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by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Apollo Studs Brave Frances

Thank goodness for such a sweet little brother, namely Ken Benedict. My younger sibling took pictures for me on that fabulous trip to Port Arthur, when the studly wonders of the Krewe of Apollo braved Frances for a night out to honor King and Queen Apollo XVIII-elect, Nathan and Joel. It all took place at Big John's spacious digs and everything was decorated exquisitely for the occasion.

Guests were greeted with a private bar set up on the outside terrace. The yard was lined with candles and tiki torches to add to the lush tropical atmosphere of the evening. After entering the main house, guests feasted in the formal dining room at an elaborate buffet with a centerpiece of gigantic red roses. On one end of the table was a three-tiered cake decorated with fresh flowers and topped with purple irises, all prepared by Apollo's own Darren of Beaumont.

Guests were from Baton Rouge, Beaumont, and Houston. The highlight of the evening was an impromptu ceremoney on the terrace in which Captains Joe and Les toasted the king-and-queen-elect. After the toast, Nathan presented his queen with a special surprise, a jeweled pin. Then the royalty-elect toasted and recognized the attending board members - Ken, Pat, John, Tom, Darren and Scott. After that, the reigning Queen Apollo XVII, Jim, and the past royalty members, Larry, Hal, Pat, Terry, and Bruce, toasted and were presented jeweled pins by the royalty-elect.

After the party ended, the Red Stickers were escorted to a night out on the town in Beaumont with Nathan as their guide. The first stop was a cruise bar called Crockett Street Station. The Apolloites were greeted by two very friendly and hunky dancers. After stuffing their thongs with money, the group moved down the street to a hip dance bar called The Copa. The guys danced the night away before the bar closed at 2 a.m.

Oh, yes, I do have to mention that sweet Joel had to stop on the way to The Copa and help a crepe myrtle in distress from the winds of Frances. He wasn't satisfied until it was erect again, the crepe myrtle, that is. I always knew this sweetheart was special.

The following day, a tired group held a board meeting at Darren's home to discuss business and plan the upcoming turnabout program scheduled for Evolution in Baton Rouge. Here again, I'm going to have to depend on my little brother to help me out. I'll be at something called the Folsom Street Fair. That's in San Francisco, of course.

Cierra Monet Wins Another Title

Cierra Monet has returned to Baton Rouge but not before she claimed the Miss Southern New England title. This is her most recent title she has won while living in Springfield, MA. This makes three major wins for her now.

In fact, there is a fourth honor, which I haven't mentioned before. With Victoria Valentine moving up to the Miss Hide-A-Way title earlier this year, Cierra automatically became the first runner-up to Miss Hide-A-Way. This all came about when Christine King gave it up and moved to Austin, TX.

Chase Makes It Back

After a summer of hard work in Austin, one of Baton Rouge's most beautiful sons has returned. I speak of a magnificent specimen of manhood, the outrageously handsome Chase. This young man is a perfect example of what muscles and fine body toning are all about.

As you may recall, he was one of the calendar boys for the 1998 Oz calendar. He is just a great young man with a wonderful personality and a rare kind of wit. Welcome back, Chase. You were missed by all your friends. By the way, darling, what was that item you lost at Decadence?

Miscellenea

The new paint job at George's really looks great. Of course, the landscaping is nice too. I caught Guy in a sweat while doing some touchup work. I always did like the feel of a wet T-shirt hugging a magnificent body. He and Richard took a trip over to Austin to visit Finis, and I'm anxious to hear the report. Did you guys make it to Hippy Hollow? A lot of swinging and swaying goes on there.

Bogart's has taken on a new look. The bar area has been completely redesigned and is much more inviting now than it was before this change. Uncle Jim was up from Key West for the recent holiday weekend and reports that the fabulous bartender at the Bourbon St. Pub on Duval Street is doing just great. That would be Raymond, of course. It seems this beautiful young man just keeps charming everyone in his presence. When it comes to charisma, this fabulous human being knows how to turn it on, and everyone around him too.

Don can answer the question of how a garden grows. He is constantly seen taking care of the lush patio area at the Blue Parrot. With the arrival of fall, this will become a popular spot again. He and significant other Tom had a joyous Decadence, but I dare not tell all their exploits. Some things are better when left alone.

Popular is the accurate description for Main Street's Time Zone and Hibiscus Bookstore. These two establishments anchor Gay life in this section of Red Stick. Karaoke is going over well for Kyle and James, and their feeding frenzy every Thursday packs in the people at this watering hole. Lots of Red Stickers are making this their favorite bar, and it's easy to understand why.

Across the street, Hibiscus is always packed too. Kyle and Damon offer a wide range of quality products for their customers. All the fall-released books are arriving, and plans are under way to offer several big sales events before the Christmas season arrives. Special orders on leather items can be made from their catalog.

The Hide-A-Way has lots of things on tap for the fall season too. This fine establishment offers a great place to meet and socialize. This is a favorite place for Rob and the book baron when they finally break away from their intimate dinners and quiet evenings at home. Lots of new items have been added to the merchandise counter at the Hide-A-Way. It's a place where you can obtain a number of special items without heading out to the shopping centers or to the downtown area.

Evolution is the place to be if you want to dance the night away. The music is special and played with you in mind. It's a great place to be and a definite asset to the night scene in Baton Rouge. It's a magical place filled with lights, laughter, and memories. Last week, few of the participants realized that they had a big star in their presence. Matt Bradshaw, one of the biggest (in more ways than one) stars in Hollywood, was in town and danced with the regulars. It was especially obvious when he removed his shirt and a certain tattoo was on prominent display. Matt is a local boy who "came out" at George's several years ago. He's really a very nice human being, one of the nicest guys in filmdom today.

Lots of happy people have adopted Perk's on Perkins Road as their place to enjoy the finest coffees and pastries in the city. Others have chosen to relax at Perk's on Jefferson Highway. Either one is an excellent choice. It's nice to stop in and see friends or study for that upcoming test at school. The atmosphere is great, and the scenery is tops.

Paul and Patrick are still walking around the lakes two or three times a week. I have to admit, they have some unusual stories to tell of their adventures. I never knew walking could be so entertaining. What a great way to exercise one's body and enjoy the sights at the same time.

Flowers for all seasons are available at Larry and Steve's place. That's Four Seasons Flowers and Gifts, and if you haven't checked this one out, you've missed a treat. This has to be the best floral facility in the city, and having beautiful hunks running around is a great asset too.

I could go on and on about hair specialists, but that would take a lot of space. Of course, I have to mention that my favorite and personal choice is a certain boy wonder named Curtis, who works out of that Cortana facility. He makes my balding dome look great, and he is so nice to gaze upon - from all angles, if you know what I mean. For those of you who like them tall, good-lookin' and sexy as all get out, then you would probably be sitting in Cola's chair or perhaps an older gentleman's chair, Truman by name. In many cases, older is better, especially if you are a grand old granny.

I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't mention travel agents, but the best one is my old buddy TTT. Call him for your next travel update. And if it's seasonal goodies you are looking for, there's Rudolph's Michael to help you out. And if you want to make a drive of it, there are several happy workers down at the mall in Gonzales. For picture developing, all you need is Nickcole's good work, or for camera supplies, check in with Randy at Ritz's. Clothing apparel can be found in a number of places, and those guys are always willing to take your measurements to see that you get a perfect fit. Right, Billy? Well, as Yul Brenner would say, "Etc. etc. etc."--and more later.

For those of you who are already getting those holiday gifts ready, don't forget your Gay businesses or those businesses where Gays and Lesbians are working. You can pick up a lot of business cards and receive guidance from the free information area and bulletins posted at Hibiscus Bookstore. I'll tell you all about San Francisco in my next column. Cheers!

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