GAY MARRIAGE IN CA

The title of this post isn't because I'm flippant about the subject, I think that it is somewhat important. I guess that I've moved away from gay marriage and to topics that are more immediate for me, like poverty, health care, and environmentally responsible consumerism.

California ruled it's unconstitutional to deny marriage to gays and lesbians, especially since the state already recognizes civil unions and domestic-partnerships, and that makes sense when compared to constitutionality. If you recognize something as valued, stable and lawful, how can you keep it from just being the same thing and allow gays to marry.

For some it seems a consuming issue, I guess, but when I look at the faces of the people trying to get married I don't see activists, I see a lot of middle to upper-middle class mostly white people, not hippies or people who truly push social boundaries. I think what I really come away from the ruling with is that the dialog has at least been moved away from the crazy conservative place it has been in since Bush took office and before.

Shcubert's Unfinished Symphony, Mahler

If you missed the Schubert Unfinished Symphony with the Minnesota Orchestra, you missed some great music. The conductor was Mark Wigglesworth who specializes in Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert and he conducted the piece from memory. The Mahler was far less stunning, although I can understand that he isn't used to the huge Mahler orchestra, there were problems with his conducting that I think accounted for some late entrances and messy syncopations. He still managed to get some great sounds in the first and last movements, especially in the last four or five minutes when the orchestra is hushed as though playing a lullaby.

ORDWAY CABARET!

This is a fucking fantastic show! Everyone and their dog should go see it, the main characters are all very strong, especially the Liza character and the MC, plus the guys in the chorus are HOT! and practically naked several times!

Definitely a must see.

Powderhorn May Day Parade

The gatherings at the parade were fantastic, and the whole area was alive with an amazing mix of yuppies, lesbians with families, and hippies of all ages with their sarongs, tied-dyed everything and unwashed hair. God bless the radicals.

Diane Reeves at Orchestra Hall

The concert on Friday Night was fantastic. Diane was in good voice and looking fantastic. The songs were accompanied by stories and she was very interactive with the audience. It was under-attended, even after opened to rush tickets and other forms of discounts, but lady worked it out with her ensemble and it was worth full price.

Favorite Downtown Restaurant? The Local

The Local has some amazing appetizers, many with an Irish flavor, the largest selection of whiskeys and Irish beers I've seen yet, and some really hot bar staff. They even have this weird little room near the restrooms with the sign, The Kissing Room, which is all dark red light, plush furniture, and saloon-style swinging doors.