Frontiers Vol. 32, Issue 18 by Frontiers

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INSIDE VOL. 32, ISSUE 18 | DEC. 25 - JAN. 7, 2014

38 Drew Droege

PHOTO: DONOVAN & MATTHIAS VRIENS-MCGRATH

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NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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INSIDE

VOL. 32, ISSUE 17 | DEC. 25 - JAN. 7, 2014

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Kyle DiFulvio ....................................................14 NEWS

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r a e y

News Briefs ......................................................16 EQCA’s John O’Connor on Fighting for Trans Students ........................24 GLAAD Quickly Responds to Ugly ‘Duck Dynasty’ Slurs ..........................26 SOCAL EVENTS GUIDE Calendar ..........................................................48 SnapShots........................................................49 Food2Know......................................................52 L.A. Staycation ..............................................54 Eating Out........................................................55 COLUMNS Billy Masters ..................................................58 Little Miss Know-It-All ................................59 Out & About ..................................................60 Gossip Gay ......................................................61 HEALTH Off the Couch ................................................62 CITY GUIDES West Hollywood ............................................63 Palm Springs ..................................................64 FRONTIERS MARKETPLACE Listings ............................................................68 FRONTIERS4MEN Adult Classifieds............................................70 Sex Ed................................................................76

28 46 COVER PHOTO:

Donovan & Matthias Vriens-McGrath Styling Elizabeth Stewart Hair Peter Savic Makeup Robin Black

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Frontiers magazine is published by Frontiers Media, LLC., 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 470, Los Angeles, CA. 90036, and distributed throughout Southern California. Up to the first three copies of any single issue are free; additional copies are $10 each. Violators caught stealing or destroying issues will be prosecuted under California Penal Code 484. For magazine subscriptions, please call (323) 930-3220. The contents of Frontiers may not be reproduced in any manner, either in whole or in part, without permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Letters to the editor, artwork, photography, manuscripts and other correspondence may be submitted to Frontiers at the above address. We cannot acknowledge or return material unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Allow at least three months for processing. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organization in articles or advertising in Frontiers is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation or the HIV/AIDS status of such person or organization. Copyright © 2013, Frontiers Media, LLC.

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JANUARY 7, 2014

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INTERIOR. TRAVIS MATHEWS.

ONLINE

By Gary Kramer

Find these articles exclusively at

facebook.com/ frontiersmagazine

twitter.com/ frontiersmag

Filmmaker Travis Mathews garnered considerable attention for his debut feature, I Want Your Love, and not just because it featured explicit gay sex. That film caught the attention of actor/writer/director James Franco, who contacted Mathews about a project he wanted to do that referenced the controversial 1980 William Friedkin film Cruising. Their collaboration, Interior. Leather Bar., opening Jan. 2, reimagines 40 lost minutes from Friedkin’s film. FrontiersLA.com/Exclusive Interviews

youtube.com/ frontiersweb

ZIP IT!

ERASING GAY MEN FROM AIDS HISTORY

By Michelle McCarthy

PHOTO: DONOVAN VIRENS-MCGRATH

Donovan Vriens-McGrath and his husband, photographer Matthias, wanted to collaborate on something in which they were able to do exactly as they wanted creatively. Thus, BL33N (pronounced “Bleen”) was born, a project that celebrates anything the mind can conjure up in the form of an online magazine and T-shirt line. “We thought making T-shirts would be fun, and the pictures that would accompany them would be a blast to take.” FrontiersLA.com/ExclusiveInterviews

By Mark S. King

Kenneth Cole's appearance on Chelsea Lately last week was meant to promote the documentary he produced about the history of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, The Battle of AmFAR. Instead, the shoe designer insulted gay activists everywhere. tinyurl.com/kyu8rr3

SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE, NOT THERE By Mike Ciriaco

BOOK

REVIEWS by The Bookworm

In need of a good read? Check out our reviews of Taken by the Wind: A Jane Lawless Mystery by Ellen Hart and The Dogs of Christmas by W. Bruce Cameron. FrontiersLA.com/ BookReviews

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LGBT activist Harvey Milk knew that in America's laissez-faire society, a purchase was—and still is—a political act. If an establishment refuses to treat gay and lesbian clientele with the respect they deserve, those dollars will be happily spent elsewhere. See which companies are deserving of the gay dollar, thanks to HRC’s 12th annual Corporate Equality Index. FrontiersLA.com/Features

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2014

LATIN FRONTIER

By Victor Barreiro

Have you decided what you will be doing to ring in the new year? Brandon Anthony, Joe Sparks, Frank Romo and the other geniuses at Platinum Productions are busy at work putting together the only place to be. I recently chatted with Sparks, who let me in on what the bash will entail. If you’ve ever been to one of his events, then you know this party producer knows exactly what he’s doing. FrontiersLA.com/LatinFrontier

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JANUARY 7, 2014

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FrontiersLA.com Volume 32, Issue 18 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 470, Los Angeles, CA 90036 Phone: (323) 930-3220 Sales Fax: (323) 857-0560 Administration Fax: (323) 848-2058 Accounting Fax: (323) 857-0503

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To contact our staff Email address format:

firstname.lastname@FrontiersLA.com Contributing Writers Aaron Batts, Jackie Beat, Christopher Capiello, Dr. Greg Cason, Mike Ciriaco, Peter DelVecchio, Gossip Gay, Stephan Horbelt, Gary M. Kramer, David Kalmansohn, Jim Larkins, Johnny Lopez, Dan Loughry, Billy Masters, Michelle McCarthy, Dana Miller, James F. Mills, Paulo Murillo, Karen Ocamb, Brian Padgett, Eric Rosen, Dominik Rothbard, Brenden Shucart, Paul Waters, Duane Wells Contributing Photographers and Illustrators Gabe Ayala, Donovan & Matthias Vriens-McGrath, Glen Hanson, Waymon Hudson, Erik Neldner, Rolling-Blackouts, Sandro, Jonathan Sirand, Adam Emperor Southard

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IN MEMORY OF BOB CRAIG, FOUNDING PUBLISHER

©2013 Thanks to the dawn of the information age, we believe distribution/circulation not only encompasses hard copies printed and the pass-on rate of those hard copies, but web browsing and electronic copies being downloaded by our growing online readership. This has become a substantial boost to the number of readers of our magazine. Currently, an average of 30,000 hard copies are printed biweekly. Studies have shown each hard copy has a probable “pass-on rate” of two to three, meaning each hard copy taken will be seen by two to three additional readers. With the pass-on rate alone, estimated readership can conservatively average 55,000 to 90,000, not encompassing visitors who visit us online at FrontiersLA.com.

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LETTER FROM OUR

PUBLISHER Dear Readers, As always with the holidays and our annual “Year in Review” issue, it is a time for reflection. Last year at this time my business partner and friend of 15-plus years, Mark Hundahl, was in the final days of his life. In the same timeframe, I launched the Frontiers Awareness and Education Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Frontiers family. The foundation’s mission in a nutshell is to train tomorrow’s LGBT and allied media leaders today. I’m so glad that Mark lived long enough to see this come to fruition. Last year, in my letter introducing the foundation, I spoke of my ongoing mantra of “Thoughts, Words, Action.” Since I was introducing the foundation and its mission of training the next generation of voices, my emphasis was on words. To quote last year’s letter, “Words matter, and they have power—to share a perspective, change the future or save a life. The words of the LGBTQ community must always have a safe home.” While I still believe wholeheartedly in what I said, words must be followed by action to manifest a reality. This year has been a year of much action for Frontiers and myself. On the Frontiers Media LLC side, I took a deep breath and filed for Chapter 11 reorganization with the hope of being able to create a stronger, viable company that can continue to serve the LGBTQ community for years to come. I am happy to say that goal has been achieved with a visionary investor who believes in the importance of the Frontiers brand. On behalf of the Frontiers family, we welcome Michael Turner with open arms. What an exciting 2014 it’s going to be. On the foundation side we have had some crowning achievements in our first year. We’ve taken two interns under our wing—Sebastian Martin Pérez and Frank Armenta. Their feedback has helped in the development of our curriculums. They have gained skills and knowledge and are being trained in editorial writing, field reporting, visual design concept, organizational development, public relations and marketing. They have both experienced the joy of being published. These are all effective tools for creating community engagement while at the same time giving our interns employable skills. I am so proud of these guys. Imagine if the foundation had 10 or 100 or 1,000 interns like Sebastian and Frank. What would the LGBT media landscape look like then? The foundation’s other major achievement is that we were awarded our first social services grant from the city of West Hollywood. That grant will be used to train community members and local nonprofits’ staff to increase their capacity in messaging their individual organizations’ needs. It’s so amazing to see the vision of the Frontiers Foundation come to life. A special thank you to Rafael Cosio, our Foundation Manager, for his unwavering dedication. So that’s the year in review from my little corner of the world. Since I don’t want to be Hillary Swank at the Academy Awards, a big thank you goes to my spouse, Alex Shepard, for all his love and support. The Los Angeles Lesbian & Gay Wedding Expo that Frontiers produced made me want to marry you even more. Blessings to you all, David Stern Publisher publisher@frontiersla.com

JANUARY 7, 2014

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BUILDING COMMUNITY

Leading by Example

The Gentle Barn’s

Kyle DiFulvio: Rescuing Animals and People By Michelle McCarthy

The Gentle Barn was Ellie Laks’ dream since she was 7 years old. That’s when she started bringing home animals that were injured, hungry or lost—only to have her parents send them away. “I vowed to have a huge place full of animals where we could show the world how beautiful the animals were and the animals could show the people how beautiful they were,” she says. “It took me a while to create The Gentle Barn, but my dream finally came true 14 years ago. “The Gentle Barn is a place where animals and people alike can go to be reminded that they matter. Anyone who knows what it feels like to be uncomfortable in their own skin can get unconditional love at the barn and be inspired by the animals that we are all perfect exactly how we are. There is always hope, there is always strength and there is always someone out there who will love you!” The nonprofit located in Santa Clarita rescues, rehabilitates and gives sanctuary to abused farm animals and is open to the public on Sundays. We spoke to one of its interns, Kyle DiFulvio, an out psychology student with an emphasis on animalassisted therapy—who happens to come from a family of hunters. What is The Gentle Barn's goal for the animals it rescues, and for those who visit? To rescue, to rehabilitate, to facilitate connection between human and nonhuman, to celebrate life, to teach compassion and empathy and more. The Gentle Barn rescues animals that are the most neglected and abused, ones that nobody

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else would be interested in saving. The animals that come here are often on their last leg, so to speak. I bet most people would just euthanize them, they are that bad off. But with a little kindness, love, therapy, proper diet, supplements, treatments and medications, these animals can thrive and regain quality of life. They heal their bodies and their souls. For the first time in many of their lives, they are able to experience what life is supposed to be all about—being free, alive and content. And when you share their stories with the public and bring in groups of at-risk youth who have experienced essentially the same, these people see how resilient, beautiful and strong animals are and the two then create a commonality, a vulnerability—a bond is created—and empathy and understanding flourishes. The Gentle Barn helps you find that kind place that’s still left in all of our hearts and minds. It’s still there; we all have to just find it again. The Gentle Barn’s goal, outside of compassion and care for animals, is to help people find and reveal this. What does your internship entail? The owners have a larger property up the road from The Gentle Barn called the Sun Chlorella Healing Center. This is where I’ve always worked. It’s where some of the sickliest and most traumatized animals reside. They’re brought here for rehabilitation, extra love and special care. There’s nothing that’s out of reach for these animals. They receive some of the best treatment of any animal I’ve seen.

What are your responsibilities? I often help maintain the pens and pastures by cleaning up the muck. I also brush the animals, feed them and give them treats and love. I socialize the animals as much as possible through constant, calm interaction with them. I have earned their trust—something they lost after being abused and traumatized by people—simply by being silent, still and respectful toward them. I also play with them, I talk to them, I even sing to them. What is it about the organization that drew you in? When you have a child interact with an animal, it can change his or her life. For any survivor of trauma who’s lost all trust in humans, when you have them interact with an animal that also has very little trust left for humans, it can and will be life-changing for both parties. Vulnerability creates strength and bonds us. A child may not be responding well to conventional therapy due to fear of vulnerability with an adult psychologist. Have that child interact with an animal who’s experiencing the same fear and something beautiful can happen. gentlebarn.org

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NOVEMBER 26, 2013

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NEWS By Peter DelVecchio and Karen Ocamb

Methodist Pastor Defrocked for Officiating at Gay Son’s Wedding Obama Snubs Putin on Sochi The White House announced Dec. 17 that, in a stark departure from 20 years of past practice, neither President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden nor Dr. Jill Biden will attend the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Metro Weekly reports. Instead, the U.S. delegation will be led by former Secretary of Homeland Security and current University of California President Janet Napolitano. Also, in a move widely seen as a thumbing of the nose at Russian President Vladimir Putin over that country's harsh, almost universally condemned anti-LGBT law, the American delegation will include three openly gay members—tennis icon Billie Jean King and out Olympic medalist hockey player Caitlin Cahow. Former Olympic skating champion Brian Boitano officially came out on Dec. 19. German President Joachim Gauck and French President François Hollande have also said they will be skipping Sochi.

In November, Rev. Frank Schaefer, a Pennsylvania United Methodist pastor for 17 years, was suspended for 30 days after a church jury found him guilty of officiating at the 2007 wedding of his gay son, Tim. Schaefer was told that, if he wished to remain a pastor, he must confirm his acceptance of church marriage doctrine by the end of his suspension. On Dec. 19, Schaefer was defrocked by church officials, AP reported. He had no immediate comment, but during a Dec. 16 news conference, Schafer said, “I am actively committing to having those discriminatory laws changed and banished from our Book of Discipline. That’s the only way I can reconcile being a United Methodist at this point. ... I cannot voluntarily surrender my credentials because I am a voice now for many— for tens of thousands—of LGBT members in our church.”

PART OF UTAH ANTI-POLYGAMY LAW STRUCK DOWN A federal judge in Utah on Dec. 13 struck down that part of Utah’s anti-polygamy legal regime criminalizing cohabitation as invalid under the U.S. Constitution, sparking headlines nationwide as blaring as they were incorrect, implying that polygamy was now legal in Utah, as well as a full-on, self-congratulatory right-wing freak-out that the predicted apocalyptic consequences of gay marriage were materializing. In reality, the ruling in a case brought by the Brown family of TLC’s reality show Sister Wives does not require Utah to recognize multiple marriages, as Columbia Law School research scholar Brad Greenberg confirmed to the Huffington Post. “A ban on polygamous marriage does little to deter those who want to enter into multiple marriages, some illegally, and then live together,” Greenberg explained. “So Utah's criminal ban on cohabitation sought to address these practices with a broader ban. That is what Judge Waddoups ruled was unconsti-

tutional, because it criminalizes conduct outside Utah's ability to define marriage, and in doing so encroaches on First Amendment protections.” “Same-sex marriage advocates have told us that people ought to be able to ‘marry who they love’ but have also always downplayed the idea that this would lead to legalized polygamy, a practice that very often victimizes women and children,” Family Research Council's Tony Perkins said in a statement on Dec. 16. Failed Republican presidential hopeful and former Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum lobbed in his own “I told you so,” tweeting, “Sometimes I hate it when what I predict comes true.” Santorum was probably referring to an arguably non sequitur statement he made in 2003—“If the Supreme Court says that you have the right to consensual sex within your home, then you have the right to bigamy, you have the right to polygamy, you have the right to incest, you have the right to adultery.”

SPEAK OUT “Tellingly, The Advocate seems to have spent nearly as many words defending its decision not to choose Edie Windsor as Pope Francis spent on the subject of homosexuality.” —Sean Bugg, editor emeritus of Metro Weekly, regarding The Advocate’s having named Pope Francis its “person of the year.”

“It seems like, to me, a vagina— as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. ... Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong. Sin becomes fine. ... Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, [adultery]. ... [On African-Americans] Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.” —Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson to GQ magazine and the LA Times on Dec. 18.

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“Unfortunately, the [Social Security Administration] will continue to deny benefits to surviving spouses if, at the time of death, they were living in a state that refuses to recognize their legal marriage.” —L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center CEO Lorri Jean regarding SSA’s Dec. 16 announcement it would begin processing certain same-sex marriage spousal claims.

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NEWS By Peter DelVecchio and Karen Ocamb

India’s Supreme Court Re-Criminalizes Homosexuality

Quick Pic

On Dec. 11, India’s Supreme Court reinstated an 1861 anti-sodomy law that had been struck down by a lower court in 2009, the Washington Blade reports. The law, dating back to the British Raj and carrying a 10-year prison sentence for “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with man, woman or animal,” was held unconstitutional four years ago by the New Delhi High Court. The Supreme Court, however, overturned

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that ruling, holding that only Parliament could invalidate the statute. India now rejoins 41 British Commonwealth nations still outlawing homosexuality. The ruling sent a shockwave around the world. Many had viewed the issue as settled and were stunned to see a rapidly modernizing, democratic, rising economic powerhouse like India take such a step.

As part of an international “Day of Rage” on Dec. 15, two men in Kolkata, India, protest the nation’s Dec. 11 Supreme Court re-criminalization of homosexual conduct.

The conservative Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party seems poised to win national elections in the spring, so activists on both sides of the issue agree that Parliament is unlikely to take any action on the matter for the foreseeable future, the New York Times reports. “This is taking many, many steps back,” said Anjali Gopalan, founder of the Naz Foundation, which brought the suit that initially invalidated the statute. “The Supreme Court has not just let down the LGBT community, but the Constitution of India.” Others praised the decision. “These relationships are unethical as well as unnatural,” said S.Q.R. Ilyas of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. “They create problems in society, both moral and social. This is a sin as far as Islam is concerned.” Thousands worldwide participated in “Day of Rage” protests on Dec. 15 against the ruling. Rallies took place in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkota and other Indian cities, as well as in New York, London, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. Protesters in D.C. placed a rainbow flag in the hand of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.

NEW MEXICO SUPREME COURT RULES FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY Eight New Mexico counties granted marriage licenses to same-sex couples in August and September based on the genderneutral language in the state’s marriage law. New Mexico Attorney General Gary King repeatedly said attempts to stop those marriages were unconstitutional. Two same-sex couples filed a lawsuit in district court in Albuquerque in March seeking the freedom to marry (read more background at tinyurl.com/klys4qg), and on Dec. 19 the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that excluding same-sex couples from that right to marry is unconstitutional under state law. (Read the court’s decision at tinyurl.com/n7py5tq.) “The clarity of today’s ruling ensures that the freedom to marry, and the protections that come along with it, are guaranteed for loving and committed same-sex couples in the Land of Enchantment,” said Thalia Zepatos, director of public engagement at Freedom to Marry.

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NEWS

EQCA’s John O’Connor on Fighting for Trans Students BY KAREN OCAMB 2013 has been a remarkable year for Equality California Executive Director John O’Connor. The viability and fate of the precarious organization seemed to rest on his shoulders when he started the job on Dec. 3, 2012. But over the past year, O’Connor stabilized EQCA; helped win a major court victory that upheld SB 1172, the law protecting minors from the psychological quackery of pretending to “cure” homosexuality; and passed four equality bills, including the School Success and Opportunity Act, the first law in the nation that spells out access to school facilities, opportunities and protections for transgender students. (Read EQCA’s Year in Review report at tinyurl.com/kusue6k.)

“I’m enormously grateful for the way the community has shown up for Equality California,” O’Connor said in a recent phone interview. “They’re showing up because the vision I’m articulating resonates with them. I really hit my stride communicating to the public who we are and what we do when I’m in front of a crowd saying isn’t an epidemic of bullying and suicide outrageous to us? Don’t we demand full transgender equality? And people are verbally responding and their heads are nodding. I know I’m hitting on the things people think are important, that they are dedicated to. “The community’s response has given me courage, hope, incredible encouragement in those moments of anxiety and fatigue. It’s given me the will I need to keep going and to continue asking the staff to keep going with me in the face of great

John O’Connor and senior staff: Jesse Melgar, Communications Director (left); Rikimah Glymph, Chief Administrative Officer (center); Jack Lorenz, Deputy Director of Development and Programs (second from right); Tony Hoang, Chief of Staff (right)

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challenges,” O’Connor said. Aside from stabilizing and rebuilding EQCA, O’Connor faces the huge challenge of fighting a possible anti-LGBT referendum next year led by Prop. 8 mastermind Frank Schubert. The Privacy for All Students coalition, which he leads, seeks to repeal the School Success and Opportunity Act, SSOA, which Schubert and his anti-trans partners insist on calling the “bathroom” law. AB 1266 by out Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, which was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown, essentially strengthens and clarifies existing state and federal law (Title VII) protecting the rights of trans students. The SSOA becomes law on Jan. 1, but opponents have collected enough signatures—a total of 614,317, though Privacy For All Students insists they submitted 620,000 signatures. Nonetheless, the total recognized by the Secretary of State is more than the 505,000 signatures required to qualify the referendum on the November 2014 ballot. Those signatures are being verified in a raw count by county officials in California’s 58 counties with a deadline of Jan. 8. (Follow at the Secretary of State’s website at tinyurl.com/yb526sz). On Dec. 19, Privacy for All Students filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of State and the registrar of voters of two Northern California counties claiming “that the Secretary of State is unfairly refusing to count any of the signatures presented to Tulare or Mono counties in support of a referendum to overturn the bathroom law.” The group claims that county clerks did not stay open on the Sunday that happened to be the deadline for submitting signatures. O’Connor said EQCA and the coalition has been preparing since August for just such a possibility as that lawsuit—and more. “We’re working with Transgender Law Center GSA Network, National Center for Lesbian Rights and the ACLU. Gender Spectrum’s played a big part as well, particularly as a subject-matter expert. And we are preparing to form a campaign if we need to,” O’Connor said. “We’re also preparing other things. We’re preparing for the litigation we anticipate the other side introducing,” he continued. “There are two types of litigation we anticipate the opponents might advance. One is litigation to challenge the signature verification process, if they fail to advance

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John O’Connor at the Equality Awards in Palm Springs

to a full count. It’s a very technical, specific expertise, that kind of litigation, and so while we have great legal organizations in our community—ACLU, TLC, NCLR—none of them specialize in that area. So we’ve lined up a law firm that does specialize in that to represent us in court. We’ve raised the money for an initial retainer, and we’re raising the money for—the full scope of work remains to be seen. It depends on what kind of litigation and the scope of it that’s introduced. But we’re prepared for that. “We are also preparing for the inevitability that they will challenge the law in court—separate from the signature verification process. We know that because Pacific Justice Institute has been publicly looking for plaintiffs to use to file a lawsuit against the law. We won’t know exactly what we’re facing there until it’s filed, but we are making all the preparations in our coalition to do that.” O’Connor said EQCA and its coalition partners are also preparing to form a broad-based campaign should one be needed. “We’ve been holding somewhat regular conference calls with both national and California-based organizations,” he said, with funders, faith-based organizations and statewide progressive groups such as the Courage Campaign. “We’ll have allies to bring into the fold fairly quickly should a campaign be necessary.” But the coalition is also using the time and resources to develop projects building and supporting trans rights beyond a crisis. “Say we dodge the bullet with this referendum. I think our community has an opportunity to provide some thought leadership on getting ahead of this, outside of a crisis environment. So what kind of multi-year goals and objectives would we have about elevating the public’s understanding of transgender people, of the challenges they face? Building support for transgender equality. I think there’s an opportunity that presents itself that we can move on next year,” O’Connor said. “We can seize the opportunity because this referendum has lit a fire under our community—the way that people are paying attention and how important this is and our outrage at the attack on our community. So to be able to look forward outside of a crisis environment like fighting in a campaign, I think you’ll see a lot of thought, convening and planning around the years ahead. “We’ve identified the need to have better messaging research in order to defend the law, as well as in order to defend the right of transgender students broadly,” O’Connor said. “And we were able to raise money to fund a message development and research project, which is currently underway. We’ve held focus groups in

Sacramento and in Riverside, and we’re holding some in Colorado. There’ll be a third state included as well. We’re right in the middle of it right now.” This work will be “a valuable tool nationwide, now and in the future,” O’Connor said. “So we, as a coalition, have as an objective leaving our community stronger to build public support for transgender equality, in California as well as nationwide. And the structure for the project will lead us there.” Interestingly, the same day that anti-LGBT Privacy for All Students filed its lawsuit challenging the signature-counting process, it also sent up an alarm about the Sacramento City school board’s vote that night on a policy to protect the rights of transgender students. Brad Dacus of the Pacific Justice Institute attended and blasted the law and the proposed school policy, arguing that it would “allow boys to go into the girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms,” the Sacramento Bee reported. “It’s the big elephant in the room,” Dacus said. “I don’t feel we have the nuts and bolts figured out,” Second Vice President Christina Pritchett said. “It’s easy for us to say we support this issue, but how are we going to go forth with protecting our students.” But the majority of the 28 people who spoke during public comment urged the board to pass the policy, according to the Bee. “Thank you for supporting all students. By approving this policy, you are helping to teach

our youth how to affirm diversity,” said Mandy Taylor, Interim Director of Programs at Sacramento LGBT Community Center. In the end, the policy passed in a 7-0 vote. “We’re a trendsetter in the best possible way for other districts,” said openly gay district board member Jay Hansen. The Sacramento City Unified School District joined Berkeley, Pacifica, Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles in protecting gender identity in their school districts. Los Angeles has had such a policy since 2004. "Our policy solves problems; it doesn’t create them," Judy Chiasson, coordinator of Human Relations, Diversity and Equity at Los Angeles Unified School District, told the Oakland Tribune after the Berkley policy passed Dec. 12. LAUSD has had a trans policy since 2004. “The fact of the matter is the majority of the time, people don’t know the person is transgender. The policy means we recognize them by name and gender identity. They don’t have to wear a sign. We don’t stigmatize them. We do all we can to have them be part of the school community.” “We’re excited to see leaders in education stand up in support of the School Success and Opportunity Act and for acknowledging that all students deserve a fair shot at success,” EQCA’s O’Connor said after the policy passed. Read more of the interview with O’Connor at FrontiersLA.com.

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NEWS

GLAAD Quickly Responds to Ugly 'Duck Dynasty' Slurs BY KAREN OCAMB On Dec. 15, GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz excitedly introduced the organization’s new president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis to an entertainment-heavy crowd in West Hollywood. He noted that GLAAD is not political but rather serves to culturally change hearts and minds through telling the stories of LGBT people. Three days later, Cruz spearheaded a media firestorm that sharply underscored the intersection of politics and culture. Almost immediately after a GQ magazine interview with Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson went online Dec. 18, Cruz called the patriarch’s quotes about gays “vile” and demanded a response from A&E. Within 24 hours, A&E placed Robertson on “indefinite” hiatus, despite the potential backlash. The reality TV show draws 14 million viewers (2 million more than the audience for the Breaking Bad finale) and has proven lucrative for the network and the Robertson family. Robertson—who skipped Barbara Walters’ final “Most Fascinating People” interview to go duck hunting—is worth $15 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth.com. The family told Walters he meant no disrespect. But GQ writer Drew Magary described Robertson’s overall attitude as “what the duck?” “Out here in these woods, without any cameras around, Phil is free to say what he wants. Maybe a little too free. He’s got lots of thoughts on modern immorality, and there’s no stopping them from rushing out,” Magary writes. Prime example: “It seems like, to me, a vagina— as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me,” says Robertson, who then complains about the deterioration of Christian values. “Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong,” he says. “Sin becomes fine. ... Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.” GLAAD’s Cruz immediately responded. “Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil's lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans—and Americans—who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and

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Phil Robertson

lesbian couples. Phil's decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E, and his sponsors who now need to re-examine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families.” The Human Rights Campaign and the NAACP also complained to A&E about Robertson’s assertions that African-Americans were “happy” during the Jim Crow era. Despite having attended Louisiana Tech in the ‘60s, Robertson apparently has no knowledge of the lynchings or even the 1953 preRosa Parks bus boycott in Baton Rouge. “I never, with my eyes, saw the mistreatment of any black person. Not once. Where we lived was all farmers. The blacks worked for the farmers. I hoed cotton with them. I’m with the blacks, because we’re white trash. We’re going across the field,” Robertson said. “They’re singing and happy. I never heard one of them, one black person, say, ‘I tell you what: These doggone white people’—not a word! ... Pre-entitlement, pre-welfare, you say: Were they happy? They were godly; they were happy; no one was singing the blues.” “These remarks go beyond being outlandishly inaccurate and offensive. They are dangerous and revisionist, appealing to those in our society who wish to repeat patterns of discrimination. We urge A&E to immediately denounce and repudiate Robertson’s comments. Furthermore, we call on you to see that Phil Robertson apologizes for his vitriolic comments. Surely a brand like A&E does not want to be associated with such racist and homophobic remarks,” HRC president Chad Griffin and NAACP interim president Lorraine Miller

wrote in a letter to the cable network. A&E responded by the afternoon. “We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty,” A&E said in a statement. “His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.” On Dec. 19, Republican presidential wannabe Gov. Bobby Jindal jumped into the firestorm, displaying a lack of understanding of homophobia and racism, or that the First Amendment applies to government censorship and that businesses often have a ‘morals clause’ or equivalent stipulation in their contracts with employees that allows for disciplinary punishment at their discretion. “Phil Robertson and his family are great citizens of the State of Louisiana,” Jindal said. “The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints except those they disagree with. I don’t agree with quite a bit of stuff I read in magazine interviews or see on TV. In fact, come to think of it, I find a good bit of it offensive. But I also acknowledge that this is a free country and everyone is entitled to express their views. In fact, I remember when TV networks believed in the First Amendment. It is a messed-up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh and Phil Robertson gets suspended.” GLAAD’s Ellis and Cruz have a big “explaining” job ahead of them in 2014.

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JANUARY 7, 2014

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OUR GUIDE TO OBAMACARE — PART 3 OF 3

Hiring, Firing and Affordable Care How to work your work-based health plan By Paul Waters and David Kalmansohn Most Americans who have health insurance are enrolled through their places of employment. The concept stretches back through the last century but took hold during World War II when the National Labor Relations Board put limits on wages. Companies began offering health plans to attract applicants, unions liked the idea and the IRS sealed the deal by declaring employer-paid premiums a tax-deductible business expense. It’s a system that worked—unless you lost your job and your coverage with it. Or your policy ate up half your income. Or you weren’t allowed to work enough hours to qualify for a policy. Or your company didn’t even offer health insurance. With premiums nearly doubling in the last decade, the number of California companies with health plans dropped to 60 percent in 2012. The Affordable Care Act requires that companies with more than 50 employees offer coverage starting in 2015, but that still leaves many workers to find their own insurance. If you love your job… Implementation of the ACA means you no longer have to choose between a job you enjoy and access to a health plan. If your company doesn’t offer coverage, you can purchase insurance from Covered California, the state exchange or the same policy from a private insurer like Blue Shield or Anthem Blue Cross at no surcharge. You may even qualify for a federal subsidy—available only through the exchange—if you make less than $45,960 annually or if you and your spouse make less than $62,040. If your company does offer health coverage, you no longer have to fret through a three- to sixmonth window before qualifying for a company policy—the waiting period has been reduced to a maximum of 60 days. However, that policy is considered unaffordable when the total cost without dependents exceeds 9.5 percent of your

modified adjusted gross income. (MAGI is the sum of your wages, tips, capital gains, unemployment compensation, dividends and annuities, minus allowed deductions but adding any taxexempt interest.) For example, if your individual policy is priced at $250 a month—the combined amount paid by you and your employer—and your monthly earnings are $2,500, you’re spending 10 percent of your income. You can then decline your employersponsored plan, purchase one through Covered California and qualify for a subsidy to help pay the premiums. If you bring in $3,000 a month, that $250 policy is only 8.3 percent of your income, which is below the 9.5 percent threshold. You can still decline your company’s plan and purchase one of your own, though you would be ineligible to receive a subsidy. When your only consideration is cost—and you’re not seeking a subsidy—crunch the numbers before buying your own coverage. Since you pay for your portion of a company plan with pretax dollars, a “cheaper” individual policy paid with take-home dollars might end up costing you more. If you leave your job… If you are miserable at the office but toil on to maintain your health insurance, you now have the option to sing a chorus of “Take This Job and Shove It” without losing access to affordable coverage. Losing or leaving a job is considered a “qualifying event,” so you have 60 days after walking out the door to purchase an individual policy from Covered California or a private insurer without needing to wait for an open enrollment period. Your company plan will cover you until the end of the month you depart. As long as you enroll in an individual plan by the 15th of that month, switching from your old plan to your new one will

be seamless. It only gets tricky if your employment ends in the second half of the month, potentially leaving you without insurance for between 28 and 31 days. What if you’re struck by appendicitis— or a bus—during your downtime? That’s when COBRA, an important part of pre-ACA health coverage, glides back into the picture. This federal program allows most departing employees to continue their workplace health insurance for up to 18 months— and the state’s Cal-COBRA tacks on an additional 18 months. However, the coverage is expensive, because your employer is no longer paying for any portion. You have about 60 days to elect to take COBRA, which kicks in retroactively from the date your employer-sponsored coverage was terminated. So if your appendix kicks up while you’re waiting for your new policy to take effect, you can cancel it and opt for COBRA, thereby gaining coverage for the period in question. This is virtually the only scenario where COBRA is preferred. One caveat: If you do sign up for COBRA, it cannot then be dropped to purchase an individual policy until the next open enrollment period. Enrollment for 2015 coverage is currently scheduled to begin on Nov. 15, 2014. At that point you could apply for a new policy to be effective Jan. 1 and discontinue your COBRA as of the same date. On or off the job, pre-existing condition or none, subsidized or not, the ACA means you qualify for affordable health coverage. Technical glitches, awkward transitions and tactical delays notwithstanding, ObamaCare is your best chance for a healthy—and solvent—future. Paul Waters is a Covered California certified agent with 1st Community Insurance. David Kalmansohn is the former editor of several national health magazines.

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Trying to winnow the most significant news stories of 2013 down to 10— what’s in, what’s out and why—is an exercise in obsessive frustration, but let’s try.

2013

TOP 10 NEWS STORIES BY KAREN OCAMB

10.

RIP MANDELA Nelson Mandela died Dec. 5 at 95. When this freedom fighter was finally released after 27 years in prison and elected South African president, he wrote a ban on sexual orientation discrimination into the country’s new constitution. President Obama’s elegant Dec. 10 tribute included mention of those imprisoned for “who they love.” Nonetheless, on Dec. 11, the India Supreme Court re-criminalized sodomy.

A DAY AT THE RACES Christine Quinn lost New York City’s mayoral race, but Houston Mayor Annise Parker was handily reelected. Parker’s often mentioned for Texas governor. In Los Angeles, Ron Galperin was elected City Controller and Mike Bonin replaced his mentor Bill Rosendahl, with Mitch O’Farrell winning Eric Garcetti’s old seat on the L.A. City Council. The LGBT community is developing a political bench.

7. THE TROUBLE WITH NOM NOM has had a really bad year. The National Organization for Marriage failed to save “traditional marriage” in Illinois; the Maine and Iowa ethics commissions ordered President Brian Brown to disclose his donors—Brown is not gay Glenn Greenwald’s vindicated pro-privacy NSA whistle-blower friend Edward Snowden—and gay Republican activist Fred Karger asked the Attorney General to investigate Brown for lobbying the Russians.

THE FRIGID WAR Not since the Cold War has there been so much focus on Russia. But as host of the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Vladimir Putin and his country have been criticized for the severe gay “propaganda” laws that seem to have given license to bash and kill LGBT Russians. The Olympic Committee wants no trouble but may get some anyway if the “protest zones” prove unruly.

9. COME OUT, COME OUT A slew of folks came out as LGBT this year—53 by Towleroad’s count. The entertainment personalities ranged from producer Clive Davis to Thor’s bisexual brother, Loki. Sports figures tumbled out, too, including Jason Collins, Tom Daley, WWE superstar Darren Young and Robbie Rogers. Three military figures came out as transgender—former Army private Chelsea Manning, billionaire former Army lieutenant colonel Jennifer Pritzker and former Navy Seal Kristin Beck.

4 MORE STATES Marriage equality came to New Mexico, New Jersey, Illinois and Hawaii, with other states (including Utah) looking to follow suit. Additionally, the Pentagon pushed states to recognize equal benefits for samesex spouses in the National Guard. It divided Dick Cheney’s family, however, with married lesbian Mary publicly blasting her sister Liz, who’s running for the Senate from Wyoming.

2. ENDA UNMOVED President Obama has spoken eloquently about the need to rectify income inequality. But he still doesn’t seem to grasp that by signing an executive order banning job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in federal contracts, he would be leading the way for Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. That would go miles in helping LGBT families avoid poverty.

AFFORDABLE CARE AT LAST The Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare, will kick off Jan. 1, thus ending heartbreak and headaches for thousands of people, including transgender individuals and those with pre-existing conditions (especially people of color with HIV) who have been denied health insurance coverage. Pointing to a problematic rollout on the website, Republicans tried to repeal the ACA, causing a $24 billion government shutdown. The California market exchange Covered California, however, worked well under the leadership of gay executive director Peter Lee. Look for the ACA to continue to be a political football in the 2014 elections.

6. MARRIAGE IS HERE TO STAY On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional and overturned Prop. 8, enabling marriage equality to finally resume in California on Aug. 14. Edith Windsor’s DOMA victory led the way for major changes in federal law, and the L.A.-based American Foundation for Equal Rights continues to press for the freedom to marry everywhere.

5. NEW POPE SPEAKS UP Time magazine named Pope Francis its “Person of the Year,” in part for telling Catholics they should not “obsess” over social issues such as LGBT and abortion rights and focus more on fighting poverty and helping the homeless. Perhaps that will spur more support for comprehensive immigration reform.

1 Find more of Karen Ocamb's end-of-year news coverage at FrontiersLA.com.

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Seeing hundreds of films in 2013, the ones that stand out make the cut. Consider this a list of 2013’s don’t-miss films.

YEAR IN REVIEW

2013 6. TO THE WONDER

This disturbing documentary—about orcas that have maimed and/or killed trainers while performing for audiences—features horrifying footage of animal attacks. But what resonates is the candor of former SeaWorld trainers discussing the unsafe environments they faced on the job and the harsh conditions whales like the 6,000-pound Tilikum experience. It’s an important message that comes across as loud and clear as the wailing sounds a momma whale makes when SeaWorld separates her from her baby.

A glorious drama full of dazzling images and profound insight, To the Wonder is magnificent, rapturous and transcendent—and sure to polarize audiences. But whether viewers get writer/director Terrence Malick’s considerations of human relationships and his ideas about God and spirituality—or just sit back and let the beautiful, hypnotic images of water, earth and light wash over them—this film is simply astonishing.

BLUE JASMINE Woody Allen coaxed the year’s best performance out of Cate Blanchett as the title character in this terrific film. Her body language and expressions, her vocal inflections and reactions are so realistic, so accurate and so transformative that Blanchett sinks into the role completely. A monologue she has while ‘babysitting’ her sister’s kids is priceless—sad, funny, revealing and poignant all at once. It, like Blanchett and the film, are simply spellbinding.

9. MUD Matthew McConaughey may get an Oscar nomination for his incredible performance in Dallas Buyers Club, but his seductive turn earlier this year in Mud is also a keeper. This mesmerizing coming-of-age story with some Southern Gothic overtones shrewdly addresses issues of fatherhood, masculinity, responsibility and love. A gem.

8. THE WE AND THE I Michel Gondry’s irresistible, overlooked film chronicles a fun and funky bus ride through the Bronx on the last day of school. As the assorted characters— which include a gay couple—kiss, flirt, fight and tease each other, they struggle palpably with their identities. It is easy to get caught up in their charming and poignant mini-dramas because the non-professional actors are so ingratiating.

I’M SO EXCITED For those viewers (like me) waiting for Almodóvar to go back to making funny and gay films, I’m So Excited was an intoxicating cocktail. Fueled by heavy doses of tequila, a trio of gay flight attendants must attend to panic-stricken first-class passengers when their landing gear fails. Naughty and silly—especially during the title musical number— I’m So Excited was a zippy, zany and tremendously entertaining comedy.

GRAVITY Eye-popping and breathtaking, Gravity pulls viewers in from its spectacular extended opening sequence and 3-D visuals. And Sandra Bullock is transfixing in the central role.

3. 12 YEARS A SLAVE 7

A remarkable, relentless epic, 12 Years A Slave is deserving of all its hype. Steve McQueen has created an extraordinary drama that documents the horrific true story of Solomon Northrup (Chiwetel Ejiofor— fantastic). The film’s realistic depiction of violence, racism and inequality makes viewers feel every lash, every slur and every demeaning moment. It is grueling to watch, but the discomfort is justly unforgettable, too. On the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, this film illuminates the depth of this disgraceful period of the American past.

TOP 10 FILMS

10. BLACKFISH

BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR It is three hours long, it has explicit lesbian sex scenes, it won big at Cannes and it’s a masterpiece— an intimate, erotic and ecstatic romantic drama that captures issues of self-worth and self-expression in ways that are both authentic and devastating. Plus, lead actress Adèle Exarchopoulos gives a phenomenal performance.

AMERICAN HUSTLE David O. Russell’s film is staggeringly great, from its retro-’70s credits and opening scene of Christian Bale’s elaborate comb-over through Amy Adams’ amazing performance to the final reveal. This thinly veiled version of the Abscam scandal—“some of this actually happened” a credit reads—is an epic tale of love, money and reinvention. Told from multiple narrators and boasting outstanding costumes, settings, music, direction and acting from the large ensemble cast, American Hustle is an unparalleled achievement.

BY GARY M. KRAMER

Find all of Frontiers' 2013 film reviews at FrontiersLA.com.

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The year’s musical output was varied and divisive. Here are what I consider to be the year’s 10 best albums.

2013

TOP 10 ALBUMS

10.

LITTLE GREEN CARS, Absolute Zero Every year an unheralded band comes from nowhere to charm me, and 2013’s is this Dublin quintet. The band’s songs carry the best Irish melancholy (especially the lovelorn “My Love Took Me Down to the River to Silence Me”) and know a lot about the war between the sexes, as embodied in gangly frontman Stevie Appleby and the husky vocals of secondary singer Faye O’Rourke.

9. HAIM, Days Are Gone Este, Danielle and Alana, with help from drummer Dash Hutton, overcame deafening hype to become a winner with this debut. There’s a straight line back to easy SoCal rock forebears Fleetwood Mac (“The Wire”), as well as sibling acts like Wilson-Phillips (“Forever”) and even Heart. That means they’re taken seriously as musicians but aren’t too hipster to reach out to the great pop firmament. The ‘80s production is a bit much, but those sisterly harmonies entrance throughout.

ARCTIC MONKEYS, AM On album five, England’s finest turns to hip-hop and metal sludge to invigorate impressive songwriter Alex Turner. He’s a charmer, even when drunk dialing on “Why’d You Always Call Me When You’re High?” and his adolescent mewl has acquired seriously soulful sex appeal.

JOHN GRANT, Pale Green Ghosts He parlays his HIV status into an electronic record and a singer-songwriter album rolled into one. Who would have expected less from the premier gay songwriter of the decade? Probably Grant, who wanted to hang it up a few years ago. Thanks for sticking to it, always making me laugh at sacred cows and “GMF,” which stands for “greatest motherf**ker”—what he’s in the process of becoming.

1. VAMPIRE WEEKEND, Modern Vampires

6. NEKO CASE, The Worse Things Get, The

Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You Less mannered and lyrically impenetrable than before while still ambiguous, Case could sing the phonebook and we’d all applaud. I’m glad she’s going for direct communication, because “Nearly Midnight, Honolulu” is the best child abuse song since Suzanne Vega’s “Luka,” and she didn’t even need music to pull it off, just that voice.

Unimpressed on first contact with each release by this Brooklyn band of (mostly) brothers, The National always sneaks up on me until I can’t stop playing them. So it is with album six, which I now prefer to High Violet or Boxer. And baritone Matt Berninger gets better with age.

LAURA MARLING, Once I Was an Eagle This British folkie’s never made a bad or flawless record. Her fourth, to me, is her best, though it never duplicates the gut-punch of the opening four-song suite—“Take the Night Off,” “I Was an Eagle,” “You Know” and “Breathe”—which, taken together, is like Led Zeppelin III fronted by Joni Mitchell. Stunning. BATHS, Obsidian I wish all electro were as beguiling as this, the third release from Will Wiesenfeld’s nom de synth, Baths. Openly gay, Wiesenfeld explores the lingering isolation of bad relationships while following his melodic muse down all sorts of holes—rabbit or otherwise— without skimping on the ugly details, especially in the same-sex horror stories of “No Eyes” and “Incompatible.” And when words fail him, as they do us all, he’s got keyboards to pull him through.

3. THE NATIONAL, Trouble Will Find Me

of the City I dislike Arcade Fire’s latest and have a much less laudatory outlook on Kanye than he has on himself. Yet from the first notes of the stately “Obvious Bicycle” to the gentle fragment “Young Lion” that bookmarks a perfect third outing, there was never any real competition. Smart, serious, funny and now also wise, Vampire Weekend joins the canon of other great NYC songwriters like Lou Reed and Paul Simon. I have no doubt the band will wear its new crown lightly and proudly.

5. PREFAB SPROUT, Crimson-Red BY DAN LOUGHRY

Paddy McAloon’s the type of literate songwriter who used to, uh, sprout weekly in the ‘80s (Aztec Camera, ABC, etc.). Now an endangered species, he proves he’s not only still got the goods but he’s better than ever. These 10 tracks are humbling, succinct and full of extended metaphors that any wordsmith will appreciate, most winningly on “The Best Jewel Thief in the World” and the aging lament “Adolescence.”

1 Find albums 20-11 and more end-of-year music coverage at FrontiersLA.com.

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With apologies to Honey Boo Boo and Kris Jenner’s evil empire, these were the year’s best televised moments.

2013

TOP 10 TV MOMENTS

10.

THE MILEY CYRUS REINVENTION TOUR Whether twerking at the VMAs, smoking a blunt at the EMAs or flashing her adorable pussy at the AMAs, 20-year-old reformed Disney baby Miley Cyrus had everyone sticking their tongues out as she shed her skin while simultaneously committing murder on awards show stages around the world. RIP, Hannah Montana.

9. SHARKNADO!

Just when you thought it was safe to never see another Tara Reid movie, Sharknado happened. Syfy channel’s awesomely terrible B-movie about a freak storm that causes shark-infested tornadoes to ravage Los Angeles was absolutely the best comedy of the summer. Unfortunately, the CGI unearthed to help Ian Ziering hack his way out of a great white’s belly still wasn’t as cheesy as his hair on Beverly Hills, 90210.

8. THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE

3. AMERICAN HORROR STORY: COVEN

The hills were alive with the sound of everyone throwing shade at Carrie Underwood’s acting. Despite her line-reading skills, NBC pulled off the impossible and made three hours of live musical theater “Must-See TV.” The fact that it was a ratings hit assures that we’re about a year or two away from watching Mandy Moore and Ashanti in Cats. Now and forever!

6. THE RISE OF NETFLIX ORIGINALS

This year Netflix started creating original content, and it had the likes of HBO and AMC shaking in their critically acclaimed series’ boots. With all-new episodes of House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black available at once, Netflix changed the television programming landscape and made binge watching more fun than binge drinking. Cheers to Season 2!

What AHS lacks in scares this season is more than made up for by showcasing three stellar actresses at the top of their game (Jessica Lange, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates) battling it out Drag Race-style for the best lines with even better wigs. Throw in the amazing Lily Rabe and a landslide of Stevie Nicks adulation and you’ll see why this season is supreme. PROP. 8 PLAINTIFFS MARRY The roller coaster ride that was the Prop. 8 case received the storybook ending we all dreamed of when local news stations aired outgoing L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa marrying plaintiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo live on June 28. For once there was a reality show we could be proud to watch.

THE GOLDEN GLOBES Every awards show needs more T&A—Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The reigning queens of comedy hysterically ripped on everyone from James Cameron to James Franco and even managed the perfect closing line after a certain rambling quasi-coming out speech—“Good night, everybody. We’re going home with Jodie Foster.” The ladies are hosting next month’s Globes, and chances are their sequel will be even better than the first.

GIRLS: ONE MAN’S TRASH You know, the one where Lena Dunham played ping pong with Patrick Wilson in the nude—and everyone shrieked. After getting past the misogynistic rants of how unrealistic a coupling it was, this fantasy episode took a break from Hannah’s usual narcissism and entitlement to perfectly highlight the vulnerability, hopes and insecurities so prevalent in one’s 20s. If you don’t think a guy would sleep with someone half his age who isn’t the standard notion of beauty and who just happens to show up at his front door, you’ve obviously never used Grindr.

THE RED WEDDING Speaking of weddings, the most controversial one of the year did not involve a Supreme Court case or same-sex couples. In one of the most violent and brutal episodes to air on television, HBO’s Game of Thrones killed off a slew of main characters and dethroned Dynasty’s “Moldavian Massacre” for bloodiest wedding reception ever. The Red Wedding is the only thing—on TV, at least—that will leave you gagging from getting so much head.

5. THE BEYONCÉ BOWL BY JOHNNY LOPEZ

Following in Madonna’s footsteps, Beyoncé brought 13 minutes of fierceness—and hordes of gay viewers— to the most-watched television program of the year, the Super Bowl. Throw in a Destiny’s Child reunion featuring Kelly and Michelle shooting up from under the stage and we’ll let slide that Mrs. Carter had the nerve to end her weave-tastic performance with a ballad. I can see your hell no!

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The L.A. theater scene saw a wide variety of high-quality work in 2013, from high-profile star turns to gut-wrenching new plays presented in tiny venues. Here are 10 standouts.

2013

TOP 10 THEATER

10.

BEST FAMILY DRAMA From King Lear to August: Osage County, many great works of dramatic literature are family dramas. Add to the list Nina Raine’s ambitious Tribes, the intelligent, provocative drama about hearing vs. listening that CTG transplanted from New York’s Barrow Street Theatre. Russell Harvard’s deaf younger brother Billy was one of the most moving characters of the year in David Cromer’s sparkling production.

9. BEST NON-DRAG JUDY

3. BEST SEQUEL TO A CLASSIC

Countless drag queens have tried to capture the idiosyncratic genius of Judy Garland, but last winter British actress Tracie Bennett brought her Tonynominated turn in Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow to the Ahmanson and floored Southland audiences with the power and fragility of her portrayal of the troubled star.

8. BEST ARGUMENT FOR UNPLUGGING The world premiere of Jennifer Haley’s The Nether at the Kirk Douglas left theatergoers squirming in their seats in its exquisitely realized depiction of a dystopian near-future where adults act out their most unacceptable fantasies in a virtual world. A crack cast of five—including local favorite Dakin Matthews as a middle school science teacher with a secret— shone under Neel Keller’s slick direction.

BEST DOWNSIZING The DOMA Theatre Company struck gold with a gorgeously realized 99-seat revival of Dreamgirls, revealing an appealing humanity in the sweeping show with an intimate staging and some terrific performances. DOMA hasn’t been heard from since the summer, and here’s hoping 2014 finds the littlecompany-that-could (with the best musical direction in town) tackling more big shows in small spaces.

6. BEST RAVES FOR A PAN 2013 began with Cathy Rigby returning to the Pantages with the original Peter Pan musical, and the year ended with the Ahmanson’s energized production of the back-story adventure Peter and the Starcatcher. In between, the best Pan-related production of all was the Blank Theatre Company’s premiere of Peter Pan: The Boy Who Hated Mothers, a dark reimagining of the familiar tale with the most inventive staging of the year from director Michael Matthews.

BEST RECLAIMING Few musical theater roles are more closely associated with the original star than the lead in Funny Girl. Barbra Streisand’s iconic portrayal of Fanny Brice has scared off countless candidates for revivals over the years. In 3-D Theatricals’ much-lauded Orange County staging this year, Nicole Parker triumphed in a breakout turn as Fanny, leading a shimmering supporting cast under the expert direction of Michael Matthews (him again!).

The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center gave us director Ken Sawyer’s heart-wrenching and affectingly intimate staging of The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, a kind of sequel to the Tectonic Theatre Project’s landmark docu-drama about the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard. An amazing cast played Laramie citizens and Tectonic cast members as they dared to ask the question, “Have we learned anything?”

BEST AGITPROP REMINDER The typically high-quality Fountain Theatre ended the year with an extended run of director Simon Levy’s superb revival of The Normal Heart, Larry Kramer’s 1985 dramatic diatribe about the early days of the AIDS crisis in New York. Led by the outsized performance of Tim Cummings as Kramer’s stand-in, a terrific cast hurled itself into the upsetting tale with passion and abandon.

BEST COUCH POTATO The year came to a close with Bette Midler holding court at the Geffen in I’ll Eat You Last, playwright John Logan’s delicious solo show about barracuda talent agent Sue Mengers. Juggling cigarettes and joints, the Divine Miss M never got off the couch as she dished, confessed and confided, whipping the piece of dramatic meringue into a highly satisfying meal.

5. BEST DOUBLE-DIP BY CHRISTOPHER CAPPIELLO

Rogue Machine Theatre has quickly developed a reputation for staging some of L.A.’s most exciting new works. In 2013 the hot company gave us the Southland premiere of Dying City, Christopher Shinn’s Pulitzer finalist about American life after 9/11 and the Iraq War. Burt Grinstead dazzled as twin brothers, including an Iraq casualty, and Laurie Okin matched him as the wife and sister-in-law.

1 Find all of Frontiers' 2013 theater reviews at FrontiersLA.com.

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Meet Hollywood’s Hardest-Working Gay Man BY MIKE CIRIACO

KNOWN THE WORLD over for his laugh-out-loud web series portrayal of Chloë Sevigny, local talent Drew Droege adeptly balances hilarious performances on stage, screen and the web. Droege’s impeccable comedic timing makes him a flawless scene stealer, as evidenced by his recent appearances on Chelsea Lately and numerous sitcoms such as Happy Endings and Adult Swim’s NTSF: SD: SUV. He’s a fixture of Outfest, adding humor and dimension to films like Eating Out: Drama Camp and the upcoming Such Good People with Michael Urie and Randy Harrison. When not in front of the camera, Droege is hustling around the Los Angeles comedy scene, either performing with notable institutions like Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade or as a director, as with the New York Fringe award-winning Jersey Shorescial: A Frickin’ Rock Opera. Between Droege’s skill and dedication to his craft, the SoCal funny man is poised to ride the crest from local talent to the next big thing on a national level.

While Droege is mostly associated with the Los Angeles comedy scene, his journey as an actor began in the Carolinas. It’s the origin of his subtle twang, which tends to emerge and add charm to a few of his characters, like Feathers from Planet Unicorn, a brilliant but shortlived web cartoon about a young gay boy who wishes a world of gay unicorns into existence. Besides the slight accent, the Carolinas gave Droege his introduction to the stage. “Well, I was born in South Carolina, but I grew up in North Carolina, which is like Burbank with barbecue,” Droege joked during a recent interview. “It was very chill. I did a lot of community theater with other freaks—goth kids, burnouts, tired women—so we all got along just fine. You should’ve seen our production of The Diary of Anne Frank.” It was around this time that an adolescent Droege realized he could utilize his unique gifts not only to garner atten38

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tion but also to intimidate aggressors. “In high school, I saw this amazingly stupid documentary called Hell’s Bells, which warns Christian teens about the evils of dark-sided rock music. So I pretended to be possessed by this creature that I called The Griffin. It was a full-body thrill ride of shrieks and tantrums. Some people laughed, but the bullies stayed at bay. Also, I won a spot on student council from lip-syncing to Salt-N-Pepa’s ‘Whatta Man.’ You gotta give the kids what they want.” In addition to his talent, Droege can be characterized by unapologetically owning his sexual orientation. Growing up in a region typically associated with bigotry and homophobia, his experience with a supportive family to whom he didn’t need to come out is remarkable. “They’ve always been really supportive and loving and more concerned with how much sleep I’m getting,” he says. In 1999, Droege relocated to Los

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Angeles to pursue his dreams as an actor. Motivated by the career paths of several of his role models, Droege began studying at Melrose comedy institution The Groundlings. “I was really interested and terrified in taking improv classes, and I was a huge fan of people like Lisa Kudrow and Phil Hartman and Paul Reubens and Laraine Newman. Then I saw two movies—American Pie and Go—with cameos by unknown actresses named Jennifer Coolidge and Melissa McCarthy. I looked them up and found out that all of them came from The Groundlings, so I knew I needed to study there.” But Coolidge and McCarthy aren’t Droege’s only inspirations. The out comedian credits both Carol Burnett and John Waters for molding him into the performer he is today. “Carol is pure human comedy—so simple and beautiful and hilarious. I made my 5-year-old nephew watch Annie

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last year. We both laughed like idiots. And when he gets old enough, I will be showing him Female Trouble and Serial Mom, which have pitch-perfect scripts and are brilliant observations of the human condition. John Waters is my Norman Rockwell.” This warped perception of reality is easily seen in Droege’s impersonation of Chloë Sevigny, a web character that thrust him from local actor to internet sensation. In fact, if you search “Chloë Sevigny” on YouTube, a clip of Droege’s character actually outranks an interview with the actress. Shining a spotlight on Sevigny’s habitual name-dropping and quirky fashion sense, Droege’s Chloë videos propelled him to the next tier of his career. “I realized that I looked like her and was fascinated by her world. I first played her at Celebration Theatre with a sketch group, The Deviants, and had no idea that she’d become such a JANUARY 7, 2014

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many years being told that I wasn’t good enough to perform at Lonni’s Bi-Curious Taco Brunch, so I’m super grateful when I get something. But there’s nothing like the thrill of making your own work. No one tells you that you can’t say this or do that. There’s no excuse why every actor isn’t making original content now. We’re creating and changing the industry in a really exciting way.” Droege has a similar view of the gay independent film scene. The recipient of Outfest’s Special Programming Award for Emerging Talent, Droege is a large proponent of the LGBT indie realm. “It’s quickly growing. There’s always room for more talent and different voices within it. I remember moving here and being blown away by Sam Pancake and Jackie Beat and Julie Brown, and now I get to hang out with them and make stupid things with them sometimes. We also have exciting and hilarious folks moving here and creating weird important shit every day. And this year’s gay films were incredible—Kill Your Darlings, Concussion, Pit Stop. Does Blue Jasmine count? I think it does.” Although Droege supports the gay indie scene, he also has some criticisms for it. To Droege, the genre suffers most from infighting between artists. “We have to be our biggest allies. We are not crabs in a bucket, pulling each other down when one gets a little bit ahead. We need to do what the straight white boys have been doing for years— put each other in all of our projects!” Droege’s sagacity extends beyond his critique of queer film practices. In the seasoned actor’s preciously rare free time, he extends his wisdom to the next generation of actors as a teacher at The Groundlings. “I started teaching at The Groundlings because one of my favorite directors, Karen Maruyama, knew that I was bossy and full of opinions, so she convinced them to hire me.” For young actors reading Frontiers, here’s some of Droege’s advice: “Relax. Just do your thing. Don’t try to do what anyone else is doing. Don’t disparage your peers. This isn’t a competition or a race. Give yourself a break. You’re beautiful. Shut up and listen. Dance. And put me on your show.”

Meet Hollywood’s Hardest-Working Gay Man huge part of my life. I am seriously touched and still amazed that people are fans of Chloë. When I started playing her onstage, some audiences hated it and had no problem telling me so. When Jim Hansen approached me about making videos as her, I was really hesitant to do it. But he took the character to a whole new level, and it really started my career. Chloë began hosting birthday parties and officiating weddings and judging odd talent pageants. And for me as an actor, I’ve gotten in the door for bigger and better roles. I took a break from videos this year to focus on other stuff, but Chloë will be back in 2014 with recently discovered attentions.” The Chloë character not only helped Droege book larger projects but also allowed him to successfully produce his own original works. “I’ve just written and started performing a new solo show, called Bright Colors and Bold Patterns, set on the eve of a gay wedding. It was really scary to write and produce, because it’s more serious and real and everything away from wigs and catchphrases. I mean, it’s still a comedy, but I’m playing a really flawed and (hopefully) sympathetic person going through a crisis. I’m also really happy with my podcast, Glitter in the Garbage, which I’m bringing back next year. And hopefully I can get a part on Dance Moms,” he jokes. Droege’s current success tends to overshadow the fact that the actor has struggled—and on some level still struggles with—his career. The ability to create his own works like Bright Colors and Bold Patterns or his new Starz.com webseries Hollywood Acting Studio is validating to the comedian. “I am so happy when anyone hires me to do anything. Seriously, I spent 42

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Drew Droege can be seen in upcoming episodes of Drunk History, Sean Saves the World and Chozen, FX’s new cartoon about a gay ex-con rapper. Follow him on Twitter @drewdroege.

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YEAR IN REVIEW Good evening, America. I'm Chloë Sevigny.* It’s recently come to my attention that it shall be the year’s end. I have many remembrances and kept thoughts about this previous collection of months, but here now is a list of my favorite moments.

10. Hosting Bears In Space, a summer-borne dance riot at Akbar, with DJ Chris Bowen. There I made important shapes, and my nose devoured the harrowing truths of masculinity.

The color of the year, Avenue Maintain, reminiscent of the blood of Aeon Flux.

8. The unwavering fervor of Candace Cameron Bure. 7. Elton John's appendix removal. Pulse-stopping television at its finest.

6. The bowel-shaking rhythms of Jodie Foster’s Elysium timbre.

The unapologetic return of heavy hors d’oeuvres. I most recently enjoyed a chunked orange roughy plank, festooned with holiday olives. Thank you, Samsung.

4. The remarkably understandable plot of Upstream Color. Talk about popcorn cinema!

3. Actresses without teeth. Or anyone but Anne Hathaway.

The desolation of Smaug. I’m really glad that happened. Thank you, Obama.

1. My nightly cacao showers with Rita Moreno, will.i.am and Roma Downey. Who stole my loofah?

PHOTO: DONOVAN & MATTHIAS VRIENS-MCGRATH

*Not really. It’s Drew Droege!

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IT’S A

DATE!

2014’s crop of sexy, silly and stylish calendars 3

BY STEPHAN HORBELT Sure, you could opt for one of those umpteen nude rugby team calendars for 2014, but those aren’t exactly appropriate for the workplace—also, they’re likely to facilitate a different form of organization than what you have in mind. Luckily the market is already saturated with a bevy of really exceptional docket options for the new year. Here are some of our favorites, whether you’re scouting for something kitschy, classic or workplace-inappropriate. (Because, hey, your home office needs a calendar, too!)

5. 2014 RECIPE WALL CALENDAR 1. CITIES AROUND THE WORLD You may be stuck behind a desk for the majority of next year, but let your imagination travel the globe courtesy of 12 beautifully hand-painted city maps. The easel format makes it easy to place this on your desk and daydream about that jaunt to gay Paris. $16.95, paper-source.com

2. 2014 MOON PHASES This gorgeous metallic print is a reminder for us all to glance up every now and then— there’s great beauty in the sky above. Keep track of the moon and its phases with this handy guide. $40, tinyurl.com/q6jwed6

3. BUTT One of your favorite (now-defunct) homo print publications is responsible for the new year’s bulkiest calendar option—384 pages of sexy pink dudes. This XXL daily calendar features images from BUTT’s prestigious list of contributors. It’s as good a reason as any to get your butt out of bed in the morning. $40, buttusa.tictail.com

4. STENDIG CALENDAR We don’t all want illustrations, photography or even color on our wall calendar. For the bloke with particularly modern sensibilities, the Stendig calendar is a great buy. Designed in ‘66 by Massimo Vignelli, it’s the only calendar featured inside MoMA. $42, stendigcalendar.com 44

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Foodies will love this gorgeously shot wall calendar. Each month features a different recipe, and each recipe calls for the season’s freshest, most delicious ingredients. Bring on April’s Mango Mojitos! $29, tinyurl.com/o9j9l2x

6. BIG BOY VINTAGE Big Boy Vintage is a Los Angeles-based vintage clothing company for big boys (size Large and 38” waists and above). The 2014 calendar is a collection of 12 big boys modeling some of BBV’s favorite fashions. It’s available at the store’s web shop. $10. bigboyvintage.storenvy.com

7. THE UNRAVELING CALENDAR You’ll find no better reminder to seize each day before it vanishes than this calendar, made of a long strip of knitted cotton fabric. Patrick Frey designed this thought-provoking piece, which hangs from a wooden rod. tinyurl.com/no578kt

8. 2014 OC “Love is love, Orthodox or not,” says the new year’s Orthodox Calendar, which features “nude and semi-nude photogrpahs of members of the Orthodox Church.” The calendar itself is the very first organized global effort against homophobia in the church, and the fact that it features some particularly sexy gentlemen is an added bonus. 16.99, orthodox-calendar.com

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8 9

12 9. BUBBLE CALENDAR Yes, it’s exactly what it looks like—a poster-sized 2014 calendar made of bubble wrap. Pop a new bubble every day, which will act as both a great stress-reliever for you and a reason for co-workers to plot your demise. $20, tinyurl.com/74fdx23

10. 2014 CHIPPENDALES CALENDAR For those who crave beef all year round, this year’s Chippendales calendar features openly gay buds James Vaughan and James Davis, who together were runners-up on The Amazing Race. This popular male revue isn’t just for the ladies anymore. $14.99, chippendales.com

11. CUB CAMP What happens when a bunch of hairy guys gather in the Tennessee woods to howl at the moon? A calendar gets made, duh. To be clear, this sexy batch of images features 12 nature-loving otters (not cubs, like the name might imply), but we don’t think you’ll mind. $20. cubcamp.bigcartel.com

12. 2014 LINEAR CALENDAR If you’re on the hunt for a calendar to make you squint, this one’s it. It’s also a reminder that calendars make great wall art even when you can’t figure out how to use them. $25, tinyurl.com/nnsefpk JANUARY 7, 2014

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PHOTO: ADAM EMPEROR SOUTHARD

Frontiers Wedding Guide

Love, Actualized A Pop-Up for All Seasons By Duane Wells At their core, the holidays are meant to be all about love. So what better gift to give this holiday than one that comes from, is all about and supports the very organ that should be most touched by the spirit of the season? In 2012, when Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his actor/producer husband Justin Mikita co-founded Tie the Knot as a tool to advocate for the civil rights of gay and lesbian Americans, the heart was precisely the organ they had in mind. The seasonal collection of neckwear, which is designed by the couple and their celebrity friends, is inspired by a combination of life along with each respective designers’ favorite art and fashion. All proceeds from the sale of the immediately popular and decidedly fashion-forward assortment of colorful ties goes to various organizations in the trenches fighting for the rights of the United States LGBT community. In its short history, Tie the Knot has not only already raised a sizeable amount of much-needed funds to support the cause that gave birth to it, but simultaneously helped a number of men and women look quite fashionable while doing so. This month, Ferguson and Mikita took their commitment to marriage equality a step further with the starstudded opening of a physical space at the Beverly Center to herald the arrival

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of their fourth collection of bow ties. The two-month pop-up store features a fresh slate of designs from the newlywed gAy-list couple as well as sartorial contributions from an all-star roster of professional athletes that includes former NFL player Scott Fujita, NFL player Chris Kluwe and WNBA player Brittney Griner. “Just in time for the holidays, Tie the Knot is excited to make its world premiere into the space of brick-andmortar,” Ferguson boasted of the opening. “We have been so pleased by the outpouring of support and are excited to bring a bold and fashion-forward gift, which supports a right as fundamental as marriage equality, to the center of Los Angeles’ fashion industry.” As with previous offerings, each tie in the Tie the Knot collection retails for $25 and is handmade. As an added bonus for fans, the retail store will also feature every previously sold-out design from the collection, including past bow ties created by guest designers such as Isaac Mizrahi and George Takei, as well as selections of other men’s accessories furnished by Tie the Knot's retail partner, TheTieBar.com. Tie the Knot’s retail store will remain open at The Beverly Center through January 10, 2014. For more information on the collection or the cause, visit TieTheKnot.org.

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JANUARY 7, 2014

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SOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

EVENTS

NIGHTLIFE

THEATER

EXHIBITS

go to FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment for more listings Through April 2014

Fri. | Dec. 27

TRAVELING THE SILK ROAD

STUDIO ONE

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

Ultra Suede

This exhibition transports visitors to ancient cities through immersive recreations of settings that feature life-size models, engaging videos and hands-on activities telling the story of peoples and cultures of the golden age. Explore a time when the information superhighway was a network of land routes across deserts and mountains. nhm.org/silkroad

Straight from the brain of WeHo’s kooky nightlife impresario Billy Francesca, Studio One is a return to L.A.’s version of famed nightclub Studio 54. Prepare for your feet to never leave the dance floor while you take in eye candy galore and the occasional live performance by pop artists of the moment. factorynightclub.com

AHF TO WED SAME-SEX COUPLE ON ROSE PARADE FLOAT

Sat. | Dec. 28 Thu. | Dec. 26

HUSTLER THURSDAYS The Abbey The popular WeHo bar’s latest Thursday night party sees The Abbey partnering with the Hustler store, which will provide free giveaways and bags each week. Drag Race Season 6 contestant Courtney Act hosts the evening, with Belvedere Red vodka specials available. abbey foodandbar.com Thu. | Dec. 26

B BAR Eagle L.A. Every Thursday night, the hairy boys and men of Los Angeles gather at the Eagle for cheap beer, great music and smart socializing. It’s a sexy get-together of the city’s best beards, though all are invited. A rotating roster of guest DJs keeps the party fun. eaglela.com Fri. | Dec. 27

NORTH BY NORTHWEST Nuart Theatre Nuart Theatre hosts a midnight movie series Friday nights through January with classic favorites. North By Northwest, an espionage thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock with lead Cary Grant, is the final time the two would pair up. landmarktheatres.com 48

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DRAGULA Faultline No one puts on a spooky party quite like the Boulet Brothers. At East Side party Dragula the nightlife duo pulls out all the stops—a runway stage for contestants vying for the month’s Miss Dragula title, hard-hitting music and fab guest hosts and judges. The perfect party for the reveler looking for a different crowd. faultlinebar.com Sat. | Dec. 28

REFLEX ENCORE Ultra Suede A party for those looking to dance til the sun comes up, Reflex Encore features DJ/producer Eddie X and keeps the party going from 1-7 a.m. Also, fashion and a peepshow by Choke. Purchase advance tickets at reflexpresents.com. $5 off door with your Reflex Black Card. Through Dec. 29

TOTEM Orange County Great Park Festival Site Cirque du Soleil is pleased to be back in the L.A. area with an allnew, awe-inspiring big-top touring production. Totem traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. Inspired by many founding myths, Totem illustrates—through a visual and acrobatic language—the evolutionary progress of species. cirquedusoleil.com

LOVE IS THE BEST PROTECTION BY MICHELLE MCCARTHY

Every couple wants its wedding to leave a lasting impression and strives to put on the most beautiful, romantic and over-the-top display of love. Well, one lucky gay couple is going to ring in the new year and say “I do” in a truly unique and history-making fashion— on top of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s parade float at the 2014 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. AHF’s prior entries were 2012’s “Our Champion,” which paid tribute to Elizabeth Taylor’s work in the fight against AIDS, and 2013’s “The Global Face of AIDS.” Its latest float will mark the defeat of Prop. 8 and celebrate gay marriage and the role it can play in helping to reduce HIV infections among gay men. AHF is the largest global AIDS organization, and it hopes the float will get its message out to the masses: “Love is the Best Protection.” The tournament’s 2014 theme is “Dreams Come True”—a notion that will become a reality for Aubrey Loots and his fiancé Danny Leclair atop AHF’s “Living the Dream” float. The L.A. couple has been together for more than a decade and they own Studio DNA Salons, a chain of three successful L.A.-area hair salons. “Having my relationship recog-

nized legally is already a dream come true. To be able to declare my love to the world at large in hopes of inspiring others to live proudly and authentically is an enormous honor,” Leclair says. “It’s awe-inspiring to be committing your life to another person and to have millions of people bear witness. I didn’t imagine this happening in my lifetime,” Loots adds. This declaration of love and commitment by a same-sex couple will be witnessed by the parade’s 60 million worldwide viewers. (Talk about wedding-day jitters.) Loots and Leclair will be joined by Sharon Raphael and Mina Meyer, a lesbian couple who made it legal back in 2008. The women first met as neighbors when they were 4 and 5 years old. They reconnected decades later and have been together for 42 years. “Today, as wedding bells ring more and more for gay and lesbian Americans like Aubrey and Danny and Mina and Sharon, AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s 2014 Tournament of Roses Parade float is proud to honor and celebrate those ‘Living the Dream,’ confident in the knowledge that love is indeed the best protection,” says Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The 2014 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade will take place Jan. 1 at 8 a.m.

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Photos by Rolling Blackouts

PLANS UNVEILED FOR 'COOLEY'S,' WEHO'S LATEST GASTROPUB BY PAULO MURILLO

David Cooley, founder of the world-famous Abbey Bar & Restaurant, invited members of the community and some press to an open reception at the Abbey on Tuesday, Dec. 10, for a first look at the plans and renderings of Cooley’s, West Hollywood's future restaurant and bar that promises to deliver a “modern gastropub restaurant and beer garden, blending indoor and outdoor space ... drawing inspiration from the neighboring West Hollywood Park” to Boystown. Cooley's sits at 8936 Santa Monica Boulevard, just around the corner from The Abbey on Robertson. The reception was more of a friendly meet-and-greet public viewing, with an open bar and passed hors-d’oeuvres, without any longwinded speeches or PowerPoint presentations. Cooley was present to shake hands and answer questions about the impressive plans he has for the 10,000square-foot space where Unicorn Alley book store, Balliamos Dance Studio and Raffi Jewelers once stood, right next door to where the Motherlode bar will continue to operate. “Everyone is giving me positive feedback” Cooley told Frontiers. “It’s exciting after seven months of planning to see the response that the community is giving me.” “The doors are open. I’m just thrilled," says Cooley. "This will be a big improvement for that part of Santa Monica Boulevard, as well as the West Hollywood Park. I’m very hopeful.” “The look of the new restaurant is outstanding,” West HollyFind more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment.

wood resident Arlene Krantz told Frontiers. “I live a couple of blocks from here, and everything that the Abbey has done has enhanced our neighborhood. It brings people here and it brings revenue to West Hollywood, and I think the whole thing is wonderful. It will be a place to go and have a drink and something to eat and relax. That’s what the neighborhood needs.” “I think it is very brave of them,” said community member John Stapleton. “This is a very ambitious undertaking. New businesses have not been very successful near the corner of Santa Monica and Robertson. We call it the Bermuda Triangle of West Hollywood. New businesses go up and then they vanish, so good luck.” The reception on Dec. 10 was the first of several public viewing events before the plans are presented to the city of West Hollywood. The plans were brought before the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The plans were then presented at a West Hollywood public hearing on Dec. 17 at the West Hollywood Library Community Meeting Room. [Editor’s Note: Plans for Cooley’s were met with pushback by some local community members, most notably Alfredo Diaz, co-owner of West Hollywood bar Revolver, who feels “Cooley’s may be beautiful, but it is a bad idea for our neighborhood.” Diaz raised the issues of noise and the space’s proximity to West Hollywood Park. Diaz’s larger concern was “the direction Boystown is headed” in a piece Diaz wrote for WeHoVille.com.]

Stay tuned to FrontiersLA.com for updted info.

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SOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

Sun. | Dec. 29

DECADE Micky’s End your weekend by dancing up a storm at thisWeHo party, where you’re sure to hear nothing but the classics. Indulge in disco-dancing go-go boys and live drag performances before you head back to work on Monday. mickys.com Through Dec. 29

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: TWIST YOUR DICKENS Kirk Douglas Theatre The genius of The Second City once again takes over the Kirk Douglas Theatre. This production includes a reworked story featuring Scrooge, the Cratchits and the ghosts of Christmas, with celebrity guests and interactive audience improv. centertheatregroup.org Mon. | Dec. 30

WELL-STRUNG Rockwell Table & Stage Well-Strung, the Singing String Quartet, have quickly gained international attention for their mashup of string quartet and boy band styles. The foursome features classical musicians who sing, putting their spin on the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Ke$ha, P!nk, Adele, Britney Spears and more. well-strung.com

FILM IN THE DESERT The Palm Springs International Film Festival, scheduled for Jan. 3-13, marks its 25th anniversary this year. Last year’s festival screened 180 films from 68 countries, including 61 premieres. The festival presents a majority of the films submitted for Oscar consideration in the Best Foreign Language category, as well as a large number of American independent and international features and documentaries marking their world, North American or U.S. premieres. The festival holds its annual star-studded black tie awards gala on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The gala will honor individuals in the film industry with awards for acting, directing, achievement in film scoring and lifetime achievement. This year, Tom Hanks will receive the Chairman’s Award, Lupita Nyong’o will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award for 12 Years a Slave, Thomas Newman will receive the Frederick Loewe Award for Film Composing for Saving Mr. Banks and Julia Roberts will receive the Spotlight Award. The festival will award the cast of American Hustle with the Ensemble

Performance Award. Last year’s festival honorees included Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Sally Field, Richard Gere, Helen Mirren, Naomi Watts and Robert Zemeckis. Beginning Friday, Jan. 3, 15 screens throughout Palm Springs will operate from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. The opening night screening and reception will be held that evening. The closing night screening will take place on Sunday, Jan. 12, and the “Best of the Festival” films will screen all day on Monday, Jan. 13. Presented by the Palm Springs International Film Society, the Palm Springs International Film Fest is one of the largest film festivals in North America. The festival also features cultural events, filmmaker tributes and its popular “Talking Pictures” series of onstage interviews with some of contemporary cinema’s leading talents. Palm Springs International Film Festival Jan. 3-13 Theaters throughout Palm Springs psfilmfest.org

Find more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment.

» SIZE | HERE LOUNGE |

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Photos by Tom Whitman Presents

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SOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

BY BRIAN PADGETT

FOOD2KNOW: Martinis Whether you prefer yours “shaken, not stirred” or “on the rocks with a twist,” this cocktail classic has withstood the test of time—and for good reason.

The Bazaar

Musso and Frank Grill

Craig’s

Virtually anything is possible in the hands of José Andrés, and with olive spherification and brine air, this old friend is nearly unrecognizable—but in a good way. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. thebazaar.com

As timeless as Bogie and as classic as Marilyn, the beverages at this Hollywood staple are top notch. 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. mussoandfrank.com

It’s easy to channel ‘Dean Martin cool’ when enjoying cocktail classics in the Design District’s Rat Pack throwback. 8826 Melrose Ave., WeHo. craigs.la

Find more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment.

» BFD | FUBAR |

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Photos by Rolling-Blackouts

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SOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

L.A. STAYCATION

» SINFUL FRIDAYS

Hotel Palomar Westwood

| THE ABBEY |

Photos by Rolling-Blackouts

BY STEPHAN HORBELT

Whether you can’t afford to leave town for an extended vacation, have been dying to check out an unexplored area of the city or simply need to get away for a weekend, Los Angeles offers several ideal locales for a memorable staycation. Perfectly situated on L.A.’s Westside, nestled among the high-end addresses of Brentwood, Bel-Air, Century City and Beverly Hills, sits Hotel Palomar Westwood. One of the neighborhood’s many towering buildings along Wilshire Boulevard, Palomar houses 19 floors of sophisticated guest rooms for the discerning staycationer looking to leave the travails of the city behind him. A night or two here is sure to reinvigorate your spirit and return a relaxed you back into the world. The Hotel Those who have hotel-hopped around San Francisco—or a rather lengthy list of other cities with Kimpton Hotel properties—are familiar with the hotel chain’s dedication to sophisticated, fun, colorful presentation. Like its brethren, the Hotel Palomar is an exercise in sleek, modern splendor. On-site perks include a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center; valet parking, perfect when the desire to tour the Westside strikes; an outdoor swimming pool and lounge for afternoons of sunning and splashing; a hosted wine bar each evening, timed for that pre-dinner cocktail; and BLVD 16, the ground floor restaurant serving up delicious specialty cocktails and season-driven entrées and small plates. Your Room If there’s one thing hotels under the Kimpton name accomplish particularly well, it’s providing patrons with rooms and suites that are lively, classy and practical. No one wants

to feel ‘at home’ when staycationing, but we all crave those comforts and amenities we’re used to. I like to say that a Kimpton suite is what your own home would look like upon having the money and interior design wherewithal to achieve it. Add an oversized tub and walk-in shower to the mix and you’ll never want to leave. Highly Recommended Take advantage of the Palomar’s public bicycles program for a day of adventure. The opportunities for a relaxing bike ride on a sunny day are endless on L.A.’s Westside, thanks to the close proximity of UCLA, the Hammer Museum and other hotspots. Make it a day to remember and grab a picnic basket from BLVD 16 before riding off. For a day of crusing around, the ‘Trailblazer’ basket features homemade trail mix, yogurt, fruit and sandwiches. For a romantic day date, the ‘Sunset on the Beach’ basket includes artisanal breads and cheeses, chocolate-covered strawberries, grapes and quinoa salad.

Hotel Palomar Westwood, 10740 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. hotelpalomar-LAwestwood.com

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Find more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment.

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Through Dec. 31

CHRISTMAS AT THE FOLLIES Plaza Theatre

OUT

The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies’ 23rd and final edition titled “The Last Hurrah!” ends the year and its phenomenal run with a ton of holiday cheer. A medley of “Silent Night,” “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night,” a comedic performance by dancing rabbis, a burlesque “Santa Baby” and snowfall make for an unforgettable ending. psfollies.com Tue., Dec. 31

ONE DAY PLAY The Eclectic Company Theatre PHOTO COURTESY OF MUDDY LEEK

One Day Play is a production that is conceived and executed within 24 hours. Pioneered by Rachel Rosenthal in Los Angeles and typically presented as several sketches in one night, The Eclectic Company Theatre takes the concept to a new level by presenting a full-length performance. eclecticcompanytheatre.org

SUPPER & SKATE AT L.A. LIVE L.A. Market Restaurant Warm up this winter with the “Supper & Skate” promotion at Kerry Simon’s stellar restaurant, including a threecourse prix fixe menu and tickets to the neighboring L.A. Kings Holiday Ice at Nokia Plaza. The promotion includes dinner, skate rental and ice rink access. $30 for adults and $20 per child. lalive marriott.com Fri. | Jan. 3

Tue. | Dec. 31

NYE AT CITYWALK

FARM-TO-TABLE FARE, SOCAL-STYLE BY BRIAN PADGETT

When the husband-and-wife team of executive chef Whitney Flood and general manager Julie Retzlaff fled foggy Big Sur for sunny SoCal, they brought a passion for organic and sustainable New American cuisine with them. This winter, Angelenos can partake in Flood’s seasonally inspired homemade creations at Muddy Leek, located at the base of the Helm’s Bakery District of Culver City. Flood uses only the highest quality grass-fed meats and organic vegetables sourced from leading suppliers. “We’re constantly in contact with all of our farmers,” he says, “and I always know what they are bringing in.” This intimacy provides Flood the opportunity to thoroughly experiment with recipes long before they make appearances on his menu, enhancing the quality of Muddy Leek’s fare. Flood’s black radish potato latke—topped with freshly grated apple and served with a delicate herb cream—celebrates the seasonal availability of the ingredients with its delicate interplay of savory and sweet. Entrée options are numerous, and in them Flood’s eclectic ingenuity is evident. Warm your insides this winter with Muddy Leek’s grass-fed flat iron steak—with contrasting accents of smoked onion jam and red wine jus, the tenderness of the steak is palatably enhanced. Comfort food purists will delight in the decadent chicken potpie, complete with braised greens and quince purée, all encompassed in a flaky Imperial Pale Ale crust. “I love earthiness and subtlety, and I like to use textures,” Flood revealed. The dish that best speaks to these culinary tenets is the Muddy Leek Tart with potato, spinach and, of course, leeks. Garnished with peppery arugula and generous dollops of black truffle vinaigrette, this exquisite edible has garnered a staunch Westside following. Beverage Director Sara Kay Godot’s innovative approach to mixology is apparent in the unique drink options available. From the unrestrained H.S. Thompson—a formidably intoxicating blend of spiced rum and star anise—and the traditional Manhattan Transfer— a bourbon-based beverage with pomegranate and vermouth—to traditional martinis and margaritas, the libation selection mirrors the wide-ranging and palate-pleasing variety available at Muddy Leek. PHOTO: ERIK NELDNER PHOTO

Through Jan. 2

Muddy Leek 8631 Washington Blvd., Culver City (310) 838-2281 muddyleek.com

Universal CityWalk Major entertainment destination Universal CityWalk hosts rising pop star Travis Garland along with live performances by Eddie Gomez, DJ Howly, Air Dubai and 7 Lions. Enjoy the show at the state-of-the-art 5 Towers outdoor concert venue. citywalkhollywood.com

CUB SCOUT Eagle L.A. One of the East Side’s most popular parties is back with the December installment of its signature blend of rhythm and soul. DJ duo Critter Control—along with San Francisco Den Mother Lady Bear—will have you dancing, cruising and drinking cheap draft beer. eaglela.com

Tue. | Dec. 31

NYE WITH JOEY ‘COCO’ DIAZ Jon Lovitz Comedy Club Comedian Joey ‘Coco’ Diaz of NBC’s My Name is Earl headlines a New Year’s Eve extravaganza that features dinner, a NYE countdown and a champagne toast. The venue is now the setting for the Jon Lovitz Comedy Network, a new digital entertainment network giving up-and-coming artists a break into the industry. thejonlovitzcomedyclub.com Through Jan. 12

Fri. | Jan. 3

THE BLUES BROTHERS

PLAY DEAD

Nuart Theatre

Geffen Playhouse

Part of the Nuart Theatre midnight movie series, this Friday night features The Blues Brothers starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. The classic comedymusical follows white R&B musicians who are on a mission from God to raise $5,000 to save an orphanage. landmarktheatres.com

This interactive production includes disturbing images and nudity and is inappropriate for the faint of heart. We’re so there. At the Geffen Playhouse, Todd Robbins hosts a look at life, death and everything in between, telling his story with the use of illusion and telepathy. You are never so alive as when you are scared to death. geffenplayhouse.com Through Jan. 2

REINDEER ROMP Los Angeles Zoo The L.A. Zoo creates a one-of-a-kind holiday wonderland with the return of the popular Reindeer Romp, the only opportunity to see real reindeer in L.A., as well as decorations and holidaythemed arts and crafts. Also making an appearance every weekend until Christmas will be Santa Claus for photos and gift requests. lazoo.org

Fri. | Jan. 3

FRESH CLASSIC FRIDAYS Eleven Nightclub It’s one of the most popular nights in West Hollwood, with some of the city’s hottest man candy as well. The party features world-class DJs, dancers and pop artist performers, which makes for one hell of an entertaining night. eleven.la

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Fri. | Jan. 3

Sun. | Jan. 5

SHARK LAGOON NIGHTS

CLASSIC BEER BUST Faultline

Aquarium of the Pacific

» RAUNCH

| FAULTLINE |

Photos by Rolling-Blackouts

Get up close and personal with the ocean’s ultimate predators, Friday evenings at the aquarium. Guests can touch and learn about sharks, purchase drinks and snacks and enjoy live music. Free. Through June 13. aquariumofpacific.org Fri. | Jan. 3

WHY I DIED, A COMEDY! Atwater Village Theatre Actor, writer and comedienne Katie Rubin will reprise her new solo show, Why I Died, A Comedy! for nine performances. Now into her fourth solo show, this act tells the story of navigating a spiritual awakening through the face of industry pressures. Through Feb. 27. katierubin.com Sat. | Jan. 4

HOOKER CASINO Here Lounge After a month of darkness, Here Lounge opens once again, returning with popular Saturday night party Hooker Casino. With the loosest slots in town and more dancers than ever, check out the bar’s new patio and get lucky! No cover all night, with $5 drinks til 11 p.m. herelounge.com Sat. | Jan. 4

SATURDAY NIGHT SLUT Fubar Live out your locker room fantasies at this weekly party held inside WeHo’s very own den of debauchery. DJ Jonny McGovern spins hip-hop, house and R&B, with well drinks and draft beer for only $1 from 10-11 p.m. fubarla.com Through Jan. 5

CHILL AT THE QUEEN MARY Long Beach Chill is SoCal’s only frozen holiday adventure, featuring an indoor sixlane ice tubing run. Grab an oversized tube and feel the chill as you barrel down at bonechilling speeds. The Queen Mary’s giant dome—once home to the Spruce Goose—has been frozen over and transformed into a giant igloo, home to The Ice Kingdom, an exhibit featuring largerthan-life ice creations towering over two stories tall. queenmary.com

Find more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment. 56

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Spend your Sunday afternoon here at the Faultline for the mother of L.A.’s daytime drinking parties. Caution: cheap draft beer may lead you to do things you might not otherwise find socially acceptable—at least, the bar is hoping. faultlinebar.com Through Jan. 5

STOMP Saban Theatre From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, Stomp has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years. Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue and wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. stomponline.com Tue. | Jan. 7

‘GET MORE GAY’ PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP Spirit Studio In this fun, creative, nonjudgmental workshop, combine gay liberation with simple performance techniques to develop short pieces. Whether working on something new or fine-tuning a piece you’ve been developing, this workshop gives you the tools to have a polished work. Through Feb. 25. gayhistorgy.com Through Jan. 12

FAULT METAPHORS Museum of Latin American Art Curated by Felipe Zúñiga González and Abril Castro-Prieto, this exhibit articulates two views of the city of Tijuana developed by artists Mónica Arreola and Omar Pimienta. Arreola uses landscape photography to bring metaphor to life, while Pimienta pays homage to Colonia Libertad. molaa.org Through Jan. 12

THE LION KING Pantages Theatre From its initial debut here in 2000 until now, the excitement and enthusiasm for this spectacular stage production hasn’t diminished but has instead grown by leaps and bounds. The Lion King returns to L.A. for a limited engagement with the same jaw-dropping production that has made this musical a classic. hollywood pantages.com

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BILLY

MASTERS

“I have the biggest crush on Jonathan Knight. Yes, I know he's gay and has a boyfriend. But I’m one of those women who waits for the man to not have a boyfriend!” —Kirstie Alley reveals her love for a certain new kid on the block. This isn’t really all that shocking—it certainly wouldn’t be the first time Alley’s had a gay love interest, onscreen or off.

You wouldn’t normally expect to get into the holiday season in Hollywood, but think again, people. This year Billy Masters did more in L.A. than just his usual ho-howhoring. My brief visit to the Left Coast was chock full of festive fabulousness, most of which revolved around the theater. First up was the brand-spankin’ new Wallis Annenberg Center in Beverly Hills for a performance of that perennial Hungarian classic, Parfumerie. You will undoubtedly be more familiar with it as one of the many classics it inspired after writer Miklós László signed the rights away. From Broadway’s She Loves Me to You’ve Got Mail on the big screen, László’s family should be mighty proud—poor, but proud. Parfumerie was given a luxurious, lush production that obviously cost a pretty ruble, or whatever the coinage was in 1937 Budapest. The cast was excellent, led by Eddie Kaye Thomas and Richard Schiff. I did note that the first act was kinda talky, until my companion reminded me that this was a play! Around that time, he squealed like a little girl when he saw a mouse a few seats away from us (moments later he insisted it was too big to be a mouse but too small to be a chihuahua). As the legendary Magda Olivero once quipped when she saw a rat backstage at a U.S. theatre, “Ahhh, Topolino! In Italy, theese eez good luck.” Based on the plush décor, the pin-perfect acoustics and the amazing architecture, that mouse should be mighty comfy in his new home. Then it was off to the Pasadena Playhouse for Aladdin and his Winter Wish, which was presented by Lythgoe Family Productions in its third year of trying to get us Yanks to embrace the British holiday theater tradition known as panto. Once again, a gorgeous, luxurious set. It was so stunning, I told the powers-that-be they should plan on doing Kismet next season—they wouldn’t need to change a thing. The show was cannily cast to provide fun for the kids and the adults. From Disney star Jordan Aladdin and His Winter Wish

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Fisher and Nickelodeon’s Ashley Argota as Aladdin and Yasmin to Richard Karn from Home Improvement, Broadway legend Ben Vereen and the uproarious Bruce Vilanch, there was something for everyone. The glue holding the whole thing together was miraculous musical director Michael Orland, who astonishingly made three people sound like a full orchestra. Bonnie Lythgoe’s direction was clean and uncluttered, while Spencer Liff’s choreography was effortless and magical. The show was attended by a flurry of famous folk, like Charlene Tilton, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Jerry Mathers, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka. In fact, NPH and I were sitting so close to each other, I found myself focusing on what he laughed at ... and what he didn’t. After the show, there was a private party that I somehow got into (I think it was because I’m pals with one of the producers, the sexy singer Becky Baeling, who not only married into the Lythgoe family but apparently is now British). The swanky soirée featured another buddy—American Idol alum David Hernandez. He serenaded us with a fistful of Christmas classics, accompanied by Mr. Orland, naturally. By the by, Christmas has almost passed, but David’s holiday CD This Christmas is worth noting—and buying via iTunes or Amazon (for those of you not i-oriented). It is never a duty seeing my friend Leslie Jordan perform. It is a joy, from beginning to end. Leslie just overflows with talent, ebullience and charm. Because we are both on the road quite a bit, I tend to catch Jordan’s shows several times a year. And here’s where he’s in rarified company— Show Pony (the name of this new show at L.A.’s Gay and Lesbian Center, because he’s always being trotted out to entertain the masses) had only one anecdote that I’ve heard before. In that way, he’s like Kathy Griffin—he’s got more stories than Ali Baba (perhaps the next show for Pasadena). If you are lucky enough to live anywhere near where he’s performing, do whatever you can to see him. He’s worth it (and, in case you forgot anyone on your Christmas list, Leslie’s book or DVD are gifts that keep on giving). These days, even celebrity spawn show up in musicals. Madonna’s look-alike daughter Lourdes just played Rizzo in Grease at the LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts in NYC. And there was Madonna on opening night, with Lourdes’ siblings Rocco, David and Mercy and dad Carlos. The NY Daily News theater critic called Lourdes “terrific.” Who

Madonna and daughter Lourdes

knew they review high school shows? Since we’ve gotten hold of her singing “There Are Worse Things I Could Do,” you can judge for yourself at BillyMasters.com. I must make a confession—I’ve enjoyed every short-lived television show Matthew Perry has done since Friends. Alas, the American people don’t share my enthusiasm. But as sure as night follows day, I know that a new TV season will bring yet another Matthew Perry project. This time, the material is something familiar. CBS is planning a new version of The Odd Couple for Perry. Now, if Showtime would cancel Episodes, Matt LeBlanc could star alongside his TV roomie. Of course, that would require some fancy footwork since Matthew Perry has been cast as Oscar Madison. I’m told an extensive search is on for the perfect Felix Unger. Say what you will about Sean Hayes, but the boy simply won’t go down without a fight. Despite the tepid response to his sitcom, Sean Saves the World, the show is not only improving in ratings but also in the quality of the scripts. Helping to generate buzz for the second half of the season is a flurry of fabulous guest stars. Portia de Rossi will be playing Sean’s oft-mentioned ex-wife in three episodes. His Will & Grace cohort Megan Mullally has been cast as his sister in an upcoming episode. And the dreamy Guy Pearce will pop in as a potential love interest this spring. If that doesn’t help, nothing will. But if they decide to cancel the show, I think Sean could bounce back rather quickly as the perfect Felix Unger on this reboot of The Odd Couple. A trio of beauteous boys warrant special attention this week. First off, Colton Haynes (formerly a homoerotic model for XY magazine) took time off from his Arrow duties to attend a fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Since it was a holidaythemed event, Colton got into the spirit of things by sitting on Santa’s lap. Ho-ho-ho, indeed. The lovely Ryan Carnes is returning to General Hospital, where he’ll once again

portray the role of Lucas Jones, the son of Julian Jerome. Since I am a CBS soap watcher, I don’t know who any of these characters are. But I certainly remember Ryan Carnes—not only from Desperate Housewives but also from the first Eating Out film, where he showed all—and I do mean all. Lastly, Nolan Gerard Funk just shot an ad campaign for Versace’s Spring 2014 collection. Not surprisingly, the photos are incredibly impressive—and of course I’m talking about the barely-there underwear shots that show off the taut torso of one of WeHo’s most popular go-go boys. Donatella even woke up long enough to yell “Get out!”—presumably she was referring to the closet. Check out every inch of all three guys on BillyMasters.com.

Nolan Gerard Funk

When I’m bringing in the holidays and da funk (something I never get tired of saying), it’s definitely time to end yet another column. OK, this is it—the final few days before Christmas. You know what makes the perfect last-minute gift for anyone on your list? A subscription to BillyMasters.com, the site that stuffs more than just your stocking. And I even take requests. Well, not so much requests as answer questions. So send them along to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Lourdes helms next year’s live musical telecast on NBC (Grease is under serious consideration). Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

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ILLUSTRATION BY

GLENHANSON .COM

OUT WITH THE OLD Can you believe it’s already the new year? It seems like just yesterday I was reminding myself to write “2013” on my checks, and now it’s almost 2014. Oh, and yes, you read that correctly—I still write checks. I’m oldschool. I don’t trust that auto-pay bullshit where your DWP payment comes directly out of your account. I mean, what if the robot gets hooked on drugs or his girlfriend needs an abortion? Next thing you know, big chunks of unauthorized money is disappearing. And honey, I work way too hard for that money! TranMa likes to keep track of her coins, OK? 2014! Can you believe it? People always ask me if I have a new year’s resolution and I usually just roll my eyes and say, “No.” But this year, I actually do! And no, it’s not a sensible diet or a rigorous exercise program or slow dancing with lepers in Calcutta. My new year’s resolution this year is to revamp this column (that I've been doing for 10 years now!) to make it more exciting for everyone involved. Um, that would be you, the reader, and me, the writer. How am I going to make it more exciting? I mean, let’s be honest, could it really be more exciting? What could possibly be more exciting than me plugging one of my upcoming clown shows or rambling on and on about how cute my dogs are? Well, I think I have actually come up with something that, believe it or not, is indeed more exciting than even that! I am going to—drum roll, please—interview people! All sorts of people. Famous people, not-so-famous people and people you have never even heard of. I intend to come up with a clever and entertaining set of standard questions—sort of like the ones they ask at the end of Inside the Actors Studio or on the last page of Vanity Fair magazine. These questions will not only be a great way for performers and artists to get the word out about their latest projects, but for you to meet everyday people with whom you may never have crossed paths otherwise. Great idea, huh? OK, I admit it’s not exactly the most original, groundbreaking idea in the world, but neither was Iron Man 3 and that raked in almost half a billion dollars. So get ready for this exciting new column of mine! I shall debut it in the next issue. And if you have something to promote, let me know! Email me at missjackiebeat@gmail.com and perhaps, just maybe, I might possibly interview you! In the meantime, I should probably let everyone know I have a clown show coming up.

Jackie Beat & Sherry Vine in Sister from Another Mister Two drag legends on stage together for the first time in a very, very long time! One night only! Sunday, Jan. 19, 7 & 9 p.m. The Cavern Club Theater at Casita del Campo, 1920 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake For tickets or more info: MissJackieBeat.com/schedule

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TALKING ON THE ROCKS I’m happy to see few things of late have churned up the passion of WeHo’s fecund denizens more than cocktail impresario David Cooley’s unveiling of the plans and drawings for his proposed eponymously titled eatery and saloon, Cooley’s. David is president of The Abbey, the fiercely successful coffee house turned mega-watering hole he opened in 1991 and sold to SBE Entertainment Group in 2006. It is the highest-grossing gay bar in America. That it is a gay bar is debatable, as the joint wallows in multiculturalism most nights. The Abbey is likely the most inclusive establishment in our burg since the star-studded days of Studio One across the street where the fey, famous and hetrosex types all twirled, got bent and ripped together. Cooley and SBE are seeking permits and approval on a new 13,000-squarefoot bar and restaurant at 8936 Santa Monica Boulevard, a few feet away from the Mother Lode. Social media has been inundated with scads of gadflies and pundits offering observations of legitimate concerns, and as is the viral way today, there is also a bevy of the banal, silly babble that comes from a few stolid individuals with access to a keyboard. Solid issues from parking and noise levels to sheer size and retail impact are being intelligently debated. A forthright dialogue is happening. One astute vocal warrior—and a guy with a very real dog in the hunt—is Alfredo Diaz, the entrepreneur (along with Chris Miller) behind the revived and popular Revolver Video Bar across the way. Employing the Facebook vernacular, Alfredo is one of my “friends.” His postings on the subject were most interesting and, I thought, salient. Diaz posted, “I love a good-spirited debate about a controversial project. I haven't been afraid to be public about my criticism of Cooley's opening. This is a bad idea for the area. Perhaps a smaller restaurant and a retail space but we do not need another SBE-owned Abbey mega-club.” Diaz is a dad and expressed concern over the location’s potential expo-

sure to people using West Hollywood Park. His stern volley is hard to misread: “While I’m a firm believer in the free market system, Mr. Cooley, you already have several mansions and a Rolls Royce. Flex your business acumen in New York, Miami, London or Paris.” Belying the assumption on which Facebook categorizes our relationship, Alfredo and I are not buds, and while I have known David Cooley for years, we don’t hang out. I do have great admiration for both. It took great style and business acumen for Alfredo Diaz and company to reinvent Revolver into one of the very best bars in L.A. These innovators figured out the best way to fundamentally respect the past and invent the future to create the quintessential neighborhood pub. And Cooley’s Abbey journey is a biz plan studied today at university. This former Wells Fargo banker chucked it all and opened his coffee house (before they were so de rigueur) by maxing out his credit cards. David’s business trajectory is both fascinating and highly calculated. Like other perfect public personas from that strata of premiere biz hosts, the debonair Cooley makes you feel welcome. His presence is always felt, and I’ve always admired how he carries himself while on duty. He wears his fame well. He is a rock star at The Abbey, and that’s no accident. These are both bright, successful gents operating wildly prosperous competitive businesses. Alfredo Diaz and other sane citizens now have the opportunity to ask their questions, and as is such in democratic enterprise, compromises will likely be made. Cooley will continue to present, answer questions and likely make alterations before the first drink is served. I’d like to see Cooley’s open and succeed. I also want the community involved in its development. I’d bet on Diaz’s Revolver continuing its streak. Right now the process has begun, and a lot of smart folks are engaged in dialogue that is thoughtful, rigorous, sometimes biting and productive. All this seems like powerful and positive progress in the way WeHo hums.

The opinions of this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Frontiers magazine.

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Queersay 2013 IN REVIEW Another year come and gone. 2013 was spent bringing you the best and messiest gossip WeHo has to offer. This issue, I want to take a look back and bring you my favorite tidbits from the past year. 5. Attack of the Slutty Squirrel Regular readers will remember the month of May when I got a bit self-indulgent. How could I not? I was in the Midwest keeping it in my pants while my BF was not. My man invited a guy he met at Oil Can Harry’s—who was employed as a roller derby squirrel mascot, I might add—into our not-so-humble abode. The line-dancing harlot was sweaty, so he used our shower to rinse off but then proceeded to smoke so many bowls that he got sick to his stomach and vomited on himself. Gentleman Caller and I took a break for most of the year, but I’m (somewhat) happy to report we are now more onagain than off. 4. Cash Back Queens Who could forget the surprisingly intelligent Cash Back Queens—a gaggle of young WeHo gays who taught us how to steal from their sugar daddies? Basically, I told [my sugar daddy] I wanted to start contributing to our relationship more by doing all the household errands, so he got me a debit card from his account. Now I’ve been going to places like the grocery store, buying a pack of gum and getting $100 cash back. I pulled in over $2,600 last month alone! Daddies, check your bank statements! These small boys are still at large. 3. A Creepy Crib While on my break from the Gentleman Caller, I ventured into the online dating world for the first time. I’ll never forget my run-in with this (literal) man-child. A little under-the-shirt action commenced and all was well with my loins— until I went for the bubble butt and soon discovered ... a diaper! Immediately he muttered (in full-on baby voice), “I want to call you Daddy and I want to be your baby! Goo goo! Ga ga!” So anti-turned-on was I that my

man-pacifier became an immediate innie and I bolted from the Burbank baby day care with statutory bells on! I returned home, deleted every one of my online profiles and ordered a Papa (pun intended) John’s pizza! I’m only 30! My daddy days are at least a decade off. 2. Beibs in the Burbs Forever burned in my mind will be my run-in with Justin Bieber in Toluca Lake, and my interview with the irate neighbors living on a street overtaken by TMZ. So said one angry neighbor, “There’s yelling at all hours of the night! We have to work in the morning! It’s rude! If it were Michael Bublé, perhaps I’d be excited. Yes, Bublé would excite me a great deal. But anyone who pees in a bucket and tells Bill Clinton to f*ck off is not welcome here!” Down with bubblegum pop and out with the claws! 1. Oscar Outing Perhaps our most well-read article of the year was one written about an Oscarnominated actress coming out as a fullfledged lesbian. We kept her blind-itemed but gave you some clues: (1) Oscar nominee; (2) One of those girls you wouldn’t look at and think, “Oh, yeah, that’s a lesbian!” but once you know she’s a lesbian, you look at her again and say, “Oh, yeah! I can see that!”; (3) Made one of the best movies you’ve ever seen and followed it up with one of the worst movies you’ve ever seen; (4) Starred in a couple commercials for crap you couldn’t afford; (5) Dated a crazy chick who kissed Angelina Jolie in the third-base region in the late ‘90s (allegedly). Over 100 readers wrote in with their guesses, but we were sad to report in August that the pressures of heteronormative Hollywood kept this star of stage and screen in the closet.

Find five more 2013 tidbits at FrontiersLA.com/QueerSay. And as always, if you’ve got gossip, I’d love to hear from you. Keep those letters coming to QueerSay@hotmail.com!

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HEALTH

OFF THE ESY COURT PHOTO

VO TV OF BRA

COUCH

By Dr. Greg Cason

GETTING WHAT YOU WANT IN THE NEW YEAR Lose weight! Earn more! Ask his name first! New Year's Eve has traditionally become a time when people make a resolution to change or achieve something in the coming year.

Dr. Greg Cason is a licensed psychologist based in West Hollywood, specializing in cognitive therapy with individuals and couples. He can be contacted by going to DrGreg.com.

While some estimate that 40 percent of Americans make new year’s resolutions, only about eight percent end up sticking to them. The big bummer is that 25 percent don’t make it past the first week. Sound familiar? The problem is not in the making of resolutions. It is how people do it. Resolutions are generally vague and open-ended changes that people vow to make because, frankly, in the previous year(s) they have seen some shortcoming in their lives such as gaining too much weight, earning too little money or sleeping around without the hope of a second date. But anyone who has achieved anything knows that “vague and open-ended” is a pathway to failure. A resolution is a decision. But to have power that decision needs to be tied to a goal. Goals are a destination for our mind. They give us someplace to aim toward. Think of your goal in much the same way you think of a physical destination. If you want to vacation at a beach resort, you don’t just pick any resort and go there—you think about what you want at that resort. What country do you want to visit? Is the resort friendly to gays? Is it clothing-optional? Do they have Zumba lessons? Then you determine where you are going. Do the same process with your goal. Do you want to lose weight to be healthier, fit into those tiny seats at the theater or (like most of us) look more attractive? Figure out exactly what that is and keep it firmly in mind. Don’t just say you want to lose weight then rocket-launch yourself into a no-carb diet and manic gym attendance that you will surely abandon by President’s Day. It’s better to get a picture of exactly what you want and keep it firmly in mind. Unlike conventional wisdom, it is the goal and not the journey that makes the real differ-

ence. Goals need to be definitive. According to a 2013 study by Panos Mitkidis of Aarhus University in Denmark, published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE, productivity improves when we know exactly what our goals are—instead of just following a process without really knowing where we are going. We do best to switch the focus to goals instead of focusing on processes. But a little competition doesn’t hurt either. According to David Conroy at Penn State, in a study published in the November 2013 issue of the journal Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology, when your goal is to outperform others, your feelings of pride will be amplified when you succeed, but when your goal is to avoid being outperformed by others, your feelings of shame will be amplified when you fail. Pride is known to invoke a boost of confidence, persistence and problem-solving ability, which can help people perform. And as any gay person knows, shame only brings on more problems. Like any journey, you will need to have a map. For a goal, I suggest following my acronym, M.A.P. Motivation: Think about your destination and what you will get once you arrive there. That will keep your motivation high like the proverbial carrot that is dangled in front of the horse to make it walk forward. The only difference is you will eventually get that carrot if you continue the journey. Follow the advice of David Conroy from the Penn State study—focus on what you will get by achieving the goal rather than on what you can lose by not doing so. And the pride you will feel when you achieve it will only help you to achieve future goals. Assessment: Get concrete about where you are now, exactly where you want to go and what it is going to take to get there. Weight or

money starting and ending points tend to be easier because they are based on numbers. (For example, “I weigh X and I want to weigh Y.”) But if your goal seems more vague, like “improve my relationship with my partner,” determine what that might look like and put it into concrete terms. Maybe you haven’t gone away together in a long while or you don’t eat dinner together regularly because of mixedup schedules. What could you point to concretely and know that situation has improved? Eat dinner together one night a week for six weeks, then recommit? Schedule a vacation by summer? Plan: Determine what you are going to have to do to get to your goal in the time determined by you. If you want to get across the country overnight, you don’t get in your car and drive— it would take too long. If you want to earn $10,000 more this year, you don’t remain stagnant in your current job—you ask your boss for a raise, get a higher paying job or find another source of income. Still, like travel, sometimes our plans get derailed. If so, be flexible and find another way, but don’t lose focus on the goal itself. Like Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada when she was tasked with finding Meryl Streep’s character, Miranda Priestly, a way home during a snowstorm, things may appear impossible, but with persistence you can find another way there. For every time you do something in service of your goal, give yourself a pat on the back. Reinforcement of your progress is like stopping at a gas station for more fuel. It will keep you going (at least for another week). On New Year’s Eve, feel free to make your resolutions. But on New Year’s morning, turn that resolution into a concrete goal, map out your journey and go for it! You may just make your internal Miranda Priestly crack a smile.

If you have any questions and/or comments, please direct them to: Frontiers, 5657 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 470, Los Angeles, CA 90036, or email them to feedback@frontiersla.com. 62

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METRO ADDS NEW BUS STOPS IN WEHO

WEHO KICKS OFF ‘DON’T DRINK & DRIVE’ CAMPAIGN BY PAULO MURILLO Drunk drivers beware. The city of West Hollywood has kicked off its annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” campaign in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of mixing alcohol and automobiles during the holidays. The West Hollywood station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department fire stations 7 and 8, the Sunset Strip Business Association, Block by Block security ambassadors and local licensed taxi companies joined WeHo Councilmember John Heilman for a press conference in front of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and San Vicente. Every year the city unveils the remains of an actual car that was involved in a drunk driving accident in front of the local sheriff’s station. This year a destroyed latemodel BMW is on exhibit to remind drivers about driving under the influence. The city is also distributing over 200,000 drink napkins with “Don’t Drink & Drive” messages printed on them to

many local restaurants and bars throughout West Hollywood. The napkins will feature telephone numbers for West Hollywood taxicab companies. If the wrecked car isn’t scary enough, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Service Detail is known for conducting DUI checkpoints in West Hollywood. Checkpoints were conducted at the intersection of Robertson and Santa Monica Boulevards on Friday, Dec. 13. A major component of these checkpoints is to increase awareness on the dangers of impaired driving and to encourage sober designated drivers. The city offers transportation alternatives for people who want to enjoy the WeHo nightlife on New Year’s Eve. The city is offering a free shuttle service along Santa Monica Boulevard on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., following the same route as the PickUp trolley, which runs on Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, call the City of West Hollywood’s Public Safety Division at (323) 848-6414.

DO YOU THINK THE WRECKED CAR ON DISPL AY IN WEHO MAKES PEOPLE THINK TWICE ABOUT DRINKING AND DRIVING? “I don’t know how close the correlation is between someone who is drinking and that wrecked car, or whether they’re going to flashback to that car to stop from driving. People who drink and drive tend to think they’re going to get away with it. I find DUI checkpoints more effective.” —John Schwartz

“The mangled car is a powerful display of where ‘just one more’ can lead. This wreckage is tangible proof that intoxicated vehicular operation can turn a festive night into a tragic and lifelong torment, if it doesn’t end your life altogether. With services like the WeHo Trolley, Uber and Lyft becoming more popular, hopefully we’ll see fewer of these unfortunate accidents.” —Christopher Young

For those who are not above taking public transportation in West Hollywood, check your bus schedules. On Dec. 15, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority added two new Metro Rapid service bus stops on the eastside of Santa Monica Boulevard near Plummer Park. Metro Rapid line 704 now stops on the westbound corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and North Gardner and on the eastbound corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vista Street. Prior to the changes, the Metro 4 line was the only bus that stopped on that corner, while the 704 made stops at La Brea Avenue and Fairfax Avenue. The Metro 4 line is a local service line that picks up and drops off at every bus stop, while the 704 Rapid makes limited stops about every three-quarters of a mile. Metro conducted an analysis of service and busriding in the area, recommending the addition of Rapid stops closer to Plummer Park. It was considered too far to walk from Plummer Park to the nearest Rapid bus stop for many senior citizens who use Metro to get to the park. For complete routes and schedules, visit metro.net.

SPEAK OUT “I think it does make a difference. The wreck affects me personally. My cousin was killed because of a drunk driver who was driving on the wrong side of the freeway and hit him headon. I think the car they used last year was more effective than this year’s car. Last year’s was more mutilated, so the message was more powerful.” —Ben Reyes

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HOT TOPIC

PALM SPRINGS EMBRACES BICYCLISTS BY JAMES F. MILLS The city of Palm Springs currently has 271 miles of roads for cars and trucks, but a mere 35 miles dedicated to bicycles. A year from now, though, that number will increase to over 100 miles. The city is spending $1 million of Measure J money (the 2011 voterapproved one percent sales tax increase) on bike infrastructure improvements including creating separate bike trails, dedicating bike lanes on existing roads, improving signage about bike routes and installing more bike racks for parking. “The goal is to encourage more people to get out of their cars and ride their bikes more,” explains Brett Klein, chair of the city’s Sustainability Commission, which is spearheading these infrastructure improvements. “Anytime you can get a car off the road, you’re helping our environment, improving our air quality.” Expect to see more dedicated bike lanes with a painted buffer separating cars and bikes throughout the city. In areas where the road isn’t wide enough for a dedicated bike lane, expect to see more ‘sharrows’ with signage clearly

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indicating that cars and bikes must share the road equally. At the same time, the city will be installing ‘traffic calming’ devices such as speed bumps or small roundabouts at intersections, measures designed to slow down cars and make roadways safer for bikers. “The objective is to get dedicated north-south, east-west corridors that are signed appropriately, that are separated and have traffic calming—all the elements that you would want to have in order to get kids and adults riding more frequently,” says Klein. El Cielo Road and Avenida Caballeros are in the process of being transformed into major north-south bike corridors with dedicated bike lanes. Alejo Road and Baristo Road are getting the same treatment to become major east-west corridors with dedicated lanes. Meanwhile, Indian Canyon Drive, Farrell Drive and Via Escuela are just a few of the streets that will soon have ‘sharrow’ lanes. While Palm Springs is leading this biking charge, the commission hopes Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and the other Coachella Valley cities will also create bike lanes.

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HOT TOPIC

“We’d love to connect to the bike routes in other cities so people can eventually ride their bikes safely throughout the entire valley,” said Klein. To send a signal that biking is encouraged, plenty of bike parking is being installed throughout the city, especially in the downtown area. Businesses are also being encouraged to install bike racks. “Any week at Village Fest, I’ll count 15 to 20 bikes that are locked to anything they can find,” says Klein. “Soon we’ll have a bike corral there to make it easier to lock your bike. And it will look much nicer too.” They also hope to get many more tourists riding bikes while in town. While a few bike rental shops exist currently, they hope more hotels and resorts will make bikes available for guests. Eventually they hope to create inexpensive bike sharing programs where you rent a bike at one location and drop it off at your destination for people wanting to do quick trips.

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Once these infrastructure improvements are complete, Klein expects the League of American Bicyclists to give Palm Springs an accreditation, which will then allow the city to apply for any number of grants for further improvements. A lifelong bike enthusiast, Klein emphasizes that biking not only helps the environment but also helps the individual. “Biking is a natural, healthy activity for people of all ages, from older seniors to young children,” says Klein. “It’s a physical activity that combats obesity issues. If you’re an active participant in some kind of activity outside—whether it’s biking or hiking or even equestrian riding—you eat better, your life expectancy is better. All the things you do in your normal day are typically more positive because you’re out there getting some kind of physical activity.” yoursustainablecity.com facebook.com/PalmSpringsBikeCoalition

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PALM

SPRINGS THE AIDS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DANCES FOR LIFE BY JAMES F. MILLS

Dance has been called a joyous celebration, one of the ultimate expressions of life. But an upcoming AIDS fundraiser will be a dance for life. Back for a third year, the acclaimed Dance for Life Palm Springs show features five nationally renowned dance troupes celebrating living with a special performance on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Proceeds benefit the AIDS Assistance Program. “It’s a showcase of all these spectacular dancers and performances,” explains Keith Elliot, co-producer of the show. “There are some really amazing professional dance companies. You’ll be treated to the best of the best. It’s a great showcase of dance; you’re going to see all different styles of dance for an amazing evening. Your palate is going to be very satisfied.” Dance for Life grew out of the heavy impact HIV/AIDS had on the Chicago dance community. Bringing together many Chicago-based dance troupes, Elliot created the show as a one-time-only performance in 1992 to raise money for AIDS service organizations there. But that show proved so successful, it became an annual event that has raised millions. In January 2012, Dance for Life came to Palm Springs for the first time, the only place outside Chicago where it takes place. “[Co-producer] Tony Sabino and I both have been to Palm Springs quite a

PHOTO: BY SANDRO

bit on jobs, events and vacations,” says Elliot, a 55-year-old Illinois native. “We looked at all the events that take place in Palm Springs and there was nothing like this where it was professional dance companies coming together for a common cause—to raise money and give it away.” This year’s show features jazz dance company Giordano Dance Chicago, the classical and contemporary Nevada Ballet Theatre, exotic dance troupe ENTITY, four-man tap and rhythm troupe Tap Sounds Underground and the world-class Los Angeles Ballet Company. Antiques Roadshow host Mark Walberg will serve as the master of ceremonies. Even people who have never been to a dance performance before will enjoy Dance for Life. “How can you argue with all these beautiful bodies on stage just busting their butt?” says Elliot, who took his first dance class ever at age 27 and two years later was a full company member with Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theater. “People connect with things that are kinetic and movement-oriented. Your eyes are always stimulated; hence your brain is always stimulated. Anyone who comes to this who’s never been to a dance performance is going to walk away with something that they’re really going to attach to.” aidsassistance.org

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FRONTIERS4MEN.COM

SEX ED

CAN’T GET NO SATISFACTION BY JIM LARKINS Do you have a healthy sexual appetite or a problematic obsession with sex? In the past, those who had erotic cravings considered beyond the norm were diagnosed as having satyriasis. The preferred tag of late is ‘hypersexuality.’ But no matter what label you apply, being consumed with carnality is a relative condition. There are no specific tests to diagnose hypersexuality, and since sex drives can vary widely among individuals, who’s to say what is a normal sexual appetite? Although if may be difficult to pin down and identify the hypersexual person, it is necessary to understand the condition because it can interfere with daily life. The hypersexual person has a need for some form of genital stimulation frequently enough that it becomes incapacitating in some way. He fails to achieve the long-term sexual or emotional satisfaction that ordinarily comes with a healthy sexual experience. This leads him into a vicious cycle of eroticism. The dissatisfaction fuels the need for more sexual contact more often and even leads to other physiological and neurological problems. Hypersexuality is sometimes an unavoidable consequence of having bipolar disorder. People have been known to exhibit extreme swings in sex drive during periods of mania, which are characteristic of the disorder. There are frenzied bouts during which the person has an insatiable hunger for sex beyond what they would consider normal and other times when cravings dangle toward

FRONTIERS4MEN.COM

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#32.19 #32.20 #32.21 #32.22

12/24/13* 01/07/14 01/21/14 02/04/14

01/07/14 01/21/14 02/04/14 02/18/14

*denotes date change due to holiday

!!! MARKET EW K 120 Weddings N K Announcements / Services K 10 Jobs K 20 Rentals

K K K K K

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30 40 50 60 70

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