Here's a little something to help you celebrate this weekend. It's a long, holiday weekend in the USA (Labor Day) so make sure to invite your friends over for a few of these tasty cocktails.
Ingredients
2 oz. ABSOLUT Raspberri
1 oz Grand Marnier
Splash of simple syrup
Splash of homemade lime juice
Instructions
Shake ingredients together and pour over raspberry- and lime-infused ice cubes. Top with soda water and serve alongside a shot of fresh homemade raspberry reduction, which should be poured into the glass.
Producer Ethan Kath and vocalist Alice Glass, the duo behind Crystal Castles, have grabbed attention far beyond their Ontario home base. With their experimental electronic tunes, they’re now known for their lo-fi productions and wild live shows. Since teaming up in 2004, the two have been unafraid to do their own thing. What else can you expect from a band whose name comes from references to the sky fortress of cartoon heroine She-Ra, He-Man’s twin sister. Since then they’ve released several vinyl EPs and two albums, including their debut record—ranked “Top 50 Greatest Albums of the Decade” by NME Magazine. Their sound has been called “a nuanced emotional territory that dance music never covered before.” Give them a listen, and explore new musical boundaries.
We've been hearing rumors swirling that a musical was in the works featuring the great works of the Spice Girls, but now we've got some concrete details. The show, titled Viva Forever, isn't going to be about the Spice Girls themselves, but about a reality TV show. Producer Judy Craymer said, "We live in a world dominated by people wanting to be famous. What the Spice Girls did was before those shows became really what they are, and before the world become slightly obsessed by such shows. Viva Forever will encompass the Spice Girls ethos of friendship, identity and being true to yourself, it won't be a tribute or bio show, nor will it feature characters with any of the names of the famous five piece."
In case this sounds plain awful to you, Craymer is behind both the ABBA musical and Mamma Mia!
Mel B said, "All five of us are really super excited. We don't do anything unless all five agree. All of us loved Mamma Mia!. We needed someone who would have a great vision alongside ours."
What a great way to start off a Friday! Kylie released her newest video for her single "Get Outta My Way." We couldn't be more excited about this video...her hot pants are back!
Last night, "The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” minus Danielle Staub, made their off-Broadway debut in “My Big Gay Italian Wedding.” The ladies, including Caroline’s daughter and Jacqueline’s daughter, performed to a packed theatre to raise money for Marriage Equality New York. The crowd ate up every second of their time on stage, and their performances even had the crowd murmuring, “Wow, they are actually really good!” The show with the RHONJ is sold out for this engagement, but tickets are on sale for an encore performance from Oct. 20-23.
Big laughs came when the ladies poked fun at themselves and in Theresa’s short time on stage as the minister where she called one of the girl’s in the crowd a prostitution whore—the crowd went wild.
The breakout star of the evening was the “you mess with my family” Caroline Manzo who played an overly-emotional, Italian mother—maybe the role wasn’t quite a stretch for Manzo, who grew up in an extremely Italian household where “I’m about to have a heart attack…get me a chair” drama isn’t all that uncommon. “You were the breakout star tonight,” I told Manzo. “OMG, thank you. I have no experience!” We'll ignore the opening-night jitters, but all-in-all it was a wedding we'd go to again.
We wanted to catch up with some of the ladies and find out why they decided to leave their pallazi and hit the stage to raise money for gay and lesbian rights.
Recently, the Tasmanian Lower House of Parliament voted to pass the Relationships Act, which will recognize same-sex couples married in other Australian states or countries.
"This is really a small step, but a significant and important step for those people who have registered or been through a civil union process elsewhere around the world and want us to recognise that relationship as indeed being in existence," Attorney-General Lara Giddings said.
"It would be good to see the Tasmanian Parliament revisit the issue of same-sex marriage and recognition of same-sex marriages in Australia, but that's a separate issue," Gay rights campaigner Rodney Croome.
While many are rejoicing, many news sources are digging deeper into the state's decision and wondering if the decision is completely about equality, or is it to lure more people back to the island that has seen a diminishing population in the past decade. In March, the Liberal Party unveiled a plan to bring the population up by an extra 70,000. The plan was to lure them back with cash incentives. They went as far as to pay AUS$2,500 for each individual. Many feel that this is simply another way to boost the countries workforce. Regardless of motive, it is still a small step in the right direction. Plus, we wouldn't mind $2,500, legal-marriage recognition, and a nice home in Hobart.
[ABC] [ABC]
We have so much to look forward to in the new season of Glee. There are just 19 days before we return to McKinley High where will get tons of awesome guest stars, a new gay love story, and of course, what we're most excited about, the Rocky Horror and Britney episodes.
Just a few weeks ago, we thought that Miss Hilton was going to make it big as the next great hotelier, but lesson one in the industry—don't piss off a major hotel chain. After her most recent arrest outside the Wynn Las Vegas for cocaine posession, Wynn has had enough with Paris and her boyfriend's antics. The hotel officially banned the heiress from both Wynn Las Vegas, and their sister property Encore. So what's a hotel heiress to do? Easy, she can shack up at the Hilton Las Vegas anytime said a spokesman.
"She has been a guest here many, many times and we would always welcome her back," said Las Vegas Hilton spokesman Ken Ciancimino.
"The history between Paris and this property is long, indeed," added the spokesman. "We here at the Hilton certainly wish Paris the best and hope that she gets through any and all of her difficult times." [Hollywood]
Village volunteers Nick Sont and Ian Capstick (Jerry Ritt)
Following the likes of Philadelphia and Toronto, Ottawa may soon be the newest city to designate specific streets with signs to identify the gay neighborhood. The signs will read "The/Le Village" complete with a rainbow flag. Ottawans first saw the signs during this year's Capital Pride, but so far they are only a prototype. First, they will have to receive widespread support and government approval. The plan is then to install them along Bank, between Nepean St and James St.
“It is just a really amazing acknowledgement from the city, this is history in the making, this is a legacy for the community,” says Lenn Crawford, Chair of The Village Committee. “Boiling it down to simple succinct reasons to why we need this — it is about acceptance, acceptance of our community in our city.” [Xtra.ca]
How do you feel about using street signs to identify GLBT neighborhoods?
If you journey to Paris for a little Autumn retreat, you'll be foolish if you pass up some of these amazing events. Thanks to our friends at iPreferParis for filling us in.
What better place to see the classic French opéra Carmen by Georges Bizet than in Paris? The opera originally premiered 135 years ago in the city and this beautiful production at Les Invalides will not disappoint. It is sure to make for an enchanting evening, and, of course, one things for sure, you're evening will most likely end better than Carmen's love triangle. If you're going with a loved one, splurge on the VIP tickets, which include Champagne and hors d'ouevres. September 7-14 at 8:45 P.M.
Master choreographer Roland Petit is having three of his best known pieces put on at Opera Garnier: Le Rendez-vous, Le Loup, and Le Jeune Homme et la Mort. From the beginning of his career Petit sought out artists and writers to collaborate with. The pieces include text by Jean Cocteau, Jean Anouilh, and Jacques Prevert, with sets by Picasso and Brassai. You'll be swept away by this French master who is widely recognized for his creative ballets and as a modern-day legend. September 22 -October 9.
Don't miss the25th Biennale des Antiquaires, one of the truly great art and antique fairs of the world has an incomparable collection of art, antiques, objects, and jewelry. You'll be amazed at all the treasures you may be able to find, especially if you arrive early. Just remember, all the stuff you buy has to fit in your suitcase! Check it out September 15-22. From 11 A.M.-8 P.M., September 16-21 at the Grand Palais.
