Clint, you are so right. Slow + Steady Wins The Race. Thanks for your thoughts and most of all for all your hard work in giving us so many memories of times past and for the beautiful men that you portray. I am 80 YO now and was in the institution of marriage for 56 years. I consider myself bisexual and have never told anyone my true feelings. I have never had a sexual encounter with a man, but I find men very attractive. I am single now, and in the last 20 years, I have been helping J-1 European men who come to America to work for the summer to settle in and to care for them. I have found this very rewarding, and of the 10 that I am still in contact with, they think of me as their American Grandpa. I love them, and they love me. Everyone needs love. I am not talking about physical love, but just having somebody who cares for them and loves them and takes an interest in their life. They are blessed, but I am blessed so much more. I feel that before I die, I will know that I changed the lives of these young men positively, and I contributed something positive in my life. Clint, I hope that more people subscribe and to know how important it is for them to do that. It only takes a second and it means so much to you and your wonderful work. BOB L
Bob, your kind-hearted words and story brought tears of joy to my eyes. What a beautiful way to express love and make the world a better place. Thank you for sharing and being part of what makes me happy to do what I do. Whatever that is…still figuring it out. Wishing you much love and light…cheers!
🎵🎵📸📸 Thanks Clint. 📸📸🎵🎵 You liked Teatro San Carlo in Napoli, I thought you might like to see Théâtre Antique d'Orange , about 2000 years old and still being used. The theatre is heavily featured in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF-0vjdjSSs
Finally Clint I found the Dudamel and Simon Bolivar YO where they changed from lounge suits to Bolivian coloured jackets, there is a better version out there in YT land 😉 but it will have to do. Cheers DougT 🏴🇬🇧
Fantastic! When I saw them, I don’t remember the costume change, but I was sitting up behind the orchestra, facing Dudamel, and watching him conduct those talented kids…wow. He was such a proud papa, beaming with his beautiful smile and theatrical hair. Thanks for sharing, Doug!
Glad you enjoyed it. It's a shame he's (still good) following the usual corporate path and loosing his joi de vie attitude My own POV of course. It's the same with Maria Callas with her recordings now in 2026, her voice is 'muffled' and unclear. 😯 now don't lynch me 😎😎😎 all you traditional opera lovers. Cheers DougT
I can go one step further back to the very early 1970 to a club(in the disco age) on the shore at Roker, just south from Newcastle upon Tyne, the club was the Rococo on the lower promenade the upstairs floor had the Gay part and downstairs was the Str8 part. At closing time sweating heaving folks all piled onto the beach and many times skinny-dipping was the rule of thumb. First call on my 30 mile drive back home was a late night Chinese take away for scampi and chips with curry sauce. Then onto the A1 road to hang out at the motorway services at Washington where Nissan were starting to think about their first English factory. The motorway cafe was basically an extension of the Rococo club. Usually getting home as dawn broke.
All part of my life rich and colourful tapestry. All safely tucked up in my memory box in the Ivory Tower........ Cheers DougT 🏴🇬🇧
Small world Ray. Although born and raised in West Yorkshire I spent some of life's formative years in and around the NE counties. Newcastle/Tyne, County Durham, Tyne and Wear. I sorta ended up there following my profession until I headed south into the Greater Manchester and Liverpool areas. I have 'settled' in Manchester City from around the late 80's It must have been the seafaring blood from my late dad 🤨 it's fair to say my life has been a rolling stone. Enough of Doug's musings, Cheers.
Cheers Ray. I think a lot of us do tend, for whatever reason, to move around before setting on our own chosen piece of mother Earth. At my great age😯 the yearn is still there to roll on but practicallity says no 🤬 Even though no serious health issues it's my mobility via venous deficiency thats the fly in my ointment 🧐 Cheers DougT
An aside folks, a deep chill out session, a few drinks/smokes kick back and chilllllax, even dance/wave your hands about like you dont even care. Cheers DougT
Clint, you are so right. Slow + Steady Wins The Race. Thanks for your thoughts and most of all for all your hard work in giving us so many memories of times past and for the beautiful men that you portray. I am 80 YO now and was in the institution of marriage for 56 years. I consider myself bisexual and have never told anyone my true feelings. I have never had a sexual encounter with a man, but I find men very attractive. I am single now, and in the last 20 years, I have been helping J-1 European men who come to America to work for the summer to settle in and to care for them. I have found this very rewarding, and of the 10 that I am still in contact with, they think of me as their American Grandpa. I love them, and they love me. Everyone needs love. I am not talking about physical love, but just having somebody who cares for them and loves them and takes an interest in their life. They are blessed, but I am blessed so much more. I feel that before I die, I will know that I changed the lives of these young men positively, and I contributed something positive in my life. Clint, I hope that more people subscribe and to know how important it is for them to do that. It only takes a second and it means so much to you and your wonderful work. BOB L
Bob, your kind-hearted words and story brought tears of joy to my eyes. What a beautiful way to express love and make the world a better place. Thank you for sharing and being part of what makes me happy to do what I do. Whatever that is…still figuring it out. Wishing you much love and light…cheers!
https://youtu.be/_8y1dj7bvjE?si=T4cPAVIqQJbqovGS
Finally! (I hope) A last rendition of Carmen in the film version with studio soundtrack, Cheers DougT
https://youtu.be/UpyJcA9d0Qs?si=woxnbBvk88HLQjZc
Will this do for you Sixes, Dr Ray and other Carmen lovers Cheers DougT
https://youtube.com/shorts/amBe1fi8dkM?si=cbhhvuO_YKQooXvg
A selection of Carmen's to choose from 😎 Cheers DougT
Firm foundations, honey. Established.
Check out new prime minister of the Netherlands
What a handsome man…and his fiancé too! Cheers, kind sir…
👍 however as long as he's a good leader rather than just a poster boy. Cheers emoryL96
🎵🎵📸📸 Thanks Clint. 📸📸🎵🎵 You liked Teatro San Carlo in Napoli, I thought you might like to see Théâtre Antique d'Orange , about 2000 years old and still being used. The theatre is heavily featured in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VF-0vjdjSSs
STUNNING venue, Steve! Hope to be able to experience that some day. Cheers!
Cheers Sixes for all your 👍likes to my posts in this thread, DougT
Thanks for your reminder of Carmen, too. I was a soldier at the beginning but most of the rest of the opera, I was a gypsy, only to weep at her death.
I'm still looking for a clear video of the Gypsy Song from Carmen with Flamenco dancers in appropriately tight trousers.
Ha ha ha! Our trousers weren't tight. I would vote for the matadors and toreadors - much tighter trousers and obvious bulges.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=5HZJEIiJM4w&feature=shared
Finally Clint I found the Dudamel and Simon Bolivar YO where they changed from lounge suits to Bolivian coloured jackets, there is a better version out there in YT land 😉 but it will have to do. Cheers DougT 🏴🇬🇧
Fantastic! When I saw them, I don’t remember the costume change, but I was sitting up behind the orchestra, facing Dudamel, and watching him conduct those talented kids…wow. He was such a proud papa, beaming with his beautiful smile and theatrical hair. Thanks for sharing, Doug!
Glad you enjoyed it. It's a shame he's (still good) following the usual corporate path and loosing his joi de vie attitude My own POV of course. It's the same with Maria Callas with her recordings now in 2026, her voice is 'muffled' and unclear. 😯 now don't lynch me 😎😎😎 all you traditional opera lovers. Cheers DougT
https://youtu.be/tC_bkjBMxOk?si=wLedna4pqtpCZb69
All my dance hall favourites in one place.
I can go one step further back to the very early 1970 to a club(in the disco age) on the shore at Roker, just south from Newcastle upon Tyne, the club was the Rococo on the lower promenade the upstairs floor had the Gay part and downstairs was the Str8 part. At closing time sweating heaving folks all piled onto the beach and many times skinny-dipping was the rule of thumb. First call on my 30 mile drive back home was a late night Chinese take away for scampi and chips with curry sauce. Then onto the A1 road to hang out at the motorway services at Washington where Nissan were starting to think about their first English factory. The motorway cafe was basically an extension of the Rococo club. Usually getting home as dawn broke.
All part of my life rich and colourful tapestry. All safely tucked up in my memory box in the Ivory Tower........ Cheers DougT 🏴🇬🇧
What a playlist…and remembrance! Love it, Doug. Love you too, boo!
Glad you like them too, a playlist to save and play in bits and pieces when needed 😏
Another connection, dear. I was in Sunderland from 1978 to 1987. Ryhope.
Small world Ray. Although born and raised in West Yorkshire I spent some of life's formative years in and around the NE counties. Newcastle/Tyne, County Durham, Tyne and Wear. I sorta ended up there following my profession until I headed south into the Greater Manchester and Liverpool areas. I have 'settled' in Manchester City from around the late 80's It must have been the seafaring blood from my late dad 🤨 it's fair to say my life has been a rolling stone. Enough of Doug's musings, Cheers.
First, I confess to be a Red Rose. Then I say that I am half Scot, a quarter Irish. The other quarter is the Red Rose bit.
The longest that I have lived anywhere is the last 24 years in this house in Thailand.
Cheers Ray. I think a lot of us do tend, for whatever reason, to move around before setting on our own chosen piece of mother Earth. At my great age😯 the yearn is still there to roll on but practicallity says no 🤬 Even though no serious health issues it's my mobility via venous deficiency thats the fly in my ointment 🧐 Cheers DougT
Cheers Ray
https://youtu.be/CU1Nmb9_-dI?si=m-cvNKw_AggavKRh
An aside folks, a deep chill out session, a few drinks/smokes kick back and chilllllax, even dance/wave your hands about like you dont even care. Cheers DougT
Boogie woogie to that Avatar avatar rave. Don’t forget to shake your money maker and/or tip your go-go boys! :-)
Damned Clint, well said and you'll do for me. Cheers DougT 🏴🇬🇧
You’ll more than do for me, dear. I’m sure I wouldn’t be here without your support and encouragement. Words can’t express my gratitude for you, boo!