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lgbTravel: Breakfast in the Atlantic
By Mark McNease
Sunday morning and we’re sailing through the Atlantic on our way to Grand Turk. Cruising out of Brooklyn is the best, we just loaded the luggage into a town car and rode to the ship. We came a little bit after the rush so getting on board was a breeze, and in less than an hour from when we left the apartment we were taking a look around the ship. The Caribbean Princess reminds me a lot of the Holland America ship we took two and a half years ago with Frank’s dad and his friend Moni. The layout is almost identical, unless I’m mis-remembering it, and the decor looks like very much the same. The dining room was different, though. It seems smaller, and the tables are round. When we last cruised it was at a table for eight, with our four table mates turning out to be lovely people from California. Two straight couples, one with a lesbian daughter who’d gotten married during the brief window when it was legal in California. Barack Obama was elected while we were on the cruise, and Prop 8 passed. Imagine all that while you’re taking a cruise! We did a quick tour of the gym and the spa, where Frank signed us up for some spa treats. The guy who led the muster drill was a delightfully and obviously gay man from Britain. The cruise, as usual, has a wide variety of people on it, and, come to think of it, almost no children. Not that I mind children . . . I promised myself I’d take advantage of all the activities the ship offers this time, instead of spending my nights in the casino. I want to take a gaming class today so I can learn to do something in Atlantic City besides play penny slot machines. The LGBT group (listed in the day’s program as “GLBT” – go figure) meets at 4 pm. Plus the gym after breakfast, working on my short story re-write, and reading, reading, reading. It’s a cruise! We don’t pull into Grand Turk until Tuesday, so I have nothing to do until then except hurry up and relax, which is really the point.]]> -
And while you're at it . . . see Steve Hayes in 'Seussical the Musical' at CT Rep
I’m a big fan of Steve Hayes. He’ll be performing along with Bradford Scobie (you can see Bradford in the latest ‘Tired Old Queen at the Movies’ clip) at the Connecticut Repertory Theater, June 16 – 26. For tickets: 860-486-4226.]]> -
Tired Old Queen at the Movies #76 – 'Dinner at Eight'
It’s hard to keep up with Steve Hayes. He’s posted another of his terrific ‘Tired Old Queen at the Movies’ reviews, this time of ‘Dinner at Eight.’]]>
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Mark's Cafe Moi: Why desks matter
I’ve been writing for many, many years. See my bio on the sidebar if you’re interested. Short stories from the time I was, oh, ten or so. Plays, plays, and more plays. Articles, book reviews, TV scripts, and full circle back to short stories (with a couple unpublished novels along the way, though eBook publishing may yet see one of them in the marketplace of so-so ideas).
My keyboard and writing space have always been my instruments, much like a musician has her instrument. It’s one thing to sit at a table somewhere with a laptop, and quite another to sit at that one magic place where it all happens. Comforting, familiar, settled into and melded to the contours of my body and my mind. It needs to be just right.
Since I moved in with Frank four years ago I’ve been using a small desk with shelves on each side that forced me to keep my knees almost together in order to sit there. The big spacious desk I had in Astoria got left behind – there was no room for it. I have one at the house that works very well, but this desk in our Manhattan apartment, while having sentimental value for me (it’s going in our attic room at the house now), sucked as a work space. I noticed it especially when I decided to really (really, honestly) get back to my short stories. That whole Kindle eBook thing has me intrigued. I noticed that when I’m writing fiction I need to be expansive, and my body wanted to open up along with my mind. But I couldn’t! The desk was too confining. I finally had to do something about it and, there as if by magic at Housing Works a block from the apartment, was a “small farm table” that is terrific as a desk. No drawers, but just enough bigger and with endless leg room. It’s all set up and I’m ready to go. Desks matter. Keyboards matter. Routine matters. Blank pages matter. All in the name of making something from nothing and marveling at what comes out.]]> -
10th annual Trans-Health Conference kicks off in Philadelphia
The world’s largest conference on transgender health issues started today in Philadelphia and will run for three days. Chaz Bono will be having a book reading and signing of his new book during the conference.
From CBS Philly:
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The largest transgender-specific conference in the world begin today at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The tenth annual Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference will be held over three days and will address what health means for transgender people, their allies, families and health providers. Conference Chair Chris Page says this year, there’ll be more workshops than ever before.
“Medical and mental health, but also legal, spiritual, and family issues,” Page says. “We have workshops for partners of transgendered people.”
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Mark's Cafe Moi: Live blogging the Caribbean!
Our last cruise ship, for my 50th birthday Frank and I are leaving tomorrow afternoon for a whirlwind 9-night Caribbean cruise, with stops in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Grand Turk and Bermuda. (Fortunately it’s not a Rosie cruise so we won’t be prevented from landing by the infamously homophobic Bermudans, nor will I tour the island in my rainbow cutoffs). The last time we sailed there was no wifi on the ship, but the cruise lines are catching up. Depending on its reliability I’ll be blogging as we sail along. Keep an eye out for regular posts on the cruise. I’m doing my location-travel blogging here these days, in tandem with my most fabulous buddy Rick Rose, a contributing writer. I’m an aging gay cruise and travel guy now so this feels more like home for travel posting. Snarky political commentary, celebrity shit-chat and restaurant takedowns as well as fawn-overs will stay on MadeMark.net. See you on the high seas!]]> -
Chicago putting brakes on free transit rides for seniors
Seniors in Chicago who have enjoyed free transit rides will begin paying half fare in September. The change is expected to raise $30 million annually.
From the Chicago Tribune:
The vast majority of the 440,000 senior citizens who registered to receive free transit rides over the last three years will lose the privilege on Sept. 1, officials said Wednesday.
That’s when current senior free-rides permits on the CTA, Metra and Pace will be deactivated.
As a result, the revenue from fareboxes is expected to increase by a total of $30 million annually at the three transit agencies, officials estimated.
Only about 25,000 seniors enrolled in the current free-rides program are expected to still qualify for free transportation on mass transit when the changes implementing a financial means test take effect, according to the Regional Transportation Authority, which administers the program.]]> -
Rick's Travelicious: A day in Quincy, IL
Quincy, Illinois…one short flight from St. Louis
Travelicious heads to a place remembered by Lincoln, the Mormons and now Rick-a-Licious
I found myself with an extra day in St. Louis during a recent four week trip. Although I love this Midwestern city, I had visited too often in the last year and was itching to do something different. Roaming around Lambert Airport and being amazed by the devastation it faced with a recent tornado (hundreds of broken windows are still boarded up), I discovered an airline I had never heard of: Cape Air. Its $22 fare to Quincy, Illinois just up the Mississippi River was enticing enough to take a daytrip to the home of one of the Lincoln/Douglas debates (held in 1858) and the 10 most architecturally signifcant streets in America (Maine Street, according to National Geographic). Boarding a small Cessna which was booked to capacity with 7 just others (one being the pilot), and my laptop secured in the wing storage space, I was in Quincy in less than 40 minutes, all the while taking in fantastic views of the River, Hannibal, MO. and vast farmland below. Retrieving my one piece of no-fee luggage (wow!) from what must be the world’s smallest baggage carousel, I decided to make this a “one city, one site” visit. I headed directly to the Villa Katherine, a Moorish Castle, sitting proudly one of the many bluffs overlooking the Mississippi. There I met Holly Cain, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the “Gem City,” as Quincy is fondly known. What a treasure! The Bureau is based at the Villa and you won’t find a more friendly, familiar advocate for the Castle or for Quincy than Holly. There I learned all about the Islamic residence listed on the National Register of Historic places. Modeled after the Villa ben Ahben in Morocco, this Villa was build for Quincy native and world traveler George Metz in 1900 based on his sketches of villas in various parts of the Islamic world. Built and trimmed with local materials, it boasts a beautiful “harem room” and a courtyard surrounding a marble mosaic reflecting pool. A replica of the Mosque of Thais in Tunisia surmounts the main tower with waving stripes as decoration covered by a dome. Quincy publishes a 101 guide that lists area restaurants, lodging, attractions, museums and activities. Right near the Villa, you can rent a bike and tour the city’s rich bounty of historic homes, dating back to the early 1900s. Or you can rent a kayak complete with guide and traverse the amazing Mighty Miss. All the while you will witness the hospitality of the locals, such as Holly, and see why the kindness extended by the people of Quincy holds a place in history. During the winter of 1838-1839, five thousand members of the Church of Jesus Chris Latter-Day Saints were driven from their homes in Missouri and arrived in Quincy. Though vastly outnumbered by the new arrivals, the residents of Quincy provided them food and shelter. Joseph Smith then led his followers 40 miles up river to Nauvoo, Illinois. The kindness extended by the people of Quincy continues to be remembered by Mormons. In 2002, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir gave a benefit concert in Quincy, with the proceeds donated to the city as an expression of gratitude.
With a population of just 40,000, Quincy is extremely LGBT and Senior-friendly as well. The Illinois Veterans Home there is a destination in itself, with a museum inside, and surrounded by a wildlife park! The Cabaret and Phoenix both host regular drag shows. Brix Wine Bar, Martinis at 515 and One provide great music and libations. Check out seequincy.com and flycapair.com for all you need to know. Live on the edge when you find yourself with unexpected time on your hands and experience a city you’ve never met before! For under a hundred bucks, I did, and was treated like a Moorish queen! Travel deliciously, Rick]]> -
Minnesota seniors favor marriage amendment by large margin
Considering this site is devoted to LGBT people over 50, it’s always a little uncomfortable writing about the “other” older population – the ones who consistently vote Republican, oppose gay equality and don’t seem to think they know any gay people, or at least none they don’t think twice about hurting.
Seniors in Minnesota support a constitutional amendment restricting marriage to a man and woman by a 57/34 margin. The rest of the state is evenly divided.
From On Top Magazine:
A new poll released Wednesday finds Minnesotans nearly evenly divided on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
The Public Policy Polling survey found 46 percent of respondents in favor of the amendment, 47 percent opposed, and 7 percent undecided.
“Voters in the state are about as evenly divided as they could be on gay marriage,” Tom Jensen said in a post announcing the poll’s results. “As usual the generational divide on the issue is staggering – seniors support a ban by a 57/34 margin while every other age group opposes it.”
A large majority of respondents (72%) said the relationships of gay and lesbian couples should be given legal recognition (38% marriage, 34% civil unions).
It is the second poll to gauge Minnesota voter’s opinions since lawmakers approved the amendment last week, sending it to voters for their approval in 2012.
“There aren’t a lot of policy issues I would say this about but public opinion on gay marriage is shifting so quickly that it wouldn’t surprise me if opposition to this amendment grows by 5 or 6 points in the 17 months between now and next November’s election.”]]> -
Seniors would pay twice as much for healthcare under Republican plan
A Democratic website (that has to be pointed out, although I believe their numbers) has a graphic out showing that seniors currently paying $6,308 under Medicare would pay $12,826 under the Republican plan.
From Democrats.org:
This new online tool shows the real cost to seniors under the Republican plan – a plan that will end the Medicare benefits seniors rely on. In nearly every state, seniors would pay almost twice the out-of-pocket expenses they currently pay.
Take a minute to see the average cost to seniors in your state and how it compares to the national average. Then, please share this tool with friends, family, and folks in your community.]]> -
PBS to air documentary “Out in America”
I’m looking forward to this. We’ll be somewhere in the Caribbean but that’s what DVR is for! On Wednesday June 8, 8:00 pm eastern time, PBS will be airing a documentary titled “Out in America” that highlights different individuals and some couples as they live their out lives in different parts of the country. You can watch their trailer here (it’s set to expire June 30).
“OUT in America is an uplifting collection of unique, transformative stories and inspiring personal narratives told through the lens of the country’s most prominent LGBT figures and pioneers, as well as many average, yet extraordinary, citizens from Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities. The program weaves together diverse stories – from urban and rural America, from the heartland to New England, from San Francisco to Harlem. Deeply moving and often humorous, viewers will get a glimpse of awakenings, first crushes, unlikely soul mates, intimacy and liberation. While separated by circumstance and upbringing, the film’s subjects are all united in their shared experiences of self-discovery, coming out, pride and love as well as a triumph over adversity and a true sense of belonging. Against the backdrop of historical events, each also traces their own hopes, struggles, influences and contributions towards advancements in equality and broad social change.”]]> -
San Francisco could have first gay mayor with Bevan Dufty
San Francisco mayoral candidate Bevan Dufty is heading to San Diego for a fundraiser. Dufty believes Harvey Milk would have been San Francisco’s first gay mayor had he not been assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone.
Among Dufty’s priorities will be making sure that older LGBT people and seniors are not forced back into the closet if they require housing and care.
From San Diego Gay & Lesbian News:
SAN DIEGO — Folks in the Castro in San Francisco are buzzing with the possibility of electing their first gay mayor.
Former San Francisco Supervisor Bevan Dufty is considered a top candidate and many voters in the city believe November will be an historic election.
Dufty served two terms as supervisor in District 8, the same seat held by LGBT hero Harvey Milk, long considered the “Mayor of Castro Street.” Milk and Mayor George Moscone were assassinated in November 1978.
“Had it not been for Dan White’s assassination of our great leader,” Dufty recently told supporters, “Harvey Milk would have been our first gay mayor.”
Dufty recently received the key endorsement of Stuart Milk, out gay nephew of Harvey Milk. Many supporters believe Dufty’s election as mayor would carry on the dream started by Milk.
[SNIP]
The father a 4-year-old, Dufty said he believes his election would send a strong message as the fight for LGBT equality is a defining issue for today’s civil rights struggles.
“As San Francisco’s mayor, I will stand up to anti-gay bullies whether they are in the halls of Congress or the halls of high school. We need strong LGBT elected officials on the front lines from local, state and federal office. I am ready to lead,” Dufty said.
“Being the leader of a great city extends beyond San Francisco as I help set an agenda for urban America,” he said. “Vibrant, inclusive cities, more responsive to our needs, whether it is reducing new HIV infections, helping homeless LGBT youth or ensuring LGBT seniors don’t have to go back into the closet if they require housing and care.”
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Mark's Cafe Moi: Cruising offers a big bang for the buck
I was reading David Webb’s new column, where he begins with his sticker shock at the gas pump, and it reminded me of what a good deal cruising can be. (He goes on to talk about “normalcy bias,” but I’ll stick to ships for this one.)
Frank and I are heading off on a 9-night cruise this Saturday. I’d never cruised before I met him, and our first was a simple 4-day out of Brooklyn, just in case I got cabin fever and panicked. That didn’t happen. I loved it, and we went on a long cruise for my 50th birthday (some photos here) with his dad, since deceased, and a family friend.
Being completely unfamiliar with cruising, I’d always thought it must be expensive. To the contrary, cruising is one of the most economical vacations you can take. For around $900 apiece we get 9 nights on the ship, plus day excursions to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Bermuda and a fourth island I don’t recall at the moment. I have a habit of not paying attention to the details until it’s time to go – plus I like to be surprised.
Leaving out of Brooklyn also means we don’t have to fly to Florida or anywhere else to set sail. Yes, they nickel and dime you on the ship (be sure to take enough clothes so you don’t have to pay the exorbitant laundry fee), and if you like hanging out at the casino I’d suggest setting a budget for yourself. The last time I ended up spending as much on the ship and the islands as I did for the cruise, but the point is you don’t have to. All the food on a cruise ship is included. The activities are included. You could actually, in theory, take a cruise and not spend anything other than what you paid for the room. That’s not likely, but I am going to see how much more frugal I can be this time. And my own word of advice: do not use credit cards on the islands (and I never use my debit card for anything, anywhere, it’s strictly an emergency measure). They’re great places to visit, but if you end up with fraud on your Visa don’t say I didn’t warn you.
I’ll be blogging from the cruise if I’m able – it all depends on the wifi available, its speed, if there’s any cost etc. I use my Droid to connect when we’re at our house in New Jersey (no high-speed landline connection until we move there), but I have a feeling there would be roaming charges that could break the bank.
So think about a cruise if you haven’t. For the money we’d spend going to Los Angeles for a few days we can get 9 nights, lots of activities, islands, and endless food (alternated with hours at the ship gym?). Cruising is a great deal for the money, and an excellent getaway.]]>