Agenda Florida Issue 273 by Multi-Media Platforms

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

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FEBRUARY

FT LAUDERDALE • JACKSONVILLE • KEY WEST

11,

2015

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ISSUE

273

MIAMI • ORLANDO • TAMPA / ST PETERSBURG

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COUPLES CELEBRATE MARRIAGE EQUALITY AT W FORT LAUDERDALE Page 20

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THENS, GR (AP)--Greece’s new left-wing government has promised to grant same-sex couples legal status, in response to a 2013 international court decision condemning the country for discrimination. Justice Minister Nikolaos Paraskevopoulos told parliament Monday that civil partnerships, first legislated in 2008, would be extended to gay couples but did not say when the changes were planned.

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it was important to include the question in the referendum to reinforce traditional family values. Slovakia’s anti-gay marriage movement has received massive support from the Catholic Church, and Francis this week even gave his blessing to the referendum in an address on St. Peter’s Square. A conservative group, the Alliance for Family, forced the Slovakian vote by gathering more than 400,000 signatures, well above the required 350,000. Even though 90% of those who took part in the vote said “yes” to the referendum’s three questions, the turnout of just 21.07% was far from the legal requirement of 50% to change the current law. Human rights activists have condemned the referendum as an attempt to force religion upon others. Gays in Slovakia express alarm that the nation’s anti-gay movement goes against the spirit of Velvet Revolution that toppled communism in the former Czechoslovakia. “Much still has to be done in my country to gain freedom, the freedom to love,” said Brano Ondrasik, who traveled to Scotland last year to register his same-sex partnership on Nov. 17, the anniversary of the pro-democracy revolt.

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RATISLAVA, SK (AP) — A big billboard of Pope Francis hangs over the center of Slovakia’s capital, urging citizens to vote “Yes” in a referendum on restricting gay rights. The vote this weekend in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation — which follows a similar one that succeeded in Croatia in 2013 — points to a cultural divide within the European Union in which more established western members are rapidly granting new rights to gays, while eastern newcomers entrench conservative attitudes toward LGBT people. Last year, Britain became the latest EU nation to legalize gay marriage, joining nine others — all in the bloc’s west. Meanwhile, Croatia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia in the EU’s east all have enacted constitutional bans on gay marriage. In Saturday’s vote, Slovaks were asked whether they agree to three points: that marriage can only be called a union between man and woman; that same-sex partners must be barred from adopting children; and that it’s up to parents to decide whether their children receive sex education. While the constitution already defines marriage as between man and woman, the campaigners decided

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NATION ALABAMA BECOMES 37TH STATE TO LEGALIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

ONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Gay couples began getting married in Alabama on Monday morning, despite an 11th-hour attempt from the state’s chief justice - an outspoken opponent of samesex marriage- to block the weddings. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday morning refused to block the marriages and let a hold on the federal ruling striking the ban expire. Minutes later, Alabama became the 37th state where gays and lesbians can legally wed as probate judges began granting the licenses to couples, some of whom had been lined up for hours and exited courthouses to applause. “I figured that we would be that last ones - I mean, they would drag Alabama kicking and screaming to equality,” said Laura Bush, who married Dee Bush in a ceremony in a park outside the courthouse in Birmingham after receiving a license. “I remember California, when they were giving it, then it was taken away, and they gave it back,” Dee Bush said. So the couple, who has been together for seven years and has five kids between them, decided to “get in there while we

can and get it done.” But not all judges issued licenses, despite the January federal ruling that the state’s statutory and constitutional bans on gay marriage were unconstitutional. Some followed a Sunday night order from Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore that they refuse to give same-sex couples licenses. Moore sent probate judges a letter saying that he still viewed such licenses as illegal under the Alabama Constitution and arguing that the federal judge’s order did not require that they be issued. It was a dramatic return to defiance for the chief justice. He was removed from the post in 2003 for refusing to obey a federal court order to remove a washing machine-sized Ten Commandments from the state judicial building. Critics lashed out that Moore had no authority to tell county probate judges to enforce a law that a federal judge already ruled unconstitutional. Local media reports showed that at least 11 of Alabama’s 67 counties refused to issue marriage licenses Monday. Russell County Probate Judge

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WASHINGTON, DC (AP) — The Supreme Court is inappropriately signaling it intends to clear the way for gay marriage across the nation, Justice Clarence Thomas complained Monday in a stinging dissent to the court’s refusal to block the start of same-sex marriages in Alabama. Bitterly objecting to Monday’s action, Thomas provided a rare insider’s perspective on the widely held view that the court’s embrace of gay marriage is a done deal. Thomas filed a dissenting opinion after

Justice Clarence Thomas

COURTESY OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

Court Signaling Gay Marriage Is a Done Deal, Thomas Says

Alford Parden said his office had turned away at least one samesex couple because of Moore’s order but was issuing licenses to heterosexual couples. He said he considered the letter from Moore, the state’s top judicial officer, a binding court order. Parden said he felt caught between state and federal court orders. “I think every probate judge in the state feels that way. ... It’s an unfortunate event for all of us.” In the port city of Mobile, at least nine gay couples had hoped to get marriage licenses, but the court didn’t open the division to anyone. “They told us they felt like they were in a Catch-22,” David Kennedy, a lawyer presenting the couples, said of officials there. The couples filed a federal lawsuit against Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis asking the court to force him to issue the licenses. State Attorney General Luther Stranger - who requested that the Supreme Court extend the hold on the federal ruling and delay any issuing of licenses - said in a statement that the justices’ decision to allow marriages was likely

his colleagues rejected Alabama’s plea to put a hold on same-sex marriages in the state until the Supreme Court resolves

the issue nationwide in a few months. He criticized his fellow justices for looking “the other way as yet another federal district judge casts aside state laws,” rather than following the customary course of leaving those laws in place until the court answers an important constitutional question. “This acquiescence may well be seen as a signal of the court’s intended resolution of that question,” Thomas wrote in an opinion that was joined by Justice Antonin Scalia. “This is not the proper way” for the court to carry out its role under the Constitution, he wrote, “and, it is indecorous for this court to pretend that it is.” The opinion was remarkable less for the legal result it suggested than for its open criticism of fellow justices.

to lead to more confusion. The high court is expected to take up the issue of gay marriage and issue a ruling later this year on whether same-sex couples have a right to marry nationwide. In a statement, Gov. Robert Bentley noted that the Supreme Court would rule on this issue later and said, “I am disappointed that a single Federal court judge disregarded the vote of the Alabama people to define marriage as between a man and woman.” He said he agreed with the court’s dissenting opinion that the ruling represents a “cavalier attitude” toward the states. In Montgomery, paramedics Melissa and Kimberly Martin finished their night shifts and decided to get married on the spot after seeing that the judge was issuing licenses. They got married in their “Roll Tide” University of Alabama football T-shirts and planned a fancier ceremony later. “We had thought about going to New York or Florida. How amazing is it that we can get married here at home,” Kimberly Martin said.

After all, many legal commentators have predicted not only the case’s outcome this spring (in favor of samesex marriage), but the vote (5-4) and the author of the majority opinion (Justice Anthony Kennedy). The number of states in which gay and lesbian couples can marry has nearly doubled since October, from 19 to 37, largely as a result of terse Supreme Court orders that allowed lower court rulings to become final and rejected state efforts to keep marriage bans in place pending appeals. “If you read the tea leaves the Supreme Court is leaving, the bans on same-sex marriage can’t be permitted. They’re unconstitutional,” said University of California-Berkeley law professor Jesse Choper.

EWISTON, ID (AP)--With speculation flying, Bruce Jenner’s mother opened up Wednesday about his gender journey. Esther Jenner, 88, has been besieged by calls from the media in recent days, but the widow in Lewiston, Idaho, isn’t interested in fueling gossip. Instead, in a wide-ranging, nearly hour-long phone interview, she praised her Olympian son for his courage, stopping short of some details that have been floated by unnamed sources online and in tabloids. Bruce Jenner, who won gold as a decathlete in the 1976 Summer Games, has not publicly spoken about transitioning to a woman. His appearance has gradually become more traditionally feminine. A publicist for the 65-year-old Jenner would not comment about his mother’s remarks. Nor would E! Entertainment on word that Jenner will appear in a reality series about his journey. Speaking to Associated Press writer Leanne Italie, Esther said that she had spoken to her son after he called her to have a “serious converation” about his gender identity.

“My heart has been touched.” The Idaho Falls Republican sits on the House State Affairs Committee and was among those who voted down an “Add the Words” bill 13-4 along party lines. The proposal would have added “sexual orientation and gender identity” to the law that bans discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion and national origin in housing, employment and public accommodations.

MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS INC. CEO BOBBY BLAIR FEATURED IN HALL OF FAMER NICK BOLLETTIERI

KATHCLICK

Bruce Jenner in 1976 Olympics and now.

February 11, 2015 17

I determined to bring them together and help them find their unified voice. I put together an all-star team of Social Media, Internet newspaper, and magazine professionals who are now delivering news, entertainment, and social media services to an evergrowing audience in the $850 billion LGBT community.” “I can’t say enough about how proud I am of Bobby for all that he has accomplished and continues to do to bring equality and understanding to the world,” wrote Bollettieri. “Bobby Blair is committed to providing a safe and confidential support team for LGBT athletes around the globe and by sharing his experiences and showing how important it is to live your truth,” according to another tennis champion, Billy Jean King. “I know he will make a major impact in the lives of those he reaches through his foundation (The Brian Neal Fitness & Health Foundation) and his new book,” stated King. MMP enjoys strong support from an international community of high-profile professionals who have worked with Blair in the past and respect his accomplishments and leadership. MMP is expanding its print publications as well as its Global Agenda Network™ machine into a global LGBT media industry leader.

COURTESY OF INSIDEEDITION.COM

FORT LAUDERDALE—Bobby Blair, CEO of Multimedia Platforms Inc. (OTCQB: EAHCD)(“MMP”) was included in the recently released Bollettieri: Changing the Game, the autobiography of world famous tennis coach Nick Bollettieri. Blair was included as one of the most significant people whom Bollettieri has mentored. Blair, a junior tennis champion in the mid-80s, was included in the book highlighting other tennis greats that Bolletteri has coached. Among them: Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Maria Sharapova, Boris Becker, Monica Seles, and Serena Williams. Blair’s friendship with Bollettieri has remained strong over the years, and, as Bollettieri noted in his book, the tennis coach felt honored to be a key speaker at the US Open 2013 event where Blair’s own new book, Hiding Inside The Baseline, was presented. “Hiding Inside the Baseline,” by Blair and Barry Buss, chronicles Blair’s tale of growing up and pursuing a career in professional tennis in the 80s when there would have been negative consequences for being openly gay. “I began my career feeling very much alone as a gay athlete and sports professional,” stated Bobby Blair. “When I discovered that there were over 18 million other LGBT people in North America alone,

“It was brief and I said I was proud of him and that I’ll always love him,” Esther said. “I never thought I could be more proud of Bruce when he reached his goal in 1976, but I’m more proud of him now. It takes a lot of courage to do what he’s doing.” Despite early speculation about conflict within his family about the issue, Esther left no doubt that Jenner has the complete support of his family. “It was a shock. It’s hard to wrap your mind around it.” Esther said upon learning of his gender identity issue. “The family is close and very supportive of Bruce and we’re supportive of each other.” According to Esther, Jenner told his mother, “I want to be honest about my identity and I know this is coming out in the press.” Esther left no doubt about her complete support of his decision. “I am at peace with what he is and what he’s doing.” Jenner has signed a deal for a one-on-one interview special with ABC newsperson Diane Sawyer. The interview will air in May. The move was a controversial one for Jenner to make since his reality series is on E!, a subsidiary of NBC/Universal.

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Rep. Linden Bateman

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BOISE, ID (AP) — Idaho’s gay and lesbian activists lined up 22 hours of testimony in their effort to have anti-discrimination laws amended to include them in housing and employment protections. And though they weren’t able to change the state’s Human Rights Act, supporters say they were able to change perceptions among lawmakers with the flood of emotional stories. “I had never met so many people who were LGBT before the testimony,” Rep. Linden Bateman said. “This was an experience with a depth with so many different voices,” he added.

COURTESY OF REP. LINDEN BATEMAN OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Idaho’s Gay and Lesbian Activists Claim Progress on Bill

MOTHER OF BRUCE JENNER PRAISES SON DURING TRANSITION

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NATION

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SUNSHINE STATE COUPLES CELEBRATE MARRIAGE EQUALITY AT W FORT LAUDERDALE

PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA CORTEZ

February 11, 2015

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FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH — Marjorie Hochberg and Judy Gomez flew in from Tucson, Arizona. Tim Finnen and Eric Bennett celebrated 10 years together. Dick Eaton and Joseph Tirana renewed their vows. Fort Lauderdale residents Aly Feliu and Karah Odell jumped at the chance to get married in their hometown. Andres Vasquez and Felipe Cardenas waved around their passports from Columbia, where same-sex marriage still isn’t recognized. Each of these eclectically dressed

gay and straight couples got up at the crack of dawn and braved the pouring rain to take part in a mass wedding organized by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitor Bureau at the W Fort Lauderdale Hotel in commemoration of Jan. 6, when marriage equality arrived in Florida. As the morning began the couples assembled and mingled in the plush Whiskey Blue Lounge of the hotel to hear various speakers introduce the special event. Vice Mayor Martin David

Kier reaffirmed Broward County’s open-arms policy of inclusion by saying, “if you want to vacation and feel accepted, come here where we celebrate equality for all.” Former N’Sync band member Lance Bass was on hand as well, proclaiming Fort Lauderdale Beach as his second home “because it is so accepting!” From the lounge, the wedding parties were ushered up a flight of stairs on a trail of roses to a spacious lounge that opened up onto the second floor balcony

with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Father John Joseph Reid of Divine Mercy, who was there with his husband Father Larry Turner, officiated the nuptials. After the “I do’s”, airline Jet Blue presented each of the newlyweds with “Something Blue” — a surprise honeymoon package of a round-trip to one of 32 cities, or in the case of couples from outside of Florida, a round-trip ticket back to Fort Lauderdale. A perfect gift for a perfectly historical occasion.

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TOMALU

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Law Would Make It a Crime for Transgender People to Use Public Bathrooms

Public facilities in Miami Beach

gender people to use public bathrooms, prompting conservative outrage and a creepy ad campaign.

Brevard Extends Employee Health Coverage to Gay Spouses VIERA — Under a new policy approved by Brevard County commissioners this week, the spouses of samesex employees are now eligible for county health benefits. Commission Vice Chair Jim Barfield, who was the lone vote against the policy change, said he wanted to wait until the U.S. Supreme Court decides one the legality of same-sex marriage, admitting that his religious beliefs influenced his vote. Under the plan favored by the majority of commissioners, non-employee spouses of same-sex couples are now provisionally covered by county health insurance retroactive to Jan. 6, the day Brevard County started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Under the commissioners’ action, if the U.S. Supreme Court or the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that covers Florida upholds the Florida Constitution’s definition of marriage, then Brevard’s previous policy related to spouse coverage would be automatically reinstated. Commissioner Curt Smith said he

voted in favor of that approach, “even though it’s against my principles,” referring to his religious beliefs about same-sex marriage. Smith said he didn’t want to leave the county open to liability if a spouse of a same-sex couple didn’t get health insurance then got sick or injured.

State Gay Marriage Appeals on Hold for U.S. High Court ATLANTA (AP) — A federal appeals court in Atlanta says it won’t act on appeals in same-sex marriage cases until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the issue. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals – which handles federal appeals from Alabama, Georgia and Florida – issued the order Wednesday. The order affects pending appeals in Alabama and Florida, as well as future appeals in a case currently before a federal judge in Georgia. In Florida, that means same-sex marriages can continue as they have since Jan. 5. A federal judge’s order overturning Alabama’s gay marriage ban enters into effect Monday. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in April and is expected to rule by June. The 11th Circuit says it will resolve any remaining issues within 21 days of that ruling.

acknowledge people in the process of transitioning from one gender to another, nor those whose gender is no longer the one assigned at birth or those born intersex. “This ‘show your papers to pee’ bill denigrates both transgender and nontransgender people alike,” said Daniel Tilley, a staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. “In addition to dehumanizing transgender people in particular, it invites humiliation and harassment of anyone who is not considered sufficiently feminine or masculine in the eyes of the beholder. Other states have considered -- and dismissed -- measures limiting transgender people’s access to public facilities. In Arizona, a state lawmaker proposed a “bathroom bill” in 2013 that would have restricted transgender people to restrooms for people of their birth sex. The lawmaker later withdrew the bill following an outcry from advocates. Utah legislators failed to pass a measure in 2014 that would have blocked transgender students from using bathrooms for either men or women and instead required schools to provide them with separate facilities. There is no requirement in the Florida law for businesses, schools and other public places to offer transgender people separate facilities. The issue of public bathrooms has surfaced before in Florida, such as when Gainesville voted for a ballot measure that specifically allowed trans-

February 11, 2015

A proposed bill in Florida would make it illegal for a person to enter a public facility designated as single-sex if the person was not born a biological member of that sex. The measure would apply to bathrooms, dressing rooms, fitting rooms, locker rooms and showers, or wherever there is a “reasonable expectation of privacy.” If a person assigned “male” at birth entered a women’s bathroom, for example, that person could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000 or sentenced to one year in prison. The Single-Sex Public Facilities Act, filed by state Rep. Frank Artiles (R) of Miami, would disproportionately target Florida’s transgender community, which won legal protection from discrimination with a Human Rights Ordinance passed in December. The victory came after years of fighting and long after laws were enacted prohibiting discrimination against people who identified as gay or lesbian. The bill also comes shortly after a circuit judge lifted a stay on gay marriage in Miami-Dade County. Artiles explained that his bill is a response to the transgender rights ordinance. “My No. 1 concern is public safety,” the Republican lawmaker told the Miami Herald on Friday. “It’s not that the transgender or the gender identity community is dangerous by any means, but [the ordinance] creates a giant loophole for criminals, sexual deviants and sexual predators to walk into a shower, a woman’s locker room under the cover of law.” “A man such as myself can walk into the bathroom at LA Fitness while women are taking showers, changing, and simply walk in there. Someone can say, ‘What are you doing there?’ Under the ordinance, I don’t have to respond. It’s subjective. If I feel like a woman that day, I can be allowed to be in that locker room. I don’t know about you, but I find that disturbing.” Artiles’ proposed law does not

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SUNSHINE STATE

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Florida State Supreme Court

TIM ROSS

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SUNSHINE STATE

February 11, 2015

Florida High Court to Define Sexual Intercourse in HIV Case TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — What does “sexual intercourse” mean in Florida? The state’s Supreme Court justices are pondering the question in a case that threatens to weaken a 1986 law requiring HIV-positive people to reveal their infection before having “sexual intercourse.” A defense lawyer told the court Wednesday that Florida’s laws have always used the term to describe traditional sex between a man and a woman, and not any other sexual activity by either gender. The case involves a man charged with a felony after failing to tell his male sex partner that he carries the human immunodeficiency virus. His public defender, Brian Ellison, is simply trying to get the charge dropped, but told The Associated Press outside court that the same defense could apply to HIV-positive heterosexuals who engage in anything other than traditional sex. “In the history of Florida law the specific term, sexual intercourse has always been interpreted to mean reproductive sexual conduct,” Ellison said. “It’s not the way that I’d want to define it, maybe – maybe not the way you’d want to define it – but that’s the way it’s always been in Florida law.” Ellison didn’t try to persuade the justices that his client, Gary Debaun, did nothing wrong; instead, he argued that Debaun didn’t violate the law as written. The record shows that Debaun’s partner asked him to take an HIV test, and that Debaun, who knew that he was infected, gave him fake test results showing he was free of the virus that causes AIDS. A lower court threw out the charge, but it was reinstated on appeal.

Most states legally require people with HIV to disclose the infection to sex partners, but Ellison told the justices that other states’ laws use term “sexual activity” or specifically spell out sexual acts, rather than use Florida’s narrow language. “But would you agree that when that statute was enacted, it was the intent to make sure that anybody that was going to have any kind of sexual activity that could transmit AIDS advise their partner?” asked Justice Barbara Pariente. That’s exactly the point Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Geldens made in arguing that the charge should stand. He noted that the Legislature passed other laws at the time aimed at curbing the spread of HIV, including education programs on how to prevent its spread through sexual activity. “It’s clear that the statute was intended to address the harms that are at issue in this case,” Geldens said. “That’s exactly what the Legislature intended to prevent, and they used the language of sexual intercourse because they wanted to do that.” But if Florida lawmakers wanted to spell out exactly what it means by sexual intercourse, it’s had nearly a century to do so, said Ellison. The term has been used in state laws since 1919, when Florida first required disclosures to prevent the spread of syphilis, gonorrhea and other venereal diseases, he said. “It’s always been defined as between a man and a woman,” he told the justices. “In all of that time, the Legislature has never expressed any intent to give it a more expansive meaning than it has always had, both in this court and elsewhere in this entire criminal code.” Pariente agreed that lawmakers have had ample opportunity to clarify the law. “This could be solved easily by the Legislature,” she said.

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AS I SEE IT February 11, 2015 • ISSUE 273

BY RICHARD HACK

EX-UN AMBASSADOR SAYS US IS HEADED TOWARD CIVIL WAR OVER GAY MARRIAGE

BOBBY BLAIR – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RICHARD HACK - 954-380-8563

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER KEVIN HOPPER - 954-380-8563 kevinhopper@mmplgbt.com

MANAGING EDITOR DANIEL HICKS - 954-380-8563

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Peter Jackson, Tom Bonanti, Patrick Robert, Rick Karlin, Gregg Shapiro, Frank Corrado, Cliff Dunn Photography • Dennis Dean, Big Dewitte, Tony Fowler

he upcoming ruling by the US Supreme Court determining the legality of samesex marriage is not expected until late June, but the fall-out from a projected win for gayrights activists has already begun. Right-wing pundit and onetime UN ambassador Alan Keyes claimed this week that the country is headed for civil war if the Supreme Court rules in favor of gay marriage. Writing in a column for WorldNetDaily, Keyes said: “This would be an attack on the people of the United States Alan Keyes more grievous than that which led the first generation of Americans to declare their independence dron of discontent among his conservafrom Great Britain. tive contemporaries and egg them on to “If even a significant minority of violent disobedience. Americans continue in their attachWithout specific numbers or substanment to the unalienable right of liberty tiation for his statements, Keyes contin(as opposed to the licentious freedom ued: “Many Americans feel that this that has, in some quarters usurped that is so. But when it comes to constituname), this attack is likely to produce tional law, our feelings cannot be the the separation and dissolution of the crux of the matter. Rather we must United States, for, like humanity itself, rely, as the young Abraham Lincoln the United States is inconceivable apart once said, on ‘Reason, cold, calculating, from respect for God-endowed unalien- unimpassioned.’” able right. Making Keyes’ inflammatory state“It is only after much thought that I ments that much more sensational, the venture to say that the Supreme Court’s likely presidential candidate has a daughdecisions could very well be as momen- ter who defines herself as lesbian. As tous as the Dred Scott decision in the a teenager, she involved herself in her 19th century, and just as fraught with father’s political work, actively campaignpotentially fatal implications for the ing for pro-school choice and the pro-life future Liberty and Union of the people movement. According to her website, of the United States.” Maya Jeane Marcel-Keyes believes in the While Keyes is not stranger to contro- philosophy of “peace for all who live,” versy, his comments represent a new opposing the death penalty, abortion, war, low in provocative instigation as the and the killing of animals for consumpRepublican used threats to stir the caul- tion. Maya, who is a vegan, states she is COURTESY OF BIOGRAPHY.COM

24 February 11, 2015

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an anarchist, and believes that health care, education, food, jobs, and housing are basic human rights. When her father discovered her sexual orientation, he fired her from his staff in his 2004 Senate race and requested that she vacate her politically funded Chicago apartment. The two are alleged to still be at odds. The 64-year-old Keyes ran for President in 1996, 2000, and 2008. The Republican was appointed Ambassador to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations by President Ronald Reagan. Additionally, Keyes served as Reagan’s Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs from 1985 to 1987. Meanwhile, right-wing pundit and neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson has been placed on the Extremist List of Southern Poverty Law Center for his views on same-sex marriage as a plot by the New World Order to impose communism. Additionally, Carson, who is also expected to enter the Republican presidential race next year, has compared homosexuality to bestiality and pedophiles. In their efforts to draw attention away from the law and into the court of public opinion, both Republicans have moved dangerous close to hate rhetoric where the Supreme Court and samesex marriage is concerned. It is time for the megaphone of the politic soapbox to remove itself from taking cheap shots in the name of freedom, and prepare to defend their positions on the public electoral stage.

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be over 21. I want to be very clear on the rules,” said Rep. Hazel Rogers, D-Lauderdale Lakes. However, Rep. Charles Van Zant, R-Keystone Heights, made no bones about a surcharge of $10 on adult nightclubs where there is no nudity and a $25 tax applied where nudity is allowed. Van Zant added that the state should collect the names of people who patronize these kinds of places because of a link he said between live adult entertainment and illegal human trafficking.

tries tend to be huge, multi-million dollar industries. “(The legislation) is dead on arrival. It’s not gonna happen,” said Antonio Pinheiro, manager of Flopper Rooster, who’s no stranger to both male and female strip clubs, having managed nine in his career. “Florida has the second-most strip clubs of any state in the country, after California. You got famous people and politicians coming in all the time. I don’t know one club in Miami-Dade that isn’t pulling in north of $1 million a year.” Pinheiro explained that there is a big difference between female clubs and their male counterparts. Owner Paolo Picente opened Floppy Rooster in January 2014 and it’s the only all-nude, male strip club in Miami-Dade, and relatively small compared to Swinging Richards, which is all the way up in Pompano Beach. Female clubs on the other hand, like the Wal-Martsize Tootsie’s on Hollandale Blvd., is packed everyday of the week, with up to 200 girls dancing on any given night, large projection TVs in the back and 2,000-plus people paying $10 a head at the door. Another big difference is that with the female clubs, you have male pimps in charge of the girls, Pinheiro said, a practice that has been around for generations. The pimps approach club managers and get paid for supplying women of all ages and backgrounds. With guys, they are in charge of their own business and pretty much do their own thing, he said. “There’s no drama of dancers showing up with a black eye or dealing with a lot of drug use,” added Pinheiro, who said the girls use the clubs for customer referrals and job safety that they wouldn’t find on the streets. The legislation currently before the House committee has yet to reach the Senate. With opposition expected from businesses around the state, committee members admit the measures need more clearly defined language. “There are places you have a drink. They are nightclubs, but classified as adult places because you have to

February 11, 2015

ALLAHASSEE — If it went to a good cause, how would you feel about paying an extra $10 or even $25 on top of an existing cover charge to enter a strip joint in Miami-Dade or Broward such as Floppy Rooster, Boardwalk, Swinging Richards or Le Boy? In an attempt to disrupt the flow of illicit human trafficking around the state, owners of gay and straight nightclubs in every Florida county would likely experience a material impact on their bottom lines (or pass along the added cost to their customers) if new legislation being considered in Tallahassee becomes law. On Feb. 3, the House Finance & Tax Committee agreed to advance two separate bills that would impose entry requirements on yet-to-be-defined nightclubs catering to adults and smokers. But what is most notable is that one of the bills would add a surcharge tax to existing club admission prices, and get this: local business owners would also be required to keep a record of their customers. Committee chairman Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, told the News Service of Florida that the idea is to actually discourage people from supporting these businesses and ideally redirect that money to the victims of human trafficking. “Should the resources that go to rehabilitate victims of human trafficking come from all 19 million Floridians, or should people who frequent adult-entertainment establishments, which have become a focal point for that illicit trade, pay a disproportionate share to help rehabilitate victims?” asked Gaetz. Calls to Rep. Gaetz’ office for additional comment were not returned. No estimates were immediately available on the amount of money that might be collected if the bill became law. Rep. Mike Hill, R-Pensacola Beach, who agreed with the concept of an adult-entertainment surcharge, reportedly voiced a concern about privacy rights when it came to requiring businesses to maintain records on their customers. Many Americans consider male and female strip clubs, smoking, alcohol and gambling as social vices, and levies meant to discourage them are commonly referred to as “sin taxes.” And a big reason for adding taxes and surcharges is because these vice-related indus-

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PROPOSED FOR FLORIDA STRIP CLUBS

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‘SIN TAX’

COVER STORY

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BY DANIEL HICKS

February 11, 2015

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February 11, 2015

Straight Talk from One of South Florida’s Leading Trainers

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Joey Zinn

February 11, 2015

HEALTH

GETTING FIT BEGINS WITH MOTIVATION

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BY PETER JACKSON, CPT

Joey Zinn is unquestionably one of the top-ranked master personal trainers in South Florida where he is highly sought after by athletes, physique competitors as well as regular people wanting to get fit. Zinn, 49, specializes in weight loss, body transformations and competition preparation. He has spent over 20 years in the fitness industry in his native New York City, Wisconsin and, for the past five years, South Florida. He trains exclusively at Push Fitness in Oakland Park where he serves as a Head Coach.

JACKSON: What’s the best way to get started with a fitness program? ZINN: Getting started with anything that requires commitment and continuity can be difficult. You have to want change in order for change to take place. If you are a novice to resistance training and just getting started, I highly recommend seeking out an experienced and qualified personal trainer (PT). A good trainer will steer you in the right direction, building your endurance and confidence gradually. The PT will also break up your exercise program, strategically isolating muscle groups and working them on a schedule as this is preferable to training the entire body at once. Be clear with your trainer about your goals and expectations. Write them down. Agree on a deadline or timeframe to achieve those goals. Do some research before you commit to a trainer. What is his/her experience and track record? I personally find it more beneficial to train for 30 minutes three times a week. This training schedule of just 90 minutes a week will fit into everyone’s schedule, so “not having time to work out” is an excuse you can drop right now! Other benefits to starting with a trainer are motivation and commitment. It’s not easy to blow off

your workout if you have a trainer waiting! I consider it my obligation to my clients not only to transform their bodies but to keep them motivated and interested in the gym. Let’s face it, working out isn’t fun for most people. However, with a creative approach, results are achieved. Exercise does not have to be boring! Again, a good trainer can make the session both challenging and fun. You may also want to consider sharing your training session with a friend. JACKSON: Americans are becoming more obese, according to studies. Why is this and what do you see as the first steps to reversing this trend? ZINN: Obesity is a touchy subject for me. I have a strong passion for those dealing with weight loss struggles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. As a nation, we are gorging ourselves with too much food, and the wrong types of food. It’s also clear that people are changing their idea of what an acceptable body size is. As the average body weight increases, there’s more acceptance of heavier body types. This, in turn, clears the path for more people to put on weight. It’s a shame children must suffer the consequences of their parents’

influence in this regard. I believe the first step to reversing obesity is to fully understand what obesity means. Know the facts about what excess weight does to your health and take into consideration the risks. Obesity affects those around you as well, not to mention the billion-dollar burden it puts on our health care system. Learning the facts is as easy as going online or speaking with a medical professional. There are options and solutions to obesity, fitness certainly being an important one! JACKSON: Your expertise spans the full fitness spectrum, including physique contest preparation. But you have a special talent for weight loss and body transformations. If someone is, say, 40 to 50 pounds overweight, what are the steps to regaining control of their bodies? ZINN: Once again, any drastic change requires a “Mindset Makeover.” You’ve got to want to change your body and improve your health and quality of life. One thing I encourage clients to do is to start small because making too many changes all at once to your diet or lifestyle simply won’t work. An example I like to use is this one: the average American consumes an extra 245 calories a day consuming sodas. That’s nearly 90,000 calories a year which converts to 25 lbs. of fat! So, using my “Keep It Simple” approach, rather than changing your entire diet all at once, start by cutting out the sodas and thereby reducing your sugar intake. Stick with water. Sugary drinks do not trigger a sense of fullness whereas water will, not to mention the benefits of hydration. Once you

eliminate your sugar intake you will start to see the changes. This one step will then excite you to make another change. Stay focused and motivated. Everything is obtainable with effort. JACKSON: Those who know you well are aware you are a stickler for clean eating. Explain what a “clean” diet means. ZINN: Eating clean is a lifestyle change — a change that can be adapted to every lifestyle. Eating clean is about embracing sensible eating habits and choosing healthier alternatives. It means eating the right vegetables, fruits and whole grains. It involves an understanding of the best proteins and beneficial fats and oils. There’s

a saying in our industry that you can’t out-train a bad diet. Get the help and education you need to make the right food choices as this is critical to your overall results.

Agenda health and fitness contributing editor PETER JACKSON is the owner of Push Fitness, Club One CrossFit and Inner G Yoga, all located in Oakland Park. He welcomes your questions and comments at Info@PushFitnessFTL.com.

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2 4 3

BAR MAP

1) BO’S CORAL REEF Arlington 201 N. 5th Ave. , Jacksonville Beach, FL

THE WEEK JACKSONVILLE BY PATRICK ROBERT

2/13

Jerry Seinfeld

2/14

Diana Ross

2) IN CAHOOTS Downtown 711 Edison Ave , Jacksonville, FL

3) THE METRO Downtown 849 Willow Branch Ave , Jacksonville, FL

4) THE NEW BOOT RACK SALOON Downtown 4751 Lenox Ave , Jacksonville, FL

5) PARK PLACE Downtown 931 King St , Jacksonville, FL

charged retellings of The Wizard of Oz, Diana Ross finds time to perform her signature music. The legendary Supreme and solo artist found public adoration with such hits as “I’m Coming Out,” “Where Did Our Love Go?,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.” 8:00 p.m. Florida Theatre. 128 E. Forsyth St. Jacksonville. 32202.

Harry Connick Jr. One of the best-selling male artists in the United States, Harry Connick, Jr. is known as much for his dashingly handsome looks as for his smooth vocals. He has earned three Grammy Award and two Emmy Awards. He is also an avid proponent for the gay community—he played Dr. Leo Markus for multiple seasons on Will & Grace. Some of his best-selling albums are When My Heart Finds Christmas and Only You. His hits include “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “Avalon,” and “It Had to Be You.” 7:00 p.m. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. 300 Water St. Jacksonville. 32202.

When not touching Lil’ Kim’s breast or co-starring in inventive, racially-

February 11, 2015

The king of observational humor takes a break from enjoying his millions earned from Seinfeld’s syndication in order to tell jokes at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. Seinfeld’s 1990s eponymous sitcom catapulted his humorous take on life’s little peculiarities to the masses—something that allowed him to become one of the most famous comedians in the world. 7:00 p.m. Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. 300 Water St. Jacksonville. 32202.

February 11, 2015

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February 11, 2015

TRAVEL

FAR FLUNG LOCATIONS

n the last two columns we took a look at various film locations sites in South Florida. But there’s more to the Florida film industry than that. Of course, Orlando’s film studios offer an incredible output of movies and television programs and that often means that the streets of Orlando are home to exterior shots. Take a long weekend to visit just a few spots or make it a week-long trek to stop by numerous sites in Northern or Central Florida. Cocoon fittingly, was filmed in and around St. Petersburg, Florida, home to many retirees. In the 1985 sciencefiction film, a group of elderly people are rejuvenated by aliens. The movie’s locations included the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club (559 Mirror Lake Drive North), Sunny Shores Rest Home (125 56th Ave. South) and the historic landmark, Snell Arcade (405 Central Ave.). Magic Mike was based upon Channing Tatum’s career as a stripper in Tampa, where the majority of the film is set and many exterior shots were filmed. The exterior of Wilson’s Sports Lounge (3030 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg) represented the strip club, Xquisite. The Amphitheatre (1609 E. Seventh Ave.) is where Mike takes his protégé. Caddy’s on the Beach (9000 W. Gulf Blvd., Sunset Beach) is the beachfront bar where the guys kick back. And of course, many exterior shots were filmed in Ybor City, home to more than just a few gay clubs – none of which figure into the movie. Filming for the sequel, Magic Mike XXL, filmed last November along Ocean Boulevard, the boardwalk around the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel and at Plyler Park. The majority of the sequel is being filmed in Savannah, GA. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom features a scene with Indy boarding a vintage Ford Tri-Motor plane. Although the scenes were filmed on the west

COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

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32 February 11, 2015

BY RICK KARLIN

Channing Tatum performing in the strip club of Magic Mike and on location in Tampa

coast, the plane is on display at the aircraft collection Fantasy of Flight (1400 Broadway Blvd. SE, Polk City), in Lakeland in central Florida. Exterior shots in the fictional town of Grady, South Carolina in the Michael J. Fox flick, Doc Hollywood, were filmed in the historic district of Micanopy, a small town near Ocala. Many of the buildings along Cholokka Blvd. were used, with the Herlong Mansion (402 NE Cholokka) standing in for the town’s hospital. The Squash Festival Parade scene was also filmed on Cholokka. In Edward Scissorhands, the neighborhood where much of the movie was filmed, is the cul de sac of Tinsmith Circle in the tiny town of Lutz (pronounced Lootz) near Tampa. The shopping mall is Southgate Shopping Center (3100 S. Florida Ave.). While the shopping center still has that frozen in time look, the candy-colored houses of Edward’s neighborhood have since been painted standard colors. Spring Breakers, filmed around St. Petersburg, Tampa and Sarasota, was a 2012 film that starred Vanessa Hudgens

in one of her first post High School Musical films. The water pistol robbery scene was filmed at B & M Country Cooking (5155 Haines Road N), a diner in St. Petersburg. The Molloy (10164 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island) is the independent motel the girls check into. St. Pete rapper Dangeruss performs Hangin’ wit da Dopeboys at Behind the Undertow Beach Bar (3850 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach). Although most of Ocean’s 11 was filmed in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Saul Bloom (Carl Reiner) gets recruited while betting at Derby Lane Dog Track (10490 Gandy Blvd.) in St Pete. In The Truman Show, the fictitious town of ‘Seahaven’ is a planned resort, called, generically, Seaside. It’s on the Gulf coast of Florida, off I-98 about 30 miles east of Panama City. In a case of irony, the residents of the town have embraced the film, which makes fun of homogenized life, and proudly identify the Truman House (31 Natchez St.). Fluff and camp films, such as Tarzan Finds a Son!, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Mr. Peabody and the

Mermaid and the Esther Williams’ vehicle, Jupiter’s Darling, all were filmed at the Silver Springs studios owned by Newt Perry, who also founded the Weeki Wachee tourist attraction. Another Florida-based production company; Jacksonville’s Norman Studios, was founded in 1920. It was among the nation’s first to produce films written by, directed and starring African Americans with characters depicted in positive, non-stereotypical roles. It was run by Richard E. Norman, whose five-building studio complex survives in Jacksonville’s historic Old Arlington neighborhood and is the city’s last surviving vestige of its heyday as a wintertime film production hub. Its most successful film, The Flying Ace (1926) starred Bill Pickett, the first black movie star. Efforts are underway to turn it into a museum. For more information, go to www. normanstudios.org. These sites are just a sampling of the rich film history in Florida. For more information on sites, check out www. floridamovielocations.org.

MIAMI/ MIAMI BEACH

2/13 The consummate singer of traditional pop standards, show tunes, and jazz has been working in the entertainment industry for over fifty years. 1951 spawned his first number-one single, “Because of You” that was quickly followed by hits “Rags to Riches” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” (his signature song). He has won seventeen Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and has been a Kennedy Center Honoree. 8:00 p.m. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.

Whitney Cummings

MIAMI 1) CLUB AZUCAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave

6) EROS LOUNGE 8201 Biscayne Blvd

2) CLUB BOI 1060 NE 79th St

7) FLOPPY ROOSTER 7018 NW 72nd Ave

3) CLUB SPACE 34 N.E. 11th Street

8) HOUSE 1915 NW Miami CT

4) DISCOTEKKA | MEKKA MIAMI 950 NE 2nd Ave

9) JAMBOREE 7005 Biscayne Blvd

5) DUGOUT SPORTS BAR 3215 NE 2nd Ave

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Tony Bennett

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BY PATRICK ROBERT

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THE WEEK

10) MAGNUM LOUNGE 709 NE 79th St 11) CLUB AZUCAR 2301 SW 32nd Ave

MIAMI BEACH 12) CAMEO 1445 Washington Ave

15) PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Dr

13) KILL YOUR IDOL 222 Espanola way

16) SCORE 1437 Washington Ave.

14) MANSION NIGHTCLUB 1235 Washington Ave

17) THE CABARET 233 12th St 18) TWIST 1057 Washington Ave

American comedian and actress Whitney Cummings had two series picked up in one year: the NBC sitcom Whitney and the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls. Cummings’ big break came when she started making several appearances on Chelsea Lately. Her comedy specials include a self-titled Comedy Central special and a second hour-long special, I Love You. 9:00 p.m. Magic City Casino. 450 NW 37th Ave. Miami. 33125.

2/15

Twelve Angry Men

February 11, 2015

Reginald Rose’s 1955 stage adaptation of his own teleplay concerns the jury of a homicide trial. The different perspective of these “twelve angry men” come to the forefront as they wrestle with what to do with a young man’s life. The deliberations begin with a nearly unanimous decision of guilty until a single dissenter slowly plants seeds of reasonable doubt in each juror’s head. The play runs until February 22nd. 8:30 p.m. South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. 10950 SW 211th St. Cutler Bay. 33189.

ERE

NCE ONE

LIF

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provides complimentary Health and Wellness services to financially challenged people living with HIV/AIDS and offers a global LGBT athletic mentoring program for amateur and professional athletes ranging from grade school to the professional ranks.

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The Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation

A 501(c)3 organization providing services to financially challenged people living with HIV/AIDS in Fort Lauderdale

2435 North Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

BRIANNEALFITNESS.ORG

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1226 NE 4TH AVE FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 954.761.1236

LEATHERWERKS.COM

February 11, 2015

Copyright © 2014 The Werks Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Werks, LeatherWerks, PaddleWerks, Lifestyle Club, BootWerks and “Where Leather is a Lifestyle” are Registered Trademarks of The Werks Company, LLC

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Palm Beach Gala Thursday, February 12 7:00-10:00 pm

@ THE STUDIO

1016 Clare Avenue, Building 5 West Palm Beach, Florida

An inspiring evening in support of the incredible work of Equality Florida. Enjoy sumptuous hors d’oeuvres

and delicious cocktails. Join us as we honor local heroes Ruth Berman & Connie Kurtz with the 2015 Voice For Equality Award. Hear the latest news about our incredible victories in the fight for LGBT equality and the challenges ahead in the annual “State of the State” address by Equality Florida’s CEO Nadine Smith. Tickets are $150 – RSVP and purchase tickets at www.eqfl.org/palmbeachgala or call 813-870-3735 Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500. Please contact Rick Hill at rick@eqfl.org or call 305-401-1021 for details. PRESENTED BY

c a t e r i n g

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR THE EQUALITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN FLORIDA (1.800.435.7352). REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #CH7992.

February 11, 2015

Christina’s

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THE WEEK TAMPA/ST. PETE

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BY PATRICK ROBERT

2/13

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Wild at Heart

3 9

The Lowry Park Zoo annual Wild at Heart Valentine’s weekend takes guests on the ultimate, adults-only tour of the romantic aspects of the animal kingdom. This unique afterdark event at the Zoo features drinks under the stars, a delectable dinner, romantic settings, up-close animal encounters, and tales of love in the animal kingdom: including courtship and mating habits of different species. 6:30 p.m. Lowry Park Zoo. 1101 W Sligh Ave. Tampa. 33604.

2/14 8

Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Wine, Chocolate, and Romance

BAR MAP 1) BAXTER’S LOUNGE South Tampa 1519 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Fl 813-258-8330

3) BRADLEY’S ON 7TH 1510 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City, Tampa,FL 813-241-2723

5) CITY SIDE LOUNGE South Tampa 3703 Henderson Blvd, Tampa, FL 813-350-0600

7) G-BAR Ybor City 1401 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 813-247-1016

2) BODY SHOP North Tampa 14905 North Nebraska Ave., Tampa, FL 813-971-3576

4) THE CASTLE Ybor City 2004 N 16th St, Tampa, FL 813-247-7547

6) ENIGMA 1110 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg, FL 727-235-0867

8) GEORGIE’S ALIBI 3100 3rd Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL 727-321-2112

9) THE HONEY POT Ybor City 1507 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 813-247-4663

February 11, 2015

www.FloridaAgenda.com

The 37th annual festival opens with a wine, chocolate, and romance theme, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The festival recreates a sixteenth century village as chivalrous men compete for the love of fair maidens. Continuous entertainment includes a Cupcake Crusades baking competition, fencing championships, a grape stomp, fudge fling, sweet stroll, and a wooing contest. 10:00 a.m. Museum of Science and Industry. 4801 E. Fowler Ave. Tampa. 33617.

Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer Graphic-novel-writer-rock-star Neil Gaiman is married to actual rock star Amanda Palmer of the Dresdon Dolls fame. Gaiman is known for his comic book series The Sandman and his novels Coraline and The Graveyard Book. Palmer has been associated with the early naughties dark cabaret movement. Tonight these two will entrance the audience with an array of music and stories. 7:00 p.m. Tampa Theatre. 711 Franklin St. Tampa. 33672.

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ORLANDO BY PATRICK ROBERT

To Kill a Mockingbird

3 10 8 7 11 4

BAR MAP 1) BARCODES 4453 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 407-412-6917 2) BAR LOUIE 7335 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 407-608-5190

3) CLUB 369 ORLANDO 369 North Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-977-2997 4) COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 W. New Haven, Melbourne, FL 321-724-1510

5) HANKS 5026 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 407-291-2399

7) PULSE 1912 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-649-3888

6) PARLIAMENT HOUSE 410 N Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 407-425-7571

8) SOUTHERN NIGHTS 375 S Bumby Ave, Orlando, FL 407-412-5039 9) SAVOY 1913 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-898-6766

10) STONEWALL 741 W Church St , Orlando, FL 407-373-0888 11) THE ULTRA LOUNGE 407 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 321-690-0096

PAUL SLUTSKY REALTOR®

BUY•SELL•RENT

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Italian-American trumpeter and composer Chris Botti is known for his popular smooth jazz albums. In 2013, Botti won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album. Four of his albums have reached number one on the Billboard jazz albums chart, and he was once the leader of the house band for the brief run of The Caroline Rhea Show. Tonight his talent will be center stage at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 8:00 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando. 32801.

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Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience JK Rowling’s imaginative adventure into magic, friendship, and true evil took seven long books (and eight movies) to fully tell. BBC Television hosts Daniel Clarkshon and Jefferson Turner are taking it upon themselves to conquer the task of telling the entire tale in seventy madcap minutes. The parody will include multiple costume changes, silly props, witty one-liners, hummable songs, and, of course, lots and lots of wizardry. 2:30 p.m. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando. 32801.

(954) 560-8330

An Evening with Chris Botti

February 11, 2015

PUT ME TO WORK FOR YOU

With news of an upcoming Harper Lee novel planned to be released this summer (To Kill a Mockingbird is currently her only published book), there has been renewed interest in this classic bildungsroman. The play version features the entire tale: a tomboy in the South learns about the importance of empathy and tempering prejudice while wrestling with her Depression-era Alabaman town. 7:30 p.m. Lowndes Shakespeare Center. 812 E. Rollins St. Orlando. 32803.

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THE WEEK

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BY GREGG SHAPIRO

SCREEN SAVOR

AND SOME OF THE NOMINEES ARE…

Timbuktu

February 11, 2015

an we talk about the way that queer filmmakers bring out the best in Julianne Moore? Beginning with her Oscar-nominated, and Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning, performance in Still Alice, directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland (The Fluffer), you can also include A Single Man (directed by Tom Ford), The Kids Are All Right (directed by Lisa Cholodenko) and Safe (directed by Todd Haynes), to name a few, as examples of what happens when Moore is paired up with gay and lesbian directors. So it should come as no surprise that her performance as Alice, a highly guarded professor of linguistics at Columbia University, who is stricken with early onset Alzheimer’s in Still Alice, rises above the

uneven and manipulative material. As with Jennifer Aniston in Cake, Moore is better than the movie in which she appears. The problem lies in the depiction of her rapid deterioration. What should be handled with subtle dignity (a conversation slip-up at a birthday dinner, losing her train of thought during a presentation at UCLA, getting lost on the Columbia campus where she teaches, forgetting a recipe, leaving her mobile phone in the refrigerator, etc.) is instead treated like a mallet to the skull. As the illness evolves, from sporadic memory impairment to the corroboration of clinical symptoms and Alzheimer’s diagnosis to the revelation of the genetic aspect of Alice’s condition (and the effect it will have on her children), Moore is

nothing less than riveting. This is, sadly, unfortunate for the thankless task of those acting alongside her, including Alec Baldwin as husband John, Kate Bosworth as daughter Anna, Hunter Parrish as son Tom and Kristen Stewart as daughter Lydia; these performances simply pale in comparison to Moore’s. It’s actually Stewart who has the meatiest role after Moore’s, as the disappointment daughter (with the gay roommate!), whose choice to forego college for acting, is the other main source of conflict in the film. See Still Alice for Moore; it’s really the only reason to do so.

est Foreign Language Film nominee Timbuktu (Cohen Media Group), a first for Mauritania, is a story of the changes that occur in a rural

farming and fishing village following the arrival of religious fundamentalists. Armed with rifles and other weapons, jihadists arrive in their pickup trucks and on motorcycles, laying down the law via bullhorn as the self-proclaimed “guardians of all deeds.” Prohibitions include smoking, music and soccer playing. Women must wear socks and gloves at all times. None of these prohibitive rules sits well with the locals. A woman selling fish at the market risks arrest when refusing to wear gloves because it makes it difficult to sell her ware with her hands covered. A holy man (Adel Mahmoud Cherif) tells one of the jihadists that he does jihad to himself, that he doesn’t have time to worry about others and that he’s too busy working on his own moral improvement.

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COURTESY OF COHEN MEDIA GROUP

4 CK One emanation 6 65 Make changes to 66 Sally who rode into space 67 Like three men that visited Mary 68 Office furniture 69 HIV exam, e.g. DOWN 1 Hill Street Blues regular Veronica 2 Writer Dykewomon 3 Dangerous cruising 4 Augsburg article 5 Suction head 6 The 411 7 Fruity drinks 8 Diplomacy breakdown 9 Like sex with protection 10 Busy mo. for the IRS 11 Closing remarks of Evan Wolfson 12 Put it on top of your hot dog 13 Tickles pink 18 Opera queen’s delight 19 Highland dialect 24 Disney techno flick 26 All’s Well That ___ Well 28 Org. that has never been to Uranus 29 Have top billing 30 Lynde of Bewitched 31 Alan of The Aviator

32 Strap on a stallion 33 Alpert of “Mame” fame 34 Peace Nobelist Wiesel 37 Buffalo’s lake 38 Dotted-line command 43 Sheehan’s sport 44 Dire destiny 47 Peter Allen’s “Once ___ I Go” 49 Photog Mapplethorpe 51 Hot under the collar 52 Part of a Tommy lyric 53 Are lousy 54 Dealer’s offerings 55 Knight job for Alec Guinness 56 Love of Lesbos 57 Part of YSL 58 Garfield’s sidekick 59 Beatty flick 60 “This instant!” 63 King’s court divider

For the solution to this puzzle, go to www.floridaagend.com/puzzle

ACROSS 1 Bunch of stallions 5 People in flaming pants? 10 Seeks answers 14 Lube ingredient 15 Ganges country 16 Like a virgin 17 Character of 27-Across 20 U.K. member 21 Prominent cock 22 Slinger’s weapon 23 Gross Anatomy actress Christine 25 Acts as an usher 27 Gender identity comedy 33 Meaty sandwich, maybe 35 “Thereby hangs ___” 36 Cut calories 39 Star quality 40 Gulf war ally 41 In need of BenGay 42 Unburden 43 Me and My Shadows subject Judy 45 Long in the field of acting 46 Bannon’s Brinker 48 Brian of figure skating 50 Ivy League team 53 “Beat it!” 55 Actor who plays 17-Across 60 Burning software 61 Kline of De-Lovely 62 Forbidden fruit site

February 11, 2015

Abdelkerim (Abel Jafri) around town. But the heart and soul of the film can be found in the tragedy that befalls cattle herder Kidane (Ibrahim Ahmed), a man who wants nothing more than to live in peace among the dunes with his wife Satima (Toulou Kiki) and daughter Toya (Layla Walet Mohamed), but fate has other plans for him. Various arrests are made and punishments, including lashings and stonings, are doled out, for crimes ranging from making music to playing soccer (without a ball, mind you). A young woman named Safia is married off against her will and the will of her family. Co-writer/director Abderrahmane Sissako presents this film, deserving of its Oscar nomination, in an unflinching manner.

oung, gay, prolific, Canadian filmmaker/writer/ actor Xavier Dolan is no stranger to contentious mother/son relationships in his movies. I Killed My Mother, his first film, released when he was 20 in 2009, for example, set the stage for his new movie, the astonishing Mommy. Keep in mind that in between these films, he masterfully handled subjects ranging from a triad (2010’s Heartbeats) to transgender life (2012’s Laurence Anyways) and terror (2013’s Tom At The Farm). In Mommy, which was overlooked for an Oscar nomination, Dolan employs two of his favorite actresses, Anne Dorval and Suzanne Clément, as neighbors Die and Kyla, respectively. Die is the widowed mother of 16 year old juvenile delinquent Steve (AntoineOlivier Pilon). In a not-too-distant future Canada, following the passage of a law known as S-14, Die is forced to take responsibility for the care of her irrepressible offspring. Unwelcome in schools as well as detention centers (where he started a fire injuring a fellow teen), Steve comes under Die’s illequipped supervision. Intending to home-school Steve, although she is relatively uneducated herself, Die encounters a series of events that would probably topple the average mother. Her car is totaled in an accident, she loses her job and Steve is increasingly violent and dangerous. Enter neighbor Kyla (Clément), a schoolteacher on sabbatical following a breakdown that has left her a shell of her former self. In an unexpected turn of events, Steve and Kyla bond (as Steve and Die’s relationship unravels), and the two wounded souls come to the aid of the other. But, of course, the period of healing is short-lived and the downfall is agonizing. Dolan has never been more daring and enthralling. The alternating dark (hints of incest, the uncontrolled self-destruction) and light (the unlikely friendship that develops between the women) aspects of the film make Mommy as disturbing as it is entertaining. Even at well over two hours, Mommy is well-worth every minute.

You Can See Right Through Her

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He says that jihad causes harm to Muslims and Islam. Timbuktu is full of compelling characters including the displaced madwoman Zabou (Kettly Noël) and her rooster, as well as Omar (Cheik A.G. Emakni) the young man who drives leader

PUZZLE

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