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Horoscope

March 11-17, 2010

Published on March 10, 2010, 11:55pm

Heavenly Round-Up: Is it the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? When a soul gets old enough, does it get to start over if it hasn't achieved satori (the bliss of enlightenment removing one from the wheel of being)? We stand at the crossroads with a view of the path our journey has taken so far--and a view of all the possible paths before us. Choose intentionally with a wisdom-optional focus. Intuition dictates that risk, or ...[more]

Travel: Divine Desert

What Santa Fe lacks in revelry, it more than makes up for with art, history, culture and calm

Published on March 10, 2010, 11:57pm

Like a fine cheese or wine, some things simply get better with age. This certainly seems to be the case for Santa Fe, as the capital of New Mexico celebrates its 400th anniversary. Throughout its history, Santa Fe has been a destination for those on a quest -- from Spanish conquistadores seeking new land to artists seeking inspiration to gays seeking acceptance. Today, Santa Fe trails only San Francisco among U.S. metro areas in the percentage of households headed by ...[more]

Weddings: Questions and Carats

Local jeweler introduces new same-sex ring line and gay wedding consultant offers guidance at upcoming event

Published on February 13, 2010, 4:21pm

They may be a girl's best friend. They may even be forever. But as Jon Mervis advises, they aren't absolutely necessary. Just one of the fold in the family business, Mervis Diamond Importers, Mervis knows his products. And he's particularly proud of the latest, a line of wedding bands aimed at same-sex couples. ''This is the first time we've come out with a line specifically for any niche audience,'' he says. ''We feel there's a demand for it.'' To really ...[more]

Spree: Sticky and Sweet

Valentine's Day can be both classic and kinky

Published on February 10, 2010, 10:11pm

The only thing sweeter than a box full chocolates on Valentine's Day is a box made of chocolate. Available for $38 -- or in a special, though inedible, gift box for $46 -- it's just one of the many sweet items you will find inside Locolat Café. Not to mention the sweet items in the box. ''It's going to be filled with chocolate truffles,'' says Neil Piferoen, Locolat's owner and pastry chef. For shoppers looking for something a little more ...[more]

Style: Picture Yourself

Those snaps might be fun, but a professional portrait puts your best face forward

Published on February 3, 2010, 10:27pm

You may recall the following scene from Sex and the City when it was still just a TV show. Samantha wants to capture her good looks photographically and, to that end, commissions a photographer. She knows exactly what she wants, throws off the robe, and props up one nude leg from the word ''go.'' It's full-frontal with no apologies. In the real world, most might prefer something a bit more subtle. But the intention is roughly the same. ''It helps ...[more]

Spree: HRC Action Center & Store

Quality goods to bring us closer to equality

Published on January 21, 2010, 6:20am

Advocating for equal rights can be a part of your everyday routine with the help of items sold at the Human Rights Campaign's Action Center & Store. In the D.C. shop (one of three in the country), you will find ways in which you can get involved with equal-rights advocacy, as well as items to buy: clothing dubbed ''Equality Wear,'' bags, accessories, flags, jewelry and office supplies. Almost everything is decorated with HRC's signature equal-sign logo. But HRC's Action Center ...[more]

Body: Fitness: Work-Out Wisdom

Take simple steps to avoid some common gym maladies

Published on January 21, 2010, 5:47am

January is a hot time for gyms, as well it should be. Among the dozen most popular New Year's resolutions compiled by the U.S. government are ''get fit,'' ''lose weight'' and ''reduce stress.'' Joining a gym fills the bill on all fronts. But before you head to the gym, you may need to check-in for a checkup. ''People over the age of 50 who begin a gym regimen should check with their doctor that their heart is up to that,'' ...[more]

Sex: Rating Rubbers

Three new condoms get mixed-bag results from volunteer testers

Published on January 14, 2010, 2:20am

Rubber. Love glove. Sheath. Condom. Whatever you call it, the reliable prophylactic is arguably the simplest tool in the human-sexuality toolbox. For hundreds of years, clever craftspeople have been finding ways to cover the penis as a method of birth control and protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). And the innovation shows no signs of slowing. Among the latest offerings are the Durex ''Bare'' condom and the Lifestyles ''Skyn'' condom. Both are made from the latest material to be drafted ...[more]

Money: Buying in Bulk

New coupon companies harness the power of group buying to reel in the deals

Published on December 17, 2009, 2:20am

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Solstice -- or you're simply a guest at a nondenominational holiday party -- it's the season to give gifts. When all is said and done, you may be left feeling a bit exhausted, financially speaking. And there's no relief in sight unless you're banking on a big refund from the IRS. Thanks to a new sort of cost-saving scheme that's going gangbusters, however, it's gotten quite a bit easier to commit a bit ...[more]

Spree: RCKNDY

Sweet sophisticates will be right at home at this U Street emporium

Published on December 17, 2009, 12:34am

The first thing you need to know about RCKNDY is that the name is pronounced ''rock candy.'' With that out of the way, owner David Dennis is happy to dive into the meat of his merchandise: modern home decor urbane urbanite. ''I have very strong opinions about how things can be done better,'' says Dennis. ''We try to offer a modern, contemporary point of view, which is a little bit difficult to find in this city. We also try to ...[more]

Travel: Dutch Treat

When weather turns wintery, Amsterdam offers gay travelers culture and hedonism at a discount

Published on December 3, 2009, 12:09am

When you close your eyes at work for a wee respite of daydreaming this season, chances are you're more likely to envision yourself soaking up rays on a tropical beach than in some noisy metropolis. But if the metropolis is Amsterdam, the palm trees have met their match. Amsterdam Though possibly the most gay-friendly destination in the world, the fact that the Dutch employ the euro to pay the bills makes the city a pricier adventure than most non-European destinations. ...[more]

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