The Virtual Coffee Shop, Diner And Corner Pub

[mikeyank]

I agree! This was a great find Mikey. Thanks for sharing it with us. It's also weird to see Anderson Cooper back as young reporter. lol I hope this young man's high school experience is a good omen for things to come.

Corey Johnson has been Speaker of the New York City Council since 2018. He was an early candidate in the recent mayoral race but dropped out and instead he ran for NYC comptroller in the Democratic primary last week. He is in second place and will apparently not win the race as he has 22% of the votes, trailing the leader Brad Lander with 31%.

This is him today.

 

[tampa24]

Wow!

I'm sorry he hasn't own election for office yet. But hopefully he still has a bright future ahead of him.

 

[tampa24]

 

[tampa24]

This is a follow-up to a convo started on another thread, which was delightfully going off topic. But it's quite suited for over here in a more open topic chit chat thread .

Hahaha, spot on Tampa! A love for sexy men and great music certainly sounds like the ingredients for great date conversation! And my 20's and 30's were amazing, but yes, fortunately not the only best years. I'm 60 and thanks to my Peter Pan complex and love for travel, I'm still having a blast in life. I have a wine room in my home, (intended to be a formal living room), but it's dedicated to music and conversation. No TV, but an antique backgammon table, shelves of books recently and long ago read, an aquarium, a couple hundred bottles of wine at the ready, adjacent bar, but most importantly, high quality Bluetooth speakers and club chairs that all face each other. Music ranges from 70's and 80's to reggae, Latin and a whole lot of jazz. Add on that I love to cook, and it's like my groups own private social club, and we love every minute. Keep safe and well, and chat ya soon!

Hi Brady,

I thought we might pick up our convo over here. Since you mention a love of jazz, I was introduced to jazz musicians (of the 80's) who fused light jazz with a Latin, Brazilian, Portuguese vibe. I'd be curious to know if you were familiar with Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour and Ivan Lins. Their album "Harlequin" released in 1985 is one of my favorites.

 

[BradyD1]

Guess I found my way Tampa, thanks for the invite! And yes, been a while since I've heard this/his/their version, but incredible. When I read Dave Grusin, I immediately thought the Dave Grusin Quartet with Lee Ritenour... Wow! We really are kindred spirits. How about Manhattan Transfer's version "Metropolis (Arlequim Desconhecido)"? It's from their album "Brazil" from 1987. I'll see what I can do to post, but traveling. Actually, the entire "Brazil" album, which was a fairly big departure for MH, is amazing, start to finish! Combines several of the elements and genres we've already spoken about, and still a favorite. I'd say check it out, but something tells me you already know every track! Looking forward to more chat! Thanks again for inviting me to the Pub!

 

[tampa24]

For anyone who may be curious about this particular album I found this info from Wiki. It got plenty of accolades. There are many tracks that are just as good, if not better than this one I've shared. It has some that are just great instrumental light jazz with no vocals. (If non-English lyrics are not your thing.) It's not an album/DVD that has only 1-3 tracks worth listening to, and the rest is all filler. Not at all. haha

"Harlequin is a collaborative studio album by American pianist Dave Grusin and American guitarist Lee Ritenour, released in 1985 through GRP Records. The album reached No. 2 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart, and earned a 1986 Grammy Award for Best Arrangement on an Instrumental for "Early A.M. Attitude". Harlequin also earned Grammy nominations for Best Engineered Recording, Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocals, and Best Pop Instrumental Performance."

 

[tampa24]

Guess I found my way Tampa, thanks for the invite! And yes, been a while since I've heard this/his/their version, but incredible. When I read Dave Grusin, I immediately thought the Dave Grusin Quartet with Lee Ritenour... Wow! We really are kindred spirits. How about Manhattan Transfer's version "Metropolis (Arlequim Desconhecido)"? It's from their album "Brazil" from 1987. I'll see what I can do to post, but traveling. Actually, the entire "Brazil" album, which was a fairly big departure for MH, is amazing, start to finish! Combines several of the elements and genres we've already spoken about, and still a favorite. I'd say check it out, but something tells me you already know every track! Looking forward to more chat! Thanks again for inviting me to the Pub!

Hi Brady,

I'm so glad you found your way over. haha Yes, I figured you might recognize the names of Dave Grusin or Lee Ritenour. I'm so glad you recognize the title track of this album. I must admit that I am not familiar with MH's album "Brazil". I'll have to look it up.

It sounds like an invitation to your place with great music and great conversation is quite the experience. Interesting things to look at in the room and discuss. In this internet, social media, tv age...what a lost art that last one of good face-to-face conversation can be! haha

It was actually a random invitation to someone's home around 1986 that led me to the Harlequin album. I was in my last full year of study at university and had a couple friends (straight) who I knew quite well as dorm-mates from the hall in Freshmen and sophmore year. The one I had even been roommates with in an apartment off campus for one year. Really good guy. Can't say enough great things about him. Anyway, one of our mutual friends invited us to go visit a buddy of his who lived back in his home city of New Port Richey. The buddy was cool with him bringing a couple friends with him over for the visit. So off from Tampa to NPR we went.

When we got there we met the guy who was close to our age of around 23-ish. He still lived at home with the folks and had a large bedroom/entertainment room on the back porch of the house. He had plenty of chairs and seating. It felt very open with a long row of tall windows overlooking the back yard. We arrived shortly before dark. He was just delightful. He was happy to see his old childhod friend, happy to meet his new company, and was very cordial and gracious to all of us. This was pre-PC computer days. So he had no computer and I don't think he even had a tv in his room. No cell phones. haha

So we talked and conversed and kind of broke the ice with each other. The guy had plenty of board games and a large collection of music. And he enjoyed good conversation. He was also paraplegic and confined to a wheelchair. Our mutual friend J had not shared that with the two of us prior to the visit. Probably because he considered it unimportant. So honestly there was some initial internal surprise upon first meeting the friend, but we took our cue from J that his friend's (and our host's) health conditions were totally unimportant. So neither of the other two of us made any mention of it. Nor of course did we ever even consider asking any nosey or intrusive questions about it.

After talking for a bit we found that one game or board game that all four of us had in common, was chess. So as luck would have it he had two chess boards and the four of us decided to play a couple games together. Our skill level at the game was not high, mind you. For myself not even enough to get on a high school chess team. haha All four of us were innately intelligent and had our own skill sets and fortes. We saw nothing to prove in becoming chess masters. So chess for us was more of a game of socializing, along with the added healthy benefit of getting blood pumping to the firing neurons. Much more so than it was to win the game or "crush" the opponent. So it turned out to be a perfect unpsoken understanding among like-minded souls that these were to be very friendly matches of chess, with conversation allowed, and the goal of "winning the game" being secondary to the goal of enjoying each other's company in the process. Our host loved music and put some on lightly in the background.

Well, for any of you who are familiar with chess, it can actually become rather stressful in deciding on strategies and pondering all the variables and possible consequences of certain moves. It's not nearly as laid-back and amenable to socializing as other options like cards or Monopoly for instance. So there were a few points during the match when I felt a little bit of stress and tension rising up in the room. That's when our host seemed to have read the room and conveniently decided to put on the album Harlequin.

I had never heard it or any of the music from it before. But as the soothing melodic tones started from the speakers I just felt waves of peace, calm, contentment and I dare say even a sense of brotherly love, as the music washed over the room. While the neurons were still firing at rapid pace as we each debated our next moves, the whole mood shifted to a much more positive vibe. Right at a point when "the game" threatened to pull us too deeply into our our heads and push us into taking it seriously, the music pulled us back to a reality that was even better than before we had started. For myself personally the stress or tension of deciding on 2 or 3 possible moves was all but gone. With the help of the music I was able to stay very grounded and aware that this was only a game for enjoyment. Again, the goal of winning was not that important. I was acutely aware that the true purpose of my being there (seemingly by random chance, ahem!) was for the joy and the enjoyment of just "being" with good friends and great souls in a safe and caring space.

When the chess games were over we continued chatting for a while. I complimented our host on his choice of music and mentioned the jazz one in particular. That's when he pulled out the actual red album cover that I was grateful to be able to actually see for my own possible future purchase. He told me the name of it. More easy-going great conversation ensued amongst the four of us as the evening wound down on a wonderful visit.

Having heard the name and having seen the album cover I made it my mission to eventually get the album. At the time I personally did not have my own record player. haha But I did get the album. So Harlequin for me is also a reminder of that great memory.

But that whole night and the visit to the guy's home with my other 2 college friends stands out in my mind as just a jewel in time. One of those great memories of youth. And it did happen to be in the 80's and when I was in my 20's. haha

 

[BradyD1]

Thanks for sharing such a great moment in time Tampa. I only played chess with a neighbor boy when we were both around 13 or 14 years old. But we begin doing what boys that age sometimes do, that took precedence over chess for a while, and I never picked chess back up. I did however stick with our other past time! lol.

I do have a sweet chess story to relate though. I have a guy in my life that is like a son to me. We met when he was a server. He was a recovering addict, (crack), but clean from being in rehab for 9 months. He was/is adorable and I naturally threw out a line to see if I could reel him in the first time I met him. Sadly for me he is straight, so alas nothing. But we kept going back, asking for him as a server, became friends and I found out he had horrible parents, no drivers license and no car. He was 23 y/o trying his best and was full of hope, but had no guidance or support. I took a chance, he moved in, and I'm proud to say 10 years later he has stayed clean and is now an AGM of an indoor entertainment location that's part of a nationwide chain, with his sights set on being a GM within a year or so, making well into 6 figures. Just a little backstory on him.

We lived in a two story home and I came downstairs one night to get some water. I paused on the landing and looked down and into the kitchen and there he sits at our kitchen table with a buddy. They're playing chess. They had glasses of red wine, a little cheese plate and had jazz playing in the background. They sat there with their legs crossed at the knees like two little old Italian men in the park both intently concentrating on the board and sipping wine. They were both about 25 or so at the time. Both were adorable and handsome at the same time, had great bodies and could have any girls they wanted. Yet there they sat, because that's what they wanted. I stood there for a few minutes just watching with a big smile on my face, because that's what was now important to him/them. Not the drugs he had worked so hard to beat, or that he could be out with an equally hot buddy bringing back girls, (although he did that enough too). Just a few games of chess, a little charcuterie, great conversation, some jazz and some good wine, (he had insanely good taste even at an early age, and has an extensive wine knowledge now).

All of those things were transformative to him, and he loves all of those things to this day, including playing chess. Little things in life can make a big difference. The other reason I stood there smiling that night was because I was so proud and happy that this was how he chose to, and was able to live his life because I took a chance and believed in him.

I originally started writing this reply to you stating that I didn't have an evening of chess that was as impactful as the amazing story you shared. But then I remembered this evening years ago, and realized I actually did, but from a completely different vantage point! I love this chess loving young man like my own flesh and blood.

He's 32 now and I don't get to see he and his fiancé as much as I'd like, but I'm making dinner for them and their other wonderful two roommates this coming week after I get back to Florida. It will be an evening of great food, amazing wine, wonderful conversation, jazz and showtunes. He's the gayest str8 guy ever, and I love him to pieces.

I'll finish this transformative tale by telling you that I wasn't just there for him. He was put into my life for an equally important reason. To be by my side, hold my hand, encourage me and help guide me through years of horrific near death medical issues requiring six major surgeries and month upon month of recovery, surgery, labs, doctors appointments... repeat. During those long nights and trying times, I taught him to play backgammon. "I like it" he said. "I still like chess better, but strategy is strategy."

We play occasionally to this day, and I'm sure we'll be playing after dinner this coming week!

I hope you have a great weekend Tampa! Chat more soon if you'd like.

All my best!

B-

 

[tampa24]

Wow!

Thanks for sharing all that Brady. Those are great stories and great insights on the human condition. In the beginning of your story it sounded like you came to his rescue and saved him. (Even if it was saving him from himself and some poor life decisions...plus probably some tough breaks in his early life that were out of his control.) Then it sounded like the roles almost reversed for a while. So in the long game, who saved who? haha Who was brought into whose life for the greater purpose? The savior or the saved? And which one is which?

Also I just wanted to add for other readers that they are free to comment or add insights here if they please to the convos between Brady and I. I don't mind. We know we're sharing this in a somewhat public space.

 

[tampa24]

From Variety magazine:

***************************************************

Simon Rex Male Porn Star Movie ‘Red Rocket’ Premieres in Cannes to Ecstatic Standing Ovation and Awards Buzz

Ramin Setoodeh

Wed, July 14, 2021, 1:13 PM

Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday afternoon to another standing ovation, as one of the stronger U.S. films to debut in the South of France.

The drama, which will be distributed in the United States by A24, received five minutes of sustained applause inside the Palais.

“It’s amazing to be here at the Cannes Film Festival, especially this year, in which we’re seeing cinema come back,” Baker said in brief remarks to the crowd. “It feels so great to be back in a movie theater.”

“Red Rocket” follows a washed-up male porn star, Mikey Saber (played by Simon Rex), who moves back home to Texas City, Texas, crashing on his mother-in-law’s couch and trying to patch things up with his estranged wife Lexi (Bree Elrod) during the summer before the 2016 presidential election. As Mikey looks to make a comeback, he starts to court Strawberry (Suzanna Son), a 17-year-old teenager who works at a local donut shop.

So far, the reviews for “Red Rocket” have called it one of the best films at Cannes.

Baker’s last movie, 2018’s “The Florida Project,” nabbed a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for Willem Dafoe and earned a spot on many critics’ top 10 lists, and “Tangerine” was a darling out of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

With the right release strategy from A24, “Red Rocket” seems like it could be Baker’s most mainstream movie yet, with its setting in Trump’s America and winks at ’00s culture (the film opens with the *NSYNC hit “Bye Bye Bye”).

The Indie Spirits Awards should already reserve a table for Baker and his cast, including newcomer Son — who received the loudest applause in Cannes.

Even this far out before the 2022 Oscars, the movie looks like it could be a contender in the best original screenplay category, as Baker is overdue for his first Oscar nomination (he co-wrote the script with Chris Bergoch). Baker also edited “Red Rocket,” in addition to directing the film.

It would be hard to imagine A24 not launching a best actor campaign for Rex, who delivers a real, charismatic, gritty performance — which includes a scene where he runs, a la Forrest Gump, through the street, only he’s completely nude. Before gaining notoriety as an MTV VJ and actor (“Scary Movie”), Rex appeared in a solo male pornographic film, giving a meta-layer quality to his work in “Red Rocket.”

As the crowd in France clapped for Rex, he smiled and nervously played with his bowtie. He should get used to the spotlight. This is going to be a big year for him.

*******************************************
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/simon-rex-male-porn-star-171308766.html

 

[BradyD1]

Wow!

Thanks for sharing all that Brady. Those are great stories and great insights on the human condition. In the beginning of your story it sounded like you came to his rescue and saved him. (Even if it was saving him from himself and some poor life decisions...plus probably some tough breaks in his early life that were out of his control.) Then it sounded like the roles almost reversed for a while. So in the long game, who saved who? haha Who was brought into whose life for the greater purpose? The savior or the saved? And which one is which?

Also I just wanted to add for other readers that they are free to comment or add insights here if they please to the convos between Brady and I. I don't mind. We know we're sharing this in a somewhat public space.

Sorry Tampa, between travel and life in general I got a bit side tracked! You are spot on! It was mutual saving between the two of us. He is like a son to me. When anything happens in his life, good, bad or indifferent, I'm the first one he calls. We've cried together, I faced death with him firmly by my side, and thankfully beat it, but fortunately the good times and laughter have outweighed the tough times. May that always be the case for all of us!

Enjoying the convos and yes, I'm completely fine with anyone chiming in as well.

Hope you're having a great week! I'll check back in later.
B-

 

[BradyD1]

From Variety magazine:

***************************************************

Simon Rex Male Porn Star Movie ‘Red Rocket’ Premieres in Cannes to Ecstatic Standing Ovation and Awards Buzz

Ramin Setoodeh

Wed, July 14, 2021, 1:13 PM

Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday afternoon to another standing ovation, as one of the stronger U.S. films to debut in the South of France.

The drama, which will be distributed in the United States by A24, received five minutes of sustained applause inside the Palais.

“It’s amazing to be here at the Cannes Film Festival, especially this year, in which we’re seeing cinema come back,” Baker said in brief remarks to the crowd. “It feels so great to be back in a movie theater.”

“Red Rocket” follows a washed-up male porn star, Mikey Saber (played by Simon Rex), who moves back home to Texas City, Texas, crashing on his mother-in-law’s couch and trying to patch things up with his estranged wife Lexi (Bree Elrod) during the summer before the 2016 presidential election. As Mikey looks to make a comeback, he starts to court Strawberry (Suzanna Son), a 17-year-old teenager who works at a local donut shop.

So far, the reviews for “Red Rocket” have called it one of the best films at Cannes.

Baker’s last movie, 2018’s “The Florida Project,” nabbed a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for Willem Dafoe and earned a spot on many critics’ top 10 lists, and “Tangerine” was a darling out of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

With the right release strategy from A24, “Red Rocket” seems like it could be Baker’s most mainstream movie yet, with its setting in Trump’s America and winks at ’00s culture (the film opens with the *NSYNC hit “Bye Bye Bye”).

The Indie Spirits Awards should already reserve a table for Baker and his cast, including newcomer Son — who received the loudest applause in Cannes.

Even this far out before the 2022 Oscars, the movie looks like it could be a contender in the best original screenplay category, as Baker is overdue for his first Oscar nomination (he co-wrote the script with Chris Bergoch). Baker also edited “Red Rocket,” in addition to directing the film.

It would be hard to imagine A24 not launching a best actor campaign for Rex, who delivers a real, charismatic, gritty performance — which includes a scene where he runs, a la Forrest Gump, through the street, only he’s completely nude. Before gaining notoriety as an MTV VJ and actor (“Scary Movie”), Rex appeared in a solo male pornographic film, giving a meta-layer quality to his work in “Red Rocket.”

As the crowd in France clapped for Rex, he smiled and nervously played with his bowtie. He should get used to the spotlight. This is going to be a big year for him.

*******************************************
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/simon-rex-male-porn-star-171308766.html

Sounds like this might be one not to miss! Simon's eyes have always just melted my soul!

 

[BradyD1]

BTW Tampa, I know you've been on here quite a while, longer than me I believe. Do you know what ever became of Ms. Kianna, or how she is? She was a bright spot and sounding board for me years ago when I was involved with a guy half my age, (what the hell was I thinking?). But life gets in the way and we lost touch and I never heard from her again. She was incredible, supportive and so sweet. My chats with her were like late night therapy sessions and helped me a great deal. Let me know if you know, or if anyone out there reading this knows. Hoping she is living her best life!

 

[tampa24]

Hi Brady!

Others may chime in Ms. Kianna with more up-to-date news. But yes I do her remember her very well and with great fondness. She was indeed a shining light in here. I very much hope that she is doing well. I believe others have mentioned fairly recently that they say her on Facebook and that she appears to be doing well. She told us a little bit about having a young son back in the day. For all I know he could be in high school or college by now. lol I join with you in wishing and hoping that she is living her best life.

 

[tampa24]

Thanks for sharing such a great moment in time Tampa. I only played chess with a neighbor boy when we were both around 13 or 14 years old. But we begin doing what boys that age sometimes do, that took precedence over chess for a while, and I never picked chess back up. I did however stick with our other past time! lol.

I do have a sweet chess story to relate though. I have a guy in my life that is like a son to me. We met when he was a server. He was a recovering addict, (crack), but clean from being in rehab for 9 months. He was/is adorable and I naturally threw out a line to see if I could reel him in the first time I met him. Sadly for me he is straight, so alas nothing. But we kept going back, asking for him as a server, became friends and I found out he had horrible parents, no drivers license and no car. He was 23 y/o trying his best and was full of hope, but had no guidance or support. I took a chance, he moved in, and I'm proud to say 10 years later he has stayed clean and is now an AGM of an indoor entertainment location that's part of a nationwide chain, with his sights set on being a GM within a year or so, making well into 6 figures. Just a little backstory on him.

We lived in a two story home and I came downstairs one night to get some water. I paused on the landing and looked down and into the kitchen and there he sits at our kitchen table with a buddy. They're playing chess. They had glasses of red wine, a little cheese plate and had jazz playing in the background. They sat there with their legs crossed at the knees like two little old Italian men in the park both intently concentrating on the board and sipping wine. They were both about 25 or so at the time. Both were adorable and handsome at the same time, had great bodies and could have any girls they wanted. Yet there they sat, because that's what they wanted. I stood there for a few minutes just watching with a big smile on my face, because that's what was now important to him/them. Not the drugs he had worked so hard to beat, or that he could be out with an equally hot buddy bringing back girls, (although he did that enough too). Just a few games of chess, a little charcuterie, great conversation, some jazz and some good wine, (he had insanely good taste even at an early age, and has an extensive wine knowledge now).

All of those things were transformative to him, and he loves all of those things to this day, including playing chess. Little things in life can make a big difference. The other reason I stood there smiling that night was because I was so proud and happy that this was how he chose to, and was able to live his life because I took a chance and believed in him.

I originally started writing this reply to you stating that I didn't have an evening of chess that was as impactful as the amazing story you shared. But then I remembered this evening years ago, and realized I actually did, but from a completely different vantage point! I love this chess loving young man like my own flesh and blood.

He's 32 now and I don't get to see he and his fiancé as much as I'd like, but I'm making dinner for them and their other wonderful two roommates this coming week after I get back to Florida. It will be an evening of great food, amazing wine, wonderful conversation, jazz and showtunes. He's the gayest str8 guy ever, and I love him to pieces.

I'll finish this transformative tale by telling you that I wasn't just there for him. He was put into my life for an equally important reason. To be by my side, hold my hand, encourage me and help guide me through years of horrific near death medical issues requiring six major surgeries and month upon month of recovery, surgery, labs, doctors appointments... repeat. During those long nights and trying times, I taught him to play backgammon. "I like it" he said. "I still like chess better, but strategy is strategy."

We play occasionally to this day, and I'm sure we'll be playing after dinner this coming week!

I hope you have a great weekend Tampa! Chat more soon if you'd like.

All my best!

B-

I still marvel at the story you shared above Brady. Of course our stories involving chess were only to make the bigger points of the beauty of life. For my story the chess game of course was merely a prop that guided us through a wonderful evening. It could have been any game or hobby.

But I do appreciate your awe at seeing how mature your "son" had become in wanting and choosing to stay in and enjoy a quiet evening in the company of a friend while sipping a good wine and playing chess. That is certainly not the norm when we consider the stereotype of the late teeenager early 20 something, whose priorities are typically just the most base common denominators like getting drunk, getting high or getting laid. lol Or even worse, being out on the streets purposely getting into mischief. How heartwarming and comforting that must have been for you to stand on the landing of the stairway and see such a peaceful and innocent gathering in your home. Maybe the kid(s) are gonna be alright. haha

 

[tampa24]

 

[Jaybifla]

I’m obsessed with watching different Chiropractic videos and came across this one. I had to share. Apparently this guy is a soccer player.

 

[Jaybifla]

love this. I’d leave the key under the mat and be on the bed with my ass tilted up. Just sayin. Lol

 

[tampa24]

love this. I’d leave the key under the mat and be on the bed with my ass tilted up. Just sayin. Lol

Well he does call himself a fairy. So....... haha

 

[tampa24]

I’m obsessed with watching different Chiropractic videos and came across this one. I had to share. Apparently this guy is a soccer player.

I enjoyed that one. I'm assuming they are both in Italy. The doctor seemed to alrternate between Italian and English at verious points. And the patient was really cute in his underwear. I enjoy watching some of the chiropractic vids also. Not so much for the semi-sexual content, but the loud pops and the look of relief on the patients' faces. When they have a patient who is in really terrible pain from an injury or a long term condition, and the chiropractor all but fixes them in 1-3 visits, it's just an amazing sight to behold. I remember one with a wee British lad who came in with a painful neck injury and the chiropractor more or less cured it before our eyes.

Please feel free to share more of these Jay. And if they are hunky athletes or on the semi-nude side you can either share them here or over on the "Hot Professional & College Sports Guys" thread.