christmas
My yearly rant: The un-Christ-ing of Christmas
I am not against the use of “Holiday” or “December Nights,” but I object to the pussy-footing around the ancient tradition of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Dec. 25; going so far as to avoid even saying his name so as not to offend others. What’s to offend? December has several important days of…
All I want for Christmas …
A line from “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” (first sung by the iconic Judy Garland) says, “Make the yuletide gay.” That was long before “gay” took on a different meaning. Yet, with its lights, designer ornaments, displays, fresh-baked smells, festive songs and images of elves, reindeer and penguins, what other occasion lends itself more…
Show your bartender some love this holiday season
As we approach the holidays, you will probably see more of your favorite bartender or bartenders. It is interesting the relationship you develop with a bartender that rarely extends beyond your favorite watering hole. Your barkeep knows a lot about you. They have seen you cry in your beer, pick-up a potential date and even…
San Francisco church rescinds Christmas invitation to gay-friendly clergy
A Catholic church in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood has some explaining to do after its church pastor disinvited a group of gay-friendly clergy due to speak at a pre-Christmas evening service. Archbishop George Niederauer and Rev. Steve Meriwether of the Most Holy Redeemer Church reportedly made the decision based in “faith” and a coming of…
Holiday season greetings to you all
Sorry I have not been able to show up at recent events, benefits, parties etc, but I’ve been pretty sick these last weeks and hopefully things will turn around for me. Milk Foundation goes global Last week, I got my sick butt up and went to Palm Springs for a meeting of the Harvey Milk…
It’s a Wonderful Life
dvr this NBC is showing the holiday classic on Christmas Eve. I’m one of the few people who loathe this movie and its terribly conservative love-your-boring-life message, but I know that this may just be my cold, Grinchy heart speaking. So, curl up with some hot cocoa or some mulled wine, snuggle up with whoever…
Champagne: More than just bubbles in a glass
As the legendary drink of the elite, Champagne is the undisputed standard for sparkling wine. It is invigorating – even erotic. Champagne’s subtle bubbles and crisp flavor excite passion. From Winston Churchill to the British Royal Family; at the White House and in the homes of Hollywood’s royalty; this wine, from the northeast region of…
Find the perfect gift for yours and others
For many people the holidays mean spending money on our nearest and dearest. But if you’re anything like me, you also want to help people with challenges such as poverty, illness, wounds from military combat, breast cancer and AIDS. For wine lovers, I have two perfect suggestions to help spread cheer and place money in…
How The Grinch Won Christmas
EVEN BEFORE THE CURTAIN RISES, when the legendary voice of The Grinch booms out a warning to the audience (and, yes, all children) to not use cameras and to turn off their cell phones, it’s obvious that a fun evening is in store. That’s exactly what the 14th annual production of Dr. Seuss’How The Grinch…