Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Applause! Applause! Review of John Barr's "In Whatever Time We Have" by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens

This review of John Barr's "In Whatever Time We Have" was written and published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause!

"In Whatever Time We Have" - John Barr
Eighty-Eight's (228 West 10th Street, NYC)

The flyer announcing John Barr's appearance at 88's boasts that "On the West End stage, he has played leading roles in Les Miserables, Evita, Sweeney Todd, Aspects of Love and the European premiere of Flora, The Red Menace." After seeing his cabaret show, I can confirm that John Barr can sing beautifully and can certainly belt out a note. He belongs on Broadway and in London's West End. However, in my opinion, he should not perform again in a cabaret setting until someone sits him down and explains to him what "cabaret' is all about. According to his publicity packet, John Barr "has become established as one of (London Cabaret's) most consistently successful and popular performers." If this is true, I may skip the Cabaret Convention in London in 1999.

Last year, John Barr performed at the Seventh Annual New York Cabaret Convention. His first time in front of a New York cabaret audience. If his cabaret credentials from London were legitimate, he should have knocked them dead, especially given his extensive stage experience. I did not see his performance at the Seventh Annual Cabaret Convention. However, I was told by a trusted friend who did that he did not go over well. When that same friend innocently mentioned to John Barr that she caught his performance, he immediately became defensive arguing that "he was very nervous" at the Convention.

I was not moved emotionally by any song John Barr sang. I sat stonefaced as his adoring fans that made up the majority of the room cheered him on. Even his rendition of "Corner of the Sky" exhibited no real emotion. Another critic attending the show that evening told me outside that "John forgot to reach inside to feel." That same critic told me that John Barr was in fact much improved from last year. Perhaps that is true. But he still has a very long way to go.

Cabaret is about intimacy. Sharing with your audience. Singing songs with the inflections and emotions you wish to emphasize. John Barr sings cabaret as if he were belting out a song in a large theatre. Although he seemed pleasant enough, his audience was unable to capture a glimpse of his personality. Perhaps it is the fact that he is British and incapable or unwilling to express his true self and his feelings in public. Perhaps it is just that he needs to re-think his approach to cabaret. I want John Barr to succeed and I think he has the talent to put together a great cabaret show one day.

Applause! Applause! Review of Varla Jean Merman's "Peel Me A Grape" by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens

This review of Varla Jean Merman's show entitled "Peel Me A Grape" was written and published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause!

"Peel Me A Grape" - Varla Jean Merman
Eighty Eight's (228 West 10th Street, NYC)

"Peel Me a Grape" is quite simply one of the finest, most entertaining cabaret shows I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. I cannot recommend it enough. If you miss Jeffrey T. Roberson as Varla Jean Merman in "Peel Me A Grape," you will be a diminished individual as a result of your loss. Every second of this show is performed brilliantly and is an audio visual extravaganza. Varla Jean Merman has pre-taped hilarious videos to accompany some of her songs.

The show is enhanced by the active participation of the Lounge-o-Leers (Ricky Ritzel and Aaron Morishita). During a costume change, Ricky Ritzel actually sings a song. This entire show works on every level. The banter between Varla Jean and Ricky is never boring. Varla Jean Merman at all times uses her own magnificent voice which has an excellent range. To pick one song out as my favorite is absolutely impossible. There are hilarious song parodies, many original songs and some old standards performed in quite a unique way.

Varla Jean Merman is destined for stardom. I see two CD's and national recognition coming to her doorstep in the next two years. True talent cannot be denied! Varla Jean Merman won a 1997 Leonardo daVinci Award for Best Performing Artist because of her performance in "Peel Me A Grape" when it first opened at 88's earlier in the year. This extended run of "Peel Me A Grape" which I have just recently seen is actually better than the original since Varla Jean has added one additional song to the show (with accompanying video) that is top quality. Do not miss this show!!! One final performance will take place on Thursday, November 20, 1997 at 10:30 p.m.. Call 212-924-0088 after 4 p.m. to make reservations.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Zoosexuals Adopt Slogan In Support Of Carl Person For President In 2012

In the wake of Carl Person's position in support of decriminalizing bestiality, many zoosexuals have come out in support of Carl Person for President of the United States in 2012.

A number of prominent zoosexuals, who wish to remain anonymous, have adopted a slogan in support of Carl Person's campaign.

That slogan is the following:

What can you do
If you're a Zoo?
Support Carl Person
He'll fight for you!

Carl Person is currently seeking the Presidential Nomination of the Libertarian Party.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Applause! Applause! Review of Jane A. Johnston & Paul Horner by Andrew Martin

This review of Jane A. Johnston & Paul Horner at Danny's Skylight Room was written by Andrew Martin and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

California Shakes It Up
Danny's Skylight Room (346 West 46th Street, NYC)

The shores of New York begin to teem in October with the sudden arrival of out-of-town talent arriving for the Cabaret Convention. It's a time when those who've already begun achieving local legend in the clubs of Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and London can show the New York cabaret contingent how it's done out of town. And two performers who arrived direct from Hollywood proved stellar examples of same this time around.

The first was Jane A. Johnston, who kicked off her five-week engagement of "Hollywood Party" at the Restaurant Row eatery-kum-cabaret on the fortieth anniversary of her opening night in "Happy Hunting" on Broadway, starring Ethel Merman. For a lady who took quite a long hiatus since performing in New York, it was easy to see that Johnston was and is above all else a pro who knows her effortless way about the boards. Absolute standout: Rodgers & Hart's little known ballad "My Friend The Night", at once hushed, haunting, and just lovely. Kudos to Jane A. Johnston, and let's hope her next return to NYC need not center solely on the Convention.

Playing for Johnston, in addition to the always-flawless John Loehrke on upright bass, was composer/pianist/entertainer Paul Horner, perhaps best known for his collaboration with Miss Peggy Lee on the ill-fated Broadway show "Peg". Horner brought his own talents and splendiferous sense of raconteurism to a show which was nothing short of the very best cabaret had to offer in October. Best numbers included "Windows" (made most famous in cabaret circles by KT Sullivan) and "The Last Noel", a Yuletide tribute to Sir Noel Coward which firmly places Horner among America's greatest special material penners now or ever. In a nutshell, Paul Horner is a must-see.

Applause! Applause! Review of Minimum Wage & Baby Boomerang by Andrew Martin

This review of "Minimum Wage" and "Baby Boomerang" at 55 Grove Street Cabaret at Rose's Turn was written by Andrew Martin and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

"Wage" Wins and "Boomerang" Ricochets
55 Grove Street Cabaret at Rose's Turn (NYC)

Rose's Turn, at 55 Grove Street in the West Village, has scored with several bonafide cabaret and comedy hits in the seven years since it opened. To their impressive list may now be added two new shows which will continue to play at the club throughout the winter of 1997-98, namely vocal/comedy group Minimum Wage, and the stand-up comedians comprising the group Baby Boomerang.

Minimum Wage (which features Brian Chenoweth, Sean Harris, Jeff LaGreca and Charlie LaGreca) may well be the freshest, the most glorious, the most unique group of its type in the history of the rising a cappella idiom. Harmonies both solid and heavenly are balanced by a sense of genius comedy, and all woven together with a theme that only a quartet as brilliant as these four could pull off. And pull it off they do. To find out, reserve your own seats for Friday nights at 8 p.m. by calling (212) 366-5438.

And "Baby Boomerang" has really become The Little Comedy Show That Could. Comedians Debi Kops, John Kowie, Ken Scudder, Brian McManus and Pete Florax (in addition to troupe members Rodney Craig and Linda San Lucas) have continued bringing their always-humorous take on the joys of belonging to the Baby Boomer generation to the club, and momentum for the show is deservedly picking up. Cabaretgoers who don't usually do "the stand-up comedy thing" will absolutely want to attend the next performance of "Baby Boomerang" for it's sheer entertainment and sense of endless fun, and that's a promise.

Applause! Applause! Review of Vickie Phillips & Barry Phillips by Andrew Martin

This review of Vickie Phillips' show "To Grandmother's House We Go" at Don't Tell Mama and Barry Phillips' show "A Gentleman Sings -- Volume 4" at Danny's was written by Andrew Martin and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

Phillips Scores In Cabaret...And So Does Phillips
Don't Tell Mama & Danny's Skylight Room (NYC)

Strictly by coincidence, Restaurant Row played host to two equally impressive cabaret performers in October, both with the surname Phillips. And whether it was Vickie Phillips' show, "To Grandmother's House We Go", at Don't Tell Mama (343 West 46th Street; 212-757-0788), or Barry Phillips' "A Gentleman Sings -- Volume 4" at Danny's (346 West 46th Street; 212-265-8133), a splendid time was had by all.

The aforementioned Ms. Phillips, who debuted the show at the club in June, gets high marks for her inventive choices in material: such novelty numbers as the pithy "Monopoly" are balanced by a striking reading of Jacques Brel's "Marieke" and the chanteuse's ever-excellent delivery of Maltby & Shire's "Life Story." Overall, the show provides a marvelous showcase for Vickie Phillips, a gifted cabaret entertainer who shows why she's deserved Bistro awards and MAC nominations. It should return to Don't Tell Mama in the near future...in a just world.

This critic had never seen Barry Phillips in a full-length show, but had heard positive accolades for the last several seasons, and the hearsay is wholeheartedly justified. Phillips combines a fine ear for vocal arranging (as evidenced on such numbers as "Misty") and nearly-heartwrenching ability on bluesy pop ballads by Stevie Wonder and Edgar Winter. In addition, a key element that sets Barry Phillips' "A Gentleman Sings -- Volume 4" apart from most other cabaret acts this season is its sense of innate intelligence, the very fabric of which this show is woven. Whether the show, or Barry Phillips in his next program of songs, return to a club near you in the near future, get thee there.

Applause! Applause! Review of the CD "Christmas Cocktails" by Marle Becker

This review of the CD "Christmas Cocktails" was written by Marle Becker and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

"Christmas Cocktails" - Various Artists
(Capitol Records, CDP-52559)

Following in the footsteps of the fifteen or more CD's in Capitol's enormously successful and satisfying Ultra-Lounge series - and just in time for Christmas - comes, what else but "Christmas Cocktails". A little bit of be-bop, a little bit of sentiment; from Billy May's "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo" (originally released as a single in 1953) to Ray Anthony's previously un-released cover of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas", here's the CD to put you in the mood for the holidays whether you like it or not.

Produced by Wayne Watkins and compiled by Bruce Benedict, "Cocktails" also features such treats as Julie London, the Hollyridge Strings, and Lou Rawls, nicely showcased in one CD. For those who love the season, here's the perfect companion to enhance the festivities; for the grumps and grouches who can't wait for the holidays to be over, its just campy enough to help you bide your time. But camp or not, "Christmas Cocktails" is by far the best and most fun of all the compilations in the Christmas bins at your local record store. Besides, where else can you hear Kay Starr's "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag"?

Don't pass this one up; it's pure heaven; the perfect stocking stuffer. Happy Holidays!

Applause! Applause! Review of Michael Callen's CD "Legacy" by Marle Becker

This review of Michael Callen's CD "Legacy" was written by Marle Becker and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

"Legacy" - Michael Callen
(Significant Other Records, S0951)

A treasure trove of Michael Callen's music. No need to go into detail - just buy it!

Applause! Applause! Review of Joni James' CD "Merry Christmas From Joni" & "Give Us This Day - Songs Of Inspiration" by Marle Becker

This review of Joni James' reissue of 2 classic holiday LP's on 1 CD, which includes "Merry Christmas From Joni" and "Give Us This Day - Songs Of Inspiration" was written by Marle Becker and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

"Two Classic Holiday Albums from Joni James" - Joni James
(Taragon Records, TARCD-3004)

To Joni James fans, her here's-my-heart-on-my-sleeve delivery has always been, and continues to be, one of the singer's major trademarks. Nowhere is that distinction more evident than on the reissue of 2 classic holiday LP's on 1 admirably fine CD: "Merry Christmas from Joni" and "Give Us This Day - Songs of Inspiration".

The Christmas portion covers carols and such heirlooms as "The Christmas Song" and Irving Berlin's "White Christmas", while the inspirational half - though never preachy or didactic - features such gems as "Count Your Blessings" and "You'll Never Walk Alone".

The benchmark here, however, is her recording of "Christmas and You", a big hit for the winsome singer in the early 50's. Though other singers have covered this treasure, Joni's remains the original and the ultimate; worth the price of the CD alone.

Ms. James, whose recent return to the concert stage has critics searching for new adjectives and audiences on their feet begging for more, has personally guided and supervised the transition from vinyl to state-of-the-art CD and the result is another superb performance from the legendary songbird.

The perfect gift for every music lover on your shopping list. And while you're at it, don't forget to check out the other treasures in the "Joni Collection". If your record store doesn't have it, contact Taragon directly at 516-242-8760.

Applause! Applause! Review of Blossom Dearie's CD "Christmas Spice, So Very Nice" by Marle Becker

This review of Blossom Dearie's CD "Christmas Spice, So Very Nice" was written by Marle Becker and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens.

"Christmas Spice, So Very Nice" - Blossom Dearie
(Daffodil Records, BMD Vol. XVI)

Blossom Dearie's holiday CD, "Christmas Spice, So Very Nice", is everything you'd expect it to be and a bag of chips. Assisted by Mike Renzi, Jay Leonhart, Jay Berliner, and Grady Tate - all splendid musicians in their own right - Dearie and her fellas are, once again, in tip-top form and they all chip in to make this a superb CD.

"Spice" is notable and different from the normal holiday fare in that there's probably not one song you're likely to have heard before. While there are songs, by Renzi, Leonhart, and even Dearie herself, the majority are by a wonderful contemporary composer by the name of Duncan Lamont. Dearie's interpretations are warm and unadorned, full of heart, and quite simply delicious.

This CD is another stunning reminder of just how special she really is. So treat yourself well, relax, put "Christmas Spice" in the CD player and enjoy the holidays in the company of greatness like you might never have done before.

Scott Morgan, LPQC Member, Speculates Regarding The Real Motives Behind Ron Paul's Stand On Evolution & Carl Person's Stand On Bestiality

On November 27, 2011, Scott Morgan, a member of the Libertarian Party of Queens County who also has been active in the Independence Party of New York State, posted a response to Ron Paul's recent comments on evolution and to Carl Person's classification of bestiality as a victimless crime. Ron Paul is seeking the Republican Party's Presidential Nomination and Carl Person is seeking the Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination.

Scott Morgan's comments were as follows:

As hard as it might be for True Believers and Ideologues to imagine, politicians sometimes utter ritual incantations to placate their "base". Ron Paul, though a legitimate libertarian, quite simply needs a fair share of the dung-ignorant yahoo vote to be electorally viable, and he is being pressed hard by the Bachmann-Cain-Perry-Santorum wingnuts for even that. Obviously, as a physician, Paul had to take-- and pass-- any number of biology courses, and since Evolution can no more be "put up for a vote" than Gravity or String Theory, he feels it's pretty much okay to spew nonsense regarding a non-essential issue. And if you're advocating removing U.S. troops from imperialist wars abroad, repealing the Patriot Act and overhauling the Fed, who needs the distraction of some illiterates demanding you hold to a "literal" interpretation of one or another translation of the Christian Bible, anyway?

Besides which, there aren't any religious tests for "libertarianism", nor should there be. True, while an ignorant misunderstanding of-- or petulant opposition to-- Evolution or String Theory might well cause one to doubt the intellectual candlepower of a friend or acquaintance, remember: politicians are just politicians. Not intellectuals, not "truth seekers", not academic researchers, not visionaries-- just damn politicians, and as such must be held to a fairly low standard.

I'm reminded of some anarchists refusing to recognize Dorothy Day of the Catholic Worker movement as a "true anarchist" because she was, well, a Catholic. N.Y. City Councilman Dan Halloran describes himself as a pagan, and is a defender of civil liberties. I know an absolutely flaming libertarian who takes great interest in the work of Zecharia Sitchin, who postulated that the ancient Hebrews' Elohim and Nefilim (like the western Chinese "giants") were extraterrestrials who mated with proto-Earthwomen to create the Human Race. (Parenthetically, Anunnaki theory can be said to support both Evolution and Natural Selection.) An odd fascination many would say, but hardly one which would prompt the dude to advocate government censorship of libraries or to enable jack-booted thugs as they stop and frisk folks who walk and talk funny, demanding their "documents".

As for bestiality? It would seem to depend upon whether one views animals as sentient beings or as "property". Also the presumption is that the animal him/herself doesn't initiate the sexual conduct. Higher primates possess language skills, even rudimentary grammar. Some can even "read" after a fashion, but few beyond the level of a State College MBA candidate. (This may be apocryphal, but the ASL "signing ape" Koko was reportedly fond of Hayek and Szasz, though found Ayn Rand insulting to her intelligence. "Bad write" Koko purportedly signed.)

The Non-Coercion Principle (apparently based on a one-liner spoken by Murrays Rothbard and Bookchin) is a tenet of "flashcard libertarianism" almost up there with "Cut Taxes!". But what constitutes "coercion"? I put landlordism, taxation and usury into pretty much the same category. To some, drivers' licenses seem little more than taxation by another name, plus a data-mining "gateway" device. I heard an antiabortion libertarian (and, no, not one of the clownish "cultural conservatives") describe abortion as "just about as coercive as it gets". So there are, reasonably, various interpretations of the term.

I believe many animals are sentient, although, of course, lack "Consciousness" in the accepted Jaynes/Hampden-Turner sense. (Oh, and Consciousness exists separate from Language, and vice versa.) In bestiality (or Zoophilia, if you prefer), "consent" is hard to determine or define. Bestiality figures prominently in American (especially Southern American) literature. Entire academic careers have been established in re the "Ike in the barn" chapter of Faulkner's The Hamlet, after all. Plus current research holds that 10-20% of all farm boys have had "animal contacts". Ah, a voting bloc! Perhaps this is why Carl would raise bestiality as a campaign issue in the first place. 

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Applause! Applause! Review of Spring Awakening at Cultural Arts Playhouse by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens

This review of the musical Spring Awakening performed at the Cultural Arts Playhouse was written by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens and published in Volume X, Issue 1 (2011) of the online edition of Applause! Applause!

Spring Awakening
Cultural Arts Playhouse (625 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY)
Reviewed 11/26/11

Spring Awakening is a musical adaptation of the controversial 1892 German play of the same name written by Frank Wedekind. It features music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. It is set in late-19th century Germany and involves teenage characters with names like Melchior, Moritz, Wendla, Ilse, Georg, Martha, Hanschen, Anna, Ernst, Thea and Otto. These teenagers, while struggling to find their way in an ordered, religious, puritanical society, face many challenges. Along the way, they deal with issues such as sexually explicit dreams, masturbation, bullying, teenage sex, pregnancy, abortion, incest, suicide, child abuse, domination, homosexuality and ultimately, death.

The good news about this production is the talent of the performers. Jesse Pimpinella was very charismatic as Melchior Gabor and Ashley Nicastro was excellent as the unbelievably naive Wendla Bergman. Mike Visconti was surprisingly powerful as Moritz Stiefel. The actor who caught my eye was Steven Matykiewicz, who played Ernst. His stage presence, acting talent and singing voice indicate to me that Mr. Matykiewicz is destined to play the lead in future productions. Also worthy of mention is Kevin Sweeney, who played the homosexual Hanschen. He was very believable in the part.

As for the musical itself, I was not impressed. The songs were not memorable and the only one that caught my attention, for a minute or two, was "Totally Fucked". The story line was extremely thin and there was little character development, which resulted in my inability to connect with any of the characters on more than a superficial level. Because of the many difficult topics addressed, there exists the potential to re-write the book to enable us to feel more deeply about each of the characters' dilemmas but as the book exists now that is all but impossible.

The Cultural Arts Playhouse is a small, comfortable theater with a friendly staff. Patrons are seated on a priority basis depending upon who purchases their tickets first. The set was far from elaborate but I understand this is typical for productions of this musical. I don't know if the theater has a Sound Engineer but on this particular evening, there were problems with the sound system that were very distracting and not corrected during intermission. Nevertheless, I will return to see future productions at the Cultural Arts Playhouse (http://www.culturalartsplayhouse.com/).

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Applause! Applause! Review of "Quentin Crisp: Eighty-Eight at Eighty Eight's" by Rita Sola

This review of Quentin Crisp in the show entitled "Quentin Crisp: Eighty-Eight at Eighty-Eights" was written by Rita Sola and appeared in Volume I, Issue 1 (November, 1997) of Applause! Applause! published by Dr. Thomas Robert Stevens. The show took place at Eighty-Eights located at 228 West 10th Street in Manhattan.

"Quentin Crisp: Eighty-Eight at Eighty-Eight's" - Quentin Crisp
Eighty-Eight's (228 West 10th Street, NYC)

Some years ago, I was given a bumper sticker that reads, "Housework Rots the Mind." Since I don't have a bumper to stick it on, I've hung it on the wall near the door of my apartment where visitors will see it at once...and understand. Quentin Crisp understands. He claims to have never cleaned his apartment. "What's the point?" he says, After four years, it doesn't get any dirtier." He's right. But then, he will explain, "One's flat is merely one's dressing room. Outside is the stage."

In the event you've been living on a moon of Jupiter for the last several decades, I should explain who Quentin Crisp is. I should, but I can't. He is an original, a peculiarly British phenomenon, the sort they send us once a century. The last was Oscar Wilde, but he didn't stay. Quentin did -- he explains why in his book Resident Alien -- and he's been here for seventeen years.

Quentin Crisp is a writer, actor, film critic, and, in recent months, cabaret performer, completing a successful run that was extended for an extra four weeks at Eighty-Eight's, a serendipitous choice since he will turn eighty-nine on Christmas Day. In the thirties, when he was in his twenties, he was a nude model in the employ of the government of His Majesty the King. Hence the title of his autobiography and the film, starring John Hurt, which was based on it: The Naked Civil Servant. No, he did not pose for tired parliamentarians relaxing after a hard day of law-making (at one of his performances, Quentin defined politics as "the art of making the inevitable appear to be a matter of wise human choice") but in state-owned art schools.

Since then, he has been a leading proponent of what he calls the "profession of being" as opposed to the "profession of making." To illustrate the profession of making where the thing you make becomes more important than you, he refers to the acclaim that would be accorded a work by the sculptor Henry Moore, typically a huge piece of marble with a hole in it that would instantaneously be recognized as a work by Henry Moore. However, if you were to drag out Henry Moore himself, "with or without a hole in him," no one would recognize him. The "profession of being" he says, is exemplified by someone like Mohammed Ali whose opponents were invariably identified in terms of the former heavyweight champion: "the man who was beaten by Ali" or "that boxer who won the title from Ali."

As a distinguished author and personality, Quentin would seem to define both these principles. A frequent guest on television talk shows, he refers to the medium as an example of "the survival of the glibbest." Quentin Crisp's cabaret show is an amalgam of such bon mots as well as reminiscences. He recalls that as a child, he saw a silent film starring stage legend Sarah Bernhardt, who, although she must have been told that she was performing in a silent film, nevertheless moved her lips "faster than a policeman giving corrupt evidence."

Corrupt police and sidewalk thugs are well known to Quentin, who has been openly gay all his life. When asked why he was never in the closet, he explains that he couldn't get into one. Every time he opened a closet door, the people inside would wave him away shouting, "Not in here! Not in here!"

But after listening to him awhile, you become aware that Quentin does not seem to consider himself a homosexual male but rather a heterosexual female whom God deposited in the wrong receptacle. He mentions that he was born too soon to take advantage of The Operation. Of course, Quentin, himself, may not blame God for the mishap as he claims to be an atheist. On one sojourn to Northern Ireland, he was asked by a woman in the audience whether he was a Protestant or a Catholic. Quentin responded that he was an atheist. The woman responded "That's all very well, Mr. Crisp, but is it the God of the Protestants or the God of the Catholics in whom you don't believe."

Quentin tells his audience to "Never keep up with the Joneses. Drag them down to your level. It's cheaper." But despite such advice, he puts a strong premium on style. To illustrate a supreme stylist, he conjures up the image of Maria Eva Duarte de Peron standing before thousands in high ankle strap shoes and raising her arms, causing two cascades of diamond bracelets to fall down her arms like railroad cars in a siding, and as she does so, beginning her speech, "We are the shirtless ones."

As another example of this nebulous quality, he tells the story of a London bag-lady, known as the Countess ("and not without cause") who rummages through trash bins for discarded treasures -- a single lace glove, for instance -- most of which she gives away, telling the recipient, "You're bound to find another one some day." One day, she found a black, beaded, backless evening dress. Thrilled by her discovery, too excited to wait until nightfall, she slipped into a small graveyard to try it on. A crowd gathered and she was hauled before a powdery-wigged magistrate who asked, "What do you mean by disrobing amongst the dead?" Her reply: "I was doing what any respectable lady would be doing at that hour. Dressing for dinner." Now that's style!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Lexxi Stray Endorses Carl Person For President

On November 17, 2011, Lexxi Stray, a proud Zoosexual, endorsed Carl Person for President of the United States and encouraged others to do so as well. On her blog, she wrote:

There’s a political candidate running in the coming elections who has definitely got my favor - one Carl Person. He is in favor of focusing our national resources on REAL issues - and not squandering them chasing ‘criminals’ who aren’t hurting anyone else or interfering with other people. He plans to do this by focusing funds on creating jobs as well as by having the police force working to keep people safe, which they cannot do when they are spread thin chasing after people involved in victimless crimes.

And what does he classify as victimless crimes?

"The victimless crimes are prostitution, bestiality, sodomy, drugs, abortion, and the principles are that we shouldn’t be regulating what people do to themselves, and the cost of the regulation should be saved and returned to taxpayers, to reduce taxes, and enable the economy to grow with commerce instead of with prisoners, private jails and private jail guards."

He is completely right. We spend millions of dollars trying to stop people from bending over for their dog or taking a puff of weed while men beating their wives or people drinking themselves into comas hardly get a second glance. It’s time to focus on making change that helps people, not waste more tax money trying to stop people from engaging in actions that don’t harm anyone else.

To clarify his stance on bestiality:

"When I mentioned 'bestiality' I was referring to animals, not humans (Note: some statutes prohibiting bestiality include children within the definition.) Bestiality as a victimless crime would center on two elements: 1. “property rights” – limiting the practice to one’s own animals or with wild animals (not owned by anyone) and 2. “consent” and/or “non-injury” – if the animal is willing and is not injured in the process. If the animal is already dead, the victimless crime would become a variant of necromancy, and have to be analyzed in a similar fashion. I’m not a practitioner or advocate of bestiality and am only trying to apply Libertarian principles to a seldom discussed victimless crime."

Finally, for the first time in far too long politics are openly discussing the reality of bestiality - that if the animal is ready and willing there is no harm done by allowing them to satisfy their urges. While the Libertarian Party may be much smaller than either Democrats or Republicans, you can bet those groups keep their eyes on the support levels of different candidates so they know what policies to implement in order to get more support for themselves.

One thing you can do to support bestiality and bring the positive views to light is simply support Carl Person and his fellows either online or in person and, if you plan on voting, vote for some of them come election time. Every vote they get is another sign that bestiality is slowly coming into the minds of the mainstream in a more realistic way - the illogical prejudices of the past are slowly being stripped away so that things may be looked at objectively, and this is one change I am proud to say I will be a part of.

Remember, exercise your right to vote!

You can read Lexxi Stray's full article on Carl Person at: http://www.lexxistray.com/2011/11/17/political-candidate-carl-person-for-the-win/ and can learn more about Lexxi Stray at: http://www.lexxistray.com/

Lexxi Stray (a/k/a Dog Park Princess) is a proud Zoosexual who describes herself as a Bi-Sexual who likes canines and humans with a strong preference for male canines.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

LPPA Board of Directors Recognizes The Libertarian Party Of Northampton County As A County Committee & Seats Its Representative

A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania (LPPA) took place on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 12 noon at BJ's Steak & Ribs located at 17 North Market Street in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. At that meeting, the LPPA Board of Directors unanimously confirmed the status of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County (LPNC) as a recognized "County Committee" and seated its Representative as a voting member.

Article III, Section 1 of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania Bylaws reads in part as follows:

Any group of two or more members in good standing residing in the same county, shall, upon their request to the Party be recognized by the Board of Directors as a "County Committee". 

On September 13, 2011, Dylan Duraes, Patrick R. Killy and Shane Wolfe, three (3) LPPA members in good standing residing in Northampton County, made the request that the Libertarian Party of Northampton County be recognized as a "County Committee" of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. On September 21, 2011, the Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County made the same request by motion on behalf of Dylan Duraes, Patrick R. Killy, Aaron Rosengarten & Shane Wolfe, all four (4) who were LPPA members in good standing residing in Northampton County.

After an on-line vote, Vernon Etzel, LPPA Secretary, reported on October 3, 2011, the following:

It appears that a quorum was met and, lacking any dissenting votes, the motion is passed. Northampton County will be seated at the next board meeting...the intentions of the board are clear, and the recognition of the Northampton County chapter is settled.

The status of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County as a recognized "County Committee" of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania was confirmed by motion at the LPPA Board of Directors Meeting held on November 12, 2011.

Article III, Section 3 of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania Bylaws reads in part as follows:

Any member of a county or regional committee who presents a petition to the Board of Directors from at least twelve members in good standing from the committee shall become the County or Regional Committee Representative with voting privileges on the Board of Directors.

On November 1, 2011, Dr. Tom Stevens, LPNC Chair, sent the following petition to Vernon Etzel, LPPA Secretary:

The following 12 LPPA members in good standing hereby petition the LPPA Board of Directors to permit the State Representative of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County (selected pursuant to its bylaws) to have a vote on the LPPA Board of Directors: Stuart Boreen, Katie Brennan, Matthew Brennan, Ryan Brennan, Dylan Duraes, Matthew Guagenti, Mary Killy, Melissa Killy, Patrick R. Killy, Jesse Markowitz, Aaron Rosengarten & Shane Wolfe.

After confirming the membership status of the individuals who signed the petition, the LPPA Board of Directors voted unanimously to seat the Representative of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County as a voting member. On November 12, 2011, Patrick R. Killy, First Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County, was the designated LPNC State Representative who attended the LPPA Board of Directors Meeting in Selinsgrove, PA (which is located in Snyder County).

The Organizational Meeting of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County was held on September 21, 2011. Its Founding Members are Dylan Duraes, Patrick R. Killy & Dr. Tom Stevens. The current officers of the Libertarian Party of Northampton County are Dr. Tom Stevens, County Chair; Patrick R. Killy, First Vice-Chair; Shane Wolfe, Second Vice-Chair; Aaron Rosengarten, Secretary; and Dylan Duraes, Treasurer.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Carl Person, Candidate For The Libertarian Party's Presidential Nomination, Supports Legalizing Bestiality As A Victimless Crime

Carl Person has written about his desire "to end the war on drugs and legalize victimless crimes". When asked by a poster to Liberty Lion, "What kind of victimless crimes are you thinking of? What is the driving principle behind this?", Mr. Person responded:

The victimless crimes are prostitution, bestiality, sodomy, drugs, abortion, and the principles are that we shouldn't be regulating what people do to themselves, and the cost of the regulation should be saved and returned to taxpayers, to reduce taxes, and enable the economy to grow with commerce instead of with prisoners, private jails and private jail guards.

Liberty Lion followed up with Carl Person to get a clarification with respect his position in support of legalizing bestiality. Carl Person provided the following statement regarding the issue:

When I mentioned "bestiality" I was referring to animals, not humans (Note: some statutes prohibiting bestiality include children within the definition.)  Bestiality as a victimless crime would center on two elements: 1. "property rights" - limiting the practice to one's own animals or with wild animals (not owned by anyone) and 2. "consent" and/or "non-injury" - if the animal is willing and is not injured in the process. If the animal is already dead, the victimless crime would become a variant of necromancy, and have to be analyzed in a similar fashion.  I'm not a practitioner or advocate of bestiality and am only trying to apply Libertarian principles to a seldom discussed victimless crime.

Dallwyn Merck, Secretary of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, responded to this news with the following comment:

I applaud Carl Person for speaking up on this controversial issue and for setting forth a philosophical framework to enable us to analyze when and under what circumstances bestiality should be made legal.

Engaging in bestiality is currently considered a very serious crime in almost all states. In fact, the first person executed in what is now the geographic area known as the United States was Thomas Granger, a 16-year old boy living in Plymouth Colony, who was hung on September 8, 1642 after confessing to “buggery with a mare, a cowe, two goats, divers sheepe, two calves, and a turkey”.

Bestiality is far more common than most people realize. After conducting 6000 interviews with participants on their sexual histories, Alfred Kinsey published his findings in 1953, which included the result that 8% of men and 4% of women reported having a sexual experience with an animal at some point in their lives, and 8% of men brought themselves to organism with an animal. In Morton Hunt’s study (1974), it was reported that 4.9% of men brought themselves to orgasm with animal contact. Male sexual contact was more common among rural farm dwellers than urban men. Intercourse was the most common sexual activity, usually with animals such as calves, sheep, and burros.

Since taboos against human-animal contact have been the norm for centuries, the criminal law has resulted in the arrest and stigmatization of those who have found pleasure while in contact with certain farm animals. Whether it be the shepherd with his sheep or the farm boy with a toothless baby calf, human–animal contact has been going on for thousands of years.

Carl Person has brought this issue out into the open and has started a discussion on the topic. He has done a great service to this nation by addressing this issue head on.

Ronald S. Ramo, Treasurer of the Libertarian Party of Queens County, commented on Facebook in response to Carl Person's position as follows:

Guys, it's (bestiality) a close question upon which right minded people can disagree about its regulation.

With respect to whether libertarians would support the decriminalization of bestiality, Thomas L. Knapp, Founder of the Boston Tea Party & Publisher of Rational Review ("The Premier Libertarian Web Journal"), wrote:

It seems to me that the default libertarian position — absent a persuasive argument for “animal rights,” which I do try to keep an open mind for — is that it’s a property issue and therefore a victimless crime (unless of course the animal is someone else’s property)...If non-human animals do not have rights and are “just property", then the answer the Zero Aggression Principle returns is that bestiality (with one’s own property or with permission of the owner of said property) is not aggression, and that prohibiting/punishing bestiality (with one’s own property or with permission of the owner of said property) is aggression.

The issue of bestiality in politics recently came up in the 2010 New York State Gubernatorial Election Campaign when it was revealed that Carl Paladino, the Republican Party's candidate for governor, had sent dozens of e-mails to friends and business associates, many which included photographs and videos of animals having sex with humans. One e-mail entitled "Easy Steady Big Fella...XXXX" included a photograph that graphically depicted a horse having sex with a woman. When pressed by Alan Colmes in an interview regarding why he forwarded these e-mails containing bestiality videos, Carl Paladino declared "I'm human!" implying it is only human to find such videos intriguing and humorous, which might be why you can view human-animal sex videos on the streets of the Red Light District in Amsterdam and why human-animal sex videos are for sale on the internet.