Musicality - Lady Gaga, Cash Cash, Miley Cyrus, Vensun

Lady Gaga
Artpop
(Streamline/Interscope)
After I heard the first couple of songs, I already liked Artpop better than Lady Gaga’s previous album, Born This Way. That album was still pop-heavy, but more experimental. This new, dance-heavy album will please fans who were more attracted to the radio hits from Gaga’s first album. Her latest single off this album, “Do What U Want,” featuring R. Kelly, is nice, but definitely not my favorite. There are much better songs. The super-catchy “Manicure” has been in my head all weekend since I first heard it, and I can already see the gay boys dancing to it in the gay club of my mind. The song “Fashion!” has a nice ’90s feel to it that I really enjoy. Some other favorites are “Venus,” “G.U.Y.,” “Swine,” and “Mary Jane Holland.”
Cash Cash
Overtime (EP)
(Big Beat/Atlantic)
This is my first introduction to Cash Cash, and I’m an instant fan. The music is techno-dubstep with some major pop influences and just a hint of experimentation. I really like the combination because there are some low-key moments. The songs aren’t trying to be in your face constantly. Sometimes techno, especially dubstep, can sound like what an epileptic seizure might feel like. It’s nice to have parts that aren’t so constantly fast-paced. The vocals are anthem-like and stay in your head. If you like pop, techno and uplifting, unique sound, find your way to this Cash Cash demo. My favorite songs are “Hideaway,” “Satellites” and “Kiss the Sky.”
Miley Cyrus
Bangerz
(RCA)
I’ve never been much of a Miley Cyrus fan. However, all criticisms of her behavior and strange performances aside, I’m incredibly impressed by the quality of this album in both sound and content. Simply put, this CD is a party mix, and a very good one. Though many of these songs could have been sung by any pop star, Cyrus adds a certain depth with her distinctive voice. When you hear these songs, it is easy to guess that it’s Cyrus singing. The variety of styles on the album is like a soundtrack to the party of the century. Pop and hip hop are definitely at the forefront. Cyrus isn’t going away anytime soon. She has far too many radio-ready hits just waiting to be unleashed upon the airwaves. My favorites are “SMS (Bangerz)” featuring Britney Spears, “4x4” (featuring Nelly), “Rooting for My Baby,” and “On My Own.”
Vensun
The Dragon Flies (EP)
(Sea to Sun)
I don’t know much about house music producer David Vendetta and singer Sylvia Tosun, but I do know that they have each separately had some success overseas and have since combined their talents in this project. Though there are only three different songs on the EP to judge from, I think you get a decent picture of Vensun’s sound. House, a sub-genre of techno, is very much late-night club music, but Tosun’s melodic vocals make the songs much more memorable than they would be otherwise. Judging from these samples, this combo meshes well. Techno fans should definitely give this EP a shot. By far, my favorite song is “Chasing Summers” and the club mix that is also featured on the demo.

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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