Musicality - Mark Ronson, K. Michelle, Ricky Martin, Meghan Trainor

Mark Ronson
Uptown Special
(Columbia)
This is a wonderful album orchestrated by Mark Ronson, the talented producer and songwriter. Fun and funky, it features a variety of artists, including Stevie Wonder. The track “Uptown Funk” is addictive and highlights all the best aspects of its vocalist, Bruno Mars. It’s the perfect choice to put someone in a good mood. Ronson uses classic elements of composition, making the songs sound both nostalgic and refreshing. The song “Summer Breaking” sounds like it came straight from the ’70s. Ronson has produced albums for Adele and Amy Winehouse, and this album really showcases the wide appeal that his work can have. Really, fans of any musical genre will love this whole CD. My favorite tracks are “Crack in the Pearl,” “Feel Right,” and “Daffodils.”

K. Michelle
Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart
(Atlantic)
Right at the first track, “Judge Me,” I was hooked. I hadn’t dabbled in any K. Michelle music before and mostly knew her as a VH1 star, but I found that she is actually very talented. She belts it out like her life depends on it, and her voice is absolutely stunning and addictive. Even if you’re not a fan of rhythm and blues or hip hop, you cannot doubt her vocal talent. She makes the switches between high and low notes seem effortless. The album as a whole is soothing and filled with passionate and honest vocals. My favorites songs are, “Love’em All,” “Maybe I Should Call,” and “Going Under.”
Ricky Martin
“Disparo Al Corazon” (single)
(Sony Music Latin)
You don’t need to know Spanish to enjoy this beautiful song from Ricky Martin. This is the second single released from his 10th album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar (To Those Who Want to Listen), which comes out Feb. 10. The title of this deep and honest single translates to “Shot to the Heart,” and it has a slight country feel in the background. This, mixed in with the subtle, haunting violin and Martin’s worldly voice, really makes the melody unforgettable. Martin’s tone of voice speaks volumes. I can’t wait to hear the full-length album. Don’t let the language barrier keep you from enjoying a wonderful song.

Meghan Trainor
Title
(Epic)
Meghan Trainor is the powerhouse voice behind the hit single “All About That Bass.” The radio has been projecting it into the airwaves with ferocity and somehow I have yet to be sick of the sassy song, which may or might not stand for something. The rest of the album has a similar feel -- bubblegum pop with a zesty attitude. I sense a little bit of Taylor Swift influence, especially in the song “3am.” Although not every song is a win, there are plenty of great ones on this CD. The album is definitely worth it for pop lovers. My favorites are “Credit,” the title track appropriately named “Title,” and her follow-up single “Lips Are Movin’.”

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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