sydneyboy

Somebody once asked a psychiatrist what was the difference between a neurotic and a psychotic. The psychiatrist replied that a neurotic thinks there are castles in the air and a psychotic lives in a castle in the air. The person asked the psychiatrist what he did for them. Oh he replied I collect the rent.

A wire sent to a club: “Please accept my resignation. I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member.” -Groucho Marx

Al Jolson’s wedding night with his second wife. They arrived at the motel and the proprietor looked at his wife and said to Al “sir, what arrangements would you like for your daughter” To which Al replied “What do you mean? That’s not my daughter she’s too young.”

“If at first you don’t succeed, failure may be your style.” -Quentin Crisp

Vaguely on the same theme: “Eternal life? I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.” -Quentin Crisp

“Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.” -Ogden Nash

“Home is heaven and orgies are vile but you need on orgy once in a while.” -Ogden Nash

One other word of encouragement for guests or lurkers. This is THE most civilised, respectful and positive forums of its type for gay men I have encountered on the Internet. Compare with some of these bitchy forums eg one Thailand forum I won’t name. One other point is the breadth of issues raised. Everything from Rentmen, politics, Opera and everything in between. Join up.

I might be biased that the Australian who opened the video is adorable.

Very cute guys. How they perform these athletic feats I’ll never know.

No tattoos. What a blessing!

A friend’s daughter aged 34 committed suicide about 5 years ago. Gassed herself in a car. The police said they had never encountered a more “organised “ suicide. She had in place all her superannuation documents laid out, appointments to be canceled, bank accounts in order etc. she had not taken into account the devastation to her parents, grandparents, friends etc. Her friends organised a wake and booked a venue holding 100. It became clear close to the event that this would be inadequate and the bottom line was that they required a venue holding 250. Everything to live for. A tragedy.

No, but he is on my list for my mid year visit to London. He is a stunner.

Do you understand what this blackmail business is all about? We all know the problems of physical safety in Brazil (I should know I was mugged once) but blackmail?

I’m sorry but I haven’t got the faintest idea what these recent posts are all about. Could someone enlighten me?

There is an analogy with Covent Garden and the English National Opera in London. The latter is suffering badly these days with managerial changes, constant changes of chief conductor, financial cutbacks, a totally inappropriate venue (the biggest theatre in London) and I would add mad productions.

Do I have facts right about the Lincoln Center venue? What is it used for now?

Can New Yorkers enlighten me on the current state of the New York City Opera? I know it was the “poor cousin” of the Met and I read many years ago it’s theatre had appalling acoustics and I believe Michael Bloomberg donated a large amount of money to rectify the acoustics and renovate the theatre. It later had major financial problems. I may have some of facts wrong but an update would be appreciated.

I am reviving this thread. At the time of writing there are 64 members and 65 guests. My advice to guests. Join our happy community and share experiences. The more the merrier.

Good question. I have never noticed him before.

An uncut Israeli. Unless he’s an Israeli Arab that would be a first.

Jakub Josef Orlinski took over the lead at short notice (replacing the mezzo Elizabeth DeShong) in Handel's Rinaldo at Glyndebourne a few months ago. He was originally cast in the role of Eustazio. This meant there were 4 countertenors in this production. I have just read a review of his performance in Opera magazine. The reviewer wrote "Orlinski is the real countertenor deal, one of the best I've heard on the operatic (or on any other) stage: an exceptional legato, no loss of power in the lower reaches, attentive diction, superb histrionic flair. He has in short, raised the bar decisively for what we can expect of this voice type in this repertory.'' Further proof, if it is needed, that he is a major operatic talent. As an aside, I attended Glyndebourne for the first time last July and heard a lovely performance of the Barber of Seville. I cheated a little by not wearing a dinner suit (I wore a lounge suit). Its a wonderful, quaint truly English experience. I hope to go again mid year when I'm in London to see Alcina and the Elixir of Love. This time I will hire a dinner suit.

To everyone on this forum happy Australia Day 2020!

To everyone on this forum happy Australia Day 2020!

Who knows? All I’ll say is that I have fond memories of experiences at Fragata.