Painting the Triangle Inn Palm Springs...

We have been fortunate since we've owned the Triangle Inn to have several folks either photograph it or paint it, so when one painter from Stuttgart shared his interpretation of the Inn with us we decided to share it with all our friends.

The artist is Heinz Stoewer. Heinz spent much of his life as a successful lawyer and banker in Germany, but he decided in his forties to explore his artistic side. So he boldly quit his corporate job and studied painting at two art academies in Germany. Since that time, Heinz has worked successfully as an artist with solo exhibitions all over Germany.

The source and basis of Heinz' work is nature in all aspects; from a small piece of stone to large vistas. Inspired by his travels to the American Southwest, he has concentrated on scenes and images from this environment. The resulting paintings are very personal impressions and choices of what Heinz finds during his travels.

The Triangle Inn painting is part of a series that started with more abstract impressions of canyons and deserts and has now expanded to focus on the conflict between nature and civilization in the harsh desert environment, including midcentury architecture and design in the Coachella Valley.

Heinz' paintings are photorealistic with some impressionistic and abstracted elements. They are all done in acrylic on canvas in medium to larger sizes.

HOLIDAZE 2009 - Friends, Food and Fun!

The Holidays this year were great fun here at the Inn (as was the entire month of December - we had a GREAT Yoga Retreat, and a Big Birthday Party), plus Thanksgiving and Christmas!

For Thanksgiving, it was all about the bird(s), with three turkey breasts; each done in its own theme, and each with its own set of side items to match. I love to cook but had never done just Turkey Breasts before (both because I like the dark meat and because I'd always worried that they'd be dry), but I have to say that these turned out great!

I did a Cajun Turkey (a recurring theme this year...) with Sausage, a Savory Turkey with Fresh Sage, Apples and Onions, and an Orange Rosemary Turkey (one of my favorites) - a variation of a favorite Gourmet Magazine recipe. The turkeys came out so pretty I almost (that's right - almost) did not want to cut into them.

Thanksgiving dinner was not as busy as it's been some years because lots of folks did not arrive until Thanksgiving Day, but it was still festive and lots of fun.

After dinner, the tryptophan kicked in but not so much that it kept everybody from going out to explore the bar scene here in Palm Springs. (Some of them even got "caught" by one of our local bar rags - I have the pictures to prove it - and I have to say the guys were feeling no pain when that particular photo was taken! :)

David has been decorating for Christmas since Thanksgiving week (and has not stopped n the interim). I think we have used more lights and more decorations this year than we have ever have (not that there is a shortage of decorations in storage). It looks great - even David's "art" tree.

I did the Christmas tree (my decorating contribution) in turquoise and silver - new colors (inspired by a package of ornaments I saw at Target - lol!). The tree turned out just great (Even though Stephen and David kidded me about the tree topper I got - they said it was a dunce hat).

For our Christmas meal this year, we decided to have sort of a split Lunch/Dinner so we could enjoy the sunshine out by the pool. I always like to include a Honeybaked Ham for Christmas (but still managed to also serve a Cajun Turkey - this time the whole turkey - not one, though, that I had to make from scratch, thank you Honeybaked!).

I confess that I got a bit carried away with the side items this year - braised Brussels Sprouts and Carrots with Bacon Drippings and Kumquats, Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Gorgonzola Cheese, Dirty Rice, Corn and Black Beans, Baked yams and Sourdough Biscuits - but it was all good (even if I had so many choices I could barely get a spoonful of each onto my plate).

Alan and Michael brought Broccoli casserole, Robert Lundy brought his Cherry Cranberry dish, and Bryan brought eighteen kinds of Christmas Cookies, plus a homemade Lemon pie, a homemade Cherry pie, and homemade vanilla ice cream.

Trust me, none of this is low fat. I will be paying for it on the stairmaster for months but it's worth it! Add to that a birthday cake for Charlie House and Alan Drucker and you can see why everyone needed a nap after dinner!

Palm Springs Festival Of Lights Parade

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


The Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade started on December 5, 1992 and has become a favorite Palm Springs Holiday Tradition. It is always held on the first Saturday in December (which usually coincides with the Annual Tamale Festival in Indio).



The Festival of Lights Parade was the vision of a small group of community members who wanted to offer the community an event that would allow everyone to enjoy the holiday season. Many of those individuals are still involved with the parades’ production.



Every year the parade grows bigger and better. When it started, there were approximately 12,000 spectators and only 32 entries - mostly lighted automobiles and marching groups.



Now the parade attracts well over 80,000 spectators and hosts over 100 entries of all types. Fabulously lighted floats, big rigs, equestrians, bands, autos, and celebrities now entertain crowds of spectators from all over Southern California. You will also find visitors from around the world enjoying the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade.



The 2009 Parade Title Sponsor is The City of Palm Springs, and the Presenting Sponsor is the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Naked Yoga Retreat coming to the Triangle Inn Palm Springs in December

In just a few weeks, we'll be hosting our December Naked Yoga retreat, and we're really excited to be featuring two incredible yoga instructors from San Diego (in addition to our own local favorite - Scott Sarber). 

Our longtime friend Peter Smith joins fellow San Diegan, Paul Tucci for some incredible yoga classes that will help take the stress out of the Holidays!

Peter Smith has practiced yoga for 9 years and taught for 5.  His classes consist of hatha yoga asanas and focus on alignment. In addition, Peter adds intention to the asana practice so that students develop sensitivity and a discriminating body mind awareness. His classes are good for beginners and more advanced students!

Paul Tucci, Hatha Yoga Teacher, has been doing yoga for 10 years and has studied yoga with both Ana Forrest (Seattle)  and Eric Schiffman (LA). What brought him to yoga was his curiosity. What kept him there was the path of healing his body & mind. Years of back pain receded as he learned the yoga poses. He brings this compassion to both the new and experienced students, as well as the  students with injuries. He currently teaches for FIT-X, the SD Yoga Loft, The La Jolla Sporting Club, and is the director for the SD Men's Naked Group in San Diego.

Scott Sarber teaches yoga in Palm Springs, and has a regular weekly class at the Triangle Inn Palm Springs on Saturday mornings. His yoga influences include Kundalini, Iyengar, Ashtanga and Anusara. He says his Greatest Teacher has been his beautiful, compassionate daughter, Jacquelyn. Scott is a devotee of AMMA, and is Yoga Alliance Registered. He is also a AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and  AFAA Trained Spin Instructor.

Event Details are as follows: 

Dates: December 11-13, 2009

Location: Triangle Inn Palm Springs

Cost: Special rates are available. Call for details and to book your reservation.    

THREE NIGHT PACKAGE:
Three nights lodging (Fri., Sat., Sun.)
Six yoga classes (a la carte - sign up on arrival), plus individual instruction as available
Breakfast

Lunch (optional add-on)
Social hour

TWO NIGHT PACKAGE:
Two nights lodging (Fri., Sat. or Sat., Sun.)
Four yoga classes (a la carte - sign up on arrival), plus individual instruction as available;
Breakfast

Lunch (optional add-on)
Social hour

Reservations and information:

800-732-7555 or 760-322-7993

2009 Nearly (OK, mostly) Naked Halloween Party!

This year's Nearly Naked Halloween Party ended up being mostly naked (which suited everybody just fine!). Mark, Dan, Stephen, David and I shopped, decorated, and costumed ourselves into oblivion but the result was a FABULOUS Party! Lots of fun and lots of great guys.

It was really great (for me) to get to meet some local guys. Stephen and I tend to get tied to the hotel sometimes, and often miss out on the locals scene. What a blast, though. Dan set up a Crime Scene with Yellow Caution Tape and Mark marked out bodies (and body parts) with black tape on the pavement. The rest was a combination of skulls, jack-o-lanterns and everything else Halloween.

We were all also quite happy that this year the weather worked in our favor ad gave us a nice warm (ish) night. Last time we had a Nearly Naked Halloween Party we all just about froze to death (and trust me, naked men and cold weather do not make for good eye candy - can you say turtle?). :)

One of the very best parts of the night was the Shadow Dancing. Dan brought over his set-up (from his Birthday Party). It was really fun (to be a viewer - I left the dancing to the folks (like Andy, Jallen and more) who were good at it.

I have to say it would be an excellent TING event (HINT. HINT.) for Spring TING 2010. Michael and Clyde got a bit of it on their iPhone so hopefully they will send it to me and I can post it.

Pictures (the ones I took) are up on the Triangle Inn Social Network. If anybody eldse took some, feel free to post them!

Best,
Michael

PS - Next week is PRIDE, then there's LEATHER PRIDE, then Perry is visiting, and then it's Thanksgiving! Did I mention that last night was NEARLY a full moon? :)

Autumn Dilemmas in Southern California - or - What to wear to a Nearly Naked Halloween Party...

Autumn has arrived in Southern California! I know this because the nighttime temperatures have dropped below 75 degrees, the gardeners are scalping the lawns in order to plant Winter Rye, the Farmers' Market is open again, and election signs are sprouting up everywhere.

There are other things. Stores are putting out long sleeved shirts and sweaters, Home Depot has started clearing space for their Christmas display (even before Halloween, mind you), and all the restaurants are changing their menus to include things like Winter Squash Soup, Roasted Pumpkin Souffle, and Sauteed Leeks.

Without true Autumn weather, SoCal has to signal the change of seasons as best it can. And for those of us who moved here expressly FOR the warm, wonderful and mostly unchangeable weather, those are exactly the sorts of signals we like to see. When everyone else is starting to look for snow flurries, we're wondering if we should start heating the pool. While everyone else is worried about the next big Hurricane, we're planting our Fall Gardens. All in all, Autumn (and Winter, for that matter), is a strange and wonderful thing.

Here at the Inn, we're preparing for Autumn pretty much the same way everyone else is. We've got beans, potatoes, tomotoes, carrots, beets and eggplants growing in the garden, the fig tree is loaded down with figs, and the fruit on all the citrus trees is ripening. We're also getting ready for the Autumn holidays - Halloween, Greater Palm Springs PRIDE, Leather PRIDE, and Thanksgiving. It's one special event right after another, starting with our Nearly Naked Halloween Party.

This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday, the party is taking place on Halloween itself. Our friends Dan and Mark are co-hosting it with us and our friend Geno is coming over to do a (naked) book signing an hour before we start the party. Geno's just published his first novel, and the fact that the book signing is particularly appropriate, given that it's about a naked dick (errr., detective), and because Geno's an avid naturist. The book signing commences at 7pm, and the party starts at 8pm.

There's only one problem I'm struggling with at the moment - what to wear, or, more specifically, what to wear to a nearly naked Halloween Party? Now don't get me wrong. There have been years when we've hosted this party that I had no trouble deciding what to wear. But this year, for some reason, I'm just having what, in any other situation, might be described as writers' block.

Suggestions? Photos to share from your own exploits at similar events? I could use the input and/or the inspiration.... Email me.

Best,
Michael
Triangle Inn Palm Springs

My Takes from the MegaMuscle Photo Expo

I wanted to share some of my shots from the Mega Muscle Photo Expo we hosted this past weekend at the Inn. I should probably call them outtakes because all the photos the photographers took are so amazing, but some of mine actually turned out pretty good considering that they were behind the scenes candids taken with my ever-dependable (as long as I remember to charge the battery) Canon Powershot SD550.


I have to say that the weekend was absolutely amazing. Brian, Kenny, Anthony, Jason, and everyone else on the MegaMuscle team are absolute sweethearts, the models were great fun as well, and gracious to us as well as to the guests, and, of course, my buds Tal and Ron from Sweat UnderGear were fun as well. 

I'd have to say that a good time was had by all, especially the photographers who came to the expo to shoot. I cannot wait to see some of their work, having watched their set-ups. We had incredible weather all weekend - perfect Palm Springs sunshine, blue skies and warm but not too hot temperatures.

Sunday was especially fun around the Inn because the photographers were shooting here and at our house next door. There were definitely plenty of reasons for (Canadian) Thanksgiving around the pool, as everyone who was here will gladly attest.

Handsome Lucas gave our friend Gage a copy of the Playgirl that has him on the cover. He's also on the inside in a scorching photoshoot that's part of the annual 2007 calendar.


Brian was also a hoot. Even though he shared stories of all his exploits with the ladies he was completely comfortable hanging out with all the guys and had as much fun as everybody else.  

Eric was also a favorite and quite a cut-up. He definitely gets the "Best All-Around Bud" Award. 

Then again, all the guys were great. Not a one that wasn't fun, friendly and professional. 

I only have one question. When can we do it again? ;)


Michael
Triangle Inn Palm Springs

Clothing Optional YOGA for men.

We've got YOGA on our minds. We're working with nationally known yoga practitioners to put together monthly YOGA get-aways (three nights, breakfast, lunch, and two yoga classes a day).

We've got a variety of visiting instructors as well as our regular instructor Scott Sarber (Sat. AM class). Call or email for more information.

Mega Muscle Photo Expo

Join Us at the Triangle Inn Palm Springs
during the Mega Muscle Palm Springs Photo Expo!

It’s being produced by Mega Muscle, and sponsors include Tom Bianchi, SWEAT Undergear, Kiehl’s, 7post, Gold’s Gym and us!

That’s right! We’re proud to be a sponsor of the Mega Muscle Palm Springs Photo Expo, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to Palm Springs!

Here are the details, and some background:

The Mega Muscle Palm Springs Photo Expo
October 9th, 10th and 11th, 2009
Palm Springs, CA

The Mega Muscle Photography Events launched to allow photographers of all levels to work with the top models of Mega Muscle and creative forces who guide the company's direction. One of the unique opportunities in attending these events is the chance to shoot in different cities with all of the logistical details handled for you. Mega Muscle has produced hugely successful events in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Colorado and Vancouver and now we are relaunching our events and heading to...PALM SPRINGS!

Join us on October 9th for a very special cocktail reception in honor of the Mega Muscle Photography Expo hosted by world renowned fine art photographer Tom Bianchi! Mr. Bianchi is inviting all of the models and participating photographers to his home for a chance for everyone to get to know each other prior to the weekend's events. Then get ready to shoot in one of the most photogenic cities in all of the U.S. From outstanding architecture to the stunning natural landscapes, the only thing that could make this photo experience better is of course - the men of Mega Muscle!

Want to know more? Visit www.mega-muscle.net and check out the Events section!

Sponsors

Mega Muscle would like to give special thanks to our sponsors and partners. Their involvement in supporting the Mega Muscle Photography Expo in Palm Springs is invaluable.

A very SPECIAL THANKS to photographer Tom Bianchi who is hosting the Mega Muscle opening night reception for all photographers, models and crew who will be participating at the Mega Muscle Photography Expo in Palm Springs. He is a legend in the industry and we are honored by his generosity. For more informationon Tom Bianchi and his work, please visit his official site at www.tombianchi.com.

Sweat Under Gear is the official underwear sponsor for the Mega Muscle Photography Expo in Palm Springs, CA. Not only does Sweat generously outfit all of our models in their fantastic product but they are providing all attendees with a generous package that includes several pairs of their underwear for our Expo participants to take with them to use in their future projects. For more information, please visit www.sweatundergear.com.

Mega Muscle is proud to include Kiehl's as an official sponsor. We only use Kiehl's hair products for our models and their entire line of skin and body care is without equal. Kiehl's products are made from the finest ingredients on earth. For more information, please visit www.kiehls.com.

Amazed by those fantastic video images captured at the Mega Muscle events? They are the work of 7post productions, a videography and editing company based in Los Angeles. To see the versatility offered you by 7post, visit www.7post.us.



Mega Muscle is happy to include Gold's gym among our key partners. Gold's Gym not only serves as the location for most of our fitness videos, but also serves as our primary fitness location when we have expos or workshops in the U.S. To locate a Gold's Gym near you, visit www.goldsgym.com

Calling All Dollys!

Cinema Diverse To Host Dolly Parton Look-Alike Contest.

Ladies (and gentlemen), do you look like Dolly Parton? Do you want to? Now you can (and you can win a prize for doing it)!

If it’s always been your dream to look like Dolly Parton (even for one night), or if you’re just looking for an interesting way to spend the evening (and maybe win a prize or two), then pull out your best Dolly gown, don your biggest and blondest Dolly wig, and get yourself over to the September 17th screening of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS at the Camelot Theatres.

We’re holding a Dolly Look-Alike Contest to celebrate our revival screening of the film. There are two divisions (one for men and one for women), and there will be a first place $200 cash prize for each division (along with some really great second and third place prizes)! There’s also a $100 cash prize for audience favorite, so bring your friends!

It’s that easy. Just come to the screening, sign in, walk the catwalk, introduce yourself to the audience and tell them why you should win, then relax and enjoy the movie. Afterward, head over to the Hotel Zoso for our Dolly Party where our Hostess and Emcee Bella Da Ball, along with our Celebrity Judges, will announce the winners winners, and prizes will be awarded.

For tickets and information about the screening of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, and for information about the Dolly Parton Look-Alike Contest, visit www.cinemadiverse.org.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Camelot Theatres Box Office, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, or by calling 760-325-6565.

Cinema Diverse To Screen BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, On Thursday, September 17th. Also don’t miss the DOLLY PARTON Look-Alike Contest!

On Thursday, September 17th, Cinema Diverse, the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival • Palm Springs, will host a revival screening of the perennial favorite, BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, and Dolly Parton Look-Alike Contest. This is the last in the new three-part September Screening Series (the Festival opens the following Thursday, September 24th), and promises to be a fun-filled (and raucous) evening!


BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton, was an instant audience favorite when it first came out; at one point, almost reaching cult status with movie-goers and Dolly fans alike. And now it’s back on the big screen at the Camelot. Come and enjoy the movie the way it was meant to be watched, and take a gander at all the Dollys that will be in attendance vying for audience favorite!

For tickets and information about the screening of THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, and for information about the Dolly Parton Look-alike Contest, visit www.cinemadiverse.org.


Tickets are available for purchase at the Camelot Theatres Box Office, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, or by calling 760-325-6565.

Cinema Diverse To Screen Madcap Comedy, THE RITZ, On Thursday, September 3rd.

Cinema Diverse - the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival • Palm Springs To Screen Madcap Comedy, THE RITZ, On Thursday, September 3rd.

Actress KAYE BALLARD to host VIP Reception.

On Thursday, September 3rd, Cinema Diverse, the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival • Palm Springs, will launch its new September Screening Series with a revival screening of the madcap comedy, THE RITZ. Local favorite Actress Kaye Ballard, who starred in the film, is scheduled to host a VIP Reception in advance of the screening, and provide an introduction the film, along with some great quips and anecdotes. “You know it was the first time a woman used the “F” word in a major motion picture,” Ballard laughs, “And of course I was the one who said it.”

Tony Award Winner Terrence McNally (LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!, MASTER CLASS) adapted his Broadway hit farce, THE RITZ, to spicy screen life with many of the show's zany original cast members: Jack Weston, Jerry Stiller, Academy Award winner F. Murray Abraham (AMADEUS) as a screaming queen to end all screaming queens, a young and buff Treat Williams, and the legendary Rita Moreno (WEST SIDE STORY). Moreno, who will be appearing live at the Palm Springs Art Museum's Annenberg Theater this coming November, reprised her Tony Award winning performance in the movie version of THE RITZ as the clueless Googie Gomez, a supremely aggressive but hopelessly untalented Latina who sees her potential stardom rising out of the attention she receives by performing in a New York City gay bathhouse called THE RITZ!

Acclaimed director Richard Lester (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT, PETULIA) directed the film version of THE RITZ, and served up an exercise in manic mayhem based on the story of a Cleveland sanitation company owner who is "married to the mob,”and inadvertently crosses his gangster brother-in-law. To avoid his brother-in-law’s hitmen, he “hides” in the "safest place in the world" - a gay bathhouse. So turn up the steam heat, break out the bath towels, check into THE RITZ and get ready for a true laugh riot!

For tickets and information about the screening of THE RITZ,
and the Special VIP Reception with KAYE BALLARD, visit www.cinemadiverse.org.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Camelot Theatres Box Office, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA, 92262, or by calling 760-325-6565.