Musicality - Justin Timberlake, Lil Wayne, Sam and the Womp, Dido

Justin Timberlake
The 20/20 Experience
(RCA)
As a huge fan of Justin Timberlake’s previous solo albums, I anticipated this album with the fire of a thousand supernovas. It took me a couple of listens to the single “Suit & Tie” for me to get into it, but now I love it. The album as a whole is amazing. It is a bit more soul-heavy than his previous albums, which were more pop-heavy. As the CD title says, it is an experience. You need to listen to it from the very first track to the end. It has a soundtrack feel to it, but with its own story. Timberlake seems to have taken his time writing these songs. They aren’t flashy, but they are laid-back and well-produced. This album specifically gives me the same feeling as when I listen to Kid Cudi. I’m more than happy with it. Give it a chance — you won’t regret it. Though hard to pick, my favorite songs are “Don’t Hold the Wall,” “Tunnel Vision,” and “Dress On.”
Lil Wayne
I Am Not a Human Being II
(Young Money/Cash Money/Republic)
I’m genuinely impressed with this album. It’s like a hip-hop musical. I instantly fell in love with the first song, “IANAHB,” a melodic piano tune with well-timed rap and R&B vocals. Lil Wayne is no stranger to covering a multitude of genres, and he does it again on this album. In the song “Hello,” he rocks out with this energetic punk-thrash surprise. His lyrics are raw and uncompromising and can be a bit explicit, but I love it because it’s conversational and briskly real. However, as much as I like the lyrics, it’s how they sound with the beat of his songs that keeps me coming back. Ambient melodies, beats that pop and Lil Wayne’s unique vocals make this a great album. It definitely deserves a listen if you like rap and R&B. My favorites are “Back to You,” “Rich As Fuck” and “God Bless Amerika.”
Sam and the Womp
Bom Bom:
The Remixes
(Warner Bros.)
The moment I heard this song, I could already imagine it at the gay bar. The vocal hook is a bit repetitive, but it’s addictive and the beat will stay in your head. It has a very London feel to it. This is an uplifting song made to make you sweat. The remixes definitely do the song justice, and each one adds something unique. My favorite is the “N.V.N.Z. Club Mix,” because it has a deep techno style and makes your heart pound. They even have included an a cappella version of the vocals. It’s a bit strange, but I don’t hate it because it’s rather artsy and it surprised me. I applaud their experimental edge. Fans of dance music looking for something new should check out Sam and the Womp.
Dido
No Freedom:
The Remixes
(RCA)
I welcome Dido’s comeback with open arms. I freely admit that I miss her voice, which has always stood out, in the mix of mainstream radio picks. It has a pleasant, calming feel to it. I really like this single. It’s in the classic Dido style and has a simple guitar rhythm. I’m excited to see what is next. The remixes are entertaining, and I’m amazed at the range of styles. The “J Viewz Remix” has a very familiar late ’80s pop feel, and I hate to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. My favorite, though, is the “Tom Swoon Remix,” because it is very danceable and they managed to sneak some piano onto the bridge sections.

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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