Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah,...

Disco may be dead, but it just might save your life. Don't believe me? Just ask a doctor.

A study conducted at the University of Illinois College of Medicine experimented with ways to teach people the proper 100 compressions per minute for performing CPR. Their conclusion? Listening to "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees helped 15 doctors keep the proper rhythm.

The song contains 103 beats per minute, which very closely mirrors the required rate. After five weeks practicing CPR while listening to the song, participants performed better at keeping the proper pace.

They also remarked on the irony and fittingness of the song.

"The theme 'Stayin' Alive' is very appropriate for the situation," said Dr. David Matlock who headed the small study. "Everybody's heard it at some point in their life. People know the song and can keep it in their head."

So the next time you hear "...somebody help me; somebody help me, yeah", just think back to that song that won't get out of your head...

And yes. You might just say the DJ saved your life.

Queer Paranormal Road Trip: Banting House Inn

If you're looking to take an extended trip to Toronto for a weekend this summer, one gay-owned bed and breakfast should be on the top of your list. In fact, it has been ranked one of the Top 10 Places to Stay in Toronto.

Believe it or not, Banting House Inn is right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Yet it's immense property and towering trees make you feel as though you're in an oasis within the city. The seven guest rooms each have their uniqueness (such as the Wedgewood Room and the Oscar Wilde Room) and the off-street parking is an added bonus! Of course, there are some possible reasons to visit... of a more supernatural nature.

The brick home was constructed in 1899... and apparently, one of it's first residents never left.

It is possible that the apparition occasionally seen by visitors is none other than Sir Frederick Banting, who once resided at the homestead. Banting was a Nobel Prize winner in 1923, made famous for his work with Dr. Charles Best which lead to the discovery of insulin. (His later home in London, Ontario houses the Canadian Diabetes Association and a museum, not to confuse the two "Banting Houses".)Banting perished in a plane crash in 1941, at the age of 49. It was also used as an animal research facility, and a few guests have reported hearing dogs barking or running up and down the hallways.

But that hasn't deterred anyone...

So if you're looking to visit Toronto and are curious to stay at a haunted inn, Banting House is the perfect spot. Even if you don't have a paranormal experience, it is certainly worth the trip.

A Day Against Hate

Today marks yet another observance of International Day Against Homophobia. It was first designated by Fondation Émergence on June 4, 2003 in Québec, Canada to promote harmonious relationships among people of all orientations, end discrimination, and show the consequences of homophobic acts. It's perfectly fitting for Québec to take this initiative: it was the first province to forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1977. This day marks a time for both celebration and awareness. Though tolerance seems better than in years before, there are still many milestones to pass.

Homophobia comes in many forms: from the casual derogatory use of the words "fag" and "gay" among teenagers to public hangings of homosexuals in various countries. It stems from societal and individual inabilities to grasp differences among people... and in turn, view them as a threat. These beliefs can even lead to internalized homophobia, where gay and lesbian individuals begin to view themselves as inferior or worthless. The self-loathing can eventually lead to suicide.

This year's focus is on health issues, including depression and suicide, blood and organ donations, addiction, and AIDS. Medical institutions and employers still have been known to discriminate against individuals based on hiv status and sexuality. People still equate AIDS with homosexuality. And the risk of suicide in both teenagers and adults hasn't ended.

We can all do our part to help end the hate. Encourage teachers and employers to discuss homophobia. Ask businesses, organizations, newspapers, and media sources to publicize this day and make a firm stand on tolerance. Contact your political representatives and tell them to support diversity and follow through on past promises. Persuade parents to talk openly and non-judgmentally about homosexuality with their kids. Find the courage to "come out" in some way and let others know they aren't alone.

Or just feel free to kiss someone in public...