Lonnie

Darn...they are on to the ladies. Click

This article is a little dated but advice still holds true. Hope you have a terrific time. Rio’s main beaches stretch across 8.5km of coastline and are divided by 12 postos (numbered lifeguard stations), all of which offer changing rooms and toilets for a small fee. The stations are useful markers when giving or taking directions, but more importantly, some postos are known for attracting particular crowds and offering specific activities. Postos 1 to 6: Good for sunrises, sports and views of Sugarloaf Reaching about 4km from Leme beach to Copacabana beach, postos 1 to 6 stand across from some of the city's most glamorous hotels, and attract domestic tourists, older cariocas and business travellers. They are a great place to watch the sunrise over Sugarloaf Mountain, and tend to be busier than other beaches in the evening due to the brightly-lit kiosks selling caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail, made from cachaca (sugar cane liquor) sugar and lime. The 4km long Copacabana beach – postos 2 to 6 – will be one of the official 2016 Olympic venues for beach volleyball. It is also the setting for a variety of other sports, such as yoga and boxing. The sport of frescobol, a type of tennis played with wooden bats, originated at posto 5, while posto 6 is a popular spot for stand-up paddle boarding. Football games are ubiquitous, but do not expect to join a team unless you are really good. You might also see people balancing on ropes tied between palm trees, practicing an increasingly popular sport known as slack lining. For a charming reminder that the area around Copacabana beach used to be a fishing village, head to the Copacabana Fort at posto 6 before 11 am to see fishermen selling their catch directly from colourful wooden fishing boats. The fort, built in 1914, now houses the Historical Army Museum, and its cafe is a great spot for breakfast or lunch while gazing at the sea. The fort will also host the marathon swimming and triathalon events at the 2016 Olympics. Posto 7: Good for sunsets, surfers and quiet romance Wedged between Copacabana and Ipanema is Arpoador, posto 7, a 500m-long beach that is popular with families and surfers. As such, it tends to be a bit quieter than the other postos, and at sunset it has a laid-back, romantic vibe. The beach’s main attraction is the vast, mainly flat Arpoador Rock, which was named after the harpoon-throwing Portuguese settlers and Brazilian natives who would hunt whales from there (arpoador means striker in Portuguese). Take one of the short walking trails up to the top to watch the sunset silhouette the Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) peaks, and join the crowds cheering when it finally goes down. Known locally as the birthplace of surfing, floodlights keep the waters lit for after-dark wave riding. Despite Rio's long shoreline, there are not many beachside places to stay around Ipanema and Copacabana. The closest you can get is Arpoador Inn, a comfortable and simple hotel where it is worth paying for a seaview room. A few metres away is the Philiipe Starck-designed boutique hotel Fasano, frequented by the well-heeled Rio crowd and international celebrities. Teenagers are often seen waiting outside with autograph books and cameras at the ready. Postos 8 and 9: Good for rainbow flags and a daytime party vibe Located on Ipanema beach, postos 8 and 9 are two of Rio’s busiest and most eclectic stretches, attracting a diverse, younger crowd. Though all of Rio’s beaches are gay-friendly, rainbow flags mark out a popular section between the two postos near Rua Farme de Amoedo. Posto 9 is also close to where the famous bossa nova song The Girl from Ipanema was written, so this is the place to strut your stuff and pretend to be “the tall and tan and young and lovely girl” – or the guy watching her. Tom Jobin and Vinicius de Moraes penned the song at the bar and restaurant Garota de Ipanema a few blocks away. Postos 10, 11 and 12: Good for billionaires and celebrities Cariocas say that Ipanema (posto 10) is for millionaires and that Leblon beach (posto 11) is for billionaires, so you might see some famous faces including footballers and soap opera stars who live in fancy mansions nearby sunning on the sand. Leblon is one of the most exclusive and expensive areas of Rio and also has a busy late night bar and restaurant scene, backdropped by the impressive Dois Irmãos peaks. Unfortunately, the water at these postos is not great for swimming as it polluted by two bordering canals that drain into the sea. Posto 12 has Baixo Bebe, a sandy play area for children with beach toys, slides and baby changing facilities. Sun like a local Brazilians have a reputation for being beautiful, but do not let that intimidate you. They are also very tolerant, friendly and come in every shape and size. You can wear what you want at the beach, but Brazilians tend to leave their baggy bottoms at home and either don tiny string bikinis or the tight trunks that you have never dared to wear. Note that for the ladies, going topless is a no no. Cariocas will happily travel to and from the beach and parade down the wavy, black-and-white-mosaic boardwalk in just their beachwear and Havaiana flip flops. Forget your towel and get yourself a kanga (sarong) to sit on or rent one of the many beach chairs. For most locals, the beach is not just about sunbathing, and you will not see many people reading. Cariocas come to pose, hang out with friends and get active, whether it is a strenuous game of beach volleyball or a gentle stroll along the boardwalk. When swimming, watch out for the red warning flags or ask a lifeguard as the waves can be harsh. It is the norm to ask your neighbour to watch your belongings (beach thefts are less common then they used to be, but it is still not wise to leave your things unattended). Groups of cariocas often sit close to each other so do not be overly concerned if someone parks up next to you on the beach. When you are feeling peckish, hold out for one of the many beach vendors selling the popular sweet or savoury beach snack of globo (air-puffed doughnuts made from manioc flour) and matte leao, an iced tea drink poured straight from a keg on the seller’s back. And do not leave the beach without sipping fresh coconut juice from one of the agua de coco stands.

A must see added for my visit.

I couldn't stand another letdown after waiting for years for the remake of Dune... turned out it was not for me. (others loved it and praise it to the sky). Now I see a possibility it might happen again with this long awaited movie but I'm certainly not going to allow the New Yorker film critic to make my decision for me.

$26 for a programa is still a bargain...anyone know overnight rates? Would 400-500 Reals cover it? A few years ago that was considered generous in SP.

Thanks reader for this article and the link to Viet Nam News.

Chile will become the 31st country in the world and the latest in the region to establish marriage equality. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay allow for same-sex marriage, while Mexico has marriage rights in certain parts of the country.

Lawmakers Approve Marriage Equality in Chile A reaction to marriage equality in the Senate chamber in Valparaiso, Chile on December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido Lawmakers in Chile overwhelmingly voted to approve a marriage equality bill on December 7, capping off a four-year political standoff and ushering in a new era for the LGBTQ community in the South American nation. The legislation passed both houses of Congress and President Sebastián Piñera has vowed to sign the measure into law. Piñera opted to support the bill after previously opposing it, paving the way for legislation that had stalled for years after former President Michelle Bachelet first introduced it in 2017. The measure gives LGBTQ couples the right to have children through adoption or assisted reproduction and removes a requirement that transgender or non-binary people must divorce in order for the government to recognize their gender identity or legal name changes. The law is a major step up from an existing law that gave couples the right to enter civil unions, but lacked the parenting rights or updates for transgender individuals. Folks embrace in Santiago after lawmakers approve marriage equality.REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado In the Senate, 21 lawmakers approved it, eight rejected it, and three abstained. The bill passed the lower house 82-20, with two lawmakers abstaining. Videos posted on social media December 7 showed people celebrating in Santiago. An LGBTQ organization known as Movilh Chile, or the Homosexual Integration and Liberation Movement, hosted a rally featuring a crowd of attendees, many with Rainbow Flags in hand. “Happiness on so many faces,” noted a translated tweet posted by Movilh Chile. “People’s lives change for the better when we stop being second-class to the laws. Nice Chile, that’s the way you like it.” Love is in the air in Santiago.REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado The bill’s passage also comes at a pivotal time in Chilean politics. On December 19, a former student activist, Gabriel Boric, will face right-wing populist José Antonio Kast in a runoff after neither candidate received enough votes in the initial tally last month. Kast, who is opposed to same-sex marriage but has said he would sign the bill anyway, had the most votes in the first election. Piñera will remain in office until March. Chile will become the 31st country in the world and the latest in the region to establish marriage equality. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Uruguay allow for same-sex marriage, while Mexico has marriage rights in certain parts of the country.

‘Is Superman Circumcised?’ ranked oddest book title of 2021 Is Superman Circumcised? is an in-depth examination of the Jewish roots of the character over the course of his nearly century-long lifespan. Published: DECEMBER 3, 2021 11:00 1978 Superman/DC Sticker Cards (photo credit: MARK ANDERSON/FLICKR) Humorously titled book Is Superman Circumcised? The Complete Jewish History of the World’s Greatest Hero by Roy Schwartz has won an equally humorous international literary award, winning the Diagram Prize for the Oddest Book Title of the Year 2021. Originally formed in 1978, the award is given out every year by the British publishing industry trade magazine The Bookseller, and is chosen by a public vote. In 2021, Is Superman Circumcised? beat out five other titles that had been shortlisted at the beginning of November. These pieces of higher education writing – indeed, despite their names, all of them come from academic sources or university presses – consisted of The Life Cycle of Russian Things: From Fish Guts to Fabergé; Hats: A Very Unnatural History; Curves for the Mathematically Curious; Handbook of Research on Health and Environmental Benefits of Camel Products and Miss, I Don’t Give a Shit: Engaging with Challenging Behaviour in Schools. But despite its funny name, Is Superman Circumcised? Is far from just a simple, humorous book. Rather, it is an in-depth examination of the Jewish roots of the character over the course of his nearly century-long lifespan. Superman, in general, is considered by most to be the first-ever true superhero published in fiction. There is undoubtedly a powerful Jewish influence on the character, as well as in the comic book industry as a whole. For Schwartz, the answer to the question of the Jewishness of the Last Son of Krypton is a resounding "yes." “That’s right. Superman, the Man of Steel, the symbol of Americana, is Jewish,” Schwartz declares in the very beginning of his book and proceeds to look into the various aspects that lead to this conclusion, taking the reader on a dive through of Jewish theology, culture and history. The character was written by two Jewish authors in the 1930s, and a lot of his character reflects the struggles of an immigrant, though the book presents a far more extensive and in-depth look at these aspects. The book is clearly a passion project for the author. Israel-born, Schwartz learned English through comic books and cartoons. He has worked extensively as a writer for multiple publications, companies, law firms and production studios, and also directs marketing and business development for a regional law firm. But years later, even now living in New York, Schwartz’s true love and appreciation of comic books and the iconic characters birthed by those pages is evident to see in his latest work, as is his great appreciation of Jewish culture. “The competition was stiff, but I’m glad I was able to rise to the challenge,” Schwartz joked about his victory. “I’m sincerely honored to receive this august literary prize. It’s a great reminder that even serious literature is allowed to be fun.” Though Schwartz won the prize, he will not receive any other reward, save for the one physical reward that accompanies it: A passable bottle of claret.

Should make the United States proud that our generous help is being well used in Thailand. I'll give America a well deserved pat on the back. https://www.usaid.gov/asia-regional/hiv-and-aids The USAID-supported model of community-led services has been well recognized in Thailand and internationally resulting from its significant contribution to more than 50 percent of the national HIV service uptake in Thailand. It has become a model recommended by PEPFAR for adoption in other countries in Asia. USAID worked with local champions, including the Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre to scale up PrEP in Thailand and support other countries in the region. More than 50 percent of Thai PrEP users are attributed to the USAID-supported PrEP activities, such as PrEP Express, PrEP in the City campaigns and PrEP-15 for more affordable PrEP services for key populations. USAID established a new partnership for sexual and reproductive health and HIV services in Bangkok with a private hospital group, Piyavate Hospital Group in Bangkok, to increase access to HIV/AIDS and transgender health services. It will support expansion of health service options for key populations and diversify domestic funding arrangements as well as promote regional approaches to support rapid scale up of HIV interventions.

President of what?

I believe that quote was from Lis Smith... Mayor Pete's communication director. She's very cynical in a Washington way but the very fact she's working with him means she sees a potential in him for the BIG job. She did help Obama. Pete can come across as a cold fish.

Might as well add a picture of them which are rare:

Au contraire dear Peter...Gay marriage is still a relatively new phenomenon and Sondheim's biography would be incomplete without a mention of it... also...you may find this shocking but being a nosey type I'd also like to know if they that had a prenup. I must agree that the $20 million is a preposterous under-guess...more like 100M plus... I do hope the marriage to Jeff Romley gave him some happiness...he always looked so sad.

Sondheims husband was Jeff Romley. https://www.wiki.ng/en/wiki/who-is-jeff-romley-stephen-sondheim-boyfriend-age-wikipedia-and-net-worth-754757 Who Is Jeff Romley? Stephen Sondheim Boyfriend or Husband Jeff Romley is the husband of Stephen Sondheim. However, as an individual, he is known as an actor. Broadway World mentioned that he worked for a Broadway/West End theatre producer on several shows, including The Producers, Hairspray, Porgy & Bess, Sweeney Todd, and Company. He served as a theatre talent representative at the William Morris Agency. His partner hails from New York who is a singer from a Jewish background. RIP #StephenSondheim. Thank you for “Into the Woods” amongst your many other contributions to the #art and #musicaltheater world. pic.twitter.com/oIhyVWjTve — Elise D’Orazio (@elisedorazio) November 27, 2021 Jeff Romley Has Huge Age Difference With His Partner, Stephen Sondheim Jeff Romley has an age difference of 50 years with his partner Stephen Sondheim. Thus, he may be currently in his early 40s. His date of birth is not known to the public yet. Moreover, he has remained low-key even though he can be seen in the media several times with the composer attending events. According to the BBC, his husband was at the age of 91 when he died at his home in Roxbury. The duo got married in 2017. Despite the differences of almost a generation, the couple proved that love does not see age but the heart. #sondheim married Jeff Romley in 2017. pic.twitter.com/kGJy4ivdvG — Poppy Masselos (@poppymasselos) November 27, 2021 Is Jeff Romley Featured On Wikipedia? Jeff Romley is not featured on Wikipedia as of 2021. However, his name is mentioned in his partner’s profile on the platform. Much information on Jeff cannot be found on the web as well. His name was first surfaced when the musician announced their relationship in public. In addition, Sondheim came out as gay in his 40s. He spent eight years of his life with dramatist Peter Jones in 1990. But, they never got married. It seems the lyricist found love in Jeff and decided to spend the last days of his life with him. How Rich Is Jeff Romley?- More On His Net Worth Jeff Romley’s net worth is not disclosed in the media yet. However, his lover had an impressive net worth of an estimated $20 million. He was an exceptional and unique artist who changed the face of American Musical.

Sorry you were out of sorts for Gypsy...it must of been great show with her in main role. I vividly remember her in "Pride". A so-so movie made so much better because of her performance.

Surprising to me that Early in his career, Sondheim wrote the lyrics for two shows considered to be classics of the American stage, “West Side Story” (1957) and “Gypsy” (1959). “West Side Story,” with music by Leonard Bernstein, transplanted Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” to the streets and gangs of modern-day New York. “Gypsy,” with music by Jule Styne, told the backstage story of the ultimate stage mother and the daughter who grew up to be Gypsy Rose Lee.

Yes...he's a keeper but don't forget Ricky.

Sexy, Shirtless Australian Firefighters Return for 2022 Calendar Matt Ross on the 2022 Australian Firefighters Cat Calendar cover The World’s Hottest Australian Firefighters are back! Now in its 29th year, the internationally-acclaimed Australian Firefighters Calendar is setting hearts on fire again! With over 750 million FB views and distributed in over 100 countries last year, the world’s most iconic calendar is back bigger and better than ever! The photoshoot is a 25-day animal lovers’ extravaganza. Much loved pets, Australian wildlife, farm animals, therapy and rescue horses from all over the South East Queensland come together to take part in the photoshoot. It’s not always smooth sailing producing the worlds most loved calendar. The calendar fans only see the best of the firefighters and the animals behaving nicely together in the calendar photos and promotional videos. “Calendar fans would laugh at the number of bites, kicks and scratches the firefighters receive during the photoshoot. There are times I consider if we shouldn’t have a full-time nurse on set, it can be like working in a zoo, it’s fantastic fun!”. Brett Cunliffe – Lead Photographer. Website: www.australianfirefighterscalendar.com Facebook: @AustralianFirefightersCalendar IG: @australianfirefighterscalendar (continued) Aaron on the 2022 Australian Firefighters Cat Calendar This year the parents of much-loved Cats and Dogs entered their fur babies to take part in the photoshoot. In some cases, they come from hundreds of kilometres away just to be a part of it. “We received over 5,000 photos of every type of animal you can imagine to take part in the photoshoot and they enter from all over world. We even had a lady from Moscow that wanted fly her cat to Australia! It takes one month to sort through all the eligible entrants”. Crystal Doohan – Australian Firefighters Calendar Creative Director. There are many new faces in the 2022 editions. Ben Church is a firefighter from Western Australia that was selected to take part in the photoshoot. “I wanted to do it for my Grandma and Mum, they were so proud that I was selected to take part in the photoshoot. They embarrassed the heck out of me by emailing the calendar co-ordinators advising them I was the most handsome firefighter in Western Australia and the guys have not stopped reminding me of that! Thanks Grandma and Mum!” Ben Church – DFES Firefighter Another new face is Ricky Smith, a Brisbane based Firefighter “I received a phone call congratulating me that I had been selected for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Calendar, I thought to myself that I had never sent an application in? what is this guy talking about? I found out later that my girlfriend had done it without me knowing. Before I knew it I was standing in front of seven members of the photography team. I was absolutely terrified, I have never even taken a selfie!” Ricky Smith – QFES Firefighter. (continued) Ben Church for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Cat Calendar The recipients of donations from this year’s calendar are heavily focused on community animal welfare groups. “The unsung work that many of these volunteer-based organisations do is outstanding. Without these dedicated wildlife warriors many sick and injured domestic and wildlife animals simply would not survive. These wonderful people are the reason we try so hard to produce calendars that not only help raise funds and awareness but also honour their work.” David Rogers – Director – Australian Firefighters Calendar The Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital is one of many important native Australian hospitals that the calendar will support this year. “When the bushfires occurred earlier this year, I had a nine-week-old baby at home and felt helpless for all the wildlife that were affected and the vets that were trying to help them. When this position popped up on my computer, I applied straight away as I felt I could really try and make a difference” Dr Bree Talbot – Wildlife Veterinarian – Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. Brenden for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Cat Calendar The 2022 Australian Firefighters Calendar will also be supporting the following organisations: Native Animal Rescue Wildcare Inc Safe Haven Animal Rescue Australian Seabird Rescue Fauna Rescue of SA Healing Hooves Reason to Thrive Kids with Cancer Foundation Currumbin Wildlife Hospital This year the usual 5 fan favorite editions will be available, the Classic, Cats, Dogs, Horse and Mixed Animal editions will be made available to fans. And for the first time ever, the firefighters are heating things up with a Summer edition calendar featuring firefighters having fun in the sun on some of Australia’s most iconic beaches. The inaugural Summer calendar cover features Australia’s fittest firefighter, Matt Haydon. Dave for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Cat Calendar Malcolm for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Cat Calendar Ricky for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Cat Calendar Mitch on the 2022 Australian Firefighters Dog Calendar Cover Aaron for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Dog Calendar Ben Wallace for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Dog Calendar Brenden for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Dog Calendar Dave for the 2022 Australian Firefighters Dog Calendar Matt Ross in the 2022 Australian Firefighters Dog Calendar Nathan in the 2022 Australian Firefighters Dog Calendar Ben Wallace in the 2022 Australian Firefighters Horse Calendar Cover Brenden in the 2022 Australian Firefighters Horse Calendar

News A Landmark Year for U.S. Cities in Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality Chicago skyline image by Rudy Balasko/Shutterstock The number of cities earning a a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index has surpassed 100 for the first time. November 18 2021 9:00 AM EST For the first time, more than 100 cities across the U.S. have earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index, which rates municipal policies, laws, and services that affect LGBTQ+ people. The exact number is 110, up from 94 in 2020 and just 11 in 2012, when the index was inaugurated. The HRC Foundation (the Human Rights Campaign’s educational arm) released the 2021 report Thursday, in partnership with the Equality Federation. “LGBTQ+ people are everywhere — in every city, county and zip code,” JoDee Winterhof, HRC senior vice president of policy and political affairs, said in a press release. “Throughout its 10-year history, the Municipal Equality Index has been centered on supporting and celebrating the work municipalities do to serve LGBTQ+ people in the places they call home. This year, statewide lawmakers have zeroed in on attacking transgender and nonbinary children — for no reason other than in an effort to harm and erase them. Local leaders, however, have continued to move the needle of progress forward, and by doing so, they have spurred economic growth by signaling to residents, visitors and employers that their city is open to everyone.” Indeed, the report shows that municipalities are often far ahead of their states in advancing LGBTQ+ equality. In 20 states across the country, 72 cities earned over 85 points despite being located a state without nondiscrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity, which is up from five municipalities in 2012. These cities have taken steps such as enacting comprehensive nondiscrimination laws, providing transgender-inclusive health benefits for city employees, and providing services for particularly vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community. The index covers 506 cities, including the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the U.S., the five largest cities or municipalities in each state, the cities home to the state’s two largest public universities, the 75 municipalities that have high proportions of same-sex couples, and 98 cities selected by HRC and Equality Federation state group members and supporters. It assesses each city on 49 criteria covering citywide nondiscrimination protections, policies for municipal employees, city services, law enforcement and the city’s leadership on LGBTQ equality. Other key findings include: This year, 181 cities have transgender-inclusive health care benefits for municipal employees — up from 179 in 2020, despite more rigorous standards this year, and only five at the start of the MEI. The national city score average jumped to an all-time high of 67 points, up from 64 last year and 59 in 2012, marking both the fourth consecutive year of national average increases as well as the highest year-over-year national average growth ever. Cities rated by the MEI in 2012 averaged 59 points in 2012; in 2021, those cities averaged 85 points. Cities around the country saw progress, with every region of the country seeing a higher average score than last year. Forty-three municipalities have anti-conversion therapy ordinances in states with no state-level protections, up from 38 last year. “In reflecting on the Municipal Equality Index’s 10-year history, it feels as though these past few years have been the most challenging, and yet the most critical, to advancing LGBTQ+ equality,” Fran Hutchins, executive director of the Equality Federation Institute, said in the release. “Despite the increasing attacks we are seeing on transgender youth in state legislatures, the important work to advance protections for LGBTQ+ people continues at the local level. As we face the upcoming attacks by opponents of equality, we know the state-based movement is stronger than ever and ready to fight for the millions of LGBTQ+ Americans who need us in the towns and cities across this country.” “For 10 incredible years, the MEI has helped guide, shape and inspire more inclusive laws and policies in cities of all sizes in all parts of the country,” added Cathryn Oakley, HRC state legislative director and senior counsel, and founding author of the index. “This program is one of the key ways HRC is able to impact the daily lives of our members, supporters and allies. Being able to personally witness these communities continue to push themselves to better serve their LGBTQ+ communities over the years has been one of my greatest joys. I am incredibly proud of this project and of the MEI team who have made this report a vehicle of enduring change and of our partners in communities around the country who have enthusiastically embraced its possibilities.” The report also contains an issue brief for policymakers that covers the types of challenges faced by transgender and nonbinary individuals, ways that a city can support them, and guidance on forming a task force aiming to prevent violence against this population. Additionally, the report includes HRC’s Pledge for Local Elected Leaders to End Violence Against Black and Brown Transgender Women. The full report, including detailed scorecards for every city as well as a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/mei.

Wow BlkSuperman...I missed this post the first time around but thanks for the hot stuff!! A couple of questions...why is his nickname Big Red? What kind of condoms do these guys use?..Magnum XXL would be laughable and hardly do the job. Hope your weekend is as HOT as you expect. Watch out SD BlkSuperman is back in town.

Was it unanimous? Do they do vote breakdowns?