I Bring The Fall?

I just realized (it only took 36 years) I was born just before the Fall Equinox and, in typical self-involved fashion, am claiming I bring the Fall. Being that it's one of my two favorite seasons (...Spring being the other. Step off haters! I know how amazing Summer can be, but I hate sweating and I'm "that" guy: I don't drip, I gush. And you Winter freaks?? I will never understand! Never.), I feel I have as good a claim to the season as football fans do to "their team's" success.

Where I'd like to be...

But I digress...


It's the first weekend of Fall and, like the City itself, the weekend is bottom heavy with events. Sunday is PACKED! There's no way you'll be able to do everything so DON'T try it (Jason!)! But before Sunday, there's Friday and Saturday, so...here goes:


FRIDAY


What's Going On


Pittsburgh -

• The G-20 summit is being held in Pittsburgh this weekend and some of you/us are not so happy with how this elite group of national superpowers operates. Sexy do-gooder Jonas Moffat counts himself amongst these and has helped to organize a special dance party/concert called NOLOGO to raise funds for the G20 Resistance Legal Fund. Judging by early reports of tear-gas and rubber bullets used to disperse rock-throwing crowds, they're gonna need as much as they can get.

West Village -

• Back in the schitty, Russ Williamson's last PRE-GAME at Gusto is this Friday, as he's leaving New York to winter in his home country, the South. Stop by to bid him farewell.

East Village -

• Ernie Cote and DJ Aaron Elvis have a hot body contest planned that they're keeping under wraps, but that they promise will have the boys stripping down (porn, cash, notoriety could all be theirs!...or yours!). Judging by the pics from last week's Gasertag edition of FRISKYDISCO you'll want to stop by this week's FriskyDisco XII, as ever at The Hose.

• Wrestleboy Jeff and Hunter invite you to BSMT: FRIDAYS at The Cock. ...And you know what goes on there!

Lower East Side -

• Steve Travolta, Christina Visca and Cesar Galindo welcome you to 105 Riv for another edition of SHARKO JONES. House music for househeads, basically! Vibealicious!

DUMBO -

• Galapagos Art Space hosts CABARET MAGYAR, a three-part cabaretique(?) ode to Hungary. Tonight's show includes performances by Julie Atlas Muz and Mike Albo, among others.

Where I'll Be


Greenpoint -

• Scott is the featured subject of PINUPS Issue 10, debuting tonight at Blackout Bar.  Join the bearrati after checking out this party teaser featuring the writings of Paul Mpagi Sepaya, David Tabbert, Joshua David Riegel and others.

Chinatown -

• Tai Chi Alfonso is one of the hosts at a special VOGUE BALL hosted by Princess Xtravaganza. Tai says, "Anyone can walk in any category, but - in THIS crowd? - if you're going to walk, you better BRING it!". Let it be known. Gauntlet thrown.

SATURDAY


What's Going On


Rochester -

• Paul Vitale's created a Facebook page for his Memory Walk donation page (next Saturday, September 26th!) HERE. Too confusing? The direct link is here: DONATION PAGE. Pitch in to help him meet surpass his goal.

Bushwick -

• Mister Saturday Night (a/k/a Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter) present (and spin) a party that's already the stuff of legend, yet promise that this one will be even better! The BUSHWICK BOAT PARTY III!

West Village -

• Joe Fiore invites you all to the opening party of the Fall Dance 208 season, FIRE ISLAND CLASSICS, with DJ Michael Fierman at the LGBT Center.

Where I'll Be


West Village -

• Sandi Dubowski hosts a special Virgo/Libra party every year at his place, and this year he's dubbed it  VIRGO DELIGHT, LIBRA DELIGHT - We Are All Delights, and is hosting it tonight, which just happens to be the last night of feasting before the fast of Yom Kippur. Get your fill!

East Village -

• Join Disco Connie (a/k/a Mr. Alicea) and DJ Jeff Jackson (Men love them. Women love them. We ALL love them!)for DOUBLE HEADED DISCO Who's The Boss, a tribute to all things Diana Ross. Naturally!

• Deputy (a/k/a Jeffrey Ralston), Jason Timm and special guest DJ Will (Automagic) present TWEET at The Hose. www.tweetpartynyc.com   

SUNDAY


What's Going On


Williamsburg -

• The BROOKLYN RECORD RIOT with 8 DJs, flowing Polish beers, kielbasa and 35 record dealers selling their wares.

NoHo -

• Mr. Mickey's CELEBRITY SIDEWALK SALE at Screaming Mimi's is raising money for CITTA to help build the Vivekenanda public school in Orissa, India. Expect the chicest of designs by the chicest designers for sale...and of course, Mr. Mickey!

San Francisco -

• Attending Folsom Street Fair? Stop in at BLACK LEATHER DISCO with Honey Soundsystem, DJ Rich King and Andy Butler of Hercules & Love Affair (and many others) spinning tunes in the former Febe's, the first leather bar on Folsom.

Chelsea -

• Back on this coast, Robert Valin and DJ Gustavo bring us another TRUCK STOP at The Park Penthouse. Robinson and Carmine behind the bar.

Hell's Kitchen -

• Junior Vasquez is back at ROOFTOP at Hudson Terrace with your hosts Matt Tratner, Ladyfag, Malik So Chic and Claudio Braz.

West Village -

• Lina's back from the beach and brings her THROW BLACK SUNDAYS with her to Baddies Lounge (under Kingswood Restaurant). She says get ready for classics, children! You're going to get learneded!! Oh I hope so, Lina...I sure hope so.

(Upper) Chelsea -

• Luis Rodriguez hosts GET SET SUNDAYS at The Gates. DJ Vito Fun spins. Dinner (and that bane of NYC nightlife: bottle service) available (RSVP children. It's in your best interests.). 

• Daniel Nardicio, in cahoots with DJs Adam and Josh Sparber, transplants his undie (not nudie...well at least not officially) party from the Ice Palace to SPEAKEASY on 8th Avenue and from Fridays to Sundays. Tonight's opening party is also Book of Love's concert after party.

Where I'll Be

• Hopefully, BOOK OF LOVE back together for one night only at Highline Ballroom. Bill Coleman and special guests round out the evening's festivities.

TUESDAY


What's Going On

• Damian Cote and Shannon Michael Cane help Steven Miller release his book, Milky at a special edition of Damian's weekly BUDDIES party.  The milk theme flows through all...

THURSDAY


What's Going On


Tribeca -

• Co-curator Adam Baran's QUEER/ART/FILM series at 92Y Tribeca continues with Entertaining Mr. Sloane, introduced by the one and only John Cameron Mitchell.

Financial District -

• Corey TuT performs live and acoustic at Uncle Mike's with two other singer-songwriters. Three artists for $10! Hey, Recession!

***Special Notes***


Douglas Schmich is raising money to run in the Walt Disney World Marathon on January 10, 2010 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) "Team In Training" (TNT). TNT provides its participants with coaching and training expertise in exchange for raising money towards finding a cure for blood related cancers. Having already met his “patient hero,” Pilar Maldonado (a lymphoma survivor), Douglas is ready to RUN! Help him raise his goal of $3800 by visiting his fundraising PAGE.


I really don't have anything else to add. Lord knows this already took long enough as it is... Hope you're happy with what I've presented, but if you're not...Eh!...Go find your own damn parties!! (And FU Mercury! PLEASE hurry September 29th!)

Love,


-d-

My Face...

There's my face. THERE's my face!!

http://thepandorian.com/2009/09/devin-elijah-interview/

Congrats Devin!

"Duane!!!"

in my wildest dreams...

I Snap Right Back

Had a great little vacation last week and am rested and rejuvenated as a result. 

Ready to jump back in the thick of it, but the only thing is, I'm broke as hell! No mind...I only mention so that, you, my gentle (but rough top) readers, will know that - while I still list things as "Where I'll be" - that should really read as, "Where I'll be...should I cave in to temptation and go out, only doing shots in a delusion attempt to be 'economical'". Understood? Great! Then here's the rundown for the week/end...


FRIDAY (now)....


What's Going On


Lower East Side -

• All I'm hearing these days is how Portland is so amazing. Portland natives SISSYBOY provide (maybe?) a peek at what Portland is all about in their performances at Dixon Place (tonight and Saturday night). Apparently, Portland's incredibly vulgar?? See for yourself. The Pixie Harlots and other New York luminaries help.

Flatiron -

• DJ Nita's was last week...Now it's Mr. Johnson's birth...week? -month? Something. Anyway, tonight he's celebrating with two different gigs where he's teaming up with visiting San Franciscan legend Juanita More, who's ALSO celebrating her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GANT & JUANITA!. Second party is thrown with the SPANK boys, FYI.

Cherry Grove -

• Pack your fanny in some tight spannie (Oof. I know. Best I could come up with.) one more time before the season ends. Daniel Nardicio's BACK TO SCHOOL Underwear Party with Mr. Sparber on decks. Don't fret if you're not on the island, however. Mr. Cote has your opportunity for skimpy on Sunday at The Hose (see below).

Flatiron District -

• Sammy Jo is back! at GARY 49 at mr. Black (New Location is 35 West 21st between Broadway and Park Avenue South. Don't forget!)

Where I'll Be

DUMBO -

• Friday is Mr. Sosa's birthday, as well, and he's commemorating his arrival on this plane at a party at Galapagos Art Space with DJ Nomi and a concert by Midnight Magic and is thus calling it a MIDNIGHT MAGIC DANCE PARTY W/ DJ NOMI! Amaze! Happy Birthday, Sir Sosa!!

Chelsea -

• Mr. King and Mr. Motta return from Summer Snaxx on Fire Island (full disclosure: I was there! It was fun! I promoted on Grindr! I got stumble-drunk cuz Mr. Winick wouldn't conjure Miss Tequila Shows and so I drank her shots! Mess!) and their summer hiatus to bring us the SNAXX we love. And now FREE BEER!

Lower East Side -

• Mr. Travolta and Ms. Montoya give you late summer/early fall e-ffeck at SHARKO JONES at 105 Riv (105 Rivington btwn Essex and Ludlow)

SATURDAY...


What's Going On


East Village-

• Pony's helping you say goodbye to white...whether it's heading back into your closet, or flying across the room (or someone's face) at high velocity. He's hosting a special "Labor Pain" DWNST@!RS at The Cock to celebrate the return of the darker tones to one's wardrobe.

Billiamsburg -

• Mr. Cote and Mr. TuT at THE MAIN SQUEEZE at Hugs.

Flatiron District -

• Gant's birthday: Day Two - California DJs Juanita More (SF) and Aaron Castle (LA) invade TUBWAY

Where I'll Be

I Love Clean House...

Joel Something

I'll have to go back and watch the episode again to get his full name.

East Village -

• DJ Jeff Jackson and special guest DJ Bloodfart hold a special Double-Headed Disco edition: PIGGY PARTY with Muppets (Miss Piggy!) and Crystal Light?

SUNDAY...


What's Going On


Gowanus -

• Mr. Harkin and co. wind things up for the summer at SUNDAY BEST with extra special guest DJ Harvey! After party at The Bell House with special guest!

East Village -

Nightlife legends themselves, Johnny Dynell and Chi Chi Valenti of Jackie Factory herd a slew of other Downtown legends onto the stage in Tompkins Square Park for the LOW LIFE 3: VIPER MAD at the Howl! Festival. Check the East Village Howler blog for the complete lineup for this year's Howl! Festival.

Hell's Kitchen -

• Quentin Harrisspins the tunes while Lady, Malik and Matt spin the spit at (ROOF)TOP's Labor Day Luau at Hudson Terrace.

East Village -

• Mr. Sparber, Mr. Johnson and Miss Mulatto (or is it Ms.?) channel their inner diva a la Mahogany at LOVE HANGOVER at Eastern Bloc.

• Mr. Cote and Mr. TuT want you in your undies. SCOUTCAMP Underwear Party is back and at The Hose for the first time in a LOOOONG time. Try to find a clean pair to wear this time.

West Soho -

• My loves Desi and Lady preside once again over VANDAM (I know. It's last week's invite, but I can't find this week's.), one of the cutest parties New York nightlife has to offer.Juanita More guest DJs here, too!

Where I'll Be 


East Village -

• DJ Chauncey D hosts and spins for a special edition of BEETLEJUICE at Nowhere Bar. It's Jason Ling's going away celebration kickoff with a "Heathers"/Trapper Keeper theme. What could be more 80s...and catty!? Couture!!

ONGOING... 


Chelsea -

• NAKED (and SIZE MATTERS) are two shows at Paul Kasmin Gallery 'til Sept. 19th that you'll want to see. Well, I'm confident you'll want to see at least one of 'em (Size Queen!!). 

You may not be able to tell here...

...but this Austrian U.S. Open player is very...erm...talented.

COMING... 


Noho -

• SPANK, Big Art Group and theARTcorps host ACTIONS, a Spank Zine Loft Party at 12-turn-13, Mr. Rogenstein's dance space/loft/massive outdoor space on September 18th.

Da Bronx -

• OMG! EXOTIC INVASION! Do you dare?!?! Virgos free!! OMG! I was gonna see who would escort me to this fleshfest, but - instead - I'll be rocketing to exctasy at the next installment of Mr. Geva's PLANET ZiZMOR: Beats from Beyond!

***Special Note (Week 5)***


I've got some big-hearted friends...and fundraising ones, too!


You already know (but I'm reposting this blurb again, anyway) that Paul Vitale is living upstate for the summer and is using his time (aside from training to be the next Julia Child/Barefoot Countessa) to raise money for medical research on Alzheimer's Disease. He's going to walk the Memory Walk on September 26th as well as run the Rochester Half-Marathon and is raising donations for both at his DONATION PAGE. Visit soon and help him meet surpass his goal.


But you may not know that Douglas Schmich is raising money, too! He will run in the Walt Disney World Marathon on January 10, 2010 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's (LLS) "Team In Training" (TNT). TNT provides its participants with coaching and training expertise in exchange for raising money towards finding a cure for blood related cancers. Having already met his “patient hero,” Pilar Maldonado (a lymphoma survivor), Douglas is ready to RUN! Help him raise his goal of $3800 by visiting his fundraising PAGE.


Elasticized Bottom Line (You thought I wasn't doing these anymore, didn't ya??): It's Autumn, people. Where the f#$k did summer go!?


-d-

It's Hard Wrapping Our Heads Around The New Administration...

...after years of being f*@ked with by the old. Hang in there kids and one day you won't be instantly filled with suspicion when someone does something nice for you.

Emailing with Dad/Weighing...or Wading? in...

Oooo! I'm steppin' in it! (It's a lot to read...)

------------------------------------------------------------

"My apologies to those for whom this email is unwelcome. I'm assuming all of you are on Dad's email list already, but - if not...and if you'd like to not receive communications from me like this in the future - please don't hesitate to let me know.

Dad -

It IS wonderfully eloquent in its expression of the author's selfishness and racism.

Eloquence doesn't cover the fact that the message is essentially xenophobic; xenophobia stemming from an exaggerated national sense of entitlement ("We were here first. We're Americans. We deserve this...not you.").

Perhaps my source for the following scripture would only serve to underline the author's "frustration", i.e. - lack of compassion (it's translated into Spanish after all!), yet - regardless - I think this verse (and the cross-referenced verses) speaks to the public health insurance matter decidedly more eloquently, while leaving out the underlying greed and hatred: "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

While I would argue there's no real need for further justification of a public health option (and to think Americans consider Europeans godless?!), I am aware that there are a multitude of arguments and rationalizations many would make to counter my assertion. Certainly, I would agree charity that is not coerced is much preferred over charity that is, however, in addition to the good that public health care would do, I believe that a public health insurance option would also serve to save all of us money. At this point, this author and those who think like her are not unlike lobbyists arguing for Ma Bell when the government was breaking the Telephone monopoly up. In a corporatocracy like I believe America has become, pharmaceutical companies and HMOs can name their price for their goods and services, and have! Admittedly, the high cost of education of doctors, other medical personnel and research technicians, equipment and facilities for medical care and pharmaceutical production and advancement does not make any healthcare option cheap. However, in a world dominated by Wal-Mart (I'm looking at you, Red States) and a firm belief in bulk-buying power, I cannot believe so few can see the advantages of such a system for healthcare insurance.

In my opinion, we're being asked, as a country, to face some very harsh realities and some of us are acting like toddlers on the playground, refusing to give up our swing.

I may not agree with everything the Obama administration is doing or everything that's in the Affordable Health Choices Act, but at least something is being done. Nothing is ever perfect the first time you do it, but in doing, you learn, and in learning, you refine, and in refining, you eventually achieve progress. This, to me, is the much preferred option (especially since there's a chance we might actually succeed!? Imagine!) over playing ostriches, hiding our heads in the sand to deny the change that's all around us.

Bottom line: This (healthcare/elder care) is going to be an even bigger problem then it already is very soon. We have to do something about it. Period. And whether they/we like it or not, the Millers and their ilk/us are already wrapped up far enough in it we had better start being a part of the solution if we want there to BE any solution.

Duane

P.S. - I must have missed the part in the healthcare reform bill that stipulated we all learn Spanish. Where was that part? And why would that be such a bad thing, exactly??

-d-

On Tue, Sep 1, 2009 at 9:05 AM, David Roggendorff wrote:

This is an interesting letter that expresses so eloquently the frustration of these individuals towards the organizations originally embodied to help us.
This was sent to Mr. Rand who is the Executive Director of AARP

Dear Mr. Rand,
Recently you sent us a letter encouraging us to renew our lapsed membership in AARP by the requested date. I know it is not what you were looking for, but this is the most honest response I can give you. Our gap in coverage is merely a microscopic symptom of the real problem, a deepening lack of faith.

While we have proudly maintained our membership for several years and have long admired the AARP goals and principles, regrettably, we can no longer endorse it's abdication of our values. Your letter specifically stated that we can count on AARP to speak up for our rights, yet the voice we hear is not ours. Your offer of being kept up to date on important issues through DIVIDED WE FAIL presents neither an impartial view nor the one we have come to embrace. We do believe that when two parties agree all the time on everything presented to them, one is probably not necessary. But, when the opinions and long term goals are diametrically opposed, the divorce is imminent. This is the philosophy which spawned our 200 years of government.

Once upon a time, we looked forward to being part of the senior demographic. We also looked to AARP to provide certain benefits and give our voice a power we could not possibly hope to achieve on our own. AARP gave us a sense of belonging which we no longer enjoy. The Socialist politics practiced by the Obama administration and empowered by AARP serves only to raise the blood pressure my medical insurance strives to contain. Clearly a conflict of interest there!

We do not understand the AARP posture, feel greatly betrayed by the guiding forces whom we expected to map out our senior years and leave your ranks with a great sense of regret. We mitigate that disappointment with the relief of knowing that we are not contributing to the problem anymore by renewing our membership. There are numerous other organizations which offer discounts without threatening our way of life or offending our sensibilities.

This Presidential Administration scares the living daylights out of us. Not just for ourselves, but for our proud and bloodstained heritage,but even more importantly for our children and grandchildren. Washington has rendered Soylent Green a prophetic cautionary tale rather than a nonfiction scare tactic. I have never in my life endorsed any militant or radical groups, yet now I find myself listening to them. I don't have to agree with them to appreciate the fear which birthed their existence. Their borderline insanity presents little more than a balance to the voice of the Socialist mindset in power. Perhaps I became American by a great stroke of luck in some cosmic uterine lottery, but in my adulthood I CHOOSE to embrace it and nurture the freedoms it represents as well as the responsibilities it requires.

Your website generously offers us the opportunity to receive all communication in Spanish. ARE YOU KIDDING??? Someone has broken into our 'house', invaded our home without our invitation or consent. The President has insisted we keep the perpetrator in comfort and learn the perp language so we can communicate our reluctant welcome to them.

I DON'T choose to welcome them.
I DON'T choose to support them.
I DON'T choose to educate them.
I DON'T choose to medicate them, pay for their food or clothing.
American home invaders get arrested.

Please explain to me why foreign lawbreakers can enjoy privileges on American soil that Americans do not get?

Why do some immigrants have to play the game to be welcomed and others only have to break & enter to be welcomed?

We travel for a living. Walt hauls horses all over this great country, averaging over 10,000 miles a month when he is out there. He meets more people than a politician on caffeine overdose. Of all the many good folks he enjoyed on this last 10,000 miles, this trip yielded only ONE supporter of the current administration. One of us is out of touch with mainstream America. Since our poll is conducted without funding, I have more faith in it than one which is power driven.

We have decided to forward this to everyone on our mailing list, and will encourage them to do the same. With several hundred in my address book, I have every faith that the eventual exponential factor will make a credible statement to you.

I am disappointed as [expletive deleted].
I am scared as [expletive deleted].
I am MAD as [expletive deleted], and I'm NOT gonna take it anymore!
Walt & Cyndy
Miller Farms Equine Transport

--

Thx, David

The Dodgeball Side of the Pool...

McCarren Pool closed as a concert venue a little over a year ago, and in its honor, I thought I'd post a little piece I wrote after attending the next to last concert it was open. A bit more grandiose and flowery than my usual, but hey...style evolves, no?:

The dodgeball side of the pool (on the right when coming in) was perfection. Everyone on point, down to the gawkish boy studiously "reading" a novel in awkwardly nerdy exhibitionism on the steps.


The slip and slide side however was the polar opposite. Everyone either trying too hard, not trying hard enough, or just simply not hitting it.

Was it the sun favoring one? Was it figurative, with the dodgeball game occupying the deep end of the pool, possibly raising subconscious allusions to symbolic, sartorial or intellectual depth or even to witticisms referencing the gene pool? Was it the grounding nature of competitve sport with its more traditionally gendered context that was allowing individuals freedom to play, however subtly, with the ideals of beauty and handsomeness...or maybe for the observer to be struck by the contrast?

Whatever it was, it seemed a blanket distinction without exception...regardless how almost identical individuals from opposite sides may have appeared. I would have been willing to bet I could have found two guys with the exact same tattoo from opposite sides of the pool and one's body art would transcend all previously known body-mod art while the other would be so gauche as to make one shiver.

Rather than look longer, however, for once I forsook my socio-anthropological mandate, grabbed another beer and just basked in the "rightness" that was that perfect summer Sunday.