Florida Agenda #61 by Multi-Media Platforms

JANUARY 20, 2011 H ISSUE - 61 H FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

‘Glee’ star Chris Colfer wins Golden Globe. PAGE 21

Gay, heroic intern, Daniel Hernandez coping with fame. PAGE 18

Courtesy, Associated Press

Courtesy, Holamun2.com

THE STATEWIDE VOICE OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Newswire New hospital visitation regulations n Fort Lauderdale n Miami n Bay Area n Central Florida

n STOP & STARE:

New gallery about the history of HIV/AIDS is on display now at The Pride Center.

PAGE 2

Courtesy, istock.com

n WORTH THE WAIT:

A hot 'Top Chef' isn't the only thing to drool over at this Design District eatery.

PAGE 31

Courtesy, buddy.tv

n ON THE RUN: St. Pete

plays host to 9th Annual 10K/5K Suncoast Classic.

PAGE 25

Courtesy, blogspot.com

n SO GAY: The Advocate names Orlando one of the 'gayest' cities in America. Who knew?

PAGE 2

Courtesy, boardingarea.com

for LGBT families go into effect Move brought on by 2007 incident in Miami By CAMERON O’CONNOR New federal regulations regarding patients’ hospital visitation rights went effect Jan. 18 that require all hospitals participating in Medicaid and Medicare programs – virtually every hospital in the country – to permit patients to designate visitors of their choosing and prohibit discrimination in visitation based on a number of factors, including sexual orientation and gender identity. Moved by the tragic story of an LGBT family – Janice Langbehn, Lisa Pond and their children – who were kept apart as Lisa lay dying in a Miami hospital, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum in April 2010 directing the Department of Health and Human Services to develop regulations protecting hospital visitation rights. The president personally called Langbehn to express his concern and outrage over the situation, a move she

said was “blown away” by and a situation that Langbehn did not even expect the White House to react to. “Every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindnesses and caring of a loved one at their sides – whether in a sudden medical emergency or a prolonged hospital stay,” said Obama said after issuing the directive last year.”Uniquely affected are gay and lesbian Americans who are often barred from the bedsides of the partners with whom they may have spent decades of their lives – unable to be there for the person they love, and unable to act as a legal surrogate if their partner is incapacitated.” While the president’s order came in April, it was in 2007 that Pond died at Jackson, resulting in an unsuccessful lawsuit brought by Langbehn. The hospital has since changed their policies, and the word “family” now includes gay and lesbian couples. Langbehn and Pond had been together for 17 years when Pond collapsed on aboard the Norwegian Jewel from a brain aneurysm. The couple, along with their three adopted children, were about to set sail

Courtesy, blogger.com

President Obama personally called Janice Langbehn (above) to express his concern and outrage over the situation. from Miami as part of a R Family Vacations Cruise, which was founded by Rosie O’Donnell and her partner Kelli. “LGBT people experience discrimination in many aspects of their lives, but it is perhaps at its worst during times of

See VISITATION on Page 9

Canada celebrates a decade of same-sex marriage By DMITRY RASHNITSOV In the past 10 years, only five states in the U.S. have been able to enact laws allowing gays and lesbians to have civil unions. Another six states have domestic partnerships similar to civil unions and another three states have other types of recognition which give committed samesex couples some sort of rights. What all of these arrangements lack is the full benefits that legalized marriage give to couples. So while they be the brunt of many jokes, America’s neighbor to the North, Canada, has one thing that this country does not nor will have in the near

future: the ability to marry freely. On Jan. 14, Canada celebrated the 10year anniversary of the first day that two same-sex couples tied the knot as an entire country watched and hoped that this would not be a road to disaster. Joe Varnell and Kevin Bourassa, along with Anne and Elaine Vautour, were the first same-sex couples to be married in Toronto at Riverdale's Metropolitan Community Church on Jan. 14, 2001. "I had no idea how huge this was going to be for so many people. It made a huge difference in the world," said Anne Vautour.

See CANADA on Page 9

Courtesy, feministlawprofs.law.sc.edu

This week Canada celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the first day that two same-sex couples tied the knot as an entire country.

JANUARY 20, 2011

news Advocate names Orlando the fourth ‘gayest’ city ORLANDO – Advocate magazine has released its second annual list of America’s “gayest cities,” and this year Orlando ranks No. 4. The list, while not scientific but still accurate, details where gays are living, loving, voting, and creating communities. “Everyone knows that many Disney employees are friends of Dorothy. But now Orlando itself is coming out as a hot spot for gay and lesbian life and a hotbed of progressive attitudes,” stated the Advocate regarding Orlando. “Last November, when Orange County leaders voted 6-1 to add sexual orientation protections to the private-sector antidiscrimination law, not a single resident or religious organization opposed it.” While Tampa and Fort Lauderdale failed to make the list, Miami came in at No. 15. The gayest city in America, according to the magazine, is Minneapolis, Minn. The Advocate states that “People here are nononsense, practical, and don’t deal well with hypocrites.”H

Roe v. 38th Anniversary Celebration CORAL GABLES – Planned Parenthood CEO Lillian Tamayo and Pro-Choice League Founder Bill Baird will be the speakers at Celebrate Choices, a celebration of the 38th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Globe Café, 377 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables. A $20 donation includes appetizers and a cash bar. To RSVP, call (786) 594-4741 or email mayte.canino@ppsoflo.org. Donations can be paid at the door in advance at www.ppsoflo.org.H

Equality Florida to host Equality Friends, Family and Allies Dinner MIAMI BEACH – Equality Florida will host its first-ever Equality Friends, Family and Allies Dinner from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Asia de Cuba at The Mondrian, 1100 W. Ave., Miami Beach. The event, which benefits Equality Florida, includes a three-course meal paired with cocktails and wines. The cost is $95, and tickets can be purchased at www.eqfl.org.H

Pride Center hosts ‘The History of HIV/AIDS’ gallery WILTON MANORS – The LATINPRIDE Gallery presents “The History of HIV/AIDS 1980-2010,” now through Jan. 31 at The Pride Center at Equality Park, Room 200, 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. The gallery, by Steve Stagon, features 50 framed info-pictures and posters that tell the story of HIV/AIDS in chronological order through newspaper articles, symbols and famous people who put a face to the disease. For more information, call (954) 463-9005.H

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

ACLU to host free events catered to gay and lesbian families KEY WEST – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida will host two free events in Key West catered toward gay and lesbian families. These events are as follows: Film screening and Q&A of “In Anita’s Wake: The Irrational War on Florida’s Gay Families,” on Friday, Jan. 21 from 2 p.m. to 4p.m. The film is a documentary detailing the history of Florida’s adoption ban and the efforts to overturn it. On Saturday, Jan. 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., the ACLU will present GLAAD Speakers Training on Florida’s Adoption Ban. Learn from the media experts at GLAAD about the adoption ban and how to talk about it effectively in order to preserve this victory for Florida families. Both events will take place at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Key West, 801 Georgia St. To register, visit www.aclufl.org.H

SAVE Dade and FIU host LGBTQ film discussion series MIAMI BEACH – Exploring issues of spirituality and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) identity, this film and facilitated discussion series will focus on the journey for visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ individuals within religious communities throughout the world. Through soul-searching stories of deep conviction, people of all faiths can understand the struggles of LGBTQ peoples as those of valued members of a rich and diverse human community. The series will be presented the last Sunday of the month in January, February, and March at 2 p.m. at the Wolfsonian-FIU Auditorium, 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. Each film is followed by a moderated discussion and reception. Admission to each film and reception is free, but reservations are required by contacting Lydia Lopez at (305) 535-2644 or e-mail lydia@thewolf.fiu.edu. For more information about the films, visit www.savedade.org.H

Winter Party hosts auditions for dancers MIAMI – This is definitely not your mother’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” Winter Party Festival – the hottest winter in the World – is on the hunt for the hottest dancers in South Florida to become official WPF dancers. Impress the judges, and dancers with the right assets will be selected to strut their stuff in front of thousands of revelers during Winter Party Festival events, March 2 – 7. Interested? Go-go to Score Bar, 727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, on Jan. 22, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Bring a sexy outfit, a photo … and a smile. To RSVP for an audition, send an email to richard.wpf@gmail.com. Timid types need not apply.H

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

North Carolina Congressmen wants to balance budget by cutting AIDS Funding

State Rep Larry Brown

Courtesy, Winston-Salem Journal

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – North Carolina State Rep. Larry Brown must have missed that memo that nearly half of all people infected with the HIV virus in the United States in 2010 are heterosexual, according to the Centers for Disease Control, because if it were up to him, he would stop giving money to adults with HIV/AIDS because he does not approve of the way they live. "I'm not opposed to helping a child born with HIV or something, but I don't condone spending taxpayers' money to help people living in perverted lifestyles," said Brown, a former U.S. postal service employee who apparently has delivered one too many Playgirl magazines while on the job. Brown has referred to gay people in the past as “fruit loops” and liberally used the word “faggot” in correspondence with colleagues. Brown refused to divulge what type of behavior he considers perverted but he was very clear that he also wants to write a constitutional amendment into North Carolina’s statutes limiting marriage to a union between one man and one woman. LGBT groups immediately condemned Brown’s statements. “Rep. Brown’s ill-informed comments are not only hateful rhetoric, but they are also extremely dangerous,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Hysterical, judgmental and inaccurate statements like Brown’s create an environment that prevents many from getting tested and seeking treatment, thereby furthering the spread of HIV and AIDS. Larry Brown’s conduct reflects poorly on his constituents and other elected officials. The people of North Carolina deserve better.” According to AVERT, more than 30,000 people in North Carolina are currently living with HIV or AIDS. H

news First GLBT history museum opens in San Francisco NEW YORK – Fort Lauderdale may have the Stonewall Library and Archives, but San Francisco now claims the first-ever museum in the United States that is dedicated to LGBT history. The GLBT History Museum opened at 4127 18th St., in the heart of the Castro district, the gay and lesbian part of San Francisco made famous by Harvey Milk. The museum includes 1,600 square feet of gallery and program space built to the specifications of the Historical Society, with custom fixtures, lighting and multimedia installations reflecting professional standards. The museum features two debut exhibitions: In the main gallery, "Our Vast Queer Past: Celebrating GLBT History," curated by historians Gerard Koskovich, Don Romesburg and Amy Sueyoshi; and in the front gallery, "Great Collections of the GLBT Historical Society Archives." “A quarter century after the founding of the GLBT Historical Society, we’re proud to open a museum to showcase our community’s history,” said Paul Boneberg, executive director of the Historical Society. “The GLBT History Museum is in the heart of the Castro, a neighborhood visited not only by locals, but also by tens of thousands of tourists every year who come in search of queer culture. At our museum, they’ll discover treasures from our archives that reflect fascinating stories spanning nearly a century of GLBT life. We have gone all out to create a museum as rich, diverse and surprising as the GLBT community itself. Whether they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or straight, visitors are sure to be moved, enlightened and entertained.” The GLBT History Museum joins the Schwules Museum, the queer museum founded 25 years ago in Berlin, as one of only two stand-alone, full-scale museums devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. A number of other LGBT archives and libraries also offer periodic exhibitions in the same location as their research collections or in space borrowed on an occasional basis from other organizations.H

Gay couple denied hotel room; owners fined LONDON – A Christian couple in southern England has been fined by British judge for refusing to allow a gay couple to use a room at their hotel. According to Judge Andrew Rutherford, Peter and Hazelmary Bull, who own the hotel in question, broke the law when they turned away Martyn Hall and his partner Steven Preddy in 2008 Bull and his wife cited religious objections, but insisted their policy was not solely aimed at homosexuals but all unmarried couples. Equality campaigners condemned the Bulls' decision. As a result of the ruling, Hall and Preddy were awarded 1,800 pounds (about $2,900) each in damages.H

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

news

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Palace Bar in SOBE launches web-based reality show With unemployment near 10 percent all over the country, a Miami gay bar is offering a one year job to one lucky person who doesn’t mind competing for the prize in an online reality show. The Palace bar on Miami Beach is launching Palace Boys, a new web-based reality show that will feature six contestants over four months competing in challenges to become the newest bartender at the Palace, a 6-month stint that will yield the winner a $3,000 prize and an electric bicycle to get around town. The show is not just eight cameras in the dorm-style housing and at work, but the contestants will be completely interactive. They’ll be using social media, keeping a blog, providing video updates and even recording each other. Viewers will also be able to upload video questions and comments, and even chat live with their favorite contestants. The rules are: • You must be 21 or older to participate. • Willing to relocate to South Beach for four months.

• The final six participants must be willing to relocate to South Beach for six months. • Must be willing to live dormitory-style with other contestants. • The six finalists will be living together and must be willing to be filmed 24/7. • You will be expected to work at the Palace Bar for 35-40 hours per week. • You will contribute to monthly rent. • Participants must be willing to take part in “challenges.” • You will utilize various social media to interact with the viewing audience. On Feb. 12, the entrants will be whittled down to six finalists, who will continue to work hard and party hard. On Saturday, April 16, the six finalists will grace the Palace Bar float for the fabulous Miami Beach Gay Pride, where they will be able to strut their stuff in front of tens of thousands of people, working the crowd to get more votes. Palace Boy 2011 will be announced on April 30. For more information visit: www.PalaceBoys.com.H

Banks compete for Florida LGBT investment dollars By DMITRY RASHNITSOV It only took them 112 years, but some of the largest financial institutions in the nation are targeting gay and lesbians with marketing geared toward investments and returns for families, both in the long and short term. Recently, Northern Trust, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo have all put out directives from the top of management to court the non-traditional families’ money. "There is a large LGBT marketplace there," said John McGowan, a longtime Northern Trust banker, to the Miami Herald’s Steve Rothaus. "Florida has very few laws that protect same-sex couples. It's a matter of making clients aware of estate and legal documents that need to be in place to protect the relationship, the family." Northern Trust launched a website dedicated to ‘Custom Solutions for LGBT and Non-Traditional Families.’ “We understand the financial and estate planning challenges you face as an LGBT individual or same-sex couple, and we have

the expertise to help you and your loved ones navigate them,” boasts Northern Trusts website. Since Federal Law does not recognize same-sex marriages, unions or anything similar, it’s important for gay and lesbian couples to create proper paperwork naming each other as power of attorneys and leaving wills so that the government can’t swoop in and decide the fate of mutual property or holdings. "Northern Trust recognizes the definition of family has evolved," McGowan said. "We have been helping LGBT clients develop wealth management strategies for decades and have the experience to deal with unique legal, tax and wealth transfer challenges. The creation of this group will help ensure our strategic focus will be executed more broadly across our network." As recently as last year, Galileo Capital Management launched an investment vehicle focused on the LGBT community. Galileo was raising capital to investment in LGBT owned and operated businesses that needed help getting off the ground and expanding.H

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

news

LGBT families have hospital visitation rights VISITATION continued from Page 1 crisis,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We thank President Obama and HHS Secretary Sebelius for recognizing the hardships LGBT people face and taking this important step toward ensuring that no one will be turned away from a partner’s hospital bedside again.” Pond and Langbehn were taking their family on a cruise out of the port of Miami when Pond felt ill and collapsed. She was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where she died with no comfort from Langbehn, even though the lesbian couple had all their papers in order that gave each other power of attorney. According to Langbehn’s website, JaniceLangbehn.com, she has spent the last three years fighting for the hospital to release Pond’s records from the day of her admission and they refuse. A judge ruled that Jackson Memorial did

nothing wrong and does not need to release the records, however the same judge said, “the treatment [the] family received was unbecoming for a respected facility such as Jackson Memorial Hospital.” Since the tragedy, Langbehn does not give many interviews, but is a constant publisher of her blog and likes to refer to herself as an accidental activist. “I know I will never hear ‘I’m sorry’ from Jackson Memorial Hospital,” Langbehn wrote, “but I can hope that one day the top administrators can acknowledge how horribly they treated Lisa, our kids and me. A Personal “thanks” to all of the organizations and individuals who made this day possible. A special thanks to my family and friends who stood by my side when change seemed impossible. Now … exactly one month shy of the four year anniversary of this tragedy, I can proudly say we did it! I am grateful beyond words.” H

U.S. still laggin behind its neighbor to the north CANADA continued from Page 1 Elaine remembered her wedding day with mixed emotions. "It was huge, and it was a little bit scary, because they brought us to the church in an armoured vehicle – but it was exciting," Elaine said. The Rev. Brent Hawkes married the two despite protests and death threats. He wore a bullet-proof vest at the ceremony and was under police protection during that time. "There were 50 police outside, searching people as they came into the building. It was all so terrifying. The night before, I called my family and told them, 'I love you. If anything happens to me, I love you,'" Hawkes recalled. The gentlemen also remember quite the tense moments leading up to their nuptials. “We said goodbye to people, we told them we loved them,” said Bourassa, now 52. “We were told we were under threat. The last words police officers said to us as we went down the aisle was, ‘If you hear a shot don’t move, somebody will move you, just stand still.’ We were told if a shot was going to come it would most likely be when we signed the papers because they’d try to stop us from signing.”

According to the latest Canadian census, there are at least 7,500 married samesex couples in Canada. Even with 10 years of history and the world not coming to an end, some Canadians have to continue to fight for their legal right to get married. Saskatchewan's top court said marriage commissioners cannot use religion to say "no" to nuptials for same-sex couples. The Appeal Court had been asked by the government to rule on a proposed provincial law that would have allowed commissioners to cite religious grounds in refusing to marry gay men or lesbians. The issue arose when Commissioner Orville Nichols, a devout Baptist, refused to marry a gay couple in 2005. "We know our government is behind us. We know in terms of the Charter, Canada is behind us," said Bourassa. "I hope other people never have to get married under those circumstances, but we really do believe it was worth it." The Vatours, Varnell and Bourassa joined 50 other couples in an anniversary party in Toronto to commemorate the occasion. For these decade old couples, it really is just about the simplest things. "I just want Anne to know my love for her is stronger than it was 10 years ago," Elaine said. H

Courtesy, Rene Johnston-Toronto Star

Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell (l to r) were among the first same-sex couples to be married in Toronto.

JANUARY 20, 2011

opinion

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Do words matter to Debbie Wasserman Schultz? By NICK STONE, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE SUNSHINE GAY REPUBLICANS As news came of the tragic shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), friends and colleagues rightly offered condolences and praise for the popular politico. Particularly close friend and ally Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.) issued a statement from her home district about the terrible event, where several bystanders were also killed or maimed. The representative urged Congress to tone down political rhetoric in the wake of the tragedy and notably expounded that "words matter." But do words matter to Debbie Wasserman-Schultz? That proclamation is particularly amusing from Wasserman-Schultz, who is known for her own highly partisan rhetoric. While famous for being dangerously out of touch, Wasserman-Schultz has proven a penchant for keeping a straight face while telling bald faced lies. She declared that the American people were feeling good about the state of our economy while the unemployment rate soared. She also claimed on national television that the Obama economic plan would create more jobs in one year than President Bush had in eight. Of course, that did not pan out to be true. So do words matter to WassermanSchultz, or any other liberal activist for

that matter? Her party could hardly have more blood on their hands on matters of provocation of violence for political gain.

Courtesy, wassermanshultz.house.gov

Last year when psychopath James Jay Lee held hostages at the Discovery Channel, the left immediately blamed Tea Party rhetoric and so-called Right Wing Extremists for his actions. Just one problem: It turned out that Lee was an enviro-terrorist, left-wing nut job … one of their own. OOPS! Whether it’s liberal activist Jim Jones psyching people into drinking kool-aid on his compound or Barack Obama's friends Bernadette Dorn and William Ayers wishing they had “done more” to wreak havoc on America, Left Wing extremism has run amok in our society for generations. We might fondly remember the cuddly characters that rioted in the streets of Chicago in 1968, the San Francisco Democrat that shot Harvey Milk, or even the psycho mass murderer (and close friend to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter) John Wayne Gacy. Indeed liberals and violence go together like milk and cookies. Saul Alinski would be proud. Perhaps Wasserman-Schultz will turn over a new leaf and urge her own party to refrain from soaring, lofty, violent rhetoric. If so, she deserves our praise. But if she utters the words “teabagger” or “rightwing extremist” to tie one psychopath to a peaceful and purely American movement for her own hyper-partisan opportunism, then she has a place secure in the darkest pits of Hell.H

FOUNDER MULTIMEDIA PLATFORMS BOBBY BLAIR - CEO / MANAGING PARTNER

PUBLISHER KEVIN HOPPER

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief JEREMY JONES News Editor DMITRY RASHNITSOV Staff Writer BOB KESCKEMETY Contributers: KEVIN MILLER, JAMES MICHAELS, WAYMON HUDSON, WARREN DAY, SAM KNEW Photographer STEPHEN R. LANG/MADPAPARAZZI.COM

PRODUCTION Creative Director DENNIS DEAN Production Manager JONATHAN BUGG

ADMINISTRATIVE President for Business Development CLIFF DUNN General Manager JAMIE FORSYTHE Administrator SEAN UTHE

SALES & MARKETING Brand Managers: BRAD CASEY - REAL ESTATE bradc@jumponmarkslist.com - 954-554-4912 KEITH CHAMLEE - CENTRAL/BAY AREA keithc@jumponmarkslist.com - 954-465-1563 KEN FRITZ - BARS & NIGHTLIFE kenf@jumponmarkslist.com - 954-599-0124 CLASSIFIEDS classifieds@jumponmarkslist.com - 954-903-4781 National Ad Representative RIVENDELL MEDIA: 212-242-6863

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ FOUNDER OF MARKSLIST

Stock’s early gains nothing more than a tease By GENE INGER Though I was among the very few who predicted the liquidity and credit crisis, as well as it morphing into an “epic debacle” in 2007 just before the highs; the rebound of the past year has been so persistently controlled that valuations are extended once again. That might mean that those feeling overly comfortable about the rally, and just taking-off for the gay cruises or other venues, might feel the expense more than they think if equity valuations behave in the weeks ahead as we are projected fairly likely. If one had to define the greatest risk, it’s probably not the fed’s “thread the needle” or impossible resistance against budget cutting by Congress that shapes this New Year. Rather, it’s the overall debts, deficits, toxic assets that aren’t yet unwound, and what, for sure, is a looming crisis involving two things: the states and localities that have no means of funding their shortfalls; and evidence that what has been a (Goldman Sachs) follow the leader spin about absurd earnings levels and multiples in the next year, means that a “reversion to the mean” is going to take place. Even if conventional wisdom is right about the third year of a presidential cycle being in the upward direction, that doesn’t mean volatility fails periodically appearing prior to a further upward effort. If during such volatility geopolitical events (terror, nuclear war in the case of North Korea or Iranian-sparked surrogate attacks) or anything else, then of course the nascent recovery will capitulate with the stock

market. Gold won’t drop terribly far after the hype phase ended as expected. All of this brings up another issue that is tantamount to 2011: if China and others are busy accumulating gold on concessions, and China and Russia are trading now with their own currencies instead of the dollar, what happens if they are not participants in size at our refunding treasury Auctions? Much of our debt was foolishly rolled-over in the past year with short-to-intermediate duration paper. As the Fed only controls the “funds” rate, they can do little to prevent higher rates. Thus, that alone exponentially will increase US debt/deficit levels, because of the higher interest to be paid on the nation’s debt. It will do so regardless of Congressional Budget trimming or new citizen demands. What we enter isn’t the inflation people talk of, nor the deflation we rightly forecast in 2007; but it can become sort of a “hyperstagflation,” where prices for necessities in life rise persistently over time (gasoline, food, utility rates, taxes where they can get them, while pretending not to be making it tougher for citizens). It also means concurrent low-to-moderate wages against a background of higher daily-living expenditures. It is a toxic combination that is very hard for a government that hates cutting government, to address. As government workers on a federal, state or local basis are laid-off, the unemployment rate worsens. This, along with continued malaise in housing in most areas, and lack of trade policies that make sense, leave a treacherous investment climate.

What to invest in for this intractable “new normal” situation that polarizes our Nation? We hate picking single stocks, not because it’s silly, but because it’s not diversified. You can take an ETF and look at the best stocks in that ETF and cull them out for an individual investment. We did that by emphasizing Chevron (NYSE: CVX) last year on the pullback, and a small stock that doubled since mentioning: Western Refining (NYSE: WNR). We speculated in Pure Bioscience (NASDAQ: PURE); a tiny but potentially disruptive antibacterial play, that has just gotten clearance from the EPA for “food processing contact use” as well as a unique marketing deal with a Dallas firm that formerly did the largest LBO ever (Mary Kaye cosmetics) and with a head of that operation who was Avon’s largest shareholder at one time. So after the two years of frustration, we suspect an inflection point is finally coming in 2011-’12. Then there’s another still depressed stock that merits a look; one that earned me the nickname of “Mr. Micron” back in the ’90s. Since Micron has about $3 billion cash, and is in overall stable condition, I think it’s relatively undervalued in the 78 range. So if we have to pick a stock to add to the ones we’ve mentioned earlier in this yearly review, let’s make it Micron Technology (Nasdaq: MU). This is not a year to be delusional, pretentious or over-the-top superficially fabulous. If that can be done affordably it’s fine; but nobody should be using credit for anything, and debt should be eliminated.H

MARK HAINES

DISPLAY AD DEADLINES: Placement by Fridays, 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@jumponmarkslist.com by fax to 954-566-7900 or by regular mail to the Agenda office, attn: Letters/Commentary.

MAIN OFFICE/ SALES & CLASSIFIEDS: 2157 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone 954-903-4771 • Tollfree 866-579-1511 Fax 954-607-5712 • Tollfree Fax 866-559-1590 editor@jumponmarkslist.com, www.jumponmarkslist.com www.floridaagenda.com

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

opinion

Who Knew? “Oral” Hygiene

By SAM KNEW, MSW You may know that water can keep you hydrated, clear up your skin, manage your weight – but who knew it can also help prevent the spread of diseases? It’s true, especially by replacing alcoholic beverages (like girl's night-out martinis) and even some household hygiene products with it. Liquids containing alcohol, such as mixed cocktails, wines and beers can break down the protective membrane in your mouth that can actually help prevent germs, diseases and infections from entering your blood stream orally. In addition, alcohol can also agitate and/or re-open previous cuts and sores in the mouth, again allowing germs and toxins into your body. So what are we worried about here, a renegade airborne toxin finding its way into your body through your mouth? Not quite. But it is more likely to occur during, and yes, even after acts of oral sex. That protective membrane (a.k.a. oral mucosa), or in less nerdy terms, the slimy lining of

your mouth, is one of your bodies built-in defenses. But it’s not just what your drinking that compromises it. It might surprise you to know how many individuals instinctually rinse with mouthwash after performing oral sex. But be aware that most mouthwashes have an alcohol level of 6.6 percent to 26.9 percent ... that could be almost four times as much as a bottle of beer or a glass of wine. I’m sure by now you know what the alternative should be. But for those of you that need it spelled out: H2O. That’s right, good ‘ole fashioned water – from the tap or from the bottle, your choice. Water, unlike alcohol, will not dry out your protective oral barrier. However, there are other threats to your mouth’s natural built in defense system. Flossing can create openings along the gum line. The same is true of brushing. The professionals can’t seem to agree on how long exactly one should avoid these activities. However, the general span is anywhere between 30 minutes to four hours before and after sexual activity.

The risk of contracting HIV/AIDS through oral sex is low, yet not low enough to be ignored or compounded with additional risky behaviors. It should also be noted that diseases such as herpes, gonor-

JANUARY 20, 2011

rhea, hepatitis B and syphilis have an equal or greater risk of being contracted orally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a case study in Chicago linking 13.7 percent of syphilis cases being contracted orally. The CDC also reported that if you are infected with another STD you are “three to five times more likely to pass HIV to someone else than if you don't have another STD.” However, we also shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the idea of airborn toxins as mentioned previously. There are other less serious viral infections that enter our body orally. From the common cold to influenza and other respiratory viruses, most tend to first enter our blood stream through the mouth. Although this transmission may be as unintentional as inhaling the particles of an infected person’s sneeze or cough or placing a contaminated hand to your mouth, the threat affects 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans each year. Additionally, 200,000 individuals are hospitalized every year with flu related complications. As a preventative, the CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water often – so, once again, H2O to the rescue.H

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

recipe

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

jean’s kitchen

Pork chops Canadian style By JEAN DOHERTY/LE PATIO Aboriginal peoples living in the northeastern part of North America were the first people known to have produced maple syrup and maple sugar. According to their oral traditions, as well as archaeological evidence, maple tree sap, which they called “sweet water” or “Sinzibuckwud” (drawn from trees) was being processed for its sugar content long before Europeans arrived in the region. There are no authenticated accounts of maple syrup production and consumption among early aboriginal groups. Various legends exist as to the origins of maple syrup production; one of the most popular involves maple sap being used to cook venison served to a chief. Many aboriginal dishes replaced the salt traditional in Europe with maple sugar or syrup. This is a traditional Canadian recipe.

INGREDIENTS – 6 thick cut pork chops

3 golden apples 3 tablespoons of Canadian maple syrup 3 tablespoons heavy cream A handful of sultanas Salt and pepper A pinch of nutmeg Vegetable oil and butter About half-an-hour before cooking your chops, take them out of the fridge and season them well. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a cast iron pot, heat up a knob of butter along with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. When it becomes a nice golden color, sear your chops for three minutes, on both sides. Peel, core and halve your apples. Brush them with some lemon juice (to avoid that they oxidize). Place an apple half on each pork chop and coat them with maple syrup. Pour the cream around the chops and sprinkle with the sultanas. Season well with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook in the oven for 40 minutes. That’s it! You are a chef.H

Courtesy, followmefoodie.com

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

JANUARY 20, 2011

news

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Gay, heroic intern coping with fame Daniel Hernandez trying to go about his life, but spotlight is bright By DMITRY RASHNITSOV Two weeks ago, Daniel Hernandez blended into the 35,000 thousand students that attend the University of Arizona. Now he is a hero who receives applause from his fellow classmates and neighbors and taking meetings of congratulations from President Barack Obama. Hernandez’s actions helped save the life of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords after she was shot in the head during a bloody rampage that left six dead and dozens others wounded in a Safeway parking lot in Tucson, Ariz. Giffords is currently recovering from her wounds at University Medical Center in Tucson, and doctors say she is fighting and making progress everyday. Her status has been upgraded from critical to serious. "It's really hard to describe how much better I feel and just knowing she's been a fighter," Hernandez said. "I can't say I'm surprised that something miraculous happened, but still, it sends chills down your spine." Hernandez held Giffords’ hand and tended to her wounds until paramedics arrived. He had interned for the congresswoman for all of five days prior to the shooting. When President Barack Obama came to

Tucson for the memorial service for the fallen victims, Hernandez sat next to him on stage for the live televised event. Almost as many people wanted to shake Hernandez’s hand as they did of the president’s. Hernandez said the whole event still seems unreal. He can't even remember exactly what he said Wednesday night. "I ended up throwing away the speech I was going to be giving moments before I went up on stage. I think it's really disingenuous to be doing anything other than speaking from the heart." The 20-year-old has given more than 200 local and national interviews in the past two weeks, but is really trying to get back to a sense of normalcy for himself and his family. "My main focus is making sure I can get back to school, make sure no matter what I do I finish up for my degree," Hernandez said. "I keep saying I don't want the attention. If that makes sense to anyone but me. It's just really hard to bal- Daniel Hernandez

Courtesy, holamun2.com

ance right now." Prior to the shooting, Hernandez was a strong fighter for LGBT equality. He was appointed as a commissioner at large to the City of Tucson Commission on Gay, Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Issues. He plans to help the organization with education outreach on issues such as bullying. C. Michael Woodward, co-chair of the commission, said Hernandez had a resume bigger than some candidates twice his age. "It was pretty clear he was a mover and a shaker long before any of this happened," Woodward said. "The real heroes are the ones who dedicate themselves to public service, but that's what he's planning to do anyway. He just got his hero badge early." Hernandez’s family has also been stunned by how much his life has changed. "I still see him and I think he's so normal," said Alma Hernandez. "I find it awkward that people see him as a celebrity type. Little kids look up to him. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it. It's just weird." H

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

films

GLAAD congratulates 2011 Golden Globe LGBT winners, nominees The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, congratulated the LGBT winners and nominees of the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards. "Gay and lesbian actors, characters and storylines are not only helping build support for full equality, but are also generating unprecedented box office success and critical acclaim," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "Last night's Golden Globe winners and nominees are a testament to the increased support for our community among everyday Americans and exemplify a new entertainment industry standard that is more inclusive than ever before. GLAAD congratulates yesterday's LGBT nominees and winners."

Among the LGBT and LGBT-inclusive Golden Globe winners: • Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Chris

Colfer (“Glee”) • Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Jane Lynch (“Glee”) • Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical, “Glee” • Best Motion Picture, “The Kids Are All Right” • Best Original Song - Motion Picture, “Burlesque” • Best Television Series – Drama, “Boardwalk Empire” Actress Annette Bening also won in the Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical category for her portrayal of lesbian mom Nic in “The Kids Are All Right.” The LGBT-inclusive hit series “Glee” received the GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Comedy Series category in 2010.

Among the LGBT and LGBT-inclusive Golden Globe nominees: • Best Performance by an Actress in a

Chris Colfer

JANUARY 20, 2011

Courtesy, Associated Press

The Kids are All Right

Motion Picture - Comedy Or Musical, Julianne Moore (“The Kids Are All Right”) [Moore received the Excellence in Media Award at the 15th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 2004.] • Best Television Series – Drama, “The Good Wife” • Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical, “Modern Family” • Best Original Song - Motion Picture, “Burlesque” • Best Screenplay - Motion Picture, Stuart Blumberg, Lisa Cholodenko (“The Kids Are All Right”) An especially poignant moment came when openly gay actor Chris Colfer took a stand against anti-LGBT bullying while accepting his Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. "Most importantly, to all the amazing kids that watch our show and the kids that our show celebrates, who are constantly told 'no' by the people in their environments, by bullies at school that they can't be who they are or have what they want because of who they are. Well, screw that,

Courtesy, filmpilgrim.com

kids," Colfer said. The Golden Globes come just days before nominees are announced for the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives. Those nominees are set to be announced Thursday, Jan. 20. A complete list of GLAAD Media Awards Nominees will be available at www.glaad.org/mediaawards

About GLAAD The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.orgH

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

theatre

JANUARY 20, 2011

“The Killing of Sister George” A pioneering gay play receives a stellar production By WARREN DAY Simply put, this comedy/drama is the best directed and the best acted production that’s been my pleasure to see at the Rising Action Theater, a very worthwhile evening for gay men as much as it's for lesbians, and also for straights who enjoy good and provocative live theater. “The Killing of Sister George” opened on Broadway in 1966 after premiering in London in 1964. It wasn't the first mainstream play to deal with lesbians ("The Children's Hour" by Lillian Hellman appeared in 1934), but it was the first to feature a lesbian couple as its main characters. Along with "The Boys in the Band," which opened two years later, it marked the beginning of homosexuality coming out of the closet as far as theater and film were concerned. Sister George is a major character in a popular British radio series, not a nun, but what the English call a District Nurse. She's kind, considerate, always putting other people's needs above her own, and a representative of traditional village values in the mid-20th century. But she's played by an actress who in real life is a cigar-smoking, gin-swilling, somewhat sadistic, butch lesbian who's in a panic they're going to kill off her character. The 50-ish actress lives in a flat with her much younger partner Childie, whose nickname reflects that she's indeed a child-woman who still plays with dolls. Into their lives comes a BBC program executive of dubious sexuality, who looks and acts like the wicked queen from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Hell and hilarity ensue. If you've seen the 1968 film version, take note that the original play is a lot different, more a farce than a melodrama, less salacious and sensation seeking, more interested in the funny quirks of human behavior as a whole rather than lesbians as some kind of fringe group. In

fact, the word lesbian is never uttered. Frank Marcus, the playwright, is concerned with issues that face many if not most people: being one person at work and quite another at home (every closeted professional knows how this feels), iden-

older/younger relationship, and how bureaucrats can wreck havoc in your life. These universal themes are well brought out by an excellent troupe of actors, the first all-women cast the Rising Action Theater has ever had. Janet

Courtesy, Rising Action Theatre

tifying so much with your job that you lose some of your identity, the gut-tearing anxiety that happens when you think you might lose that job, the jealousy and imbalance that can take place in an

Weakley plays the actress June Buckridge who plays Sister George, and succeeds in making you feel sorry for her even as she lashes out at everyone and everything in her path. Andi Maria

Morrow is Childie, Merry Jo Cortada is the BBC bureaucrat with a double agenda, and Clelia Myers is Madame Xenia, the friendly fortune-teller from downstairs. It's rare in community theatre for a cast to be uniformly strong, but it's true in this production. The polished staging with all its telling touches is the work of the director Jane Kelly, the founder of the Actors Workshop of South Florida, where she's been responsible for training some of our best local actors. You can divide the LGBT community's reaction to seeing dramatizations with gay characters into three stages. Up until the mid-1970s we were so starved to see anyone like us on stage or screen that we embraced them even if they were caricatures or unsavory people (the lesbian killer became a movie cliché). From the 1970s until the late 1990s we became politically sensitive and believed we had to criticize and ignore those works that seem to confirm the stereotypes straights had of us, but in the last dozen years we've matured as a movement and no longer feel the need for every gay character to be a role model. With that changed attitude, we've seen revivals of plays once scorned, such as "The Boys in the Band" and "The Killing of Sister George." The Rising Action Theater’s recent productions of both gives us the chance to compare them. I must say "Sister George" works better on the stage, with a tighter storyline and more fully-developed characters. It's a play and a production well worth your time and money. Performances Thursday, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7p.m. thru Feb. 13 at Rising Action Theatre, Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 SW Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. Tickets are $29.95 and can be purchased at 1-800-595-4849, or www.risingactiontheatre.com. H

JANUARY 20, 2011

Fort Lauderdale

out in florida

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Miami

UNITARD

FINE ART FAIR

The wildly twisted, brilliantly outspoken, hilariously fecund tested, ready, now comedy trio comes to Fort Lauderdale Jan 20- 23rd at 8 p.m. as part of the ALA Comedy Series. Tickets are $25 and available by calling (954) 647-2409.H

Visit the Florida International Fine Art Fair (FIFAF) from Feb. 2 through Feb. 12. The fair is A showcase of international galleries featuring a wide range of work including contemporary design, decorative arts, and antiques. The fair takes place in the Miami Midtown Arts District. For more information, visit www.fifafmiami.com.H

TERI WILSON PERFORMS AT THE TORCH CLUB IN WILTON MANORS Jazz & Blues Singer Teri Wilson takes the stage at 9 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday at The Torch Club, 2155 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. The performances start at 9 p.m. Wilson has been a South Florida favorite for many years and is best known for her dynamic vocals and electric performances. Admission is $10. For more information, call (954) 588-5001.

EMPIRE STAGE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIER OF ‘SEX AND VIOLENCE’ “Sex and Violence” will run at Empire Stage Jan. 13 through Feb. 13. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Empire Stage is located at 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Set in 1979 and present day, the 90-minute play is inspired by the true story of a New York transsexual who kept a corpse in her closet for 15 years. “Sex and Violence” begins as a simple story about Jack Shepherd, a successful writer who goes against the wishes of his publisher and begins to research the “corpse” story for a possible book. Shepherd embarks on a journey that takes him places he never thought he’d go and finds himself in the middle of a twisted tale of greed, power, love and lust. The play ends in a shocking and bloody climax that involves body parts, a chainsaw and garbage bags dripping with blood. For tickets and information, call (954) 678-1496 or visit www.empirestage.com.H

‘NAKED’ AT DENNIS DEAN GALLERIES The work of famed photographer Henning von Berg will be on display at the Dennis Dean Galleries in an exhibit titled, “Naked,” Von Berg’s specialty is “character portraits” and “fine art nudes” photographed in unique locations with natural light. The former architect-turned-photographer likes to photograph his models in beautiful architectural settings, many of which are castles in old-world Europe. He also works with both male and female amateurs of all ages. The Dennis Dean Gallery is located at 2440B Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.H

MIAMI-DADE GAY & LESBIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Business Builders Luncheon Upper Eastside – January 20, 2011 – MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program on Jan. 20 at Soykas Restaurant, 5556 NE Fourth Court, Miami. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1 p.m. Cost for MDGLCC members is $30 per person and $40 for potential members ($10 applied to new membership). Includes seated-style lunch limited to 20 people. Please bring a friend. RSVP by calling (305) 673-4440 or mdglcc@bellsouth.net.H

GAY & LESBIAN WALKING TOUR OF SOUTH BEACH The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami Convention Visitor Bureau, and the Miami Design Preservation League, present a 90-minute guided Gay & Lesbian Walking Tour of South Florida on Friday, Jan. 28. Tour departs at 5 p.m. from the Art Deco Welcome Center at Ocean Drive and 10th Street, and ends at the Lords South Beach Hotel, 1120 Ocean Drive, where a refreshing drink will be provided. Reservations are not required. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at MDGLCC or at MDPL's Art Deco Welcome Center at Ocean Drive and 10th Street. FREE to MDPL and MDGLCC members.H

GLBT BOWLING LEAGUE The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and Lucky Strikes Bowling Lanes Miami Beach (1691 Michigan Avenue) present their “Bowling League” Networker for the LGBT community and friends. The 10week tournament will start on Feb. 1 and end on April 5. Two games played every Tuesday night starting at 7 p.m. Teams of four persons each (limited space available). $190 total per person (includes shoe rental). DJ, menu & drink specials, fabulous prizes! Open to MDGLCC members & friends. Inquiries & team sign-ups call (305) 673-4440 or email mdglcc@bellsouth.net.H

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

Bay Area EL GANCHO The main event of Gancho Tampa Gasparilla Weekend featuring DJ Abel, is the El Gancho Party on Saturday, Jan. 29 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the historic Ritz Ybor Theater. An amalgam of heavy tribal beats and diva anthems, spectacular lighting and eccentric performances will make this circuit event unlike anything Tampa has ever seen. For tickets and more info about other Gancho Weekend events, visit www.ganchotampa.com. A portion of proceeds will benefit Metro Wellness & Community Centers. First 100 tickets sold are only $35, after that prices go up to $45; $55 at the door. Purchase tickets directly from the Ritz Ybor box office by (813) 247-2555 to avoid Ticketmaster fees. VIP floor is $125 and VIP balcony is $150, both include bottle service and private seating area.H

CIRQUE TUESDAYS Once again, the Flamingo Resort is bringing a whole new event to St. Petersburg as they proudly present Cirque. Starting Jan. 11 (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) and continuing every Tuesday to follow, experience a whole new Flamingo for 18 and over. DJ Elix will be spinning the best music. They are putting on a whole new experience that will make the club kids of New York scream with envy. There will be special events and Conun Drum hosting the show. Be ready to experience a night that will leave you craving for more. The Flamingo Resort is located at 4601 34th St. S., St. Pete.H

SUNCOAST CLASSIC RUN Sign up for the 9th Annual 10K/5K Suncoast Classic which will be held at Baywalk in St. Petersburg, Florida. The USATF-Certified 10k/5k will start promptly at 8 a.m. followed by the Pelican Mile at 9 a.m. and the Kids Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. The run is a benefit for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The race will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay provides comfort and care to children and their families by supporting local Ronald McDonald Houses, its cornerstone program, and by making grants to other local not-for-profit organizations that help children in need. Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, packet pick-up, venue setup, water stations, course marshals and other general duties.H

GAY BOWLING First Thursday of each month from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Dunedin Bowling Lanes, 405 Patricia Ave., in Dunedin. For more information, call (727) 7361282.H

out in florida

JANUARY 20, 2011

Central Florida VETERAN’S FLAG POLE PROJECT DEDICATION CEREMONY Please join the Executive Director and Board of Directors of the GLBT Center of Orlando on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Dedication Ceremony of the Veteran's Flag Pole Project. The Veteran's Flag Pole Project is to honor all U.S. Military Veterans, particularly those who have served our nation in silence as gay and lesbian service members. Please RSVP by calling The Center at (407) 228-8272 or by visiting the event's Facebook page by Jan. 20. The Center is located at 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando.H

BOXERS VS. BRIEFS Third annual Boxers vs. Briefs at Revolution, 375 S. Bumby Ave., downtown Orlando, on Thursday, Jan. 20 from 10 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. Orlando’s No. 1 gay college night brings you a cash underwear contest. No cover ‘til 11 p.m. for those 21+, no cover ‘til midnight with college or theme park employee I.D. Free drinks from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Showtime at midnight featuring Kai’ja Adonis and Kitana Infiniti with special guests Axel Andres, Serenity Lopez, Luckyz and Morph Infiniti.H

DRAG RACE SEASON 3 KICK OFF PARTY Orlando’s official season 3 Launch Party for RuPaul’s Drag Races on Sunday, Jan. 23 from noon to 4 a.m. Meet Alexis Mateo from Florida, Yara Sofia from Puerto Rico and Mariah from Atlanta at the Parliament House, 410 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. $1 well and beer until midnight, plus three shows with the world famous Footlight Players.H

SING-A-LONG SUNDAYS Join the fun for a great Sunday happy hour at Revolution. Jimmy has the bar open at 4 p.m. and Karaoke with Crazy John starts at 5 p.m. with a huge potluck dinner and prizes. What a greatway to top off the weekend. Revolution is located at 375 South Bumby. H

I LOVE THE ’80S PARTY At the Parliament House, jump on board the ’80s Super Train on Saturday, Jan. 29. Come dressed and enter the ’80s costume contest and win 2 Scissor Sisters tickets and a P-House Hotel stay. The Footlight Players will be in full ‘80's mode for both shows at 10 and 12. Come early and have a great meal in The Rainbow Cafe. Don't forget it's always free parking and the disco will be in full swing 'til 3 a.m. Enjoy $1 shots from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. H

classifieds

JANUARY 20, 2011

ACCOMMODATIONS

FORT LAUDERDALE - Glen Wright gated community near downtown. 2,885 SQ FT, pool home built in 2005. Upgrades galore! $520K Call for photos or appt. Owner financing available. Kensington Realty 954-940-1244

DENTAL

RENTAL - FT. LAUDERDALE EAST FORT LAUDERDALE/LAKERIDGE Renovated 1BR/1BA. Fenced house, private deck, W/D, new kitchen, vaulted ceilings, CAC, Water, electric. F/S required. $950/Mo. Also available, Large efficiency, $750/Mo. Near Publix and Wallgreens. (954) 554-5095 WILTON LOFTS 2/2-1/2 Townhouse Loft. Close to the heart of clubs, restaurants and the Drive nightlife. 2744 NE 8th Ave.$1,900/month. DaVinci Realty Group. 954.533.1130 (C): 954.993.1745.

PERFECT RELOCATION RENTALS-FROM $295/WEEK For 4 Week + Stays through December. Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts. Turn key, fully furnished & equipped, clothing optional pool, laundry, parking. Close to Gay & Nude Beaches. Pets Welcome. Incl. utilities, cable, tel., Wi-Fi Internet. (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com

ALIBI AREA FURNISHED EFFICIENCY APT Available 2/1/11 Lg Eff with private entrance and parking,walk-in closet, fan,AC, laundry on site, Electric and Direct TV included, NO SMOKING,NO PETS $650/mo+sec. Call 954-682-9428 WILTON MANORS 2 BED/3 BATH Waterfront home!! Completely redone! New kitchen including cabinets, granite, stainless steel appl. Tile throughout. Master bath has jacuzzi tub! Washer/dryer & 2 car carport. Wonderful, quiet East-side address! Walk to the shops, restaurants $1975 first/last/security. Call 954-234-8759 or 954-873-4563

REAL ESTATE WILTON MANORS - Beautiful, contemporary style 1,766 sqft 3 level townhouse style loft built in 2006. European kitchen w stainless steel appliances, black sparkle galaxy granite countertops, polished concrete floors, gorgeous modern baths, 24 ft ceilings, large, private fenced yard w huge patio, secure, attached garage w 2 parking spots outside the door to your loft. Walking distance to the nightlife of Wilton Drive. Available Feb 1st! Call Joseph Schutz at DaVinci Realty Group at 954-461-7895 or www.DaVinciRealtyGroup.com for pictures of this beauty. PROGRESSO - Huge Private 2/2 double lot, fireplace, brick front porch. 5 mins from Wilton Manors. 1203 NE 2ND Ave. $119K. DaVinci Realty Group. 954.533.1130 (C): 954.993.1745. MIDDLE RIVER TERRACE - 2/1 Single Family Home, oversize yard, separate laundry. Close to shops and restaurants on Wilton Drive. 1417 NE 5th Terrace. $104K. DaVinci Realty Group. 954.533.1130 (C): 954.993.1745. WILTON STATION - 2/2 Hard Wood Floors, Granite Countertops. Close to dining and nightlife in Wilton Manors, with 4th floor balcony view of the Drive! 2617 NE 14th Ave, Unit SF405. $209K. DaVinci Realty Group. 954.533.1130 (C): 954.993.1745. FLORIDA IS ON SALE - FT LAUDERDALE & MIAMI - Yes now is the time to buy!! Not finding what you’re looking for? Frustrated? Too busy? Visiting and don’t know where to start? Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll do all the work and find you the perfect place. For HOT deals, Short sales, Foreclosures, and Rentals…Call Joann Marcus/ Kensington & Company. Cell (954)940-1244 FORT LAUDERDALE - 2bed 1.5bath- This two-story townhome located in an exclusive gated downtown neighborhood features a custom designed floor plan. Newly renovated kitchen, new carpet, and new paint! Brand new appliances and washer/dryer. Beautiful custom pool is only steps away! Purchase this townhome for less than $5k out of pocket! Seller to pay buyer's closing costs. Great location within walking distance to downtown and dining, nightlife, and attractions of Riverwalk. $130.000 CALL JOANN MARCUS/ KENSINGTON & COMPANY 954.940.1244 FORT LAUDERDALE/VICTORIA PARK - 2bed, 3 bath. Huge Three story Mediterranean style townhouse. 2,688 sq ft, 2 car garage, European style kitchen, granite countertops, stainless appliances, granite backsplash. Large master suite with balcony, hurricane glass windows, granite in bathrooms. Located in beautiful Victoria Park. Only $359,000! Motivated seller! JOANN MARCUS/ KENSINGTON & COMPANY 954.940.1244 VICTORIA PARK - Luxury Victoria Park Dream Home $679K Great 2500+ Sq Ft 4 BR/4 BR pool home. Gorgeous living and dining areas with a beautiful working fire place. Plush tropical pool area with fountain. This home is move-in ready. Motivated seller! Call Brandon Frencic at 954-483-9205 for more info. Robert Blair Real Estate, LLC.

ADULT/DATING MATURE CONTACTS & FRIENDSHIP The Caffmos Community is a contacts and dating community site for mature men, bears, daddies and their admirers both young and old. Registration and membership is free. Come and join us at: CaffmosCommunity.com

AIR CONDITIONING REPAIR/SERVICE EXPERT AIR ADVICE Air conditioning repairs. Cooling is what we do best. FPL Rebates, Insured, CACO 36862. Free Estimates on Replacements. $75 – Tune Up. Call (954) 764-1990

CLEANING SUNSHINE CLEANING. Professional cleaning service for your home or office. We are reliable and offer competitive rates. Specializing in deep cleaning & organization. We work within your schedule. Serving Broward County for over 10 years. References available. Call Nicholas (954) 773-5372

COMPUTER SERVICES FREE BRIEF COMPUTER ANSWERS BY ERIC AT THE STONEWALL LIBRARY BY APPOINTMENT Also Affordable In-Home, Installations, Tutoring, Virus Disinfection & Troubleshooting. Knowledgeable, Personable Service. Call Eric (954) 903-4383 or eric@startcomputing.info ** 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

EMPLOYMENT HOUSEKEEPING POSITION AVAILABLE at The Royal Palms Resort, 2901 Terramar St., Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Attention to detail essential. Must be reliable. Stop in to fill out an application. LICENSED BARBER WANTED Must be able perform all types of men haircut styles and hot shave. Friendly atmosphere, great location. Call Tatyana 954.530.0202 ARE YOU A GAY OR BISEXUAL MAN OVER 18? Do you ever take Xanax, Percocet, or any other RX pills with or without a prescription? Confidential research study. Cash compensation. Call for more information. (305) 529-1489 RETAIL SALES Men’s Clothing store is seeking professional sales people, Full-time and Part-Time positions available. Please call (954) 873-3889 THE ROYAL PALMS on Fort Lauderdale beach is seeking an ambitious and goal-oriented Spa Manager as well as other health and beauty professionals for excellent career opportunities. Please drop off resume at 2901 Terramar Street, Fort Lauderdale Beach SEEKING BAR MANAGER with resume and a minimum of five years experience. Call 954-873-3389 for more information. LATE NIGHT PARTY BAR looking for bartenders, door staff, security. Torpedomgr@cs.com TWIST The popular gay bar in South Beach seeks responsible applicants with experience for the following positions; Bartender, Bar back, Door host and Security. Candidates should be friendly, hardworking and a team player. Apply online: twistboys@aol.com

PHOTOGRAPHY HAVE YOUR NEXT EVENT PHOTOGRAPHED, BY TOBY! One of the Mark’s List Photographers. Events, Parties, Promotional Photos, Headshots, Special occasion photography, or Photos just for fun, Family and Facebook. Please visit my website tobysphotos.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT COUNSELING A MIND AT PEACE/ THERAPEUTIC SERVICES/ RON "DOC” CHAMBERS, MSW 954-627-0103 1975 East Sunrise Blvd Suite 629 Fort Lauderdale HIV RelatedIssues/ Anxiety/Depression/ Schizophrenia/ Relationship Problems/Anger Management Problems/SameSex Battering/ Domestic Violence Most Insurance Accepted/Credit Cards Accepted LONELY? Not leaving the house much? And you just can't get motivated? Depressed, at the end of your rope? Can't find anyone to talk about what's going on in your head? Be a good friend; know when depression crosses the line. Call the GLBTQ Helpline & Suicide Awareness Program. Simply to talk, learn, and become aware. GLBTQ HELPLINE & Suicide Awareness (305) 646-3600. Free & Confidential. Tri-lingual counselors available 24/7 For you or a friend.

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 updates. 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

AGENDA CLASSIFIEDS WILL WORK FOR YOU!

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

classifieds

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

LICENSED MASSAGE

JANUARY 20, 2011

SERVICES

THE BEST RECESSION MASSAGE IN TOWN, LEAVE YOUR STRESS UP TO ME. $40 - 90 mins / Unemployed, SS or SSI Disability: $20 - 1 hr / Out calls higher. Let Denny make you feel like a queen. Couples discounts. Seniors welcome. Delray Beach/New Location. 15 years experience. MA#18563 Call Denny at (561) 502-2628 Serious calls only.

RAINBOW MOVING Delivery. Storage. Free Estimates. Office moves. Residential. Commercial. Expert Packaging. Short notice relocations. Licensed & Insured. Special Offer: up to 10 Free Boxes (medium/small) with local move. 10% OFF WITH THIS AD. (954) 245-2978 “Follow your Rainbow.” 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 elitemoving.com

PROFESSIONAL THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, Stretching. Mon-Sun, 10am-8pm. In/Out Calls. NON-SEXUAL. Ft. Lauderdale. Call Robert (954) 4942372. Lic# MA 19604

EXPERT AIR ADVICE Air conditioning repairs. Cooling is what we do best. FPL Rebates, Insured, CACO 3686. Free Estimates on Replacements. $75-Tune-up. Call (954)764-1990 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

SPIRITUALITY THE PARISH OF STS. FRANCIS AND CLARE 101 NE 3rd Street, just N of Broward and E of Andrews. 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) 418-8372, info@cohss.com, www.cohss.org

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

JANUARY 20, 2011

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

dining

FLORIDAAGENDA.COM

JANUARY 20, 2011

Hunky ‘Top Chef ’ opens new digs in Miami’s Midtown gigi restaurant addictive for the palate By CAMERON O’CONNOR His long flowing blonde locks, sensual smile and carefree attitude forced many a gay man and straight woman to swoon over Chef Jeff McInnis when he appeared on season five of “Top Chef.” But it turns out this craftsman from the kitchen is more than just a pretty face. McInnis, along with several successful restaurant partners, opened his own joint in Miami’s finally arrived Design District. Just like it’s executive chef, gigi, 3470 North Miami Avenue, looks amazing but it’s the substance of the food that’s been driving drones of people to this fast casual noodles, BBQ and beer joint. McInnis toiled away for several years at the Dilido Beach Club inside The RitzCarlton, South Beach, before opening gigi, which offers cutting-edge, high-performance, communal comfort food for the discerning palate. Earth-conscious, stark and whimsical, a handpicked team is committed to making gigi’s signature dishes–impeccably executed noodles, buns, dumplings, BBQ, & salads–totally fun and astronomically addictive. Begin with a nice draft beer ($2-12), a fine bottle of sake ($5-32) or a smooth bottle

of wine ($18-22). These prices are not a misprint, as you’ll see a theme of frugality throughout the entire menu. Amazing culinary creations don’t have to cost the same as a mortgage in Cleveland; they can be had for the same price as a night of parking in South Beach. To begin, a not to be missed appetizer sensation is the gigi buns ($7), which come in roasted pork, pulled chicken or shitake mushroom flavors. Try all three, it’s worth it. If in the mood for exotic, try the BLT ($9) with pork belly as the B and a slight hint of pickles. It is pure genius to put the soft stomach of the pig in this all too familiar diner dish. McInnis and his sous chefs focus on finding local ingredients, so its not a surprise that on the snack menu the sweet local corn with tofu shmeer ($3) screams of freshness, while homemade avocado and tomato salad featuring citrus, hearts of palm and crunchy rice ($9) was most likely grown in one of the small co-op warms in the Wynwood area. For a little fried comforting goodness, the crispy chicken skin with Asian romesco ($3) hails as a southern delight and the chicken drumsticks fried in mustard seed and honey ($5) feels like a mar- Chef Jeff McInnis

Courtesy, 944.com

riage between the culture of miso and Mason-Dixon. For the main entrée’s gigi offers several selections of noodle and rice bowls. For the spicier palate, check out the Caribbean shrimp pad Thai noodle bowl with bean sprouts, omelet and peanuts ($15) or the slow braised curry duck leg rice bowl with coconut risotto ($12). Both dishes really put a wallop into your nasal cavity and clear up any sinus issues in a hurry. Mix it with the spicy mayo aioli that sits on the table, and you may need to call 911, because shortly after you will have a fire burning in your mouth. For those looking for more substance and less spice, order the steak chow fun noodle bowl with mushroom, eggplant and cabbage broth ($16). The steak is a highquality meat that comes out tender and juicy, while the mushroom shitake variety provides a nice flavor of rare earth. Open till 3 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends, serving fresh artisanal dishes that start at $2, gigi’s mission is to explode the food landscape of Miami. Whether you leave with an orgasmic feeling in your stomach, or a hard-on in your crotch from staring into McInnis’s eyes for too long, gigi will do all it can to make sure you leave satisfied.H