Florida Agenda 165 by Multi-Media Platforms

NATION

JODIE FOSTER SHATTERS ‘GLASS CLOSET’

SUNSHINE STATE

ALIBI ASSAULT CHARGES

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM JANUARY 16, 2013 ★ ISSUE 165

HEALTH

AGING AND DIET

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NATION Homophobic Remarks Lead to Pastor’s Drop from Presidential Inauguration

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ASHINGTON, DC — The pastor selected by President Obama to deliver the invocation at his inauguration on January 21 has announced he will withdraw from the proceedings, after comments he made during sermons in the 1990s were criticized as being homophobic. A sermon by Atlanta-based Rev. Louie Giglio, the Pastor of Passion City Church, entitled “In Search of a Standard: Christian Response to Homosexuality,” includes a warning against LGBT Rights: “That movement is not a benevolent movement,” Giglio preached. He added, “it is a movement to seize by any means necessary the feeling and the mood of the day, to the point where the homosexual lifestyle becomes accepted as a norm in our society and is

given full standing as any other lifestyle, as it relates to family.” He also said that homosexuality “is sin in the eyes of God, and it is sin in the word of God.” Giglio, the founder of Passion Conferences, a faith-based ministry that organizes college students in prayer activities, urged Christians to oppose the gay rights “aggressive agenda,” and said that “the healing power of Jesus” is “the only way out of a homosexual lifestyle.” LGBT advocates criticized the selection of Giglio as insensitive to gays. The reaction to Giglio’s selection contrasted sharply with that of Richard Blanco, an openly gay Cuban-American writer who was chosen to serve as this year’s inaugural poet.

Jodie Foster at Golden Globes: “I Came Out 1,000 Years Ago” BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Hollywood press is noting that one of the

Jodie Foster

more memorable momments during the 70th annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night was the speech delivered by actress Jodie Foster, which some are referring to as her “coming out” event. After accepting the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award, Foster opened her remarks by joking, “I’m just going to put it out there, loud and proud. I am, uh—single.” The Academy Award-winning actress (“The Accused,” “Silence of the Lambs”) referred to her relationship with her former partner of 20 years, Cydney Bernard, with whom she has two sons. With their children in attendance, Foster, 50, said that Bernard is “my heroic co-parent, my ex-partner in love but righteous soul sister in life, my confessor, ski buddy, consiglieri, [and my] most beloved BFF of 20 years,” and added, “I am so proud of our modern family.” “I already did my coming out 1,000 years ago, in the Stone Age,” Foster told the audience. “Those very quaint days when a fragile young girl would open up to trusted friends and family and co-workers and then gradually to everyone that knew her, everyone she actually met. But now apparently I’m told that every celebrity is expected to honor the details of their private life with a press conference, a fragrance, and a primetime reality show.” She continued, “You guys might be surprised but I am not ‘Honey Boo Boo Child.’ No, I’m sorry. That’s just not me. It never was and it never will be. But please don’t cry, because my reality show would so boring.” Foster, whose breakout role was as a teenage prostitute in the 1976 film “Taxi Driver,” told the attendees about living her life in a fish bowl. “If you had been a public figure from the time that you were a toddler, if you had to fight for a life that felt real and honest and normal against all odds, then maybe then you, too, might value privacy above all else. Privacy. I have given everything up there from the time that I was three years old: that’s reality show enough, don’t you think?” About her plans for the future, the actress offered, “This feels like the end

of one era and the beginning of something else.”

Position Sought: Barney Frank for U.S. Senator BOSTON, MA — His retirement from the U.S. House of Representatives having begun, former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) said this month that he is interested in serving out the remaining time left in the term of U.S. Sen. John Kerry, President Obama’s pick to succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. On the day after he ended a 32-year career in Congress, Frank, appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” told an interviewer, “Coach, put me in,” referring to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick’s yet-to-be-announced choice to replace Kerry. Under Massachusetts law, the governor must select an interim Senator to complete Kerry’s term if he’s confirmed as Obama’s pick to helm the State Department. A Special Election will be held within 160 days of Patrick announcing a replacement. On “Morning Joe,” Frank, 72, said that his desire to serve in the Senate comes from a wish to take part in important financial and spending decisions that will be made by lawmakers and the White House during the next few months. That is consistent with what he said last month in an exclusive interview with the Florida Agenda (December 12, 2012, Q&A, “Barney Frank: A Gay Lion, in Winter”). “There’s one more thing I’m going to be pushing the President to do,” he said at the time. “We are now in a position, given the nature of the world, to reduce substantially our military expenditures. There is no need for us to be all over the world. That is a way for us to free up significant funds—$100 million a year—[and] we will still be a lot stronger than we need to be. We could free up $100 million a year, so that we could accomplish a lot of important things for the quality of life, through government, and still reduce deficit.”H

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SUNSHINE STATE

Wilton Manors Commission Waives Retail Parking Restrictions WILTON MANORS — On January 8, the Wilton Manors City Commission voted unanimously to eliminate the parking requirement for new retail establishments along Wilton Drive, within the City’s popular Arts and Entertainment District. Additionally, retail businesses that locate in existing buildings in the City’s Transit-Oriented Corridors (Dixie Highway, NE 11 Avenue, NE 13 Avenue and portions of NE 26 Street) will not have to provide additional parking, and businesses within the City’s Transit-Oriented Corridors that expand buildings will have parking requirements that are significantly reduced. “As policy makers, we know that incentives to encourage retail diversity and a ‘Shop Local First’ attitude enhance the commercial landscape and contribute to a thriving economy,” said Vice Mayor Julie Carson.

Alibi Halloween Incident Results in Assault, Battery Charges

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BY MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA

WILTON MANORS — What Boyd Corbin says what started as a joke has turned into anything but. Corbin has been charged by the Broward State Attorney’s Office for an alleged Halloween assault at Georgie’s Alibi on Michael Walters, who emcees at the popular nightclub under the professional name Florida’s Dame Edna. Corbin, who was decked-out in KKK outfit complete with a tiki torch, wooden cross and a sign that read “Stop the race war against whites: Vote for Romney,” has been charged with aggra-

vated assault with a deadly weapon and battery. If convicted on both charges, Corbin could be sentenced to a minimum of five years. Corbin was arrested on Nov. 12 and has been out on bail ever since. “I’m taking this deadly serious,” he told the Agenda. But on Halloween night, he says he was just having a little fun and being ironic. “Hey, it’s a joke. I’m a hundred percent Democrat and I support Obama.” Walters, according to a Wilton Manors Police Department report, accuses Corbin of trying to light him on fire with the tiki torch. Walters also accuses Corbin of grabbing his wig and pulling Walters off the three-foot stage upon which he was hosting Alibi’s costume contest. Walters declined to be interviewed but said in a statement that he sustained a leg injury “that hinders my daily life and my ability to do my job. I know little or nothing about Mr. Corbin and I have only seen him on the evening in question as he was assaulting me. I believe it’s only fair that the police investigate this matter and that the responsible party face[s] some sort of consequence for his wrongdoing. I’m thankful to the Wilton Manors Police Department for their swift and careful assistance.” According to Corbin, Walters told him to put his torch out and then blew it out himself. After that, he says, Walters grabbed the torch and started “crushing” it. “I let him grab it. I didn’t move it at all,” said Corbin, who claims that he is the one who was assaulted. “I stepped back and pulled harder. Instead of releasing my tiki torch, he stepped down off the stage and knocked my hat off. I pulled his wig off with two fingers and threw it on the floor.” After that, Corbin says that Walters punched him, scratching his nose with one of his sharp rings. “I couldn’t back up any more so I pushed him with my left hand and he fell down for the first time. He was wearing high heels. He stood up and kicked me in the groin with his right leg. I blocked most of that kick and caught his knee with my left hand, and he fell down a second time.” To represent him, Corbin has hired Fort Lauderdale attorney Thomas Morse

Cover Story

FLORIDA BILL: ONE SMALL STEP TOWARDS MARRIAGE EQUALITY? BY CLIFF DUNN

ALLAHASSEE — On January 9, State Sen. Eleanor Sobel (D-Hollywood) introduced legislation to allow Floridians to enter into “domestic partnerships,” with benefits similar to those enjoyed by married couples in the Sunshine State. In 2008, Florida’s state constitution was amended to add Article I, Section 27, which defines marriage as a union solely between one man and one woman. The language bans the creation of status that is similar to that definition, including civil unions and same-sex marriage. The language of Sobel’s bill specifically states that it doesn’t attempt to circumvent Article I, Section 27, but would allow samesex couples who are at least 18 years old to establish a domestic partnership.H

and is urging anyone who saw the incident between him and Walters to contact him at (321) 278-1718, or his attorney at (954) 522-3205.

CVB/GFLGLCC Event Launches New LGBT Initiative FORT LAUDERDALE — On January 9, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) hosted an event at Chill Wine Lounge (1828 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) to honor the appointment of Richard Gray, the former owner of the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, as the CVB’s Consulting Managing Director for the LGBT Market. In that role, Gray will develop strategies to increase global travel and tourism to Greater Fort Lauderdale. “The GFLGLCC and the CVB have just created a unique position which is strictly for LGBT tourism. We are so pleased to have appointed Richard Gray,” said Keith Blackburn, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GFLGLCC). Gray explained that his “role is the only full time position to be dedicated to LGBT tourism. This is an important step.”

Pride Center Celebrates Successful Toy Drive WILTON MANORS — Officials say that last month’s Seventh Annual Judy Shepherd Toy Drive benefited more local children than ever before. “We collected over 1,500 toys, distributed to six different organizations and many families,” said Ronni Dowd, Chairperson of this year’s Toy Drive. “We collected almost $1,000 in cash donations and sponsorships and had a dozen volunteers,” she added. “We had donation boxes placed in more than 20 different locations throughout Broward County.” In its seventh year, the event benefited Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, and other area agencies. “It’s been a privilege to be associated with such a hard working group of volunteers,” said Donna Woessner, the coordinator of the Pride Center’s Women with Pride project. “Each one of us had the kids in mind as we began the Drive. And each one of us had Judy’s voice in our head as we delivered toys and bikes and love.” H

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THE GAYBORHOOD: OUR HOME, OUR CASTLE

January 16, 2013 • ISSUE 165 FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

EDITOR’S DESK BOBBY BLAIR – CEO / MANAGING PARTNER

PUBLISHER

CLIFF DUNN, EDITOR

BOBBY BLAIR

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER KEVIN HOPPER

EDITOR ClIFF DUNN editor@floridaagenda.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

esque security of burgs like Victoria Park and other gentrified-by-gays sections of Broward County. But the outside world reared its ugly head a few nights ago when my partner and I and another couple were taking the night air on Wilton Drive. As we were passing Jaycee Park—which was most recently the home of the city’s holiday Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa display)—I saw a youngish AfricanAmerican lady talking on her cell phone, a pre-adolescent boy bringing up her rear close behind. Being the son of a single mother (and, of course, I have no reason to know if in fact this woman was a single parent, but my right brain was driving here) I usually try to have a smile for kids who (I think) are in circumstances similar to my own while I was growing up. But as I prepared to dole out my Mary Poppins Best, the waif gestured at us in what could—in other circumstances— have been interpreted in a comedic way, if the message hadn’t been so clearly and viciously homophobic: he placed his hands in such a way as to mimic “blinders” so as to avoid seeing us holding hands and otherwise engaged in ‘couples’ behavior. The emotions that passed among us ranged from blissful ignorance to polite indifference to DEFCON 1 preparedness. This last was most demonstrably evinced by one of our friends (who is of the dangerous-when-provoked-variety), and who was on the verge of giving the lad a mindful/mouthful combo when he was talked back from the ledge by his boyfriend (which is of the attorney-variety). The outrage put me in mind for some reason of the provocative scene in the 1995 film “Die Hard with a Vengeance” in which Bruce Willis’ character is compelled

by terrorists to wear a sandwich board in the streets of Harlem, New York, bearing the message “I Hate N******”—a word that is offensive in a way to which neither “faggot” nor “queer” measure up. Happy (Proud? Relieved?) as I am to report that I was in no way prompted to rain that particular—and particularly loathsome—sobriquet upon the kid’s head (then I would be the story here), it shocked me that he and his mom were clearly “okay” enough meandering the nighttime streets of the Gayborhood, but not on a level in which “junior” would feel remotely remorseful about behaving so badly in someone else’s “castle.” As Tony Soprano might say, “They’ll let that kid say anything.” On some Reptilian Brain level, I suppose I was strengthened by the knowledge that I was on my home turf—which gave me territoriality to add to my righteous indignation and moral outrage (what my mother might call “the high ground”). What right, quoth the Reptile, do these people have to put us on the defensive in “my house?” I realized that being a gay man made it difficult for me to invoke, in the words of the philosopher John Rawls, a “veil of ignorance” and judge the situation on its “merits” rather than through the impulse of emotion. What was doubly ironic about the timing was that, just a few minutes later, we walked past The Manor and saw that it was hosting a predominantly African-American event in its nightclub. Progress has its small victories. The election cycle of 2012 taught us that LGBT rights is a “winner” on the national agenda, and that in a meaningful way we have “won” the bigger conversation. Now we just need to translate that to weeknights on Wilton Drive.H

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aving spent some time living out west (I’m talking Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid west here, rather than BankAtlantic Center west), I had a sociologist’s—or maybe it was anthropologist’s—view of what it was like to have lived in the Old West. Part of living here in the sissified east is that many of us are ignorant of the social niceties of something known as “castle doctrine,” this despite the fact that Florida itself has a Defense of Habitation Law. Such statutes (also known more cutely as “Go Ahead, Make My Day” Laws) have as their basis the aforementioned Castle Doctrine, a medieval concept and more recent (in terms of centuries) American legal doctrine that designates a person’s abode (or, in some states, any place that is legally occupied, such as a car or place of work) as a place in which that person enjoys certain immunities and protections, including, under certain circumstances, the use of deadly force to defend against an intruder without becoming liable to prosecution. Castle doctrine comes from the English common law concept that “a man’s home is his castle,” a view that was established as British law in 1628 and taken to the New World colonies. (The evocative phrase “Make My Day Law” takes its name from a 1985 Colorado law that grants immunity from criminal charges or civil suits to a person who uses deadly force in the course of defending against a home invasion. The nickname itself is hommage to Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry. Law imitates “art:” Be very afraid.) It’s easy to forget that such considerations exist outside the quiet confines of our Gayborhood, or from the suburban-

TOM BONANTI, JEAN DOHERTY, ANDY KRESS, PHOEBE MOSES, ROBERT ELIAS DEATON, RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN, GRANT JAMES, JUSTIN JONES, JOE HARRIS Photography • STEPHEN KUTTNER, T.J. GILLESPIE, LISSA GOOD

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15) NAKED GRAPE 2163 Wilton Drive Wilton manors

BAR MAP 1) ALIBI 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

17) PJ’S CORNER POCKET 924 North Flagler Drive Wilton Manors

16) NEW MOON 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

3) BOARDWALK 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale

18) RAMROD 1508 NE 4th Ave Fort Lauderdale

2) BILL’S FILLING STATION 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

4) BOOM 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

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

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27) WILTON’S BIER GARDEN 2245 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

26) VILLAGE PUB 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

25) TROPICS 2000 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

24) TORPEDO 2829 W Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale

23) THE STABLE 205 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

22) SMARTY PANTS 2400 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

21) SIDELINES 2031 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors

20) SCANDALS SALOON 3073 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors

5) CORNER PUB 1915 N Andrews Ave Wilton Manors 6) CUBBY HOLE 823 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 7) DEPOT CABANA BAR AND GRILL 2935 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale 8) DUDES 3270 NE 33rd St Fort Lauderdale 9) INFINITY LOUNGE 2184 WIlton Drive Wilton Manors 10) JOHNNY’S 1116 W Broward Blvd Fort Lauderdale 11) LIPS 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park 12)THE MANOR COMPLEX 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors 13) MONA’S 502 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale 14) MONKEY BUSINESS 2740 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

HOW TO MAKE A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT AIDS:

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Q & A

Interview with David France, director of Oscar-Nominee “How To Survive A Plague” By GREGG SHAPIRO

ilmmaker David France’s screen debut, “How to Survive a Plague,” is one of the most acclaimed documentaries of 2012. Among its honors, it is a nominee this year for Best Documentary at the 85th Academy Awards, and is also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. France, previously best known for his book “Our Fathers,” about the Roman Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, turns his attention to another, insidious danger: HIV/AIDS. Combining a stunning and groundbreaking array of period footage with interview subjects including Larry Kramer, Dr. Mathilde Krim, Gregg Bordowitz, Jim Eigo and many others, France creates a dazzling cinematic quilt of survival. “How to Survive a Plague” is showing at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale, on January 19, 23 and 24. Among the most fascinating period footage found in “How to Survive a Plague” is the segment shot at an underground drug trial. What was involved in the compilation of such vintage footage? I was thrilled to find it. There was so much going on and the community was trying anything in these really illegal drug trials. It was the first time ever that a community of patients was resorting to such a thing. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found that. What was involved deciding to take the film’s “how-to” approach?

The film drives home the fact that, “in the absence of adequate healthcare,” the community became its own “clinicians, researchers, drug smugglers, [and] pharmacists.” How important was this movement to what subsequently occurred in HIV/AIDS treatment? I had friends who relied on those distributions for medication. At one point when my lover died, I did what many people did which was I carried what was left of his experimental drugs over to the People with AIDS Health Group, so they could distribute them to people who were still alive. There was this active underground that the authorities were just allowing to exist. Because they existed, people had some hope and had some belief that something was being done. Ultimately, as Derek Link says in the film, those drugs didn’t do any good. Do you think ACT UP, TAG and other LGBT groups have gotten the recognition they deserve for the changes they helped to effect in AIDSrelated care? Not yet. When you think about it, this film is the first acknowledgement of that. People who have watched the film have left it saying, “[these activists] deserve a Nobel Prize”—their contributions were that fundamental that they really should be considered at that level.

Why did the documentary focus on the late Bob Rafsky’s activism in the fight against AIDS? Each of the characters that I focus on or follow, had one thing in common: they were AIDS treatment activists. But I selected individuals based on what role that they played in the organization. Bob was really like the prophet. He had the ability to contextualize the pandemic in a way that made others understand it. He was the kind of person who would go into these demonstrations, taking over offices, meeting with scientists. When everything broke down, he was the person who would pull up his pant leg and show his Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions and say. “Look, this is about death and not about politics and not about money and not about anything else.” And you see him developing throughout the course of ten years, you see the refinement of his oration. He’s like a rabbi. He was a stunning character, he really was. Can you say something about the late Arthur Russell’s music, which you used in “How to Survive a Plague?” Russell died of AIDS in the early 1990s. His music is really influential to a new generation of musicians and it was through that resurgence that I first

“Tour” de France

Rage Against the Machine

learned of his work. We made a plan, with his estate, to go into his recordings from late in his life, when he was very prolific, and see what he was doing, to see the world that he was seeing. Surprisingly, it was a very bright world. I thought it would be darker—as he was dying and he knew that he was dying— that he would have despaired and you’d see that in his music. But he didn’t, it’s full of beauty and life and power. He was recording these things in his apartment and we based the score on those ideas and themes that he was working on at the end of his life. What is next for you? I am currently working on a book, also about this period in New York. After that I want to see if I could find another documentary to work on.H

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The bigger goal of mine was to tell the other side of the story—of what those plague years were like. Anybody who had gone through it knew also that it was a time of incredible agency on the part of the community. There was a huge growth in power and knowledge and creativity. It’s a revolutionary impetus that changed the country. It changed

healthcare in America. It changed the role of gay people in America. It left this totally transformed country behind. I wanted to tell that part of the story. I understand why people hadn’t done it before, because there was so much suffering and we needed to honor that. I didn’t want to undermine that, but I wanted to be able to say, look a lot of good came from AIDS along with that awful tragedy.

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Hunter Vance Swings into Boardwalk

extra therapy session. For the less neurotic, relive your childhood dreams of running away to join the circus, and get ringside seats to see the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus. If anything it’s an opportunity to see people swing from a trapeze, and animals literally jump through hoops. 7 p.m. at the American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami).

FRIDAY, 1/18

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THE WEEK

Hunter Vance Swings into Boardwalk Gay adult star Hunter Vance kicks off the three-day MLK weekend with a bang, with two live shows nightly, through Saturday, January 19. At Boardwalk Bar (1721 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale).

Man, Dance!

The Week 1/16/2013 to 1/22/2013 BY GRANT JAMES Hunter Vance, at Boardwalk Bar, Fort Lauderdale

WEDNESDAY, 1/16

The Naked Magician Renowned magician Jack Stephens has performed for the Queen of England, and now he will perform his magic for the Queens of the Manors. Plus he’s got a British (by way of South Africa) accent! From 7 to 9 p.m., at The Naked Grape Wine and Tapas (2163 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors.)

Bears—The Russian Kind The Dome Restaurant and Lounge present Moskow Disko, an eveing of caviar, champagne, and musique with DJ Maximus 3000. Celebrate Glasnost ’til late, Comrade. (271 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables).

Mrs. Skrillex Skrillex had an impact on his ex, English singer Ellie Goulding, and you will find a couple nods to dubstep mixed in on her recent album, “Halcyon.” Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the self-taught singer up close. 8 p.m., at the Fillmore Miami Beach (1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach).

THURSDAY, 1/17

Coulrophobia—Fear of Clowns— Alert! The Circus Comes to Town If you have night terrors about Bozo, Clarabelle, and a certain French frywielded pitchman with red floppy shoes, you may want to squeeze in an

To have your event listed, please email editor@floridaagenda.com

DJ Herbie James hosts Man Dance at Ramrod. Squeeze into your Levis, leather, and uniforms and go, daddy, go. (1508 NE 4 Ave./ Wilton Dr., Fort Lauderdale).

Blood, Sweat and Mouseke-Tears Mouseketeers are known for their cheery demeanors. Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears (circa 1997 to 2003): all relatively happy people. Lindsey Alley is an exception, and she shares her acerbic take on all things Disney in a sarcastic, sassy standup act. Combined with musical numbers, the Lakeland, Floridaborn actress/singer gives her skewed, dark points of view a little life. 8 p.m., in the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (3385 NE 188 St., Aventura).

Oh, Really, O’Reilly? The highly rated Fox News Political Commentator tosses his pithiest analysis around at Hard Rock Live. The traditionalist host’s libertarian/conservative/sometimes-progressive style has made “The O’Reilly Factor” the most watched cable news program in America. (Sorry, Rush.) 8 p.m. at Hard Rock Live (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood).

Truly God’s Gift

Resistance is Futile: An Evening in Paradise

American ReggaeRock artist Matisyahu brings his acoustic charm back to the Magic City, following up on his sold out 2011 show. Armed with just a guitar, some beatboxing skills, and an additional guitarist, Matisyahu (a humble little Hebrew phrase meaning “Gift of God”) promises an intimate, memorable performance (like always). 8:30 Flamingo Fest 2013 p.m., in the AdriNatasha Paremski enne Arsht Center by “Fight Club” author for the Performing Arts (1300 Chuck Palahniuk. Starting next N. Biscayne Blvd., Miami). month, participants take turns choosing the title—the perfect opportunity to read something SUNDAY, 1/20 you might otherwise never pick up. 8 p.m. at Infinity Lounge (2184 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors).

The fundraiser for the Pride Center at Equality Park promises to mix philanthropy with fabulousness, with an incredible collection of auction items and an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and music, held in a Garden of Eden designed by Bobby Kyser of Panache Style. Proceeds also benefit the Island City Foundation. Tickets start at $100. Give in to temptation. From 7 to 11 p.m. at Richardson Historic Park Manor House (1937 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors).

Art Deco Weekend Celebrate Miami’s Art Deco heritage with the 2013 Art Deco Weekend in Miami Beach. From 9 AM to 10 PM, enjoy everything from art exhibits to live music. There will be antique shows, vendors, car shows, and even an array of films (“Some Like It Hot” being of course the most important). The classic charm is made possible by the Miami Design Preservation League. 9 AM. 1001 Ocean Drive. Miami Beach, 33139. hu

isya

Mat

We Need More Candles! Tiffany Arieagus Turns 30(ish)

Boardwalk Bar keeps MLK weekend pumping, with a celebration to honor President Obama’s inauguration and the 30-something birthday of drag legend Tiffany Arieagus! Complimentary drinks from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. (with invitation) and the sexiest dancers ever to blow on a birthday cake (1721 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale).

No Relation to LeVar Burton: Reading Rainbow

Do you like things that stand on one leg? This may be your only chance to attend an event to honor the stately pink(ish) flamingo. Honoring the colorful fowl, the festival is armed to the teeth with flamingo-themed art and sculptures by local artists, plus arts and crafts, food, musical performances, and much more. 9:30 a.m. at— where else?—Flamingo Gardens (3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie).

MONDAY, 1/21

Tennis, Anyone? Art Deco Open Finals Beginning January 18, the Miami Mavericks, Miami’s LGBT tennis organization, host the Art Deco Open on Key Biscayne. The event, held at Crandon Park (the home of the Sony Ericsson and the 5th Grand Slam), is considered the premier tournament

of the worldwide Gay and Lesbian Tennis Association (GLTA). The Art Deco Open, which runs through January 21, attracts players of all levels from around the world, representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Canada, as well as the U.S. At Crandon Park. (7300 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne).

TUESDAY, 1/22

Mondo Cani! Celebrate the Classics Italian violinist Roberto Cani took up his instrument at age seven (mind out of the gutter, you). The winner of the prestigious Paganini International Competition in Genoa, he has also taken top honors at the Courcillon Competition in France, the Jeunesses Musicales in Belgrade, and the Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. (And wait ’til you see his baby browns.) 8:15 p.m., in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW 5 Ave., Fort Lauderdale).

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The Reading Rainbow is like a Gay “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids:” If you’re not careful you may learn something before it’s done. (So let’s get ready, OK? Hey, hey, hey!) Part mixer/ part book club, come and engage in healthy conversation, with fun and education thrown in. Mingle and discuss the selection, this month to center on “Damned,”

One-Legged Wonders: Flamingo Fest 2013

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SATURDAY, 1/19

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TRAVEL

THAILAND, PART II Land of Smiles and “Ladyboys” By ROBERT ELIAS DEATON

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o understand how the mythical Siam of “Anna and the King” fame evolved into current-day Thailand, land of smiles and “ladyboys," requires a quick trip into history, and everywhere you look in this country of 70 million is teeming with the stuff. There have been enough invasions, political intrigues, and military coups to suit a country ten times the size of Thailand, which has quietly, and politely, absorbed it all. That is your first clue about Thai wisdom and culture. Do not make waves, and do not make judgments. Remember that this country is a kingdom and that the monarch—currently Bhumibol Adulyadej (or King Rama IX to you)—has been on the throne for nearly 67 years. As you can imagine, the long-sitting King is very popular and he’s always the primary reason that Thailand is so welcoming to gays. (A more accurate statement is that Thailand is welcoming to everyone, including

gays. And in particular Americans.) That development grew from a kernel that was planted during the Vietnam War when the King invited the U.S. to set up housekeeping along the beaches of Pattaya, where it established one of America’s largest foreign air bases. With the air base came the military, and with the military came—well, gays. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” may have been a long way off, but that didn’t keep the boys from being boys. In a heartbeat otherwise known as military “leave,” Pattaya became a lovers’ paradise. One hundred miles southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is worlds away, and the place to be if you’re thinking of experiencing gay Thailand. There are other nearly as exciting cities, of course, starting with Bangkok itself. However, the smog in the capital city is too thick for our taste, leaving us cravinga seaside breeze. While Chiang Mai with its walled city and moat has its admirers, its main claim

to fame is its legends of elephants that you can ride into the jungle. And there are those whose loyalty lies with the islands of Phuket and Koh Sumai, which are laid back and picturesque for sure. But for us, none can match the exotic beauty of Pattaya, both in terms of people and location. Now over 40 years after the Vietnam war, the Pattaya beach is no longer the pristine tropic paradise it once was. The gays, always ones to follow beauty, have simply shifted their beachhead, relocating to the Dongtan area of Jomtien Beach, a short Baht bus ride away from South Pattaya (Pattaya Tai). The blue Baht buses are the easiest means of inexpensive local travel. For 30 cents you can hop on one and go the mile and a half to Jomtien Beach, getting off just before the bus makes a sharp left at the Police Box. Walk back in the direction you were just traveling along the sand until you locate the Avalon Beach Resort.

Thailand: “Ladyboy” Gaga

Once here, settle in on a lounge chair (which will cost you all of a quarter), and watch the cute guys of Thailand on display and parading by . You’ll be joined by muscular Russians and Germans, tourists who are there for the same reasons you are. You’ll see them again at night back at the many bars in Pattaya, where you’ll notice the house dancers wearing numbers. If you like one you see, it will cost you a $10 “bar fine” to remove him from the place to take back to your room. Like we said, such is the sweet life in Thailand. Anna and the King would be proud. H

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HEALTH

AGING AND YOUR DIET

When three meals a day are no longer enough By ANDY KRESS

t is inevitable. Every day we remain alive, our bodies age. For most of us, that means wrinkles, some fat, and not so few degenerative diseases. Fortunately, many of these diseases can be prevented, if you take the necessary small steps to keep them at bay. Medical studies over the years have taught us that good nutrition is one of the best ways to prevent many of the debilitating and degenerative diseases that can plague us as we age, among them osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. Up to 50% of these diseases and others are caused by improper diet. Knowing these facts makes it imperative that we care about our day-to-day food intake, especially if we want to live a long and healthy life. Believe it or not, older people are the most malnourished of any group in America.This is mainly due to the dulling of the senses as we age. It begins with the sense of smell lessening, which

in turn causes our taste buds not to pick up as much flavor. Ultimately food becomes less appealing. Add in some difficulty chewing, heartburn, lactose intolerance, constipation and other digestive problems, and this eating stuff starts to become a real chore. Having fixed incomes or the sudden loss of a partner will also add to lessthan-proper nutrition.These situations do not have to be the death of us, especially since fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the most inexpensive items at the grocery store you can buy. During the aging process, muscle mass decreases, mainly due to disuse, and fatty tissue increases from a slowing metabolism.This means cutting back calories as we age gracefully.The average person must cut calories back 10% every decade after he turns 30 years old. People who fail to cut back their calories find that they can put quite a bit of weight on quickly. Extra weight means extra stress on the depleting joints,

putting you at risk for other health problems. Mobility of the joints gives us our independence, which is a big deal as we get older, even if it is just to walk to the grocery store. As your age increases, your bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to absorb and use vitamins and minerals decreases.This decrease means there must be an increase in supplementation if you are not eating a well balanced diet. Older people are more likely to need extra essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin E, zinc, potassium and fiber. A daily vitamin with 100% of these ingredients is optimal and most cost effective. As you age, eating will become more pleasurable if it is done at scheduled times, rather than snacking. Make your dinner plate more appealing with foods contrasting in taste,

texture, and color.Try setting the table with the good silver and china to make a meal more of an experience in fine dining. If you dislike eating alone, gather some friends around the table and make it more social. Do whatever it takes to make eating pleasurable. Along with your healthy diet, remember to drink plenty of water to wash it down and keep your digestive tract running smoothly. Proper hydration is as important as diet, especially if you take a lot of medications. In the time it took you to read this article, you just got a bit older! Remember these facts when it comes to eating and you will be a bit wiser, too..H

TARPON BEND FOOD & TACKLE

Always Fresh, Always Fun. By RICHARD DAVID CHAMBERLAIN

TARPON BEND FOOD & TACKLE 200 SW 2nd St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954-523-3233

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here’s a corner of downtown Fort Lauderdale that’s a magnet for young drunk straight boys and the girls that find them attractive. It’s right there for all to see at the intersection of Southwest 2nd Street (also called Himmarshee) and Southwest 2nd Avenue.There sits Tarpon Bend Food &Tackle, just as it has for over two decades. And the spectacle of boys behaving badly plays out each night like some comedy routine direct from realityTV. Earlier in the evening, this same restaurant/bar attracts the aging tourist crowd, even though it has no early bird dinners nor does it offer senior discounts.The wise and informed tourists-in-the-know come from miles around for the food, plain and simple, and if the bad boys were smarter and less inebriated, they would come for that reason too. It’s that good. Tarpon Bend is known for its burgers, with some seven versions listed on the menu, but an infinite number available via a “MakeYour Own” option at $1 per additional topping. Basically, you’re working off a deliciously juicy 10-ounce serving of premium ground beef, served on your choice of a toasted Challah roll or whole wheat bun. (Hint: The Challah is the way to go here.) When we’re in the mood for beef, try the Black & Blue Burger ($11.50) that mounds the 10-ouncer with blue cheese, caramelized onions, bacon, and sweet potato chips. It’s offered with your choice of fries, honey cider slaw (yes!) or redskinned potato salad in a serving that’s big enough for a cowboy (or queen). When fish is the ticket, we substitute the AsianTuna Burger ($11), a seared slab

of yellowfin that is served with a swat of wasabi mayo, caramelized onions, and pickled ginger. Served medium rare, this is a treat that should be savored, but more than likely you’ll chow it down—despite your best efforts at subtle consumption. That’s the only issue here atTarpon Bend.There’s a certain gusto about the place that evokes enthusiasm for life, occasioned either by the sudden cheer that accompanies a football play on the multiple flat-screenTVs, or a well-relayed joke laced with profanity and told just right with the resulting laughter. Burgers just seem to fit in with that play. Fortunately, there are excellent salad entrees here as well for those who take health and eating seriously.The Mediterranean Chopped Salad with Grilled Shrimp ($13.50) blends olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, chickpeas, a lettuce medley, and feta cheese, topped with grilled jumbo shrimp and heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil. Delicious! Or, don’t hesitate to try the Southwest ChickenTortilla Salad ($10) with its roasted corn, aged cheddar, crunchy tortilla strips and a wonderful adobo-marinated grilled chicken breast. When you want to splurge, there are a slew ofTarpon Specials served each night, including the house favorite CrabCrusted Mahi Mahi ($19).The crab is blue and zingy, thanks to the horseradish that gives it its POW! And on those cooler Florida winter nights, it’s a joy to warm your soul with the Sizzling Seafood Kettle ($20). It’s theTarpon Bend version of chowder, melding the traditional clam with mussels, shrimp, calamari and tilapia, in a light-as-spring tomato broth. Not cheap, but worth every penny. Tarpon Bend features two-for-one happy hours every day from 4-7 p.m., with extended hours on Friday until 10 p.m. and Saturday until 9, which helps to explain those young straight hunk drunks on the prowl. Make a point to say hi and tell them Agenda sent you.H

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DINING

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EMPLOYMENT

MARKETPLACE HOME IMPROVEMENT

RENT / LEASE

SMALL WILTON MANORS TAX AND ACCOUNTING FIRM HIRING A PERSON SKILLED IN TAX PREPARATION AND QUICKBOOKS. Tax skills must include personal, small business, corporate and partnerships. Must be highly skilled in all aspects of Quickbooks. The person we are looking for will have a positive demeanor, ability to be available 7 days a week, great people skills, highly competent with computers and normal office programs, and flexibility to work on tasks outside the tax and bookkeeping arena. We are offering a FIRM $10 an hour with the ability to earn more as skill level and competency is increased and demonstrated. Spanish as SECOND language is a plus. This is for a year round position with long term growth potential with the company. Apply via email ONLY to jeff@sterlingaccounting.com and include a resume with a cover letter stating your interest, understanding of the pay rate, and acknowledging your skills we are looking for or the application will be discarded.

DEREK’S 24-HR HANDYMAN SERVICE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND VACATION RENTAL - Introducing our new cabinet shop! For all your custom made cabinetrycountertops laminates. You must see our work, just ask our clients. All electrical to code, ANY & ALL plumbing work, Drywall finish work / repair. Crown/ baseboard proinstall, 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

APARTMENT FOR RENT. HOLLYWOOD. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom apartment. Cleaned and painted. Washer / Dryer. Private patio and yard. Off street parking. Quiet area. $850 per month. Sterling Realty Management phone: 954-990-0612

WILTON MANORS DUPLEX- 2/1 & 1/1! Private parking, CAC, W/D, terrazzo floors, fenced yard for your dog! great location! 2/1-$1499/mo. F/L/$500 Sec. Dep. 1/1-$800/mo. F/L/$500 Sec. Dep. Call (954)553-8616 jegaray@aol.com

COURTYARD CAFÉ - Now hiring Breakfast Cooks. Apply in person: 2211 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

SPIRITUALITY

ROOMATE/WILTON MANORS Private room w/private bed and all access. Non smoker prefered. Walk to Wilton Drive! $750/month includes everything. Call Jim (954) 563-3626 Sun-Thurs after 6pm. Fri/Sat anytime.

WILTON MANORS RUMORS BAR - Now hiring all positions. Emal resume to rumorsbarwm@yahoo.com

T H E PA R I S H O F S T S . F R A N C I S & C L A R E 101 NE 3RD STREET - just N 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

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 incl. Call Naim Naqi, Realtor RWSF Realty 954.565.2025.

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: 954.975.8660 www.elitemoving.com

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RED BOX MOVING -- OWNER IN TRUCK ON EVERY MOVE. CALL NORBERT DIRECTLY. Affordable, Reliable, Careful. MV#567/INSURED. (954)305-9176 or (561)5065540-www.redboxmoving.com

LICENSED MASSAGE RECESSION RELIEF - $40 per 90 MINS - Out Calls Higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, Specialty Back, Lower Body & Feet. Couples Discounts. Seniors Welcome. Delray Beach, 16 yrs Experience. MA18563 Dennis (561) 502-2628

WIG WILD INSPIRATIONAL & GATHERINGS Calling all Queens, Bears, Twinks, Guppies, Trannies, Fairies, Spiritualists, Yoga Folks, LGBTQ’s, Poets, Dancers, Actors and all our Straight Allies. WIG the Gay Empowerment/Spiritual Revival awaits you every Wed. 8PM at Boom - 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305, $10 Donation Call (954) 630-3556 Miami Herald, “The next generation’s spiritual Stonewall.”

FORT LAUDERDALE / DANIA BEACH 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom apartment. Clean, fenced yard, off street parking. $950 per month. Sterling Realty Management - phone: 954-990-0612 N.E. Ft. Lauderdale-Wilton Manor Area Large Efficiency, quiet complex, tile floors, newer a/c, and refrigerator, private patio, cable ready, pest control included. No pets please. $595 By appointment (954) 592-3772

WILTON MANORS 2/2 Tile floors, central heating & air, pool - clothing optional. 9 unit gay complex. Small dogs ok. One year lease $875.00 mo. 201 NW 25th St. 954-326-9096

OAKLAND PARK/NORTH ANDREWS GARDENS-3/2 CAC, Marble floors thru-out! Large fenced yard is perfect for your pets! New bathrooms. $1400/mo. F/L/$500 Sec. Dep. Call (954)553-8616 or email jegaray@aol.com

DUPLEX for Rent Very Charming, 600 sq. ft. Dishwasher, huge private backyard. Pets (with prior approval). $795.00 mo. 1st, last & security deposit required. Call 954-632-6662.

SERVICES TENOR SOLOIST AVAILABLE FOR - Special Occasions, Weddings, Singing Telegrams. ‘a voice of beautiful lyric quality’... praise from Metropolitan Opera tenor Nicolai Gedda. Tony Villecco (607) 727 3894 tvtenor@aol.com

Get Your Business Really Seen!

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EPIC NIGHT OUT? 1/31/13

1/31/13

PROVE IT.

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Get ‘sum

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