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INSIDE VOL. 32, ISSUE 13 | OCT. 16 - 29, 2013
LEADING BY EXAMPLE Jonathan Weedman ......................................14 NEWS News Briefs ......................................................16 Log Cabin Chair Charles Moran Explains California’s Republican Party ....24 Exclusive: Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez Runs for State Controller ..26 SOCAL EVENTS GUIDE Calendar ..........................................................44 SnapShots........................................................46 Food2Know ....................................................50 Eating Out........................................................52 ENTERTAINMENT Film Reviews ..................................................56 Theater Reviews ............................................58 Music Reviews ..............................................60
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Chloe Grace Moretz
COLUMNS Little Miss Know-It-All..................................61 Billy Masters ..................................................62 Gossip Gay ......................................................63 Out & About ..................................................64 CITY GUIDES West Hollywood ............................................65 Palm Springs ..................................................66 HEALTH HIV Living ........................................................72 Zero to Savvy ..................................................73 X-Meth..............................................................74 Off the Couch ................................................75 FRONTIERS MARKETPLACE Listings..............................................................76 Business Profile ..............................................77 FRONTIERS4MEN Adult Classifieds............................................78 Sex Ed ..............................................................84
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Director of ‘Carrie’ PHOTO OF CHLOË GRACE MORETZ BY
MICHAEL GIBSON
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Kimberly Peirce
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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 Š 2013, Frontiers Media, LLC. OCTOBER 29, 2013
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WELCOME TO ROB ZOMBIE’S GREAT AMERICAN NIGHTMARE
ONLINE Find these articles exclusively at
By Michelle McCarthy
facebook.com/ frontiersmagazine
twitter.com/ frontiersmag
Whether he’s churning out songs like “Dragula” or directing movies like House of 1000 Corpses and The Lords of Salem, Rob Zombie knows how to elicit an air of uneasiness from audiences. A mega-fan of all things creepy, he’s now going a step further with his inaugural haunted attraction, Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare, taking place now through Nov. 2 at the FEARplex in Pomona. FrontiersLA.com/ExclusiveInterviews
youtube.com/ frontiersweb
TATTOOED
GENDER OUTLAW By Michelle McCarthy
SHOW US YOUR WEDDING
JD Samson came onto the music scene as a member of Le Tigre, a Y2K-era electroclash trio headed by Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna. With that group on indefinite hiatus, JD has never stopped working, putting out albums with Men—a Brooklyn-based band and art/performance collective—and traveling the world as a DJ. We spoke with her about Men’s latest album, Labor, and how she learned to be comfortable in her own skin. FrontiersLA.com/ExclusiveInterviews
Send us the best photos from your special day! We’re looking to include some of our favorites in Frontiers Weddings, the very first high-end same-sex wedding guide for SoCal residents, on streets next month.
LATIN FRONTIER:
Photos can be sent to editor@FrontiersLA.com, and feel free to email for more info if you’re interested.
by Victor Barreiro
NOTICIAS YouTube is about to get a lot more macho, because Macho by MiTu has debuted its channel on YouTube, which kicked off earlier this month with the original series El Show with Chuey Martinez. The show is hosted by the KIIS FM personality, an outrageous but loveable, larger–than-life 'urban everyman. FrontiersLA.com/LatinFrontier
BOOK REVIEWS by The Bookworm
In need of a good read? Check out our reviews of Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a StormRavaged Hospital by Sheri Fink and Autobiography of My Hungers by Rigoberto González. FrontiersLA.com/ BookReviews
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AFTER ‘I DO’: AN IMPROBABLE
TRUTH By Rolf Danner Rolf and Jeff tied the knot in 2008. For both, that gloriously bright California day came at the end of a long journey, culminating in the congratulations of friends and families. Little did they know that their journey had only just begun. MarriageEqualityFrontiers.com
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FrontiersLA.com Volume 32, Issue 13 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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firstname.lastname@FrontiersLA.com Contributing Writers Micheal Anthony, Aaron Batts, Kristin Banta, Jackie Beat, Dr. Greg Cason, Peter DelVecchio, Gossip Gay, Stephan Horbelt, Jeremy Kinser, Gary M. Kramer, Jim Larkins, Dan Loughry, Billy Masters, Michelle McCarthy, Dana Miller, James F. Mills, Paulo Murillo, Karen Ocamb, Dominik Rothbard, Steve Roth, Aaron Savvy, Brenden Shucart, Les Spindle, Kevin P. Taft, Paul V., Duane Wells, Michael Weinstein Contributing Photographers and Illustrators Gabe Ayala, Brenden-John Photography, Blake Gardner, Michael Gibson, Greg Gorman, Michael Gibson, Glen Hanson, Mark S. King, Paulo Murillo, Karen Ocamb, Rolling-Blackouts, Craig Schwartz, Jonathan Sirand, Tom Whitman Presents
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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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BUILDING COMMUNITY
Leading by Example
Jonathan Weedman: This L.A. Philharmonic Board Member Believes Music Matters By Michelle McCarthy
The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s board of directors has a running joke— they should all move in together because they love what they do so much. “It’s like a family—and that extends not just to the board, but to our audience, our staff, our supporters and our community,” says out board member Jonathan Weedman. “It’s the coolest thing to be a part of.” A board member since 2002, Weedman says that in addition to his love of classical music, he wanted to get involved with the organization because of its devotion to helping underprivileged communities throughout Los Angeles. Why did you want to be part of the L.A. Philharmonic’s board? I studied to be a classic pianist. I was a competent amateur, but not quite ready for the stage. I have loved classical music since I was a young boy. The L.A. Philharmonic is by many considered to be not just the finest orchestra in the world but one of the finest, most cutting-edge, innovative arts organizations. I wanted to be close to the music but also support the institution’s very committed outreach to diverse and lowincome, underserved communities so that orchestral music is available and accessible to everyone. What are some programs with which the organization is involved? We have our community concerts, which are available to people for free. We have our Toyota Symphonies for Youth. We have our Youth Orchestras of Los Angeles program—YOLA— where we’re providing instruction to
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nearly 1,000 low-income, underserved kids so they can learn how to play musical instruments. There is no other orchestra in the United States that is doing the kind of outreach on this scale so consistently, touching so many people. It’s a very big part of the institution’s mission. Is this something that has been a tradition going back many years? Absolutely, and it has only evolved and become more of the institution’s DNA. There were always free community concerts and reduced-price tickets, but under [president and CEO] Deborah Borda’s leadership, you have seen an even greater effort at reaching out to diverse, underserved communities. It’s only getting stronger and stronger. Why was it important for you to get involved? I believe the arts, music, dance, theater and opera are reasons for living. That is the stuff that nourishes our soul. It’s the magic ingredient that gives life its extraordinary beauty and meaning. So we need to celebrate and support the arts and make sure they are available to those who don’t have them in their backyards—to reach out and bring them in. Can you imagine a world without music? It’s in every part of our lives. And the greatest thing about the L.A. Philharmonic is that we have the two most iconic music venues in the world—the Hollywood Bowl and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. We have the most famous, white-hot, talented classical music conductor in the world, Gustavo Dudamel. The guy is a rock star.
Is there a strong LGBT presence on the board? We do have several board members who are LGBT. One of the wonderful things about the Los Angeles Philharmonic is its respect for diversity and its inclusiveness. Six years ago, the L.A. Philharmonic invited me and my partner, Raymundo Baltazar, to co-chair the opening night of the Hollywood Bowl. For the last six years, Ray and I have cochaired this event, and I don’t know where else in the country you would see on the big screen, “Welcome from your opening night chairs, Jay and Barbara Rosulo and Raymundo Baltazar and Jonathan Weedman.” You have an openly gay couple so prominently featured as an openly gay couple in a highly visible setting. It speaks to the fact that our president and CEO is an openly gay woman and proud of it, as is our director of artistic planning and our vice president of development. The Philharmonic is about talent, hard work and advancing the artistic goals of the organization, and frankly, when it comes to one’s sexuality, nobody gives a damn. I’m 54, and as a gay man who grew up and had to worry about these things, how cool is it that you have this kind of support and progression in such a traditional, storied organization? The L.A. Philharmonic is for everyone in Los Angeles. It is a celebration of our city. Come and visit us. laphil.com
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NEWS By Peter DelVecchio
NOM President’s Russian Involvement Possibly Illegal
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Debuts New Awards at Nov. 9 Gala More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the 42nd Anniversary Gala of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center on Saturday, Nov. 9, when the Center inaugurates its new Vanguard Awards, honoring people and organizations doing vanguard work to build or support the LGBT movement locally, nationally and internationally. The recipients of the first awards are inspirational out NBA player Jason Collins, Netflix— home of the barrier-breaking show Orange is the New Black—and Xiaogang Wei, founder of China’s first AIDS Walk. The event—which includes a cocktail reception, massive silent auction, dinner and program—will be held at the Westin Bonaventure in Downtown L.A. That’s also where the winner of a raffle for a luxurious eight-night European vacation at Four Seasons Hotels will be announced. The winner need not be present to win. Event and raffle tickets are available at lgbtvanguardawards.org. —Jim Key
National Organization for Marriage President Brian Brown may have violated U.S. law during a June trip to Russia, Towleroad.com reports. During that visit, Brown met with legislators from the Russian national legislature, the Duma, about changing the Brian Brown country's international adoption laws to prohibit adoption of Russian children by gay or lesbian foreigners. Anti-LGBT legislation enacted in Russia in July prohibits so-called ‘propaganda,’ but is being used as a bludgeon against all things LGBT, and is blamed for an uptick in anti-gay violence in Russia. It has sparked international condemnation and calls for relocation of the upcoming Sochi Olympics. Brown gave a speech to the Duma’s foreign affairs committee, saying, among other things, “We will band together. We will defend our children and their normal civil rights. Every child should have the right to have normal parents—a father and a mother.” Learning of Brown’s activities, longtime LGBT activist, president of Rights Equal Rights and erstwhile Republican presidential hopeful Fred Karger wrote a letter on Oct. 9 to Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder asking for an investigation into whether Brown violated the 1799 Logan Act (which was amended in 1994). According to Karger’s letter, the statute makes it “a crime for a citizen to confer with foreign governments against the interests of the United States.” Karger went on to write that Brown’s “presentations” were “apparently very effective. Five days later, the Duma passed a ban on the adoption of Russian children by same-sex couples and by single people living in countries that allow marriage equality.” Brown's conduct was against U.S. interests, Karger wrote, because the “new Russian policy on human rights will affect American LGBT athletes who will be participating in the Sochi” games. There is no indication yet as to whether Kerry or Holder will investigate Brown's activities.
Gay, Lesbian Students Elected Homecoming King and Queen Students at an Illinois high school have elected gay and lesbian classmates homecoming king and queen, Towleroad.com reported Oct. 8. Eric Irazarry, a cheerleader and lifeguard, and Ariana Reiff, who hopes to become a veterinarian, were crowned at Waukegan High School over the Oct. 5-6 weekend. “Ariana and I are both out and open about our sexuality,” Irazarry said of his close friend. “Our attitude is we are who we are, and if that bothers people, that's OK, but
we have so many friends who accept us for who we are.” “There are some people saying we shouldn't have won, or that we won because we are gay, but I think our classmates chose us because they know us, and they chose us just as people,” Reiff said. “Our students are very accepting of each others’ differences in a great variety of ways,” said Steven Hamlin, director of Waukegan High School’s Washington campus.
SPEAK OUT “To be honest, I got good grades. I won a state championship. I dated pretty girls. And yet something still wasn’t right.” —Hillsdale College basketball player Derek Schell, 22, coming out in a letter to Outsports.
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“We are standing here today to make sure Unique’s death does not disappear into the shadows.” —Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, announcing a $50,000 reward unanimously approved by the council for information regarding the hit-and-run death of transgender Keymontae “Unique” McKenzie, Sept. 27 in Hollywood.
“I would probably list myself as mostly straight.” —Hunger Games actor Josh Hutcherson to Out magazine.
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NEWS By Peter DelVecchio
Rally for Immigration Rights, Licenses for Undocumented 20,000 to 50,000 transgender people, according to UCLA's Williams Institute. Taking at least part of the immigration mess into its own hands, California, joining nine other states, enacted a statute requiring that drivers licenses be issued to anyone who appears at the Department of Motor Vehicles, fills out the appropriate forms and passes the written and road tests, whatever their immigration status. “This bill will enable millions of people to get to work safely and legally,” California Governor Jerry Brown said during an Oct. 3 signing ceremony. “Hopefully, it will send a message to Washington that immigration reform is long past due.”
Gov. Jerry Brown
Ken Cuccinelli
Equality California and other organizations participated in the National Day for Dignity and Respect demonstration in Los Angeles on Oct. 5, calling on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Such a bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support earlier this year, but efforts to pass a similar measure in the House of Representatives appear to have run aground on right-wing Republican opposition. “We cannot let the continued failures of Washington result in more families torn apart, more abusive employers and poverty wages, more children who cannot dream,” the event sponsors said. In a press release prior to the demonstra-
tion, the National Center for Transgender Equality pointed out special immigration difficulties faced by transgender individuals, citing “horrific stories of transgender undocumented people” and telling the specific story of Johanna, a survivor of three sexual assaults currently facing deportation. “We need to support immigration reform because it will provide a better way of life for many people who are still in the shadows, including trans people,” said Bamby Salcedo, Founder and President of The TransLatin@ Coalition, who was herself sexually abused in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center. There are an estimated 267,000 undocumented LGBT people living in the U.S., including
Quick Pic A team of Russian athletes who were competing at the World Outgames in Antwerp, Belgium, courageously posed for photographer Adam Bouska’s NoH8 campaign, thus defying the Russian ban on “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.” It is unclear if they will face stiff penalties for violating the law outside of Russia.
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Cuccinelli Sodomy Law Crusade Stumbles Again Virginia Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli’s campaign to preserve his state's anti-sodomy statute hit another snag Oct. 5 when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to leave the law in effect pending an appeal to the high court, the Washington Blade reports. The federal 4th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a felony conviction under the Virginia sodomy statute in March, citing the Supreme Court’s landmark 2003 Lawrence v. Texas decision, which held state sodomy laws unconstitutional. The appellate court rejected Cuccinelli’s argument that the Virginia law should stand in the purported interest of protecting children. The Supreme Court’s ruling comes at an inopportune time for Cuccinelli, who has been trying to soften his radical image with his state’s increasingly moderate electorate. Cuccinelli is suffering from the public blaming Republicans for the federal government shutdown, and he is trailing his Democratic opponent, Terry McAuliffe, in the polls.
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AUGUST 20, 2013
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NEWS
Log Cabin Chair Charles Moran Explains California’s Republican Party BY KAREN OCAMB On Oct. 10, day 10 of the government shutdown, there was a glimmer of hope that President Obama and House Republican leaders might reach some agreement to avoid a default by the U.S. government and thereby a global financial catastrophe. A deal on raising the debt ceiling, however, did not mean the shutdown would end before Thanksgiving. In California, where the governor and the majority of the Legislature are Democrats, there is now a $1 billion surplus. Additionally, five years after Prop. 8, 61 percent of Californians support marriage equality. But that could change if an antiLGBT initiative, spearheaded by Prop. 8 strategist Frank Schubert, qualifies for the 2014 ballot.
Charles Moran
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The initiative to repeal a law that gives transgender students equal access to all school opportunities, activities and facilities was endorsed by the California Republican Party at a convention in Anaheim on Oct. 6. But, says Charles Moran, Chair of the California Log Cabin Republicans, a CRP Delegate and Executive Committee member, the party will probably not spend a lot of time or resources on the measure. CRP Chair Jim Brulte’s vision is to focus on “winning races again,” Moran says, by building party infrastructure, recruiting candidates “who reflect the diversity of their districts and the state” and focusing on issues that “unite us” as a Republican Party. “There is a huge amount of diversity in the conservative thought movement, so I don’t paint all grassroots activists as ‘social conservatives’ and as anti-gay automatically,” Moran says. “If you are pro-life, you’re not automatically anti-gay. If you’re strongly religious, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re anti-gay, either. And if you’re a Tea Partier who is outraged over the size and scope of government encroachment in our lives, that doesn’t mean you’re anti-gay.” Moran says that Log Cabin members appeared before the CRP grassroots Volunteer Organizations Committee and made a presentation that was “overwhelmingly received. Mind you, about 20 percent of that committee is Log Cabin, and about 70 percent of the committee is Log Cabin-supportive.” He also expects Log Cabin to receive its state permanent charter status in March 2014. “Chairman Brulte is working to build a coalition of the willing, including moderates, conservatives, Tea-Partiers and reformers, who will get involved and focus on the 80 percent of what unites us, and stop focusing on the 20 percent that divides us. That’s a change from the past, and those who don’t get with the program will find themselves marginalized,” Moran says. “The proof is in the pudding—and everything we’ve seen thus far shows this kind of commitment to have gays and lesbians included in our shared mission at every level. Brulte has spoken before our Log Cabin clubs in Orange County and San Diego and will be speaking before the Los Angeles chapter on Nov. 4.” Moran noted that the anti-LGBT initiative was endorsed on a “very divided vote” in committee. “I can’t speak for the chairman or the board of directors on this, but I believe the intent of the
party will be to focus on its core objectives during the general election in November 2014—recruiting and supporting candidates and building the party infrastructure/Get Out the Vote. Initiatives don’t fit into that equation.” There is no official association between the CRP and the Capitol Resource Initiative, which is sponsoring the proposed ballot measure. It was put before the committee by Assemblymember Tim Donnelly. “Personally,” Moran says, “I am extremely concerned that this initiative will qualify. We all know that a couple hundred thousand dollars and paid signature gatherers can put any cockamamie item on the ballot easily. I have seen the private polling showing that if it qualifies, it will pass overwhelmingly. No amount of spin from EQCA is going to be able to change that. Even Barney Frank admits that we, as a community, have a long way to go in respect to our transgendered brothers and sisters—when he pulled the ‘T’s out of the hate crimes bill the first time around. Our rights should never be put on a ballot, and ... Assemblyman Ammiano and EQCA [failed] to work to ensure that there would be at least some legislative input from Republicans on this, so there wouldn’t be this kind of blowback (an initiative before voters).” Moran says he spoke with Assembly Republican leader Connie Conway about the issue, and “she told me that there are a lot of mothers and former school teachers in the Republican Caucus— people who care about kids—[and] that if Democrats had reached across the aisle and said, ‘Look, there is a problem here and we need to do something to help some of the most vulnerable students in our system,’ that there could have been some kind of collaborative effort to find a solution that would have worked. But instead, Ammiano went off half-cocked, pushed a piece of legislation that admittedly too many Democrats couldn’t even stomach, that wouldn’t have even been introduced unless the Democrats held a supermajority, and now we’re stuck with the LGBT community being back on the ballot again because of partisan gridlock in Sacramento and Democrats overplaying their hand.” Privacy for All Students has until Nov. 8 to turn in 505,000 valid signatures to qualify as an initiative on the November 2014 ballot. So far, there is no indication the campaign has hired paid signature-gatherers.
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NEWS
Exclusive: Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez Runs for State Controller BY KAREN OCAMB On Sept. 28, John A. Pérez celebrated his 44th birthday. Eleven days later, on Oct. 9, the first openly gay Speaker of the California Assembly announced without much fanfare that he is running for the office of State Controller. If elected, he would be the first openly gay person, the first openly gay person of color and the second Latino in 136 years to win statewide office in California. “It would be historic to elect a gay person statewide in California. It’s never happened,” Pérez said in an exclusive interview shortly after he made his announcement during a Town Hall address on
Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez
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the state economy. “I think it speaks to the evolution of who we are as a state. I grew up in a California, where I never thought I could be in public office because there were only a handful of Latinos in state office and there had never been a gay person in any local or state office. There was Harvey Milk, and he was assassinated. I didn’t think it was going to be a welcoming environment, so I always expected that my role was to advocate for issues and get other people elected, which I was very happy to do. “When I ran for the Assembly in 2008, that was a little unprecedented,” Pérez continued. “I never saw myself getting elected Speaker. But I’ve really been heartened by the people of California and the transformation in the way our community is treated and viewed publicly. When you see the change in attitudes with respect to marriage equality and broad-based issues, and when you look at what we’ve been able to do to create safer spaces for our young people—create safe spaces in our schools for our transgender kids—the world has fundamentally changed in California. And so I think that for the first time we have a moment where I, as a gay candidate, can be evaluated by the skills I bring to the table, and I’m really encouraged by that—and hopeful. “But as a Latino, it’s important to note there’s only been one Latino in statewide office in California in the last 136 years [Cruz Bustamante was elected lieutenant governor in 1998]. So it’s a very different place than it was 19 years ago, when the voters passed Prop. 187 and there was a degree of racial tension. That I, as a Latino, feel like I can be evaluated based on the merits is really very inspirational to me—that we have become a place in California that we always knew we wanted to be where everybody could have a seat at the table.” News of Pérez’s announcement was overwhelmed by a suspiciously timed article that ran in the San Francisco Chronicle the next day challenging Pérez’s judgment for dating gay philanthropist Tyler Cassity of Hollywood Forever Cemetery. (Full disclosure: Frontiers publisher David Stern says Cassity contributed to the Frontiers Awareness & Education Foundation when the new non-
profit was being organized.) Cassity’s family was embroiled in a scandal in another state several years ago, in which Tyler Cassity was never criminally charged. (Please visit FrontiersLA.com for a deconstruction of the story.) West Hollywood City Councilmember Jeffrey Prang, who is running for the job of L.A. County Assessor, called the story “yellow journalism” with a splash of homophobia. “I’ve known John Pérez for 20 years, and he adheres to the same rules that apply to all elected officials,” Prang said in a phone interview. “His ex-boyfriend doesn’t have anything to do with John. Is [the reporter] saying that before you go on a date you have to do a background check? That’s absolutely, patently absurd ... and the timing is really conspicuous. He seems to want to be holding gays in office to a different set of standards that he’s not holding anyone else to. It’s really unfortunate and wrong.” Pérez, meanwhile, is focused on continuing to serve as Assembly Speaker and developing “new thinking” for the office of state controller, the chief financial office of the state, for which he feels highly qualified. “When you look at my history in the Legislature, I came in and we had a $60 billion deficit, and we’ve worked that out completely in my time in office,” says Pérez. “We now have budget surpluses, which nobody anticipated. And when you look at what we’ve done in this past year in particular, in creating a $1 billion reserve, that’s a core function of the role of fiscal stewardship that is the controller’s job. And so I want to continue to build on that fiscal stability.” Pérez is also keenly aware that good fiscal health and economic expansion historically helps create the conditions for the continued expansion of social justice. Most recently, for instance, Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislators decided they could no longer wait for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform and passed AB 60, a law allowing qualified undocumented immigrants to secure a California driver’s license. But Pérez is a visionary with regard to the controller’s power to sit on the boards of public pension funds CalPERS and the CalSTRS, which
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NEWS
Exclusive: Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez Runs for State Controller he describes as “the two largest investment ports in the world. So when you look at the ability to use those boards in a way that is thoughtful about getting, one, good economic return on investment and, two, leveraging for policies that make sense for the state—that’s huge. And we’ve seen that historically. California used its role with CalPERS, for example, to help bring an end to apartheid [in South Africa]. There is much more that can be done in the way of smart investments that bring good, direct return on investments from a fiscal perspective, but also that advance the values of the state of California.” The state Senate passed a resolution authored by gay Sen. Mark Leno encouraging CalPERS and CalSTRS to divest in the Russian Federation because of its anti-gay laws, but the resolution wasn’t concurrent and therefore didn’t come to the Assembly. While “generally supportive,” Pérez asks another question. “What have we already done to divest from countries that have holdings in Iran’s energy industry because of concern about the ties between their energy holdings and nuclear weapon development? Those are all things that are appropriately before the PERS and STRS boards as a whole,” Pérez says. “The Controller has only one seat, but you’ve got to be certain, without promising any outcome, that we’re going to have pretty thorough conversations about those kinds of policies if I’m on those boards. “I’m generally supportive [of divestiture in Russia], but you can’t jump ahead of the process in terms of moving the other board members. All of these things are things that take time,” he says, noting that divesting in South Africa was a multi-year approach. “You also want to do it in a way that there’s a consistent standard that you can apply across the board. ... [W]hat are the metrics for treatment of human rights in all of our investments? ... So I think the broader question is, What are our institutional investment values?”
Pérez poses with past assembly speakers after his election
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Pérez’s tweet of himself with Gov. Brown, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and others after passage of AB 60
Pérez also called for new thinking regarding the ‘sister cities’ relationship between the city of L.A. and St. Petersburg, Russia. “The whole notion behind sister cities is to create person-to-person connections so that we create greater understanding,” he says. “Should they sever the relations? If they don’t, how do they restructure the relationship to draw attention to the diversity of L.A. and our vibrant LGBT community here so that you use that relationship to draw greater understanding and support for our community? “I was just on a trip to Armenia, and there had been some debate about Armenia introducing similar legislation to what Russia did—criminalizing the discussion of the LGBT community,” Pérez continued. “I spent an extensive period of time with the speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, with the president, with other leaders in the country. Let me tell you, they have a very different view of that proposed legislation given our interpersonal relationship. And very strong commitments were made to me by the speaker in particular, that there should be a move to expand rights, not to drive people further into the shadows. ... [The rainbow flag on the ‘sister cities’ sign] is not enough. Look— you either have to have real relationships, where you call each other out when there are problems, or they’re not worth having. And so that’s really the question. You either sever or you completely restructure.” Pérez is proud of maintaining civility in the state Legislature, appointing Republicans to important posts so they, too, can represent their constituents. “Passing three on-time budgets in a row in California for the first time in 30 years” with as much as $1 billion in savings as a result “because of the smart fiscal decisions that the Legislature and the governor have been able to work on together—I gotta tell you, it was not easy to get there. It was not easy to negotiate these things, and it was not easy to bring people together, but we did it.”
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Director Kimberly Peirce explains why the tale of tormented outcast Carrie White is the bookend to her breakthrough film ‘Boys Don’t Cry’
“I
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Is ‘Carrie’ the Queerest Film of the Year? By Jeremy Kinser
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wanted to make it a superhero origin story because that’s inherent to the book,” says director Kimberly Peirce with characteristic directness. It, in case you’ve been dwelling in a cave far removed from any form of social media, is Carrie, her cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s seminal 1974 horror novel. Starring Chloë Grace Moretz as the bullied telekinetic title character and Julianne Moore as Margaret White, her dominating religious zealot mother, the film opens in theaters Oct. 18. Peirce knows she has a lot riding on this new film. In the nearly 15 years since Boys Don’t Cry—the searing 1999 drama about murdered transgender male Brandon Teena—launched her directing career and won Hilary Swank an Academy Award for the year’s best actress, the out 46-year-old filmmaker had made only one other film before Carrie. In Hollywood, you’re only as good as your last film, and Peirce’s last film, the 2008 Iraq war drama StopLoss, received mixed reviews and disappointing box office returns. But perhaps even more nerve-wracking is the prospect that legions of LGBT fans devoted to the first adaptation have sharpened their talons, waiting in fear for possible desecration of a classic they’ve held near and dear. Peirce might need to exhibit some superhero qualities of her own if she intends to satisfy hard-to-please fans of the original 1976 film. Last year, when the announcement was made of the reimagining (don’t call it a remake!) of the King novel, it was greeted with ire by some queer fans who see their own struggles against oppression echoed in the story. Not to mention the first film version—directed by Brian De Palma in 1976, earning Oscar nods for Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie as the iconic characters—is indisputably a classic of the genre and rite-of-passage viewing for many gays. Plus, there are many who likely feel burned by the inane 1999 sequel Carrie 2: The Rage and completely forgettable television remake of the original three years later. They don’t want this sacred material fucked up again. Re-envisioning a well-known film is always a daunting prospect for any director, and Peirce recognizes the inherent risks that accompany taking on such revered queer material. She says before she accepted the challenge she called up her buddy De
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Is ‘Carrie’ the Queerest Film of the Year? Palma, who offered his blessing, and she reread King’s novel—three times. Despite such pressure to deliver a film that will stand up against one of the most vividly realized horror movies in modern cinema, Peirce is practically ebullient as she leans forward on the sofa in a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles to discuss the film. She completely understands the concerns and doubts of die-hard Carrie fans. She had them herself before she accepted the directing assignment, calling King a “master storyteller” and acknowledging the novel as a bona-fide classic. Rather than remaking what De Palma did nearly 40 years ago, Peirce decided to find her own way into the well-known story. She compares the process of beginning to make Carrie to that of beginning to film Boys Don’t Cry and acknowledges doubts of her own she had to overcome. “When I started, I absolutely fell in love with Brandon Teena,” Peirce says. “I went with transgender men to the murder town, and I researched everything. I never knew if I was good enough to tell that story. In fact, I wasn’t at that time. I was just out of film school. I wasn’t the writer or director I am today, but it was always with the sense of absolute love and intent to show up every day and do my best that I engaged with that material. When it finally came out, I had no idea if people would like it. I did OK.” Boys is a factual retelling of an authentic and chilling piece of queer history. Why is the story of Carrie White—a heterosexual misfit teenager—so revered by gay people? Peirce sees the tale as being completely emblematic of the queer experience. “If you’re queer and you live in a heteronormative society, you are the outcast,” she says. “You are the misfit, even as our communities find a way to give us self-worth or a sense of pride. Why do we have Pride marches? We have them because society took away our sense of pride. We want to go out into the street
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and say ‘we’re here, we’re queer, accept us.’ So I just think part of the idea of being queer—although it’s changing, because we’re becoming part of the mainstream—was that we didn’t have enough societal pride and we were in search of it. I think a lot of queer people have felt they were the misfit. They went through stuff like this. Whether you’re a gay man or lesbian—or wherever you fall under the umbrella—I think that’s why people relate to Carrie.” There’s also the universal appeal—particularly with the ongoing bullying epidemic in schoolrooms around the globe—of a downtrodden character getting revenge on her tormenters. Peirce says her version of the story serves as a fantasy for anybody who wants a sense of justice. “I made it very clear that Carrie went after the very people who did her wrong,” Peirce explains. “It’s a very classic justice and revenge story. Once her powers come out, she looks for Chris and Billy [the story’s bullies], and she looks for their accomplices. One by one she goes after them and has a big showdown outside the school. I think the sense of the revenge fantasy is really important—and fun and entertaining.” Does the director see herself—a queer filmmaker— making a name for herself in Hollywood’s directing world, which is typically considered a boy’s club? “I’d say we all relate to Carrie,” Peirce explains. “Her profound goal in life is to have love and acceptance. We all want that on a daily basis, and we all struggle with it on a daily basis. Carrie White is all of us. She doesn’t get it at school and she doesn’t get it at home, and then all of a sudden she has a super power. It’s like anyone discovering a talent for anything that helps us get by.” Peirce had no qualms with making Carrie’s harridan of a mother a more complex and possibly more sympathetic character than in the 1976 film, helped undoubtedly by casting the gifted Moore, an actress who has an emotional shorthand with film audiences. “Margaret’s a bit harder for people to identify
with,” Peirce states. “But at the same time, I granted her a complex human being who is real. Margaret wants to be safe. She feels unsafe in the world, and that’s why she doesn’t venture out. She was very religious, and when she felt she’d made a mistake and sinned and had sex, she created her own religion just to get security.” It doesn’t require a stretch of the imagination to think of Carrie as a bookend to Boys Don’t Cry, to find a common link between the two outcast protagonists. “I think that they come from the same DNA, interestingly,” Peirce says. “They seem so different. You have a really strong central protagonist whose need is to get love and acceptance. They’re not getting that love and acceptance from basic society or at home. Brandon transforms himself into the male he believes he should be and dates women he wants to. Carrie is like, I’ve got superpowers. I think I’m going to use them. I think I’m going to go to prom with the boy I like and with the powers I have. Same with Brandon. I think I’ll go down to Lincoln living as a man instead of Falls City and see what happens. They both build to this explosive and tragic inevitability.” As one of the handful of studio-friendly queer directors, Peirce says she’s aware of another inevitability—that people consider her responsible for making more films accurately portraying LGBT lives. Foremost, though, she feels an obligation merely to be a good human being herself and to tell interesting stories. Period. “If I can find a good queer story, I’d be the first to tell it,” she offers. “If I haven’t found a good queer story but if I find another great story that needs to be told, I’ll tell it. But if you find me a great queer story, of course my heart will go there, and I’ll have a passion for it. But it’s all about finding a good story.” For now, Peirce just wants people to see Carrie with an open mind. “When I was making the film, I just wanted to make it good,” the director reveals. “Now I want people to love it.”
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CHLOE GRACE MORETZ TAKES ON ‘CARRIE’ By Michelle McCarthy Remember what you were doing at 16? You might not want to compare it to Chloë Grace Moretz’s list of accomplishments. At an age when teens are usually worrying about passing driver’s ed and fighting blemishes, this young actress has racked up an impressive and diverse lineup of movie roles— Hugo, Kick-Ass and its sequel, Let Me In, Dark Shadows and now the remake of the Stephen King horror classic Carrie alongside Julianne Moore. We spoke with Moretz in the wee hours of the morning while she was doing a round of press and waiting for her teacher to arrive. (She’s been home-schooled since the age of 9). Did you see the original Carrie before you decided to do the project? I saw the original movie years before, when I was 12. I didn’t watch it during the audition process; I didn’t watch it during filming or after filming or anything like
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that. I’ve read the book five or six times by now. That was my only source of material about the original piece. How did you set out to do this version differently? I think our main thing was to be able to follow Stephen King’s Carrie—to be able to take what he had written on the page and really portray that on-screen. Sissy Spacek was 27 when the original was filmed. I think it’s great that they’re using a teenager to tell Carrie’s story this time around. I think that’s a major deal with this movie. Ansel [Elgort, who plays ‘Tommy’ in the film] and I are both the actual age of the characters. That changed the dynamic on set. I mean, you don’t have to remember what it was like to be 16; you can just be and live. And I think you get a better performance when you don’t have to think about it. Bullying is a big topic right now. Did you guys try to touch on that through
Carrie’s story? Definitely. That was a huge part of the film we were making. But at the same time, we were retelling a story that was told in 1974, so we couldn’t take all the liberties we wanted. And I also didn't want to [exploit] the idea of bullying and use it as a ploy to get people in theatres. It is very relevant, but I didn’t want to use it too much and make it look distasteful. You’ve been in The Eye, The Amityville Horror, Let Me In and now Carrie. What is it about the horror genre that you enjoy? Honestly, it’s not even purposeful, what I’ve done. It’s just that I find it exciting and interesting to play these dark characters. You don’t get those characters in rom-coms. Obviously I love that type of movie, but I prefer doing these roles that are very opposite of who I am. The big scene in Carrie takes place at prom. Have you experienced what it’s like to attend one of those? I’ve been to formals, and I’m pretty sure I’m going
to this next prom. But it’s so funny, because for me, my prom is a premiere. I get to dress up and be with my friends and family and do that entire thing. Julianne Moore plays your mother in the movie. What was it like working with her? It was so fun. Working with Julie was one of the most amazing things I’ve been able to do in my career. It really was just exciting, and I learned so much as an actor and as a human about what to be, you know? How to have a family and a life and also how to be a brilliant actress and have a long-lasting career. You have this impressive career and you’re only 16. How do you juggle everything in your life? I’ve been working since I was 5 years old, so for me it’s kind of ‘old hat,’ being able to juggle both lives and juggle all the projects. I’m able to seamlessly slip into who I am as Chloë with my friends and who I am as Chloë the actress, and how to separate my roles as an actress and not mix them together.
PHOTO: ERIC CHARBONNEAU
:
You Will Know Her Name
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SURVIVE by Michelle McCarthy
rm Knott’s Scary Fa
These
7
HALLOWEEN HAUNTS
Will Test Your
FEAR FACTOR
The leaves are starting to change colors and die off. The dark of night is creeping in on the light of day at an accelerated rate. There’s a strange, still feeling in the air. This can all mean only one thing—the Devil’s Night is upon us. Halloween is the Dark Lord of holidays. You get dressed up and messed up and you don’t have to spend it with your family. But how will you celebrate this ominous season? Thankfully, Los Angeles has a plethora of ways to throw down. We’ve rounded up some of the city’s most devilish delights.
Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare
The Purge: Fear the Night
If you’ve seen any of Rob Zombie’s terrifying films—House of 1000 Corpses, Halloween, The Devil’s Rejects, The Lords of Salem—you know he doesn’t mess around in the fear department. Mr. Zombie has produced mazes for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights in the past, but now he’s struck out on his own with his inaugural Great American Nightmare. Running through Nov. 2 at the Fairplex in Pomona, this music and horror event will feature haunted house attractions and a live show every night by bands such as Eagles of Death Metal, 45 Grave, Butcher Babies and many more. There’ll also be outdoor screenings of classic horror films, DJs, food, spirits and freak show characters roaming the grounds each night. greatamericannightmare.com
Have you ever wished you could get away with murder … just once? Then you’d love the world of The Purge, where all crime is legal for a 12-hour period, one day a year. Blumhouse Productions, the team behind the psychological thriller (along with Paranormal Activity, Sinister and Insidious), has now set its sights on horror-theater. Fear the Night delves into the backstory of the movie, casting attendees as delegates to the annual convention of the New Founding Fathers—America’s future governing party. “This experience goes way beyond theater or movies or even haunted houses—it is a full night of entertainment that lets people explore all six floors of this incredible building on their own and suffer the potentially terrifying consequences of their decisions,” says producer Jason Blum. This immersive experience has already begun at the Variety Arts Theater in DTLA. purgelive.com The Purge: Fear the Night
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mazes—Uncle Willie’s Halloween. You’ve got . Knott’s goes all-out for mned and Black Magic es, Dominion of the Da hic FairyGot A g: gin Slaughter House, Endgam Han The ra’s Sinema Séance and You’ve got shows—Elvi Fiesta de los Muertos and osFear zones—Carnevil, Atm got ’ve you d tale. An r dark little heart could you ing ryth ry Farm offers eve Necropolis. Knott’s Sca Nov. 2. knotts.com h oug n on select nights thr ever crave. It all goes dow
Urban Death: Tour of Terror Haunted Theater Attraction Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group invites you to test your resolve as you try to make it through an all-new fun and frightening maze. Urban Death will include inexplicable horrors, unfathomable monstrosities and spirits who walk among us. Try your luck Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 2 at ZJU Theatre Group in North Hollywood. urbandeath.com
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor The Queen Mary is haunted 365 days a year. So during the season of All Hallow’s Eve, the spirits that inhabit the historic ship’s halls and cabins really turn it on. The Captain is the sinister ringleader of all the mayhem at Dark Harbor, and this year he’s bringing out a whole armada of friends from the underworld. There’ll be horrifying freak shows and mazes with names such as Circus, Deadrise, Submerged, Hellfire, Village of the Damned and Containment—all haunted by more than 200 monsters. queenmary.com
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Relatively new to the scream scene, the Haunted Hayride has quickly made a name for itself. You can’t go wrong when you base your Halloween attraction at Griffith Park’s Old Zoo, a notorious site of murder, torture, paranormal activity, serial killers and abduction. This year’s spine-tingling adventure will focus on the trapped souls of the Griffith grounds, religious cult sacrifice, tragic orphan fires and witch hangings. If that isn’t nightmare-inducing enough for you, try to make your way out of the In Between Dark Maze, take in the Purgatory Sideshow and then check out devices of death in the interactive room Death Row. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is open every Thursday to Sunday, through Oct. 31. losangeleshauntedhayride.com
BLACKOUT:elements You have to sign a waiver before taking part in BLACKOUT:elements. How’s that for intense? Each person must walk through this house of horrors—which takes inspiration from the four basic elements—completely alone. They’re not releasing much info on this, but you’ll be forced to interact with characters in a series of petrifying scenarios. It takes place through Nov. 10 at the Variety Arts Center. blackouthh.com
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r this Where to shop fo n costume year’s Hallowee Y BY MICHAEL ANTHON For some, piecing together the perfect Halloween costume is a favorite October pastime. For most of us, though, the time-honored to-do is nothing short of a horror story. Never fear—Los Angeles is chockfull of places specializing in fashionable threads for the walking dead. From full-service costumers to doit-yourself vintage boutiques, one stop at these shops will keep you from seeing red when dressing up or stripping down this Halloween.
Valentino's Costumes Out of the Closet Adult Warehouse Bondage, kink and sex—oh my! If you've got a risqué rendezvous planned this Halloween, the Adult Warehouse has what you need. From couples' harnesses and edible outfits to rings, pumps and strapons, this online retailer can and will bring your devilish fantasies to life. Various locations. adultwarehouseoutlet.com
Out of the Closet is all about giving back to the community, and in October this chain of resale shops is all about providing you with the best place to costume shop. From kitschy wigs and costume jewelry to pre-packaged costumes, you’ll find all the typical Halloween wares. While you’re here, be sure to rummage through non-costume options as well, searching out hidden vintage treasures— many as low as $1. Multiple locations. outofthecloset.org
665 Leather Located in the heart of WeHo, 665 stands as one of L.A.'s leaders in all things leather. The shop proudly proclaims itself as “one # short of hell,” and many neoprene novices might agree. Sex toys and rubber wear abounds, which can be quite intimidating to the first-timer, but the staff is friendly and always eager to assist. If you see yourself as a Tom of Finland sex god this Halloween season, a highend fetish shop is surely your costume must-stop. 8722 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. 665leather.com
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Hollywood Toys & Costumes In business for more than half a century, Hollywood Toys & Costumes has long been a Hollywood Boulevard landmark for locals and visitors alike. Boasting an unparalleled selection of costumes, masks and wigs, the knowledgeable staff truly loves helping patrons find their dream costumes. Trust us—if you can't find it here, you won't find it anywhere! 6600 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. yourhollywoodcostumes.com
If you've seen someone rock a stellar costume in previous years, Valentino's has it. Specializing in period costume rentals, the shop's stock encompasses 20,000 years of fashion styles and cultures. Long a supplier to the film and television industry as well as local theatres and schools, Valentino's is known for its over-the-top and authentic fabulousness. The costumer promises you can find anything you're looking for in its unique selection—and we know firsthand they’re right! 7324 Greenbush Ave, SFV. valentinoscostumes.com
Iguana Iguana has long been hailed as one of L.A.'s top destinations for all things vintage, which makes it a great Halloween costume destination. If you're looking to piece together your very own costume, this place will have what you need. From one-of-a-kind hippie tye-dye to preppy Lacoste polos and tacky bowling shirts, Iguana is a must-visit for your needs ranging from Boogie Nights to Happy Days. 6320 Hollywood Blvd., Hlywd. iguanaclothing.com
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Halloween Town
Santee Alley
In business for more than a decade, this Burbank staple began as a seasonal store but has since expanded to a year-round operation. Long a favorite stop-off for “enthusiasts of anything spooky,” specialties here include wigs, masks, makeup and burlesque attire— as well as unique adornments to decorate the front lawn. Halloween Town has recently opened a second location (Halloween Town Costumes) one block away from its flagship location, adding thousands of additional costumes to its already infinite selection. 2921 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. halloweentownstore.com
The most popular shopping area in DTLA's Fashion District, Santee Alley boasts nearly 200 stores that sell thousands of items at wholesale prices. From quinceañera dresses to medical scrubs to army uniforms, this is where to shop if you’re looking for an authentic outfit to make your own. 210 E. Olympic Blvd. #202, DTLA. thesanteealley.com
Whimsic Alley Celebrating all-things Harry Potter, Whimsic Alley opens its doors not only to kids but to the kid in all of us. Find everything you’ll need for an authentic Hogwarts costume—from the uniform and wands to those instantly recognizable scarves—in both child and adult sizes. Here, the high-end handcrafted threads are meant for more than onetime Halloween wear; pieces here are well worth your money and will last you years. 5464 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile. whimsicalley.com
Melrose Trading Post Located in the parking lot of Fairfax High School, the Melrose Trading Post is more than just another flea market— it's an L.A. institution. Held every Sunday, over 200 vendors turn out to sell used furniture, music, art and home goods. Many also specialize in eclectic and/or ethnic clothing and accessories, which means any costume you find here is sure to be one-of-a-kind. 7850 Melrose Ave., L.A. melrosetradingpost.org
Party City If you’re a late-night or last-minute shopper, you can’t beat Party City for a quick costume idea. You won't find a one-of-a-kind costume here, but you can pull together an entire ensemble in under a minute and for less than $20. Multiple locations. partycity.com
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By Michael Anthony
Snuggle up on the big night with these 25 horror movie favorites Does the thought of strutting down Santa Monica Boulevard on Halloween night exhaust you? If so, maybe you should stay in this year. Lock the door, turn off the lights and curl up with a bowl of candy corn, as October truly is the season of the scary movie.
We asked Hollywood horror movie execs to suggest their favorite Halloween flicks, and here’s what they came up with—a unique blend of horror, camp, B-grade and bizarre flicks for this spooktacular season.
25 Hard Candy (2005) Who doesn't love the ever-dreamy Patrick Wilson—especially when he's playing an internet creeper trying to seduce an underaged Ellen Page? Yes, it sounds like it belongs on Dateline, but once the movie twists, you'd better hold onto your balls.
22 Nosferatu (1922) Much folklore surrounds this 1922 silent vampire flick—including the question of whether the star himself was a member of the walking dead. Decide for yourself. (Find this one for free on YouTube!)
24 People Under the Stairs (1991)
(1982) It was never a big hit in the U.S., but overseas this campy B-movie screamfest was huge. Starring a pre-Melrose Place Daphne Zuniga, this tongue-incheek flick is well worth a watch.
It’s the ‘80s version of Twilight, and the hot stars here put Taylor Lautner to shame.
20 (tie) It (1990) & American Horror Story (2011) If you’ve got a little extra time on your hands, we suggest these excellent miniseries. Take caution if you’re intensely scared of clowns, giant spiders or murderous men in rubber.
17 Fire in the Sky (1993) Your friends ditch you in the woods, aliens abduct you and the police find you naked on a country road five days later. It’s not your typical night out— it’s a terrifying based-on-real-events alien drama.
This film is what happens when Wes Craven locks people under the stairs and allows a crazy white girl with damaged hair to feed them through the walls. Amanda Bynes ain’t got nothing on this creepy flick!
23 Ticked-Off Trannies with Knives (2010) Starring Frontiers cover model Willam Belli and a slew of other queens we love, this campy flick is an intense concoction of murder, rape and revenge. 40
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21 The Dorm that Dripped Blood
19 I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) How Jennifer Love Hewitt did not win an Oscar for this masterpiece we will never know, but the classic bird’s-eye view of her breasts during the “If you want me, come and get me!” scene will be forever etched into our minds!
18 The Lost Boys (1987)
16 (tie) It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966) & The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Both of these offerings tie for our familyfriendly favorite. The stories remind us that Halloween is more than just horror—it’s heart-warming, too!
15 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) We’ve watched it to death—at home, in the theatre and at countless singalongs—and yet we’ll never stop doing the Timewarp ... especially if there’s a hunky blonde in short shorts nearby!
14 (tie) The Blair Witch Project (1999) & Paranormal Activity (2007) Both of these flicks revolutionized the low-budget horror genre and kept us crying for our mamas in the theatre— especially those last 60 seconds.
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13 An American Ghost Story (2012) A favorite feature at last year's Shriekfest, this indie flick is a high-brow nod to horror films of days gone by. 12 Left Behind (2000) Yes, we’re being funny here, but what could be more terrifying than Kirk Cameron in a religious drama about the rapture with anti-gay overtones? It's so bad that it's ... just bad. (Also free on YouTube!)
11 The Human Centipede (2009)
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9 Carrie (1976) They're all going to laugh at her—and then cover her in pig's blood! This American horror staple, based on Stephen King’s book, reminds us why it's OK we were never prom queen.
5 V/H/S (2012) & V/H/S 2 (2013) Don’t be fooled—this isn’t just another collection of horror shorts. Both the original and the sequel will not only have you saying “How’d they do that?!” but “Why’d they do that?!”
8 Cube (1997)
4 The Ring (2002)
Imagine waking up in a futuristic, boobytrapped cube with a bunch of psychotic strangers that want you dead. A Lionsgate classic (a hint as to how twisted it gets), this film will have you terrified and claustrophobic until the very end.
Not a rom-com about gay marriage, this is the tale of Naomi Watts and a broken 3-D television set ... or something like that.
If you haven't yet learned the lesson that you should never knock on a stranger's door to ask for directions when lost in a foreign country, watch this film. We suggest you do it on an empty stomach.
While each incarnation in the franchise got more campy and less classic, the original redefined ‘90s horror with its ‘meta’ sensibilities.
10 Death Becomes Her (1992)
6 28 Days Later (2002)
Ever wonder what it would look like if Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn tried to off each other? This campy classic is a must-see—over and over again.
What is Halloween without a zombie horror apocalypse spreading across the globe—especially when told through the eyes of the delightfully twisted Danny Boyle? Hello, Cillian Murphy!
7 Scream (1996)
1 The Shining (1980) “Here's Johnny!” Oh, and Johnny’s got an axe! One of the creepiest films of all time, this slow-building masterpiece is perfect for Halloween night.
3 Hocus Pocus (1993) A 20-year-old classic, this family-friendly film never disappoints. When Bette Midler brings the creepy, Sarah Jessica Parker brings the sexy and Kathy Najimy brings the hungry, you’re in for a hysterical Halloween, dance numbers included.
2 (tie) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) & Friday the 13th (1980) If you've never sat down to watch these classics (or any of their sequels), shame on you! One, two, Freddy and Jason are coming for you....
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Marriage can be Heaven or Hell By Kristin Banta — Images by Blake Gardner Photography The ‘heaven and hell’ concept of this wedding was reflective of the couple, who initially suggested an angel/devil theme based upon their relationship dynamics. We expanded on the idea, taking a deeper, more theatrical approach to the design and presentation, to tell the story of one man’s ascension from hell into heaven. The décor played upon ideas from Dante’s Inferno, Tolkien’s Middle Earth and Homer’s The Odyssey. The colors of blood red, black and crimson segued into rich, textured earth tones, contrasted by soft, romantic white and ivory. The look transcended color and trend and evoked drama and intrigue from the moment guests entered— from the distinctive and elaborate menu to the servers’ custom costume fabrications; the mink-upholstered dinner tables to the stacks of vintage Limoges china; from opulent lounges and custom bars to edible candy clouds and multiple floating wedding cakes; contortionists and snake wranglers to sphere performers in the pool.
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1 The altar was placed on a raised stage with a gate on each side matching the front, and set with coliseum-style columns—the light and dark merging in the middle, under which a gold chair and black chair were placed for the ceremony. 2/3 Guests entered the ceremony space, repre9
senting heaven on one side and hell on the other. They were greeted by heavenly angels offering white cotton candy on one side, dark angels offering a smoking tray of dark, muddled cocktails on the other.
4 One groom—outfitted in a heavenly, feathered train—was escorted down the aisle by a shirtless angel wearing custom angel wings. The aisle was embellished with gold shepherd's hooks holding white angel wings and golden urns on one side, the other with black pitchforks dripping in red amaranthus, footed with black crows, branches and skulls.
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5 For late-nighters, the party continued as the DJ spun from within the interior chamber, which was transformed into an exotic fireside dance party and lounge, complete with a full bar, snake wrangler and pole dancers, surrounded by wolf and peacock taxidermy.
6 The cocktail reception was beguiling and seductively dark and dramatic in a palette of smoky black and singed red, evidenced in every element, including custom cocktail napkins.
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7 Dramatically long feasting tables provided the canvas for a dinner in ‘Baroque Middle Earth,’ tabletops upholstered with faux mink and set with stacked Limoges china, mother-of-pearl flatware and cut crystal glasses. The tables dripped in decadence with candelabras, lush florals, ripe fruit, lavish furs and antlers, accompanied by gold chameleon chairs and fur-draped benches.
8 The exterior pool area was transformed into an ethereal world for cocktails and dessert, and included an angel ascending a golden ladder who plucked confections for guests from a candy cloud suspended in the air. The DJ performed from a centered white stage under cloud chandeliers; guests lounged amongst modern white lounge vignettes with gold accents. 9 Guests marveled at four floating 100-percentedible cakes within the dessert space, one of which the couple ceremoniously sliced into. The rest was served to guests from a golden dessert cart throughout the evening.
10 Following the ceremony, guests moved through two large gates flanked by dark angels into the depths of ‘purgatory.’ Custom bars were styled to look as though they’d been shredded by demons, with black bar backs displaying red crystal glasses, mysterious elixirs and inspired décor such as animal skulls, vials of ‘blood’ and black angel wings—all embellished with blood-red florals.
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Announcing Our New Wedding Listings Tell the world about your engagement by publishing your announcement in our new weddings section! Three little words or 300—you decide! Include a photo with your annoucement to run in classic black & white for $70, or full-color for $80. See our form on page 87 for complete pricing, or give us a call: (323) 930-3220, ext. 412 To all you Planners, Caterers, Florists and DJs, let our readers know you’re available! List your wedding services in our new section and let the celebrations begin! OCTOBER 29, 2013
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EVENTS
NIGHTLIFE
THEATER
EXHIBITS
go to FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment for more listings Wed. | Oct. 16
WAIT UNTIL DARK Geffen Playhouse This work marks Matt Shakman’s return to Geffen Playhouse as the director of Jeffrey Hatcher’s world premiere adaptation. A blind Greenwich Village woman finds herself in the middle of a con and a murder, herself the target of thieves who believe she possesses their big score. Through Nov. 17. geffenplayhouse.com Wed. | Oct. 16
DON QUIXOTE Select cinemas Great Britain’s world-renowned Royal Opera House brings its Live Cinema Season to more than 500 theatres in the U.S. The season debuts with the ballet Don Quixote, inspired by the adventures of Cervantes’ bumbling knight. fathomevents.com Thu. | Oct. 17
SALVADOR DALI: THE ARGILLET COLLECTION Gallery 319 This presentation of Dali’s work is a rare opportunity to meet Madame Christine Argillet, daughter of Dali’s legendary publisher and confidant Pierre Argillet. Together, Argillet and Dali created remarkable editions of original prints, lived lives of committed surrealists and developed images that are highly valued and prized by collectors today. Through Oct. 20. gallery-319.com Thu. | Oct. 17
SPIRIT DAY Nationwide Millions of Americans will participate in Spirit Day—an anti-bullying awareness initiative—by wearing
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purple to show their support. Spearheaded by GLAAD, businesses will also show support by changing online profiles and company logos to purple. glaad.org/spiritday/endorse Fri. | Oct. 18
BEARSQUERADE Dragonfly This is a first-of-itskind masquerade dance party for our hirsute brethren. Sponsored by Growlr, a portion of the evening’s ticket sales will be donated to a local charity. A mask and costume are encouraged, and beer will be $5 throughout the night. thedragonfly.com Fri. | Oct. 18
MIKEY & TEDDY COMEDY HOUR
PARTY WITH A PURPOSE THIS HALLOWEEN BY MIKE CIRIACO
Fubar This special comedy show will help the staff of Fubar raise money for AIDS Walk L.A. and APLA’s Team to End AIDS. Support the team by laughing along to sets by Stephen Guarino, Bruce Daniels, Jonny McGovern, Jasten King and the night’s two hosts. Plus, there will be door prizes and raffle items in addition to the bar’s strong drinks. fubarla.com Fri. | Oct. 18
NEDERLANDS DANS THEATER 1 Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Two works choreographed by Sol León and Paul Lightfoot—set to music by Philip Glass—are poised for debut. Shoot the Moon gets its West Coast premiere, and Same Difference sees its U.S. debut. Also from the internationally acclaimed dance company is another West Coast first—Chamber, choreographed by Medhi Walerski. Through Oct. 20. musiccenter.org
If the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles knows one thing, it’s how to entertain. Whether belting out jaw-dropping performances during annual spring concerts or backing up Seth McFarlane's “I Saw Your Boobs” number during the 2013 Academy Awards, the GMCLA strives to deliver audiences a good time, even when fundraising. This year on Friday, Oct. 25, Halloweenie, GMCLA’s annual autumn fundraiser—dubbed the “party with a purpose”—returns for its eighth year. The brainchild of chorus members Fred Arens and Jason Duguay, who hosted the very first Halloweenie in their back yard, this costume-mandatory event has upgraded to more visible venues over the years, such as the Henry Fonda Theater, Hollywood Forever Cemetery and The Lot, home to HBO's homoerotic vampire series True Blood. This year, the fundraiser will be held at DTLA’s ornate Los Angeles Theatre and will feature horror d’oeuvres provided by Rockwell and Crumble Catering, an open bar, killer DJs, photo ops, private cabanas and celebrity guests. Past celeb attendees have included Adam Lambert, Marissa Winokur, Rose McGowan, Neil Patrick Harris and Drew Barrymore. Not surprisingly, Fred and Jason will will be joined by a ‘gHost committee’ that reads like a veritable ‘who’s who’ of the L.A. gay community, from city politicians and event coordinators to busi-
ness owners and nightlife personalities. But what’s a GMCLA event without music? Halloweenie 8 features not one but two worldrenowned DJs manning the turntables—DJ Dave Audé and DJ Blacklow. Audé is a Grammynominated producer and DJ who has worked with the likes of U2, Coldplay, will.i.am, One Direction, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney Spears and countless others. Patrons of Tom Whitman’s popular Size Sundays event in West Hollywood will recognize Blacklow’s Junior Vasquez-inspired beats. A professional DJ since the age of 18, Blacklow’s sound is a mixture of old and new progressive house music, with a tinge of contemporary EDM and a sprinkling of R&B and hip-hop flare. The night’s DJs will be joined by artists from Install:L.A.—the city’s premier pop-up art show—including Thinh Nguyen, Yoshie Sakai and Amy von Harrington. The purpose of Halloweenie is to raise money and awareness for GMCLA’s Alive Music Project, a unique music education outreach program designed for Los Angeles students that uses song to create a powerful anti-bullying message. The project works closely with schools’ Gay Straight Alliances and aims to improve learning environments for each student it reaches. Leave it to GMCLA to turn charity and education into a spooky good time. Happy Halloween! gmcla.org/events/halloweenie
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Fri. | Oct. 18
Thu. | Oct. 24
TWO: THE STORY OF ROMAN AND NYRO
HAUNTED MIDNIGHTS IV
Laemmle Music Hall
The Comedy Store
This film follows the 12-year journey of Grammy Award-winning songwriter Desmond Child and his partner Curtis Shaw and how they came to meet Angela Whittaker, who would carry their twin boys, Roman and Nyro. The documentary captures the essence of love and today’s modern family. twothedocumentary.org
Host Skitzo will present stories and vintage TV clips of first-hand encounters with The Comedy Store’s resident spirits. Watch as he tries to summon ghosts before ending at the stroke of midnight, followed by a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the club’s haunted spots. hollywood.thecomedystore.com
» CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER | THE ABBEY Photos by Rolling-Blackouts
Fri. | Oct. 25 Sat. | Oct. 19
SPACE Eleven Nightclub Promoter Justin David announces a new WeHo party taking place every third Saturday of the month. Space turns Eleven Nightclub into outer space using architectural mapping projections. Two-forone drinks from 9-11 p.m., music by DJ Ryan Jones and DJ Doug Jackson. eleven.la
FASHION SPLASH Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs Palm Springs Fashion Weekend takes off with Fashion Splash, an underthe-stars event where resort meets fashion. The event features an eclectic mix of designers showcasing swimwear and contemporary fashions. What better way to wrap up the weekend than with a pool party? Fashion Weekend runs through Oct. 27. palmspringsfw.com
Sat. | Oct. 19
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION WALK Long Beach The nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for the research and care of Alzheimer patients comes to Long Beach. The annual event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to reach the community. act.alz.org Sat. | Oct. 19
Through Nov. 2
IDENTITY | RETROSPECT Advocate & Gochis Galleries This is a retrospective exhibition by acclaimed photographer Alexandra Gibson, who spent five years with Frontiers. The exhibit includes selected images from many of her photo series as well as pieces from her extensive work as a journalist and filmmaker. lagaycenter.org
BIG BAD WOLF Faultline This popular East Side party has moved to a new night! It may not be a full moon, but let out your inner wolf among other beasts and wildlife. Shawn Morales and his ‘wolf pack’ play host, with music by DJ James Cerne and a pop-up store, fashion show and after-party by L.A.G. Vintage. $5. faultlinebar.com Sun. | Oct. 20
Sat. | Oct. 26
COSTUME PARTY Fubar This is the APLA fundraiser to end all fundraisers. Show up in a costume; drink tasty, cheap, strong cocktails; win amazing prizes. Oh, and help folks living with HIV/AIDS. Who knows what sort of shenanigans are bound to happen at WeHo’s favorite raunch pit? DJ Jasten King spins. fubarla.com
BIG FAT GRUNT Eagle L.A. It’s the last Big Fat Grunt of the season, dubbed Last Call 2013, a Sunday afternoon of beer-drinking and guy-ogling in the Eagle’s dirty little alley. DJs Josh Peace, Doug Jackson and eur-O-steve provide the soundtrack; the Eagle Alley Go-Go Brigade provides the eye candy. 3-9 p.m. $7. eaglela.com
Sat. | Oct. 26
CASUAL CONCOURS V Desert Princess Country Club Now in its fifth year in Palm Springs, Casual Concours V is expected to showcase more than 150 classic, exotic and special interest vehicles. Great Autos of Yesteryear will give away a classic triple white 1973 Buick Centurion Convertible in a $5 raffle. greatautos.org
Through Oct. 27
DAVID LEVINTHAL: WAR GAMES Corcoran Gallery of Art Coinciding with the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s summer exhibition War/Photography, David Levinthal: War Games brings together all of the artist’s work on the subject of war. Levinthal invites reflection on the intersection of war and play. corcoran.org
Sat. | Oct. 26
¡ V I V A N LOS MUERTOS! Autry Museum The Autry’s annual celebration of the Mexican tradition El Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is a daylong festival of discovery for the entire family. Stroll along displays of family altars, watch performances by Aztec and folkloric dance groups and shop for Day of the Dead trinkets and treats at a traditional Mexican street market. theautry.org
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Sat. | Oct. 26
INFERNO: RAMSES THE DAMNED Ultra Suede Reflex and Action! present a dance party for the ages, featuring DJ/producers Alexander and Eddie X. Dance right out of your costume until the wee hours of the morning, as the party runs from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday morning. reflexpresents.com Sat. | Oct. 26
HAUNTED HALLOWEEN HUNT Los Angeles
Boo at the Zoo Oct. 19-20, 26-27 Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens lazoo.org/boo
BOO AT THE ZOO
An all-new event by Race L.A., this is the clue-solving adventure that begins with a mysterious text message clue. Starting in Hollywood, teams will travel by L.A. Metro to several locations throughout the city, completing challenges, earning points and collecting goodies along the way. racela.com Sat. | Oct. 26
ENDGAME A Noise Within Endgame mixes beauty, vitality and wry humor in a devastating distillation of the human condition. The title of the play is taken from the game of chess and is a term used for the end portion of the game where very few chess pieces are left. Through Nov. 23. anoisewithin.org
This year, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens celebrates Halloween with its 24th annual Boo at the Zoo event. Due to the event’s popularity in years past, the zoo has decided to extend the fun over two weekends. Visitors are encouraged to wear their wildest costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating while roaming the zoo. Additional activities include pumpkin-carving demonstrations, arts and crafts, creepy-crawly animal encounters, ‘chomp n’ stomp’ animal feedings, a picturesque pumpkin patch and interactive storytelling with Campfire Cathy. It’s a family-friendly, spooktacular Halloween celebration. Admission for Boo at the Zoo is $18 for adults, $13 for children 2-12 and $15 for seniors 62 and up. Admission is free for GLAZA members and children under 2.
Find more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment.
» GINGER | EAGLE L.A. |
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FOOD2KNOW Gluten-Free
BY BRIAN PADGETT
PHOTO: KARA NORTMAN
PHOTO: ONEMOREBITEBLOG.BLOGSPOT.COM
In response to rising awareness of celiac disease and other gluten-related dietary issues, the Innovative Dining Group (innovativedining.com) restaurants are providing healthy, satisfying and delectable dining options sans that pesky protein.
Boa
Sushi Roku
Katana
Because all ‘surf and turf’ items are gluten-free, the real epicurean ingenuity lies in Boa’s rubs and sauces. You can now complement your premium Japanese Wagyu cut with a sweet-andsavory bacon jam or your Maine lobster with lemon-garlic butter sauce without guilt. 9200 Sunset Blvd., WeHo; 101 Santa Monica Blvd., SaMo
From the herb vinaigrette-dressed octopus sashimi and the baked lobster to crab hand rolls and assorted sushi and sashimi selections, these two hot spots give you more reasons to proclaim kanpai! 8435 3rd St., L.A.; 1401 Ocean Ave., SaMo
Dubbed “the sexiest stop on the Sunset Strip,” several robatayaki—skewered barbeque—menu selections are glutenfree, but the unassuming kaki (oyster) sashimi dish is truly unforgettable. 8439 W. Sunset Blvd., WeHo
Find more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment.
» GLEH GARDEN PARTY | MALIBU |
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Through Nov. 10
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S TOTEM Port of Los Angeles
BY ERIC ROSEN
The trademark blue-andyellow big top returns with an all-new awe-inspiring production in Totem. This Cirque du Soleil work, winner of New York’s Drama Desk Award, is inspired by mythology and illustrates the evolutionary progress of species through a visual and acrobatic language. cirquedusoleil.com Sat. | Oct. 26
NOCHE DE OFRENDA Grand Park This is a traditional Noche de Ofrenda ceremony honoring the dead and featuring prayer led by the local indigenous community, Tongva, and local elder Olivia Chumacero. There will be poetry and spoken word, theatrical performances and other heart-warming activities. grandparkla.org Sun. | Oct. 27
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HALLOWEEN HALF-MARATHON L.A. Live This half-marathon will benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, ASPCA. Participate in or out of costume to help raise awareness and funds in aiding homeless, abused animals. teamaspca.org
FIRE IN THE HOLE BY BRIAN PADGETT With seven locations throughout the Southland, Pitfire Pizza, known for its delicious woodfired pie offerings, is quickly becoming a culinary cult favorite. With the launch of its new craft cock-
Pitfire Pizza 801 N. Fairfax Ave., WeHo (323) 544-6240 pitfirepizza.com
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tail bar this month and an assortment of libations and delicious late-night bar bites, the Pitfire outpost on Fairfax will certainly be no exception. The Fairfax Pitfire team has proactively anticipated patron requests for two of its most popular cocktails. Both the Moscow Mule and the Cold Toddy, a remarkable riff on the heated Bourbonbased classic, are available on tap and can be served quickly—and repeatedly—to quench thirsts late into these long Indian Summer nights. Taking a cue from seasonal availability, the I Got Beet cocktail—an enjoyable gin-based blend of beet simple syrup, lime and Peychuard’s bitters—is guaranteed to make an indelible impression. The influence of seasonal change is palatable in Pitfire’s food options. The roast pumpkin pizza—with its creamy fontina cheese, sage brown butter and spiced pumpkin oil—harnesses all that is autumnal on one homemade, wood-fired crust. Carnivores need not fret, as the linguica sausage pizza—topped with pickled mustard seeds, red onion and peppery radicchio—provides a hearty protein punch. Pitfire even offers diners gluten-free pizza crusts and an assortment of vegan cheeses. Other popular late-night dishes include the linguini Bolognese, served with a spinach pasta and house-made ragu sauce, as well as the Pitfire chicken salad with toasted pine nuts, shaved scallions and a mélange of wild arugula and butter lettuces, all of which are perfectly complemented by a selection from Pitfire’s estimable wine list. Although the beach days and pool parties of summer might be distant memories, the great food, great drinks and great fun to be had at Pitfire Pizza on Fairfax are sure to slake the cravings of even the wildest WeHo warriors.
Through Oct. 27
THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SON Desert Playhouse Taking place mostly in New Orleans, The House of the Rising Son is about a parasitologist, Trent, who falls for someone during a lecture in Los Angeles. When Trent decides to take his new lover home to his family in New Orleans, the lover discovers something odd about this female-free family. desertroseplayhouse.org Tue. | Oct. 29
DANNY ELFMAN’s MUSIC FROM THE FILMS OF TIM BURTON Nokia Theatre This unique concert with the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra and the Page L.A. Choir will include music from all 15 film col-
laborations of the two visionaries, accompanied by clips and original artwork by Burton. Elfman himself will perform his songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas, marking his first live U.S. performance in 18 years. Three performances through Oct. 31. axs.com Thu. | Oct. 31
Skybar Halloween Party Mondrian Hotel The theme for this year’s Skybar Halloween Party will be “Asylum,” inspired by the last season of American Horror Story. Skybar elevates the experience with props and décor that will include hospital beds, operating chairs and tables, padded walls and more. RSVP to skybarla@mhgc.com. Through Nov. 30
THE GUARDSMAN A Noise Within Set in pre-World War I Budapest, The Guardsmen follows Nandor, a Hungarian stage star, who is terrified that his recent marriage is already on the rocks. He concocts a scheme meant to invigorate the passions of his starlet wife, but his absurd plan unleashes a series of unintended consequences in this comic game of love and marriage. anoisewithin.org Thu. | Oct. 31
FEARTASTIC HORROR FILM FESTIVAL Palm Springs Kicking-off on Halloween night, this inaugural festival begins on Halloween with BB’s Monster Rock Halloween Party at the Hard Rock Hotel and includes five frightfully fantastic film screenings over the weekend at Camelot Theaters, the desert’s premiere cinema. Through Nov. 2. feartastic.com Through Dec. 1
THE HOMOSEXUALS Atwater Village Theatre The Homosexuals is a wildly funny, heartwarming play that explores various friendships through the lens of sexual tension. On his first night in a Midwestern city, Evan meets a circle of men who become his closest friends and potential lovers. This Joseph Jefferson Award nominee for ‘best new work’ is for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a friend. celebrationtheatre.com
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SCREENINGS FOR
G N I M A E R SC Sat., Oct. 19
Beetlejuice / Poltergeist
Get into the Halloween spirit by squirming and screeching at the silver screen during any one of these upcoming film screenings.
Electric Dusk Drive-In DTLA’s only drive-in theatre features both films as part of a Halloween-themed double feature. The surface lot where the films are shown is dog-friendly, features a BBQ and full snack bar and pre-show trivia. electricduskdrivein.com
Through Nov. 3
The Nightmare Before Christmas El Capitan Theatre Catch Tim Burton’s animated classic in Disney Digital 3-D with spine-tingling 4-D sensory effects. And don’t pass up the sensational ‘making of’ exhibition in the theatre’s basement. elcapitan.go.com
Sun., Oct. 20
The Feast of the Souls (Lanii Xtee Tugul) Museum of Latin American Art Part of MOLAA’s free Dia de los Muertos celebration, this documentary film depicts the Feast of the Faithfully Departed in the Zapotec community of Oaxaca, Mexico. molaa.org
Fri., Oct. 18
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Nuart Theatre Before there was Sarah Michelle Gellar, there was Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens and Hillary Swank! Don’t f*ck with Buffy’s “keen fashion sense,” part of the Nuart’s midnight screening series. landmarktheatres.com
Thu., Oct. 24
Rifftrax Live: Night of the Living Dead Various L.A. movie theatres For one night only in theatres around the country, the RiffTrax crew (best known for Mystery Science Theater 3000) offers its hilarious never-before-seen take on the classic horror film—live! fathomevents.com
Fri., Oct. 25
A Nightmare on Elm Street Nuart Theatre Nancy’s having nightmares in this Wes Craven masterpiece, and the world is introduced to one of horror’s all-time greats, Freddy Krueger. It was the beginning of a frightful franchise and is being shown as part of the Nuart’s midnight screenings series. landmarktheatres.com Sat., Oct. 26
The Shining L.A. Historic Park Eat | See | Hear is L.A.’s premier “outdoor movie, food truck and live music event series.” This DTLA screening of Kubrick’s creepy masterpiece will surely bring out film buffs and newbies alike. Doors at 4:30 p.m., band performances at 6, movie at 7:30. eatseehear.com Sat., Oct. 26
Dusk to Dawn Horrorthon Aero Theatre Get all of your Halloween film viewing done at once with six back-to-back films including all-night snacks and coffee. The Santa Monica theatre screens Amityville II: The Possession, Kingdom of the Spiders, The Fly, Hell High, The Car and The Sentinel. tinyurl.com/nv5lwnh
Find more photo albums — and additional photos from these events — at FrontiersLA.com/Entertainment.
» JOHN | AKBAR |
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ENTERTAINMENT
FILM
REVIEWS 12 YEARS A SLAVE Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch Opens Oct. 18
***
Oscar-bait season is upon us, and there may be no more serious film released this fall than Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave. Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man in 1841 Boston, is captured while in Washington, D.C., stripped of his name and sold into Louisiana slavery. It’s a harrowing story the director essays in his cool, dispassionate style. More than anything the U.K. filmmaker, a well-known visual artist, has become a modern chronicler of extreme human behaviors (his previous films were Hunger, about an Irish hunger strike, and Shame, about sex addiction). He has no light side, it seems, but his cast is skilled, beginning with the terrific British actor Ejiofor, who holds Solomon’s hard-toconceal rage near the surface. Lupita Nyong’o, in her feature debut, is physically steely yet emotionally frail as Patsey, the favored slave of the oily, mercurial Edwin Epps (Fassbender). And Alfre Woodard’s Mistress Shaw in one scene brings years worth of white hatred and wily survival skills to life. 12 Years a Slave is raw; its violence is naturalistic, not cinematic. We want Solomon Northup to have his justice, but McQueen is a realist. There’s no Django—unchained or otherwise—charging with the cavalry to the rescue. —Dan Loughry
BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR
KILL YOUR DARLINGS
MUSCLE SHOALS
Starring Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos Opens Oct. 25
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Dane DeHaan, Michael C. Hall, Ben Foster Opens Oct. 16
Starring Rick Hall, Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Bono Available Now on VOD
***
It may be a disservice to say that Abdellatif Kechiche’s Blue Is the Warmest Color is a lesbian epic, yet at a running time of three hours for a microscopic exploration of the life cycle of one relationship, epic it most certainly is. It’s also sexually explicit, thrilling, tiresome, melodramatic, beautifully acted and just too long for its subject matter. It won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, and the lead actresses were jointly awarded the Best Actress prize. It’s a fine film, French in both language and outlook—taking a long, tough look at the verities of love, naturalistic in its view of copious and graphic Sapphic lovemaking (it’s both raw and very erotic). The actresses are indeed stupendous— Exarchopoulos, mysterious and bruised as the young Adèle discovering her sexuality; Seydoux as older art student Emma, butch and unbearably sexy. The film is mostly shot in close-up; Kechiche’s actresses rarely fail him, even when they are asked to cry uncontrollably (especially Exarchopoulos). When the characters act impetuously, the psychology feels right. (Credit must go to Julie Maroh’s graphic novel, the source for the film.) But three hours is a huge self-indulgence for what’s essentially a sophisticated two-hander. —Dan Loughry
**
“Break the law” is the ideology of the neophyte Beats—Lucien Carr (DeHaan), Allen Ginsberg (Radcliffe), William S. Burroughs (Foster, irresistibly droll) and Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston)—in the ambitious period drama Kill Your Darlings. Cowriter/director John Krokidas certainly breaks some laws telling this based-on-truth story of the murder of David Kammerer (Hall). He distractingly uses contemporary music (e.g., TV on the Radio) in one egregious example. Viewers may be impressed by some of the film’s style and fanciful ‘dream’ sequences, but this pushy film has more wrong than it gets right. Radcliffe tries, but he is miscast and unconvincing in the key role, while Carr is not a particularly seductive co-conspirator—he’s less ‘outrageous’ and more bipolar. Ginsberg falls under Carr’s spell, even if viewers don’t. There is mild romantic tension between the friends, then Carr kills Kammerer in a clunky sequence that simply cudgels viewers. Ginsberg is asked to write Carr’s defense, which puts him in a moral quandary. Alas, the struggle Ginsberg faces in the film’s climax is underwhelming. But so, too, is Kill Your Darlings. This film is about characters who want to leave a mark, but what they really leave is a stain. —Gary M. Kramer
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20 Feet from Stardom set a high bar for joyful music documentaries earlier in 2013. Muscle Shoals, Greg ‘Freddy’ Camalier’s film about two celebrated recording studios in the Alabama town, isn’t as festive as that earlier film, yet taken in full it may be a richer experience. How did a bunch of (mostly) white guys from a tiny village on the Tennessee River predominantly define the soul of the ‘60s and, in doing so, create its own identifiable, legendary sound? Camalier— with the help of interviews by Executive Producer Stephen Badger—paints a cross-generational picture of the famed studios in Alabama, first with owner/producer Rick Hall and his initial backup band The Swampers and then by charting an ongoing feud between Hall and The Swampers, who left to open their own, competing studio. That act may have felt like betrayal to Hall, but it was a win-win for music history. Between the studios they encompassed the artistic birth of Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett and Lynyrd Skynyrd, with stopovers from The Rolling Stones, Traffic and more making their Southern pilgrimage for some greasy, muddy funk. Muscle Shoals is leisurely, but it gets where it needs to go—into the heart of every true music lover. —Dan Loughry
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THEATER REVIEWS THE SUNSHINE BOYS AHMANSON THEATRE | 135 N. Grand Ave., DTLA Through Nov. 3 | centertheatregroup.org Center Theatre Group’s import of British director Thea Sharrock’s 2012 London revival of Neil Simon’s 1972 comedy The Sunshine Boys offers an appealing mix of raucous humor and nostalgia. Following the March death of actor Richard Griffiths, who was set to reprise his role here, CTG came up with the masterstroke of having Judd Hirsch join Griffith’s London costar Danny DeVito at the Ahmanson. The two renowned actors—who appeared together in the popular 1970s-80s sitcom Taxi—form a splendid duo in Simon’s geriatric counterpart to one of his biggest hits, The Odd Couple. Though this sitcom-styled piece perhaps isn’t among Simon’s top tier of accomplishments, it holds up as an enjoyable romp. Simon celebrated the colorful milieu of show business while fash-
ioning a vehicle for two elder actors to savor some choice repartée and occasional moments of sweet sentiment. As squabbling former vaudeville partners—Willie Clark and Al Lewis, respectively—DeVito and Hirsch evoke wry humor. The celebrated stars are backed up by a solid supporting cast (Justin Bartha, Gibby Brand, Frank Kopyc, Matthew Bohrer, Annie Abrams and Johnnie Fiori). In an atmospheric and handsomely mounted production (set and costumes by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting by Neil Austin, music by Adrian Johnston), the spirit of Borscht Belt vaudeville is spryly captured, particularly in the delicious burlesque skit in the second act, complete with spicy double entendres and comic bits, deadpan zingers and broadly etched shtick. The simple narrative relates the
PHOTO: CRAIG SCHWARTZ
scheduling of a CBS special saluting great comedy teams throughout history, with the reunion of the former partners Lewis and Clark considered indispensable to the effort. The hitch is that they always had a tumultuous relationship and parted on less-thanfriendly terms. Upon the urging of Willie’s agent Ben (Bartha), who is also his nephew, the partners reluctantly agree to get together to rehearse one of their classic scenes for the special. The inevitable sparks immediately fly. In a role previously played by Jack Albertson in the Broadway original, George Burns in the film version (winning an Oscar) and Peter Falk in a TV-
movie remake, DeVito is ideally cast. It’s hard to think of anyone who can play flip sarcasm better than DeVito, and this diminutive actor has the capacity to be lovable and snarky at the same time. DeVito initially plays beautifully off of Bartha’s low-key exasperation as the devoted nephew. When Hirsh eventually enters, he instantly becomes the perfect foil for DeVito. Hirsch’s lanky and more dignified Lewis clashes with the ornery and self-centered imp DeVito. Their Mutt-and-Jeff duo is the oddest of couples, providing the perfect chemical catalyst for igniting hilarity. —Les Spindle
HUMOR ABUSE MARK TAPER FORUM | 135 N. Grand Ave., DTLA Through Nov. 3 | centertheatregroup.org Telling someone “I grew up in the circus” is an anachronistic phrase that seems right out of the early 20th century. But in Lorenzo Pisoni’s one-man show Humor Abuse, it’s as truthful and modern a phrase as “I was raised by two dads.” Pisoni wasn’t raised by two dads, but he was raised by a dad, a mom and a handful of clowns. In his telling and endlessly amusing autobiographical show, Pisoni crafts a tale of a father obsessed with a particular way of life and how that life was passed down to his son. It is the tale of an absentee yet loving father and a son who found himself while trying to find his dad. Pisoni’s parents began the Pickle Family Circus in May of 1975, performing in a high school gym in San Francisco. Adopting a smaller stage and getting more intimate with the audience, the Pickle Family Circus was soon traveling the country delighting audiences young 58
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and old. It is here that little Lorenzo Pisoni started to mimic what he saw by attempting to perform during the circus intermission. Soon enough he was his father’s right-hand man, and at the age of 11 he was traveling the country performing in acts side-by-side with his dad. But it wasn’t an easy life, and being constantly with your family can be fraught with its own joys and terrors. Little Lorenzo suffered them all. But along the way he became a master at clowning, which he dazzles the audience with as he reminisces about the old days, showing how the art of clowning is achieved. On a simple set that uses props from his family’s actual circus, director (and co-creator) Erica Schmidt allows Pisoni to give his life story while deftly spinning through clever costume changes, dodging falling sandbags and prat-falling down a flight of stairs. He runs through amusing anecdotes, shows
PHOTO: CRAIG SCHWARTZ
pictures from his childhood and allows us to enjoy entire sketches of the acts he used to do. While the typical act of clowning seems old-school and a bit pat, Pisoni proves that this style of humor is just as deft and hilarious today as it was back in the day. Just ask the little guy in the audience whose infectious laughter made Pisoni stop in mid-act, point at him and smile. Through it all, Pisoni develops for us
a portrait of a father and son that is both heart-breaking and heart-warming. Here, he openly explains how his non-traditional life affected him, but also how he’d never change it for the world. A strikingly handsome man with model good-looks, he knows how to bring happiness to a room full of people and proves that sometimes the oldest of comedy tropes is still the most affecting. —Kevin P. Taft
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MUSIC
Sleigh Bells Bitter Rivals (Mom & Pop Music)
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REVIEWS
Sleigh Bells became the master of a small domain with the group’s first two records. Treats and Reign of Terror were shot through with big swatches of guitar noise and catchy beats (some rock, some hip-hop). They were bookends in the way R.E.M.’s Murmur / Reckoning were sides to the same coin. There were powerful cuts, but both Sleigh Bells records grew quickly tedious. So it’s a good sign that Bitter Rivals expands upon the group’s trademark sound. (Others may claim the duo is watering it down; we shall see.) Whatever the reception, Sleigh Bells hasn’t had as many compelling songs on one record until now. Where previously the band just sounded pissed, Bitter Rivals offers evidence that Alexis Krauss and Derek Edward Miller throw a good party and—a related event—also have a sense of humor. (The animal noises they sprinkle throughout are a hoot—dogs on the title track; roosters and cows on “Tiger Kit.”) Krauss’s vocals are still overly filtered, but she’s opened up emotionally. There’s a newfound vulnerability to these songs that conflict/harmonize against the underlying dissonance. And when Krauss claims that “love is a contact sport” on “Love Sick,” there’s no doubting there’s an equal amount of pleasure to her pain. —Dan Loughry
Peter Gabriel & Various Artists And I'll Scratch Yours (Real World Records)
**
Oh Land
Panic! at the Disco
Donna Summer
Summer Camp
Wish Bone (Federal Prism)
Too Weird Too Live, Too Rare to Die! (Fueled By Ramen)
Love To Love You Donna (Universal)
Summer Camp (Moshi Moshi)
***
Things in Peter Gabriel’s world don’t move too quickly. In the 27 years since his mammoth LP So, Gabriel has only released two LPs of new material. The last one, 2002’s brilliant Up, took nearly a decade to record. So it’s not a surprise that the completion of Peter Gabriel’s song-swap experiment (starting with 2010’s cover album Scratch My Back) has been delayed since 2010. The concept—an intriguing one—had Gabriel cover some of his favorite artists on one LP, and then those artists cover Gabriel on another. Unfortunately some artists didn’t turn in their homework (ahem, Radiohead, David Bowie) and eventually Gabriel had to call in reinforcements. The resulting album is, not surprisingly, uneven. David Byrne covering “I Don’t Remember” sounds like a great idea on paper, but for some reason ends up being dull. Regina Spektor’s “Blood of Eden” is a nice alternative, and Stephin Merritt’s take on “Not One of Us” is inspired. The Arcade Fire take on “Games Without Frontiers” can’t compare to the original (or Arcade Fire’s recent output), and Randy Newman’s take on “Big Time” is so painful awkward, it’s almost required listening. Feist proves once and for all she’ll never be Kate Bush on a tepid remake of “Don’t Give Up,” while Lou Reed, Brian Eno and Paul Simon turn in sturdy but not spectacular work. Get back to writing originals, Peter.
Putting Oh Land’s music in a descriptive box is tough. She’s kind of fabulously weird and enigmatic like Bjork, she makes charming and mystical electropop that you can (sometimes) dance to and she doesn’t seem much concerned with crafting obvious pop or radio hits. Yet those exact traits make this Danish beauty so intriguing. Released on Dave Sitek’s boutique label (and also produced by the TV on the Radio guitarist), her third effort is not an immediately infectious listen like her last disc or lauded singles. Rather, repeated spins reveal more of its hidden charms. “My Boxer” was a bit of a head-scratch introduction to the record, with its staccato hip-hop beats and half-rapped vocals, but similarly produced tracks like the second single “Renaissance Girls” and “Love A Man Dead” work much better. Probably the most instantly catchy is the light funk of “Pyromaniac,” with its breezy beats and understated horn section. The piano-lounge strains of “Next Summer” and “Sleepy Town” are probably the foremost examples of her ethereal vocal prowess. Another standout is the symphonic “Green Card,” which was co-written by Sia. Thankfully, Sitek’s production never overshadows her ardent quirkiness, and he lets her melodramatic freak flag fly high. All told, Oh Land delivers a wholly seductive but playful listen.
—Dominik Rothbard
—Paul V.
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***
I must have missed the last Panic! at the Disco release, Vices & Virtue, because I was taken aback by what I thought was yet another transformation in their musical direction for this fourth release. ‘My bad’ for not knowing the boys from Las Vegas had changed completely from baroque emo to Beatles-esque pop to indietronica. It seems they’ve morphed into Fischerspooner (and we all know how well that turned out for Fischerspooner). That said, songwriter Brendon Urie does know his way around a catchy pop hook or three, so what could have been another disastrous change for the band is relatively tuneful and interesting. The group is best here on the most musically robotic tunes— “Girl That You Love” is a percolating meditation on the ongoing war between the sexes; “Girls/Girls/Boys” could be the band’s city-mates The Killers back when they were still interested in the pop charts. Yet the best thing here may be where Urie and his bandmates Spencer Smith and Dallon Weekes strip it all down to piano and vocals for the touching grace note of “The End of All Things.” Perhaps another musical change is in the wings for this still-growing band? —Dan Loughry
***
***
I’m skeptical of projects like this, which update universally adored and classic music with new EDM remixes. And with Donna Summer’s accomplished output during her heyday, she can not be bested. This has some real gems on it, but also some duds that miss the mark. Of the best revisions, the finest comes via Giorgio Moroder himself, the man who produced her and who literally put electronic dance music on the map. Along with Chris Cox (Thunderpuss), their “Love To Love You, Baby” mix transforms its unhurried bump ‘n grind into a mid-tempo club burner. “Hot Stuff” (handled by Frankie Knuckles and Eric Kupper) is a pleasant enough house rendering, but it strips away all the dangerous guitar parts that anchored the original. As for “I Feel Love,” Afrojack made the right decision to make it pulse and sizzle just a little bit harder. My favorite is Chromeo and Oliver’s outstanding “Love Is In Control” rework, because it really highlights Donna’s vocal performance, and those vocoder parts are simply irresistable. Also, Hot Chip’s dubby “Sunset People” is sexy, undulating and dazzling, and Laidback Luke displaces “MacArthur Park” of its pathos and replaces it with laser-light ecstasy. Overall, the Queen of Disco’s legacy is served pretty well here.
As gay men, we’ve all had that one gal pal. The one who was, like, super into theater. Maybe you came out to her first. Maybe you ended up getting really sick of her shit. However you feel about that relationship will probably shape how you feel about Summer Camp. Married couple Jeremy Warmsley and Elizabeth Sankey split the duties—he’s music and instruments, she’s vocals and lyrics—and they work really well together, creating summery pop with unexpected twists and amusingly sardonic lyrics. Sankey exploits the theater nerd inside her to full effect, juicing every line for all its drama. Summer Camp begins with “The End”—dancey, synthy and soulful. Other highlights include the huge “Fighters,” which packs about an hour’s worth of drama into less than two and a half minutes. Album closer “Pink Summer” is also one of the best, most grandiose tracks the band has recorded. There are several treasures that reveal themselves over repeated listens, but that’s not to say the album is without missteps. “Phone Call” has a whitegirl-in-suspenders-on-a-’90s-blac k-sitcom vibe about it, and this album doesn’t take as many chances as its predecessor, Welcome to Condale, but it’s a light, breezy affair with quite a few memorable tunes.
—Paul V.
—Dominik Rothbard
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JULIE BROWN IS JUST PLAIN HILARIOUS That’s really the only word to describe this riotous redhead who has been making audiences laugh since way back in the day when MTV actually showed music videos. Needless to say, her sidesplittingly funny songs have been a huge inspiration to me. And now one of her most hysterical hits has been turned into a full-fledged musical that I can’t wait to see. I am so excited about Homecoming Queen’s Got A Gun: The Musical! In one sentence, make my gay readers want to buy a ticket. Well, the show takes place at Betty Ford High and features me, a homicidal homecoming queen, lots of insane ‘80s hair and finally answers the question, “Who’s Johnny?” What is the ultimate goal with the show? From Casita del Campo to Broadway? Absolutely, Broadway! I think it’s straight from Casita to the big theater on 57th where they did Cats! Nothing in between.
You were also in a movie that makes just about every gay’s Top 10 List—Clueless! Again, any fun behind-the-scenes dirt for us? When I came into the makeup trailer on the first day of shooting, I was blown away by how stunningly beautiful Alicia Silverstone and Stacey Dash looked. When the makeup girl came over to me, I said, “Just make me look glamorous like them!” She said, “No, you just get some base and maybe some Chapstick. You’re playing a lesbian.” I’m still pretty bitter about that. As co-creator of the wildly popular Camp Rock, I am guessing you have met The Jonas Brothers a few times? The Jonas Brothers are actually really, really sweet and nice. And I met them when they were still wearing virgin rings! Joe was so gorgeous, he was like a young Liz Taylor in skinny jeans. And Nick was very young, but I could see his future—drop-dead gorgeousness.
I just love Medusa: Dare to be Truthful, your spoof of Truth or Dare. Did you ever get any feedback from Madonna? Madonna sent me a half-drunk bottle of champagne with a Post-It note stuck on it that said, “Good Luck, Julie.” I heard that she was mad about the scene where I take the camera crew to the dog cemetery. She thought it was tasteless. I think that’s the pot calling the kettle a skank!
You realize you’re America’s favorite fag hag, right? Are you comfortable with that title? I’m totally OK with it, and I was a fag hag before I even knew what that was. All my friends in acting school were gay, before having gay friends was a thing. At the time, I even let one of my gay hairdresser friends give me a perm while we were on mushrooms. That may have been a mistake.
I’ll say! Your song “Earth Girls Are Easy” was turned into one of the kookiest movies of the ‘80s. Any fun stories from the set? Geena Davis and Jeff Goldblum had just fallen in love while working on The Fly. Well, Geena came out of her trailer one day and saw that the lox and bagels on the craft service table were covered in flies. She started crying and saying, “The flies! Someone should save the poor flies!” I still don’t know what to think about that.
Julie Brown’s Homecoming Queen’s Got A Musical! Oct. 25 - Nov. 3, Fridays & Saturdays, 9 p.m. Sundays, 3 p.m. Cavern Club Celebrity Theater, located below Casita del Campo Restaurant, 1920 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. cavernclubtheater.com $30 OCTOBER 29, 2013
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“When I cheat on my partner, he's cheating on me at the same time at the other end of the same guy.” —Dan Savage tells the ladies of The View how he and his partner define ‘cheating.’ He may have gotten more than he bargained for when guest co-host Jason Biggs put his arm around him and said, “What are you doing after the show?”
I don't want to cause a panic, but have you heard that we’re going through a national catastrophe? Now, I don’t know all of the details because this isn’t really my department, but I’m sure many of you have heard rumblings of this travesty unfolding—Hollywood is suffering a severe shortage of lesbians. Celebrities of the Sapphic persuasion have been forced to mix and match partners seemingly at whim. Admittedly, this is an age-old practice I believe first came to prominence with the establishment of the U-Haul. But now it’s gotten out of control. Reportedly, Jodie Foster is currently dating Alexandra Jodie Foster and Hedison. If that name sounds familiar, it’s Alexandra Hedison because she was previously involved with Ellen DeGeneres (in between Portia di on a Saturday night.” How civilized. Rossi and that whackjob who spoke to Have you heard about Alabama fedaliens). This drought of dames has even eral circuit Judge Bill Pryor? If rumors are forced Anne Heche to go back to men. to be believed (and who am I to doubt the Stop the insanity! veracity of a rumor?), the judge posed And that leads to our revelation about nude and aroused while he was a student actress Michelle Rodriguez—she’s bisexual. at Northeast Louisiana University. And This is perhaps the most shocking what makes the story even better is that announcement since Elton John married he is a very conservative right-wing judge. that Italian chick. Like Elton, the sexual While His Honor has denied the photos preference of Rodriguez was pretty much are of him, one Republican colleague was taken for granted. The problem is, she conshown the explicit pics and was quoted sistently denied it—and vehemently. Back as saying, “Holy cow, that’s Bill in 2011, she was asked Pryor!” You can judge for yourspecifically about the self on BillyMasters.com. rumors on the red carpet David Bromstad has caused for Battle: Los Angeles: a bit of a flurry within spitting “I’m not a lesbian. Yeah! distance of Fort Lauderdale— Mitchie likes sausage.” and it’s entirely possible some Yes, that one shocked of that spit will land on my propeven me. Who knew that erty! The openly gay designer Battle: Los Angeles had a will be hosting a charity event red carpet premiere? for the Salvation Army, which, Rodriguez seemed to as you all know, has a long hishave carpets on the mind tory of anti-gay rhetoric. Why during a recent interview would he do such a thing? As with Entertainment he writes on Facebook, “I’ve read Weekly: “I don’t talk your feedback on my participaabout what I do with my tion with the Salvation Army vagina. I’ve never walked USA, as an openly gay person the carpet with anyone, David Bromstad whom just happens to also be so they wonder: What a celebrity. I took the Salvation does she do with her Army’s request to participate in their vagina? Plus, I play a butchy girl all the fundraiser as one step in the right directime, so they assume I’m a lesbo. Eh, they’re tion towards equality. If we simply sepanot too far off.” She adds, “I’ve gone both rate ourselves from those that we assume ways. I do as I please.” appose us or our beliefs then we will never During an appearance at Dragon*Con make strides in the right direction.” I have (a sci-fi convention in Atlanta), John Baralways found Bromstad to be not only talrowman extolled the virtues of his marented but also a lovely person. That said, riage to Scott Gill. Amongst the revelations, I’m not sure which is more troublesome— we learned that the couple is versatile. the incorrect use of the word whom, the “He’s a wife on a Friday night, I’m a wife 62
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a little apt. Plus, it frees him up to tackle misspelled appose or calling himself a a far more challenging and appropriate celebrity. project. Bomer has been cast as the lead Last year, Bette Midler made her longin a biopic about screen legend Montawaited return to Broadway in a one-woman gomery Clift. Monty Clift focuses specifshow about agent Sue Mengers called I’ll ically on the actor’s relationship with Eat You Last. Despite a limited eight-week Elizabeth Taylor from when they were run, the show recouped its investment of both cast in A Place in the Sun until his $2.4 million and was a huge success for the death in 1966. Production is scheduled to producers. Once it closed, rumors circulated begin in early 2014. that Bette would bring the show to Los Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Angeles. We can now announce that Midler Jason in Texas: “Who is that tall drink of will again embody Mengers at the Geffen water on Dancing with the Stars? My God, Playhouse, Dec. 3-22. he’s gorgeous. Where did he come from? Liberace will be on Broadway next year, Is he gay? He looks like a soap star—or at but not in a musical version of Behind the least a model.” Candelabra. While the producers of the Now who could Jason be talking about? Emmy-winning HBO biopic continue work Bill Nye, the Science Guy? Nah, he must on making the leap to the legitimate stage, mean Brant Daugherty, who looks like he another Liberace project will beat them could be the love child of Matt Bomer and to the punch. All That Glitters is a new James Marsden. Brant is best known for musical that will find Richard Kline (yes, his role on ABC Family’s Pretty Larry from Three’s Company) Little Liars. He was also on playing the prodigious what turned out to be the pianist. Providing the glitter final season of Army Wives. will be costumes by the legBut what I’m sure is most endary Bob Mackie. The interesting to my readers is show hits Toronto in late that he has both homosexu2014 before landing on the ality and soaps in his backGreat White Way in ground. Earlier this year, he December. had a recurring role on Days Quite a few Emmy of Our Lives as Brian, who was awards came in for the Libtrying to get between Sonny erace flick. Next year, I expect and Will (ironically, Brandt similar plaudits for HBO’s was one of the actors up for adaptation of Larry Kramer’s the role of Will). So, yes, he The Normal Heart. As luck was playing a gay character. would have it, I spent Emmy And lemme just say that his Eve seeing The Normal Heart scenes with Sonny were at the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood. Utilizing many incredibly steamy, as you’ll elements of the acclaimed see on BillyMasters.com. Brant Daugherty 2011 Broadway production, Since I need to fulfill my this intimate version focuses celebrity skin quota of the on the passion of Kramer’s counterpart Ned week, we bring you Chris Hemsworth, (played by Tim Cummings) and Dr. Emma whose luscious ass features prominently (Lisa Pelikan), with special kudos to the in the film Rush. If that’s all you’re interdynamic performance of Fred Koehler as ested in, head on over to our website. Mickey. But it was the nuanced and deliWhen I’m featuring the right end of cate portrayal of Ned’s lover Felix by Bill a Hemsworth, it’s definitely time to end Brochtrup that put a human face on an yet another column. For those of you who often-presentational play. It runs through need a little more, check out Billy Nov. 3. Masters.com, the site that always leaves Matt Bomer has had quite a ride since you with a happy ending. If you have a coming out. From White Collar to Magic question, send it along to me at Billy@ Mike to The Normal Heart (where he plays BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back Felix), he’s been busy, busy, busy. Some to you before I personally fund research people are annoyed that he wasn’t cast in to create a child from Matt Bomer and the film adaptation of 50 Shades of Grey. James Marsden. So, until next time, However, I suspect the phrase ‘he dodged remember, one man’s filth is another a bullet’ will turn out to be more than just man’s bible.
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CHRISTINA, UN-DIRRTIED My regular readers know that I have a nosey mole at The Voice. Yes, this gossip-spilling production assistant spent all of last year relaying the play-by-play trials and tribulations of Christina Aguilera’s third season breakdown, which I oh-so-eagerly shared with y’all. It was a trainwreck! Aguilera (allegedly) showed up hours late, fell off the vodka wagon, insulted ‘the help,’ devoured both a cobb salad and a BLT with extra bacon for lunch and said things so vile to Adam Levine that he stormed off set multiple times! Girlfriend was a dirrty hot mess! Well, we asked our chatty industry-adjacent insider for the scoop on her return, and he was eager to spill the low-carb beans! The below is all alleged, of course:
PHOTO: 2013 TCA SUMMER PRESS TOUR, BEVERLY HILLS, NBC PARTY
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“OMG! Christina looks amazing—and she knows it! Typically, it’d be annoying that she thinks so highly of herself, but the confidence has put her in the best, best, best mood. She is so kind and sweet to all of us, even the production assistants! She’s still a little late sometimes, but she’s sober when she shows up. No more boozing or popping pills or eating giant lunches with a lot of bacon! We all love the new version of her, and we are so glad she’s back!” Oh, Christina! We always thought you were beautiful, no matter what your waistline said. Welcome back to the land of the living. Stay away from the sauce—and the extra bacon, and the self-tanner, and the shorty-shorts, and the low-end wigs— and never again will we leave your side!
SAY WHAT, SLUT?! Oh, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, how I love thee—the work you do, the art you promote, the sexy staff that always makes us feel oh-so loved. However, one thing I’m not so hot on is your lack of dress code. Yes, on my latest romp through the Center’s Advocate & Gochis Galleries— enjoying the all-new Identity/Retrospect installation—I was cruised by a stunningly beautiful man. Blonde, bubble-butt, protruding pecs—truly the Adonis type that most titillates my hungry loins. Now, I’m not complaining about the cruise, for it made me feel youthfully worthy—a throwback to the yesteryears of my 20s, when the boys of WeHo actually acknowledged my existence. What really got my gay gullet was his tight, white stretch tee with nothing more than the words “Trophy Slut!” Shocking? Yes. Offensive? Slightly. But more than that, the fashion proclamation simply left me confused. I approached and inquired, “How exactly did you get your trophy? What did you have to do to prove your above-average dexterity in regards to slutting? Most importantly, where is your crown?” The self-proclaimed slut had little to say. None too intelligent, my questions confused him. He returned with little more than an offer to give me a hand job in his car, which was illegally parked at a meter down on McCadden. I declined, which admittedly took a bit of self-restraint, as Drop me your at I have yet to slide into vehicular seconddirty little secrets m. .co ail otm queersay@h base with an award-winning sexual savant. e giv r ve ne I , rry And don't wo Bubble butts walk, but fashion talks! t! oa thr ep up my de Boys of WeHo, think before adorning your y, go to For more Queersa abs in a trashy T-shirt. Just because you Queersay. FrontiersLA.com/ paid full price for it at Urban Outfitters doesn’t mean it’s not off-putting. OCTOBER 29, 2013
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AN OPEN LETTER TO RODNEY SCOTT, PRESIDENT OF L.A. PRIDE Hi Rodney, It’s time to cop to it so we might move forward. See, it’s broken. Pride and all that means under your navigation and tutelage are simply broken. Now, before you say it’s not, go forward with this salient wisp of logic and sanity—it’s an old joke—if enough folk say a child is ugly, yet the parent sees the hidden beauty in the kid, it’s likely the damn child is still ugly. That’s perhaps the rub here. Maybe you’re too close? Earlier this year, City Council folk John D’Amico and John Duran formed a subcommittee to assist you and your board with the metempsychosis of Pride. They have met, and I understand have met with you and are discussing Pride '14 publicly at the Oct. 21 council meeting, plus there may be a town hall forum on it all on Oct. 30. I know you are deep in planning, so now is a great time for everyone to talk and create real action. Over the past decade, you and I have broken bread many times discussing this fly in the champagne. In 11 years I’ve written six columns on why Pride sucks. You have always been a champ, gracious beyond graceful. You have treated me with more respect than I do myself, yet over the years our collective words have had all the impact of a Marie Osmond talk show. My point remains that Pride as we know it in the entertainment capitol of the world is broken. Since we are not in Clovis, Calif., or Lake Elsinore, many of us feel it not unreasonable to expect— no, demand—the very best. The Gold Coast’s décor can no longer be the matrix for parade aesthetics. Tinsel, flatbed trucks and blown-out speakers must be banned. The chain link fence used to corral us paying inmates at Stalag ‘69 must be replaced. Virtually every gay and lesbian living in 90069 must be grand marshal before another straight television personality is anointed, and at least 50 percent of the headliners onstage must have had a hit sometime after 2000.
This is not Elmer’s Glue-broken. This puppy is in tatters. It’s high time to think off-center. Over the years I have implored you to check out Santa Barbara’s Summer Solstice Parade (solsticeparade.com). While not specifically gay, my pal Michael Gonzales was a mime that created that parade back in 1974. Michael died from AIDS in ’89, yet his vision and dream has grown into one of the most over-the-top, artistically creative spectacles on the planet. A few days ago I took Councilmember D’Amico out to Saddle Ranch and offered up 35 names of the most important gay and lesbians in entertainment who have all offered to volunteer and assist in both grand marshal and performer acquisition. I would love to share these with you and your board. Let’s let an interested community serve the community. We all have to work together to fix Pride—no little steps, but a major overhaul. Don’t think for a second that just because the monkey is off your back the circus has left town. Rodney, you have done it your way. Please be open to fresh and new ideas. It’s broken. Accept help, and let’s fix it. Let’s make Pride unbroken. It is tough enough out there. On June 1, Huffington Post’s Gay Voices ran a poll: “Are Pride parades good for the LGBT community?” Forty-seven percent voted ‘yes,’ while 52 percent slammed in at ‘no.’ Scary numbers even if it was firing on all pistons. Now is the time for action—your action. Reach out to this wonderfully talented community and accept assistance in putting together the very best Pride parade and festival on earth. When it is fixed, you’ll likely get the credit anyway, so what is there to lose? You and your crew are on the field. Folks from council chambers to entertainment suites are in the farm club. It’s best that we all work towards taking a broken piece of art and restoring it to neverbefore-seen beauty. Let’s truly work together to make it whole.
The opinions of this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Frontiers magazine.
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PHOTO: PAULO MURILLO
WEHO OBSERVES NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
CITY TO HOST 2013 HALLOWEEN CARNAVAL BY PAULO MURILLO No other city does Halloween quite like West Hollywood. The city is gearing up to host one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world, with hundreds of thousands of costumed pleasure-seekers flocking to the heart of WeHo’s Boystown for the 2013 West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, to be held on Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6-11 p.m. The street costume party will stretch from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard along Santa Monica. This year’s “One Noir Night in West Hollywood” will bring the city to life with some of the most creative costumes on the planet. Enjoy food, live performances, costume contests and some of the world’s hottest DJs, who are sure to have people dancing on the street. The event is open to everyone, but due to the large crowds and the mature nature of some costumes, children and pets are not recommended. Street closures for the event include Santa
Monica Boulevard between Doheny and La Cienega, San Vicente Boulevard between Melrose and Santa Monica, Robertson Boulevard between Melrose and Santa Monica, Almont Drive and La Peer Drive from Santa Monica to Melrose, San Vicente Boulevard between Cynthia and Santa Monica, Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega and Holloway Drive/Croft Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard between Sunset and Santa Monica. Streets are closed from noon on Oct. 31 through 6 a.m. on Nov. 1. Public parking will be available at parking lots throughout the city for $20. Permit parking will be suspended for the Halloween Carnaval from 11 a.m. Oct. 31 through 6 a.m., Nov. 1. Parking meters will be enforced. For more information regarding street closures and street parking restrictions, call the city’s Weho Halloween Hotline at (323) 848-6503 or visit weho.org.
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE ON WEHO’S BIG HALLOWEEN CARNAVAL EVENT? “The West Hollywood carnaval gets bigger and better. It’s a lot of fun. I plan my whole year around it. It allows me to created several creatures and fantastical dragons that I love to display down the boulevard. The public response is always positive, which inspires me to go bigger and bolder the following year.” —Alberto Rayes
“What I like most about this Halloween event is that it is the only event where gay people and straight people get together and party. The only thing I can’t stand is when people don’t dress up. It can also get a little rowdy towards the end of the night with so many people drinking.” —Johnny Alva
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition, the city is welcoming Dr. Armando E. Giuliano—an internationally renowned expert in the field of breast cancer treatment—who will be giving a lecture on Thursday Oct. 24. He will address the history and changes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer, with a particular focus on his contribution to the elimination of radical lymph node surgery. A complimentary breakfast will be offered at 8:30 a.m., and the keynote address, followed by a Q&A, will begin at 9. The event will be held at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers. Dr. Giuliano is the Executive Vice Chair of Surgery and the Associate Director of Surgical Oncology at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, the Linda and Jim Lippman Chair in Surgical Oncology and CoDirector of the Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center—A Project of The Women’s Guild at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is also a recent recipient of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Brinker Award for Scientific Distinction in Clinical Research. To view the flyer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit weho.org. For more information, or to RSVP, contact the Social Services Division at (323) 848-6510 or wehocares@weho.org.
SPEAK OUT “I think the carnaval is a lot of fun. It can get really crowded. The streets are pretty busy, but if you go with the right people, it can be really fun. I’ve never dressed up—I mostly go to see the costumes. People can be very creative for this particular event. I recommend it.” —Thomas Harris
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HOT TOPIC
RAINBOW FLAG OFFERED TO PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL BY JAMES F. MILLS With an estimated 45 percent of Palm Springs’ 46,000 residents being gay, and thousands of gay tourists pouring into the city each year, Palm Springs has been called the gayest city in America. Rainbow flags fly in front of homes, businesses and gay resorts around town. During gay Pride festivities, the rainbow flag also flies along Palm Canyon Drive. But the rainbow flag does not fly on the flag pole in front of Palm Springs City Hall. At the Oct. 3 Palm Springs City Council meeting, Larry Block—owner of the Block Party clothing and gay souvenir shop that opened in late August beside the Revivals thrift store in the Sun Center at 611 S. Palm Canyon— asked the council to change that. “I know November in Palm Springs
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is gay Pride month,” said Block during his public comment at that meeting. “I would like to donate a rainbow flag to the city of Palm Springs and hope that at least during the month of November the rainbow flag would be raised here, too, and perhaps permanently at city hall as a symbol for inclusion and diversity and everything the rainbow flag represents.” Block is the man who made a similar suggestion to the West Hollywood City Council in June, and within days, the rainbow flag became a permanent fixture atop West Hollywood’s City Hall. Many West Hollywood residents hailed the raising of the rainbow flag, saying, “It’s about time,” or that the flag is like a welcome mat for gay people. Others criticized the move, saying the
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flag of a political movement does not belong on the city hall building, not even in a city known for its gay activism like West Hollywood. “At this point, the rainbow flag has transcended being just a political statement,” says Gary Costa, the executive director of Palm Springs’ LGBT Community Center of the Desert. “The rainbow flag is universal. It’s about diversity, coming together, peace and harmony. I think it’s a great idea to fly it at Palm Springs City Hall year round. I think the whole city would embrace it.” “In the rotunda at city hall, there’s an engraving saying ‘The People Are the City,’” says Block, who lives in West Hollywood but has had a second home in Palm Springs near Ruth Hardy Park since 2001. “Why don’t we have the rainbow flag representing the people if the people are the city?” Others say that if Palm Springs were to start flying the rainbow flag at city hall permanently, that would potentially open the door to flying the flag of other groups such as the Mexican flag for Hispanics or Native American flags. “There’s only one flag pole in front of city hall. It’s got the American and California flags,” comments resident Jerry Davis. “What if every group who lives in town wants their flag put up? They’d have to erect a dozen more flag poles to accommodate every group, and it would look like the outside of the United Nations.”
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Gilbert Baker, who created the rainbow flag in 1978 and led the Palm Springs Pride parade in 2011 carrying a giant 600-foot rainbow flag, also likes the idea. “Of course it’s political. But it also tells the gay community they’re welcomed and they’re safe,” says Baker, who now lives in New York City. “That’s more than good marketing—it’s good government.” The rainbow flag made its debut on June 25, 1978, at San Francisco’s Gay Freedom Day. The original flag had eight stripes, but the pink and turquoise stripes were soon eliminated to facilitate mass production of the flag, which quickly gained popularity, according to Baker. “The rainbow flag is about visibility,” reports Baker. “It was a better symbol for the gay community than the pink triangle, which came from a negative place.” Other cities have flown the rainbow flag atop city hall buildings during gay Pride celebrations or on special occasions, such as the day the U.S. Supreme Court was hearing arguments about Prop. 8. Only West Hollywood flies it yearround atop its city hall. None of the Palm Springs City Councilmembers, two of whom are gay, responded to requests for interviews on this subject. Mayor Steve Pougnet, who is also gay, did respond, but directed Frontiers to city manager David Ready for comment. Ready did not respond by press time.
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FRENCHIE DAVIS HEADLINES DESERT LGBT CENTER’S PRE-PRIDE BASH BY JAMES F. MILLS Greater Palm Springs Pride may be Nov. 2-3, but the LGBT Community Center of the Desert is getting its Pride celebration started a few days early with the fourth annual Center Stage benefit concert on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Grammy-nominated Broadway songbird Frenchie Davis headlines the show that also sees actor Alec Mapa serving as emcee. “This will be a sold-out concert,” reports Gary Costa, executive director of the LGBT Center. “With so many people stepping up to be sponsors of this event, it is definitely going to be one of the highlights of the Coachella Valley social season, and a fun kick-off event to Palm Springs Pride weekend.” Most people know Franchell “Frenchie” Davis as an alumna of two different reality singing competition shows—American Idol and The Voice. She appeared in the second season of Idol in 2003, but didn’t make it to the finals (Ruben Studdard won that year, while Clay Aiken came in second). Then, in 2011, she was part of Christina Aguilera’s team on the debut season of The Voice. In between those two competitions, the D.C.-born, L.A.-raised Davis joined the Broadway cast of Rent, then later was in a West Coast touring production of Dreamgirls playing Effie. In 2009, she was in a touring production of the musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’, a show 70
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for which the cast album was nominated for a Grammy. She’s also put out her own songs—her cover of “When Love Takes Over” landed at number three on the iTunes dance chart. “I want to live my life to inspire people to be brave and courageous,” says Davis, who came out as bisexual in 2012, “to believe in themselves and never take no for an answer.” Alec Mapa may be best known for his recurring roles playing flamboyantly bitchy characters on TV’s Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. He got his start on Broadway in M Butterfly and had an acclaimed one-man show talking about his experiences as a gay Asian actor—I Remember Mapa. He is currently seen on the AMC docuseries Showville, where he helps coach actors in smalltown talent show competitions. “We are so excited to have such incredible talent,” says Costa, who adds that the gala will also honor Willie Rhine and partner Albert Gonzalez with the Community Volunteers of the Year Award. Meanwhile, Eisenhower Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Martin Massiello will receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award. The Center Stage gala begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7. All proceeds from the gala benefit the LGBT Center and its programs. thecenterps.org/events/centerstage
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WITH MICHAEL WEINSTEIN PHOTO: GREG GORMAN
President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) president@aidshealth.org — aidshealth.org
GAY MEN NOT BUYING INTO PrEP It seems that gay men are not buying into PrEP. According to an article posted on AIDSMap.com, a recent “U.S. survey of the prescribing of Truvada (tenofovir/ emtricitabine) to HIV-negative people as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) … found that recipients are more likely to live in the Southern states and are more likely to be female than people receiving Truvada for HIV treatment.” About a year ago, the FDA approved use of Gilead’s AIDS treatment combination, Truvada, for use as PrEP—a form of HIV prevention. The concept: HIVnegative individuals would take Truvada every day to reduce their chances of becoming infected with HIV. Then as now, AHF strongly opposed formal FDA approval Truvada as PrEP. Why? First, let’s make clear that any doctor can write ‘off-label’ prescriptions for Truvada as PrEP to individuals who request it or patients he feels may benefit from its use as prevention—and we respect such use. Our concerns lay more with what a formal FDA approval could potentially unleash—an aggressive marketing campaign by Gilead lulling unsuspecting gay men and others into a false sense of security about a pill the company’s own research studies show to have marginal efficacy at best. As it is, in the real world of HIV treatment, drug adherence is very spotty. This is among people who are already infected. A large percentage of patients simply do not take their medications when they are supposed to for whatever reasons. Given this reality, how likely are uninfected men to take medications every day for the rest of their lives to prevent a possible HIV infection? And if the preexposure HIV medication is not at therapeutic levels in their system, they will not be protected. In a previous Frontiers column, “Giving Up On Gay Men,” I noted that headlines heralding ‘pre-exposure prophylaxis’ to prevent transmission of HIV among gay
men were largely applauded by many AIDS experts. The news came in a study of nearly 2,500 men in six countries that found that an average man taking the medication was 44 percent less likely to become infected than a control group taking a placebo. At that time I wrote, “How very sad that we have come to this point. The applause for this approach shows just how disposable we consider the lives of gay men.” If we were talking about protecting the general population with a treatment that was only 44 percent effective, would we be celebrating? The 44 percent who received a benefit from the medications were intensively counseled monthly. Blood tests were drawn five times in the first six months of the study. All participants were tested frequently for all manner of sexual infections. This is in no way representative of any real-world situation. Switch to the real world for a moment. Why would anyone willingly subject himself to such drug therapy every day— therapy with potentially serious side effects—if he had any intention of using condoms? The use of a pharmaceutical means to prevent HIV infection is based on the premise that we cannot get gay men to use condoms. What is this assumption based on? Have we really made a wholehearted effort to market safer sex in gayfriendly ways? Are condoms readily available in bars and bathhouses? Are condoms advertised on TV? Do our political, religious and community leaders speak out forcefully for protecting gay men from HIV infection? The answer to all these questions is ‘no.’ We cannot give up on gay men using condoms and getting tested regularly. I applaud efforts to find new ways to prevent HIV transmission. However, small baby steps forward such as PrEP are often interpreted as huge leaps in scientific knowledge. I am heartened that the gay community is wise enough not to have bought into the uncertain promises of PrEP.
The opinions of this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Frontiers magazine.
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WITH AARON SAVVY, ACSM Certified Trainer
FITNESS Q & A What’s your take on protein bars? Is there one that is better than the others? —Keith, Hollywood Protein bars are exactly that— a meal supplement that is usually higher in protein than any other ingredient. Protein bars will vary from one to another. One can carry high carbohydrates while another will be low, sugars will vary, and so will saturated fats. I have seen a protein bar carry 360 calories while another will carry 110 calories. When I’m looking for a protein bar, I’m looking for one that is high in protein (20-30g) and lower in carbohydrates (20g), saturated fats (0.5-1g) and sugars (28g). I would not exceed more than one protein bar a day. I suggest having one as a supplement either between mid-morning and lunch or as a midafternoon snack. I'm 5'10”, 160 lbs. and have worked out regularly since I was 20 years old. I am now 52. I workout for about an hour and a half almost every day. Each time I go, I work out one body part. Is that better than going fewer days and working the whole body? —Tom, Palm Springs I suggest working out two muscle groups per day, and the core (abdominals) every other day. Choose one of the bigger muscle groups first—chest, back or legs— followed by a smaller muscle group— triceps, shoulders or biceps. Perform cardio last. Working one muscle group is OK now and then, but you cut yourself short obtaining your ultimate fitness goal. Working the whole body is a little extreme. Allow 45-60 minutes of resistance training and your allowed time for cardio.
Ryan, I am 40 lbs. overweight and it seems like I have tried every diet in the book. I am 38 years old and it all just seems hopeless. —Ryan, Silver Lake I am here to say that you can lose the weight you are looking for. Let’s start by replacing the word ‘diet’ with the phrase ‘nutritional plan.’ I dislike the word ‘diet,’ as we generally have a tendency to compare it to the word ‘starving.’ A nutritional plan is a well-balanced eating schedule that includes all the essential nutrients your body needs. The reason most people never see results is because they tend to forfeit their nutritional plan prematurely. The body will change with consistency. Generally speaking, a three-month window is needed to allow the body enough time to grasp to your new healthy lifestyle. Let’s start with applying consistency to how often we eat. Consuming four to five small meals each day—eating each meal every three hours—will force your metabolism to ignite and give up unwanted body fat. Focus on lean meats, vegetables, fruits, whole grains and drinking nothing but water. Water is a diuretic and will help assist in weight loss and hydration. Avoiding sugars, saturated fats and foods high in sodium will help the body recover. Medically speaking, certain individuals may have thyroid issues, making it difficult to lose weight. If you feel thatyou aren’t seeing results over time, even with a constant healthy nutritional plan, a visit to your doctor is recommended. Overall, when you combine a healthy nutritional plan with regular exercise, the body has no choice but to give in to your lifestyle.
For additional questions, feel free to visit me at aaronsavvy.com. OCTOBER 29, 2013
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BY MARK S. KING
SURVIVING TWO EPIDEMICS: AIDS AND METH I thought I had a right to get high; that I deserved it for all my pain. I figured any gay man who suffered through the 1980s needed to medicate. Living in West Hollywood as a young man, I was dodging bullets in a war zone, busily planning memorials and attending town halls while hoping to God I wasn’t next. My prayer was answered but came with a price—watching scores of men die around me. Pop a pill. Snort a line. Check your nose and visit your friend in the ICU. Maybe others found healthier ways to cope, but I wasn’t equipped for the onslaught of mortality, the preachers on television proudly announcing the evidence of God’s wrath against people like me, the dire news that no medications could combat this plague and my own HIV-positive test results. I couldn’t comprehend my emotions, much less face them. So when treatments improved years later and the dying abated, I felt entitled to celebrate. Pop a pill. Smoke a bowl. Stash the drugs and get back on the dance floor. That’s when I knew I was a drug addict. When any occasion qualified. Whether we were dying or living, I was high. Maintaining a functional existence slipped away, just slowly enough not to alarm me, as if the drugs were quietly sneaking out the door with my life. And along with it, all those broken promises it made about euphoric deliverance and endless nights of pleasure. There wasn’t a single event that brought it to an end, because the truth is my recovery from drugs has been uneven and imperfect. Through the help of professionals and fellow addicts, I have slowly gathered the tools I need to remain clean and sober. Vigilance. Patience. And more honesty than is ever comfortable to me. For the last 10 years I’ve been climbing back out of a hole I had finally stopped digging. I’ve managed to locate the man I had once hoped to be. I have found my joy again, which is truly the guiding emotion that helps me remain clean. I have come to terms with surviving AIDS and for living when so many worthy men did not. I have forgiven myself for having such good fortune and responding to it by sticking needles in my arm. Today, my health and recovery are primary to my daily life. I have regained gifts and talents that had laid dormant for many years, and I use them in the service of others. As a writer and HIV activist, I’m known for my sense of humor. But I’m dead serious about my addiction. I don’t want to go back there. I love this life too much. Mark S. King is the author of A Place Like This, his memoir of L.A. during the dawn of AIDS. Visit his blog at MyFabulousDisease.com.
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OFF THE VO TV OF BRA
COUCH
By Dr. Greg Cason
ESY COURT PHOTO
QUEEN FOR A DAY
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.
We all want acceptance, and it’s especially sweet when we’re accepted for being a queen. That's why it was it was so amazing to me that America's first transgender high school homecoming queen, Cassidy Lynn Campbell, was at my alma mater, Marina High School in Huntington Beach.
Let me give you a run-down on the home of the Vikings, Marina High. It's a big public school with 3,000 students (4,000 when I went there), mostly white and located along the coast in Orange County, right (and I use that word purposely) on the border with L.A. County—a deviding line that is often affectionately called “The Orange Curtain.” The area congressperson is the loudly conservative Dana Rohrabacher, who in August tweeted he would take out the “white trash” in addition to his party’s other targets—illegal immigrants, gays and “radical leftists”—who he believes are dragging this country down. Students’ families range from a significant number of extremely wealthy households who struggle to keep the Republican trash haulers in office while they say their nightly prayers to Ronald Reagan to those who can’t seem to afford dock fees, so they park their boats on their front lawns (err, would this be the white trash Rohrabacher is referring to?). During the Prop. 8 election, nearly every lawn had a pro-Prop. 8 sign. While driving through, I remember feeling like Snoopy in a sea of ‘No Dogs Allowed’ signs. As with most schools funded by high property values, Marina High is academically solid, students are relatively welladjusted and the parking lot looks like a BMW dealership. For me, the main problem when I went there was that I was quite convinced I was the only student who was gay (or lesbian or transgender). Being called ‘gay’ or ‘fag’ was still the ultimate put-down, and
those who really were kept their mouths firmly shut so their purses would never accidentally fall out. The school did have its share of notable graduates, though. Dave Mustaine, of the metal bands Megadeth and Metallica and Keely Shaye Smith, TV host and wife of Pierce Brosnan, both attended with me. But it was when Kobe Bryant became engaged to his then-Marina high school girlfriend, senior Vanessa Laine, that that school got on the map. (Apparently it is quite the launching pad for those with long hair!) Enter Cassidy Lynn Campbell. Interviews with classmates at Marina revealed that Cassidy was indeed well-liked and well-known at school— two essential ingredients in the quest for the crown. But also, in the previous year she was living fulltime as a female, perhaps the most essential ingredient of all. Oh, sure, you are going to tell me of other examples, such as a gay college student winning homecoming queen along with his female friend who won king at Northern Arizona University. Or the lesbian couple who won homecoming king and queen at Patrick Henry High School in 2011 in San Diego. Or even the fictional example of Justin, who won homecoming queen on Ugly Betty only to give up the crown to his mother. There is something special about this victory because it helped society grow one step closer to seeing gender not just as something that is assigned by others based on the body parts doctors see when you come out of the womb. Gender is also something in your head.
And when the two don’t match, it can be a long and very difficult road. For a brief moment in time, it appeared the world had accepted someone like Cassidy. The world of one high school, at least. And as most of us know, this can be the cruelest world of all. The dark side of this new world is that it also has electronic social media such as Facebook and Twitter—the modern version of a voodoo doll. There people can and do say extremely vile and hurtful things that they would most assuredly not say if the person were standing in front of them. And so, as high as Cassidy rose on the night of homecoming was the emotional depth she fell to after the online bullies were unleashed. Estimating the incidence of transgender individuals has been difficult because of the immense ostracism and shame they experience. The Williams Institute of UCLA estimates approximately 1 in 300 people are transgender. That would mean that at Marina High School alone, there were about nine other transgender teens who watched Cassidy get the crown. And think of all the other teens at all the other high schools around the nation and the world that got to witness the possibility of acceptance—or at least popularity—at its highest level. So crowns off to Queen Cassidy! You stood up for who you are and won. Thank you for being an inspiration to the many you know but also the many, many more you will never know. By being yourself, you helped make it safe for other future queens to walk down the red carpet.
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. OCTOBER 29, 2013
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Read your ad carefully when it initially appears. We are not responsible for errors or minor copy changes after first issue of publication. If an error is found, please contact the classifieds department immediately for corrections. Frontiers assumes no responsibility for error or omission of copy. The right to reject, edit, cancel and determine proper placement of a classified ad is the right of this publication. [04CS0000]
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Pride Card Services, a full-service, gayowned and operated merchant payments processor, is seeking a National Account Executive to add to its West Hollywood Sales team. Pride Card Services provides support to HIV/AIDS, civil rights and equality-focused charities while offering affordable and reliable payment solutions to the businesses in the LGBT community and LGBT-friendly organizations. Responsibilities include door-to-door selling in the LGBT community, making cold calls, following up on warm leads, making 60+ calls per day, activating dormant accounts, as well as project and account management. The successful candidate will participate in a two (2) week comprehensive training program to learn about the Signature credit card processing system and how to use Signature ‘s proprietary database to assist in direct sales efforts. The ideal candidate will have deep roots in the gay community, 2+ years’ demonstrated direct selling success (preferably in the payments processing industry), excellent verbal and written communication skills, professional presentation skills and ability to work as a team player. Knowledge of Microsoft Office required. Associates degree in business, sales or related field is preferred. Pride Card Services offers competitive compensation and benefits. Interested candidates should send resume, references and salary history to: employment@4pride.com with ìNational Account Executiveî in the subject line. No phone calls please. [15SC1313]
ANNOUNCERS No experience necessary Host music/talk-shows for our radio stations. P/T $10-15/hr, $200+ per show plus fantastic benefits 323-468-0080 714991-1966. [15SC2221]
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GLNDLE & VERDUGO Lg 1 bdrm, 2nd Story in 4-plex, wood & tile floors, 2 sm balconies, fenced gdn, updated kitchen. Great frwy access. Responsible pet owners encouraged. $1,530.00 per mo. Call 323-397-5010 [25SC1313]
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PERSONAL SERVICES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DOCTORS DAVE’S EXAM Physicals 323-460-4071 [75SC0816]
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ROOFING Roofing & gutters Best price in town! 100% satisfaction guaranteed We do all roofs. T&U Roofing Lic# C39872976 Bonded Insured Call for free estimate Ask for Ed 310 927 1723
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ROOMMATES CARPENTER/HANDYMAN Decks, Doors, Windows, Dry Wall, Fencing and Gates, Painting and Stucco, and full remodeling. Ref. available. Over 30 yrs in business. Call Don 323-668-2989 [85SC1220]
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MARKETPLACE
BUSINESS
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HANDYMAN
BY FRONTIERS STAFF If you’re a pet owner, choosing a place to board your beloved four-legged friends can be an agonizing and dramatic decision. Enter Studio City’s Bone Sweet Bone, a full-service doggie day care, pet hotel/spa and grooming service that hopes to ease that anxiety for its clients and their precious assets. “’Your Dog’s Home Away From Home’ is more than just a part of our name. It's the guiding principle for how we operate,” says owner Santiago Ramirez, who spent years developing his animal-friendly mojo by working in pet stores, veterinary hospitals, emergency pet clinics, animal shelters and pet product sales before making the leap and opening Bone Sweet Bone back in 2007. “We are a cage-free daycare. Since the beginning, I have maintained the belief that playtime should be maximized and kennel time minimized; ceaseless play and affection are necessary ingredients for a well-balanced pet,” Ramirez continues. “We strive to provide dogs with an environment that makes them feel as safe and happy as they do at home, and we want their owners to take comfort in knowing that their furry family member is spending the day running, playing and socializing with other dogs in a loving and attentive environment.” Speaking of well-balanced pets, Ramirez offers a few tips that every dog owner should consider when choosing a daycare or grooming service for their pets. 1. Do your research. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Even your veterinarian may be able to refer you to a trusted groomer and/or daycare provider. Check reviews online, too. 2. Get to know the groomer and don't be afraid to ask questions.
You want to make sure your groomer is knowledgeable about their profession and your dog will be safe in their hands. For example, groomers should know about the unique needs presented by different breeds, the difference between specific types of cuts and how to treat certain skin conditions. 3. Getting to know the staff and watching how they interact with your dog will go a long way toward easing your anxiety. 4. If a groomer or daycare provider does not require that your dog be spayed or neutered and that you provide proof of current vaccinations, beware! 5. Ask if dogs are kenneled or kept in a cage-free environment. Dogs that are able to run freely and play throughout their stay are not as stressed and anxious as those confined to a kennel for the majority of the day. Of course all of the above and more are standard issue practices at Bone Sweet Bone. And even better, there’s more Bone Sweet Bone for your dogs to love these days. “We recently completed an expansion into the space next door so we can meet the increasing daycare and grooming needs of our loyal customers,” Ramirez offers proudly. “In addition to a larger grooming area and a wider selection of food and supplies, we now boast the only indoor/outdoor daycare facility in the area.” Find out more about Bone Sweet Bone at bonesweetbone.com or follow them on Facebook and Twitter at facebook.com/ bsblovesdogs and @bsblovesdogs.
Roof Repair Stucco doors and windows, Paint, Dry Wall, Plumbing, Electric. We do it All. FREE Estimates. 26 Years Experience. Call Simon 310359-3215 [85SC1318]
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2 AKC REGISTERED MALE AND FEMALE ENGLISH BULLDOGS FREE TO A NEW GOOD HOME, THEY HAVE CURRENT SHOTS AND PLAY ALONG WITH CHILDREN AND OTHER ANIMALS. CONTACT JERRYKENT941@YAHOO.COM FOR INFORMATION. [105SC1313]
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HOME IMPROVEMENT Additions, remodels, bathrooms, kitchens, windows, flooring, painting interior/ext., custom decks, stucco, block walls, driveways & more. Lic#884762 Bonded/insured Free estimates CALL ED 310.927.1723 [85SC1313]
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.COM TO ADVERTISE CALL 323.930.3220 OR SEE THE ORDER FORM ON PAGE 87
MODELS/ESCORTS
ATTENTION MODELS AND MASSEURS
is ce ve ., rd ar al, n me
Frontiers prefers all photo shots above the waist only; any shot below the waist must be non-suggestive and non-explicit. Examples of unacceptable photos would include (but are not limited to) “groping” of the genital area, or anatomical details of the genital area visible through sheer/tight fabric. Please do not write on, cut, or deface photo in any way! All photos submitted that do not fit these guidelines will not be used. Your ad will be printed without a photo or a previous photo from your Photo File will be used in its place. Frontiers is not responsible for Photo Ads that are submitted incorrectly. If you have a concern regarding your photo please call us before you submit your ad. Thank You for your cooperation. [3BCS0100]
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SPA PACKAGES!!! DAVE 323/460-4071 [175SC1018]
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Masseurmeister big strong German hands will do the job. $45/hr. $70/1.5hr. (818) 997-7972 [175SC0715] Pro massage by Ray (818) 503-0453 [175SC1313]
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SEX ED
PE PREDICAMENT BY JIM LARKINS In one of their many studies of human sexuality, Masters and Johnson determined that if a man ejaculates before his partner achieves orgasm in over 50 percent of his sexual encounters, he suffers from PE. It is the most common sexual problem among men, affecting 20 to 30 percent of the male population. As serious as PE is, though, determining who suffers from the condition is largely based on individual interpretation. A survey conducted by Alfred Kinsey in the 1950s suggested that three quarters of men ejaculated within two minutes. But it’s doubtful that such a large segment of the male population could be classified as premature ejaculators. “Men who view themselves as premature ejaculators are orgasming prematurely, relative to their needs and their partner’s needs, which in turn causes stress in the relationship,” says Dr. Steven Lamm, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at New York University and author of The Hardness Factor. In some cases, a lack of staying power is ‘learned’ as a young boy. The strain of trying to hurry through masturbation while impatient family members line up on the other side of the bathroom door can lead to PE later in life. The medical condition known as prostatitis can also cause early ejaculation, so one should seek the advice of a doctor to rule out such circumstances. There are some men who may have 84
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the PE cards stacked against them from the beginning. Researchers have discovered a genetic component to premature ejaculation. “It’s very likely that if your father was a premature ejaculator, you may be one as well,” says Dr. Lamm. Antidepressants have been quite successful in treating PE, but as with any medication, this option should be exercised only under the guidance of a licensed physician. Anesthetics such as benzocaine, which are sometimes placed inside the tip of condoms to prevent PE, have had some success, but one has to consider the unappealing prospect of becoming a desensitized battering ram during sex. Another technique, coitus reservatus, involves concentrating on other things to avoid climax. This can be effective, but some claim it brings the added pressure of self-mind-control to the already difficult effort of preventing ejaculation. Society hasn’t reached an ideal definition for early ejaculation, but most people don’t need research-based margins in order to realize they have problems in the bedroom. Besides, sex is not supposed to be a reflexive exercise, devoid of emotional intimacy with the objective of mutual orgasm. A sexually healthy relationship is achieved when the term ‘partner’ is taken literally. As a team, couples can then use patience and alternative methods to intercourse in order to reach sexual gratification.
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RELATIONSHIPS ATTENTION ADVERTISERS Read your ad carefully when it initially appears. We are not responsible for errors or minor copy changes after first issue of publication. If an error is found, please contact the classifieds department immediately for corrections. Frontiers assumes no responsibility for error or omission of copy. The right to reject, edit, cancel and determine proper placement of a classified ad is the right of this publication. [00CS0000]
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PERSONAL SERVICES SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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10/16/13 10/30/13 11/13/13 11/26/13*
10/30/13 11/13/13 11/26/13* 12/11/13
*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
ADULT K 160 Models/Escorts K 170 Massage/Body Rubs K 180 S&M
K 190 S&M Models K 200 Relationships K 210 Want to meet
30 40 50 60 70
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K K K K K
80 Business Services 90 Travel 100 Announcements 110 For Sale 130 Organizations
K 220 Mail Order K 230 Websites K 240 Videos
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