Musicality - Charlift, Panic! at the Disco, Elton John, Alex Newell

Chairlift
Moth
(Columbia)
This is the third album from the duo of Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly, but it’s my first experience with them, and I’m honestly quite impressed. There are times Polachek makes her unusual voice sound like another instrument, and some of her tone changes remind me a bit of yodeling, but more restrained and robotic. It's unusual and refreshing. The album is mostly pop, but sometimes the music sounds a bit like drifting in and out of a dream-state, especially in two of my favorites, “Ottawa to Osaka” and “Unfinished Business.” Though the songs carry that sort of ambiance, they won’t put you to sleep. Another favorite I would recommend is “Polymorphing.”
Panic! at the Disco
Death of a Bachelor
(Fueled by Ramen/DCD2)
I’m rather surprised at how much I enjoyed Death of a Bachelor, their fifth studio album. Panic! at the Disco has been a guilty pleasure of mine since their first album. I feel like they sound more and more like Fall Out Boy with every album, but it’s mostly in the choruses. Otherwise, the songs still have that classic sound, and they have some elegant moments. One example is the title song, Death of a Bachelor. Jazz horns are the way into my heart. “Crazy=Genius” is by far my favorite song on the album. It sounds like it came right out of my favorite album of theirs, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. It simply reminds me of why I like them in the first place. If you ever enjoyed them, this album will win you over again.
Elton John
Wonderful Crazy Night
(Mercury/Virgin EMI/Island)
Elton still has it. He has lost nothing and he’s maintained those songwriting skills through the decades. There is always a melody at some point in each song that feels like it’s exactly what you wanted to hear. After listening to this album, I had to go and listen to every song of his I ever loved. This was not from disappointment but out of a renewed respect and admiration of Elton John’s music. Just about every song on this CD contained all the elements of a classic Elton John song. If you never liked him, it’s somewhat doubtful that you will like this. However, Elton has so many fans and has maintained relevancy for a good reason. Even if you’re not a fan, you must admit the guy can write a good song. My favorites here are “Blue Wonderful,” “A Good Heart,” and “The Open Chord.”
Alex Newell
“This Ain’t Over” Remixes
(Atlantic)
I really enjoy Alex Newell. I was really hoping he would do something after Glee, and my wish was granted. I’m not exactly a die-hard Glee fan, but the episodes featuring Newell as Unique were some of my favorites. Newell won over judges as first runner-up in The Glee Project, where they offered him a three-episode story arc on Glee. He was later given a recurring role, then became a regular cast member. The single “This Ain’t Over” is a great club song on its own, and these remixes add new spice. Though my favorite is the original version, I’m particularly fond of the PVC remix. There is a late-night feel to it that makes me think of our very own Missie B’s in Kansas City, Mo. I can picture the sweaty bodies and spilled drinks upstairs.

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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