It takes one person to start a rumor, and one more to make it official gossip. Believe me, I'm always up for good gossip, but its always a little different when it's about you. Funny little story I heard from Alex when I came home on Saturday. It all started with a strange dream on Friday, and apparently ended up with Alex leaving me and moving out by Saturday. Or at least that's what this gossip would have had you believe. Let's start from the beginning, shall we?
Friday I woke up and told Alex, in detail, the weird dream I had. In my dream, I had come home one evening to witness Alex packing up his belongings. To state the obvious, I asked what was going on, and he replied that he had to move. When I asked him why, he elaborated, telling me that his parents were moving and that he had to go with them. I still didn't understand, but what did it matter? It was a dream. Next thing I knew, I was moving into this tiny ass apartment because of all the credit card debt I had acquired along the years, and I was opening an IRA with a measly $35.
Alex and I had a good little laugh afterward. The next day, he comes home from work and tells me that according to the latest gossip, we had already split up and that he had moved out. This stemming from a conversation with someone at work regarding my dream. He was sharing my dream with someone when a third party overheard. Next thing he knew, everyone was questioning what had happened with us. When Alex told me about it, I thought I'd add a little fuel to the fire and make it a bit more interesting.
Afterall, it's just gossip until you hear it from the actual source. I decided to go on Facebook later that evening and post only what I had heard from Alex. My update read:
"Today's hot gossip: Alex is packing up and leaving! Well good luck with that, buddy! I just heard it now! Ugh, I've been needing a drink since 2am."
I figured that would be enough to let everyone else jump to their own conclusions. And wow, did the texts and Facebook messages start blowing up our phones. People concerned, people wanting confirmation, people wanting to be nosy. It was fun, but I had to respond to everyone of course (well almost everyone) and explain what was going on.
What should you learn form this? Social media really works! People are paying attention. It can be your friend, but it can also be your enemy. Use it wisely. And if you have any savory gossip, please let me in on it. I'm always one to talk. (wink, wink)
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Better Prices, Bigger Diva Moments, Less Catty Attitudes
Need I say more? Why go to any other bar for awesome drinks, fabulous style, and larger than life moments. Granted, the interior of the Pegasus can appear more seedy than couture, the bartenders will treat you like royalty and other patrons will treat you like friends.
I've often been asked by my heterosexual friends what makes Pegasus so great (considering I'm practically a staple there). My answer is simple and sweet: I love my bartenders. I can stay away a couple of weeks and they will still remember my drink when I return. I've been to a few of the more posh clubs/bars out in the Stone Oak area and along 1604, and I always spend 3x more, and the bartenders tend to be a little more reticent with their alcohol pouring. But that's not to say that it could be the fact that I'm not a regular at those establishments.
At Pegasus, the alcohol pours freely. And the fact that the drinks are very inexpensive allows us to take better care of our bartenders. And as one of my friends might find this somewhat amusing, it's true what their web site says: "Every one is welcome!" There is no discrimination when it comes to "straight" patrons. I've seen plenty of bachelorette parties go through there. You get more gay male patrons at this bar than you do lesbians, which is perfectly okay with me considering lesbians seem to have a little more testosterone than my gay male friends. So I can understand men feeling a little uneasy, but I can assure all you straight guys out there that if the crowd knows you're hetero, they're more likely to jokingly flirt with you, so don't take any offense.
I typically go the the same three bartenders, but feel free to go to any of the staff, because they're all just as great. Pegasus is really about 5 bars in 1. There's the main video bar which you find when you first walk into the building. You'll usually find Sammy, Junior, and Mark behind the bar. And with the crowd they get in that bar alone, you'd be surprised how fast this trio hustles! They don't miss a beat. I've had some pretty large diverse orders, and they can knock it out like nobody's business.
The Flying Horse is to the right as you walk in through the main bar. It's the country western section of the establishment, or at least it used to be. Now everyone goes in there just to get away from the crowd of the main bar. Oh, but don't worry about not getting great service. Jason will totally take care of you in here. His good looks and charm will have you craving more...drinks, craving more drinks. He's one of the sweetest things about Pegasus, and definitely a guilty pleasure.
The bar in back is known as The Night Hawk because it used to be a leather bar. But contrary to what each bar is called (except the Karaoke bar), none of them live up to their cliches anymore. On most crowded weekends, you'll find Chad and Valerie. Chad claims he doesn't understand how I can handle his drinks all night. He's right, they're very potent, but the kick you get from just your first two drinks with him can set the mood for the rest of the night, and that mood is: AWESOME!!!
Simon takes care of those thirsty mouths in the karaoke bar or out in the front patio on any given Sunday. Be sure to ask him for his paleta shot when you visit his bar. Chad has a signature shot known as the "Chuleta." It's a spicy mouthful of joy that goes down smooth, but with no harsh aftertaste. Simon has his own spin on it, but he calls it his "paleta shot." Simon's drink has a mexican sucker that he drops into hit, and it totally hits the spot every time. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of ethnic candy, but the first time I had this shot, I was thrown back. It was like a Mexican parade in my mouth.
So if you've never been to Pegasus, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! I guarantee you'll have a good time. But I guarantee you'll have a better time if you go with me. I'm just saying. Tell your bartenders, TheGossipGuy sent you. :)
I've often been asked by my heterosexual friends what makes Pegasus so great (considering I'm practically a staple there). My answer is simple and sweet: I love my bartenders. I can stay away a couple of weeks and they will still remember my drink when I return. I've been to a few of the more posh clubs/bars out in the Stone Oak area and along 1604, and I always spend 3x more, and the bartenders tend to be a little more reticent with their alcohol pouring. But that's not to say that it could be the fact that I'm not a regular at those establishments.
At Pegasus, the alcohol pours freely. And the fact that the drinks are very inexpensive allows us to take better care of our bartenders. And as one of my friends might find this somewhat amusing, it's true what their web site says: "Every one is welcome!" There is no discrimination when it comes to "straight" patrons. I've seen plenty of bachelorette parties go through there. You get more gay male patrons at this bar than you do lesbians, which is perfectly okay with me considering lesbians seem to have a little more testosterone than my gay male friends. So I can understand men feeling a little uneasy, but I can assure all you straight guys out there that if the crowd knows you're hetero, they're more likely to jokingly flirt with you, so don't take any offense.
I typically go the the same three bartenders, but feel free to go to any of the staff, because they're all just as great. Pegasus is really about 5 bars in 1. There's the main video bar which you find when you first walk into the building. You'll usually find Sammy, Junior, and Mark behind the bar. And with the crowd they get in that bar alone, you'd be surprised how fast this trio hustles! They don't miss a beat. I've had some pretty large diverse orders, and they can knock it out like nobody's business.
The Flying Horse is to the right as you walk in through the main bar. It's the country western section of the establishment, or at least it used to be. Now everyone goes in there just to get away from the crowd of the main bar. Oh, but don't worry about not getting great service. Jason will totally take care of you in here. His good looks and charm will have you craving more...drinks, craving more drinks. He's one of the sweetest things about Pegasus, and definitely a guilty pleasure.
The bar in back is known as The Night Hawk because it used to be a leather bar. But contrary to what each bar is called (except the Karaoke bar), none of them live up to their cliches anymore. On most crowded weekends, you'll find Chad and Valerie. Chad claims he doesn't understand how I can handle his drinks all night. He's right, they're very potent, but the kick you get from just your first two drinks with him can set the mood for the rest of the night, and that mood is: AWESOME!!!
Simon takes care of those thirsty mouths in the karaoke bar or out in the front patio on any given Sunday. Be sure to ask him for his paleta shot when you visit his bar. Chad has a signature shot known as the "Chuleta." It's a spicy mouthful of joy that goes down smooth, but with no harsh aftertaste. Simon has his own spin on it, but he calls it his "paleta shot." Simon's drink has a mexican sucker that he drops into hit, and it totally hits the spot every time. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of ethnic candy, but the first time I had this shot, I was thrown back. It was like a Mexican parade in my mouth.
So if you've never been to Pegasus, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! I guarantee you'll have a good time. But I guarantee you'll have a better time if you go with me. I'm just saying. Tell your bartenders, TheGossipGuy sent you. :)
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Gay hot spots in the French Quarter
There are many sites you can go to and find reviews of local restaurants, hotels, clubs, etc. But if you're anything like me, you prefer that someone just tell you straight-up without having to search these places. On our most recent visit to the Big Easy for this year's Southern Decadence, I realized I needed to be the voice for some of those inquisitive minds.
If you're a regular in the New Orleans French Quarter, then you know that Oz (corner of Bourbon and St Ann) is the dance club to go when you just wanna let go and be free. The dance floor is fabulous with its state-of-the-art lighting and all-around party ambience. Be prepared to hand over a few bills for cover during special events such as Decadence, Mardi Gras, New Year's Eve, etc. And of course all the best looking guys are here, so if you have to wait in line a while, let this be an incentive for you.
If you're more about chilling with friends and just taking in everything around you, then step across the street to Bourbon Pub/Parade. The downstairs bar is a lush little video haven, with go-go boys galore dancing atop the bars, and some of the hottest music playing on the screens. The bartenders are friendly, but it can get crowded, so be patient and understanding. Parade can be found upstairs. It's a swank little dance floor with high-energy music blasting through your core. There's a lounge area to just sit back and chill, and a wrap-around balcony to enjoy your drinks and just look out at the madness passing by.
Just around the corner and down the street (St Ann and Dauphine) you'll find Good Friends Bar. Then name says it all! Good people, great music, hot dancers, and sexy people all around is what this friendly spot has to offer. And just like any of the other bars, drink prices are very reasonable. Here's a tip: If you're there on the weekend, go upstairs to the corner section of the bar closest to the men's restroom. It's the part where the bartenders get in and out. It's the easiest spot to get a drink, and the bartender's not too bad to look at either. ;)
Just a few short blocks away at 700 Burgundy, you'll find 700 Club. It's a relaxing bar with plenty of seating and lots of bar space. I personally think that Club 700 is where you want to unwind at the end of your French Quarter bar tour for the night. Have a nightcap and unwind to some fun music and good conversation with friendly folk.
If you walk up about 4 blocks toward downtown you'll find Corner Pocket at Burgundy and St. Louis. If you're into hot young guys dancing and flaunting their packages in your face, then you'll definitely want to stop by. Bad boys, bad boys! It's a small venue, but there are usually 5 guys up on the bar at once dancing and making their rounds so that you can see all their glory and stuff a bill or two down their jocks. Here's a tip though. Ashlee the bartender is a sweetheart and an awesome server! Ahslee is always on it. The one to watch out for is Bruce. When it gets busy, his fingers get sticky. If he thinks you're drunk, he'll take any opportunity to short-change you. I've been a victim of his twice now, this year at Decadence, and last year for New Year's eve. My advice, if Bruce is your only option, then make sure you carry plenty of small bills for a tip and use fives when buying your drinks. This makes it easier for you to keep track of what you're giving and getting back. where as if you hand him a twenty, he'll try to pass it off as a ten. The old bastard will get you. Either way, the guys are hot and DJ Lisa is fun.
If you're the kind of person who likes to grab a bite before calling it a night, then you'll want to end your evening at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Upstairs is fun for the gentlemen, while the lower level is fun for everyone. If you like watching the dancers while gettin' your drink on, then take a seat upstairs and hold on to your hats! No girls allowed. :) The best part about ending the night here, for all you late night munchers, is Clover Grill right across the street. The world famous cafe makes your food while you wait. If you sit at the front counter, you can actually watch them make it. Not a big selection, nor a big dining area, but the staff is fun and friendly and it's an experience you'll want to tell all your friends about after.
A few other bars I haven't mentioned, and probably best that you experience for yourself are Rawhide (for all the leather bears out there) and Golden Lantern. Keep in mind that all these bars are in the French Quarter, so everything is within walking distance. If you're like me, and you've seen most of the sights in NOLA, and your real intentions are to party it up, then you'll want to make sure you get your hotel in the French Quarter or downtown so that you can easily walk back to your room after a long night of binge drinking. I've learned from experience, cabs will not pick you up if you're puking while they stop in front of you. LOL!
If you're a regular in the New Orleans French Quarter, then you know that Oz (corner of Bourbon and St Ann) is the dance club to go when you just wanna let go and be free. The dance floor is fabulous with its state-of-the-art lighting and all-around party ambience. Be prepared to hand over a few bills for cover during special events such as Decadence, Mardi Gras, New Year's Eve, etc. And of course all the best looking guys are here, so if you have to wait in line a while, let this be an incentive for you.
If you're more about chilling with friends and just taking in everything around you, then step across the street to Bourbon Pub/Parade. The downstairs bar is a lush little video haven, with go-go boys galore dancing atop the bars, and some of the hottest music playing on the screens. The bartenders are friendly, but it can get crowded, so be patient and understanding. Parade can be found upstairs. It's a swank little dance floor with high-energy music blasting through your core. There's a lounge area to just sit back and chill, and a wrap-around balcony to enjoy your drinks and just look out at the madness passing by.
Just around the corner and down the street (St Ann and Dauphine) you'll find Good Friends Bar. Then name says it all! Good people, great music, hot dancers, and sexy people all around is what this friendly spot has to offer. And just like any of the other bars, drink prices are very reasonable. Here's a tip: If you're there on the weekend, go upstairs to the corner section of the bar closest to the men's restroom. It's the part where the bartenders get in and out. It's the easiest spot to get a drink, and the bartender's not too bad to look at either. ;)
Just a few short blocks away at 700 Burgundy, you'll find 700 Club. It's a relaxing bar with plenty of seating and lots of bar space. I personally think that Club 700 is where you want to unwind at the end of your French Quarter bar tour for the night. Have a nightcap and unwind to some fun music and good conversation with friendly folk.
If you walk up about 4 blocks toward downtown you'll find Corner Pocket at Burgundy and St. Louis. If you're into hot young guys dancing and flaunting their packages in your face, then you'll definitely want to stop by. Bad boys, bad boys! It's a small venue, but there are usually 5 guys up on the bar at once dancing and making their rounds so that you can see all their glory and stuff a bill or two down their jocks. Here's a tip though. Ashlee the bartender is a sweetheart and an awesome server! Ahslee is always on it. The one to watch out for is Bruce. When it gets busy, his fingers get sticky. If he thinks you're drunk, he'll take any opportunity to short-change you. I've been a victim of his twice now, this year at Decadence, and last year for New Year's eve. My advice, if Bruce is your only option, then make sure you carry plenty of small bills for a tip and use fives when buying your drinks. This makes it easier for you to keep track of what you're giving and getting back. where as if you hand him a twenty, he'll try to pass it off as a ten. The old bastard will get you. Either way, the guys are hot and DJ Lisa is fun.
If you're the kind of person who likes to grab a bite before calling it a night, then you'll want to end your evening at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Upstairs is fun for the gentlemen, while the lower level is fun for everyone. If you like watching the dancers while gettin' your drink on, then take a seat upstairs and hold on to your hats! No girls allowed. :) The best part about ending the night here, for all you late night munchers, is Clover Grill right across the street. The world famous cafe makes your food while you wait. If you sit at the front counter, you can actually watch them make it. Not a big selection, nor a big dining area, but the staff is fun and friendly and it's an experience you'll want to tell all your friends about after.
A few other bars I haven't mentioned, and probably best that you experience for yourself are Rawhide (for all the leather bears out there) and Golden Lantern. Keep in mind that all these bars are in the French Quarter, so everything is within walking distance. If you're like me, and you've seen most of the sights in NOLA, and your real intentions are to party it up, then you'll want to make sure you get your hotel in the French Quarter or downtown so that you can easily walk back to your room after a long night of binge drinking. I've learned from experience, cabs will not pick you up if you're puking while they stop in front of you. LOL!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Former KSAT reporter dies at 42.
It struck me a little hard when I heard tonight of the passing of Bert Lozano. I can remember watching him on KSAT when I was younger, and wanting to be where he was. I remember watching a video on YouTube of him reporting in Austin as a streaker ran by, but being the professional he was, he just kept on going. But that was just who he was.
I followed Bert on Facebook from time to time. His posts often made me smile, and when he would reply to my posts, it just made me giddy! So it really saddens me to know that I won't see any of those Facebook updates from him. I recently went back to his page and read some of the posts before his passing. He had recently changed his status from "single" to "in a relationship." As I scrolled down farther, I noticed a post which read, "I've never had someone make me dinner." I teared up when I read that. It was so sweet. And to think that he would be gone just a few days later.
Most recently, Lozano was vice president of Weber Shandwick, a public relations company in Dallas. Prior to that he had worked in the broadcast industry including WFAA-TV Channel 8 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, KSAT-12 News in San Antonio, and KRGV-TV in the Rio Grande Valley.
Lozano had suffered a heart attack on Sunday, August 28, and was admitted to Methodist Medical Center in Dallas where he was in critical condition and later died. He will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace, Bert.
I followed Bert on Facebook from time to time. His posts often made me smile, and when he would reply to my posts, it just made me giddy! So it really saddens me to know that I won't see any of those Facebook updates from him. I recently went back to his page and read some of the posts before his passing. He had recently changed his status from "single" to "in a relationship." As I scrolled down farther, I noticed a post which read, "I've never had someone make me dinner." I teared up when I read that. It was so sweet. And to think that he would be gone just a few days later.
Most recently, Lozano was vice president of Weber Shandwick, a public relations company in Dallas. Prior to that he had worked in the broadcast industry including WFAA-TV Channel 8 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, KSAT-12 News in San Antonio, and KRGV-TV in the Rio Grande Valley.
Lozano had suffered a heart attack on Sunday, August 28, and was admitted to Methodist Medical Center in Dallas where he was in critical condition and later died. He will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace, Bert.
To exploit or not to exploit, that is the question.
I was recently bored, as I tend to get on some occasions when I'm just sitting around with ideas spinning in my head and I have nothing else to entertain me. Something hit me. I was thinking about porn magazine names and taglines to go with them. I wanted something that was very "Texas" or at least local. I guess the reason for this was the idea that I would be going to Southern Decadence (from here on out referred to as SD) for Labor Day weekend.
For those of you who aren't familiar with this tradition, it's basically the equivalent to Mardi Gras for the gay population. Men (and very few women) hit Bourbon Street and some surrounding streets at the French Quarter in New Orleans, following a tradition of a few men who one day decided to create their own little parade back in 1972. Since then it has only grown bigger and better. Oh gosh, now I feel as if I have to go back just a bit to the beginning of the gay revolution (obviously not really a revolution).
Many "haters" (those who are gay and refuse to accept any events that display such appreciation) will claim that events such as SD or even gay pride parades, do nothing but disparage the gay community. Sadly, I must admit that I used to be one of those haters. I used to think: "how can these people go around and flaunt themselves in such a fashion as to make themselves targets of hate." Funny thing is, I grew up. I met someone whom I've been in a relationship for the last nine and a half years almost who has helped me see that it's ok to be who you are. It's ok to be gay, and to have fun, and to let go every once in a while.
I've become so comfortable now with who I am, and where I stand in society. Gay society has come far since 1972 (When SD started, not my birth year, fool). I think those people who refuse to see that just aren't happy with who they are. Maybe it's not the case, but it's definitely my opinion, and it's definitely how I feel.
Wow, I totally got off the subject, but I needed to sidetrack to get you to the point of entry of this blog. So I started thinking of names for gay magazines and it suddenly came (no pun intended). "Texas Meat Market Magazine" was born! Well at least in my head it was. But I needed a catchy tagline to go with it. I waited a few minutes, and then "only the finest cuts...and uncuts" came to life. It's gay lingo, just incase some of you don't get it right away. I'm not going to explain, so you'll either have to send me a message or ask your gay friend at work about it. You know, the token gay coworker. Often that's me. I don't mind though, it gives people reason to be inquisitive.
I would love to have the means to create this magazine where men would be photographed, and not necessarily nude (although I'm totally not opposed to that). I would travel to different cities and focus on guys out and about. I would like to capture guys in natural "night life" settings. LOL! We all know that gay men love to party. So it's the parties I would hit up and find men having a good time.
I created a new page on Facebook with the title of the magazine, and thus far have only had 10 people "like" it. As soon as I hit New Orleans this weekend, I plan to round up my first bunch of volunteers, guys that will allow me to photograph them and place on my page. Of course I won't post anything graphic as it wouldn't be allowed on Facebook. But if anyone volunteers to do such a thing, then I'd have to create some other page to post those, with their permission, of course.
If anyone has any ideas or would like to collaborate with me on this experiment, please get back with me and let me know what you have in mind. Let's get "Texas Meat Market Magazine" off the ground and into peoples homes! ;)
For those of you who aren't familiar with this tradition, it's basically the equivalent to Mardi Gras for the gay population. Men (and very few women) hit Bourbon Street and some surrounding streets at the French Quarter in New Orleans, following a tradition of a few men who one day decided to create their own little parade back in 1972. Since then it has only grown bigger and better. Oh gosh, now I feel as if I have to go back just a bit to the beginning of the gay revolution (obviously not really a revolution).
Many "haters" (those who are gay and refuse to accept any events that display such appreciation) will claim that events such as SD or even gay pride parades, do nothing but disparage the gay community. Sadly, I must admit that I used to be one of those haters. I used to think: "how can these people go around and flaunt themselves in such a fashion as to make themselves targets of hate." Funny thing is, I grew up. I met someone whom I've been in a relationship for the last nine and a half years almost who has helped me see that it's ok to be who you are. It's ok to be gay, and to have fun, and to let go every once in a while.
I've become so comfortable now with who I am, and where I stand in society. Gay society has come far since 1972 (When SD started, not my birth year, fool). I think those people who refuse to see that just aren't happy with who they are. Maybe it's not the case, but it's definitely my opinion, and it's definitely how I feel.
Wow, I totally got off the subject, but I needed to sidetrack to get you to the point of entry of this blog. So I started thinking of names for gay magazines and it suddenly came (no pun intended). "Texas Meat Market Magazine" was born! Well at least in my head it was. But I needed a catchy tagline to go with it. I waited a few minutes, and then "only the finest cuts...and uncuts" came to life. It's gay lingo, just incase some of you don't get it right away. I'm not going to explain, so you'll either have to send me a message or ask your gay friend at work about it. You know, the token gay coworker. Often that's me. I don't mind though, it gives people reason to be inquisitive.
I would love to have the means to create this magazine where men would be photographed, and not necessarily nude (although I'm totally not opposed to that). I would travel to different cities and focus on guys out and about. I would like to capture guys in natural "night life" settings. LOL! We all know that gay men love to party. So it's the parties I would hit up and find men having a good time.
I created a new page on Facebook with the title of the magazine, and thus far have only had 10 people "like" it. As soon as I hit New Orleans this weekend, I plan to round up my first bunch of volunteers, guys that will allow me to photograph them and place on my page. Of course I won't post anything graphic as it wouldn't be allowed on Facebook. But if anyone volunteers to do such a thing, then I'd have to create some other page to post those, with their permission, of course.
If anyone has any ideas or would like to collaborate with me on this experiment, please get back with me and let me know what you have in mind. Let's get "Texas Meat Market Magazine" off the ground and into peoples homes! ;)
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