried to crawl away, but the two men continued to beat him. They pushed, kicked and dragged him across the street to a yard overgrown with trees and bushes -- a place where they could beat him without being seen.

Jaimie Brigg's story is chilling. "You're going to die tonight, faggot."

Briggs' ordeal has troubled me on a few levels. I'm conflicted, as I want to defend the area I grew up in, but I also know all too well the ignorance that exists in that town.

2006-10-16T22:06:00.000-04:00

2006-10-13T16:12:00.000-04:00

"go away | come back
go away | come back
Why can't I just have it both ways..."

Yeah, there's a pretty good chance I'll be back. I love this too much to abandon it.

Thanks for all the kind lil ol' words. I'm currently just wrapped up in my own world, but it's just a matter of time before I find that bloggin' button again.

...'till then...

that time has come?

2006-09-23T15:25:00.000-04:00

two of my favorite blogs have signed off recently:

my french boyfriend

vividblurry

I hope I'm not next.

2006-09-12T09:53:00.000-04:00

It's just one of those weeks.

provincetown harbor

2006-09-07T10:50:00.000-04:00

On Friday, we made our way, by boat, through Provincetown harbor and into North Truro. An impromptu visit to Kimber and Chuck's dear friend Polly made that afternoon even more delightful.

tea anyone?

2006-09-06T11:01:00.000-04:00

post-tea dance pilgrimage back to the condo. There were moments of being overserved.

When the camera-enabled phone comes out, I know it's one of those moments.

beach bocce

2006-09-06T09:58:00.000-04:00

Beach bocce while oversand.

oversand

2006-09-06T09:41:00.000-04:00

We spent one day oversand, letting the air out of our tires and driving 'cross the sandy beach. Eric and Kimber set up shop for a bit of a bbq.

girl, indeed I can run it, run it

2006-09-05T15:51:00.000-04:00

I'm back.
I went to Ptown and all I got to ride
was a lesbian's scooter.
And I loved it.

holiday

2006-09-03T09:49:00.000-04:00

...some shots from the Labor Day holiday in Provincetown. More to come.

the heart of the matter

2006-08-29T14:05:00.000-04:00

While you're googling the word "failure" (do it) and obsessing over that crazyfreak John Mark Karr, I'll be getting intoxicated on all the love that Provincetown offers.

If the laptop clears, I'll blog about getting frisked by airport security. If only they were as interesting as Kathy Griffin and Michael Ian Black (Sierra Mist commercial - keep up!)

This will be the first time we've sojourned to the cape via air. The pilgrimage by car is long and wears on mamma's nerves. The only saving grace during the drive were visits to all of the Christmas Tree Shop s along the cape. On our last drive, Eric threatened to renew his pistol permit if I asked to stop at the deep, deep discount store for the fourth time. That's why we're flying. So he can't bring the pistol. And I can't stop at the Christmas Tree Shop.

While I'm gone, visit other bloggers. Introduce yourself. Like you do at church. Aren't you suppose to shake hands with at least two people in church? That's what I did the last time I was at church. Oh,wait. That wasn't church. It was a business meeting. And we were naked.

huh?

Anyway - my new obsession is Project Runway. I know, I'm so late (three seasons to be exact) on catching up on this show, but I'm obsessed. FourFour gives the most hysterical and observant commentary on each episode. Find them all here.

PopBytes is positioned to be the next big blogger. He's doin' a bang-up job.

The sexual tension between myself and Toby is sick. Stop denyin' Toby. Give in, give in. Visit vividblurry.

My Drinking Team has a Frisbee Problem. Like you didn't chuckle a little bit at the name.

Download this:

India.Arie rarely gets added to any of my iTunes playlists, but this is definitely an exception. The Don Henley cover is exquisite. The arrangement is timeless and the delivery is subtle.

**Updated: Download India.Arie - The Heart of the Matter (Mp3)

[Thanks to JasonSmith for the gret Ptown image. I was too lazy to dig for an original.]

the down low on Ne-Yo

2006-08-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

I'm a bit skeptical of this latest new piece, but according to many a blog out there, R&B hit maker Ne-Yo is coming out of the closet in the October issue of Essence.

You may recall the "Sexy Love" singer was on the minds of gossip bloggers last week as pictures of him and a female backup dancer hit the 'net. [NSFW]

As reported online:

He doesn't care anymore, he was tired of living a lie and is ready to come clean. "the music industry can either except me for who I am, or desert me."

If the Essence article is indeed accurate and Ne-Yo is breaking the R&B mold by coming out, then I couldn't be more interested in the young man. His decision becomes monumental in the music business, considering that he's only been on the scene a short time and hardly a brand with a resolute fanbase.

If the rumors are fake, well I'm ashamed of my bloggin' brothers and sisters for another fabricated story.

wasn't once enough?

2006-08-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

From the because the last five years wasn't enough files:

CNN plans to re-broadcast coverage online from September 11, 2001.

The feed, normally accessed through paid subscription, will show at no charge CNN's comprehensive coverage of the day that changed the way we see our tomorrows.

Fear not: the cable channel provides disclaimers to prevent accidental viewing of scenes we've all viewed once before and vowed to never want to see again.

back to the cape

2006-08-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

We'll be making our way to Provincetown next week. The sojourn to the cape is always the highlight of the year for us. I'll do my best to blog satellite, no doubt!

Ptown related at the lounge:
View from the Sky
Ptown peeps
On Random
Up and Coming Up
The Sun Continues to Shine
Comfortable Shoes
The Pilgrim Monument
Back in Business, baby
At the Closing of the Year
Utilities: Send my Love
Provincetown: A Love that Will Never End
St. Peter the Apostle in Ptown

Farming town tackles Transgender in the classroom

2006-08-25T09:14:00.000-04:00

All eyes are on Upstate New York as a school district tackles transgender issues in the classroom.

Batavia, a small town known for its cow pastures with a thruway split down the middle, is centering community discussion on a science teacher about to begin reassignment surgery.

Meetings are planned with community members and students as the school year gets under way.

Richard Stutzman Jr., Batavia's superintendent, said the school district's administration has researched and planned for community outreach ever since the male teacher sent Stutzman a confidential letter last school year about the teacher's plans to become a woman.

"As an educational institution, knowing that when it did break it would be controversial to some people, we wanted to do everything we could to provide as much information as possible so they could have a better understanding of what this individual is going through," Stutzman said.

The superintendent goes on to say "...[that] the point of such community outreach is to try to ensure that the teacher will be treated like everyone else.

The discricts' stance is surprising to me and I couldn't be more thrilled with their approach. By using the situation as a moment to educate, Batavia sets a tone that may have an effect nationwide on our school systems.

Batavia Takes on Transgender Issue [Via Rochester's Democrat & Chronicle]

Face Time

2006-08-23T09:12:00.000-04:00

Jody Watley talks extensively with Entertainment Weekly, dishing on those pesky plastic surgery rumors, her newfound love of the internet and how her life changed, rediscovering the music business all over again.

Michael Slezak catches up with Jody Watley

[Photo courtesy MinneMynx]

Show me what the girl does

2006-08-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

Midnight Lounge favorite Tracey Thorn introduces herself to the world of MySpace. The voice behind Everything but the Girl is currently finishing up work on a solo project, collaborating with Ewan Pearson, cagedbaby and more.

Make Tracey your friend!

EBTG & Ben Watt related at the lounge:

Midnight Lounge recommends: Buzzin' Fly, Vol. III
Flipside
That Voice
Commercial License
She's Back

Still a Thrill

2006-08-17T09:48:00.000-04:00

Great things have been happening for Jody Watley lately.

Her August 8th release, The Makeover, debuted as a top five electronic album on iTunes. It's also an exclusive release at Virgin Megastores, besting all other releases this past week to become the best selling CD with the chain!

Surely I've got a review comin' your way. The album is a delight. Don't take my word for it. Go, get yourself a copy now! [iTunes]

AOL Black Voices correspondent Karu F. Daniels (a former college chum of mine) recently gave a less than flattering review of Jody's August 12th concert at NYC's Joe's Pub. Calling the intimate and sold out gig packed with enough gays to be considered "Queens, NY" and comparing our girl Jody to a Stephen King character. The "pudgy and sullen middle age widow," Dolores Claiboirne: "Sometimes being a bitch is all a woman has to hold on to." Daniels clearly entered the room choking on a bitter pill.

Jody took a moment to blog about Daniels' remarks on her MySpace page.

For a more interesting and insightful read on Watley preparing for this release, click over to Chicago's Windy City Times for an excellent interview with Jody.

And of course I'm sure y'all are catchin' Jody workin' her groove on Bravo's WorkOut, right?

[Image courtesy Platform | Launch | Action]

Jody Watley-related at the lounge:

Watley responds to Gay Games Gag Order
Make me Over
Borderline - The video
Borderline - The Mp3
I Love to Love - Midnight Lounge meets Jody
Keep pushing my love
Summer's off to a great start
Midnight Lounge interviews Jody Watley
Midnight Lounge reviews Midnight Lounge

Jennifer Hudson Oscar buzz!

2006-08-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

All it takes is a little Dreamgirls chat and I'm reminded of what a queer I am.

I literally got chills reading up on Jennifer Hudson's upcoming portrayal of Effie in the celluloiding of the tony award winning musical Dreamgirls.

"And I Am Telling You" is the romantic heart and musical soul of the flick, and Hudson apparently gives the scene her all.

Buzz is *that* strong Hudson is already receiving Oscar buzz!

Read more on Hudson's showing in Dreamgirls.

[Thanks to Rod for the always-fabulous imagery]

papa, can you hear me...

2006-08-15T14:22:00.000-04:00

question: "Jason, where have you been?"

answer: "yo mama!"

Ah know, it's been way too long since I gave some blog lovin'. It'll change, this I promise you.

see you | hear you | breathe you, soon.

I'm bringin' sexyback

2006-08-10T10:22:00.000-04:00

...And another hot one on So You Think You Can Dance. This time, the final four get their Justin Timberlake on to "Sexyback."

no cosmetics, m'aam

2006-08-10T09:57:00.000-04:00

Midnight Lounge correspondent Jim gives first-hand account of his early morning airport experience, hours after a terrorist plot gets thwarted in Britian:

"Imagine, if you will, the pandemonium at the airport as hundreds unsuspecting early morning passengers (who are always running late anyway) are notified that they cannot carry any liquids, gels or aerosols of any kind onboard the plane, including drinks, lotions, perfumes, lipstick, chapstick, anti bacterial hand sanitizers… hair gel(!). I saw women literally crying as they had to part with cosmetics at security. (which of course messed up the cosmetics they were currently wearing.)/span>

It was really interesting to watch the looks on the faces of some spouses as the full impact of what was about to unfold hit them while reading the new signs."

As frightening and serious as the events in Britian may be, the ripple effect of changing the way we all travel (once again) will only cause further chaos to international and domestic excursions, don't ya think? I am a bit shocked about wireless phones, mp3 players, laptops, etc. being banned from carry-on luggage. Of course I'll be the last to balk at this, providing it's in the name of our safety...but damn!

Once again, thanks to our dear friend Jim for sharing with the readers his experience this morning.

Amy Sedaris does Letterman

2006-08-09T11:20:00.000-04:00

I couldn't be a bigger fan. Amy Sedaris does the Letterman Show. It's from June, so it's a bit old already, but oh so delightful.

vintage EBTG - Rollercoaster

2006-08-08T14:23:00.000-04:00

Those that know me through the blog, know of my affection for Jody Watley (The Makeover is out today) but those in my real life know I'm even *crazier* about Ben Watt and Tracey Thorn, collectively known as Everything but the Girl.

There's not much a reason behind this post, other than to share a video of one of my favorite tracks from the duo. In 1994, EBTG released Amplified Heart and scored a #1 hit with the dance mix of "Missing." The tune that set the tone on the album, "Rollercoaster", never created as much buzz as their international dance hit, but it was a stellar effort none-the-less.

Here's the video for 1994's "Rollercoaster." And although the band has never been about the visuals, it's always intriguing to seem them in action:

EBTG & Ben Watt related at the lounge:

Midnight Lounge recommends: Buzzin' Fly, Vol. III
Flipside
That Voice
Commercial License
She's Back

Ain't No Other Man Remixes

2006-08-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

For once I think actually dig the original treatment, rather than clubbed-up remixes.

Regardless, check 'em out for yourself. I'm a fan of the Jake Ridley and Shape UK remixes at first listen. Given the fact that there's over 20 bootleg remixes to select, chances are you'll find one that's just your speed. Oh, and take my suggestion: SKIP past the Junior rub; ugh.

Christina Aguilera - Ain't No Other Man (Remixes)

stacked

2006-08-05T11:52:00.000-04:00

...just a casual observation as I strolled the mall the other day...

when did display mannequins get so god-damn hot!
Is it creepy I was a bit taken by these Under Armour wearing men, I mean, displays?

Hide and Seek

2006-08-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

Another great performance on So You Think You Can Dance. This time set to the haunting "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap. Choreography by Mia Michaels.

c'mon big baby, c'mon

2006-08-02T23:16:00.000-04:00

It's leaked. Finally. Check up on it.

I've been sittin' on this one for a bit thanks to a certain power pop blogger. Now that it's out there, go.get.it!

Download the remix of the summer, now!

The Makeover

2006-08-01T10:35:00.000-04:00

one week. [image courtesy of Rhe]

The Kira Soltanovich Interview

2006-08-01T10:05:00.000-04:00

Largely influenced by her San Francisco via Soviet Union roots, comedienne and improv pro Kira Soltanovich is a natural at getting the gay laugh. She’s been a Girl Behaving Badly on Oxygen (now in syndication) and the voice behind the hysterical Univeral Studios Photo Booth on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

I’ve been crazy about Kira for some time now. I’m so excited to introduce her to Midnight Lounge readers. We covered it all; why she loves a gay audience most and those millions she makes on syndication rights to Girls Behaving Badly.

…So Girls Behaving Badly just got syndicated! You're now in the ranks of the Rachels and the Raymonds…What'cha gonna do with your million dollar residuals?

Well, I wish GBB Syndication put me in the ranks of the Rachels & Raymonds... BUT it's a cable show, so we're nowhere close to Network residuals... but thanks for asking... and reminding me... now I'm depressed!

Tell us about your TV pilot Box Seat!

Box Seat was sooo much fun to do! I got a chance to work with Dennis Rodman and Jose Conseco... my two favorite football stars! We had a great time chatting about movies, music and Rodman's tattoos.

How did the Tonight Show Photo Booth come to be?

The Photo Booth is a project that the writer's of The Tonight Show asked me to be a part of... we never knew it would turn into such a phenomenon! We've shot 6 so far, and have plenty more to do! We set up at Universal Studios in Hollywood and cross our fingers that the tourists don't catch on... because of lot of people recognize it by now! And some people recognize my voice from it! Crazy huh?!

You ought to pitch a "celebrity edition!"

A Celebrity one is good idea... can I steal that?

What's the deal with Britney Spears?

Britney and Kevin! Or as I like to call them, The White Bobby and Whitney are a MESS!!! They need what the kids in the school yard call a "take over!"

Why do you think the gay boys love you so?

The gay boys love me because I LOVE THE GAY BOYS... and girls too!! Maybe because I grew up in San Francisco, so my entire life has been influenced by the Gay Community... or maybe because the Queer Folk have to best sense of humor on the planet... they know how to laugh at themselves and at the world, they know this life is short and you can't take everything so seriously... so they make the BEST FANS!

If you tickle us, who tickles you?

My boyfriend tickles me... my feet... very ticklish... AND he makes me laugh a lot too! I love Arrested Development and Will Farrell.

Is the comedy stage as hard for women today as it has notoriously been in the past?

Comedy for women can and always will be to some degree challenging... but it never really bothers me. It's only as challenging as a female comic makes it.

When did you first realize you were funny?

I realized I was funny in the 1st grade. My teacher would yell at me in front of the entire class... "Kira, do you think you're funny?" and I always replied, "They're laughing arent' they?" I was a smart ass at 7.

Your impeccable comedic timing and wit were what made Girls Behaving Badly so hysterical; What comes to mind as you think back on the Oxygen series?

I love the Oxygen Network, they tapped into funny women... they were smart enough to showcase a different kind of hidden camera show... I will always thank them for giving me a shot at making people laugh on an international level.

Last Comic Standing is loosely billed as a reality show; should we be so naive? [Kira was a candidate for the 2006 season.]

Last Comic Standing is a Reality show... legally that's all I can say...they are always watching...

Fill in the blank: If Vicki Lewis is to Kathy Griffin, _________is to Kira Soltanovich [Kathy Griffin constantly gets recognized as Lewis. And as Kathy Lee Gifford…]

I have no idea!?!?

What can we expect from Kira in 2006?

2006 is already rolling along very well! You can watch for me creating, writing and producing in my own TV series... when I have more info, I will let you know!!

Kira Links:
KIRA on the web
KIRA Media clips
KIRA at MySpace

simply gorgeous

2006-07-27T15:15:00.000-04:00

I meant to blog about this performance from last weeks' So You Think Can Dance. I'll be the first to admit that I am a bit put off by many a modern dance sequence, but this was simply gorgeous. The simple use of a prop, the lines of choreographer Mia Michaels. I loved every moment. And even though it doesn't feature my favorite poppin' dancer Ivan, it definitely got the best of me. See what you think. [Thanks to Rickey for the GoFish link.]

So You Think You Can Dance-related:
Dance, Blake, Dance!
Taking the Long Way
Over-Processed
I guess the show is about dancing

starf*cker?

2006-07-26T22:40:00.000-04:00

...something tells me Reichen Lehmkuhl is getting *just* what he bargained for as he attaches himself to Lance Bass' recent coming out story.

The image to the left is a snapshot of my keyword report for the blog over the past hour. Google is gettin' a Reichen workout!

Now I'm not sayin' Reichen is a publicity whore (others have already said it for me) but the former Amazing Racer, Clay dater, E! reality tv star and boyband boyfriend, seems to keep poppin' up wherever you look. How can we forget his love for Louis Coraggio, showing off commitment rings back in September? Maybe he just falls in love fast. Or maybe he's a lesbian.

Either way, we'll always have his Undergear underwear poses.

yeah, like you're surprised

2006-07-26T09:36:00.000-04:00

Somewhere, someone is surprised.

Lance Bass, formerly of NSYNC, finally comes out of the closet in the latest issue of People.

"I don't think it's wrong, I'm not devastated going through this. I'm more liberated and happy than I've been my whole life. I'm just happy."

Read the article here.

In the article, Lance touches on being forced out of the closet by the media. Surely blogs such as this only perpetuate it and I do feel a bit of guilt about it. But hey, it gets him back in the spotlight, right?

Thanks to Michael K over at Dlisted for the scoop.

too hot for the CW?

2006-07-25T18:49:00.000-04:00

As programming portfolios merged months ago on account of the WB and UPN joining forces, many shows got lost in the shuffle.

One of the more notable serials that lost a time slot was the Smallville spin-off Aquaman.

Now you can catch the pilot on iTunes. I can't help but think the folks at the newly-formed CW network are keeping tabs on the download stats of this program, with the intention of bringing it to the fans with a web-base medium in mind.

Buy the Aquaman Pilot o'er at iTunes

Jody Watley responds to Gay Games plug gag order

2006-07-25T14:30:00.000-04:00

Jody Watley was in her hometown of Chicago over the weekend as part of her promo tour for the upcoming release The Makeover (heard of it?)

But things turned a bit sour after a visit to R&B station V103. The Clear Channel-owned FM gave the greenlight for Jody’s CD plug, but not to her scheduled Gay Games 7 performance at Soldier Stadium that very weekend. Jody writes about the experience on her MySpace blog "...though the entire city was plastered with Gay Games posters...it was on EVERY MAJOR newspaper. The evening news! So yes, I was still caught off guard when I was asked not to mention the event.”

Jody, long familiar with walking the fine line between genre-specific radio promotion, took the gag order in stride. She recalls the 1996 track she wrote titled “Affection” and the backlash that occurred with her message of love regardless of boundaries: “I encountered complaints because of the word 'gay' -- I didn't write it as a marketing tool - I meant it. A black artist unafraid to promote tolerance. What a concept.”

Need I express more why we love Jody so? [Photo courtesy ChateauHo]

rusted art rochester showing | THIS FRIDAY

2006-07-24T10:13:00.001-04:00

Not only is he a great blogger, but he's also a talented and well-received artist. Friend of Midnight Lounge Shawn O'Hara, o'er at Rusted Art, is having an art showing this Friday in Rochester, New York.

If you're in town, be sure to make your way over to the Daniel Ward Salon & Spa July 28th between 6:00pm and 9:00pm and introduce yourself to Shawn and his works.

Shawn specializes in reclaimed objects. Many of his pieces are an amalgamation of materials, forced together to tell a new story. He just may be the cutest artist / blogger / master coffee barista we've encountered!

See you Friday!

A Style all his Own: A Rusted Art, Art Opening

inner geek

2006-07-24T10:01:00.000-04:00

Those with an inner geek, unite.
The Transformers: the Movie website has been updated with a teaser trailer. Yippee.

Related:
Goodnight and Go

heatwave

2006-07-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

My work excursion to NYC is going well. The record temps are a bitch, but I'm able to avoid any swelter by stayin' in the office durin' the daytime haze and run from bar to bar at night. The pic to the left is from my office on the 27th floor in Times Square. I'm not suffering as much as Eric. He came into town yesterday, exploring a few of the city staples he's missed in the past as I'm workin' the days. Last night we met up with his niece in the village, gnoshing at the Spotted Pig. Simply delish. The Bono-owned pub was low key and intimate; we dined upstairs in the wedge-shaped booth overlooking an apartment courtyard. It was the perfect retreat from the blistering air. On our way to the village last night, I spotted Xerox salesman and former Apprentice star Nick Warnock at Penn Station. I'm such a TV nerd. Tonight we're meeting up with our dear friends Robert and Stephen, who are hosting a dinner party of four. Can't wait to catch up!

Damn, I miss all the good stuff when I'm away from the computer! Darren Hayes, formerly of Aussie pop group Savage Garden, comes out of the closet by marrying his man of two years in the United Kingdom. Just a few months earlier, ArjanWrites posted an in-depth interview with the ever-elusive singer. He played coy when asked about gay artists having a responsibility to come out.

"I think it is important for gay artists
not to lie about it. I think that is insulting. I think we should give people
their space. Jodie Foster is a perfect example. Is she gay? I don't know.
Probably. But it is a very personal thing for her."

Perhaps another coy (former) pop star will follow suit. Tongues were wagging for weeks after Lance Bass and serial dater Reichen Lehmkuhl were spotted all over Provincetown together.

Speaking of gay drama, be sure to catch Bravo's latest reality show Work Out, getting a soft premiere tonight at 11:00pm. The LA-based show follows a group of fitness trainers working out each others' nerves. Oh yeah, and my girl Jody Watley has a few appearances in the show!

Love him or hate him, Perez Hilton just had quite the milestone. He broke (his own) blogging record by receiving over a million hits in one day. Pretty insane. It's about time he caught up to the numbers midnight lounge sees. [smirk.]

Oh yeah, and the fine folks o'er at Best Gay Blogs were nice enough to nominate lil ol' me as hot blogger of the week. Y'all are so sweet for leaving such nice comments!

dog days of summer

2006-07-17T16:32:00.000-04:00

...here's one way to avoid Rochester's record-breaking heatwave. Eric snapped this picture of our little girl, Gracie, as she cools off today.

travelin' through

2006-07-17T10:40:00.000-04:00

It's going to be a light week here at the lounge.
I'm traveling to NYC this week, but I hope to post satellite as time allows.

In the meantime, get to know my handy-dandy addition, the Google SEARCH!

Five minutes with Ross the Intern

2006-07-14T09:47:00.000-04:00

Midnight Lounge recently had a chance to spend a few minutes with Ross Mathews. Late-night TV viewers surely know Ross from his correspondent pieces on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Better known as Ross the Intern, he constantly tickles me pink each time I catch him. Be sure to bookmark Ross' blog!

I hear Star Jones is actively looking for a job these days; any chance you'd bring her on as a boom operator on Tonight show correspondent pieces?

Star Jones is probably way too busy annoying the American public and demanding things. I'm sure shes a wonderful person.

Has word come through that you're up for a guest hosting gig on the View?

Word has not come through. Barbara Walters email about it must have gone to my junk folder. I'd do it in a heart beat, though.

You're a pro on the red carpet, but who is better suited to be your sidekick; Star or Kathy Griffin?

I have no idea to date, Ive only worked alone. But I'd take Kathy Griffin because she's funnier than me.

Some argue that Phyllis Diller is more of a gay icon than Cher and Liza; discuss.

The more the merrier.

You've got two tickets to paradise; who gets to go with you?

My dog and me. Or do I even need a ticket? I mean, is one of the two tickets for me, or can I give them both away?

You're a superstar blogger; what other blogs do you frequent?

Rosie [O'Donnell's] blog and Pink is the New Blog.

So your mom recently came to town; did she have a wishlist of celebrities she hoped to run into?

If my mom has a wish list of celebs she wants to meet, she's never told me. Its sweet when Jay sees her and remembers her, though. She always gets a kick out of that.

If you're on my top ten list of LA celebs to run into, who's on yours?

First of all, you need a new list. The main peeps on my list who I've already checked off were Gwyneth Paltrow, Anderson Cooper, Oprah and Meryl Streep. Whos left? Madonna. Liza. Bea Arthur. Regis.

stripping contradiction?

2006-07-12T19:35:00.000-04:00

I'm all sorts of confused. Would a born-again Christian become pregnant on account of practicing for the husband on a stripper pole?

Watch Sherri on the Ellen DeGeneres Show:

...And the stripper pole episode (where she ironically bounces along to The Pussycat Dolls "Don't Cha"):

Truthfully, I still find Sherri Shepherd absolutely hysterical, regardless of how she's turned her back on her core (gay) audience that gave her a comedic chance back in the '90s...

namechange

2006-07-12T11:59:00.000-04:00

A transgendered Rochester man must show medical evidence to judge to justify a name change.

The ruling, "fraught with danger of deception and confusion" denies Sarah Rockefeller the opportunity to "reflect his male gender identity."

The ACLU has stepped in, arguing that [the ruling] places an unnecessary burden of proof on transgender individuals that isn't required of others.

Rockefeller declines to discuss whether he has had sexual reassignment surgery.

Transgender man's name change denied [Rochester Democrat & Chronicle]

make me over

2006-07-12T10:27:00.000-04:00

Damn, it's like music week here at the lounge!

I've been meaning to blog a bit more on Jody Watley's upcoming release The Makeover, scheduled for release August 8th. You can now pre-order the disc over at Amazon. Surely by now y'all realize my love for Miss Watley. Often dismissed on account of her work in the '80s, this enduring icon has and continues to turn out strong and relevant material.

A few months ago, "Borderline" made its way to fans, creating a frenzy all over the place. For all the love the fans had to give, there were vocal haters that couldn't see past the remaking of a Madge song. Perhaps they ought to be hitting the Jessica Simpson boards and raise hellion over Simpsons' blatant rip-off of "Holiday" on "Public Affair." C'mon now!

Regardless, The Makeover is primed to position Watley precisely where listeners will understand her most: revisiting the back catalog of personal favorites long enough to give a refresher, but then moving effortlessly into new and exciting material. The DJ-inspired set finds Watley pairing with 4Hero, King Britt and Ron Trent, among others.

Are you up for the journey?

If you're on MySpace, be sure to make Jody your friend.

Jody is scheduled to open up the Gay Games in Chicago this weekend!

Pre-order Jody Watley - The Makeover

Jody Watley-related at the lounge:
Borderline - The video
Borderline - The Mp3
I Love to Love - Midnight Lounge meets Jody
Keep pushing my love
Summer's off to a great start
Midnight Lounge interviews Jody Watley
Midnight Lounge reviews Midnight Lounge

over-processed

2006-07-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

The summer music scene is crowded with female vocalists. With releases by Christina and Beyonce, Nelly and Jessica, we've certainly got a few choice cuts, each glossy and mass-produced for our obligatory summer outtings.

But no artists smells of over-processed fluff more than Rihanna. Her club thumper "S.O.S." got us through many a night, dancing tabletop and beating our butts against the wall with that Soft Cell sample. Hell I even offered up a club mix to blog readers.

She launched onto the scene with "Pon De Replay", an infectious summer jam for 2005. It got the party started, no doubt. It was the formulaic, paint-by-numbers beat that was undeniable. No one denied it, not even me. But as I became familiar with Rihanna, I began to see beyond the veneer and glossy image. There wasn’t much to discover, unfortunately.

I became even more disillusioned when Rihanna, along with Amerie and Teairra Mari, took to the stage of the 2005 World Music Awards as part of a tribute to Destiny’s Child. The girls of DC3 were receiving some lifetime (??) award or something and bare witness to said tribute. Anyway, the “tribute band” gave their best rendition of “Lose My Breath.” Perhaps the girls were taking the lyrics to heart as all but Amerie seemed to literally lose breath (or interest) during the performance. If I had watched the performance in hi-def television, I’d be able to see the “boom / kat / pow” choreographic routine on Rihanna's forehead. Her performance was pitiful. As the lens panned across the original gals in the audience, I became more interested in watching them view the trainwreck first hand then seeing it for myself.

Wanna witness the stagecrash for yourself? Check it out:

So this performance came and went and I didn’t give Rihanna a thought soon after. That is until I caught *another* Rihanna performance, this time on the FOX show So You Think You Can Dance. I tuned in, well because as I stated above, I’m sorta crazy about the "S.O.S." Moments into the performance I’m thrown back to that Destiny’s Child routine, except this time it’s blatantly obvious she’s lipping the words to her hit song! Now I completely understand that high-energy songs are extremely difficult to perform live, but I feel that, if an artist is choosing (or being made to) lip sync during a performance, that they gotta give their all and make it seem as live as possible. Well Rihanna was not up for the challenge. She was weak, boring and predictable.

My point being is this: Pop music listeners are constantly being fed music that is over-processed and devoid of organic soul. There’s little argument that, on a recording, Rihanna has the pipes to bolt her songs. I’ve even fallen victim to the club mixes of “Unfaithful” but then again, I’ve also taken a liking to Taco Bell Chalupas; they are just as processed and bad for me as this Jay Z protégé!

It’s quite obvious I can’t do a thing to change the playing field of pop music, but seeing that I’m fortunate enough to have a portal with a voice loud enough for others to hear, I see it my duty to share good music (IMHO) when I find it. So for every Rihanna, there’s a Dangerous Muse and Feist, a Robyn and even an obscure Jody Watley track. One thing I’ve learned is that we shouldn’t be discouraged as much by what’s out there, just find the encouragement to crave better music through discovery.

networked

2006-07-11T12:37:00.000-04:00

Surpassing Yahoo! and Google, MySpace becomes the most visited internet portal last week, according to an internet tracking firm.

The Rupert Murdoch-owned networking site accounts for over 80% saturation when gauged against other online social visits.

While we're on the topic, have you added midnight lounge as your friend? [Washington Post]

Midnight Lounge recommends...

2006-07-11T10:05:00.000-04:00

The heat of the summer brings out the flies at night, and while we spend most of our time swatting those gnats away, this fly's buzz is more than welcome to stick around.

Ben Watt, the musical genius who's one-half of Everything but the Girl with Tracey Thorn, releases his third Buzzin' Fly DJ set today. Buzzin' Fly, Vol 3 takes Watt's DJ'ing into a more contemplative and soulful direction, as spoken word excerpts and chilled house mixes find their way to his crate. And although many of the artists in the mix may not be immediately identified, I have no doubt that Watt's audiophilic tendencies assist in uncovering some of the more interesting cuts of the summer.

Given his previous outtings, I've no doubt this will be a stellar collection. I still find myself pulling out the first two volumes of Lazy Dog when I'm in need of a strong deep house jam.

Buy Buzzin' Fly, Vol 3 at AMAZON

Check out the Special Remixes EP o'er at iTunes

EBTG & Ben Watt related at the lounge:

Flipside
That Voice
Commercial License
She's Back

Sherri Shepherd's Christian Q&A

2006-07-10T11:55:00.000-04:00

Actress and frequent Ellen Degeneres Show commentator Sherri Shepherd gives an in-depth interview with the Christian website Beliefnet. She discusses finding christ and the conflict of working in Hollywood and being a christian.

Shepherd, who once cultivated quite a gay following in LA doing gay-friendly stand up, has backed away from her roots and adopted a more conservative view based on her strong christian beliefs.

...On letting go of her gaycentric comic roots:

"I would get on stage and do an hour. Oh man, I was so blue. But I got a big following. It was very hard to let all that material go because I lost a lot of my following."

I'd be lying if I said I'm not saddened to learn about Shepherd and her beliefs, frankly. I've been quite an admirer of her humor and wit for some time now and would have thought she'd respond differently to her gay fans. This may also be the reason her peeps haven't returned any of my calls for an interview with this decidedly gay blog!

Read the Q&A with Sherri here.

Incidentally, Andy Dick also conducted an interview with the website back in 2003.

Related:
The Girl I love *this* week...

Griffin on CNN tonight. Again.

2006-07-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

Kathy Griffin has been given another go, tonight on CNN.

Her pre-empted appearance on Larry King is scheduled to air 9:00pm, July 10th. The funny lady opens up to Larry about her divorce and allegedly goes into detail about her (former?) husband stealing $72k from her bank accounts.

It's too bad this episode is already in the can. It would have been interesting to get her take on her recent EMMY nomination and her gay tour on the R-Family cruise out of Seattle.

CNN: Kathy Griffin's ex-husband took $72k

Related:

Life on the EMMY List
Taking the Long Way
Griffin Sleeping Party
Look for Andy Dick, passed out in the closet
You've been served. Papers
Kathy Griffin in LA
Kathy Griffin. One Night Only. Syracuse
T hey Did. Now they don't anymore
Griffin in Dirty Love
My New Best Girlfriend
"I was raised right. I talk about people behind their backs."

life on the EMMY list

2006-07-07T10:06:00.000-04:00

not so shabby, eh!

Kathy Griffin's "My Life on the D-List" has been nominated for an Outstanding Reality Program emmy!

This comes just as news breaks that she and husband Matt have officially separated, with reports that he pilfered money from his actress wife.

...And it looks like she won't be going on The Ellen Show to talk about it.

denied

2006-07-06T16:00:00.000-04:00

NEWS: New York courts deny gay marriage recognition.

Rochester's Gay Alliance to organize downtown rally, scheduled for tonight at Washington Square Park.

**Update**

Hey New Yorkers, get involved. Protests across the state are scheduled. The Pride Agenda is organizing statewide rallies to call for swift legislative action in granting equal access to marriage. Here are some:

Rochester: A 6 p.m. rally will be held tonight at Washington Square Park at Clinton and Court streets (in front of Geva Theater) in downtown Rochester. The alternative location, if there is rain, is at the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 222 S. Winton Road (just south of the Winton Road exit from Interstate 490).

Hudson Valley
Start time: 7:00 PM
Location: Memorial United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Avenue, White Plains
Rain location: Same

New York City
Start Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Sheridan Square (West 4th Street and 7th Avenue, Manhattan)
Rain location: LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th Street

Long Island
Start time: 7:30 PM
Location: Bay Shore Bandshell (Main Street at Park Avenue)
Rain location: 34 Park Avenue, Bay Shore

Buffalo
Start time: 6:00 PM
Location: Bidwell Park (@ Elmwood Avenue)
Rain location: Unitarian Universalist Church, 695 Elmwood Avenue (corner of West Ferry & Elmwood)

Albany/Capital District
Start time: 6:00 PM
Location: Capitol Park (Washington Avenue & Swan Street, adjacent to the State Capitol Building)
Rain location: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street

Syracuse/Central NY
Start time: 7:00 PM
Location: Hanover Square (Downtown Syracuse)
Rain location: Hendrick’s Chapel, Syracuse University

hits

2006-07-06T12:29:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the bitchiest of bloggers, Michael K o'er at Dlisted. Based on hits (and content), Dlisted is the new Pink is the New Blog! Nice job my friend!

machinehead

2006-07-06T09:25:00.000-04:00

morning thoughts over coffee:

Nick Lachey and Vanessa Millino: I could be more of a cynic than needed, but aren't they both on MTV's bankroll? It just doesn't seem all that organic to me. Surely conference room doors were closed the moment the "Newlyweds" split, deciding the next step in each persons' career. I'll bet one item at the top of the agenda was Nick's new music and the "muse" to be featured in his video. And imagine if said muse was to begin a romantic fling with the singer...I'm just sayin'!

Regarding all the hoopla over Star Jones and the View, it's definitely delicious and we're all eatin' it up, but perhaps we're just eating what the machine is feeding us. Let's face it; audiences tuned in 4% more last year than now. A shakeup at the table to get everyone talking was definitely in order. It worked. And now there's buzz of countless women taking the seat: Brandy, Katherine McPhee, Shannen Doherty, Isaac Mizrahi (?!?!) Producers of the View couldn't be more thrilled with all the new-found chatter about the show! And let's not even get into Rosie's upcoming assignment; once she bellies up to the Babs, all of American will be tuned in! This is good stuff my friend, good stuff.

ain't gonna rain on our parade

2006-07-05T15:22:00.000-04:00

A slew of recent anti-gay crimes can't dampen Rochester's upcoming gay pride week.

Hitting all too close to home for many gays in the area: two gay women were thrown to the ground, kicked in the head and bitten after leaving a Park Avenue bar on June 17th. That neighorhood is perhaps, the most gay friendly in the upstate New York city. Police have charged 36 year old Yalida Ortiz with third-degree assault. A second arrest is forthcoming, according to the Rochester police. The victims were treated and released.

Just a few blocks from Park Avenue, the Rochester's First Unitarian Church hung a banner from its rooftop supporting marriage equality coincidentally on June 17th; the very same day as the beating. And up barely a month, the banner has been vandalized, cut in half. The July 2nd vandalization is being handled as a hate crime.

This spat of hate comes just as downtown Rochester prepares for its busiest weekends of the summer.

And for the gay community in Rochester: show your pride now more than ever. Be sure to attend the Pride Parade and Cultural Festival on Saturday, July 8th and the annual Pride Picnic on Sunday, July 9th.

threatdown

2006-06-30T16:48:00.000-04:00

...And another example of how the Colbert Report keeps on bringin' the funny. [Thanks Evan & Ken]

view from the sky

2006-06-28T14:24:00.000-04:00

Virtual Earth is Microsoft's response to Google Maps. The satellite imagery site is leaps and bounds above the current Google model. Check it out for yourself. Pictometry, a Rochester-based satellite photo company is at the heart of the product. Stalk your house, your ex or your future ex at the click of an address. Can you name a few of the landmarks I pulled?

and I quote

2006-06-28T13:50:00.000-04:00

From the Advocate:

Discussing a TV show her actor dad (Brandon Maggart) starred in, Fiona Apple shares her affinity for the gays:

"I remember an episode where a character came out to his father, and the father didn't accept him. I was 8 years old at the time, and I went right home and prayed to God—and I don't come from a religious family—that I would have a gay child."

press play

2006-06-28T10:04:00.000-04:00

Interesting iTunes celebrity playlists of late.

Brandon Routh, the once-unknown soap actor poised to launch the summers' biggest flick, adds his playlist to iTunes. Not much that's listed makes the gaydar go off. Routh gives props to his singer sis, Sara Routh, adding "You're Never Gone" to his top fourteen. "This song really says what Superman Returns is about. Bravo to my sis for hitting the nail on the head."

of course she's gonna throw a few family gems on her list. Janet "makes me wanna *%$#!" Jackson gives us what sounds are runnin' through her head. I do appreciate her shoutout to legendary makeup artist Kevin Aucoin, but could have done without the Sugarhill Gang addition.

Is it just me or do both playlists seem to have gone through the corporate machine before making their way to the music portal; they seem forced, sterile and all too strategic. I'm such a cynic.

BSB news

2006-06-27T09:24:00.000-04:00

Breaking news: Kevin Richardson, the older, wiser member of the chart-topping Backstreet Boys, issues a statement, confirming rumors he's left the band:

"After thirteen years of what can only be described as a dream come true, I have decided to leave the Backstreet Boys. It was a very tough decision for me but one that was necessary in order for me to move on with the next chapter of my life."

We are left to wonder: there was still a band for Richardson to leave?

Ptown peeps

2006-06-23T15:00:00.000-04:00

Fanizzi's Restaurant, in Provincetown's east-end, is a great place to grab drinks and dinner, especially during the off-season. The restaurant recently launched a website, featuring two of my most favorite Ptown residents, Kim and Chuck, right on the front page. Even though the eatery has a great view of the harbor, nothing compares to the view of the two of them.

While you're on the west-end, be sure to pay a visit to Midnight Lounge's favorite store (and frequent advertiser) Utilities Home, online or in person!

Love springs eternal laughter

2006-06-23T11:31:00.000-04:00

Perhaps the most overlooked show of the summer is Lifetime's Lovespring International. Okay, okay, it may not be the most well-funded sitcom on TV, but if talent equates wealth, then this improv-heavy gem is richer than the oil barons in the White House.

The sitcom follows a crew of clumsy matchmakers playin' yenta at an elite dating firm in California. And although the cast may not immediately seem recognizable, their bios certainly are. Jane Lynch (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Best in Show) Jennifer Elise Cox (Will & Grace, The Brady Bunch Movie) and Jack Plotnick (Girls Will be Girls, Down with Love) bring the show to life with their hilarious, largely improvised, characters.

Eric McCormack, post Will & Grace, has his hands in the mix as executive producer. I've only caught one episode, but I like what I've seen so far. Fellow W&G alum Sean Hayes has a cameo as a wife-eating widower looking to enter the dating pool again. Hayes was in his element with improv, but I'd almost rather see the cast left to their own devices and rely on each other, rather than star-heavy guests, to develop laughs.

The one to watch is definitely Jennifer Elise Cox. Her pre-occupied office executive assistant is dead-on and hilarious. I still laugh out loud each time I catch her in reruns playing Nurse Trainee Pittman to Debra Messing's Grace on W&G.

Give your TIVO the command to record Lovespring International (mondays at eleven on Lifetime) and see for yourself how great the troupe can be!

Check the show out my MySpace

**UPDATE: Check out this outtakes clip of Cox on Will & Grace as Nurse Pittman:

Kira, Kira!

2006-06-22T10:26:00.000-04:00

There's nothing I love more than a girl that can make me laugh, and Kira Soltanovich does it effortlessly. She's been a Girl Behaving Badly on Oxygen (now in syndication) and most recently on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno as the voice of the talking photo booth...

We'll have an interview with Kira posted soon, but in the meantime click over to Kira's home on the web to view Tonight Show photo booth media clips and Oxygen's archived Girls Behaving Badly videos for a little introduction to Kira's satirical humor.

Related:
The Chelsea Handler interview (another Girl Behaving Badly!)

download this

2006-06-22T10:10:00.000-04:00

get your summer on with choice cuts supplied by uber-bloggers PopBytes, Popmuse and ArjanWrites:

We dished about this last week; now you can check it for yourself. The Scumfrog rub of Paris Hilton.
Popbytes drops some Lil Kim for us. I'm waiting for her Martha moment.
Popmuse offers up the Beyonce and Christina Aguilera jams, dueling to bring it back old skool.
ArjanWrites chats with dance act Madison Park and sneaks a few remixes our way.
Midnight Lounge still stands by the song of the summer: Pink's "Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely)"

Meet Justin

2006-06-20T15:05:00.000-04:00

Midnight Lounge gets to know Justin a bit better. Tough gig, I know. Now you can too...

Don't be shy....say hi.

Been awhile since you've scoped out the other guys we've featured?

Here's a few of the favorites:

Doug
Vadim
Patrick
Jordan

Yes, we wanna

2006-06-16T09:23:00.000-04:00

She's big in the UK too.

And for the very same reason why she's big with me. It's that damn voice. I have a thing for Leann Rimes. If you can get past the twang, perhaps you'll hear one of the strongest and most pure voices in contemporary music (yeah, that's a bold statement and I'll stand by it, damnit!)

Rimes recently released Whatever We Wanna, a pop album for the European market. It's doubtful the release will make it stateside, as her audience in the states is more hoedown than get-down. A release may also be hindered by the fact that This Woman (the 2005 country release) is still pumpin' out hits to C/W stations.

No worries though. I got the hookup. This blog gives a review and few mp3s away of the album. Be sure to download "Headphones", a personal favorite of mine.

The lead single "And it Feels Like" (Hi-Tack Mix) is also available.

...and the video for "And it Feels Like":

pop the....Dom Perignon?

2006-06-15T14:31:00.000-04:00

Cristal, the french champagne notorious for its extreme price tag and signs of affluency, will soon be finding sales drop significantly. Frederic Rouzaud, Managing Director of Louis Roederer champagne (and maker of the brand), came out against a large pocket of its' market: the hip hop community. Rouzaud says the attention the brand gets by those in the "community" is unwelcome.

Oh yes he did!

Club owner Jay Z has pulled the product off his shelf: "I view his comments as racist and will no longer support any of his products through any of my various brands including The 40/40 Club nor in my personal life."

it's a bitch fight, y'all! Rouzaud comes back with: "I'm sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business."

Oh yeah, it's on! This is about as bad as if Macy's had pulled support of the gay community....oh, wait...shit. Never mind.

[Source: Dlisted via MTV UK]

tommy

2006-06-15T11:27:00.000-04:00

It's been a bit since we've added a new stud to our hallowed halls of MySpace men. Tommy's well worth the wait...

He comes from the city of brotherly love. He's a Philadelphia boy with a smirk that instantly tells you he's the first to cause trouble, but also one that will melt your mom's heart.

Check out our latest Man of MySpace, Tommee-Boom-Box.

come undone

2006-06-15T09:28:00.000-04:00

Matt Lauer is to Britney Spears as Martin Bashir is to Michael Jackson.

Watch the coming undone of a pop star tonight, on Dateline.

Perhaps my favorite line to look forward to is Spears' response to driving Los Angeles with baby on lap. "I can't go anywhere without someone judging me. I did it with my dad. I'd sit on his lap and I drive. We're country." We're country, ya'll!"

If you can't contain yourself 'till the evening, JustJared has snippets. [Via JustJared]

Fundamental

2006-06-14T10:43:00.000-04:00

The Pet Shop Boys latest release Fundamental hits iTunes weeks before its June 27th street date.

I haven't had a chance to get into it yet, but Andy gave a first listen. Check it.

**Update - Be sure to also check out the Fundamental remix collection Fundamentalism, containing remixes by Richard X, Michael Meyer and more.

Buy Fundamental at iTunes

Shirley Phelps Roper

2006-06-13T19:34:00.000-04:00

Oooh, she got a little crazy on her face. Shirley Phelps Roper speaks on behalf of the 100-member Westboro Baptist Church.

New TV spot for Dreamgirls

2006-06-13T11:34:00.000-04:00

The new TV spot for the Dreamgirls flick debuted during the Tonys on Sunday. Somehow I missed it. Oh yeah, 'cause I wasn't a good gay and watched them.

Here's the trailer: [Via Dlisted]

PLEASE READ: support Kevin

2006-06-12T23:14:00.000-04:00

We create our existence. We nurture and cultivate our environment. We surround ourselves with love and laughter. With joy. There are times when we must step outside of our circle and face the lives of others. And as wonderful and brilliant as that can be, there are other times when the love we carry inside of us goes missunderstood. I'm sure most have heard by now of the horrendous assault that occured in New York's East Village late Saturday night.

Gay icon and club impresario Kevin Aviance was left for dead after being assaulted by six to seven teens. Aviance spoke with the New York Post on Sunday. “They kicked me in my back. They kicked in my knees. They just kept kicking. They kept yelling ‘fucking faggot!' I thought I would be dead. I really thought they were going to kill me.”

Given this crime occured in the midst of Pride celebrations across the country, one is left to question our safety. As far as we feel we have come as gay men and women, we stumble each time a situation, like the one involving Kevin, occurs. It is during this time of celebrating our pride that we recognize our progress, but also the obstacles we need to overcome.

And of course during these moments of progress we simply need to be entertained. Pride parades across the country feature performers like Kevin. Many of whom actually make their living entertaining us; making us laugh, sing and find the pride inside of us.

Ari Gold reaches out in light of Kevin's assault and reminds us that Kevin is indeed a working performer now left without a gig or two 'till he heals. The singers' jaw is wired shut due to the beating.

With this in mind, please support Kevin. Buy his music. Talk about him on your blog. To your friends. Watch a video or two. Popmuse has "Rhythm is My Bitch." Remind yourself what a brilliant performer Kevin is. I've had the pleasure of meeting him in the past and he is perhaps the sweetest and most unassuming person. In heels.

Buy Kevin at iTunes: "Give it Up". Even if you own it, buy it again. It's that good!

Kevin's 2002's "Alive" resonates now more than ever:

Jody Watley - Borderline

2006-06-12T15:17:00.000-04:00

Jody Watley. 2006. The "Borderline" video. Enjoy.

heating up

2006-06-12T14:13:00.000-04:00

Summer's heating up. So are things at the lounge.

Click back for more men of MySpace shortly.

go away / come back

2006-06-12T11:00:00.000-04:00

The guitar riff is like a Flock of Seagulls on 'roids. It's really that good. Documenting the walking contradiction of crazylove, Pink travels that familiar road to relationship discovery on my favorite track off I'm not Dead. It's been my most-played song on my iPod, and for good reason.

With lyrics like:

"No you can't, hop into my shower

All I ask for is one f*ckin' hour"

and

"Go away come back / go away come back

Why can’t I just have it both ways"

"Leave me Alone (I'm Lonely)" is my summer anthem. Now it can be yours too:

Pink - Leave me Alone (I'm Lonely) Mp3

Related:
Pink - Who Knew (Bimbo Jones Mix)

um, okay

2006-06-09T12:13:00.000-04:00

I'm probably giving myself some bad karma for posting about this, but I chuckled after reading this article. Okay, I flat-out burst into laughter, if only because of the quote.

The downtown Rochester commute nearly came to a halt this morning after local motorists faced thousands of religious travelers en route to the Women in Faith conference.

When asked about the traffic jam, sixty-year old Wolcott resident Lucia Monroe said "We just turned up our Christian music and didn't let it bother us."

Clearly, because of Christ's music, Monroe does not suffer from Intermittment Explosive Disorder.

Paris gets the scumfrog treatment

2006-06-08T13:48:00.000-04:00

...And you probably thought Paris Hilton couldn't get any more scummy, right? Think again.

Dutch DJ the Scumfrog is preparing to release a remix of Hilton's upcoming flop "Stars are Blind".

According to the 'frog:

"When I tell people about how I gave Paris Hilton a Scumfrog makeover, most of them don't suspect that I'm talking about an actual record, or song, as you will. But I need to tell you right now; Yes, Paris made a record, and no, it's not that bad. The original version of her single "Stars Are Blind" is a playful rip-off of UB40's number one 80's single "Kingston Town" where her vocals sound like Gwen Stefani. My remix is more like 8 minutes of electronic nastiness in which her slightly reduced vocals sound like Gwen Stefani on Ecstasy. You can hear the preview on the discography page and judge for yourself." [Thanks Evan]

I'ts not *that" bad, eh?

For a record more in-line with your listening pleasure, be sure to check out the brand new remixes of Tiefschwarz's "Damage" featuring Tracey Thorn. Originally released in 2005 as part of the Eat Books CD, the track is gettting revisited just in time for Thorn to stream through the speakers and onto dancefloors across the country. Although none of the mixes immediately inspired my rear to shake, I recommend the MOGG Man Band Remix.

Related:
Midnight Lounge interviews The Scumfrog
Flipside
That Voice
Commercial License
She's Back

2006-06-08T09:51:00.000-04:00

sorry for the lack of updates of late. More content to come.

(photo courtesy of fellow Flickr member Troy)

Andy the DJ

2006-06-06T14:37:00.000-04:00

Anderson Cooper's the latest to publish his playlist on iTunes. With ambiguous choices such as R.E.M., Nina Simone and New Order, bloggers now have even more fodder as they dissect his every gay move.

I am surprised he doesn't list Scissor Sisters in his playlist however; he's mentioned the queercentric rockers in the past...

Now you TOO can become obsessed...

2006-06-05T10:24:00.000-04:00

I've blogged a few times about my online addiction Lala.com. Lala allows members to trade CDs with other users for only a $1; each CD you agree to ship, you'll get one from your want list in return. This phenomenal service is still in beta, but midnight lounge has received a few invites to pass along to readers.

Go a'head and drop me a note and I'll forward you an invite, soon enough you'll be all over lala too.

Voyage of the queens

2006-06-05T10:08:00.000-04:00

Our Memorial Day trip was fantastic. We rented a houseboat and cruised through the Thousand Islands region of Eastern Canada and Northern New York. Eric spent his summers on the St. Lawrence with his dad, commandeering sailboats and powerboats, so a return to the area as an adult was quite an experience for him. The seven of us launched La Baronessa (the name of the boat) in Champagne Point, just east of Gananoque, Ontario.

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...or skip to the Flickr photostream.

Brokeback on-demand

2006-06-01T22:25:00.000-04:00

Here's a Rochester expressway billboard I couldn't help but snap.

If you look closely, you'll notice Time Warner advertising Brokeback Mountain available On-Demand.

I couldn't help but find the fact the advertisement is a sign of subtle progress.

That and some clueless wives may not need a billboard to know it's on pay-per-view; it may show up on detailed billing.

Taking the Long Way

2006-06-01T22:05:00.000-04:00

Let's play catch-up:

There's something extremely intriguing about the fact that 50 Cent is man enuff to get his nails buffed while visiting Cannes. [Rod 2.0]

With first-week sales of more than 500,000, the Dixie Chicks' Taking the Long Way debuts at #1. Simply delicious. I'm a relative newcomer to the Chicks. I find this release to contain some of the strongest material I've heard lately. I recommend it to anyone in need of a shakeup to their iPod.

Superman Returns gets its box office debut bumped. Originally scheduled to fly into theatres July 4th weekend, it's now to debut two days sooner to capture more box office boffo. Some folks "in the know" say it's a strategic move to capture some of the dollars studio execs had hoped to gain from the box-office bomb named Poseidon.

MAC cosmetics celebrates 20 years of Fashion Cares in Toronto this weekend. Scheduled to appear is Jennifer Holiday, (my girl) Jody Watley, Pam Anderson and more. I was hoping to make it but other plans got in the way. If you're in Toronto, GO!

It's a Kathy Griffin blitzkrieg this summer: each time you turn the channel there's a chance you'll land on her. The second season of My Life on the D-List premieres next week on Bravo. She's also got judging duties on NBC's fourth season of Last Comic Standing (a guilty favorite of mine.) Griffin wants OFF the D-list and *you* can help. She'll become a Scientologist for her fans...now that's what I call a giver!

It's back. Fox's summer filler So You Think You Can Dance debuted last week. One dancer in particular stole my heart during the auditions: Victor of the Sickstep crew. He's so damn cute! Be sure to pay a visit to Rickey for your fix of all things Dance.

It's been awhile since I got myself into a movie theatre. We decided to avoid the heat, so Eric and I made it to a showing of X-Men: the Last Stand (heard of it?) last night. I don't need to get into the details of the flick as everyone on this planet seems to have seen it already, but the movie was just as I expected. I knew going that the character of Storm (thanks to a post-sequel best actress Oscar win) would be bolstered more than before and that Wolverine would "save the day" (oops, did I give it away?) Being a fan of the first two, I was satisfied, but not with the same adulation I had for the first two. I adored Kelsey Grammer in the Beast role, and wished they had given us less Storm and more Angel (the gay subtext was brill.) Oh, and Juggernaut and Mystique were strong players too. I guess I'm a cynic but I think I just may miss Bryan Singer having his eye behind the lens, I dunno.

Before the flick, a trailer for My Super-Ex Girlfriend came up. It stars Uma Thurman and Luke or Owen Wilson as boyfriend / super ex-girlfriend. Yawn. Only when Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) had screentime did I seem to perk up. The movie looks forgettable, but I hope Rainns' agent continues to cultivate quirky, off-center roles. Between playing strange on Six Feet Under and The Office, he's got a gimmick and should stick to it.

I am hooked on the CD-swapping site lala. I've discovered old and new music I probably wouldn't have bought otherwise. Right now I'm playin' the hell out of Bette Midler sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook at the moment. Other swaps I've taken great pleasure in receiving: Pussycat Dolls' PCD (guilty pleasure, don't tell anyone), Wham!'s 1987 farewell disc Music from the Edge of Heaven, and more.

where the wild ferns grow

2006-06-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

Knowing little to nothing about photography, I was rather pleased with this image, snapped Saturday morning atop Camelot Island, near Gananoque, ONT.

night sky

2006-06-01T15:14:00.000-04:00

Perhaps one of the most glorious sunsets I've seen in quite some time, as seen docked at the Gananoque marina Sunday evening.

Up on the rooftop

2006-06-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

...and another pic from our tour de Canada. This shot captures the boat crew docked at the Gananoque marina on Sunday evening. This small Canadian town turned out to be a rather interesting waterfront village.

The breathtaking sunsets and the restored victorian-era residences had us singing "Oh, Canada..."

By the way, the table covering was not boat-sanctioned. I found that after rummaging through the deep-discount bin at Target. Its cheekiness blended with everything else the boat had to offer...

back to you

2006-06-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

...back after a little holiday break. I'll post more pictures and commentary as time allows. Here's one of my favorite snapshots from this past weekend. This one was taken atop Camelot Island (part of the National Parks of Canada.)

back to mine

2006-05-25T22:59:00.000-04:00

The weekend begins for me now. I'll be in Eastern Canada and Northern New York boating the Thousand Island waterways this Memorial Day holiday.

I've left a few pictures from the midnight lounge archive 'till I return. Have a happy and safe weekend.

twenty-one

2006-05-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

...as demonstrated by her t-shirt, we've a lot in common. But turning 21 today is not one of them.

A certain big brother couldn't be more proud of his 'lil sis. She turns 21 today. Watch out Georgia, she gonna drink you dry!

happy birthday, amanda!

voyage of the queens

2006-05-23T23:50:00.000-04:00

Load up the iPod and dust off the shades 'cause we're hitting the road!

Okay, not really the road so much as the water. But I guess the road GETS you there, right? There's a crew of seven, navigating our way through the Thousand Islands waterways in Northern New York and Eastern Canada over the Memorial Day weekend. Launching in Ganonoque (Canada's gateway to the Thousand Islands) and cruising along the Saint Lawrence River, the maiden Voyage of the Queens will be a great way to spend white party weekend. Did I mention it's a houseboat? Yeah, not so much a Jewel of the Seas as much as it is the SS Minnow.

My man knows his way around the area. He was reared on a sailboat, so we're in good hands, but if anyone has any recommendations for the six boys and one girl aboard the VotQ, we'd greatly appreciate it! Besides the obligatory stop at Boldt Castle, our current itinerary is still being planned.

And although I doubt I'll be able to pick up any wi-fi signal (hell, I'll be lucky if my cell phone powers on) I'll be thinking of my loyal readers and secretly wishing I could bring y'all along. Okay, except you with the restraining order. You can't come 'till March of 2009.

I'll be sure to snap some photos to share when we return. Each of us have a duty on the boat. I've been assigned to stocking (and subsequently emptying) the bar. Ah, ship of fools!

ready to download

2006-05-23T22:48:00.000-04:00

Jody Watley's latest single "Borderline" is now available for download at iTunes (and virtually every other online music source) beginning today.

Jody sips the Madonna remake on the rocks; chilled and smooth. Being the lead single off her upcoming August release, Billboard had this to say: "If the album maintains this pop-tronic vibe, Watley fans are in for a real treat."

Download "Borderline" (iTunes)

Related:
I Love to Love
In Concert
Bordering: Keep pushing my Love
The Jody Watley Interview