Agenda 030415 issue 276 by Multi-Media Platforms

SAME-SEX PARENTS TO CREATE BABIES FROM SKIN CELLS WITHIN TWO YEARS

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MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF 33-YEAR-OLD FUNMAPS, ESTABLISHING COAST-TO-COAST FOOTPRINT

ORT LAUDERDALE-Multimedia Platforms Inc. (MMP) (OTCQB: MMPW) announced Tuesday that it has completed the acquisition of Columbia FunMap, Inc. (FunMaps), a 33-year-old LGBT travel and leisure publishing company, delivering local and regional maps, information and advertising to more than 40 key North American cities. As an integrated part of MMP, FunMaps’ established distribution territory in destination cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Toronto, Bobby Blair Vancouver, BC, and Washington, DC, will become FunMaps to a new level by part of the Multimedia Platmaking it a part of what is the next forms market footprint. stage in the evolution of LGBT “This attractive complementary media,” said Alan Beck, publisher publication was our first acquiof FunMaps. “It is gratifying to sition target for many reasons,” be able to bring our own legacy stated Bobby Blair, CEO of MMP. of established “In FunMaps we advertising not only acquire relationships the print publicawith blue-chip tion, with a readcompanies, ership of over developed five million per over decades, into a partnership year, plus thousands of vendors that will propel the company even and advertisers in established further,” Beck added. markets throughout the United Multimedia Platforms Inc. States and Canada, but also the robust online directory/city guide, has also identified several other established and profitable media Gayosphere.com,” added Blair. companies that each will bring FunMaps’ award-winning puba wealth of assets, revenue and lisher and CEO, Alan H. Beck, strategic market advantages to will remain with the company MMP, as well as profiting from for a minimum of three years, the alliance in their own core and will provide leadership and businesses. The company will liason for MMPW with his estabannounce acquisitions as agreelished market. ments are signed. “I am pleased to be taking

DENNIS DEAN

March 04, 2015

EXCLUSIVE

SCREEN SAVOR

PHOTO BY JOHN LANGFORD / COURTESY OF BRIAN SLOAN

Michael Urie and Jay Gillespie in WTC View

favorite device is verbal abuse. The venom he spews is homophobic, anti-Semitic, racist and always personal. He’s a chair-thrower and a spirit-crusher. Simmons earns his Oscar, from the first time he appears onscreen to the last. Teller is also amazing in what appears to be a role as physically demanding as Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything or Reese Witherspoon in Wild. Jazz musicians don’t have the best reps as it is, and Whiplash does little for their cause. However, if you want to see a movie with outstanding performances, Oscar-winning editing, and a great soundtrack, Whiplash is the one. DVD bonus features include commentary with Simmons and writer/director Damien Chazelle, as well as footage from “An Evening at the Toronto International Film Festival” with Chazelle, Simmons and Teller.

he Network of the 21st century, Dan Gilroy’s directorial debut Nightcrawler (Universal) paints an unflattering portrait of newsgathering and

March 04, 2015

hiplash (Sony Pictures Classics), or “The Humiliation Game,” which would have been an equally good name, features J.K. Simmons’ Oscarwinning (Best Actor in A Supporting Role) performance as sadistic music teacher and musician Fletcher, whose manner in the classroom verges on torture. The recipient of a majority of his guile in Whiplash is Andrew (Miles Teller), a first year student at Shaffer Conservatory who, at 19, wants nothing more than to be the best jazz drummer. Interestingly, both men occupy a place on the social awkwardness scale. Andrew is painfully shy. Watching him asking movie theater concession-stand operator Nicole (Melissa Benoist) out for a date is squirm-worthy. Then, when he sabotages the relationship, it’s not unexpected, but no less uncomfortable. Fletcher social incompetence, brought on by his perfectionism and quest for military precision, is far more lethal. Fletcher inspires fear and respect in his students by any means necessary, but his

reporting, as well as Los Angeles after dark. Bright, driven, but socially awkward Lou (Jake Gyllenhaal) realizes that selling stolen goods won’t lead to respectable, full-time employment. However, Lou finds inspiration when he stumbles on a news crew’s video coverage of a car accident. Starting small, Lou finds a way to raise the funds to purchase a police scanner and camcorder. Learning by imitating, Lou, who has “a good eye,” is soon selling his crime scene footage to Nina (Rene Russo), the news director at the lowest rated TV station in L.A. For her station, Nina is looking for the “screaming woman running down the street with her throat cut” kind of footage, and Lou is able to provide her with it. Too much of a job for just one man, Lou hires desperate Richard (Riz Ahmed), as a low-paid intern to assist him. Meanwhile, Nina is buying enough of Lou’s footage that he can buy a new car, new scanner and more. However, as he becomes more successful, Lou begins to act more brazenly, adding his own touch to scenes he shoots, asking Nina out on a date, offending fellow cameraman Joe (Bill Paxton), learning to be a more aggressive negotiation and better salesman of his product, and ultimately taking dangerous risks. All of it comes at a price in this twisted thriller. Lou’s relationship with Nina suffers, as does his connection with Rick. Suddenly the police are aware of Lou’s exploits and come after him. But Lou is a survivor, willing to sacrifice almost anything to succeed. Gyllenhaal is alternately terrifying and amusing as Lou. It’s also nice to see Russo onscreen again. Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD bonus features include commentary by the Gilroys (writer/ director Dan, producer Tony and editor John) and the featurette “If It Bleeds, It Leads.”

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or a lot of folks, LGBT film fest favorite WTC View (Edgeworx Studios/Robert Ahrens Entertainment), written and directed by gay novelist/playwright/filmmaker Brian Sloan, was their first glimpse of out actor Michael Urie, pre-Ugly Betty. In the film, based on Sloan’s play, Urie plays Eric, a gay man who places a classified ad in the Village Voice looking for a roommate for his apartment in Lower Manhattan with a view of the World Trade Center. What makes the ad so unique is the timing of its placement — on September 10, 2001. What follows, over the course of a few weeks, are a series of voicemail messages, apartment viewings and interviews, and Eric’s eventual decline into instability. Initially attempting to put a brave face on all of it, with the strangers he encounters who are looking for a place to live as well as friends for whom Eric tries to keep it together. His best friend Josie (Elizabeth Kapplow), an “Uptown girl,” expresses her concern, but he refuses her attention. As it turns out, it’s with the strangers, the potential roommates, Eric encounters that he’s able to let down his guard. Each of them tells their 9/11 story and, in turn, Eric shares parts of his experiences of that day and those that followed. Gay Alex (Nick Potenzieri), in particular, who worked in Tower 1, provides Eric with the much-needed comfort and contact that he needed. It’s not surprising that Urie went on to become a star on TV and on stage. He’s believable and riveting throughout and is able to overcome the stagey nature of the production. The rest of the cast is fairly forgettable. WTC View holds up well, 10 years after it first premiered, and is as timely as ever in these continuingly troubled times. [Out of print for a few years, WTC View becomes available in its original HD format for the first time, through iTunes for purchase and rental on March 3.]

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LEARNING TO CRAWL

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BY GREGG SHAPIRO

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T A X E S •A C C O U N T I N G I R S I S S U E S

YOU

2014 PRIDE PARTNERS

JOY & PAIN

FAILURE &

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VALUES

EARNINGS

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k o o L T OU

PRIDE CENTER’S EVENING IN PARADISE MYKONOS GODS AND GODDESSES

PHOTOS BY BIG DEWITTE

Le Patio Restaurant Leatherwerks LeBoy Lemon Grass Lips Lotus Chinese Manor Manor Inn Mattress Expert Mind your Manors Mix Clothing Mojo Barber MoJo Restaurant Mona’s Monkey Business Naked Grape North Point Medical Nuts About Yogurt Office O ut of the Closet… Wilton dr O ut of the Closet… Sunrise PJ’s Palm Plaza Peter Pan Pineapple Point Pink Submarine Plush Royale Resort Ponciana Car Wash Pride Factory Pride Pharmacy Progress Bar Pump N Inc Rainbow Laundromat Ramrod ReMax Realty Rendez-vous Bakery Richard’s Hair Rock Hard Ron’s Barber Shop Rosie’s Bar & Grill Rowan Tree Medical Royal Palms

Rumors Sarfones Scandals Scissorium Secret Moments Siam Cuisine Sidelines Slammer South Smarty Pants Smoke this Too SoBe Tanning Starbuck’s Steel Gym Sterling Stonewall Storks Suan Thai & Sushi Sun Serve Sunshine Cathedral Tee Jay The Athletic Man The Cabanas The Club FTL The Gables The Stable To The Moon Toni’s Cleaners Trantalis Tropics Restaurant Tropixxx Video Unity Church USA Auto Care Village Pub Walgreen’s Specialty Wilton Creamery Wilton Manors Dental Wilton Manors Library Wilton Tower W indamar Beach Resort Wings & Things Winners Pizza World’s Gym W orthington Guesthouse

MIAMI

11th St Diner Beatnix Betsy Hotel Care Resource Ctr Century SoBe Chesterfield Hotel Clevelander Discotekka is now Front Porch Gathering Hotel G ay & Lesbian Visitor Ctr Island House Hotel Magnum Mercury SoBe MEKKA Nasseau Suites News V Cafe O ut of the closet... Alton Rd O ut of the Closet... Biscayne Blvd Palace Food Bar Rufskin Clothing Score Shelly Hotel Studio W To kyo Valentino Adult Store Twist W orld Erotic Art Museum

ORLANDO

Barcodes Orlando Club Orlando Gay & Lesbian Center H amburger Mary’s Orlando Hanks Bar Joy MCC Parliament House Pulse Bar Ritzy Rags Orlando

Savoy Southern Nights St Matthews Tavern Stonewall

TAMPA

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Courtyard Café Critters with A K Crunch CTR Spiritual Living Cubby Hole CVS Dapur DaVinci Real Estate Decades Furniture Dennis J’s Barber Shop Double Dippers Dunkin Donuts Ed Lugo resort Elysium Resort Fetish Factory Flip Flops Floridian Fredrick Fine Art FTL Pizza Fusion Galanga’s Gateway Cinema Gay Mart Genesis GLCC Grand Resort Green Jade Spa Hidden Treasure Holiday Park Library Humpy’s Pizza Hunters I.C.E Infinity Inn Leather Inn On the Drive Intense Fitness Island Sands Inn J. Miles Java Boys Jenkins Law Jet’s Pizza Joe’s Barber Shop Juice Blendz Karl Grace Ins

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FORT LAUDERDALE/ WILTON MANORS

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Distribution Locations

Baxter’s Bradley’s on 7th City Side Lounge G Bar Hamburger Mary’s Liquid Tampa MC Film Metro Wellness Center Ybor Resort & Spa

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Enigma St. Petersburg Flamingo Resort Georgie’s Alibi LGBT Welcome Ctr Metro Wellness Center Mr. Sun Liquors Pepperz The Oar House The Queen’s Head

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Tubby’s City Hangout

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Office Pub Rascals The Bottom Line

LAKELAND Pulse Bar

JACKSONVILLE The Metro

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For advertising or sponsorship opportunities, contact Kevin Hopper at 954-380-8563 x2101 or kevinhopper@mmplgbt.com.

March 04, 2015

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March 04, 2015

Groups Release New Bill of Rights for LGBT Healthcare

MIAMI — Two civil rights groups and a local journalist will be honored at Equality Florida’s annual MiamiDade gala on Mar. 15 for their respective roles in bringing marriage equality to Florida. The organization’s Voice For Equality Award, which goes to persons or groups showing courage, passion and support for LGBT equality, will be handed to senior political reporter Michael Putney from ABC Local 10, for giving a human face to couples wanting to marry through his reporting and editorials, and both the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which each filed successful state and federal lawsuits to end Florida’s samesex marriage ban. Putney has been part of South Florida’s television landscape for nearly 35 years. He joined ABC 10 in 1989. NCLR and Equality Florida jointly filed the first lawsuit challenging the state’s 2008 same-sex marriage ban on behalf of six South Florida couples. Other suits soon followed, including one in a north Florida federal court filed by the ACLU. This year’s gala will be held at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

FORT LAUDERDALE — Health care providers continue to mistreat or deny patients because of sexual orientation, despite a growing number of anti-discrimination laws, so a coalition of more than 50 organizations nationwide have banded together to help change that. Equality Florida and the Fort Lauderdale-based LGBT HealthLink created a new Healthcare Bill of Rights outlining how LGBT patients can overcome barriers they might encounter in the marketplace. LGBT HealthLink will distribute the bill to LGBT centers in South Florida and around the country within the next few months. The document covers hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, insurance carriers and where to file complaints. The website was launched last November to coincide with the start of Obamacare’s open enrollment period. Some of the scenarios outlined in the document include the right to health care and insurance independent of one’s sexual orientation, the right to visitation during hospitalization, the right to be called by the name and gender pronoun of your choice, and the right to designate health care decisions. Federal regulations require equal

ayWrites, South Florida’s LGBT writers’ group will present a staged reading of three of its members’ works on Sunday, March 1 from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. at The Abyss Theatre, 2304 N Dixie, Wilton Manors. The three plays all address the Rick Karlin generation gap in the LGBT community. “Boys’ Night Out” by Bill Johnston is set in the theater district in NYC as a pair of men in their sixties interact with a couple of millennials they meet in a bar. “Mixed Doubles” by Rick Karlin is a comedy that examines a crossgenerational couple. “One Last Time” by I. Jay Asher spends the evening with a drag queen as she packs her bags for the last time before retiring. GayWrites was founded Dr. I. Jay Asher in October, 2010. According to Asher, the LGBT community of writers needed a “safe” place to read their intimate stories and be critiqued by members who had ‘been there and done that.’ The group’s members review and critique each others’ short stories,

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COURTESY OF RICK KARLIN

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Equality Florida to Honor Miami Marriage Equality Heroes

GAYWRITES STAGES THREE READINGS

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SUNSHINE STATE

treatment for LGBT patients from providers receiving Medicare or Medicaid payments. And the Joint Commission, the independent nonprofit that accredits hospitals, passed an LGBT non-discrimination policy in 2011. A 2005 Harris Interactive Survey of more than 2,000 adults found almost 40 percent of LGBT patients had put off medical treatment because of inadequate insurance. One in five delayed care because of a bad prior experience with a health care professional, and 15 percent did so because they feared discrimination. “We have had a lot of success with marriage equality. But there is a whole lot of work on discrimination that needs to be done in post-marriage equality Florida,” said Brian Winfield, Equality Florida’s managing director of finance and administration. “That includes looking at LGBT health care and elder care.”

novels, plays and poems. GayWrites meets most Wednesday evenings at Stonewall National Museum & Library, 1300 East Sunrise, and Fort Lauderdale. Dr. I. Jay Asher is an award winning writer and retired psychotherapist. He is the founder and facilitator of GayWrites. He is the co-founder of H.A.T.C.H. (Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals). Rick Karlin is the editor of boiMAG (Chicago), a contributor to South Florida Gay News and a contributor to numerous publications, including Instinct and Out Traveler. He has written three published novels and three dozen plays, the most recent, “Witches Among Us,” played for six sold-out weeks in Chicago. Bill Johnston is an emerging writer who draws on years of experience of botched relationships to create romantic short stories that in no way resemble his own life. His short story, “Karaoke” appeared in Chelsea Magazine.

Orlando Yard Project Likely to Uproot Local LGBT Groups ORLANDO — Now dormant, two gray towers looming over Alden Road serve as a landmark to commuters and passengers trafficking the increasingly busy thoroughfares of Orange Avenue, Virginia Drive and even the nearby SunRail station. But now, these twin icons are all that remain in artist renderings of a new development planned for Ivanhoe Village beginning in November. “Change is sometimes good and it’s sometimes bad,” said George Wallace, executive director of Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival based on Alden Road. “In this case, I’ll need to see the final product, but I personally think the conceptual draw-

ity to pay it forward. There will definitely be another shop as soon as we can find the right location. We’re not done yet!”

Lawmakers to Vote on Transgender Bill as Session Begins TALLAHASSEE — A Senate version of Miami Rep. Frank Artiles’ so-called transgender bathroom bill has been introduced in the upper house by Sen. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness. As lawmakers return to Tallahassee this week for a new legislative session, Artiles’ bill is scheduled for a vote tomorrow, Mar. 4, at 12:30 p.m. during a meeting of the House civil justice subcommittee. The two bills are not identical but both would limit the use of single-sex, public facilities such as restrooms to people of a specified gender only. Those found guilty could face a steep fine or time behind bars. Claiming public safety as a justification for the measure, Artiles said his bill was filed in response to a Miami-Dade ordinance that bans discrimination based on gender identity. LGBT advocates say the bill would target transgender Floridians unfairly. The 60-day legislative session starts today, Mar. 3.

HOPPER COMMUNITY SHUTTLE’S LAST RIDE BIG DEWITTE

WILTON MANORS—The Hopper Community Shuttle that has provided free rides for patrons of businesses in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors will cease operation on March 22, 2015. As a nonprofit shuttle service open to the public, the Hopper has been in business since 2008, relying solely on donations from the community and advertising dollars to pay for its expenses. The vehicles in the Hopper fleet were driven by drivers who were compensated solely by tips. According to sources, the Hopper Shuttle recently experienced an increase in overhead due to insurance, maintenance, and ongoing replacements of aging vehicles. As such, the company’s management determined that current investment by advertisers were insufficient to cover its costs. March 04, 2015 17

TAMPA — Talking to Carrie West about the impending closure of the MC Film Festival, the venerable shop he started with his partner Mark Bias of 38 years, is a 26-year history of Tampa’s LGBT community. The shop in Ybor City at the corner of 8th Avenue and 15th Street will close soon after its building was sold and the store continues to sell down its inventory. “We are still good friends with the

“Actually, our store opened even before the resort itself and we loved being there,” West recalled. Three years later in 2003, West and Bias purchased a complex of buildings on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg and opened another storefront. When the resort was sold in 2007, MC Film had to close that popular shop. “They gave us less than 30 days to vacate because Home Depot had said they wouldn’t seal the deal until all the businesses were out of the resort,” said West. “But of course none of us knew that the economy would go south so fast in 2008 and the deal with Home Deport would never materialize. Here we are in 2015 and its still just a vacant lot.” The closure of the resort also inspired the closure of the Central Avenue location. Soon, despite a trial run in Gulfport in conjunction with the nowclosed Dive Bar, MC Film Fest was back to just one storefront when it opened in Ybor City in 2007. And now, with the iconic store closing shop, does that mean MC Film Festival is regulated to the history books? “Heavens no,” said West. ‘We’re looking at different locations in Ybor right now and another shop in St. Petersburg is not out of the question. The Tampa Bay gay community has given both of us so much that we feel it’s our responsibil-

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Tampa’s MC Film Festival Winding Down after 26 Years

current owners,” Carrie said. “We hope to continue to be friends far into the future. We wish them nothing but the best.” But the MC Film Festival didn’t begin as a shop at all. “Mark and I had a large collection of gay and lesbian films that friends were always borrowing, so we thought, ‘Hey maybe we could make a business out of this,’” said West. In the pre-Internet days of 1989, the best way to get your product out in front of a large audience was through direct marketing and mail orders. So West and Bias produced a color catalog listing only 100 titles. “We advertised nationally in places like The Advocate,” said West. “I think we were probably one of the first of our kind businesses and we did really well.” In 1990, the couple opened a storefront across from the University of Tampa. Today the space is occupied by Cafe European. “The shop was only open Friday night, Saturday and Sunday,” said West. ‘That made us extremely popular with those who wanted to rent films because they could rent them one weekend and they didn’t have to be back until the next weekend when we were open again.” West is proud to say that one of their first customers was current mayor Bob Buckhorn. “He had heard about the shop and since he’s always had a strong commitment to diversity, he stopped by to check it out,” said West. “We’ve had a great relationship ever since.” The shop soon became synonymous with LGBT culture in Tampa. MC Film Fest would rent limousines to carry people to the shop from the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival held at the Tampa Theatre. In 1992, the shop relocated to Kennedy and Hines avenues. West said the location had a movie theater right in it. The space was used for showing films, of course, and as meeting space for the Hillsborough Human Rights Campaign (which became Equality Florida) and The Sisters, a transgender support group. In 1998, MC Film expanded across the bay into the complex that would become the new Suncoast Resort.

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ings I’ve seen of the new property are astounding.” In a deal that was finalized last year, Real Estate Inverlad Development LLC acquired the Ivanhoe Village property from R-Kid Properties, a family-owned company that has controlled the property since its industrial heyday. The new project, dubbed The Yard at Ivanhoe Place, includes 600 residential apartments and 45,000 square feet of neighborhood retail that will likely displace existing businesses. R-Kid Properties President Jane Webster has served as matriarch for the real estate her father collected, and over the past few decades, has curated the unique blend of businesses found in the village, from national brands such Enemy Ink, a custom screen printing factory, and Steadfast Brand, a tattoo-centric clothing company, to several noted artist studios and The Thirsty Topher, a small converted warehouse that’s become one of Orlando’s popular watering holes. Chance Gordy, vice president for Inverlad, has become the face of the new development. Gordy has organized meetings and workshops with residents and business owners to to gain their feedback. He points to an outdoor amphitheater as an example of one idea that came from feedback, although Gordy continues to face tough questions regarding the increase in traffic the new development is likely to create.

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AS I SEE IT March 4, 2015 • ISSUE 276

BY RICHARD HACK

FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS

THE SUPREME COURT DECISION THAT STARTED IT ALL

BOBBY BLAIR – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER

DANIEL HICKS - 954-380-8563

ast week, the first verbal arguments on the legality of same-sex marriage were presented by lawyers addressing the US Supreme Court in what has attracted nationwide attention from conservatives and liberals alike. Even as we begin what may well be the next to last push for true gay equality (anti-discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere is still to be won), it is with a great deal of pride that we remember a little known case that set us on our current path to victory. It was 1953 in the city of Los Angeles when Dale Jennings and Don Slater created a new magazine titled one. It was a revolutionary concept for the time, a “magazine for homosexuals” that featured insightful literary pieces, defiant editorials, and fictional stories of idyllic same-sex relationships. The blackand-white magazine was sold in the few LA gay bars that existed at the time, costing a quarter, the same price as a draft beer. Ironically, that issue’s first cover story was titled “Homosexual Marriage?” one was obviously ahead of its time in many ways. At first, Jennings and Slater operated under the public radar—no easy task in a period when the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover was actively pursuing sexual deviants of all kinds, enforcing laws that made homosexuality illegal in all of the then48 states. But then, in October, 1954, Jennings and Slater decided to mail copies of their magazine to subscribers across the country. The postmaster of the city of Los Angeles, a uber-conserative named Otto K. Olesen, declared that one was “obscene, lewd, lascivious and filthy.” And with that, Olesen returned every issue back to the publishers. As it happened, a 30-year-old straight

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

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

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR George Dauphin georgedauphin@mmplgbt.com

CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kevin Broady kevinbroady@mmplgbt.com

GENERAL MANAGER & PUBLIC RELATIONS Shawn Palacious shawnpalacious@mmplgbt.com

SALES & MARKETING - 954-380-8563 Account Executive Joyce Bluestein joycebluestein@mmplgbt.com Account Executive Jim Albright jimalbright@mmplgbt.com Account Executive Russ Johannsen russjohannsen@mmplgbt.com

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attorney named Eric Julber had written the cover story in that edition, a piece he titled “You Can’t Print It!” And though he wasn’t gay, Julber didn’t much like the idea that Olesen could censor his piece from distribution, and offered to represent Jennings, Slater and their company One, Inc. in a suit against the postmaster pro bono. For Julber, fresh out of law school and wet behind the ears, it was a matter of principle. He rankled at the thought of government censorship. Now 90 years old and alive and well in Carmel, California, Julber once reflected to the Los Angeles Times, “I thought they had a strong case. They were not running a nightclub. They were writing a magazine. It was a very conservative magazine. It was just the subject matter — homosexuality — that made it ‘obscene.’” At first, things did not go well for Julber and one in court. In March, 1956, U.S. District Judge Thurmond Clarke ruled that one was “non-mailable.” He cited a story in the magazine about a lesbian who chose to live with woman rather than marrying her high school sweetheart.

This was “obviously calculated to stimulate the lust of the homosexual reader,” Clarke said. Wrapping up his opinion, Clarke determined, “The suggestion advanced that homosexuals should be recognized as a segment of our people and be accorded special privilege as a class is rejected.” Unfazed, Julber appealed the case to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, but lost in a 3-0 decision handed down in February 1957. Like a wire-haired terrier on the mailman’s leg, Julber refused to drop his attack and appealed directly to the US Supreme Court. This time, he centered his plea on whether homosexuality could be openly discussed in literature without being automatically banned as obscene. The Supreme Court sided with one, which published its reaction in the next issue. “For the first time in American publishing history, a decision binding on every court now stands....affirming in effect that it is in no way proper to describe a love affair between two homosexuals as constitut(ing) obscenity.” And the rest, as they say, is history.

Camera Ready Artwork by Mondays, Noon Placement by Mondays, 5 p.m. ALL MATERIAL in the Agenda is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Agenda. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, writers and cartoonists published herein is neither inferred or implied. The appearance of names or pictorial representation does not necessarily indicate the sexual orientation of that person or persons. Although this paper is supported by many fine advertisers, the Agenda cannot accept responsibility for claims made by advertisers. EDITORIAL POSITIONS of the Agenda are expressed in editorials and in editors’ notes as determined by the paper’s editors. Other opinions are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Agenda or its staff. TO SUBMIT A LETTER OR COMMENTARY: Letters should be fewer than 400 words; commentaries should be fewer than 750 words. Submissions may be edited for content and length, and must include a name, address and phone number for verification. Send submissions by e-mail to Editor@floridaagenda. com by fax to 954-566-7900 or by regular mail to the Agenda office, attn: Letters/Commentary. MAIN OFFICE / SALES: 2929 E Commercial Blvd, PhD, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 Phone 954-380-8563 FAX 954-380-8567 A bureau of LGBTQNation.com www.floridaagenda.com Printed by Forum Publishing Group (954) 574-5321 MEDIA ADVISORY BOARD Alan Beck, Keith Blackburn, Robert Boo, Reece Darham, Richard Hack, Kevin Hopper, Paul Hugo, Peter Jackson, Krishan Manners, Terry DeCarlo, Mark Negrete, Jackson Padgett, Gary Santis, Jason Tamanini, Brett Tannenbaum, Dean Trantalis, Victor Zepka © 2015, Mutimedia Platforms LLC. All rights reserved.

COVER STORY

New HIV Study:

ipants to have condomless sex, and the HIV-negative couples must not be taking medications for pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis. The larger “Partners Study” has documented over 30,000 sex acts with zero transmission of the HIV virus. All of the HIV-positive study participants had been on antiviral therapy for at least five years. About 90 percent had healthy CD4 T-cell counts. The two studies are the only current research projects to look at seriodiscordant couples in the world. As encouraging as the result are, they are still not conclusive. Dr. Joel Gallant, associate medical director at the Southwest Care Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico,

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was quick to remind readers that infection can occur even from a partner with an undetectable viral load. Viral loads are not checked daily, and they do fluctuate, he said. Sometimes, the virus exists in semen even though it cannot be found in blood. So there is no real time means of knowing what is going on inside your partner’s body. “Seronegative men should still consider using condoms with a partner who has an undetectable viral load, especially for the highest risk activity: receptive anal sex with ejaculation,” Gallant said. “They should also remember that antiviral therapy protects them from HIV but not against other sexually transmitted infections.”

March 04, 2015 21

YDNEY—The Kirby Institute at Australia’s University of New South Wales has published results of a study showing no transmission of the HIV virus between couples where one partner is HIV positive but undetectable and the other partner is HIV negative. The new study titled “Opposites Attract” is currently investigating 234 gay male serodiscordant couples: 135 of which are from Australia, 52 from Bangkok, Thailand, and 47 from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study being conducted by Professor Andrew Grulich is in its second year, and the results are extremely encouraging. “These exciting results directly demonstrating the efficacy of HIV treatment as prevention in gay men are very encouraging,” said Dr. Grulich, program head at the Kirby Institute. “Essentially, what we are seeing among the gay couples enrolled in Opposites Attract is that HIV transmission is quite unlikely when someone’s viral load is undetectable. In fact, no HIV-negative man in the study has contracted HIV from his positive partner. “It is important to note that although no new HIV infections were seen in early study results, HIV transmission could occur in up to one per cent of gay couples per year having unprotected anal sex. In those couples at highest risk, where the HIV negative partner has unprotected receptive anal sex with ejaculation with his HIV positive partner, the risk could be higher, with a potential HIV transmission rate of up to four per cent per year.” The results achieved by the “Opposites Attract” match those by the “Partners Study” being conducted by researchers at University College in London. In that study, couples were followed at 75 sites in 14 European countries. Both studies require partic-

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NO TRANMISSSION OF VIRUS BETWEEN SERODISCORDANT COUPLES

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BY RICHARD HACK

March 04, 2015

COURTESY OF NORMAN R. GLICK FACEBOOK PAGE

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DOWN 1 You don’t want to get a pink one 2 Least bit 3 Pulls behind 4 Back talk, slangily 5 Laugh coined by Lewis Carroll 6 Hauled ass 7 Tin Man’s request 8 Chappell of soaps 9 Where PrideVision originated 10 Voting no 11 Direction from Rick Rodgers 12 Phallic swimmers 17 Signal that goes either way 18 Shoshonean tongue 22 IRS review 23 Composition of some chains 24 Arrests 25 Burger layer 26 Rio step 29 Sites for three men in a tub 30 Balkan native

31 He comes once a year 33 Homophobe/attorney general Bondi of Florida 34 Lotion letters at South Beach 37 Ask on one’s knees 39 Hollywood’s Hagen 41 He came after Gorbachev 42 Sault ___ Marie 43 Summer for Rimbaud 44 One hell of a guy? 48 Sore throat producer 49 Night school subj. 50 Sgt. Snorkel’s pooch 51 Split in the skin 52 Pre-kiss insert 53 Dave Pallone and others 55 Billie Jean King’s zip 56 Blown away 57 Uncool sort 58 Make-or-break date 60 Land in la mer, for Debussy 61 Snoop group

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ACROSS 1 Poses for Mapplethorpe 5 Peter Pan critter, for short 9 Job for Burr’s Mason 13 Booty 14 Locks in a salon 15 Chip in a chip 16 Start of Sam’s secret 19 Jane Spahr, for one 20 Elevator alternative 21 More of the secret 24 Greenish-yellow fruit 27 Deity identified with Diana 28 Nuts and bolts 32 A, as in Acapulco 33 Parts for Dykes on Bikes 35 Constellation over Sydney 36 The Lion King king 38 Spoof 40 More of the secret 45 Zipper problem 46 Caesar’s last question 47 Film canine 48 Coat for Mary’s lamb 50 Paranormal 54 ___ Records (Etheridge label) 59 End of the secret 62 Baseball diamond cover 63 Former netman Nastase 64 Wang in fashion

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NATION Official: Nebraska Uses Gay Foster Parents Despite Ban LINCOLN (AP) — Nebraska welfare officials have been placing foster children in the homes of gay, lesbian and unmarried couples since before Gov. Pete Ricketts took office in January, despite a 1995 policy barring the state from doing so, the governor’s spokesman said Monday. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services established a policy in 1995 that prohibited the placement of foster children with gay and lesbian couples or unmarried couples unless they are related to the children. During a review of state agencies, Ricketts’ office learned that the DHHS has been ignoring the policy, his spokesman Taylor Gage said. He said he didn’t know when the state began placing children with such couples or how many children had been placed in such homes. The American Civil Liberties Union and ACLU of Nebraska filed a lawsuit in 2013 on behalf of three Nebraska couples who say they were denied licenses to be foster parents based on their sexual orientation. Nebraska has continued to defend the policy and the case is pending in Lancaster County District Court. Gage said the governor’s office is working with DHHS on a new policy that will be “in line with state law and practices that continue to reflect best interest of child and Nebraska family values,” but he didn’t say when the new policy might be in place or whether it would allow gay, lesbian and unmarried couples to continue fostering children. A state Senate committee is reviewing legislation that would bar discrimination against potential foster parents based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or other factors. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Jeremy Nordquist, said it’s not enough to simply ignore the 1995 policy. “If we could get some clarity, there wouldn’t be any need for legislation,” he said. Only Nebraska and Utah have policies prohibiting gay people from being foster parents. Critics of Nebraska’s

policy say the state already lacks safe homes for 3,000 wards of the state, 33 percent of whom have been placed in four or more homes.

Federal Judge Blocks Nebraska’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban OMAHA (AP) — Nebraska’s same-sex marriage ban was thrown into question Monday alongside those in three other nearby states that are set for a hearing together before a federal appeals court. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Bataillon struck down Nebraska’s constitutional amendment, triggering a quick appeal by the state attorney general’s office. The appeal could place the case before the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which will hear similar cases out of Arkansas, Missouri and South Dakota. The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska sued the state in November on behalf of seven same-sex couples challenging the ban, which had passed with the approval of 70 percent of voters in 2000. In addition to prohibiting gay marriage, the ban also forbids civil unions and legalized domestic partnerships. Same-sex couples miss out on medical and financial benefits that are available to heterosexual married couples, Bataillon said as he issued the injunction, which takes effect March 9. “All of the plaintiffs have further demonstrated psychological harm and stigma, on themselves and on their children, as a result of the non-recognition of their marriages,” he said in his

constitutional process. I know that’s difficult, because it has an individual impact. But we can’t have our law dictated upon emotional claims.” Nebraska’s case could be heard along with pending appeals filed by Missouri, Arkansas and South Dakota after judges in each of those states struck down same-sex marriage restrictions. Oral arguments in those cases are scheduled for May. Peterson said he hasn’t yet talked with 34-page ruling. “The plaintiffs have been denied the dignity and respect that his counterparts in Arkansas, Missouri or South Dakota, but planned to reach comes with the rights and responsibiliout to them. ties of marriage.” Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, Bataillon rejected the state’s argunoted the majority of Nebraskans voted ment that the ban reflects the will of a majority of voters and promotes family for the constitutional amendment. “The definition of marriage is an stability. He said he believes the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately endorse issue for the people of Nebraska, and an activist judge should not substitute same-sex marriage rights, which have his personal political preferences for the been upheld in four appellate districts. will of the people,” Ricketts said. “The notion that some children Susan and Sally Waters of Omaha, should receive fewer legal protections than others based on the circumstances who have been together for 17 years of their birth is not only irrational - it is and were legally married in California in 2008, are among the couples suing to constitutionally repugnant,” he said. overturn the ban. They returned to their Gay marriage is currently allowed in 37 states and the District of Columbia. native Nebraska in 2010. Sally Waters was diagnosed with The U.S. Supreme Court announced terminal breast cancer in 2013, and says Jan. 17 that it would decide whether same-sex couples have the constitutional that without formal recognition of their right to marry everywhere in the U.S. A marriage, her spouse won’t receive the same tax and Social Security benefits to decision is expected by late June. take care of the couple’s children and Bataillon previously struck down will have to pay an 18 percent inheriNebraska’s gay marriage ban in 2005, and the 8th Circuit reinstated it in 2006. tance tax on half of the property they The Nebraska attorney general’s office share, including their family home. Another plaintiff, Nick Kramer, said filed an appeal shortly after Bataillon issued the injunction. Separately, it was he wants the ban to be overturned to give his partner, Jason Cadek, autoalso planning to request that the 8th Circuit issue an order to stay Bataillon’s matic custody rights for his adopted 3-year-old daughter. Kramer and Cadek decision while the case is argued. married in Iowa in 2013. Attorney General Doug Peterson, “We’re excited about this ruling and a Republican, noted that the ruling happy that Judge Bataillon decided did not address whether marriage is a that our family was worth recognizing,” fundamental right. Peterson said the Kramer said. issue should be left to states, and in Danielle Conrad, executive director Nebraska’s case should be handled by letting voters decide whether to approve of the ACLU of Nebraska, said following Bataillon’s ruling that “Nebrasa constitutional amendment. “I don’t think we can dictate our laws ka’s motto of ‘equality before the law’ based on the emotional arguments of a rings true for gay and lesbian Nebraskans who seek to have their marriages certain class of people,” Peterson said. recognized.” “We have to go through the proper

U.S. High Court Rejects California Donor Disclosure Dispute WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court turned away an appeal from same-sex marriage opponents in California who wanted to keep the identities of their campaign donors secret. The justices on Monday let stand a lower court ruling against ProtectMarriage.com, the National Organization for Marriage and other supporters of a 2008 ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriages in California until the ban was overturned five years later. The groups sought to conceal their past and future campaign finance records because they feared harassment of donors. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them in part because the names have been publicly available for five years. State law requires political committees to identify those who contribute more than $100 during or after a campaign, along with the donor’s address, occupation and employer.

tie. Despite the snow and cold he said, “It’s a sunny day in my world.” “You are a hardy troupe,” he told people gathered for the parade. “You are here to celebrate no matter what. That is what pride is all about - pride in the fact that in New York City you can be whoever you are.” De Blasio, a Democrat, refused to march in last year’s Manhattan parade because it wasn’t fully inclusive, and Guinness beer dropped its sponsorship. Organizers said last year, though, that they would welcome one gay contingent under its own banner this year. The mayor said on Sunday: “A society for everyone is a society where everyone is respected, where everyone is embraced, where everyone has a say at the table.” In the past, gays were free to march in the world’s biggest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade but not with banners saying they’re LGBT. Most marching units in the parade carry identifying banners. There are about 320 units in this year’s parade, the parade

committee said. LGBT activists say the main parade organizer, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, has been under increasing pressure to allow diversity, especially after New York state passed its Marriage Equality Act in 2011, allowing marriages for same-sex couples. The two grand marshals at the 15th annual St. Pat’s for All parade were longtime human rights activist Kerry Kennedy and Tony Award-winning actor Brian O’Byrne. Patti Lowenhaupt, a retired art teacher and Queens resident who showed up for the parade, said people “are all human beings underneath it all.” “We here in Queens have the ability to accept all kinds of people,” Lowenhaupt said. Several protesters, however, stood on the side holding signs that read “Sodom & Gomorrah.” Other elected officials participating in the St. Pat’s for All parade included City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and city Comptroller Scott Stringer.

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KEVIN MILLER

New York City Mayor Marches in ‘St. Pat’s for All’ Parade

NEW YORK (AP) — Mayor Bill de Blasio told hundreds of participants at a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-friendly St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday that a society for all is one that embraces and respects everyone. The St. Pat’s for All parade stepped off in Queens under a heavy snowfall. It was held as an alternative to the city’s centuries-old St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan, which for years has excluded gay groups and this year is scheduled for March 17. De Blasio arrived about 15 minutes late sporting a lavender shirt and green

March 04, 2015

BOISE (AP) — Police arrested roughly two dozen gay rights activists Monday after protesters refused to leave the Idaho Senate and House chambers in an attempt to pressure lawmakers into passing anti-discrimination protections. Idaho State Police said they arrested 23 people on suspicion of misdemeanor trespassing, two of whom were juveniles. Activists taking part in the demonstration warned beforehand they would not voluntarily leave until legislators consider adding four words - sexual orientation and gender identity - to the Idaho Human Rights Act. They wore blackand-white “Add the 4 Words Idaho” T-shirts and stood silently by covering their mouths with their hands. “Plain and simply, it is time the Idaho Legislature to use its voice to set the field level for those who live quiet lives in all our communities, those who are your own daughters and sons, those who deserve for our state to set in law that unfair businesses practices and intentional cruelty and discrimination against them is wrong,” the group wrote in a statement provided to media. Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers rejected legislation that would have amended the state’s Human Rights Act, which currently bans workplace and housing discrimination based on race, gender or religion. A House committee listened to more than 20 hours of testimony, most of it in favor of passing the bill, but concern over the bill’s impact on religious freedoms led the panel to vote the measure down. Gay rights advocates have pushed for such legislation for nearly a decade. However, the movement peaked during the 2014 legislative session when dozens of protesters were repeatedly arrested for blocking access to the Senate chambers and committee rooms when lawmakers refused to hold a hearing on the matter. To date, 22 states have passed some form of anti-discrimination laws. In Idaho, 10 cities have bypassed

the state and approved their own legal sexual orientation and gender identity protections.

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Rights Activists Arrested at Idaho Capitol over Protections

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NATION

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WILTON MANORS

LATINOS SALUD PROVIDING HIV/AIDS SUPPORT FOR EVERYONE

BY PATRICK ROBERT

3/7

Galt Mile Wine and Food Festival

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THE WEEK

NON-PROFIT

COURTESY OF LATINOS SALUD

March 04, 2015

hen a local social service organization closed their HIV/AIDS programs unexpectedly in mid-2008, their Latino members were left worried and concerned. But thankfully Rafaelé Narváez, the program’s supervisor at the time, pledged to renew the services. Together with Dr. Stephen Fallon, he convened a community board, wrote a grant, and six months later, Latinos Salud opened its doors to the Broward community. “We couldn’t just stand by and watch an effective program disappear from the community,” Narváez said. “We had to try to restore the program for young gay Latinos.” Narváez now serves as the agency’s director of health programs. But why shut out a big segment of the population and only service the Latin and Hispanic community? “Though some of our programs were created specifically for Latinos, we don’t turn anyone away just because they are not Latino. We provide HIV testing for everyone, and have programs for all gay guys living with HIV,” Dr. Fallon said. The primary reason the organization targets the Latin/Hispanic community is in direct response to a recent Florida Department of Health study that found a higher incidence of HIV infection rates among gay Latinos in Broward County than among any other group. The organization moved to the heart of Wilton Manors on Wilton Drive and has developed multiple services to engage the community. One of their fundamental and essential programs is their linkage service, which connects local gay men living with HIV/AIDS to medical and support services they need to stay healthy. A life-coaching program helps men living with HIV and transgender individuals pursue goals and live healthier. “If you have a lot going on in your life, sometimes staying safe from HIV, or

remembering to take your medicines on time if you’re HIV+, can fall off of your priority list,” said Johnathan Medina, health program manager. Their Youth Somos (translation – “We are”) program gives young people who are 18-30 years old a safe environment for activities, such as “Gaymers Night” — a comfortable space for playing videogames without the aggressive anti-homophobic slurs commonly heard in the gaming community. Their Juntos Popular Opinion Leader program assists Latino men of all ages cultivate leadership skills. Latinos Salud opened a second location in Miami Beach last year after the long-serving HIV prevention agency on South Beach folded in 2013. The center is only open part-time and provides a fraction of the Wilton Manors programs. Dr. Fallon hopes to build the center into something comparable to the facility in Broward or possibly even larger to service the much larger Latin population in Miami-Dade, where Latinos make up 65 percent of the county’s population versus 23 percent in Broward. “They’ve just been fantastic.” Dr. Fallon said, “Miami business owners have been exceptional with an open door policy that has helped to get the word out.” To view all their services visit their website at http://www.latinossalud.org/wiltonmanors. Latinos Salud, Wilton Manors 2330 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 765-6239 Latinos Salud, Miami-Dade 555 Washington Ave., Suite 235 Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 397-8967

Among the most famous beach front condo strips in Florida, participants at the 3rd Annual Galt Mile Wine and Food Festival can satisfy their taste buds while mingling with the best chefs in the area. The festivities will include unlimited fine artisan wines, craft beers and spirits, distinctive food tastings, cooking demonstrations, wine explanations, and cultural revelations. The Retail Bazaar and Marketplace allows guests to purchase a variety of products—the perfect mementoes to this seaside affair. 4:00 p.m. Galt Ocean Mile. 3351 Galt Ocean Dr. Fort Lauderdale. 33308.

3/9

Gin Blossoms Whether finding out about a lover’s bad ways or staring jealousy in the face, Gin Blossoms’ 1990s hits were ubiquitous on the airwaves in that great decade. Their first major label album New Miserable Experience catapulted them into superstardom, even as this achievement was coupled with the firing and eventual suicide of band cofounder Doug Hopkins. Despite popular singles, the band broke up in 1997 yet reunited in 2002. Recent albums include Major Lodge Victory and No Chocolate Cake. 7:00 p.m. Revolution Live. 100 SW Third Ave. Fort Lauderdale. 33312.

3/10

Anything Goes A recent revival of Cole Porter’s famous musical earned Sutton Foster her second Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. The oft-revived musical concerns the happenings aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Stowaway Billy Crocker falls in love with wealthy Hope Harcourt. He employs the services of nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and gangster Moonface Martin to help win her love. Famous songs from the musical include the title track, “You’re the Top,” and “I Get a Kick out of You.” 8:00 p.m. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. 701 Okeechobee Blvd. West Palm Beach. 33401.

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16) NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive Wilton manors

15) MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale

14) MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale

13) THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

12) LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park

11) LE PATIO 2401 NE 11th Ave Wilton Manors

10) LE BOY 1243 NE 11th Ave Fort Lauderdale

30) VILLAGE PUB 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

29) TROPICS 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

28) 13 I EVEN 2037 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors

27) THE STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

26) SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

25) SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

24) SCARFONE’S 2150 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

23) SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors

8) INFINITY LOUNGE 2184 WIlton Drive Wilton Manors

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9) JMARK’S 1245 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale

22) RUMORS BAR & GRILL 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

21) ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

20) RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale

19) PROGRESS 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

18) PJ’S CORNER POCKET 2340 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

17) NEW YORK GRILLED CHEESE 2207 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

7) HUNTERS NIGHTCLUIB 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

6) DAPUR 1620 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale

5) CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale

4) CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave Wilton Manors

3) BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale

2) B BAR AND GRILLE 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

1) ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

BAR MAP

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February March 25, 04, 2015

PART 2 of 10

HOW TO CLEAN UP YOUR DIET

March 04, 2015

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A Fitness & Nutrition Transformation Blueprint

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BY PETER JACKSON, CPT

e are reminded frequently by the media and health professionals that twothirds of Americans are either overweight or obese. What we don’t hear about is an effort to deal with that grim statistic through national education on exercise and proper nutrition. The fact is in these fast times we are eating far worse than generations before us. There is a pressing need for us to put down the preservativeladen, chemically-infused processed foods that make up a big chunk of what we eat and return to the basics: fresh turkey, chicken, fish and lean cuts of red meat as well as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and legumes. Conventional diet/weight loss programs experience a 98% failure rate. That’s largely because people mistakenly believe cutting meals (drastic calorie restriction) will lead to sustainable weight loss. It does not. The fact is you can’t starve fat off your body. Since pre-historic times, the body has been an efficient fat storage machine to aid in our survival. Proper nutrition, consistent exercise including weight training, and selfmotivation create the best and most effective formula for long-term weight management. Last week’s exercise was to dramatically cut your sugar intake. This week, you have three exercises: 1. Inventory your pantry and refrigerator and throw out all the carb-rich cereals, cookies, cakes, ice cream and unhealthy snacks (yes, including the potato chips and pretzels). If you don’t have unhealthy food around, you won’t eat unhealthy food! 2. Calculate your fat loss goal in order to give yourself a target and the motivation to make healthy changes to your diet. 3. Download the app called “My Fitness Pal” and track for at least seven days (longer if you can) what you eat and how much you eat. This will help you stay on track and create self-awareness about what’s on the end of your fork.

FITNESS MAN

HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR FAT LOSS GOAL Ask a nurse or any health professional or personal trainer at your gym to calculate your body fat percentage. Determining how many pounds you want to lose is fairly easy. If you are say, a 45-year-old a male weighing 200 pounds and your body fat measurement is 30%, you are carrying around 60 pounds of fat (200 x .30 = 60). At age 45, a body fat measurement of 15-17% would be much healthier, so this means you would need to lose about 30 pounds of fat. In very simple terms, a pound of fat equates to approximately 3500 calories, so burning 500 calories more than you eat each day (500 x 7 days = 3500) will lead to a pound of fat loss in a week. Losing one to two pounds a week is a healthy pace at which to reduce your weight.

THE FOUR RULES OF THUMB FOR HEALTHY NUTRITION 1. PAY ATTENTION TO THE COOKING METHOD. The way a meal is cooked determines how many calories, how much added fat, and the number of nutrients that survive. This simple factor will make or break your weight loss goal. Avoid foods prepared like this: • Fried and battered • Processed and packaged • Doused with cream sauce • Sauteed Choose foods that are prepared like this: • Grilled • Baked • Broiled • Steamed

2. BUILD YOUR MEALS AROUND PROTEIN. The bulk of your calories should be coming from a quality source of protein. With the first guideline in mind, these will be high quality and healthfully prepared. Good choices of protein include: Fish, Chicken, Turkey, Eggs, Lean red meat and Beans. 3. INCLUDE LOTS OF FIBER. Fiber is a huge part of eating healthy and being lean. Fibrous foods will fill you up while delivering vitamins and nutrients in low-calorie packages. Fill at least 2/3 of your plate with fibrous vegetables. Try these forms of fiber: Salads, seasonal vegetables, fruit and legumes.

4. GO EASY WITH THE STARCHES. If your goal includes losing weight, there is little room for starchy foods! Be conservative with foods like potatoes, pasta, bread and crackers as well as white rice and sugary cereals. NEXT: GET MOVING WITH AN EXERCISE REGIMEN

Peter Jackson, a health and nutrition writer and consultant based in Fort Lauderdale, is the owner of Push Fitness and other fitness businesses. He can be reached via e-mail at Info@PushFitnessFTL.com

MIAMI/ MIAMI BEACH

Elton John Rock and roll legend, LGBT activist, and cultural icon Sir Elton John has been churning out hits for decades. Songs like “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocketman,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Philadelphia Freedom” are immortal masterpieces still receiving heavy rotation on any classic rock station. Together with lyricist Bernie Taupin, Elton John wrote hummable singles that are today a part of America’s cultural landscape. 8:00 p.m. American Airlines Arena. 601 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. 33132.

3/6

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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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

Winter Party Weekend The Winter Party has been an integral part of the LGBTQ community since its inception in 1994. Throughout the weekend, various parties are thrown for both gay men and lesbians, all culminating in Sunday’s Beach Party. More than just a weekend of revelry, the festival hopes to move change forward for the LGBTQ community both locally and nationally. Proceeds support South Florida LGBTQ organizations and the National LGBTQ Task Force. 12:00 p.m. Lummus Park. 12th Street and Ocean Ave. Miami Beach. 33139.

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Beats After Sunset

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The first Friday of every month the Bass Museum of Art hosts an art-and-music-filled happy hour. Hired DJs spin while guests enjoy complimentary cocktails, current art exhibitions, and the presence of other art-minded socialites. The party runs for three hours on the museum’s terrace. 8:00 p.m. Bass Museum of Art. 2100 Collins Ave. Miami Beach. 33139.

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March 04, 2015

BY DANIEL HICKS

CONSCIENCE OF THE COMMISSION AN INTERVIEW WITH DEAN TRANTALIS

“I

’m beholden to nobody,” he said. Dean Trantalis gets it. For the first time since moving to Broward County from Los Angeles, I met a powerfully kindred spirit who shares some of my West Coast sensibilities and values. He also happens to be the first and only openly gay member of the Fort Lauderdale City Commission. Really? Wow. It’s surprising because so many gay and lesbian people live in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, more than just about anywhere else in the country. When you factor in the number of LGBT people moving here, retiring here, vacationing here… you get the picture. In fact, recent statistics show that more same-sex couples call Broward County home than anywhere else in the United States. Estimates are that LGBT tourism nets $1 billion a year for local businesses. With that as a backdrop, why do so many of us still live, work and even sometimes behave like second-class citizens? Unlike Log Cabin Republicans and private Palm Beach lesbians who defy mainstream stereotyping or choose to live their lives far from public view, Trantalis doesn’t mince words when issuing his call to action. “This town is our town. Thanks to the gay community, what were once the most decrepit neighborhoods in the city — Victoria Park, Lakeridge, Poinsettia Heights — are now the most highly prized places to live,” said Trantalis. “We are Fort Lauderdale. (The problem is) psychologically gay people find a certain comfort level with keeping our lives private. But in order to defend our community, some of us have to step up and provide leadership at election time and not sublimate ourselves to the rest of society. That’s not good enough. “The LGBT community needs to maintain a high profile. If we don’t, we’re bound to be relegated to a quiet corner and given a few bread crumbs to keep us happy,” said Trantalis. “Our mayor supports gay people as long as they know their place. I’m disappointed in that. As he sets his sights on a higher office, he thinks a legacy of conservatism is more likely to bring success than a progressive attitude.” What makes Trantalis a vital voice in local affairs is not only his gay orientation but the

COURTESY OF THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS

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LEFT COAST

Dean Trantalis

context within in which he marries his identity with progressive values to offer leadership in a true melting pot environment like Fort Lauderdale, whether they be quality of life issues stemming from unfettered development or more accountable city governance. He points to Elan 1640 on Sunrise Blvd., between 15th Street and Federal Highway. While 43 percent of the units have been rented so far, the development indicates how most of the new housing projects are luxury rentals. And then there is the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Built in the 60s, when the city was the swimming capitol of the US, it has since gone into despair. But while the city has earmarked funds to redevelop the site, the project has opened old wounds about the city’s procurement process and how it picks local contractors. After the city awarded a no-bid $25 million contract to a developer to renovate the complex, including a new 500-space parking garage to service Fort Lauderdale businesses at that end of the beach, that same developer now needs an additional $4 million to complete what he had already been contracted to do, and that was install air

conditioning in the new locker rooms. Three-term Mayor Jack Seiler was squirming in his seat to find more money because he was behind giving the original contract to one of his friends. Trantalis said he maintains a “cordial” relationship with Seiler, who he said appeals to many pro-development Republicans, even though Seiler is a registered Democrat. “We don’t share the same view on development. I’m more measured as opposed to giving a blank check to developers. Most of his campaign funds come from developers.” Another project is the proposed expansion of the Las Olas Marina — 6,000 feet of new dock space for large and small boats that would appeal to mega yacht owners, whose highly lucrative commerce ripples across local supply companies, hotels and onshore service industries. The city is currently opening the project to private developers who would build and manage under a lease agreement. “The goal is to make Fort Lauderdale the port of choice for the international mega yacht community,” said Trantalis. Maintain balanced growth with equality. Get out and vote please on March 10.

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BAR MAP

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

THE WEEK JACKSONVILLE BY PATRICK ROBERT

3/5

Loretta Lynn

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

3/7

Night Fever: The Bee Gees Tribute The disco-heyday mega-band is the focus of this tribute concert, the largest concert of Bee Gees music in the world. Recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees, this Canadian production has successfully brought their performances across the world for ten years. Some songs featured include “I Started a Joke,” “More Than a Woman,” “Stayin’ Alive,” and “You Should Be Dancing.” 7:30 p.m. Thrasher-Horne Center. 283 College Dr. Orange Park. 32065.

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Three Dog Night

In the early 1970s Three Dog Night owned the radio airwaves, with 21 songs on the Billboard Top 40. The American rock band had three tracks hit number one, each with a different lead singer: “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “Joy to the World,” and “Black and White.” Currently, Three Dog Night performs 80 concerts a year, including one tonight in Jacksonville. 8:00 p.m. Florida Theatre. 128 E. Forsyth St. Jacksonville. 32205.

March 04, 2015

Along with literary heavyweight Cormac McCarthy and blues icon B.B. King, Loretta Lynn just recently won this year’s Governor’s Arts Award—an award presented to Tennessee natives of distinguished talent. Lynn is certainly an important talent—a groundbreaking country music artist of such spectacular songs as “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “The Pill.” Coal Miner’s Daughter is also the name of her autobiography, which was turned into an Academy Award winning Sissy Spacek film. 8:00 p.m. Florida Theatre. 128 E. Forsyth St. Jacksonville. 32205.

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PAUL SLUTSKY REALTOR®

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1226 NE 4TH AVE FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 954.761.1236

LEATHERWERKS.COM

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

What has kings and queens, and little is as it seems????

PURIM- - Wednesday, March 4th, 7pm

March 04, 2015

Potluck & Spiel Call for more information– all are welcome!!

Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm

Congregation Etz Chaim

1501 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 1501 NE 26th St.,●Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-564-9232 www.EtzChaimFlorida.org 954-564-9232 ● Friday www.EtzChaimFlorida.org Shabbat services every night at 8pm– all are welcome!

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March 04, 2015

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THE WEEK

TAMPA/ST. PETE

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BY PATRICK ROBERT

3/6

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Jon Lovitz

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Oddly stealing the highly rated SNL 40th Anniversary Special (with a recurring joke about his supposed death), Jon Lovitz is back in the public consciousness. The comedian gained fame for his hysterical impressions and bizarre voice during his tenure on Lorne Michaels’ television institution. His resume includes multiple Emmy nominations, thirty film appearances, and a popular guest-starring role on Friends. 8:00 p.m. Improv Comedy Theater. 1600 E. Eighth Ave. Tampa. 33605.

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Nude Nite

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

Art and nudist aficionados can revel in this three-night, 21-and-older art event. An industrial warehouse turns into a pop-up gallery as various artists exhibit their sensual products. The theme for this year is “Extreme Dreams.” The event features dreamlike experiences in burlesque, explicit photography, and other adultthemed experiences. DJ Teresa is in charge of the music that helps amplify the event’s purpose: to bring exposure to the beauty of the human art form. 6:00 p.m. Costa Building. 3606 E. Fourth Ave. Tampa. 33605

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March 04, 2015

Gasparilla Music Festival Tampa’s ultimate music festival, the Gasparilla Music Festival, takes over Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park and Kiley Gardens Park for two days of music, food, and culture. Over forty acts will be performing on four stages. This year’s headliner is indie-rock icons Modest Mouse: the group responsible for such critically acclaimed songs as “Trailer Trash” and “Ocean Breathes Salty.” Other performers include The Gas Light Anthem, Gogol Bordello, and Trampled by Turtles. 10:00 a.m. Curtis Hixon Park. 600 N. Ashley Dr. Tampa. 33602.

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42 March 04, 2015

BY JAMEER BAPTISTE

TRAVEL

WHERE ARE THE SKI MOUNTAINS IN FLORIDA?

hile states up north continue to get pummeled with layers upon layers of snow and ice cold winds, we here in Florida endure a brisk chill for no more than a couple of days or so. We have yearround sunny beautiful days and we continue to sport our casual Florida beach attire consisting of flip-flops, shorts and t-shirts during the winter months. We never have to be cautious about the icy patches on the road. Or wake up in the morning to clear the snow from the driveway. There are countless winter joys and breathtaking sceneries that we just don’t get to experience here. But with our gloves in hand and Long Johns packed, we can escape to winter wonder paradises only short distances away and then make our return back to the sunny side of things before the adventure turns into a nightmare. Our closest sprinkled white destination is North Carolina. The journey could be made by vehicle — road trip — at an estimated drive time of just a little over 11 hours before you reach North Carolina’s “snow capital” High Country! High Country makes up the northern counties of Western North Carolina and is known as the state’s popular snow region. Perched up on the mountains, High Country gets just enough snow in the wintertime without extreme snowfall — at times the ski resorts even have to kick start the season with artificial snow. Southern ski and snowboard enthusiasts escape there every winter. However, it’s a perfect snow destination for the inexperienced winter newbie as well. There are three major ski resorts in the area: Beech Mountain (1007 Beach Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC phone: 800-438-2093), Appalachian Ski Mountain (940 Ski Mountain Rd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 phone: 828-295-7828) and Sugar Mountain (1009 Sugar Mountain Drive Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4521).

Each Mountain resort offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing. And the best part is that no experience is necessary. You can be a skilled skier or a fresh out-of-the-gate beginner. All are welcome and can be trained; from the little precocious titans to the inexperienced adult. For you beginners, the French Swiss Ski College (940 Ski Mountain Road Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Phone: 828-295-9311) at the Appalachian Ski Mountain will provide you with the training you need to advance your skills; from baby steps to “I got this” skiing. And for the advanced skier, Sugar Mountain’s Whoop-de-doo provides the rush and excitement you crave. Whoop-de-doo, a 1200 feet slop, is North Carolina’s largest vertical drop and only Double Black-Diamond run. But to all you pro skiers and snowboarders, to avoid disappoint, remember that although North Carolina is a celebrated ski destination for southerners, it is no Alpine Ski range and should not be compared to the slopes of Colorado, Utah and the other major skiing destinations. North Carolina’s snow region also offers other fun and less vigorous snow activities like snow tubing, zip lining, and sledding. Hawknest (2058 Skyland Drive, Seven Devils, NC 28604 Phone: 828-963-6561), the

largest snow tubing park in the east coast, has over 20 lanes that are 400 to 1000 feet long solely dedicated to snow tubing. The park also includes multiple zip lines that are over 200 feet high and propel you at speeds of 50mph. To top it off, after a zip line experience, you can capture the splendor and incredible landscape views of the area on their huge observational deck in their mountaintop lodge. And the fun doesn’t stop there; on Beech Mountain you can take the kids up the town’s hill for free sledding. However, if you want to amp up your winter experience, the next snow adventure is only an additional 3 to 4 hour drive north of High Country. West Virginia is a short 3-hour flight away from Wilton Manors and less than a one-day’s drive. Known as the Wild and Wonderful state, West Virginia has amazing outdoor adventures year-round. And when it comes to the winter months, the activities are kicked up a notch with an average snowfall of 15 feet. There’s nowhere else in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast that beats its rigid terrain and elevations, which makes it perfect for outdoor sports. Some of their most popular ski resorts are Canaan Valley (230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, WV 26260 Phone:

800-622-4121), Snowshoe Mountain (10 Snowshoe Drive, Snowshoe, WV 26209 Phone: 877-441-4386) and Winterplace (100 Old Flat Top Mt. Rd., Ghent, WV 2584 Phone: 304-787-3221). All locations provide the traditional snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating but some offer the ultimate snow excursions. At Snowshoe Mountain, you can take an off road tour on their enclosed heated Polaris RZR — a 4-passanger monster tracker truck. Or you can get behind the wheel yourself on one of their snowmobile tours where each person drives their own vehicle. And what about that winter wonderland scene on the sleigh, Greenbrier America’s Resort (300 W. Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986 Phone: 855-453-4858) can bring that dream to fruition. Florida is a snowbirds’ hideaway but their winter paradises can be our reality. The Caribbean islands are appealing but we already have the sunsoaked tropics here in Florida. Make memories, be adventurist, and experience activities you can’t do in your own hometown. And make your Florida social media friends jealous with your recorded snowball fight, your first snow angel and your crafty snowman.

ORLANDO

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THE WEEK BY PATRICK ROBERT

Whether finding out about a lover’s bad ways or staring jealousy in the face, Gin Blossoms’ 1990s hits were ubiquitous on the airwaves in that great decade. Their first major label album New Miserable Experience catapulted them into superstardom. Recent albums include Major Lodge Victory and No Chocolate Cake. 5:30 p.m. Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. 200 Epcot Center Dr. Lake Buena Vista. 32821.

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BAR MAP 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

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

9) SAVOY 1913 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 407-898-6766

The Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation 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. G

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4) COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 W. New Haven, Melbourne, FL 321-724-1510

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

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

Vanilla Ice and Coolio Volatile, a once-cultural joke, and a forerunner to Eminem, Vanilla Ice became famous in the 1990s for his hit single “Ice, Ice Baby.” Unfortunately, that one-hit-wonder also led to Vanilla Ice becoming a whipping boy for comedians everywhere. Coolio also enjoyed fame in the 1990s with hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Tonight both of these controversial hit makers perform at Tin Roof. 7:30. Tin Roof. 8371 International Dr. Orlando. 32819.

3/10

Motown the Musical Based on Berry Gordy’s 1994 autobiography To Be Loved: The Music, the Magic, the Memories of Motown, this Broadway jukebox musical revolves around the founding and running of the Motown record label. Gordy is known for establishing the careers of such legendary artists as Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson. The 2013 musical received four Tony Award nominations, including Best Orchestrations and Best Sound Design. Songs featured in the show include “ABC,” “All Night Long,” and “Baby I Need Your Loving.” 8:00 p.m. Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts. 445 S. Magnolia Ave. Orlando. 32801.

BRIANNEALFITNESS.ORG

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March 04, 2015

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

1) BARCODES 4453 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 407-412-6917

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Gin Blossoms

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ShadesOfPride.com /FTLLeatherPride

STONEWALL GALLERY LEATHER SOCIAL Thursday, March 5, 2015 7PM Until 9PM

Saturday, March 7, 2015 9PM Until 3AM No Charge For This Event

SHADES OF BLUE EVENTS

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No Charge For This Event

RAMROD BAR PIG DANCE

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SHADES OF RED EVENTS

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MARCH 1-31, 2015

MOJO - FORMAL LEATHER DINNER

Thursday, March 12, 2015 7:30PM Cocktails, 8:30PM Dinner

Tickets $45 In Advance Only At The LeatherWerks Main Store

LEATHERWERKS - BOOTLUST PARTY

Friday, March 13, 2015 9PM Until Midnight

$15 Entrance Fee Benefits FTL Leather Pride

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March 04, 2015