Musicality - Janelle Monáe, Britney Spears, Natalia Kills

Janelle Monáe
The Electric Lady
(Bad Boy Records)
Stunning. This is an absolutely wonderful album. Right away, it grabs your attention and holds onto your ears for a wonderful ride. There are many tracks, and not one of them is weak. One of my favorites, “Q.U.E.E.N.,” features Erykah Badu and mentions Kansas City, where Monáe is from. Another good song is “Victory” because it highlights her vocal talent. Many of her songs don’t do that, even if they are supreme melodically and lyrically. But as good as each song is on its own, my favorite aspect of this CD is the feeling that listening to the entire album gives me. All the songs flow into one another like one big celebration of song that’s constantly changing its ebb and flow. Lastly, every gay girl will love the lyrics to “Ghetto Woman.” I won’t say why – you’ll just have to listen.

Britney Spears
The Single:
“Work Bitch”
(RCA)
It’s hard to think about the fact that Britney Spears is coming out with her eighth studio album. Oh, how she has endured past all the fame and controversy. I’m just glad she’s still here, dishing out edgy dance songs. I couldn’t ignore this single, mostly because so many friends on every social-networking site went crazy over its release. I think this song was made for gay boys to sweat their butts off. It sounds like the gay bar on a busy weekend. It’s techno-tinted dance through and through. Although the lyrics are appropriately simple, they are teeming with attitude and assurance, like a runway walk to trouble. I’ve heard better songs, but I have to say I like it.

Natalia Kills
Trouble
(will.i.am/Cherry Tree/Interscope Records)
Natalia never fails to impress me. If you love dance music and pop, do not ignore this ferocious woman. The CD is good, although I’m still debating whether I like her first album better. I’ve heard a lot of dance music, and most of the time I end up lumping it all together. Not Natalia Kills, though — she’s different. She stays with me. I really like it when artists add a bit of industrial techno rust to make a song more edgy, like in the songs “Problem” and “Controversy,” which are dark, dirty, and sexy. Her latest single from the album, “Saturday Night,” is not a favorite. I enjoy it, but I think there are much better songs on the album, like “Devils Don’t Fly.” So be sure to check out the rest of the album. It you love dance, it’s worth it.

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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