For a while now as regular readers know, I’ve been teasing about sharing something HUGE with those of you who love adore and worship music like me.

As I see it, this is the thus-far ultimate gateway to music. I’m addicted. It marries the concept of a limitless library of songs with the benefits of sharing what you love via social media, to birth a beautiful beast called Rdio.

Created by the founders of Skype (another favourite technology), Rdio is a website that makes music better by allowing you to listen to as many songs as you like.  I’ve lost count of the number of tunes I now access on my iPhone when I’m out for a run or in the car, and recently up at my stagette in the Kawarthas my bridesmaids and I were dancing our asses off as it streamed from my iPad.  Rdio works on Mac, PC, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile 7 and in-home devices like Sonos and Roku, too, and is also the only music service fully integrated into Twitter.

Best of all, it’s built around community (power to the people!), so friends follow friends, strangers follow strangers (hot), and together we check out each other’s musical tastes and add (or subtract) from our Rdio collections, making it easier than ever to share and discover new music.

A side group of Rdio “Influencers” also live on Rdio, a cross-section of the entertainment industry hand-picked by Rdio for their early adoption of the new, the cool, the hot.  Influencer’s playlists, collections and new music picks are prominently featured when you first see the site; I was jazzed when Rdio asked me to become their first Canadian influencer.

I checked it out, fell in lust, and have been on it like a fat kid on a smartie ever since.  I just created a Pride Playlist that we will be pumping throughout Toronto Pride 2011 at the Shaun Proulx Media booth this coming weekend.  But you can sample it now, by clicking here, and scrolling down to mid-page.  And make sure we’re friends on Facebook or Twitter and / or become a Shaun Proulx Media Insider now too – we’re giving those cool cats first dibs on a gift from us: FREE subscriptions.

That’s another thing I love about Rdio – you don’t pay for the music you add to your collection or playlists like you do on iTunes, instead you simply pay a small monthly fee (equivalent to a latte) to subscribe and start enjoying all the tunes you can handle.  But again, free subscriptions, on me, my Pride 2011 gift to Friends, Followers and SPM Insiders.

Honestly, I think Rdio’s the best thing to happen to music since Madonna.

- Shaun Proulx

This post originally published on HIMBO!

Okay, there I was walking along Carlton Street towards Parliament. On my way to Toronto star drag queen Miss C’s to make yet another sparkly dress (she hits me if I don’t), when the billboard above caught my eye…for a number of reasons.

First off, the rainbow (I’m gay, I have to look), secondly, it’s Viagra, the hard-on pill. Power like that demands attention. But mostly it grabbed my attention because it was my first official ‘corporate whore-out’ to the LGBT community.

Normally I’m offended by this blatant type of advertising. Most of these companies ignore our existence at the best of times but come Pride they get right up our asses (because they think that’s what we like), to snag queer dollars during the celebration. Which is offensive in a number of ways but especially to the lesbians and the Transgendered, for obvious reasons (apparently it’s just us gays who like things up our asses).

But then I thought about it. Who fucks more than gay men? Sure straight guys ‘want’ to have sex all the time but it doesn’t mean they do and women, trans or otherwise, are very busy! Gay men have sex (so I hear) all the time. They have rooms in bars for it. Hell, there’s even an app for that. Grindr anyone? If ever there was a target market for  a product it has to be Viagra and gay men, especially during Pride! Plus it’s a great ad. Without saying a word, other than advising you to talk to your doctor (yeah, right) this simple billboard practically screams:
IF YOU’RE A GAY MAN IN TORONTO DURING PRIDE,YOU’LL WANT TO FUCK EVERYTHING UNTIL YOUR DICK FALLS OFF. LET US MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE.

Who’s thinking about talking to their doctor’s now?

More Dick Ryder

With Eddie Stone and Rico Mandarino (centre), Toronto Pride 2009. Photo: Shaun Proulx Media

‘Tis the Season!

I cannot express how excited, energized and elated I am for this time of year (even more than the sparkle and lights of Christmas!).

As we enter the 42^nd year since the Stonewall riots and the beginning of the LGBT movement, I embody every ounce of Pride that comes from an equaled amount of hate that fueled those riots.

From this middle-aged, HIV+ gay man, I wish all of you a Happy, Festive and Colorful PRIDE Season, no matter where you are!

Play hard, Love lots and be safe.

Here at the Shaun Proulx Media offices it’s a week end ritual to put the brakes on for a second before the weekend begins and look at what the best parts of the week gone by were. And so we’re asking you the same:

View previous polls

The Pet Shop Boys put it so well in their song, ‘Integral’: Everyone has their own number / In the system that we operate under / We’re moving to a situation / Where your lives exist as information.

Here at TheGayGuideNetwork we’re all over QR codes like a fat kid on a smartie, with all due respect to fat kids and smarties. Even our beloved Molly blogs in QR.  In fact, get  your Pride gift from Shaun Proulx Media on Toronto Pride Sunday by scanning the SPM QR codes you see in our parade entry and throughout the city (you’ll know it’s safe to scan when you see it accompanied by our smiley face trademark). But the question remains:

View Previous Polls

Here’s the thing: We know it’s mildly incestuous to crown our own pot-stirring blogger Miss Raquel (Poppycock!) our latest Woman of the Hour, but we have a thing for conscientious women who work hard, devotedly, and with a spirit that is broad and fierce.  And despite prepping to be everywhere this Toronto Pride with gigs galore, the indefatigable TV host, writer, web and club queen took time to put pen to our TMI Questionnaire:

JUST THE FACTS

I’m a: Libra.

I’m: 35 come Sept. 27, 2011

I was born: A girl in Toronto at Women’s College Hospital.

I wear many hats: Owner/editor of Scenester Magazine, host of Electronica on bpm:tv and host of Scenester Channel. I call myself a ‘Creative Communications Specialist’.

My fave colour: Pink.

Passion: Music.

Fantasy entourage: Vin Diesel and Dwyane Johnson.

Turn-ons: Fast decision making, honesty, and an up-front personality.

Irresistible in a mate: Brains and muscles.

Phrase I most overuse: “Get er done!”

Most people would be surprised to know I: Live quietly. 8/10 I work without music on. Red wine makes me sleepy.

Fictional best friend: Green Girl

Talent I wish I had: Drawing.

When I order a cocktail I ask for: Whatever comes to mind at the moment. I bartend part-time and always come up with drinks.

GUILTY PLEASURES

TV: Trash TV baby! TMZ, Joan & Melissa, All the Housewives from all the counties and cities. bpm:tv. Discovery, TLC and the list goes on.

Song: iio – Rapture (Acapella)

Greatest extravagance: Not too extravagant: my laptop and iPhone.

WEAR APPARENT

Jeans: Anything that makes my ass look good, and doesn’t cost the moon and the stars. I don’t wear whatever else is wearing. Jeans are to be original.

Footwear: Heels the higher the better!

Watch: Fossil.

Eyewear: My Burberry and Lady GaGa sunglasses.

Casual: Shorts and t-shirts. I’m shopping for skirts this season.

Formal: I don’t do formal. When I’ve had to do formal I have to funk it up. Formal is boring.

Perfume / Cologne: Sheesh! Which one to start with I own a shop of perfumes. I get the most compliments on Paris Hilton’s “Paris” and Brittany Spears “Fantasy”. Whatever makes you smell sexy wear it!

BEAUTY DUTY

Shampoo: Moroccan Oil shampoo and condition. Ask Peter at Cinelli Hair he’ll tell ya all about it. It’s amazing!

Face wash: Aveda Fresh Essentials

Moisturizer: I change it up. As long as it has an SPF of 15 or more and keeps my skin feeling fresh and not dry. I do like NeoStrata, Oil of Olay, Nutrogena. And specialty organic creams.

Body Lotion: Vaseline Intensive Care; the aloe or cocoa butter one.

Indulgence: Perfumes, purses, shoes and lip glosses. Honestly I don’t need any more of any of them!

GOTTA GETTA GADGET

Gadgets: Mini-sound system, mini-home theatre, iPhone, iPad. And if I drove I’d drive a Smart Car you can park it anywhere!

On my music player now: Carl Cox Live @ Sensation White

I always PVR: Sadly I currently don’t PVR.

CULTURE VULTURE

Last book read: Jenna Jameson How to Make Love Like a Pornstar. A Cautionairy Tale. Currently reading Ann Rule‘s But I Trusted You and Other True Cases.

Last movie seen: Sharkwater.

Last concert: I’m gathering seeing an international DJ does not apply here, therefore I can’t remember my last concert.

Last play: I don’t remember but it was at the Rose Theatre in Brampton.

OBSESSIONS

Current obsession: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream

Past obsession: The gym

Future obsession: The gym

CRYSTAL BALL

The next big thing will be: This I don’t share.

AND FINALLY …

Words of wisdom: “Never work with desperate people. – John Dillinger.

Catch Miss Raquel as she takes on this bananas schedule this Toronto Pride:

Friday July 1

One World – Where The Wild Things Are!

Join us in Cawthra Square Park for the best Canada Day party in the village! The Green Space on Church, home of TreeHouse Party and Lipstick Jungle heats up on July 1 with killer music by:

3PM – 4:30: GREG GOW

4:30 – 6:00: SHAWN RIKER

6:00 – 7:30: JO-JO FLORES

7:30 – 9:00: ADDY

9:00 – 10:30: DEKO-ZE

10:30 – 12:00: TICKY TY

KAYA BONGOS on the drums!

Hosted by Miss Raquel (bpm:tv/Scenester Magazine)
Advisory group: Deko-ze and Charles Pavia

All proceeds to support The 519
*Donations are appreciated and necessary.

INFO

Monday July 4

Deko-ze Presents: Come Get Your Fcuk’in Beats Pride Edition

Tom Stephan a.k.a. Superchumbo (London/New York)

Deko-ze l Budah Moderno l Jon Herbert l Josh Karmin l Neill Mcleod l Nick Bertossi

Hosts: Miss Raquel l Erin l ClubStan l Brandon Morgan-Melo l Sean Star

The Comfort Zone, 480 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON

Ever been to a super exclusive event?  One that was by special invitation only?

Last month I had the privilege of being offered one of only two spots to represent TheGayGuideNetwork on location at the hush-hush set of the now infamous Pride Pump 2000X video shot to promote Toronto Pride 2011.

How hush was the hush? The controversial Pride Pump 2000X has been released, but during the shoot I wasn’t even allowed to video tape anywhere inside the premises.

My only recourse: audio interviews with two of the spot’s stars, the legendary drag queen Donnarama, and actor Sean Avery. Here is my exclusive behind the scenes look (and listen) at the making of Pride Pump 2000X:

- More Eddie Stone

Seriously? Vancouver lost the Stanley Cup and riots ensued? We can understand the extreme sense of frustration, honest we can, but the question remains:

View Previous Polls

The unique comedic voice known as Billy Willy, often voted an audience fave at comedy and alt fests across North America, preps for his Toronto gig at this summer’s Fringe Festival by taking our TMI Questionnaire:

JUST THE FACTS

I am: A Pisces, of course.

I’m (age): I’m sorry, my age is unlisted.

I was born: In Friendly, West Virginia, USA.

I am: A country & western superstar!

My fave colour: Dark white.

Passion: Waning.

Fantasy entourage: Anyone who carries my shit for me.

Turn-ons: Going commando turns me on. Smiling is nice, too.

Irresistible in a mate: My mate needs a sense of humor.

Phrase I most overuse: “Hello walls!”

Most people would be surprised to know I: Can’t play the guitar.

Fictional best friend: Will Davis.

Talent I wish I had: I wish I could play the guitar.

When I order a cocktail I ask for: When I order a cocktail I ask for a cocktail.

GUILTY PLEASURES

TV: I hate television when I’m not on it.

Song: I love that Titanic song by Mariah Carey.

Greatest extravagance: My greatest extravagance is my handkerchief custom-made by Manuel.

WEAR APPARENT

Jeans: I wear Wrangler jeans.

Footwear: I wear cowboy boots.

Watch: I never wear a watch.

Eyewear: I don’t wear glasses (yet).

Casual: For casual wear, I rock Comme des Garçons.

Formal: For formal wear, I rock the George label from Walmart.

Cologne: I prefer a man’s natural scent.

BEAUTY DUTY

Shampoo: I use “Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific”.

Face wash: Yeah, I wash my face if it’s dirty.

Moisturizer: Honey is an excellent moisturizer.

Body Lotion: If you’re playing your cards right, you don’t need body lotion.

Indulgence: Society Bodycare is my beauty secret.

GOTTA GETTA GADGET

Gadgets: I love my Fax machine.

On my music player now: I’m listening to classic country now.

I always PVR: I’ve never PVR’d anything.

CULTURE VULTURE

Last book read: I’m reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Cowboys.

Last movie seen: The last movie I saw was Brokeback Mountain but I walked out before they lived unhappily ever after.

Last concert: The last concert I attended was “The Grand Ole Opry” in Nashville, Tennessee.

Last play: The last play I saw was Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Billy Willy.”

OBSESSIONS

Current obsession: I’m currently obsessed with the Toronto Fringe Festival.

Past obsession: I was obsessed with a ranch hand in Cripple Creek, Colorado.

Future obsession: I haven’t met him yet.

CRYSTAL BALL

The next big thing will be: The next big thing will be Billy Willy!

AND FINALLY …

Words of wisdom: Don’t wait to be asked to do what you want to do.

Don’t miss the incomparable Billy Willy at the Toronto Fringe Festival in The Billy Willy Show! For show times and to purchase tickets, go to www.fringetoronto.com or www.thebillywillyshow.com

Okay, so we all read THAT article in The Grid. Or tweeted it. Or found it and ‘liked’ on Facebook.

The point is, it didn’t go well. Pre-Mos AND post-mos took umbrage! Hate shot across the web in an electric flurry. The reaction was HUGE!

I loved it. People were incensed! “How dare this young adult barf his narrow albeit accepting life arc (seriously? the cottage?) in our innocently reading faces?” they cried (in the theatre of my mind)(also, there were torches)!

But was he wrong? He glosses over the fact that he’s enjoying his life BECAUSE of the sissy fags and leather queens who’ve been fighting for gay rights well before he was born (is it just me or did he totally leave out the Bull Dykes? Brave move)! Would it have been a different world if they hadn’t fought for our freedoms? Absolutely. Would this author have had a different life and produced a different article because of that? Possibly.

The point is, it is his experience and it is his life. He wrote what he knew (lucky? sad?). Should he have been so ‘opinionated’? He couldn’t help it, he’s obviously young and sheltered. Should The Grid have printed it? TOTALLY!!!! This bitch hit like a mother-fucker! Controversy = Dialogue. Well done! Way to relaunch a magazine!

More Richard Ryder