recommendations

Here are a few things I've read, heard, or seen lately that I think are worth checking out.

I just read the book The Front Runner, the 1974 book that tells the story of gay track coach Harlan Brown whose world is turned upside down when three college runners land at the school where he teaches. Set at an upstate NY college, the story follows Brown's relationship with the three gay, yes gay, runners and the subsequent relationship between him and his star runner, Billy Sive. Brown coaches Sive to the '76 Olympics in Montreal and they fight to protect their relationship from the outside world and fight their way into the Olympics despite their relationship. It's a beautifully written, albeit, weepy love story that deserves to be read. The thing that surprised me most about this book is that it's written by a woman, Patricia Nell Warren. She captures the essence of the gay relationship, including the love scenes, as if she were writing from first-hand knowledge and experience. I recently read an article about how Hollywood is thinking about a film version, in light of the success of Brokeback Mountain, and that Brad Pitt was the choice for Harlan Brown. That would be a big miscast. Other miscasts in upcoming movies is Jennifer Lopez as Sue Ellen and John Travolta as JR Ewing in the upcoming Dallas movie. Give me a break, please!!!!!

Music to my ears: Casting Crowns is my favorite Christian group and they hit another home run with their latest song, Praise You In This Storm. It's about still praising God and believing and not turning your back on God, even when it's hard and life throws the lumps at you.

The other song I'm liking is Cascada's song Everytime We Touch, a pop dance hit that hits on the weak-kneed feeling of being in your loved one's arms again and again just like it's the first time.

peace out,

paul