TotallyOz

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alice Ghostley, the Tony Award-winning actress best known on television for playing Esmeralda on "Bewitched" and Bernice on "Designing Women," has died. She was 81. Ghostley died Friday at her home in Studio City after a long battle with colon cancer and a series of strokes, longtime friend Jim Pinkston said. Ghostley made her Broadway debut in "Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952." She received critical acclaim for singing "The Boston Beguine," which became her signature song. Miles Kreuger, president of the Los Angeles-based Institute of the American Musical, said part of Ghostley's charm was that she was not glamorous. "She was rather plain and had a splendid singing voice, and the combination of the well-trained, splendid singing voice and this kind of dowdy homemaker character was so incongruous and so charming," Kreuger said. In the 1960s, Ghostley received a Tony nomination for various characterizations in the Broadway comedy "The Beauty Part" and eventually won for best featured actress in "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window." From 1969 to 1972, she played the good witch and ditzy housekeeper Esmeralda on TV's "Bewitched." She played Bernice Clifton on "Designing Women" from 1987 to 1993, for which she earned an Emmy nomination in 1992. Ghostley's film credits include "To Kill a Mockingbird," "The Graduate," "Gator" and "Grease." She was born on Aug. 14, 1926, in Eve, Mo., where her father worked as a telegraph operator. She grew up in Henryetta, Okla. After graduating from high school, Ghostley attended the University of Oklahoma but dropped out and moved to New York with her sister to pursue theater. "The best job I had then was as a theater usher," she said in a 1990 Boston Globe interview. "I saw the plays for free. What I saw before me was a visualization of what I wanted to do and what I wanted to be." She was well aware of the types of roles she should pursue. "I knew I didn't look like an ingenue," she told The Globe. "My nose was too long. I had crooked teeth. I wasn't blond. I knew I looked like a character actress. "But I also knew I'd find a way," she added. Ghostley, whose actor husband, Felice Orlandi, died in 2003, is survived by her sister, Gladys.

Cathay Pacific is pleased to announce the new triple-daily service from New York (JFK) to Hong Kong beginning November 15, 2007. To celebrate we're offering special fares to Hong Kong starting at $784* and other cities in Asia from $811*. Flying to Hong Kong and the rest of Asia just got more convenient! Departure Dates: November 16 - 30, 2007 Sample Roundtrip Economy Fares JFK - Hong Kong $784* JFK - Bangkok $811* JFK - Shanghai $811* JFK - Penang $811* JFK - Manila $811* JFK - Phnom Penh $811* JFK - Bali $811* JFK - Singapore $811* Hurry, offer ends September 30, 2007!

Having spent a great many times on planes from Bangkok to Phuket and from Pattaya to Phuket, I am saddened by those whose lives were touched by this tragedy. Oz At Least 88 Killed as Plane Crashes in Thailand BANGKOK, Sept. 16 — A low-fare airline carrying many foreign tourists crashed in heavy rain, broke into pieces and burst into flame on Thailand’s resort island of Phuket on Sunday, killing at least 88 of the 130 passengers and crew on board. http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/0...nd-thai_600.jpg For Full article go here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/17/world/as...nyt&emc=rss

I had a sinus infection last week. I finally broke down and went to the doctor in NYC. The office visit costs 300 USD. The pharmacy cost another 400 USD. I am sure that I would have been treated at Bangkok Pattaya for the sinus infection for a fraction of what I paid.

A new site is live called Drag.com. It just came live on the net and I would appreciate any input you may have on it. It is a soft opening and not a huge launch. We are working out the kinks in it. But, the code that was written for it, if it is good, may be used to enhance this site. Please check it out. http://www.drag.com Oz

SEA CLIFF, N.Y. -- A Miami woman who was a former contestant on the reality show "Top Chef" was beaten by attackers yelling anti-gay slurs, her lawyer said Tuesday. Josie Smith-Malave, a lesbian who was featured on Season 2 of the Bravo channel show, was among a small group of women asked to leave a Sea Cliff bar over Labor Day weekend, lawyer Yetta Kurland said. About 10 young people followed the women out and began screaming anti-gay epithets, spitting on them and then beating them, Kurland said. The women, who had been on Long Island to attend a friend's birthday party, suffered bruises, and one received injuries to her head. One of them had a camera taken in the attack. Full Story at: http://www.local6.com/news/14095578/detail.html

Anyone in the NYC area interested in a get together at a local eatery? We did this once a few years back and it was a lot of fun. Do we have enough for a group? If so, where should we meet?

Vonage just came out with a new International Plan that is 15USD a month and includes unlimited calling to Thailand even cell phones. This is a good rate and I have used Vonage for years. It is easy to use on your computer when you are away from home and you can also use it the same as a land line when you are home. http://www.vonage.com/popups/intrates_pop....v_intratesplans

Holy Shit. What a sad saga that is. Living in Thailand much of the past few years, I have seen guys with dreams abound wanting to open a gogo bar. They put tons of cash into it and then, nothing. They don't know how to run it, get the boys, or pay the cops. It is usually closed faster than it took to remodel and then another foreigner takes over and does the same thing. In this case, the owners were not smart in selling to someone who knew how to run the business. Often it is simply a business decision but if one has put heart and soul into a place it is not easy to just let someone take it over. I hope it works out in the end and your place reopens in gay glory!

I agree with you there. When I started to loose weight, most of my friends were giving me advice on drugs to take or surgeries to do. I decided to do it the natural way. Work hard and eat right. It was not the easy way out. Although I do think it was the best way for me to do this. I have heard many say that HIV is not so bad as there are medications that will help you live a full life. That simply isn't true in every case. It is true in some that if you eat well, exercise and take your meds that the virus may go undetected for many many years. I am friends with long term survivors who have been HIV for 20 years. I am also friends with guys who get it and did within a few. A lot of our woes in this country over life and living long lives does really have to do with what we put into our bodies both in the mouth and in exercise. The healthier we live, the longer we live. Naturally, that is not true in all cases but it is in most. Thanks for a very well thought out post.

I found it interesting that the news coverage of this in the USA was very minimal. However, watching overseas channels, it was fully covered and took up large parts of news programs. Perhaps, that is one of the differences between America and the rest of the world. The world saw this as the passing of one of the great artists of all time. America was more interested in one of our Senators who wanted bathroom sex.

I have always looked at the election time as a great opportunity to have fun with the boys I like. I often rent a boat in Pattaya. It is 3 stories tall and will easily fit 50 of my favorite boys. We get booze and beer and some food. The fish we catch is cooked by the lady on board. We fish, swim, drink and have fun. The boat costs 150 for the day. I do tip the staff. I also bring lots of booze. I tell my boys to invite all their friends. We have a blast. The bars are only closed for a day or two and that is a great opportunity to have some real fun and get to know some of the boys better. IMHO

I think I have made clear my stance on personal choices and that does include smoking weed, drug use, assisted suicide, and barebacking. I have never really steered far from this. I recently met a guy who is HIV and has anal warts. He is having unsafe sex with others and does not disclose either to them. He asserts that anyone having sex should be aware of these things and the risks involved. I do agree with him. However, there is no way I would even intentionally make someone else sick. I do draw a line and I do think that as a HIV negative individual I need to have full knowledge of the things I do and the risks involved in those decisions. I don’t expect someone to tell me the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. However, I would also not expect to be lied to when important decisions are made. My friend says he talks about his status as being HIV negative and STD free. I was just floored when I heard this. I know it happens and I know it happens often but I can’t understand why. I had a boyfriend who was HIV positive for 5 years while we were living together. He never had unsafe sex with anyone. He was at the West Side Club in NYC often and loved sex but his attitude was that he would never want someone to suffer the things he suffered. For me, he was also safe and our 5 years together and I was still negative when the relationship ended. Why would someone knowingly pass on a sickness or disease to someone else? Is there something in the makeup or mind that I am missing? Is there so little compassion left for humanity that one not only wants other to suffer but makes sure that it happens? I have met many escorts who work even if they have the flu or a contageous disease. I never see an escort if I am not up to par with my health as I would not want to give the flue or a cough to someone else. I know that as the owner of a bareback site, that the issues always come up about me promoting barebacking. I promote knowledge and the more people are aimed with knowledge the better the decisions they make. It may sound like a cop out for making money but I started bareback.com because of all my friends on other dating sites who wanted to bareback and wanted others to do it with that were knowledgeable of the risks. I could go on and on but I ask the questions above. What am I missing? Also, please feel free to take shots at my stance on any issues above. Just because I am a moderator on the boards does not limit others from a lively debate. I do not get angry or upset that someone disagrees with me. Otherwise, I would be angry day and night. Those who have met me know I am pretty fucking mellow. And, that is even when I am not in Amsterdam. Oz

I was shocked as well. But, I did what I needed to do. I am not really sure if I should share but i will as I have trouble keeping secrets. I have lost a lot of weight and I have some pudge around my waiste that does not go away. I went to see a famous plastic surgeon. I had references from him from many good friends. I went to visit him at his office in Barra and got the cost of everything and all the details. He said it was going to cost 10k USD which is pretty high for Brazil but he is good. The problem I had is that I would need 3 weeks recovery time there and then not be able to really exercise for 2 months. I have an athletic even later this year that I have been training for and I really want to do it as I have worked hard for it. 2 months off is not possible right now. So, I may be back there in Dec and do this over my Xmas holiday. That is a good time to be in Brazil anyway. I wonder if sex is considered exercise after a tummy tuck? I really don't think so and I didn't ask questions I didn't want answers for.

Any pics to share? You know I am not into twinks anymore so I promise not to get a crush. hehe

LOL. I was a gaiety regular when I was 27 years old. I supported at least 3 PR boys from Stella's weekly. Those were good times. The Thai economy is suffering as they don't seem to be able to get a grip on their monetary currency. That or our USD just fucking sucks over and over and over again.

I flew into JFK yesterday to be met by a VERY long line waiting for taxi's. The guys that work the airport even changed prices and it was 30 a head to go to Manhattann and they were putting 2 or 3 in each car. Even with that, the line was a few hours to wait. I called a taxi service to pick me up to get out of this mess. Aparently, the drivers are on a slow down or strike. Here is an article I read on it today. If you are flying into the city be prepared. http://www.workers.org/2007/editorials/taxi-0913/

I have always been humbled and amazed when I hear his voice. I remember the first time I saw him, I had chills. He was a true legend. He will be missed!

In one day, Apple showed off its new line of toys. The new stuff looks great and I'm excited to get my hands on the new Nano. They lowered the price of the IPhone 200. I can honestly say it is the best gadget I've ever owned. Now it is a reasonable price.

The annual festival is getting closer and closer. Is there going to be anyone on here that is headed up there? If you have never been, it is one of the most amazing weekends, you will ever have! http://www.bbcm.org

Towny, Thank you for all the updates on the events. You do seem to get around. Are you into circuit parties all over? Going to Black and Blue this year?

I leave NYC for a few years and return to go to one of my favorite dance clubs in Queens and low and behold it is now a tittie club? What the fuck happened? Some great nights were had there. Did the place move? Is there anything left in Queens or did everything move to NYC. A tittie bar?

Unfortunately, I agree with you on this. This is not the way it should be but I do believe that the ground work is being laid for change. I also see the attitude of those who were fearful of gays for many years changing. Slowly. But, changing.

After 8 nights in Rio, I had business to attend to in NYC and headed back up North. I had a great time in Rio and perhaps more than anything discovered many things about myself. First and foremost, it is not the Brazilians that need to learn English; it is I who need to learn Portuguese. It is not going to be an easy thing to do, but if I and going to spend more and more time here over the years, it is necessary. On this trip, my friend that stays with me night and day was not here and I was a little left in the dark as the language barrier is difficult to overcome. I know that it will not be easy, but it is something I am going to work at. Second, traveling so many times in the past and spending the majority of times at the saunas really did limit my ability to connect with the real Brazil. On this trip, I got out more on my own and discovered the wondrous world of Rio. I ran along the beaches in Sao Conrado and the ones in Ipanema and Copacabana. I spent time just hanging out at the beaches and the malls. I met lots of interested people in both places and learned that I am connecting outside a sauna. Perhaps the best part of this time away from the saunas was at the gym. Some of the hottest guys and gals are there daily. They don’t get the bodies totally naturally, most have to work at it and most of them do. I really enjoyed getting to know the locals at my hotel gym as they were the ones in the condos around the area and the hotel owes the land but the gym is separate from it and guests can use it for free. I met many a great guys in this place and had a lot of fun. The hotel I have stayed at for years is really too expensive for me at this point in time. The USD really sucks and what used to be a bargain really is not anymore. I use the hotel for sleep and I take one of their cars daily to a sauna. I will eat one meal there each day and sometimes not even that. For my 8-night stay, the hotel cost was $2,600 USD. That is just not something I can do on a long-term scale and then eat out and shop and spend money on the guys. The price is high and I have finally decided not to stay there on my next visit and I will look for a more reasonable priced location and hotel. The saunas fluctuate from day to day and week to week. Some days were amazing and some days were just OK. I always found what I was looking for and I now have more patience than I did before. I have also learned to say no to the drinks, the food, and all the other things the guys ask for. If it is someone I know, that is different than just someone who wants to chat. I was able to see a very middle class family o this trip and the guy really wants a long-term relationship. It is not something I have thought of for a long time but being with him a little almost every day was really refreshing. To have him treat me to a movie and dinner was a nice feeling. He was not out for the cash in my pockets but wants something even more valuable, my heart. I am not sure he will be able to break down that wall but he wants to keep in touch via e-mail till my next trip. His family was wonderful to spend time with and it was great to see an openly gay Brazilian guy with his family and the family so accepting of him and his date. A typical roll in the hay at the saunas still costs 50R. That is a normal price to pay and then tip is at your discression. I met guys who tip nothing and guys who go overboard. I’ll let you decide which category I fit into. I spent some time in Botofogo and enjoyed the area. I also spend some time in the poor area behind my hotel. It took a bit of adventure to roam around and the longer I was there the more I tended to roam. The more I roamed, the more I learned. The more I learned the more I realize I need to know.

I really do suggest you get Danilo to come to Rio with you. He will do it for the same rate, plus the hotel and food. He is well worth the extra effort. There was another lad in Rio named Eduardo and some of the guys at gaytravelbrazil.com may be able to get in touch with him. He was fun as well. The gyms are everywhere. My beach in Sao Conrado has a place at the end that the muscle guys used to work out. But, there are gyms everywhere. I suggest you ask you hotel about that. The Atlantico is clean and good and inexpensive. Plus, it is only 2 blocks from Pointe 202 and by your screen name, it sounds like you may have fun there!