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by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Hibiscus - Flowers, Books, And Boys

It was a big weekend for flower lovers in the capital city area as both the orchid and hibiscus societies held their big annual shows. All that beauty requires more work than one might expect, but the results prove that it's all worth while. Damon and Rob were exhausted after their involvement, but they both came away with some choice and rare varieties that only members could know about. Just taking a look at that handsome judge, Joe, was worth the trip out to this event, and that hybridizer from Pasadena, TX, the talented and artistic Shane, was a BIG treat too.

Lots of happy people were there, and the beauty of the boys was the positive side of all this hard work. They came as singles, couples, with dads and moms, with their wives (dammit!), and from near and far. Lots of New Orleanians, Houstonians, and Lafayette cuties were on board. The book baron took top single honors in the collector category and best all-around show honors with the number of gold ribbons. He was the only Baton Rougean to win double honors with out-of-staters coming in to claim many of the awards.

Now we know there's more to a bookstore than the books. I would be remiss in my duties at this point if I didn't tell you a little bit about the studly and outrageously beautiful Rob. This rare specimen of humanity has more than the body and looks going in his direction. He's got something between his ears that rates an A-plus. This sharp and intellectual entrepreneur made a hit with the book baron immediately when he gave him a greenhouse/gazebo. Yes! That's what I said. A greenhouse/gazebo. Talk about making points! You can't get much better than that. I'm sure when Rob's big birthday comes up next week, the bookman will think of something very special. I'll keep you posted.

Richard and his wonderful little Guy, the fabulous TTT, the talented and exceptionally nice lawyer Tom and his significant other David, Lafayette's Herb and his companion, Debbie and her entourage, and many, many more were spotted in the lines of well wishers at this event.

Fourth Of July A Big Blast

In addition to the fantastic display of fireworks over the Mississippi to close out this holiday weekend, the capital city happy people were out in force at their favorite hangouts. The food and drink kept everyone completely satisfied. There were scads of people everywhere, and fun was the order of the day.

George's saw that wonderful dancer Atilla making a return engagement to entertain Richard's crowd. I've mentioned this young man before, and as you recall, I commented on his charm and mastery of his art. It does take a rare talent to capture an audience the way this beautiful specimen of manhood does. But there's more than meets the eye here. If you chat with him for a while, you find something a lot more important than an outstanding physique. It's called intelligence. He's very outgoing and knows exactly what he wants from life. The next time you see him, take a closer look and you just may be surprised at what you find in this gracious little man. You can also catch him in New Orleans if you drop in at Ms. Fly's fine establishment, the Corner Pocket.

Kiwi and Keith were bartending on this particular holiday afternoon. The place was packed even early in the afternoon. In fact, it was so nice to see so many people there, especially that gorgeous couple, Nathan and Greg. Another special pair is Robert (not John) and David, two totally charming individuals. The food was prepared by master chef Bruce, and Guy was acting as Mr. Congeniality, welcoming everyone to this fine place of business. Richard was all smiles too, but maybe that's because of those Broadway plays they scurried up to see in the Big Apple while visiting his sister in Washington, D.C. I got another glowing report on this fine trip from that dashingly handsome "copper buddy." Talk about good pennies! That's the cream of the crop!

On over at the Blue Parrot, my two favorite Parrotheads (not the Buffett variety) were preparing for a big balloon drop and setting up the food table. Shannon was the welcoming bartender, and he was doing a great job. And speaking of Parrotheads, I ran into Top Parrothead Don at the grocery store picking out lots of different fruits. When I asked him why he was buying so much, he informed me that he and Tom ate lots of fruits at their house. Now I had heard this about them, but I didn't think I would have it verified right there in the fruit aisle of the grocery store. Keep up the good work, guys!

The Time Zone was another lively place that was packed for the occasion. By the time I arrived, their food had been devoured by those stopping in to celebrate, but this didn't keep anyone away. James was in rare form, and so were all the others. I also got to meet and talk with Jessie and James (another fine specimen of manhood). This James, not to be confused with the other James who wore red shorts, had on the finest little pair of britches. I do admire a man with fine taste and a flair for showing it off. The "sisters two" were also in high spirits and were collecting nuts. One happy camper was celebrating by throwing bags of peanuts to patrons.

Party Time With Friends

The Committee of Friends held their 8th annual Picnic With Friends on July 4th at the Perkins Rd. home of Wayne Myers. This non-profit organization is dedicated to raising funds to benefit capitol area AIDS and HIV service programs. Over 250 people attended the festivities, which raised nearly $7,300.

The event was chaired by area CPA Tom Morgan and by William Evans, owner of Designer's Custom Lamps & Framing. The Silent Auction was headed by Sister Susan Moncia and by Joshua Hayes of Bill McMillin Interiors. Area attorney Don Morgan, president of Committee of Friends, was the pinch hitter of the day, helping with anything and everything that had to be done.

Members of the Baton Rouge Krewe of Apollo sweated over the hot barbeque pit provided by the WBR Sheriff's office to cook chicken provided by Joe Christiana Food Distributors and sausage by Price LeBlanc Toyota. Then they even served the food in containers provided by Our Lady of the Lake. Philip Plaisance, Chef of the Ox Bow Restaurant on False River, cooked and donated delicious barbeque beans, cold slaw and fresh baked bread.

Many thanks go out to the many businesses in town that donated items for the silent auction. There was an impressive offering including numerous original works by artists such as Kevin Bourgeois, Patrick Burns, Marie Constantin, Lisa Distefano, Bill Lindsey, George Marks, Dale Ross and Frances Walker.

Guests spread blankets on a green lawn under the trees to enjoy musical entertainment provided by the Allison Collins Band and by Cody King. Cody and his brother, Damian (who plays in the Allison Collins Band) are the talented sons of committee member Donna King.

The decorating effort was headed by David Wright and Bill Lindsey who covered the place with American flags and red, white and blue balloons while Cindy Campbell posted signs and arrows directing guests to all the different goodies. Richard Matens, Executive Director of Friends for Life, helped during the day, even putting on an apron to help cook and climbing a ladder to raise bunting on the balcony.

Guests were shuttled from the parking areas with the front gate being watched by Robin Garland and Maria Montalvo. Drink sales were handled by Donna Fuller. Special help promoting the event was given by Damon Veach of Hibiscus Bookstore, the Rev. Don Clarke of the Metropolitan Community Church, Richard Matens and the staff of Friends for Life and Jude Legarde of First Thursday.

The Little Red Engine "I think I can, I think I can" award goes to Steven Miley of Allied Security for hauling the barbeque pit with only a jeep from the west bank and over the Mississippi River Bridge to the Myers property.

Joining the festivities were residents of St. Anthony's Home and clients of Friends for Life, both previous beneficiaries of the continuing efforts to help people with HIV and AIDS.

Big Plans At Evolution

By the time you read this, the Miss Capitol City Pageant will be about ready to be staged at Evolution. It is the latest of the big events that keeps Evolution in the forefront as one of the top entertainment emporiums in the country. I won't be able to make it. It's vacation time, and Florida is calling, but I'll see that my associate photographs the contest so that the pictures can be in the next Ambush.

Evolution is usually packed with happy people who come out to enjoy the great music and the fantastic dance area. Owner George has gone out of his way see that his establishment is the very best of all the rest. You know the care and planning that went into the finished product the minute you walk in the door. Obry is the manager and sees that everything is in order. Miss Trixxie is the added element that makes the entertainment events happen.

Check out their Ambush ad for all their specials and upcoming events.

Miscellanea

Mark allowed Mike out of the house again to help a friend in need. This is a much appreciated gesture, but then you don't fine anyone any better than the gracious Mark. He's always been one of my favorite people, and it's so nice to see him and Mike so happy. If only other couples could take a lesson or two from them, it would be a much happier community. It's called monogamy.

An R.O.U. fundraiser was held this past weekend. They have so many talented entertainers in the Lafayette area, and their shows are always enjoyable. I got a card from one of their members last week who was visiting in South America. It was from that cuddly hunk Kenny who was down with his significant other, Neto. Kenny has always been one of my favorite people in the whole world, and I'm so pleased to see him so happy.

I heard a comment the other day that the Miss Hide-A-Way contest was given to Victoria Valentine. That's a f--g erroneous statement, sweethearts. She was first runner-up and moved up to the title when the winner abdicated. If you ask me, she is deserving of the title or any other title she seeks. I can't think of any other new talent who can match her beauty and performance expertise. Making phony statements is a sign of ignorance and jealousy, and it isn't becoming of anyone to repeat such rubbish. If anyone is so concerned about who wins what, then get your royal buns out there and use your lips on stage and quit being a public embarrassment.

I caught Jonathan swinging and swaying with Anna and Edie at the Hide-A-Way last week. It was birthday time for Stephanie and Renee, and the celebration was going on from one end of that building to the other. I won't tell you what Bubba was up to, but let's just say that me and my companion blushed. Goodness!

The Lambda group had a big garage sale at their house on Florida last weekend. A special fundraiser was also being held at the same time to help out one of our less fortunate family members. Both were successful. If you haven't been by Lambda's house, you need to check it out. It's a great place and getting better with all the improvements being made. I have to say that Anita is largely responsible for the success of this group. She has worked from the very beginning to make this a success, and it looks like the dream has come to fruition.

Oh, I almost forgot. Colleen was out to celebrate the holiday, and she was at her friskiest. I blushed again at what she did to me. Honestly, honey, whatever made you do that, but it was wonderful. Let's try that little maneuver again sometimes. As you may recall, Colleen is the original "spit girl." She's absolutely wonderful, and it was nice to see her again.

If you missed the Gay book exhibit at the Main Branch of the Baton Rouge Public Library during the month of June, you missed something very special. This was a big "first" for the capital city, and as I understand it, there was only one known complaint. I will have to say that all those responsible are to be congratulated for their fine efforts and for having the balls to stand tall among the masses.

I must send out a special greeting to that cutest of all cuties, the fantastically beautiful Chase, who is now in that great city of Austin. Congratulations, darling. It isn't often that a Baton Rougean makes the Ambush cover twice in the same issue. You are definitely one of the very best cover boys to ever pass through the portals of the wonderful world of Oz.

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