Florida Agenda #88

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JULY 28, 2011 H ISSUE #88 H FLORIDAAGENDA.COM A MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS COMPANY

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KRISHAN MANNERS; BEAUTIFYING OUR CITY

REV. ELIZABETH SIMPSON TO DEFY CHURCH

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MIAMI

MASQUERADE FUNDRAISER Pridelines Youth Services presents its 6th Annual Fundraising Gala, a.k.a. an “Adult Prom”. The Gala will be held on Saturday, August 7th. Early bird tickets available until July 31st. Courtesy, Examiner

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CENTRAL FLORIDA

HRC DISCO BOWLING

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BAY AREA

DRAG BINGO Every week, enjoy free BINGO with the chance to win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort in St. Petersburg, FL. To add to the fun, Drag Queens will be providing plenty of jokes and banter. Courtesy, Red Thread Magazine

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DOMA We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!

Sunday, August 7th, from 11am to 3pm, at Colonial Lanes. Bowling fun with great music for equality. Tickets start from $35 and include HRC general membership. Courtesy, Newsok.com

While people and puppets got married in NY, Tim Pawlenty says Gay Marriage ‘Devalues’ Traditional Marriage! Kitty Lambert, 54, and Cheryle Rudd, 53, officially became the first same-sex couple to get married in the state of New York. They were pronounced “legally married” at exactly one second after midnight on Sunday, June 24, against the cascades of a rainbow-colored Niagara Falls. To accomplish this feat, and provide time for others to say their nuptials in the morning, the wedding reception was held first then, right before midnight, the couple exchanged vows. Immediately after midnight, Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster said, “By the power vested in me by the laws of the state of New York, I now pronounce you legally married.” The couple then kissed in front of more than 100 friends and family members. Yet Presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty

By JAMES MICHAELS WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fifteen years ago this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The bill, which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman under Federal law, passed by a vote of 342-67 — an outcome that roughly reflected public opinion at the time. But, according to ThirdWay.org, over the past decade and a half, our society has undergone a seismic shift in how it recognizes and accepts the relationships of gay and lesbian couples. This report provides a snapshot of this dramatic transformation and illustrates the crystallizing consensus in favor of legal relationship recognition for gay and lesbian couples, extending all the way to marriage in many parts of the country. In 1996, DOMA was thought to have ended the debate on marriage. But it seems to have been only the beginning of a more profound shift in favor of gay and lesbian couples. H

By ALEX VAUGHN & BOB KECSKEMETY

on Sunday said gay marriage “defies common sense” and is a “bad idea.” Pawlenty, who as governor of Minnesota was considered a moderate Republican, has continued his slide to the right in a possible bid to win over voters in early caucus state Iowa, where GOP voters tend to Niagara Falls provided the backdrop to favor social conservathe first ever Gay wedding in New York. tive candidates. Pawlenty spent the better part of five traditional marriage, Candy,” Pawlenty minutes attempting to dodge State of the answered. “I think that a marriage Union host Candy Crowley's questions on between a man and a woman is something how allowing gay and lesbian couples to that should remain elevated socially, culturally and practically, legally, morally in marry hurts the nation. “From my standpoint, I don't think all our society.” domestic relationships are the same as ‘MAKING HISTORY’ continues on Page 11 Photo courtesy, Homorazzi

Doggy Daycare & Grooming will be opening its doors on August 3rd, for the ribbon-cutting by Mayor Gary Resnick and the grand opening party begins at 6pm.

Politician Stays Steadfast


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Lanham and Associates Clarifies Name OAKLAND PARK, FL – When Lanham and Associates opened their real estate office in Oakland Park earlier this year, they took on the d/b/a. of “Real Estate Recovery,” but they discovered that people were mistaking the meaning of their name so they are making a slight change in their identity. “What we’re finding is that probably a better way to describe our company is Lanham and Associates: Leading South Florida through the Real Estate Recovery,” said Gary Lanham. “The connotation is subtle but people were mistaking us for only doing short sales and foreclosures and that couldn’t be farther from the truth.” Regardless of their name, Lanham and Associates has become a leader in the redevelopment of Oakland Park and, unlike many other real estate companies in the depressed economy, has continued to grow and prosper. H

Miami-Dade Schools Add Gender Identity to Harassment and AntiBullying Policy MIAMI, FL – The Miami-Dade School District, the fourth largest in the nation, has added gender identity to the harassment and anti-bullying policy. Equality Florida, along with and members of our Miami-Dade Safe Schools Coalition, have worked for more than a decade to expand these vital protections and Miami remained one of the few large Florida counties without such a policy – until now. With this latest victory, 1.55 million students, representing nearly 60% of Florida’s school population, are now protected from bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity – ranking Florida fourth in the nation. “This is a tipping point for the state but our work continues until every school district large and small provides these vital protections.” said Stratton Pollitzer, Equality Florida’s Deputy Director in a written statement. H

Get Ready for “Masquerade” MIAMI SHORES, FL – Pridelines Youth Services presents its sixth annual fundraising gala, “Masquerade” – also known as Pridelines’ “adult prom”. This year’s gala will be held Saturday, August 27, beginning at 7 p.m. in Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom and will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, dancing and live entertainment by Corey Michaels. Until July 31, gala tickets are being sold at an “early bird” price of $80 per person or $900 for a table of 10. After that, tickets will increase to $100 per person or $1,200 for a table of 10. Tickets can be purchased on the Pridelines website, www.pridelines.org, by clicking on the “upcoming events” tab. “The adult gala is the most anticipated and most important Pridelines fundraiser of the year,” said Victor Diaz-Herman,

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executive director. “It’s also an over-thetop affair, as our guests pull out all the stops for their costumes; and with this year’s ‘Masquerade’ theme, you can expect some insane masks and headgear to show up. I’m sure the feathers will be flying on the dance floor!” New for this year, Pridelines will be honoring two community leaders at the gala – one individual and one organization – for their commitment to LGBTQ youth in South Florida. The inaugural honorees will be Robert Loupo, cofounder of the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and executive director of Safe Schools South Florida, and Temple Israel for supporting LGBTQ youth by providing the space for Pridelines drop-in center for over 10 years. Money raised from the gala goes to support Pridelines’ mission of educating and empowering South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their straight allies through programming, counseling, support and referral services from a safe and diverse environment. In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, an exciting silent auction will help raise funds for the organization. Among the items and experiences up for the highest bid are several seven-night resort packages, spa and salon treatments, dinners at Miami’s hottest restaurants and many luxury gift baskets. H

2011. The ribbon cutting by Mayor Gary Resnick and grand opening party begins at 6:00pm, at 2155 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. “Alan and I are very excited to bring our 12 years of experience in the pet service industry to Wilton Manors. It’s great to introduce the concept of cage-free grooming and doggie day care to South Florida. We cater to a level of professionalism and hospitality that our furry fourlegged friends deserve,” said Josh Meneses, who owns the business with partner Alan Aghazadian. With both of their experience, talents and love for animals, Meneses and Aghazadian are bringing a fresh approach to animal care. Safety and cleanliness are their primary focus at the 3000 square foot indoor dog park they have created. “We offer Hypoallergenic synthetic turf designed especially for animals and recycled materials make Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare & Grooming a fun, safe and responsible environment for pets to socialize and play,” says partner, Alan Aghazadian. Paul Mitchell pet products are used exclusively in the bathing and grooming rooms. Additionally, unique pet supplies will be sold from displays more reminiscent of a high-end department store than your standard pet groomer. It seems every dog does have its day – at least in Wilton Manors. H

Scott Szeker Wins 1st Round in Sidelines Summer Cook-Off

Two Miami Officers Fired for Gay Attack

WILTON MANORS, FL – Sidelines Sports Bar announced that Scott Szeker of Fort Lauderdale was declared the top winner in the first round of Sidelines’ 2nd Annual Summer Cook-Off Competition. Scott’s Chili Con Carne recipe earned the top score by a panel of three judges, which now makes him eligible for the final round of the contest, to take place on Labor Day, Monday, September 5th. Also in the running in the Finals are 2nd Place winner, Randy Harmon, and 3rd Place winner, Rob Copeland. The “People’s Choice Award” went to Randy Harmon for his Chicken White Chili. Next up in the culinary challenge, the best recipe for Chicken Wings, slated for Sunday, August 7th, at 5 p.m. If you think your chicken wings are the best in town, then hurry and register your entry at Sidelines Sports Bar. Contestants can enter their winning recipe by stopping by Sidelines to obtain the “Basic Cooking Rules” and “Judging Criteria” for the competition or by visiting www.sidelinessports.com (go to the “Sports Calendar” and click on the contest date for an entry form and rules). H

Doggy Daycare & Grooming Opens WILTON MANORS, FL – Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare & Grooming announced Tuesday that it will be opening its doors for business on August 3,

MIAMI BEACH, FL – Miami Beach, Fla., is firing two policemen accused of attacking and falsely arresting a gay tourist who caught them beating another man. City Manager Jorge Gonzalez told The Miami Herald he informed Officers Frankly Forte and Eliut Hazzi of the action Monday. They can fight for their jobs at a hearing next Monday. On March 13, 2009, Harold Strickland, a former city resident, was visiting his old neighborhood when he saw two men beating a man in a park.

Miami Beach City Manager, Jorge Gonzalez

Photo courtesy, Luxury Travel Advisor

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Strickland called 911, then realized the attackers were undercover police, he said. Then Hazzi and Forte attacked him, calling him "fag" and "faggot," he said, and arrested him for loitering and prowling. Oscar Mendoza, the man being beaten, was arrested for resisting arrest. Both charges were later dropped. After a long investigation, prosecutors did not charge the policemen, asserting insufficient evidence to convict, but urged the department to take "appropriate action."

Miami Beach police said Monday that though the "investigation concluded that no crime could be proven in relation to the officers' actions, serious questions were raised about their conduct during the incident." Strickland is suing for more than $15,000 in damages. H

Florida Beach Town Woos New York's Gay Newlyweds FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Tourism operators in Fort Lauderdale are hoping that New York's gay marriage law will bring new business to the sunny Florida city. "This is a great opportunity," said Richard Gray, the owner of the Royal Palms Resorts and Spa. The 50-room luxury hotel, whose clients are exclusively gay men, launched the Royal Bliss honeymoon package on Monday. For $6,400 the Royal Palms will treat guests to a six-day vacation that includes limo pick up at the airport, spa treatments and champagne lunches by the pool. Some of Gray's local competitors are also promoting honeymoon packages that celebrate gay marriage in New York. The Preferred Pride package at the Atlantic Resort and Spa offers oceanfront rooms starting at $159 per night. Hotels are not the only businesses seeking to profit from the hundreds of daily wedding celebrations that began to take place in New York on Sunday. But Fort Lauderdale is one of the first cities outside New York State, to try to cash in on the Marriage Equality Act. On Sunday its tourism bureau placed an ad in the style section of the New York Times. "After Your I Do's Consider Our Proposal," it said, encouraging readers to visit the city's official visitors site, for the chance to win a free Fort Lauderdale honeymoon. The move underscores the importance of gay travelers – and New York tourists to Fort Lauderdale. The city of 165,000 has more than 30 guesthouses that cater to homosexual visitors, and a vibrant gay community centered in Wilton Manors. There is also a large population of retired New Yorkers. “Most hotels have a romantic package (for same-sex couples) of sorts,” said Jessica Taylor, a spokeswoman for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center and Visitors Bureau. “With the fact that a large part of our customer base comes from New York, this is a great opportunity.” Local tourism officials estimate the city hosted 1 million gay travelers in 2010. New York to Fort Lauderdale is the busiest air route in the country with more than 8.5 million passengers per year. A COMPETITIVE MARKET Wesley Combs, a market analyst who helps companies to tap into the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) market, said that Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hawaii and San Francisco are also well positioned to provide honeymoons to Continues on NEWS on Page 7


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New York's newlyweds. Combs said some hotels in these cities are making the effort to celebrate gay relationships just like they celebrate heterosexual weddings. They picture homosexual couples in ads and teach staff to cater to the needs of LGBT couples, avoiding awkward moments when a same-sex couple checks in. Combs's analyst firm, Witeck-Combs Communications, conducted a nationwide survey of gay households with Harris Interactive earlier this year. It found 65 percent of gay and lesbian adults planned to take a leisure trip this summer. Cities most likely to attract gay honeymooners, Combs said, are those where there is a tolerant atmosphere. “A simple act of holding a hand for a gay couple can be viewed as inappropriate” he said. "When you celebrate something as momentous as a honeymoon, you want to make sure you are free to enjoy who you are, without any fear of stress, or any kind of repercussions, because you're trying to express your love and affection for your significant other." he said. H

Obama Officially Certifies End of DADT WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama last week certified the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the policy preventing gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military. “Our military will no longer be deprived of the talents and skills of patriotic Americans just because they happen Photo courtesy, Joshua Kennon to be gay or lesbian,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House. The move came after Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and the Joint Chiefs of Staff certified that the military was ready to end the ban. Each member of the Joint Chiefs had to submit a recommendation to Panetta, indicating that they are far enough in their training to repeal DADT, and that it will not have an impact on military readiness. “As of September 20th, service members will no longer be forced to hide who they are in order to serve our country,” Obama wrote. The “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy forced gays and lesbians to keep their sexual orientation secret if they wanted to serve in the U.S. armed forces. Last year, Obama signed a landmark law repealing the policy. H

Maryland Governor Announces Sponsorship of Same-Sex Marriage Bill BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley said last week that he plans to sponsor a same-sex marriage bill during the state’s next legisla-

tive session and acknowledged a good deal of work must still be done to pass it. According to the Washington Post, O’Malley supported civil unions in his political career and said that a same-sex marriage bill will be one of a handful of bills that will be an administrative priority. H

“Barbarians” Glitter Bachmann’s Clinic

President, who agreed to endorse and sponsor the project. As a result, I feel compelled to revisit the cities of last year’s marriage tour to meet the thousands of people who came out to meet discrimination and bigotry head-on in the streets of their hometowns.” H

Over Half of All Americans Favor National Recognition of Same-Sex Marriages

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A group of gay “Barbarians” stormed the offices of Marcus Bachmann’s gay reparative therapy and “glittered” his office when they were told that the husband of presidential candidate Michele Bachmann would not meet with them. While glittering, they were singing the Lady Gaga song, “Born this Way”. Last summer, Bachmann said in a speech concerning homosexuals, “We have to understand, barbarians need to be educated. They need to be disciplined. Just because someone feels it or thinks it doesn’t mean that we are supposed to go down that road. That’s what is called the sinful nature. We have a responsibility as parents and as authority figures not to encourage such thoughts and feelings from moving into the action steps …” H

NEW YORK, NY – A new poll reveals that nearly have of U.S. adults support marriage equality. According to the latest survey conducted by Harris Interactive, more than half (53%) of all U.S. adults agreed that regardless of their own personal views, “a same-sex marriage legally granted in one state should be recognized as a legal marriage in all other states in the same way generally that heterosexual marriages are recognized across state lines.” Just as significantly, 49% of all U.S. adults say they “support the right for same-sex couples to marry,” when contrasted with 41% who oppose the right, and 10% who are not at all sure. This week, President Obama endorsed repeal of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, arguing that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex marriages equal recognition by the federal government or for the federal government to stand in the way of any state that chooses to recognize samesex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. H

Durham Passes Resolution Opposing Ban on Same-Sex Marriage

Presbyterian Minister to Defy Church Over Gay Marriage

DURHAM, N.C. – The Durham City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing a statewide referendum on a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. The resolution is intended to send a message to the Republican-controlled legislature that the city opposes a push for a 2012 referendum on an amendment to the constitution that reaffirms a state law banning same-sex marriage. It could possibly invalidate other recognitions of same-sex partnerships, such as the city's domestic partnership benefits, and lead to litigation. H

GLEN CHURCH, NY – Reverend Elizabeth Simpson will defy orders from the First Presbyterian Church and perform same-sex marriages. According to WCBS in New York City, Simpson understands she can be defrocked by performing same-sex marriages but she said that she sees loving gay couples in her church every Sunday and doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about because love is love, regardless of the gender of the marriage. She is scheduled to perform her first same-sex marriage next March. H

Photo courtesy, Bachman for President

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From NOM to NOME WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former member of the National Organization for Marriage, Louis Marinelli, has formed a new organization, the National Organization for Marriage Equality. Marinelli, was the bus driver for last year’s NOM “Summer of Marriage Tour” and, according to his new website www.wearenome.org, he is planning a tour this summer for marriage equality visiting 17 states. The tour will be visiting the cities he visited last year when he came up with the idea of the bus tour for NOM. He said it was because of the counter-protesters at the stops he made last year that gave him thought and a change of heart and his resignation from NOM. “I am personally responsible for that tour,” said Marinelli. “It was my idea and I proposed it to Brian Brown, NOM’s

Students File Lawsuit Against Harassment in School MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of Minneapolis students complaining that the Minnesota School district perpetuates harassment of LGBT students. The lawsuit was joined by the National Center for Lesbian Rights. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of five students who have faced severe antiLGBT bullying and harassment in school. It charges that the district’s gag policy perpetuates the abuses suffered by these students and others. The groups filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota after the school district failed to address the

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persistent abuse or repeal its discriminatory policy. “We are disappointed that the district fails to see the serious harm this policy is causing its students,” said Sam Wolfe, the SPLC’s lead attorney in the case. “School and district officials who are entrusted with the safety and education of all students continue to ignore, minimize, dismiss and even blame victims for the abusive behavior of other students.” H

Ghana Orders Arrest of Gays ACCRA, GHANA – According to the Sydney Star Observer, Ghana’s Western Region Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo, MP, has ordered the immediate arrest of all homosexuals in the country’s west. Aidooo has tasked Ghana’s Bureau of National Investigations and security forces to round up the country’s gay population and has called on landlords and tenants to inform on people they suspect of being homosexuals. The move by the Minister follows months of campaigning by the Christian Council of Ghana, which last week called on Ghanaians not to vote for any politician who believes in the rights of homosexuals. Muslims and Christians in the Western Region have been staging protests ever since a local media report claimed there were around 8,000 homosexuals and lesbians in the district. H

Actor Zach Braff Contends He’s Not Gay HOLLYWOOD, CA – TMZ reported that actor Zach Braff is not gay despite a notice recently posted on his old website. Braff says that the computer hackers placed the message on an old website which hasn’t been used since 2006. The message read: “To all my local fans, Photo courtesy, Soundonsight.org I have been hiding this secret inside me for too long … The human mind can only bare so much before it explodes in emotions, and well… it is time I let the world know. I am excited and proud to announce that I am an open member of the homosexual community. This is not news to those closest to me, and I honor that they have kept it a secret for such a long time. This doesn’t change anything. I am still Zack Braff, and I am the same man I’ve always been, gay or not ;) Thank you to all my supporters and look forward to seeing me soon! I couldn’t be happier about this announcement :)” Braff posted his own statement to his Facebook saying, “My old website got hacked. Someone issued a ‘coming out’ statement on my behalf. I'm still straight and in love with my girlfriend. But not too straight; I still love musicals, brunch and Doogie Howser.” H Continues on NEWS on Page 8


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Obama Filling Federal Court Vacancies with Gay Judges WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House has nominated Michael Fitzgerald to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Fitzgerald, 51, a graduate of Harvard University and the University of California Berkley Law School, previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney in California and has been a practicing trial lawyer for 20 years. “I am honored to nominate Michael Walter Fitzgerald to the United States District Court,” President Obama said. “His impressive career stands as a testament to his formidable intellect and integrity. I am confident he will serve the people of California with distinction on the District Court bench.” Another Obama nominee, J. Paul Oetken, was confirmed last week as U.S. District Judge for Southern New York and will be the first out gay man to serve on the federal Photo courtesy, Queermeup judiciary. Two other confirmations are still pending: Alison Nathan, another openly gay nominee to the Southern District of New York, was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. Edward DuMont, who was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, has not yet been reported out of the Judiciary Committee. H

David Atlanta Sold ATLANTA, GA – David Magazine, the gay Atlanta nightlife and event publication, has been sold to new owners, according to the magazine's Chief Operating Officer Chip O'Kelley. The sale officially occurred on July 18, 2011. The sale of David Atlanta also includes the rights to the Southern Voice, an Atlanta-based LGBT newspaper founded in 1988 by GA Voice founder Christina Cash and eventually sold to the media conglomerate Windows Media. Windows Media shut its doors in 2009 and the naming rights to Southern Voice and David Atlanta were purchased by Neumann in bankruptcy court several months later. Former owner and David Magazine publisher Matt Neumann will remain an adviser to the new owners for one or two weeks while the transition takes place, according to O'Kelly. “Probably no more than two weeks,” O'Kelley said today by phone when asked how long Neumann will remain in an advisory position with David Atlanta. “Our goal is to transition him out in two weeks. Matt [Neuman] has been coordinating with the printer. It's necessary to do that kind of hand-off. There is information that only he knows or has dealt with.” The new owners of David Atlanta were not named in a press release announcing

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the sale. O'Kelley said that the new owners did not want to be named publicly. O'Kelley said that the sale did not affect David Florida, a similarly styled magazine based in South Florida. "[David Florida] has always been an independent entity." Neumann published Southern Voice sporadically over several months, though it's been months since a print paper hit the street. Its website has not been updated since January of this year. Southern Voice could return, according to O'Kelley, but the current focus is improving David Magazine. “That is a potential. It's been discussed,” O'Kelley said of a possible Southern Voice return. H

“Glee” Stars Not Leaving SAN DIEGO, CA – Brad Falchuk, executive producer of “Glee” clarified statements made last week that “Glee” stars Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith, and Lea Michele will be leaving the show after next season. Falchuk explained that they will be graduating from Mc Kinley High School but will remain on the show. There is also talk about a slight possibility of a spin-off of the show with Colfer, Monteith and Michele in New York trying to start a Photo courtesy, GLEE Broadway career. One “Glee” regular who will not be returning is Chord Overstreet who was to become a series regular in the middle of next season. Overstreet turned down the offer to explore other possibilities. H

Anti-Gay Group Files Suit to Kill Same Sex Marriage in New York ALBANY, NY – A suit has been filed to stop and overturn New York’s marriage equality law by New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedom. According to the suit reported in the New York Daily News, the organization claims that the State Senate violated the state’s Open Meetings Law by closing off the Senate galleries and lobby and by holding closed door meetings with Mayor Bloomberg who backed the law. H

Dollywood Dress Code Challenged PIGEON FORGE, TN – A lesbian couple is asking for changes at Dollywood after an employee asked one of the women to turn her T-shirt reading "marriage is so gay" inside-out to avoid offending others on a recent visit to the Tennessee theme park complex. Olivier Odom and Jennifer Tipton told The Knoxville News Sentinel they want the park to be more inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families after Odom was asked to reverse her shirt when they visited Dollywood Splash Country next to the Pigeon Forge amusement park. The story was first reported

by WBIR-TV in Knoxville. Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens said on Tuesday that Dollywood is open to all families, but their dress code policy is to ask people with clothing or tattoos that could be considered offensive to change clothes or cover up. Owens said the couple was not asked to leave and complied with the rules to reverse the shirt when asked. "The park is open every day to everybody," Owens said. "We try to provide an environment for families of all shapes and sizes to enjoy themselves. Owens said park officials are discussing the matter and will speak to the couple directly. Odom said that they visited the water park July 9 with friends and their friends' children when she was asked by a person at the ticket booth to turn her shirt inside out because it was a family park. Odom said she complied so as not to make a scene in front of the children, but felt offended. "Our whole deal is about marriage equality and being treated equally," said Tipton. "It's not that we're trying to cause a big stir." Odom and Tipton are not legally married, but held a ceremony last year in North Carolina. They wrote an email to the park asking the park "to implement policies that are inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; conduct staff sensitivity training; and issue a public statement indicating that the park is inclusive of all families." Owens said the couple's complaints have sparked discussion at the park about the dress code, a policy that park employees deal with frequently because of the thousands of visitors every year. H

Gay Blood Ban Faces Review, Changes Possible WASHINGTON, D.C. – The long-time outright ban on gays donating blood is under question and may soon come to an end, as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) narrows down the areas they must study to possibly repeal the discriminatory policy. Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) applauded updates offered to them by the HHS documenting what needs to happen to change the current ban of sexuallyactive gay men donating blood. The ban, which went into effect 1985, bans any man who has ever had sex with a man. “We’ve been working on this a long time in a serious way and I’m glad Secretary Sebelius responded with concrete steps to finally remove this policy from the books,” said Sen. Kerry. “HHS is doing their due-diligence and we plan to stay focused on the end game – a safe blood supply and an end to this discriminatory ban.” Protesters of the ban have long called it unfair, as a straight man who has had sex with an HIV-positive woman has just a one-year waiting period before he can donate again. A gay man who has sex with an HIV-negative partner, using safer sex practices, can never give blood again. Some want to see the ban remain in

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place or to be modified more gradually. American Plasma Users Coalition, for example, wants much more review before accepting a changed policy. “It’s not about blood supply; it’s about blood safety … Ultimately the end-user bears 100 percent of the risk,” Mark Skinner, a representative of the coalition, said in an MSNBC article. “The fact that it’s discriminatory does not mean it’s wrong if it’s in the interest of public health.’’ According to Kerry’s website, there are four key areas that the HHS must study before changing the ban include: • How the risk of blood transmissible diseases in the current donor population relate to risk factors in donors; • The root cause of Quarantine Release Errors (QRE), the accidental release of blood not cleared for use; • If potential donors correctly understand the current questionnaire and if men who have sex with men (MSM) would comply with modified deferral criteria; AND • If alternative screening strategy (e.g. pre- and/or post qualifying donation infectious disease testing) for MSM (and potentially other high-risk donors) would assure blood safety while enabling collection of data that could demonstrate safe blood collection from a subset of MSM or other currently deferred donors. H

Study: High Levels of Discrimination for LGBT Workers LOS ANGELES, CA – The Williams Institute of UCLA Law School, has analyzed studies over the past 40 years, and have concluded in a new study, that LGBT employees continue to report discrimination, especially those who are out in their workplaces. According to the study, the 2008 General Social Survey reported that 42 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual employees had experienced employer discrimination at some point in their careers; 27 percent had experienced it within the five years before the survey. Rates of discrimination against transgender workers are considerably higher. “The devastating results of this discrimination are confirmed by the high rates of poverty and unemployment documented by surveys of the transgender community,” said Williams Institute Executive Director Brad Sears. H

Alexander McQueen Left £100,000 to THT and £50,000 to His Dogs in Will LONDON,

ENGLAND – Fashion designer Alexander McQueen, who took his own life last year, has left £100,000 to HIV and sexual health charity the Terrance Higgins Trust (THT) and £50,000 to his pet dogs.

Photo courtesy, Modelinia

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Gay Men’s Health Organization Ask Brad Pitt to Open a Race GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Organizers of a gay health race in Glasgow have asked Brad Pitt to start the event. Charity Gay Men’s Health has written to the film star to ask if he will signal the start of the race in Kelvingrove Park on August 19th. Pitt, who is a gay rights supporter, is due to be in the city for filming that day, the Herald reports. Tom Lusk, the community development manager for Gay Men’s Health, wrote to Pitt to say: “We are aware that you have been fairly outspoken on same-sex marriages and your belief Photo courtesy, Bigbradpitt.com that they should be recognized in every democratic society. “To that end, we wondered if you consider flagging off the start of the race. If you wanted to take part, then of course that would not be an issue.” The star once said he would marry girlfriend Angelina Jolie when everyone has the right to wed and has donated money to the fight to preserve gay marriage in California. Earlier this month, he said: “It is encouraging that New York has joined the movement to grant equal marriage rights to its citizens. “But it is each American’s Constitutional right to marry the person they love, no matter what state they inhabit. No state should decide who can marry and who cannot.” H

FROM THE PUBLISHER

• RETRACTION • It has been brought to my attention that in last week’s issue of the Agenda (July 21, 2011, Open for Business; What if it’s a Red Handkerchief in the Left Pocket?) discussed a rumor regarding one of the clothing stores on Wilton Drive. I want to go on record as saying that this is a rumour with no factual validity whatsoever. The store in question is not ZooTwo. This fine retail outlet is not involved in the selling of narcotics in any way, or any other illegal or questionable line of business. It is not the habit of the Florida Agenda to print rumors, I also want to make crystal clear this piece was not a malicious attack towards ZooTwo. We at the Florida Agenda strongly believe ZooTwo is an establishment that is one of the best clothing stores in Fort Lauderdale serving the LGBT community with an outstanding reputation for many years. I would like to conclude by saying that the team and myself are truly sorry to ZooTwo for any hurt, damage or inconvenience this editorial content has caused. H

NEWS

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OPEN FOR BUSINESS

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Open For Business:

Run, Forest, Run! By CLIFF DUNN The Dale Russell Network, part of the Atlantic Properties International realty empire, is the exclusive listings agent for Forest Trace, the luxury senior living resort community in the Lauderhill subdivision of Inverrary (does the name Jackie Gleason ring a bell, or is Open for Business getting old? – don’t answer that). According to realtor Dale Russell, whose credentials as an LGBT business and community leader include past Presidency of The Pride Center at Equality Park, the adult retirement community offers “luxury resort-style amenities and services for active adults who want more out of life.” For a monthly rental fee, residents experience an active lifestyle with meals, activities – including access to the Inverrary Golf Club – and entertainment all converging to give every day an almost vacation-like feel. And Russell says that the owners, who have historic ties to the Catskills’ legendary Grossinger’s resort, are hoping to make inroads into the LGBT market, opening their amenities to a diverse community of residents. Russell’s partner (and, you know, partner), Jan Carpenter, says the gay community isn’t the only group Forest Trace is friendly towards. “They are very Realtor® friendly,” says Carpenter, noting that the management of the senior living community is paying renewals to Realtors® in a very timely manner. “We are talking three year, five year renewals - a residual income that they are very consistent in paying.” Open for Business can’t help but think how pleasant it is that there is someone else with a vested interest in the good health and long life of Forest Trace’s residents: their real estate professional.

Feelin’ Groovy From our Get Well Soon Department (and Don’t Gimme Any Lip About It): Sidelines Sports Bar co-owner Laurie Whittaker has been somewhat speechless of late. After recent episodes of recurring laryngitis, an ear, nose and throat specialist discovered that the Wilton Manors saloon owner and North Miami attorney had two large polyps growing on her vocal chords. Following surgery that went without incident, biopsies found no signs of cancer. Asked by Open for Business how she was feeling, Whittaker responded in her usual softspoken manner (and with tongue planted firmly in cheek): “Why does anybody care?” Laughs her partner (and Sidelines marketing director), Jennifer Morales: “I guess that’s the modesty that I fell in love with thirty-plus years ago,” then adds, impishly, “Imagine, a bar owner and an attorney with no voice!”

Everyone Knows its Wendy The Depot Cabana Bar and Grill has secured the legendary DJ Wendy Hunt to spin poolside this Sunday, July 31, for their Sunday T Dance. Featured at LegendsofVinyl.com, Hunt is known as the Queen Mother of DJs, and is among the longest (and hardest) working of her

profession, beginning her thirty-sixth year at the (electronic) tables, and a diverse music playlist featuring everything from Disco to Electronica. Hunt was also pivotal in turning Provincetown into a legendary gay party Mecca. Foregoing nursing school for the turntables in the 1970s, she had her first gig in Boston at Club 1270 (“known as the 12 to regulars,” she reminisces). “You have to have a passion for the music,” says Hunt. Depot co-owner Marc Scharphorn says “that passion will be on display for all to hear and enjoy this Sunday. We are VERY excited to have Wendy spin at The Depot.”

Bless Me, Father, for I have Sinned (Correction) A photo caption appearing in this column three weeks ago (Open for Business, July 7, 2011: “Cross to Bear”) incorrectly identified Maroone Ford as having purchased a car for Father Bill Collins of Poverello Thrift Store and Food Bank as part of A.J. Cross’ 2010 fundraising event; the caption should have stated that the Ford Focus was purchased thanks to a sizable donation from City County Credit Union. We regret the factual error (but not as much as Florida Agenda creative director Dave Griffiths, who got taken out behind the wood shed by publisher Bobby Blair and editor-in-chief Alex Vaughn, but not in the way he prefers).

By the Numbers (Governor Rick Scott Edition) According to estimates based upon American Community Survey data, among the states, Florida has the second highest population of LGBT residents, with a +/- 609,219 gay population (representing nearly 5%, or slightly less than 1in-20, of statewide population), and the Miami/Fort Lauderdale metro area comes in at Number 8 among cities with the highest percentage of LGBT residents within city limits (representing +/183,346 person or, again, nearly 5% of total population statistics). According to data collected by CityData.com and the U.S. Census Bureau, total spending of LGBT individuals was $712 Billion in 2008. That same data also revealed that average adjusted gross income for Florida’s LGBT population was $50,523 per annum; median household value was $218,699; median age was 38.7; and average household size was 2.5. In Broward County’s predominantly gay zip codes (33301, 33304, 33305), those numbers are $87,812 per annum for average adjusted gross income; median household value was $522,158; median age was 40.0; and average household size was 1.9.H

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If you're “Open for Business”, you can contact Business Writer and Director of Sales, Cliff Dunn, with your story at Business@FloridaAgenda.com


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NEWS

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

‘MAKING HISTORY’ continued from COVER

Crowley rephrased her question: “I'm just wondering if you see that there has been harm to the state of Iowa or will there be harm to the state of New York because they've legalized gay marriage.” “Well, I wouldn't phrase it that way. In the sense that I think there's just a difference of opinion about whether all domestic relationships are in the eyes of the law, and otherwise, going to be the same as traditional marriage, I don't think they should be.” “In particular, what should gay couples, or lesbian couples, not have that straight couples do?” Crowley asked. “Well, I think we have a long standing practice. It's social, it's legal, it's cultural that says a man and a woman are joined together for obvious reasons,” he said, then added, “I'm not at the point, nor will I ever be at the point, where I'm going to say, 'You know what, that really is not special, it's not any different than any other domestic relationships that we can imagine or assemble.' I don't buy that at all.” Crowley tried one more time: “Do you care if there are same-sex couples who have gotten married? I mean, does that truly bother you? Or is it just as a general principle?” “To me, it's just the idea that we're going to have traditional marriage be viewed in the eyes of the law and society as no different than other domestic relationships, I think is a bad idea … To say that that is somehow the equal of all other possible domestic relationships defies common sense, Candy,” Pawlenty said The politician, who has said he sup-

ports keeping the ban on openly gay troops, was ‘glittered’ by gay rights campaigners last month Yet, back in New York, forty-six gay couples have exchanged vows against the backdrop of Niagara Falls a day after New York became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex marriage. Couples wore matching tuxedoes and suits for the 30-minute ceremony, which opened with a playing of Ray Charles singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Photo courtesy, Porocenibabici

Kitty Lambert & Cheryle Rudd are the first samesex couple to get married in the state of New York The group wedding comes as hundreds of same-sex couple across the state begin getting married. New York sanctioned gay marriages starting Sunday. Officials in Niagara Falls hope the ceremony will nudge the city perched on one of the world's great natural wonders toward recapturing its storied identity as the world's "Honeymoon Capital." People weren’t the only ones celebrating New York’s Gay Marriage. Broadway also got involved when The Tony Awardwinning musical AVENUE Q celebrated

same-sex marriage in the State of New York on Sunday when two of the show's stars - same-sex puppets Rod and Ricky -exchanged vows in tandem with their flesh and blood Brothers and Sisters (and straight couples, too!), who were married on the historic day of same-sex marriage in New York. In attendance at the brief wedding ceremony was also AVENUE Q's Kate Monster, who served as Flower Girl. Also in attendance for the historic wedding ceremony were AVENUE Q's Jennifer Barnhart, Jed Resnick and Howie Michael Smith. The wedding was officiated by Amy Hausman, an All Peoples Wedding Officiant for the Starlight Rainbow Wedding Initiative. Having met and fallen in love on stage 3,267 times since AVENUE Q opened on Broadway in 2003 before transferring to New World Stages two years ago, Rod and Ricky and the countless fans who love them are thrilled that they can celebrate their love and finally make their union official with the passage of the historic same-sex marriage law last month. Now in its 9th year in New York – and with productions in countries around the world – AVENUE Q is a three-time Tony Award-winning musical about people and puppets fresh out of college in search of their purposes in life, living as neighbors in an outer-borough of New York City. In AVENUE Q, Rod, a Wall Street banker, and Ricky, a "Chelsea boy," meet through an online personal ad placed by Rod's best friend and slacker roommate Nicky. It is love at first sight. And the rest is soon to become history! H

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OPINION

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One Last Hit

FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS back watched, judged or, as is the London way, ignored. Yet I have to reprimand myself … really? Knowing that someone two years younger than I has passed and the 'assumption' of how made me think, and I hope you too, if you know someone who is abusing any substance, it won't make you popular, but get involved. You can help them and, at the risk of sounding preachy, you should. As a community, we need to stick together. Party people may not think it will happen to them, but there are so many variables when doing drugs that many don't know: quality, dose, what it’s cut with, adverse reactions, etc., and yet people blindly go ahead not realizing the potentially fatal consequences. Just think about it: In so many cases, people who OD have been doing drugs previously – often for many years – all it takes is one bad trip, one mistake and that's it.

1983 - 2011

Not to mention, like alcohol – or even antibiotics – your body adjusts and the effects lessen, so one needs more and more; and, as we have all seen and read, that one more could likely spell the end of a talent, a star … A human being who didn't need to be taken, all for one more hit, that ended being their last. Drugs maybe fun; they may enhance sexual gratification, etc., but is that worth your life? If not for you, what about your friends, family, people who care, is it really worth it? We have seen people letting drugs take over their lives, missing work, appointments and, unfortunately, the immediate reaction is the judgement 'well what do you expect of a meth head?' This is wrong – particularly when it comes from those who have been strong and wise enough to beat

Letters to the Editor In response to Editor’s Opinion “Split the Difference?” in the July 14th Issue of the Florida Agenda. DEAR EDITOR, How are you this morning? I am feeling great after reading the wonderful comments you made in the newspaper. You talked about the "friends" who love to take advantage of their real friends; we have a lot of those in Ft. Lauderdale. I have already sent a photocopy to one of my dear friends, hoping that they will reflect on it .Great comments! I love you more and love the Florida Agenda. Please keep mentioning things like this, it will help to improve the relationships in the community. THANK YOU SO MUCH. L. MONTAYA

Photo courtesy, Boston.com

This past Saturday, I was told the sad news that Amy Winehouse had been found dead in her London home. I had the pleasure of meeting Amy a few times and she was very charming and very fun. I was so saddened to hear news of her passing and every report I read, including mine, mentioned her troubled life with addiction. Sadly, that almost eclipsed a unique and heart wrenching vocal style and writing prowess that was striking in contrast to the pop factory styles that are being produced. Other reports cited that, at 27, she was the same age as Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin when they left us. One has to wonder what pushes the talented to self-destructive lives. They have fame, money and get to go to work to do what they love. Heath Ledger and Brittany Murphy, two other young people whom we lost too early. Michael Jackson, Elvis and Marilyn, too, all gone before their time. Now, though Amy's passing is at the time I'm writing this still unexplained, just the mention of her past provides light on a troubled soul. Yet worryingly we don't have to look to the rich and famous to see addiction and its disastrous consequences. No, meth, heroin, rock, pot, coke, “e” and all manner of other 'legal' substances, such as a oxycodone, oxycontin and vicodin, are part of a large sector of the communities lives in our back yard. Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando … it doesn't matter, there is a serious issue of addiction to drugs. We see them in bars and clubs and even just walking down the Drive. They are sketchy – they look ill and like they haven't slept for 2 days, which is highly likely. Times have changed, drugs of choice have shifted but the disastrous effects haven’t. I wrote an opinion my second week at the paper and found that the LGBT community was more prone to addiction due to both their lack of self esteem and because they tended to be alone, and often aligned themselves with similar people. I have unquestionably met people here who are under the influence of something other than a tini or two. I, too, have stood

BOBBY BLAIR - CEO / MANAGING PARTNER

PUBLISHER BOBBY BLAIR

EXECUTIVE EDITOR KEVIN HOPPER

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief ALEX VAUGHN News Editor BOB KESCKEMETY Proof Editor BOB YOUNG

Alex Vaughn addiction. These people in many ways, more so than those of us who haven’t been affected by addiction need to stand up. Sadly, the reality is that you must work every day to keep away from drugs. Rehab is the best course of action, as the person can receive treatment across the board to help them change their mindset. If you are a recovering addict, don’t judge or be harsh to people you know. Remember, you were there once and, hopefully, someone reached out to you. Now is the time to pay it forward. Sure they are in charge of their own lives, but as their friends, colleagues and even acquaintances, we need to reach out. Even a recreational user is in danger; you don't have to be a tragic addict to die. H If you or anyone you know is affected by drugs there are a wealth of resources available to help you: • Narcotics Anonymous, www.na.org, this comprehensive site enables you to find local NA meetings • www.soberrecovery.com offers a range of recovery resources • The Pride Institute of Fort Lauderdale Hospital offers a range addiction services. www.fortlauderdalehospital.org • Lambda South, Fort Lauderdale Provides a meeting place primarily for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders in recovery from a number of different addictions, www.lambdasouth.org • The Pride Center offers a range of services for people in recovery, www.glccsf.org

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Alex Vaughn is the Editor-in-Chief of the Florida Agenda. He can be reached at editor@FloridaAgenda.com

Please send all your comments and letters to Editor@FloridaAgenda.com

DEAR EDITOR, I would like to commend you for your excellent editorial – "Split the Difference". We have encountered so many situations similar to those that you described in detail. The appeal of organizing a positive social gathering has been greatly diminished by the “me first” attitude that is so often demonstrated these days. Greed and gluttony and, in other cases, parsimonious behavior, so often destroy what had been an enjoyable gathering until the bill arrives. Thank you for discussing this boorish behavior. Making and keeping friends becomes even more difficult when people act without considering others. REGARDS, K. D. GERHARD

In response to the artcile “Taxpayer Dollars Wasted? Penis Study Puts Government In Hot Water” in the July 21st Issue of the Florida Agenda. DEAR EDITOR, Since the paper wasn’t published in an open-access journal, regular Joe Taxpayer has to pay the publisher to be able to read the results his 9.4 million in tax dollars supposedly were used to produce. If I’m being robbed at gunpoint by the IRS to study penis sizes I should at least be able to read the raw results without needing to belong to a university. SINCERELY, IRWIN. S

Contributors: KEVIN MILLER, TOM BONANTI, SAM KNEW, MICHAEL FRENCH, TIM SLIVINSKI, PAUL RUBIO, JAMES MICHAELS, ERIC CHRISTIAN, WARREN DAY, AJ CROSS, BRAD CASEY, NICK MOSS and CLIFF DUNN. Photographer STEPHEN R. LANG

PRODUCTION Creative Director DAVE GRIFFITHS

ADMINISTRATIVE General Manager JAMIE FORSYTHE Administrator CHRIS HAMEL

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DISPLAY AD DEADLINES: Placement by Mondays, 5 p.m. Camera Ready Artwork by Mondays, Noon CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINES: Placement by Mondays, 5 p.m. Artwork by Mondays, Noon ALL MATERIAL in the Florida Agenda is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the Florida 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 Florida 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 Florida 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.

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“OPERATION BACKPACK” The Pantry of Broward is Helping the Kids By TERRENCE SMALLEY The Pantry of Broward, a local non profit organization that helps Seniors in need and Grandparents raising their Grandkids and we need your help. The Pantry of Broward typically assists our clients with boxes of food as well as other essential resources to help make life a little easier. The majority of our clients are not only having to support themselves, but have taken the responsibility of raising their grandkids as, for various reasons, their parents are not in the picture. A major part of that responsibility is making sure they get back in school and have the necessary supplies for their studies. Included here, is a list of generic supplies that are needed. This year the Pantry of Broward has 150 kids going to school that are need of Backpacks & school supplies. Last year, we were fortunate enough to have a fundraiser that raised the money used to purchase all the supplies and most of the backpacks. This year, unfortunately our benefit was cancelled, but the Grandkids still need backpacks and supplies for this school term. So last week, the staff and management at the Pantry came up with the idea of "Operation Backpack". We have until

August 12, 2011 to find 150 backpacks and all the supplies that need to go in them. On August 15, 2011 the school kids will be coming to The Pantry of Broward to do their school shopping and pick up their backpacks and whatever supplies we are able to get.

Volunteers and Staff of the Pantry of Broward help to collect food and supplies at the Post Office. Michael Greenstein of Fort Lauderdale works to help collect food and much needed supplies for the clients of the Pantry of Broward.

How can you help? Here are 3 simple things you can do: 1. Donate: You may donate any amount through our site with Paypal, and just put Operation Backpack in the memo line. www.thepantryofbroward.org/donate.htm 2. Drop Off: Stop by the pantry and drop off school supplies at the front desk. 3. Sponsor a Student: Using the same link above, if you make a donation of $65.00, this will be enough for a backpack and the supplies on the list for a student in grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. Or you can make a donation of $95.00 which will be enough for a backpack and the supplies for a student in 7th grade to Seniors in high school. Put “sponsor a Student” in the subject line. H

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For more information on how you can help the Pantry of Broward, email terrence@thepantryofbroward.org or call 954-358-1481 x113

Photos courtesy, Pantry of Broward

BASIC SCHOOL SUPPLIES • Two-pocket folders with/without clasps • Rulers • Crayons • Bottle of liquid glue • Glue sticks • 7" Fiskars scissors • Single-subject wide rule spiral notebooks • Yellow highlighters

• Crayola Washable Markers • Pencil box • Ring Binders • Post-It Notes • Red pens • #2 Pencils and Eraser tops • Pencil Sharpener (one that will catch the shavings) • Colored pencils • Back Packs or Book Bags


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OPINION

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Cross-Eyed

Sideview Mirror • Part 3 By AJ CROSS

(The following is the third of a four part series which will run for four consecutive weeks) I was so happy he said that and I left my shirt on the floor and asked him to keep talking to me about horses and the work he did. He sat back down next to me and I took every opportunity I had to look right into his eyes and at his lips as he spoke with that deep, clear voice. He told me he was twenty-nine years old and had been riding and caring for horses his entire life. I took a small risk and asked him why his body looked the way it did and, like every other time he seemed flattered, he smiled and then told me that he was always like that. He played high school football and the work on his family farm was better than any gym he could ever work out at. He told me he was tired and offered me the use of his shower. He walked me to the bathroom and told me to use any of the towels, as they were all clean and that he would set up the couch with blankets and a pillow. As you can imagine, the couch was the last place I wanted to sleep unless he was sleeping there as well, but that would have been asking too much. I took off the rest of my clothes, folded them up, placed them on the lid of the toilet and entered the small shower. The water was so hot and it felt amazing. I just stood underneath the powerful stream of water with my hands up against the shower wall. I closed my eyes and, as the water ran over my face, I began to envision Luke and an image of his face and body became clear in my head. I was in awe of him. I could see his subtle smile and beautiful eyes looking at me. When I opened my eyes and looked down, I realized that simply thinking of him had aroused me and I was completely erect. Just as I realized that, the door to the bathroom opened up and I almost fell in the shower cowering out of sight. Luke entered the bathroom and told me that the hot water would not last long so he wanted to jump in. I did not even respond to him. He told me that it was not much different than showering in the locker room with his high school teammates. He dropped the towel around his waist onto the bathroom floor and came into the shower with me. There was no way for me to hide what

was happening below my waist, so I turned away from him hoping he did not catch a glimpse. I kept on washing my body and, when he asked for the soap, I handed the green bar of soap I was using. Within moments, I felt the same rough hands I had shaken earlier on my shoulder and then on my back. His hands glided over me and the pressure he placed on my neck as he put soap on me was incredible. His hands moved along the sides of my body and around my waist and finally he stood pressed up against me. I closed my eyes for a moment and I could feel him long and hard and throbbing against my butt and lower back. I did not have to see it to know that he was very well endowed. I just stood there, almost terrified to turn around. As his hands came around my body, touching my chest, stomach and finally moving lower, he grabbed me. I could hardly stay composed. He turned me around and held my face in his hands and smiled slightly as he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. His kiss was so soft and so gentle; surprisingly so. He held me so tight and we kissed even after the water began to run cold. The warmth of his touch and embrace was so intense that I didn’t even care that the water was coming out cold. He reached behind me and turned the knob on the shower until the water turned off. He did not stop touching me; even as we stepped out of the shower he held onto one of my hands. He stood there naked and wet and so gorgeous. He placed a towel over my head and started to dry my hair and then the rest of my body. I stood there like a child being dried by his father. He then began to dry himself with the same towel and I didn’t move at all. He grabbed my hand and walked me over to the fireplace, which was burning bright. I sat on the same small carpet and he gently pushed me down until I was lying flat. He started kissing my forehead, then my mouth and moved down kissing my neck and chest and he continued this massage with his mouth all the way down. To be continued… H


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NETWORKING

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Don’t Be a Judger! You never know, they could turn out to be a great colleague. By DREW MILLER Judging! We all do it. ALL DAY LONG! It gets us through the day. Will they buy from me? Are they nice? Will they help my business? Do I like them? All these questions do nothing for our success. All they do is distract us from the most important aspect of our business. We all need to create an army of colleagues to network our businesses! Everyone we meet at a networking event is a potential "worker". Judging only stands in the way of gathering more workers for your business. I recently had a realization about how I lack focus on the present moment and how important it is to always be focused. Kevin and I had to put down our eldest dog not too long ago. He was a 16 year old beautiful chocolate Lab/Retriever mix. Before we were taking him to the vet, I attempted to take Barcly on a walk around the block. While on our walk, I judged the neighbor’s yard on its appearance. WHAM!!! It hit me. How much time do I spend judging and not focusing on what’s important? I immediately turned my attention back to my good (non-judgmental) friend Barcly. I have been hearing the words “live in the moment” or “be present in life” all around me. Oprah talked about it with Eckhart Tolle when they were talking about his 2 books, “The Power of Now’ and “A New Earth”. My book club discussed it over several months. Meditation teaches you to clear your mind for this moment. Yoga is about

clearing your mind and focus on your movements and breath. All around us, people are seeing the benefits of living in the moment without judgments. Lately, with my 21 days of positiveness, I have been noticing how much time in my life is spent in the presence of negativity and judgments. Conversations I am having, people around me, stories I hear, judgments keep popping up making me want to look more closely at my judgments. My inspiration for this column was a custom tailor I met recently at a networking event. I was wearing a polo and khaki pants and he said, “You don't wear suits much do you?” I replied “not really, I have a more casual comfortable feel to what I wear”. He gave me his card, said “If you’re ever in need of a custom suit, let me know”. I didn't even get a chance to learn more about his business. I thought about both of our missed opportunities. He could have introduced me to business owners, movers and shakers, decision-makers that can afford a custom suit. If I was living in the moment, I wouldn't have judged him for judging me. I would have shared my knowledge about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the vast opportunities available for meeting people who CAN afford custom suits. Just the other day, I was discussing this subject with my friend Kip Reynolds, a Realtor® with Atlantic Properties International. He mentioned a referral

he received from another Realtor®. A couple from another country was looking for a home here in town. Past experiences and general gossip about tourists looking for homes in our area left Kip reluctant to call them, not recognizing them as serious buyers. By not giving in to judgments and living in the moment, he made the call. As it turned out, they were really nice people he enjoyed spending time with. They followed all his advice to the “T” and submitted a contract on a home. Most importantly, his army of workers is one person stronger. I asked my friend Jeff Corbett, a life coach, how can I come up with a plan or contest for myself to eliminate judgments FROM my life. His reply was simple: “Wouldn't a contest on judgments really just be about judging your judgments?” “Ah, I see what you mean,” I said. For me, on that one special day with Barlcy, I realized what “Be present in life” really is. For me now, I want live a life in the moment, with fewer judging thoughts and more attention to the beauty around me enjoying inspirational stories. Seeing everyone I come in contact with as a potential army of workers vs. judging them as a good fit for me and my business. My question to you is, are you judging if this could work for you? H

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Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.

Business Networking Calendar GLBX Leads Group August 3, 2011 and August 17, 2011 8:00 am - 9:00 am Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce 512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL Biz to Biz August 3, 2011 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Chima Brazilian Steakhouse 2400 East Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL NonProfit Committee Meeting August 10, 2011 9:30 am - 10:30 am Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce 512 NE 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL Trustee Reception August 10, 2011 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Pelican Grand Beach Resort 2000 N. Ocean Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL

GLBX Afterhours August 11, 2011 and August 25, 2011 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Location To Be Determined BIZ PERKS August 12, 2011 8:00 am - 9:30 am Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1922 Cordova Rd. Fort Lauderdale, FL Business Afterhours East Side August 18, 2011 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm China Grill 1881 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL Member Orientation-FTL August 19, 2011 8:00 am - 9:00 am Greater Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce 512 NE 3rd Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL

Biz to Biz August 24, 2011 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Solita Las Olas 1032 East Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL

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THE STYLE VOICE OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Home | Dining | Style | Profile | Recipe | Fitness | Out In Florida | Bar Guide | Nightlife | The Scoop | Film

WHAT’S INSIDE?

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n this week’s issue of Style & Entertainment, we talk city beautification and good business with Wilton Manors Main Street President & CEO Krishan Manners in Profile, Paul Rubio offers you a front seat for the feeding frenzy of Sharks in Travel and take in the SUPER eye candy of “Captain America: The First Avenger” with Warren Day in Film. This week we go bold and beautiful with the hottest jewelry accessories for men in Style, applaud a philanthropist in The Scoop and enjoy an old friend in the Hi-Life Café in Dining. Don’t worry we also have your favorites, Recipe, Fitness, Home, Out in Florida and our State-wide Bar Guide. Enjoy! H – AV

Shark Feeding

Osprey Reef, Australia Travel PAGE 39 GET OUT OF YOUR RUT Fire Up Your Workout

Fitness PAGE 37

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL Hottest Accessories

Style PAGE 23 HI-LIFE CAFÉ Rediscover An Old Friend

Dining PAGE 31 CAPTAIN AMERICA Restores Innocence to the Superhero Genre

REINVENT YOUR CASTLE

Film PAGE 22

Home PAGE 38

Give Your Home a Facelift

Photos courtesy, Hi-Life Café, Marvel Entertainment, Michael French, Eddie Borgo, namena.com


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PROFILE

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Krishan Manners Creating a More Beautiful City By ALEX VAUGHN Krishan Manners is the President of Wilton Manors Main Street, an organization which serves the community of Wilton Manors. The group is made up of residents, business owners, property owners, area institutions and organizations, elected officials, municipal staff and other interested parties. The Florida Agenda sat down with President and CEO Krishan Manners to get his take on the community, the future and the advantages of Wilton Manors. Please tell Agenda readers a bit about your upbringing? I guess that really starts in New Delhi, India, where I was born – and from which my given name comes – and lived the first few years of my life before moving to north Florida as a small child. I grew up there, left the state for college and, ultimately, spent most of my adult life in New York City.

landscaping and additional parking. The Two-Lane Initiative is currently being reviewed and explored by the Wilton Drive Task Force who will ultimately make a recommendation to the City Commission to move forward or not. I’m on that task force and I have nothing but admiration for the other folks on it. They’re smart, they know this city and I sincerely believe that a solid recommendation will result, although it may or may not be unanimous. What we’re ultimately trying to achieve is a successful Arts & Entertainment District along the drive. One with a good mix of businesses in a pedestrian-friendly environment that will provide both the residents of

to life here that I’ve not found in those other cities. What are the advantages of working within the gay community? I think simply being able to be open and comfortable with being who I am. It was never a problem for me in New York, but in the south, in a primarily conservative state, that level of comfort can be a bit elusive. Being here, in the heart of a community that celebrates its diversity, is simply the best of both worlds. What are the disadvantages? It is a small community. Everyone seems to know everyone, which can result in either

What brought you here to South Florida? My partner passed away a few years ago and I had fallen into a bit of a routine of being sad. That’s perfectly normal for a while, but it was really time to shake up my life. I woke up one morning and said, “Today’s the day.” I knew I wanted to stay on the east coast, so I mentally went from Maine to Florida in my mind, deciding what I wanted my life to look like next. I made a few phone calls – including one to a dear friend of mine who lived here. Movers were hired and a date was set by the end of the day. Why did you choose to get involved with the community? I’ve always involved myself in my community when I could, but I really just tripped into it in Wilton Manors. I had one friend here and he was involved with Main Street, so I began solely to help him. As I became more involved, I realized that this was a good ‘fit’ for me and an opportunity to really make a difference. From my undergrad degree in political science, my work in the South Carolina House of Representatives during college, a career in marketing and advertising in New York to my volunteer work on the marketing committee for a business improvement district – it’s all being utilized in my current role. To me, that’s what it’s all about – using what we know to help improve both our lives and the lives of others – it’s a win/win. Please tell Agenda readers some more about Wilton Manors Main Street and what you do and are aiming to achieve. Wilton Manors Main Street is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has been around for 9 years and has done a number of projects to better the community during that time. They created a set of design guidelines for construction on the drive; they have done beautification projects such as the “Diggin’ the Drive” landscaping project. Just before I arrived on the scene, they began the Two-Lane Initiative to both make the drive safer, add

Photos courtesy, Wilton Manors Main Street

(Above) Artist’s rendering of what the 2100 block of Wilton Drive would look like if the Two Lane Initiative moves forward. (Right) An artists rendition of the Children's Art Project, currently in the works.

(Left) The 2011 Annual Meeting of the Wilton Manors Main Street Board, with the new and old board of directors and city officials. Wilton Manors and our visitors a destination resulting in a better quality of life in the city.

an amazing sense of family or fertile ground for gossip. We, as a community, need to be kinder to each other!

How does Wilton Manors differ from other gay meccas? In my opinion, the primary difference is that we’re a small, southern town with both a large gay minority and a welcoming straight majority. The diversity here really impresses me. I love the fact that we aren’t just ‘tolerated’ here, but welcomed. Like the other gay meccas, we have bars and a seasonal population, but there is also a richness

There has been talk of trouble on the Drive with rent increases and the mix of businesses. What do you think about that? I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone that some businesses on the drive are having a hard time. A lot of people simply do not have the expendable cash they had a few years ago, resulting in lower sales. Add that to the fact that it’s summer and our

seasonal folk are gone and then a landlord wants to raise rents? It’s a poor long-term strategy. My suggestion to landlords searching for tenants is to actually look at the types of businesses around your property and ask, “What will compliment those businesses?” If you look at the groupings in a mall, you’ll find anchor stores, a food court and groupings of businesses. That’s what we need keep in mind. We need to create these areas that will get people out of their cars and shopping. That will help keep these storefronts filled, which is the ultimate goal for a landlord. What do you think Wilton Manors is lacking in terms of business? A few things. We need a boutique hotel, desperately. As it stands, we have a few lovely small resorts and guest houses, but most visitors stay at the beach and come to Wilton Manors in the evening for the bar scene. I’d rather give them someplace to stay here and capture the additional revenue for our local businesses. I’d love to see live theatre here. I think we need more art, more specialty retail shops. Good restaurants are always a draw. With those businesses in place, I believe we’re in a better position to attract people to – and keep them on – Wilton Drive. How do you feel the community can get involved? There are innumerable ways to get involved. For those with free time on their hands, there are business groups for networking, such as the RBC and WMBA. There are community groups, such as ENA, CANA and WAWM, which are focused on specific neighborhoods in Wilton Manors. There are civic groups, such as Kiwanis, that do amazing work. And there is Main Street, which is involved in all of those areas. This city has an amazing amount of talent available that these groups can use, so decide where you want to help and find a group here that needs your help. If you don’t have time to volunteer, donations are always appreciated and allow these groups to continue to do good work. If you don’t know how to reach one of these groups, contact me and I’ll put you in touch with them. What would you like the legacy of Wilton Manors Main Street to be? That we made Wilton Drive safer. That our work created a more beautiful city. That we helped bring businesses to the Arts & Entertainment district. That the businesses of Wilton Manors – and I mean anywhere in Wilton Manors, not solely on the drive – are thriving. That we’ve helped create a cultural center that embraces diversity and has become a destination for both locals and tourist. If we achieve these things, we all win. H

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For more information, or to get involved, visit www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org


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Captain America Saves the World And Restores Innocence to the Superhero Movie A Film Review by WARREN DAY If you were born past 1938, you’re a part of the comic book hero generation, for it was that year Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1, with Batman coming out in 1939. And then, in 1941, Captain America. So almost every American alive today can’t remember a time when there weren’t costume heroes who either possessed some unusual power or had access to some powerful gadgets and machines (and had to face villains with scary nicknames). These heroes were also stalwart examples of the classic molds formed in mythology – their character true blue, their blood valiantly red, and their reputations lily white (as were their faces). Then, in 1962, it began to change with the appearance of Spider-Man, for Peter Parker was a tortured soul both before and after he was bitten by a radioactive spider. The superheroes emerging from the 1960s on were all top candidates for the psychiatrist coach (i.e., The Hulk, XMen, Ironman, Blade, Hellboy, and so forth). Even solid citizen Batman was reconstituted as The Dark Knight. What’s refreshing in “Captain America: The First Avenger” is that it not only takes place in the 1940’s, but it also returns to the steadfast values and clear-eyed stance of those times. In almost all the superhero movies of recent years – and there’s been a ton of them – they’re marked by cynicism, irony, angst, a smartass attitude and existential confusion, but you won’t find an ounce of those things in this film’s 121 minutes. There’s something charming and disarming about its unabashed sincerity, idealism, and its conviction toward values that are often made fun of in other films. It’s a rip-snorting, crowd-pleasing,

patriotic fourth-of-July action movie that’s rooted in a primal fantasy that’s at the heart of so many myths and comic books – namely how the 98 pound weakling becomes a brave and brawny champion. When we first meet Steve Rogers, he’s in the process of failing his fourth army physical. He’s a scrawny, short and sickly kid (it’s a marvel of CGI how they put Chris Evans’ face on that body), but he’s picked for an experimental procedure that turns him into a super soldier with a body any Adonis would envy, and who’s more than the equal of any schoolyard bully or wannabe world conqueror. The script, the director and, most of all, Chris Evans, makes both Steve and his alter-ego Captain America so likeable, admirable and yet still vulnerable, that you’re willing to excuse the implausibilities inherent in any superhero movie, something we weren’t willing to do with The Green Hornet, The Green Lantern or any other green hulky thing. The cast contains a bevy of good actors who seem to be having so much fun that it’s contagious for the rest of us. Stanley Tucci plays a German-accented scientist who’s a good and wise Dr. Frankenstein. Hugo Weaving, who’s become the go-to actor for fantasy films (“Lord of the Rings,” “The Matrix,” “V for Vendetta,” “The Wolfman”) has a field day as the super Nazi (and super nasty) Red Skull (Weaving gives him a lisp that makes him sound like a hissing snake). And it’s great camp to see Toby Jones, the Truman Capote look alike, running around as the bad Germanaccented scientist. While it was inevitable to have an American as Captain America, the recent trend has been to cast British subjects as our homegrown comic book

heroes, like Christian Bale as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart as Professor X. Sarah Palin will be claiming that Paul Revere made his midnight ride to warn us, “The British actors are coming!” My concern about this throwback-to-another-era film is that it will undergird the simplistic and historydefying notion that military might always makes right, and that what we need Photo courtesy, Ryan Kinnaird to do in other countries is to go in and unilaterally kick some ass. “Captain America” is a fun movie that should appeal to those in both blue and red states, but I just hope no one tries to turn it into a rallying cry for a bushwhacked foreign policy. Chris Evans had played the conventional wise-cracking and sarcastic superhero in the Fantastic Four films, but here, he’s the exact opposite and delivers a sincere and nuanced performance as both the before and after Steve Rogers. As we’ve seen with other actors in other films, this isn’t an easy task, for Captain America is not cool or hip, but he is unusually smart, has a pure heart and is highly principled. It’s a welcome sight to see such an old-fashioned hero back in action on the silver screen. This movie proves there’s still a lot of mythological power left in stories about the Using special effects, Chris Evans undervalued runt who turns into is made to look skinny and weak the leader of the pack. H before his big transformation.

Chris Evans is looking super hot as the First Avenger, Captain America. Photos courtesy, Marvel Entertainment


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Making a Bold Statement This Season’s Eye Catching Accessories

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Eddie Borgo labrodite padlock necklace • price upon request

Eddie Borgo cone bracelet available in gold • $600

By ALEX VAUGHN When one wants to create a BOLD look, it’s all about the accessories. You can be wearing a simple t-shirt and a pair of jeans, but the accessory, whether it’s a watch, sunglasses, a bracelet or a ring, never goes unnoticed. You are not considered totally dressed and ready-togo unless you are wearing at least one accessory of your choice. Many consider it a "naked" feeling. Many designers this season are using the "accessory" as the focal point of their runway shows. For John Galliano's Men Spring 2011 collection, it was all about the beaded and feathered necklaces and rosaries. For Ann Demeulemeester's Spring 2011 Men's collection, it was all about the cuff bracelets and ribbon lapels. Many of you may not be aware, but in the fashion world, hair and make-up are very well considered an accessory, as well. This season there are a slew of designers creating eye-catching pieces, but it’s the designs of Eddie Borgo and Pamela Love that have everybody talking. Eddie Borgo's designs are a mix of traditional American costume jewelry, rock-n-roll and the streets of the city that never sleeps, New York! His designs bring new energy and modern point-ofview to these themes, fusing high-end and street in his collections. His designs

can be found at www.eddieborgo.com and Jeffrey's New York. Pamela Love draws her inspiration from many of her favorite artists, including Joseph Cornell, Lee Bontecou, Hieronymous Bosch, Alejandro Jodorowsky and Francesco Clemente. Her creativity is further fueled by her passion for nature and science, as well as astronomy, astrology, religion, magic and folk jewelry. Her deep connection to the American Southwest also continues to be a driving inspiration behind her artistry and craft. Her designs can be found at www.pamelalovenyc.com and The Webster and Alchemist, Miami Beach. H

Pamela Love triangle ring • $150 Pamela Love small crow skull • $875

Pamela Love medium tribal spike necklace • $700

Pamela Love bone resin tribal spike cuff • $195 Eddie Borgo cone bracelet available in gunmetal • $600

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For styling, luxury personal shopping, editorial and shopping tours, contact fashion & style expert Eric Christian at eric@styleconciergemiami.com and online at www.styleconciergemiami.com

Eddie Borgo seven station pave cone necklace gold • $425 Eddie Borgo pavé cone bracelet • $1000


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FORT LAUDERDALE/WILTON MANORS ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Gayborhood tradition since 1997. Comfortable, inviting atmosphere with indoor video bars, outdoor drinking and dining. Drink specials all week, with mammoth 22-ounce Long Island Iced Teas for $3 on Thursdays ATOMIC/BOOM 2232 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors The bar with two names features a dance club and Gayborhood bar. Drag Bingo on Mondays, karaoke Mondays and Tuesdays, dance music Fridays and Saturdays, and (indoor) Sunday T-Dance. BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Videos, pool tables, dart boards, dance floor, happy hour, live shows, Tuesday and Thursday karaoke – and great burgers, to boot. Fun and friendly truck-stop-themed bar. BOARDWALK 1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale Over 100 of the sexiest men from all over the world. Go-go dancers, cages, billiards, 2-4-1 Happy Hours. Drag emcees and did we mention the Boys? CORNER PUB 1915 N. Andrews Ave., Wilton Manors Friendly atmosphere, unpretentious clientele and staff. Next to Island City Pizza (so you can get your drink AND your slice on). CUBBY HOLE 823 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Butch bar and grill with a rockin’ daytime crowd (and a fun nighttime one, too). Fifty cent pool, 2-for-1 drinks all day every day, video games, hot movies on HDTV and DirecTV. Thursdays it’s Bare Bear Chest Night, and every Friday and Saturday the fur flies with Hot Bears on Poles (where their Grizzlies Grind)! DEPOT CABANA BAR AND GRILL 2935 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale Adjacent to the America’s Best Inn and Suites. Pool open daily – No Cover or Day Pass. Great food, daily happy hour, Sunday afternoon T-Dance Poolside. Karaoke and live music. Open daily at 11:30 a.m. DUDES 3270 N.E. 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale Men dancing for men. Hot go-go boys in an upscale atmosphere, piano lounge for more quiet interludes. Steamy shower shows. JOHNNY’S 1116 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Club, bar, lounge. Male dancers and the men who love (to ogle) them. Sunday amateur strip contest (and karaoke!). LIPS 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park The Ultimate in Drag Dining. Dinner and shows six nights a week. Sunday Gospel Brunch with the Sisters of Sequins. LIVING ROOM 300 S.W. 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale Arts & Entertainment District meets South Beach. Friday nights they’re here, they’re queer, and they drink free from 10:30(ish) to Midnight. Only House Music club in town with its own Classical (and classicallychiseled) violinist. THE MANOR 2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors WeHo vibe (think: LA’s The Abbey) in the heart of the Gayborhood. Dine, drink, dance, play, mingle. Theme rooms (salsa and meringue every weekend in the Latin Quarter!). Live dancing and dining. MATTY’S ON THE DRIVE 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Drink specials, billiards, and a chill gayborhood vibe. 75 Cent drinks on Wednesdays. No Drama, No Smoking. MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar. Karaoke, drag shows, Patio Bar – and open at 9 a.m. daily. MONA’S 502 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cocktail Lounge in the heart of Searstown. Fun customers, fun bartenders and fun proprietor (the Legendary Jerry). Outside patio. Wednesday karaoke, Thursday Speedball Tournament. NAKED GRAPE 2039 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Relaxing, friendly, hip, unique – the alternative gathering place on Wilton Drive. Wine tastings and events. Tuesday and Wednesday Late Night In the Biz.

FLORIDA BAR GUIDE

PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale Interracial Private Social Club. Bottle club memberships. Get your groove back on Wednesday nights with $2 drinks. RAMROD 1508 N.E. 4th Ave., Fort Lauderdale Voted World’s Favorite Leather Bar. Pig Dance first Saturday of the month – South Florida’s Busiest, Craziest Monthly Party (with caged hunks at Midnight on Saturdays – is there a downside to this?).

SCORE 727 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach Dance, drink, party all night on Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road. Tons of events throughout the year, including fundraisers for Winter Party, White Party, and Miami Beach Gay Pride. SPACE 34 NE 11th St., Miami Mingle and mix with gays and str8s in the heart of Downtown Miami. Indoor dance floors and outdoor rooftop bar, spectacular light show.

ROSIE’S BAR & GRILL 2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Nexus of the A-Gay List. Be Seen in the Scene (without making one). Food, folks, libations, and a killer Sunday Funday.

TWIST 1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach Great music, friendly staff, hot tourists and locals. Never a cover, always a groove. Bungalow Bar = Hot Men. In SoBe’s Art Deco District.

SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Avenue, Wilton Manors A line-dancin’, tight blue jeans-wearin’ good time. Country and western music, two-steppin’, three-steppin’, pool tables, and themed events year ‘round. Cowboys and Indians was never this much fun, Pilgrim.

JOHNNY’S MIAMI 62 NE 14th Street, Downtown Miami Club, bar and lounge. Johnny’s Miami boasts the best sound system in town! Plenty of safe, secured parking. Open 5pm to 5am daily. Hot male dancers and daily drink specials.

SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors Where Sports come first. Nationally known destination sports bar with TVs streaming NFL, MLB, NBA and college games. Pool tables, dart boards and large indoor (and now smoke-free) facility. Outdoor patio features area for smokers. Mixed crowd of gay men and women (who would have thought?). Featured in Bloomberg Businessweek and recommended by LOGO. STABLE 205 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Levis-and-leather neighborhood bar, where the bears line dance and the cowboys are VERY friendly. SMARTY PANTS 2400 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Cozy neighborhood bar with daily happy hour, and regular patrons. Show night Thursdays at 9 p.m. Karaoke Friday and Saturday nights, and with matinee on Sunday afternoon. TORPEDO 2829 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Dance, shoot pool, drink til 4 a.m., 7 nights a week. Doors open at Midnight; dance til Dawn. VOODOO LOUNGE 111 S.W. 2nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale Gay and mixed every Sunday, with afternoon T-Dance and drink specials, then the popular Life’s a Drag show with gobs of female impersonators, hot dudes and the chicks who want to change them. WHISKEY BLUE 401 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale In the W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, downstairs it’s the elegant Whiskey Blue, upstairs the luxe Living Room: hot dance and social settings in a distinctive atmosphere with signature cocktails and upscale patrons. Indoor and outdoor lounges.

MIAMI/MIAMI BEACH BAR 721 721 N. Lincoln Lane, Miami Beach Plush, lush and flush, a luxe, sexy décor that includes soft carpeting, comfy couches and a Grown Up Playroom equipped with a flat screen TV for video games, pool table, ceiling-mounted speakers. Enjoy 5 to 10 p.m. happy hours including $6 premium drinks. CLUB BOI 777 NE 79 St., Miami With an urban vibe on the weekends, a diverse crowd and a diverse musical format, including Hip Hop, R&B, House, Reggae, Soca, Latin and Old School. Go-go bois and drink specials. CLUB SUGAR 2301 S.W. 32nd Ave., Miami Gay Latin scene, with Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, Hip Hop and House music always playing. DISCOTEKKA 950 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Hot music, hot scene, hot bartenders, and hot patrons in the hot heart of Downtown Miami. MOVA LOUNGE 1625 Michigan Ave., Miami Beach On Miami Beach’s famed Lincoln Road, never a cover. Drink specials all week long, live DJs, high energy music and a fun crowd getting their dance on til late. PALACE BAR 1200 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach This bar and restaurant in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco District .Mouth-watering burgers, boys (and girls!). Weekend cabaret shows Thursday through Sunday.

ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA HANKS 5026 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL Friendly local bar with a cruisy attitude. One of Orlando’s oldest and friendliest Gay bars. Beer and Wine. Pool Tables, Video Games and a Large Patio area. HAMBURGER MARY’S BAR & GRILL 110 West Church Street, Orlando, FL Eat, Drink & Be Mary! Tuesday BINGO with Miss Sammy & Carol Lee, Wednesday Trivia with Doug Bouser and Leigh Shannon’s Cabaret Dinner Show is every Saturday, 7:30PM. PARLIAMENT HOUSE 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL All gay entertainment complex with 130 newly-remodeled hotel rooms. Cruisy Hotel, Nightclub, Pool Bar, Bear/Leather Bar. NEW PHOENIX 7124 Aloma Ave., Winter Park, FL Winter Park’s ONLY Gay & Lesbian Bar. Been There Forever! Karaoke every Tuesday and Friday at 9pm. Drag shows every Saturday night. Home of the $1 Jello shots. PULSE 1912 S Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Orlando’s Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub with Ultra Lounge, Jewel Box Dance Floor, and Adonis Dancers. Twisted Tuesdays with $10 All-U-Can Drink, College Wednesdays (18+) and 2-4-1 every Friday for Happy Hour. SAVOY ORLANDO 1913 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL “The hottest” gay bar and nightclub in Orlando. The MEN OF SAVOY Dancers from 6PM til 2AM every night in the main bar! Video Bar, Pool Tables.

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CITY SIDE 3703 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, FL Tampa Bay’s “Best Happy Hour” til Midnight every night of the week. GBAR 1401 E 7th Ave, Tampa (Ybor City), FL Dance Club & Video Bar. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 4PM til 3AM. No cover before 10PM, $5 after with ID. VALENTINES NIGHTCLUB 7522 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa, FL Voted #1 Nightclub in Tampa. Open 7 days a week 3PM to 3AM. Monday, Latin Night, Tuesdays are Boys Night Out, Wednesdays are Karaoke Night, Thursdays, No Cover Dance Party, Fridays feature Hot Go-Go Girls, Saturdays are Latino Night “Uncut” and Sundays are Hip Hop Night. Ki Ki Ki III 1908 West Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL One of The Oldest Bars (beer and wine). A plain bar without pretention with it’s share of young regulars. RAINBOW ROOM 421 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL A mix between a neighborhood bar and a community center. Main bar with pool, darts, jukebox. Outdoor Tiki patio has a full volleyball court and live bands. Beer & Wine.

ST. PETERSBURG GEORGIES ALIBI 3100 3rd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL One of the most popular gay bars in St. Pete. It’s always busy! Great VJ’s play Top 40 music. Mondays are Drag BINGO and Talent contest, Pool tourney Wednesdays, and the legendary Long Island Iced Tea nights on Thursdays. Ages 21 and over, never a cover! FLAMINGO RESORT 4601 34TH ST SOUTH, St. Petersburg, FL Florida’s “largest, luxury all gay resort”. Non-stop entertainment, great menu, and drinks served poolside at the Cabana. Weekly events and 2-4-1 Happy Hour daily from 11AM to 9PM. Saturday Happy Hour ($1 off) 11AM to 9PM. GEMINI LOUNGE 2315 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL Gemini Lounge aims to serve a variety of tastes; music, karaoke, Internet access, poetry readings and sports on TV. OAR HOUSE BAR & LIQUOR STORE 4807 22nd Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL Fun, friendly, laid-back atmosphere where you can get great drinks at cheap prices! Drama free! Happy Hour daily from 2PM til 9PM. HAYMARKET PUB 8308 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL More of a Men’s bar. Showing hot videos, beer specials, Saturday Underwear Night, and different events each week.

WYLDE'S 3557 S. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL Neighborhood bar South of Downtown Orlando. Jukebox, Video Games, Pool Tables and Dancers.

HIDEAWAY 8302 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL The oldest Womyn’s bar in the country. Where Music is always the main entree! Coldest selection of beer in town.

PARADISE ORLANDO 1300 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL Orlando’s casual Gay & Lesbian bar and nightclub. Patio, Tiki Bar and Pool Tables. Happy Hour 4 til 9PM and drink specials every day til 9PM.

DETOUR 2612 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL The hottest club in St. Pete. Daily specials, karaoke nights and gogo boys from Rico's Men. Noted for it’s Saturday Drag shows and Karaoke nights. Full liquor bar.

BAR CODES (Formerly Bear Bar) 4453 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL Friendly Bar, Real Men and Bears... Oh My! Beer and Wine. Tends to attract the after work Happy Hour crowd.

MELBOURNE/COCOA

TAMPA BAY 2606 2606 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL Tampa's favorite Levi/leather bar has two floors (dimly lit), with the upstairs being the more cruisy. There's Hog House shop on-premises, and the 2606 is home to the Tampa Leather Club. Monday is Underwear Night, Tuesdays are $1 drinks and on Wednesdays, Longnecks are just $1.50. AZALEA LOUNGE 1502 N Florida Ave., Tampa, FL Exposed brick, cold beverages and friendly staff are the mainstays of the recently bloomed Florida Avenue flower! Neighborhood Bar, pool tables. BAXTER'S LOUNGE 1519 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, FL Tampa Happy Hour Tradition. Serving up some of the hottest dancers Wednesday thru Saturday nights at 10PM. FLIRT NIGHTCLUB & SHOWBAR 1909 N 15th St., Tampa, FL (Ybor City) Get that hometown feeling. Amazing lazer shows, big headliners and has been around for 6 years.

COLD KEG NIGHTCLUB 4060 West New Haven Avenue, Melbourne, FL Largest Gay Club in Melbourne Florida and the Premier Gay Bar & Nightclub in Brevard County. ULTRA LOUNGE 407 Brevard Avenue, Cocoa, FL Nestled in Cocoa Village, this bar has a full coffee bar, serving espresso, lattes, cappuccinos as well as draft beers & wine.


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FLORIDA BAR GUIDE

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THE METRO 2929 Plum Street, Jacksonville, FL The Metro Entertainment Complex has been serving the GLBT community for 17 years. Features a total of 7 different venues under one roof to choose from. Lesbo-A-Go-Go, monthly Tea Dances, special quest performers, female impersonators and live musicians. BOOT RACK SALOON 4751 Lenox Avenue, Jacksonville, FL Your Neighborhood Gay Bar - the place for men. Cold beer, music and a warm and cozy atmosphere. Hot men and cheap beer... We all know where that leads! AJ'S BAR & GRILL 10244 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL Annie and Janie invite you to stop by and see some old friends and meet some new ones! Great food, awesome service, delicious mixed drinks and live entertainment. PARK PLACE LOUNGE 931 King Street, Jacksonville, FL A fun and comfortable gay bar that’s accommodating to both gays and non-gays. A great place to watch your favorite game, or enjoy playing Wii while the liquor flows! THE NORM 2952 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL A neighborhood bar. Everyone is welcome, but remember it is a girls bar! Beer and Wine only. 616 BAR 616 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL A warm and friendly atmosphere with a Patio bar. Karaoke on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Thursdays the Jax Bears are here for happy hour. Fridays and Saturdays enjoy the "Beer Blast". THREE LAYERS CAFE 1602 Walnut Street, Jacksonville, FL The name Three Layers comes from their large variety of delicious three layer cakes. An inviting loft style cafe located in Springfield. Enjoy a bistro style lunch or just stop in for your morning coffee. BO'S CORAL REEF 201 5th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach, FL There are great shows Thursday through Sunday with the best of female impersonators. Pool tables, video games, and a large outdoor patio. The only gay bar on the beach!

INCAHOOTS 711 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, FL This club offers good crowds every night. Recently remodeled with 3 bars and a friendly staff. Everyday is a different special. A fun place anytime. Full Liquor bar. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for special events. KICKBACKS GASTROPUB 910 King Street, Jacksonville, FL This is a top class venue serving over 600 different bottled beers, 84 beers on tap, breakfast, lunch and dinner 20hrs a day 7 days a week!

KWEST 705 Duval St., Key West, FL Daily Happy Hour from 3-8pm, and a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night. Men dancing for men after 10PM. Weekly drink specials and "Wet Jockey" contests on Fridays. SALOON ONE 801 Duval Street, Key West, FL (Behind 801 Bar) This is the only gay leather bar in Key West. Conveniently located in the Bourbon Street Pub Complex.

PENSACOLA

LA TE DA 1125 Duval Street, Key West, FL An upscale hotel complex with 3 bars, cabaret and restaurant.

THE ROUNDUP 560 East Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL A neighborhood gay men’s bar... Pensacola’s Cowboy Bar. Open 2PM til 3AM daily.

PEARL’S PATIO BAR FOR WOMEN 525 United St., Key West, FL Tropical themed women's bar for gay women and gayfriendly women alike. Patio bar with a full bar featuring drinks like "Cosmopearlitans" and "Pearl's Passion".

CABARET 101 S Jefferson St # E, Pensacola, FL Not strictly a gay bar, the charming and friendly Cabaret is very much a fixture in Pensacola's GLBT community, drawing a mixed bunch each evening for happy hour, karaoke, videos, comedy shows, live music, and all-around hobnobbing and socializing.

KEY WEST BOURBON STREET PUB 724 Duval St., Key West, FL Opened in October of 1995 and has continued to grow ever since, it is now part of the larger collection of gay action in The Bourbon St. Pub Complex. Hot Go-Go boy dancers and a busy crowd. “Where the boys are!” 801 BOURBON BAR 801 Duval St., Key West, FL Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. This legendary establishment has been around for over 30 years, and host Happy Hour specials daily from 11AM - 8PM. AQUA NIGHTCLUB 711 Duval St., Key West, FL Aqua features the "Reality is a Drag" show six days a week, followed by dancing. Monday is karaoke night and don't miss the great happy hour specials from 3-8pm daily.

BOBBY’S MONKEY BAR 900 Simonton St., Key West, FL The gay Cheers style neighborhood bar of Key West. Happy Hour from Noon to 7pm, Karaoke on Sunday nights, pool tournaments on Tuesday nights at 7pm. Free Wi-Fi access. GARDEN OF EDEN 224 Duval Street, Key West, FL A Rooftop Bar with the BEST VIEWS in the city & “BEST Long Island Ice Teas made by Melinda!” Gay, straight, fat, or skinny... Doesn’t matter! Clothing optional - gay friendly!

WEST PALM BEACH H G ROOSTERS 823 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL Dark bar that attracts a fun party crowd. Camp is in at H.G.'s, where drag shows and bingo nights pack in crowds looking for laughs and fun. THE LOUNGE 517 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL Sushi, tropical views and tasty cocktails are accompanied by acclaimed resident DJ Daisy DeadPetals. FORT DIX BAR & CLUB 6205 Georgia Ave, West Palm Beach, FL Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. The bar is a bit on the dark and dingy side, but who knows--that could be a plus.

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OFFICE PUB 3704 Cleveland Ave , Fort Myers, FL Oldest gay bar in South West Florida with a festive attitude. This bear-friendly Office likes to have fun with underwear parties, drag shows, Wii bowling! Check out their country and western music night on Saturdays.

TUBBY'S 4350 Fowler Street , Fort Myers, FL Where men come to compete (in tournaments). "Never a cover... always a smile" Tubby's is a no-frills video bar with a total of 10 TVs and two projection screens available for patrons to use as they wish. Add a six-hour 2-4-1 Happy Hour during the Wii tournaments on the big screen! THE BOTTOM LINE 3090 Evans Ave , Fort Myers, FL This gay entertainment complex is one of the longest running clubs in southwest Florida at over 20 years, The Bottom Line features 7 bars, pool tables, drag shows and occasional guest appearances by porno stars.

VENICE

TOTI: TAVERN ON THE ISLAND IN VENICE 127 Tampa Ave. East, Venice, FL This South Beach inspired gay bar, boasts a dance floor and a game room with pool tables and dart boards. It's clean, the music is mixed and the staff are friendly. A mixed crowd can be found most nights... younger, older (duh, this is Venice), gay and straight. Did you know that in the Caribbean, TOTI is slang for a beloved male appendage? How apropos.

GAINESVILLE

SPIKES 4130 Northwest 6th Street, Gainesville, FL It is a laid-back kind of place, with friendly bar staff. The crowds vary depending on the night. The bar has a nice open air patio area that is rarely used, but would be nice if it was.

UNIVERSITY CLUB 18 East University Avenue, Gainesville, FL This is a fairly average small college town gay bar. It is usually busy and crowded on Thursday nights.


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Hi-Life Café

Becoming Reacquainted with an Old Friend By TIM SLIVINSKI I will confess: I have a long history with the Hi-Life Café. On a sentimental note, it was the very first restaurant where my partner and I had an intimate dinner out on our very first trip to Fort Lauderdale, many moons ago. It became our tradition that we would book reservations for dinner at the Hi-Life on our very first evening here whenever we returned for another vacation. Eventually, we settled here permanently, and while so much has changed since those first visits and so many places have come and gone, the Hi-Life Café continues going strong, serving its loyal clients dinner in a subdued, intimate setting. The ambiance of the Hi-Life is integral to its consistent appeal. It is not flashy or trendy, but instead offers calming, soothing colors, linen tablecloths, fresh flowers and the soft and appealing glow of candles. Just walking in immediately puts you at ease as you look forward to a relaxing dining experience. Chances are good that you will be greeted by host Aude Weis, owner of the Hi-Life, as she shows you to your table. The first dining room offers the option of eating at the bar or at one of the tables along the side or in front near the windows. The second dining room, through an archway to the right,

jean’s kitchen

offers several tables of various sizes to accommodate an intimate dinner for two or a night out with friends. On a recent visit, my partner and I invited two friends we had not seen in some time to join us for dinner so we could chat and get caught up. Aude showed us to a round table — perfect for conversation — and we all decided to begin our evening with a round of kir royales, a wonderful summertime Champagne cocktail, light and refreshing. As the conversation flowed and the laughs erupted, we turned our attention to the dinner menu. A board of features was presented, as was the daily dinner menu. Hi-Life, taking a cue from current dining trends, now offers many of its salads, appetizers and entrees in two sizes: either a half or full portion, a great idea that more restaurants need to consider. We all decided on different starters. I chose the half portion of the herbed goat cheese salad, an all-time favorite of mine at the Hi-Life. It offers an herb crusted, crispy, creamy triangle of goat cheese on top of fresh spring greens and chopped tomatoes, dressed in a very light vinaigrette. Delicious as always! My partner chose his favorite, the smaller portion of the Belgian endive salad. The endive

Delia’s Scones

The word scone may derive from the Gaelic term "sgonn," meaning a shapeless mass or large mouthful. The German term "Schönbrot," meaning fine bread, may also have played a role in the origin of this word. Or, perhaps, the word is based on the town of Scone in Scotland. The pronunciation of the word varies. According to one academic study, two-thirds of the British population pronounce it rhyming with "con" and "John", the rest pronounce it rhyming with "cone" and "Joan". The difference in pronunciation is alluded to in this poem: “I asked the maid in dulcet tone To order me a buttered scone The silly girl has been and gone And ordered me a buttered scone” This is my mother’s recipe…she is the world’s best scone maker! • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup white sugar • 5 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3/4 cup butter • 1 egg, beaten • 1 cup milk (my mam always uses buttermilk) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter. Mix the egg and milk in a small bowl, and stir into flour

mixture until moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly. The less you touch, the lighter your scones will be. Roll dough out about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into rounds using a glass, or a cup, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until slightly browned. Serve warm, buttered, and with raspberry jam and whipped cream …They are frickin’ delish … You are the chef ! H

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Jean Doherty is the Chef and Owner of Le Patio Restaurant in Wilton Manors (954) 530-4641

leaves are topped with bleu cheese, tomatoes and pecans, all dressed in a light Champagne vinaigrette. One friend chose the vichyssoise, the classic leek and potato soup, offered either warm Photo courtesy, Gay Travel or cold, while the other selected a feature soup: a creamy brie and HI-LIFE CAFÉ mushroom soup. Both emptied 3000 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL their bowls and pronounced them 954-563-1395 delicious. As the chit chat continued around the salmon. A salmon filet is pan seared and table and we grew ever more comfortable, then baked; it is then topped with a light it was time to decide on entrees. Always a Dijon sauce that plays well with the freshfan of grouper, I chose the pan-seared ness of the salmon. Sautéed spinach and grouper served on risotto from the feature roasted potatoes finish the plate. He promenu. It arrived perfectly moist and ten- nounced it “summer on a plate”. Our dining experience at the Hi-Life der, with a wonderful caper sauce that added just a bit of zest to the grouper. It was just as enjoyable on our recent visit was light and flavorful, a great summer as it had been so many years ago when we dinner. My partner and another friend first dined there. It is a superb date place, were feeling like something a bit heartier, as well as a great place to leisurely dine so they decided upon the southwestern and get caught up with old friends. Don’t Bolognese. It is a spicy mix of ground filet be surprised if Chef Carlos himself stops and New York strip served over angel hair by your table to inquire about your menu pasta and finished with nutty Parmesan selections and your dining experience. If cheese. It was delightfully spicy without you have not been to the Hi-Life Café in being too over the top. The empty pasta some time, then perhaps, like a good bowls in front of both of them said it all. friend you can count on, it is time to Our other dining companion chose a Hi- become re-acquainted. H Life classic: Chef Carlos’ signature


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BITTER SWEET THURSDAYS Grand opening of Bitter Sweet Thursdays starting Thursday, July 28, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The Manor Entertainment Complex, 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An evening for women who love women and their friends with live shows all night pushing the limit of sex with cutting-edge burlesque shows intermingled with the best in Indie, ‘80s and Top 40 music. Staring the Reckless Dames. Drink specials. VIP bottle service available, please contact (954) 626-0082.H

“THE PILLOWMAN” Empire Stage (1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale) presents the thriller, “The Pillowman” now through July 30th, shows on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. “The Pillowman" centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders. “Comedies don't come any blacker than ‘The Pillowman,’” stated the New York Times. “Even those familiar with this British dramatist’s blithe way with murder, mutilation and dismemberment may be jolted by the events described and simulated so picturesquely. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the door (cash only). To purchase tickets via credit card please go to www.infinite-abyss.com. For information and reservations, call (954) 678-1496. H

SORDID CONFESSIONS Friday, August 12, 2011, from 7 to 10 p.m., at The Manor Entertainment Complex, 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Del Shores, creator of the cult favorite TV series “Sordid Lives” (starring Olivia Newton-John, Rue McClanahan, Leslie Jordan and Caroline Rhea) is touring his hilarious new standup show, “Sordid Confessions.” Whether he’s recalling details of his “slut” years or calling out the assholes and bitches he’s worked with, no subject is off-limits in Del Shores: “Sordid Confessions”. Warning, very raunchy, not PC and very gay. Tickets available at delshores.tix.com. H

BROWARD BARES IT 2011 Friday, August 19, from 7 to 11 p.m. Voted Fort Lauderdale’s #1 fundraiser. Bigger, badder and bawdier – this year is being super-sized for your pleasure! Have you ever wanted to see some of your favorite local and national singers, dancers, comedians and performers take their clothes off ? Well, here is your chance because on Friday, August 19th, inside the Paradise Live Theater at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (1 Seminole Drive in Hollywood, FL.), a host of them will be getting together for one night and taking “IT” off for you all in the name of a good cause. Broward Bares It is a hilarious, sexy, steamy and zany night of burlesque, comedy and vaudeville dance acts and songs presented onstage in a Broadway atmosphere. For more information, visit www.Browardbaresit.com. H

OUT IN FLORIDA

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Miami AFRICAN TREASURES: SELECTION FROM THE NAOMI WILZIG COLLECTION Now through August 31 at the World Erotic Art Museum, 1205 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach. This is a presentation of the Naomi Wilzig African Art Collection featuring objects used across the continent of Africa for fertility and divination practices. Artifacts highlighted within the exhibition illustrate the characteristics of fertility worship within the home and community and continue to play dynamic roles in the lives of many societies. All objects were collected for their display of genitalia and specific utilitarian functions of the objects regarding fertility practice by the cultures. Ranging in age from hundreds of years old to only several decades, they represent how various objects have functioned as powerful symbols, connecting spiritual values and social roles. This exhibition explores the significance, aesthetics and purpose of African material objects, as well as their social contexts. For more information, visit: www.weam.com. H

2011 TRANSCON: THE JUSTICE SUMMIT TransCon will focus on aiding legal and professional institutions gain a greater understanding about issues dealing with the transgender community concerning institutionalized discrimination, the basics of legal gender transition and the challenges of gaining access to healthcare, among other subject matter. The conference kicks off with a feature film at O-Cinema on Friday, September 30, and will continue at FIU Biscayne Bay Campus over the course of the following two days. Saturday, October 1, will offer a full day of workshops and lectures from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continuing on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a day of community and leadership building. Admission prices are as follows: feature film presentation only (additional) $15; feature film presentation with conference $10; conference registrationone day $35; conference registrationtwo days #75. Tickets are available for purchase at www.aquafoundation.org/ transcon2011/. Presented by the Aqua Foundation for Women. H

HEAT MIAMI BLATINO EXPLOSION Friday, October 7, from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Miami. Columbus Day Weekend will never be the same because The Heat is On! More information is available on the Internet at www.thevaultmiami.com or by calling (954) 336-3197. H


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Central Florida

FREE DRAG QUEEN BINGO

HRC DISCO BOWLING

Every week you can play BINGO for free and win drinks and prizes at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St S in St. Petersburg. H

Sunday, August 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bowling fun with great music for equality. Individual tickets are $35, which includes HRC General Membership. Team price (4 to 5 people) $135/$165, which includes HRC General Membership. Tickets for individuals/teams can be purchased online with no transaction fees. Go to www.hrc.org/orlandobowl. Sponsorships available, contact HRCOrlando@cfl.rr.com for a sponsorship packet today. • Village People $150 (lane sponsorship), company logo/name on event website and displayed on your lane. HRC DI • The Hustle $300 benefits of Village People level plus company logo/name listed in marketing advertisement, company name recognized at the event. • Solid Gold $600 benefits of The Hustle level plus organization materials/promotions represented at each lane, team of 4 bowler registration (a $140 value includes HRC General Membership for team). • Studio 54 $1,000 (presenting sponsor) benefits of Solid Gold level plus 2 total teams of 4 bowlers’ registration (a $280 value includes HRC General Membership for members of both teams). For more information, contact hrcorlando@cfl.rr.com. To be held at the Colonial Lanes, 400 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando. H

THE NEARLYWED GAME Every Thursday night from 8 to 11:55 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s (1600 7th Avenue in Ybor City). With host Michael Dixon. You won't want to miss all the fun and laughs as couples who think they know each other find out if they really do. Come watch, or get in on the fun. If you want to be a contestant, call (813) 241-MARY. Reservations are highly recommended! H

5TH ANNUAL STRIKE OUT FOR AIDS Saturday, August 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at (Pinchasers, 4847 N. Armenia Avenue in Tampa). Money raised from our Strike Out for AIDS fundraiser help Francis House keep long-standing programs running. These programs include support groups, mental health and substance abuse counseling, medical and housing case management and our daily feeding program. Francis House accomodates over 1,300 client visits each month. Francis House has been providing supportive services to Tampa's HIV/AIDS community for over 20 years. This event has sold out two years in a row and there are only 128 spots available. Please register early – when the spots are gone, they’re gone. All registrations must be done online at www.strikoutforaids.org. H

AIDS WALK ST. PETERSBURG 2011 Saturday, September 10, registration is from 8:00 a.m. Walk Starts at 10:00 a.m. from the North Shore Park in downtown St. Petersburg. Join them for the 2011 AIDS Walk St. Petersburg in sunny downtown St. Petersburg to benefit members of our community affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Watch for more information. H

THE SUNDAY BBQ IS BACK Ybor Resort and Spa, 1512 8th Ave. (15th Street) in Ybor City. Every Sunday at 5 p.m. Lots of hot flavorful guys here lining up for some buns, wieners and other tasty items. Come on down and put some sun on those buns in our open-air tropical Asian-themed patio with Jacuzzi. Remember: what happens at the resort, stays at the resort. H

FLAMINGO BINGO Thursdays hosted by Kevin Johnson. Win free drinks and prizes from 8 to 10 p.m. Code Bar opens at 7 p.m., the Video Bar opens at 10 p.m. and don’t miss Girl’s Night in the Blu Room, which opens at 11 p.m. with $3 Miller Lite longnecks. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S in St. Petersburg. For more information, visit www.flamingofla.com. H

GAY BOWLING First Thursday of each month from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Avenue in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 736-1282. H

ORLANDO PRIDE October 7 through 10. Nationally recognized celebrities and entertainment, respected speakers, scores of vendors, and the longest parade in the history of Orlando Pride all have contributed to this special event that continues to break records for Orlando LGBT festivals in which attendance has doubled or tripled each year. The Come Out with Pride committee is comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to bringing a free, world-class event to Central Florida. For more information, visit www.comeoutwithpride.com. H

ADELE Thursday, October 13, at Hard Rock Live Orlando, October 13, 2011, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, July 22. Ticket prices are: $115 reserved lower balcony; $85 reserved upper balcony; $65 general admission standing floor. H

BACK DOOR BUMBY Revolution Nightclub (375 S. Bumby Ave (408) in Downtown Orlando) along with GRINDR (iPhone App) and MyFlexRadio presents: “Back Door Bumby: Enter Through the Back” every 3rd Thursday of the month. No cover when you show your GRINDR or MyFlexRadio App. No cover ‘til 11pm for those 21+ (18+ welcome) and no cover ‘til 12 midnight with college or theme park ID. Performances by: Shantell D’Marco and Macaviti. D.J. Joanie on the decks in the disco area and V.J. J.B. Burgos in the Hydrate Video Bar. H


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THE SCOOP / SPORTS

The Scoop

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By BRAD “SCOOP” CASEY

Philanthropist Celebrates a Birthday & Anniversary One of South Florida’s most philanthropic businessmen is celebrating a birthday on Sunday, July 31. Jerry Schultz, owner of Mona’s Bar on East Sunrise Boulevard, by the tracks, is celebrating his 64th birthday and, at the same time, celebrating the bar’s 14th anniversary. Mona’s is probably South Florida’s most eclectic bar, with the decor of the bar made up of church pews and other unusual odds and ends collected by Jerry at yard and garage sales. A visit to Mona’s is a trip. Jerry Schultz has a BIG heart. Over 14 years, Jerry estimates the bar and its customers have raised at least $200,000 for local charities. Recently a retirement party for the late John ‘Mary’ Lyons raised $9,500.00. On July 4th weekend, over $7,500 was raised for the Pet Project, and an American Red Cross South Florida Disaster benefit collected $2,000. When Jerry and Mona’s get behind a benefit, it raises money. Mona’s

customers are most generous. On Sunday, beginning at noon, Jerry and Mona’s celebrate birthdays together. There will be T-shirt giveaways and hundreds of gift certificates that will entitle the bearer to a $14 bar tab on his or her birthday. But more importantly, it will be a celebration of the life of a kind, gentle and generous man. Happy birthday, Jerry and to Mona’s bar.

Joseph Green Joins Sidelines Sidelines bar announces that Joseph Green has joined its staff, and they could not have chosen a better person. Joe is a good friend. We worked together at the former 411 magazine and Express Gay News. Joe is savvy, smart and knowledgeable of the club business. Sidelines will definitely benefit from this appointment. Congrats Joe and I’ll see you soon.

We Roast Pompano Bill We get a chance to see Pompano Bill walk on hot coals on Monday, August 1st, 8PM, at the Boardwalk as we gather to roast the old fart! Lol … I will be one of

the roasters and I have 20 years of stories to tell. It will be a loving moment as we gather to show our love for a good man.

Debate in Key West A heated debate is going on between Key West business people and residents over whether to pursue widening its main shipping channels to accommodate new and bigger cruise ships. Many residents feel Key West has lost its charm to the cruise ships that drop off tourist who buy a t-shirt, tour the island and then return to the ship for drinking, eating and sleeping, thus leaving no dollars to the local community. The city does get a port tax, however.

Hobnobbing • Living Room’s Mark Lowe, scouting for space for a new cutting-edge Miami night club, seen partying all weekend at Twist, Score, Discotekka and Sugars … • Florida Agenda’s Alex Vaughn dining at Padrino’s in North Miami and dancing the night away at the BOOM TOGA Party last weekend …

• Smarty Pants owners Fritz Ann and Mark Tyson enjoying the countrywestern sounds at Scandals … • Paul Hyman, executive director of Pride Center at Equality Park, enjoying a smart designer coffee at Java Boyz … • Multimedia Platforms, LLC Publisher Bobby Blair and friends cocktailing at Rosie’s for the MyGayRadio.com Live Stream on Sundays… • Ramrod boys Zak Enterline and Steve Whitney noshing at Tropics Restaurant & Lounge … • George Kessinger seen in town this week … Thanks for picking us up this week and remember: To have a friend, you must first be a friend. H

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If you have a “scoop” for Brad Casey, please e-mail your information to BradC@jumponmarkslist.com


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Get Out of Your Rut! Fire Up Your Workout! By TOM BONANTI You’ve probably been there before, or maybe you’re there now: you just can’t get into your workouts. The exercises seem boring, the weights are too heavy and you feel like you’d rather be anywhere else but in the gym. You are experiencing a performance slump – a frustrating, seemingly inexplicable drop in performance which typically lasts for an extended period of time. In nearly every case, though, a source can be found. Slumps are often traced to a lack of recovery time from stressful situations, insufficient sleep, overtraining – or just a general feeling of malaise over life in general. The good news is that no matter what the hell the problem is about – job stress, a breakup with your boyfriend, a let down after vacation, or overtraining itself – there are mechanisms of recovery that can have you back in the gym doing battle with the weights in no time. A number of these tips come from Jim Loehr, a sports psychologist, in his book, Stress for Success. First of all, you’ve got to rest. And by that, I don’t mean lying on the couch watching episodes of the “The Biggest Loser”. Active rest refers to recovery

methods that involve movement. For example, walking, stretching, yoga and golfing are all types of active rest that can help you recharge your batteries. If you simply can’t stay out of the gym, incorporate a wide variety of low weight, high rep weight training exercises for each of the various muscle groups. You’ll be amazed how you’ll grow once you resume more intense training habits. Passive rest is also essential and it can help rejuvenate your soul as well as your body. Examples of passive rest include meditation, napping, sitting in the park, or catching up with an old friend for some conversation. (Note: passive rest does not include sitting on a bar stool drinking for six hours.) Understanding your nutrition and how it affects your body is crucial, not only to successful training, but also to your recovery process. During a slump, a lot of guys either eat like birds and lose size or they binge out and get as big as cows. Whatever you’re going through, you’ve got to eat! Eat your meals at consistent times throughout the day. Eat light and often. Consuming smaller

meals every 2-3 hours raises your metabolic rate and stabilizes blood sugar and energy levels. Never skip a healthy breakfast and stay away from quick, sugary, fatty comfort foods that will ultimately leave you feeling worse than ever. The dedication necessary to succeed at body building is substantial, and it requires focus and intensity. When you’re in a slump, you’re often frustrated and negative about your drop in performance. Look for opportunities to lighten up and laugh. Avoid negative people who drag you down. Listen to music that can calm and soothe as well as energize and rejuvenate you. Psychological changes associated with positive emotions occur that directly oppose the chemicals that accompany negativity and frustration. Finally, a good night’s rest is by far the most natural and essential recovery activity. Depriving yourself of sleep is like depriving yourself of food. A sleep debt of as little as three hours has been shown to significantly reduce physical strength in weightlifters. Lack of good, quality, uninterrupted REM (rapid eye movement) sleep can cause paranoia, migraines and violent mood swings, as

Photo courtesy, Image Bank

well as unwanted weight gain. Busting out of your slump doesn’t happen automatically – it takes planning and effort. Remember, recovery in your training and everyday life is just as important as the hard work you put into them. For more tips on how to fire up your workouts this summer contact trainertomb@aol.com! H

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Tom Bonanti, is a certified personal trainer and owner of Pump’n Inc gym at 1271 NE 9th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Email: TrainerTomB@aol.com Facebook: TrainerTomB. On the Internet at: www.pumpnincgym.com


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Reinvent Your Castle By MICHAEL FRENCH

With our gasping, struggling economy and Florida’s real estate market, still stuck in reverse, most home owners, are realizing they will be in their homes for the foreseeable future. Don’t let it get you down. Look at the up side. Mortgage interest, is still a tax deduction. It’s your house! You can paint it purple with black stripes if you want or knock all the walls down to have just one room like a loft. In what other part of your life do you have that many choices or control? Why not give your home a facelift? Reinventing anything can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Refreshing your home doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Whether it's a sketch on a cocktail napkin or full-blown architectural plans, some type of planning and design always comes first. Prioritize what’s important you and the area of your home where you

want to focus the renovation. Ensure that you have funding. Be realistic! Actually, it’s better to somewhat over estimate the cost of your renovation. Better to have too much than not enough and will save you from disappointment. Draw up a simple “yes/no” list of do it yourself projects. Don’t be intimidated by doing things yourself ! With some insight, patience and elbow grease, you can have quite a bit of fun too. Learning is always beneficial. Knowledge is power! Besides saving lots of cash, you’ll discover hidden talents about yourself. You’ll also have a great sense of satisfaction knowing you gave your home a new look, with your own hands, exactly the way you wanted to, and, without relying on someone else. Who knows, you may discover you really like doing this kind of thing. It may lead to extra income or even a career change! It’s very important to have the right tools. The right tool for the job ensures the best results but saves cash because the chance of having to do anything over is vastly reduced. Don’t buy a tile saw just for one project. Go and rent one! When you’re done it goes back to the store, and you’ve saved money and space in your garage. Craig’s list or pawnshops are great sources for used tools. Do not tackle structural, electric or plumbing projects if you are not skilled. Mistakes are very expensive and can be

extremely dangerous. Get recommendations for contractors from sites on the internet or friends and family, for projects you cannot do yourself. Always make sure the contractor is licensed! Even if he/she shows you one, go to www.myflorida.com and check for the license’s validity. Also, ask to see proof of being bonded and at least insured! These are musts! Never, never pay the total cost of the project up front! This cannot be overemphasized. Typically, agree to give a 20-30 percent down payment in the beginning, another 30 percent midway, and the final payment after you are satisfied with the results. Also, for obvious reasons do not agree to pay anyone by the hour unless the contractor has already computed the hours prior to the beginning of the project and agreed to a price. The least expensive facelifts are painting, wall paper and refinishing furniture, mirror frames etc. Anyone addicted to immediate gratification will love the speed and results of both. Instead of buying new furniture, the thrift shops, Craig’s List and Habitat for Humanity stores are chock full of incredible buys! A friend of mine recently purchased a sleek, Italian leather sofa, chair and ottoman for $300! He reinvented his living room, dining room and master bedroom

Photo courtesy, Duststorm

for under $1500.00! All of it looks brand new and would have cost over $7000 at a retail store. We are limited only by creativity, imagination and our bank account. While cash on hand is limited, imagination is infinitely unlimited. Use your own sense of style and build the castle you call home. H

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Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com


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Shark Feeding Osprey Reef, Australia By PAUL RUBIO & NICK MOSS As the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean, we gather on the dive deck and peer down into the clear blue waters. Beneath the boat, large dark shapes swim ominously back and forth in anticipation. We had travelled from the U.S. for three nights to one of the most pristine and isolated sea mounts of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Osprey reef sits 200 miles from Cairns in the Coral Sea and is separated from the mainland by 12 hours of rough seas. Our boat, the Taka Liveaboard, makes this 5 day/4 night trip weekly from Cairns (www.takadive.com.au), although the unpredictable weather in this part of the world can sometimes delay the trip for days, even weeks. In fact, it had been 6 weeks since the crew had been out to Osprey. Osprey Reef, the most northerly of all the Coral Sea reefs, is known for its exceptional wall diving. The reef covers an area of 50 square miles and its perimeter drops vertically into a half mile of clear Coral Sea water. Exciting dive sites include South Horne, Admiralty Anchor Bommies, Pelagic Gully and Flashlight Ravine, which is most spectacular at night when the flashlight fish are feeding. The most requested site at Osprey Reef is the North Horne, where we had come to today. The North Horne is a reef shelf in depths from 60-125 feet, which drops into deep water. The shelf is covered with numerous hard and soft corals, and deeper still grow large, spiky soft coral 'trees' and gorgonians. This shelf attracts many reef fish; however, the North Horne is most famous for its sharks and is a popular shark-feeding location. Just beneath the boat, and at the base of the dive line, the reef forms a natural amphitheatre, the rock formation allowing divers to sit in a semi circle. Positioned in the middle is a large rock, to which a chain with a float has been attached. From here, bins of frozen tuna heads from our boat

can be pulled down to attract the sharks. As we perch on the walls of the amphitheatre, we peer into the distance, where sharks are beginning to congregate. Usually calm and eerie, the deep water is alive. Above us, the small dive dinghy powers over and drops the refuse bin, which is then pulled down to the amphitheatre by the dive master. She fiddles clumsily with the lock and opens the lid. The tuna heads spring out and bob in the water, attached to the bin by a chain. The serenity of the moment lasts a second, as the water erupts in a vicious frenzy. The sharks swim in quickly, ripping the heads apart and swim away gorging on their mouthful. They bite into the heads and writhe back and forth, forcing the meat off the bone. The number of sharks in the water seems to have quadrupled. An initial head count is in vain, as more and more sharks emerge from the deep blue to share in this bounty. The majority of them are large grey reef sharks, a common species in these waters. We are all no more than 40 feet away from this spectacular event. Any initial fears or trepidation evaporates as we realize that they are not interested in us and instead are concentrated wholly on their next bite. Small black and white tip reef sharks dart into the amphitheatre quickly, pushing aside their bigger competitors and audaciously taking small bites before hurrying away. As the initial excitement subsides and the heads start to become skeletons, the sharks begin to drift off. But the feeding is not quite over. Out of the deep blue, a rather large and mysterious silhouette begins to take shape. All of a sudden a large oceanic silver tip is in the amphitheatre. Almost double the size of the grey reef sharks, it feeds with such power and ferocity that the water around it becomes cloudy. The other sharks disperse in fear.

It takes a few minutes over the last of the heads, leaving it in tatters, bobbing pathetically in the water. This signals the end of the feeding and the sharks are soon replaced by smaller, less voracious scavengers. The dive master checks that everyone is alright and has all their limbs intact. Thankfully, we all give a big okay sign, and signal our intention to return to the surface. Everyone in the group starts to climb the dive line, looking back frequently, haunted by the image of the past hour. Back on deck, the atmosphere is one of

intense excitement. We are all aware that we have just been witness to something spectacular and conscious of the incredible controlled aggression of the sharks. The dive team woops and cheers and describes the shark feeding as one of the best that they have been on. We finish the day on the top deck, looking out over Osprey Reef and watch as the waves curl serenely over the top of the reef. As the boat moves away, a humpback whale joins us, breaching the surface as it swims to keep up with the boat. H

A shark feeding frenzy at the reef in North Horne, 60 to 125 feet in depth.

A Silvertip Reef Shark.

Grey Reef Sharks enjoying a meal. Photos courtesy, namena.com


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HOME IMPROVEMENT Derek’s 24 HR HANDYMAN SERVICE. Introducing our new cabinet shop! For all your custom made cabinetry countertops laminates. YOU MUST SEE OUR WORK, just ask our clients. All electrical to code; ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown / baseboard pro-install, interior / exterior painting, demo work, Pressure washing, Decor tile install, Complete home up-dates. For large jobs, 4-man crew available. WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL! Instant call back, direct service response. No job is ever too small. Excellent references. Derek (954) 825-5598 or E-mail: DerekGallaway@att.net PLACE TO PALACE Home improvement and handyman services. Best rates, and smart solutions. Drywall, Painting, Tile, Doors, Wood Decks, Masonry, Purgolas, and Ceiling Fans. Turn windows into doors! Truck available for yard clean-up or apartment maintenance and moves. FREE estimates! Lic. & Ins. CC#11-FC-16297-X Cert. Ctrl#11-18694 Call Ben (954)565-9674

COMPUTER SERVICES **OPTIMA** COMPUTER REPAIR - COMPLETE IN HOME SERVICE. Get the best performance, protection & value from your computer investment, *A+ Hardware & OS CERTIFIED. *Friendly, professional, RELIABLE service. Reasonable rates. Call Mike (954) 817-3883

MASTER ELECTRICIAN - Service Upgrades, interconnected smoke alarms, phone and cable jacks, remodels, etc. No job to small! All work will be done in a neat & clean manner. LIC. CONTRACTORS BUILD CONFIDENCE! Gay owned. Lic#02CME2028X Call 954.665.0417

LICENSED MASSAGE

COUNSELING A MIND AT PEACE/ THERAPEUTIC SERVICES/ RON "DOC" CHAMBERS, MSW (954) 627-0103 1975 East Sunrise Blvd., Suite 629 Fort Lauderdale. HIV Related Issues /Anxiety /Depression /Schizophrenia /Relationship Problems /Anger Management Problems /Same-Sex Battering /Domestic Violence. Most Insurance Accepted /Credit Cards Accepted.

EMPLOYMENT NEW MIAMI BAR - A Beautiful and upscale New Gay Bar located in the heart of Downtown Miami is opening soon - we are looking for Barbacks, Security, Bartenders, Cocktail Servers, DJ's, MC, VIP Host, Cashier, Male Dancers. Also looking for an experienced Bar Mgr. and Dance Mgr. Excellent Pay and benefits. Send Photos, Resume, Contact Info to: newmiamiclub@gmail.com NIGHTCLUB POSITIONS - TWIST - The popular gay bar in South Beach seeks responsible applicants with experience for all positions. Email resume to Valentino@twistsobe.com SOUTH BEACH - Part time sales associate for adult bookstore. Send resume to kdbstyle@yahoo.com BARTENDERS - FULL & PART TIME POSITIONS available at Michele's Dining Lounge, 2761 East Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Call Michele at 954.821.6877 or submit your resume to Michele@Michelesdl.com Courtyard Cafe: Seeking experienced part-time overnight shift server accustomed to high volume. Also looking for flexible part-time cooks with experience flipping eggs and making guests happy. Apply in person: 2211 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors RETAIL SALES POSITION - full or part-time available immediately! Call (954)873-3889

PROFESSIONAL THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE - Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Stretching, Mon-Sun, 10AM-8PM. In/Out Calls. NON-SEXUAL. Ft Lauderdale. Call Robert (954)494-2372 Lic.# MA 19604 AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM - Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Lomi Lomi Massage. All in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio conveniently located On the SE Corner of Oakland Park Blvd and Federal Hwy - Nationally Certified and Licensed MM22293 www.massagebyjim.com or call Jim Libonati (954)600-5843 info@massagebyjim.com RECESSION RELIEF - $40/90 MINS! LEAVE YOUR STRESS UP TO ME. Out calls higher. Let Denny make you feel like a Queen. Couples discounts, seniors welcome. New location: Delray Beach. 16 yrs experience. MA 18563. Denny (561) 502-2628.


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WILTON MANORS GAY COMPLEX - Remodeled 1/1, CAC, Tile Floors, Heated Pool, Pets OK. One Block to Wilton Drive! $800/mo.-$1700 moves you in. Call (954)600-0620

GOLD COAST UPHOLSTERY - Re-upholstering, Cushions, Throw pillows, Large selection of fabric to choose from or bring in your own fabric. Broward / Dade. Palm Beach. Call Edgar (954) 491-4937

WILTON MANORS 2/1 DUPLEX - CAC, tile floors, fenced yard, plenty of parking! Pets OK! $895/mo. F/S (954)608-8305 ROYAL PARK - Near Wilton Manors 1BR/1.5BA, $825$900/mo. 2BR/2BA, $950 - $1100/mo. Gated Security, Clubhouse, Pools, Gym, Sauna and Steam room. Pets OK. Cable/Water/Trash included. Call Naim Naqi, Broker/ SFG, Realtors (954)565.2025 WILTON MANORS - 9 Unit gay complex 1/1 - 129 NW 25th Street. Clothing optional Pool, tile floors, private patio/yard. No dogs. $715/mo. F/S (954)326-9096 IMPERIAL POINT - Well-maintained, quiet 1 bedroom apartment in Georgian Court complex on NE 62nd Street. Convenient to downtown, beach and Wilton Manors. Nice grounds and pool. $700/ month. Call owner: 917-334-1146

MOVING ELITE RELOCATION MOVING & STORAGE We've provided quality moves for over 30 years. It's always a smooth move when you choose Elite Relocation. Contact us today at 954-975-8660 - www.elitemoving.com RED BOX MOVING - OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE. CALL NORBERT DIRECTLY. Affordable, Reliable, Careful. MV#567/INSURED. (954) 305-9176 or (561) 506-5540 www.redboxmoving.com GUYS and DOLLIES. Moving * Storage * Packing * Crating * Shipping. “A” Rated Member of the BBB Register Movers since 1976. Major credit cards accepted. For free price quote, Call (954) 566-1270

PET SITTING

WILTON MANORS 2/1 - Walking distance to the Drive! Huge living room and closets, terrazzo floors, CAC, patio, parking. $950/mo. F&S (954)566-8049 GORGEOUS SAILBOAT BEND two bedroom apartments, small pet okay, great neighborhood, complete interior and exterior renovation with new paint, courtyard, fountain, landscape and more. Spacious apartments are immaculate. Asking $1100/mo. Call Re/Max Preferred 954-683-4880 WILTON MANORS CLOSE One Bedroom with Private Yard. NICE! Just minutes to Wilton Manors and one street from the Drive, super cute one bedroom apartments are immaculate, new courtyard entrances, private front yards, cat okay, great complex and location. Asking $850/mo. Call Re/Max Preferred 954-683-4880 FORT LAUDERDALE Detached Large Cottage with a Pool. This detached two bedroom one bath welcomes your pet, dog okay, with granite kitchen, and direct access to pool shared by main house only. Water, sewer garbage included. XLNT location. Asking $1050/mo. Call Re/Max Preferred 954-683-4880 GORGEOUS ONE BEDROOM central a/c private patio area, welcome your pets, common area to enjoy! Has newer kitchen, very remodeled, exterior of building and complex is very nice, new roof, new paint, landscape. Located close to SE 17 Street Cswy. Asking $849/mo. Call Re/Max Preferred 954-683-4880

FURNISHED / RENTALS / FTL PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS – 3-6 MONTHS From $295/week & $1100/month Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. Turn key, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay & Nude Beaches. Pets Welcome. Includes utilities, cable, telephone, Wi-Fi Internet. 954-927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

ROOMMATES OAKLAND PARK 3/2 TO SHARE – Large room 11 X 17, huge closet, shared bath, pool, spa, tiki bar, W/D, CAC, parking. $650/mo. all utilities included. w/ cable and internet! No drunks/drugs, must love dogs. Ref req. Available 8/1 Call 954-980-1123

SPIRITUALITY

RETAIL SPACE RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE - WILTON DRIVE! Assume lease or negotiate new one. Call (954)608-6170

RENTALS / FTL

SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER Charming studio apt. featuring lush landscaping, parking, and laundry facilities. POOL, friendly neighbors and roaming peacocks add to the fun! $595/mo. Utilities included! Brad (954)200-0166 2/1 CONDO ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF WILTON MANORS. Pool, located on the canal, dead end street; near I-95 and Oakland Pk Blvd. Dish washer. Includes cable and water. Coin laundry machines located on property. $800/month. Call 954.937.3872.

THE PARISH OF STS. FRANCIS & CLARE 101 NE 3rd Street - just North of Broward Blvd. and E of Andrews Ave. Mass Times: Sat @ 5 PM; Sun @ 10:30 AM; Wed @ 7 PM. Where we welcome and appreciate diversity - a progressive community in the Catholic tradition. 954-731-8173; www.stsfrancisandclare.org CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRITSONG Welcomes you to come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am and every Wednesday night at 8 pm. We meet at the SpiritSong Worship Center at 2040B North Dixie Highway Suite 3 in Wilton Manors (Building B on Equality Park Campus, behind the Pride Center). God loves you just the way He made you. Come discover His purpose for you. For more info: (954) 4188372, info@cohss.com, www.cohss.org. DIGNITY FT LAUDERDALE - Roman Catholic Mass every Sunday 7 PM at Holy Angels CC 2917 NE 6th Ave, Wilton Manors. Monthly socials and more. There is always room at our table. Dignityftl@bellsouth.net.

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