Bliss Life Magazine Winter 2020

Winter 2020

blisslifema g . com

The Power of Human Touch & the Art of the Courtesan An Inside Look at Mustang Ranch

Dr. Jill Biden An Intimate Chat with a Former Second Lady of the United States

The Refuge Spa Next Level Spa Experience in Downtown Reno

A modern urban sanctuary in the heart of Downtown Reno

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BLISS contributors

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE Leslie McCarroll Publisher / Founder VP of Sales & Marketing leslie@blisslifemag.com

Here we are. At the forefront of an entirely new decade. Time to reflect and move on…

What have you learned that will carry you into the new year…the new decade?

Here are a few of the many things I learned in 2019, perhaps you can relate: Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Be open to change. Be mindful. Stay in the moment.

Grit! The Power of Now. Persistence.

Jigs McHugh Chief Operating Officer jigs@blisslifemag.com

Kristy McLean Executive Editor kristy@blisslifemag.com

Lindsay Rohlfsen Creative Director lindsay@blisslifemag.com

Human Connection is Everything. We are literally dying for human touch. So many desperately seek to avoid feelings of emptiness and fill the vacant space through self-medication and other destructive means. Technology has deceptively made us feel isolated and enslaved to our devices under the guise of freedom and connection.

In 2019, Bliss Media & Publishing made great strides with a rebranding from Bliss Babe to Bliss Life, and an even deeper connection to our Northern Nevada community. We value our partnerships and love the direction we’re moving as a full-service multi-media agency. From print, digital, social media, PR, to award winning feature reels and editorial, it just seems fitting that we establish ourselves as a progressive boutique creative agency with ambitious goals for growth and expansion. With the addition of COO Jigs McHugh, we are moving full speed ahead and growing like a rocket!

This quote about persistence has always resonated with me and I’d like to share it as inspiration for the new decade ahead: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”

– Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States (1923 to 1929) Thank you for continuing to share your stories with us and for trusting Bliss Media to connect you to the heart of Northern Nevada and the world at large. We love how this issue came together with the common thread of human connection. As you read, we ask you to keep an open mind and get introspective on intimacy, human touch, connection, compassion and their roles in your own life. If you encounter resistance about the subject matter, ask yourself why it makes you uncomfortable and try to have a paradigm shift. We wouldn’t tackle the subject if we didn’t truly believe that you would find it intriguing and informative.

Cheers to 2020!

– Leslie McCarroll

Contributors

Adriane Schwartz Entertainment Correspondent

Natasha Bourlin David Marshall Fleming Martin Gollery Rick Jenkins Jered Lehman Anthony Longo Lana Longo

Paul D. Manketelow Lou Manna Eric Marks Gerry McCarroll Leslie McCarroll Jigs McHugh Kristy McLean

Michelle Miller Shannon Moore Jeff Ross Krystal Webb Danell Wilson-Perlman

Escape to Tahoe Blue #1 Unflavored Vodka in the World

Please drink responsibly.

94 PTS, Ultimate Spirits Challenge

STYLE

CULTURE

9

Beauté Bliss Picks

18 Nevada Cheer: Stealing the Spotlight

Winter Serenity – Dolce Vita Wellness Spa

Sponsored by Audi Reno Tahoe

10 Jennifer Aniston’s Stylist: Michael Canalé

21 Lake Tahoe Entertainment Highlight

Tips & Trends from the Co-creator of ‘The Rachel’

12 Unforgettable

A Whimsical Way to Give a Gown New Life

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Up Do’s & I Do’s

Updo Styling Tips for Weddings & Special Events

Dave Matthews Band at Harvey’s Outdoor Arena

22 100 Years of Pop Culture A Decade by Decade Tour

30 Wild and Free

The Artwork of Anastiscia Chantler-Lang

Table of Contents WINTER 2020 - THE POWER OF HUMAN TOUCH What began as an intriguing inside look and investigative study of Mustang Ranch evolved into a year-long journey in which the themes of human touch, connection, and compassion kept surfacing in our own lives. As technology continues to dominate our daily lives, may these stories remind you to make it a priority to put your phone down and truly connect with those around you.

WELLNESS 32 The Refuge Spa at the Renaissance Hotel

Next Level Spa Experience in Downtown Reno

34 Go Red for Women

Circle of Red

36 Kimi Woolsey

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B LISS LIFE | Wint e r 2020

Stroke Survivor Insights

ON THE COVER | SPOTLIGHT Photo by Lana & Anthony Longo

38 The Power of Human Touch & The Art of the Courtesan: An Inside Look at the Mustang Ranch Discover the surprising elegance, professionalism,

and compassion of some of the world’s most

dedicated courtesans

(Standing, from left: Rea, Madam Jennifer, Vera Bliss, Madam Tara; Seated, from left: Phoenix, Luna, Bailey Rose, Sarah Vandella)

SOCIETY 60 Blissful Moments

Victoria’s Voice, Pink Party & Tree of Lights Gala

FLAVOUR

JET SET

51 Sustain Your Sparkle

54 Baja California

Sparkling Wines for All Celebrations

52 The Depot Reno Newcomer Jigs McHugh Reviews a Bliss Flavour Favorite

62 Building Pressure on Swing States

Your Next Wine Country Weekend

Nevada’s Critical Role in the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary Election

58 Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows

63 Exclusive Interview: Dr. Jill Biden

What’s New in 2020

An Intimate Chat with a Former Second Lady of the US

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Rock ‘n’ Reno Book Review

A History of Rock Bands in Reno 1960s-1980s

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BLISS style

MICHAEL CANALÉ TIPS & TRENDS FROM JENNIFER ANISTON’S HAIR STYLIST & CO-CREATOR OF ‘THE RACHEL’

By Leslie McCarroll | Photos courtesy of Anderson Group Public Relations

Bliss Life (BL): What do you love most about working with Jennifer Aniston?

Michael Canalé (MC): Her positivity and her loyalty - I’ve know her since when she was a kid…I’ve been doing her hair for 24 years! She’s always in a good mood and looking forward to the rest of the day…one of those people that is always looking on the bright side of things.

BL: What is the most common issue that stylists have with getting the right blonde and what is the best solution?

MC: The key is getting the foils to the right color without depending on a toner – and that is all about practice. You need toners to achieve a Scandinavian white or silver tone, but otherwise toners should really only be used for minor adjustments. I get my clients as close as possible to the desired color with foiling then we use glosses to enhance instead of toner.

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BL: What are the hottest hair color trends for 2020?

MC: We’re actually moving away from extensions and away from being so overly blonde…back to a more balayage look.

We’re seeing thinner foils and a more natural, sun-kissed look with just a hint of blonde highlights.

BL: What is your consultation like?

MC: My job is to listen to the client and get them to their desired result while balancing their hair color with their natural skin tone and eye color. Many people don’t even know the right color for themselves so I get to know them, figure out what they really want and how long it will take to get them to their desired result without ruining their hair. A lot of people that come in to see me have been destroyed and may have 12 inches of just fried hair…that’s not my most enjoyable part of the job. So, sometimes it’s about reconstructing that, fixing bad highlights, and working with the client to reset their expectations.

BL: What is the recommended cycle to wash your hair?

MC: Less is more but it really depends on your hair and the products you use. I designed the Canalé shampoo to take the oil out of the hair follicle and the hair shaft…that can give you an extra two days of clean hair. A good dry shampoo will also give you an extra day of clean hair…ours will be coming out by Spring/Summer 2020.

BL: What is the secret to the Canalé line that sets it apart from all of the other products on the market?

MC: We care about the health of your hair. Our shampoo and conditioners are mild and actually restructure the hair, reduce breakage and bring your best color to life.

The topical foam, Nourish, is amazing for those with a hairline that is degenerating due to age or overbleaching.

It actually swells the hair shaft to promote natural hair growth and improve color hold. It has such a light feel that many people use it as a conditioner. Replenish is a vegan, all-natural ingestible vitamin that works from the inside out to provide blue green algae, spirulina, and other super foods and key nutrients that support healthy, thick, vibrant hair. We worked with a pharmaceutical company to create a patented Targeted Cellular Technology™ for maximum absorption.

BL: What is hair gloss and why use it?

MC: Hair Gloss is an at home treatment that lasts up to 20 shampoos, works as a UV sunblock to protect hair from sun damage, and keeps your hair looking fresh, shiny, and healthy between salon visits. I believe in enhancing the undertone of the skin, certain colors go on certain people. If you’re a summer/winter with more of an ash base then your highlights are cooler so you would use the Cool Blue…we also made a light golden gloss, Sunkissed, to enhance the baby blondes. Your color should be on point…use these glosses to enhance highlights, not to change them.

BL: Between traveling coast to coast, working with clients, managing your salons, and now a new hair line…How do you manage to keep yourself grounded, get enough sleep, keep it all together?

MC: I live in Los Angeles, I have 3 salons in LA, and I have a family to support so those responsibilities keep me grounded and I always come home to that. I always try to be my personal best and I really enjoy what I do so I don’t tire out easily and work is fun. Feedback keeps me going too…as a colorist, it’s great when top haircutters say you’re the best…That’s the deal!

Canalé hair care products can be found on canalesalon.com, Amazon, and at the three Michael Canalé salons in LA. m B l i ssL i feM ag.com 11

Unforgettable.

A WHIMSICAL WAY TO GIVE A GOWN NEW LIFE

By Leslie McCarroll

Photos by Lana Longo Floral design by Danielle Dubois Makeup by Shannon Pulley Hair styled by Stacy at ProwessBeauty.com Tuxedo provided by Blue Garter Bridal & Tux Location: Mackay Mansion, Virginia City

Raise your hand if you have a wedding dress in a box collecting dust in your closet or attic, or a vintage gown or family heirloom cooped up in a hope chest just ‘dye’-ing for new life.

Well, my wedding dress had been sitting in a box for 20 years, and the day had finally come to give it a second chance.

I had a vision of a gothic winter wedding scene at the old Mackay Mansion in Virginia City so my photographer friend, Lana Longo, and I set out to dye my old wedding dress black. After 10 hot dye baths, we were reminded about the patience and open-mindedness one must embrace when embarking on any DIY or Pinterest project. Some materials are more absorbent than others and the art of dyeing fabric and accessories involves a bit of trial and error. After our 10th attempt to turn the dress black, we “hung up the towel,” or in this case, the

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dress, and accepted that, like my ex-husband, this dress had a mind of its own and we would need to modify the plan. Having let go of what we thought we wanted, we could now see the beauty of the gown’s new hue. The beautiful silvery purple color it had become was absolutely exquisite. We had it embellished with black flowers by floral artist, Danielle Dubois, and the transformation was complete. The flowers added a touch of drama and my old wedding dress was now more stunning than I could’ve ever imagined. Danielle created a black and red bouquet and boutonnière to accentuate the gown’s gothic flair, and we dressed my man in an all-black tux by Blue Garter Bridal.

Tip: Got a sizeable social media following? Sharing is caring – ask your vendors and venues if they offer discounts when you share your experience and photos on social media!

Whether you’re planning a whimsical winter wedding, seeking the perfect gala gown, or simply ‘dye’-ing for an new DIY project, don’t be afraid to give dye a try!

There are many tips on google and Pinterest – one of our favorites is https://www.rookiemag.com/2012/04/ rit-dye-tutorial/. And, if it’s a next level event or photo shoot you’re planning, seek out local floral artists with unconventional ideas, innovative photographers with a creative eye and edgy style, and choose historic landmarks and unique venues for a winter affair that will leave a lasting and timeless impression.

There are claims that the mansion is haunted by a trio of ghosts. Two of them were a pair of robbers who were shot while attempting to break into the mansion’s vault, while the third is a young girl in white who plays on the third floor (Johnny Depp claimed to see her while filming the movie Dead Man). If you’d like to test the veracity of this eternal Home Alone scenario (like the show Ghost Adventures did in 2016), the mansion’s staff offers various paranormal investigation packages. Learn more at therealmackaymansion.com. m

BLISS LIFE | Wint e r 2020

About the Mackay Mansion by Rick Jenkins The Mackay Mansion, one of Virginia City’s most prominent landmarks, was built in 1859 and originally used as the offices for the Gould and Curry Mining Company. It wouldn’t become the Mackay Mansion until 1875 when John Mackay, the Bonanza King of the Comstock Lode, moved in after his original mansion was burned down during a fire that destroyed large portions of the city.

Leslie McCarroll & Jarred Barnes channel the vintage spirit of the historic Mackay Mansion in Virginia City, Nevada as they showcase the exquisite end result of Lana and Leslie’s DIY wedding dress dye project. Location: Mackay Mansion – Virginia City

BLISS style

UP DO’S & I do’s PRO TIPS FROM RENO-TAHOE HAIR STYLIST, KRISTIN SMITH When it comes to deciding on a ‘DO for your wedding day or special event, I believe that your look should reflect how you normally style your hair. Whether you’re saying, “I Do” or “How do you do,” you always want to feel like YOU! If you never opt to wear your hair up on a daily basis, chances are you won’t feel like yourself in an updo. You might be better off doing something simple like romantic, tousled waves. Try not to get too caught up in trends. The idea here is to accentuate your beautiful facial features by sweeping some hair off your face only to reveal that twinkle in your eye & happiest-day-of-your-life smile.

It’s all too important when throwing your hair up with bobbi pins & the like that it withstand the elements. You must know your location. There are some types of hair that just won’t hold a curl & don’t want to stay put in any style. This is when you yield to the experts & break out the big guns.

For example, if it rains on the day of your monsoon wedding embrace your curls and go for the wet look. It’s super sexy and will give you a fun beachy backup look for the reception. This way you can hit ‘em with moves they’ve never seen before!

If you’re boho, I love you, I’m your sister for life…but the flower crowns are a sign you’ve probably been looking at Pinterest too much. Do you, be you…but maybe save that DIY style for the wedding shower or more casual gatherings with your tribe. For wedding day, why not try a gorgeous, half up half down look with some flowy pieces to frame your face? It’s the quintessential alternative to a full updo. Simply pin the sides back and add a few pieces of greenery from your bouquet to dress it up a little & it will feel very organic and approachable. You could also incorporate a beautiful braid or two to pull even more interest. STUNNER!

An experienced stylist will know how to work with your hair & texture to create the most flattering look on your big day or special event. It could be that adding hair extensions before you walk down the aisle is in order to give you extra volume & hold, or something as simple as a keratin treatment to ensure your hair is in tip top shape for its moment in the limelight. This requires more planning, but, hey, you’re in the zone right? During your initial consultation, run some ideas by your stylist and ask if it’s something you have room for in your budget. Don’t settle…all your dreams can and will come true.

If you’ve decided to go with a classic look, something structured & elegant like a chignon might suit you well. Chignons are chic buns for a high fashion look with minimal volume. This style of updo can be easily elevated with a fabulous hair accessory and a good one can become the modern alternative to a veil.

A feathery, bedazzled hairpiece and a bit of a sidedo will be a popular look for galas and parties in 2020, since Roaring 20’s event themes are all the rage. As long as it is wearable, remarkable, and makes you feel like royalty…it’s perfect. Also, if you do choose to accessorize, you won’t need to rely solely on hairspray to keep your style in place because cool girls know that hair pins come in all shapes & sizes-even crowns.

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I think soft and minimal is always beautiful. If you decide to wear your hair up but want to stick to basics, you’re in luck! The simple, sleek, elegant ponytail is one the top styles trending in 2020. As long as your hair is blown out & healthy you can’t go wrong. Extra length and volume are not necessary, but they do make things a little easier in the updo department. Draw your inspiration from whatever moves you….decades, icons, family, film, art, nature…Then, from there, create a mood with visual references so that when you do sit with a stylist, the two of you can design a look that reflects the vision of happiness you see in your mind’s eye. Keep smiling bright & shine your light peeps. Peace. m

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BLISS advertorial

NEVADA CHEER

STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT, A CHANCE TO “PERFORM WITH THE PACK”

By Shannon Moore | Photos courtesy of Nevada Cheer Sponsored by Audi Reno Tahoe

Think back to the days as a young girl, dancing around the room, playing with dolls and dressing up in your favorite pink tutu. Now imagine getting to meet a group of real-life princesses ready to share their spirit! That’s the experience for nearly 100 young girls in our community who get to cheer with the Nevada Wolf Pack team in front of thousands of fans every month. “Perform with the Pack started 12 years ago with a camp, then we decided to do it monthly. Community members who love the pack get a chance to perform with us,” said head cheer coach, Kim Anastassatos. It’s a non-competitive and nontraveling program for kids 4 years-of-age through 8th grade.

excited, chanting little ones, plus it allows them to look through the eyes of a child who wants to grow up and be like them.”

Third-year cheerleader, Brook Latos says it’s all about watching the girls grow year after year.

“You get to know them on a personal level, so that’s really neat. You can see their dancing, stunt and cheer abilities get better over time, and that’s really rewarding.” Head Instructor, Nevada Senior Lauren Ensor, sees it as a chance to share something she’s truly passionate about. “I love it, I volunteered to coach the girls this year because I really enjoy spending time with them. I get to teach them about a sport I care about, and that’s just so awesome.”

LOGO SHEET

Each child purchases a uniform package reserving their space on the team for an entire year. “They perform with us at Nevada football, soccer, volleyball, men and women’s basketball games, as well as attend community events throughout the year,” said Kim. For the participants, it’s a chance to perform along side professional college athletes. To learn routines, develop confidence, coordination and teamwork skills, and for the cheerleaders who lead the program, it’s equally beneficial. “It’s great for the ladies who are studying to get their teaching degrees. They get great experience working with kids and wrangling up a bunch of

The girls also participate in community service projects with the team. From Halloween events to a specialty holiday tea at a local retirement home. “We try to advertise through social media about the program, but it’s really a word of mouth thing,” said Kim. “This year we have a total of 65 kids, next year we’d like to see about 100.”

All proceeds from the program help fund Nevada Cheer. “We’re so lucky to have the support from Perform with the Pack. It’s an amazing way to fund our program and keep the money coming in throughout the year.”

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BLISS culture

LAKE TAHOE ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHT

DAVE MATTHEWS Band

By Leslie McCarroll

Dave Matthews Band gave fans another incredible night to remember surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe in a sold out show at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena on Friday, September 6th.

Dave looked well rested and was at the top of his game and the fans were supercharged as well. To the delight of local Reno-Tahoe residents like, Jessica Pearce, the venue at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe has been a regular stop on the DMB tour for over six years.

Photo by Martin Gollery

Photo by Martin Gollery

Photo by Martin Gollery

“I’ve been going to shows for 15 years now.”

Says Jessica. “My first one was a free show in Golden Gate Park. Carlos Santana guest played and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’d say I’ve been to 30 plus shows which is a low number in the Dave community. My favorite song is Pig, I’ve only heard it played once and I cried. Loving Wings is my second favorite.

Meeting Boyd Tinsley was a moment I will never forget, so much so that I made his autograph a permanent feature. She says as she grins and eagerly points to the autograph inked on her right arm of DMB’s violinist Boyd Tinsley. Their music has forever impacted my life. “Till we dance away” DJM. m

Photo by Martin Gollery B l i ssL i feM ag.com 21

100 YEARS

of

POP CULT

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BLISS culture

LTURE

By Natasha Bourlin

For the past century, pop culture has helped define decades and generations.

With its fitting double entendre, the Latin root word for people, “pop”, has served as a descriptor for the art, music and culture that’s popular to the populace at any given time since about the 1950s.

With each epoch, the societal climates globally and close to home emerge into trends identified by particular fashion, music, art, food and other cultural movements. Each decade serves up its own distinctive flavor, that often becomes the subject of inspiration, envy, ridicule or reinvention by future generations.

What ingrains itself in popular culture frequently has roots in rebellion. Each generation finds their own way to differentiate themselves from the last.

For instance, music has gone from using the human body as an instrument to using technology.

As well, some may say the evolution of fashion over the past century has been a devolution.

While attire has been marked by advancements in creating stylish, comfortable clothing for both men and women— think excursions in yoga pants over (gasp) corsets—others may find today’s frequency of donning athleisure over haute couture a fashion downgrade.

Others rejoice in it.

As we head into 2020, a whole new decade, let’s reflect back on some notable pop culture highlights of past ones over the last 100 years.

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The 1930s When the stock market crashed in October 1929, millions were left destitute.

The 1930s were therefore marked by the Great Depression. As a result, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted a series of financial reforms, programs and public-works projects across the nation to try and get the country back on its feet.

Straddling the Arizona-Nevada border, the Hoover Dam project was just one.

With the Depression sinking into everyone’s psyche, movies became a great escape. Considered the “Golden Age of Hollywood”, the emergence of more full-color films plus legendary classics such as the Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind marked the ‘30s.

People were also once again provided with libation relief as Prohibition was ended nationally in 1933.

The 1920s Tremendous social change took place in this raucous, roaring decade.

Ratified in 1920, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. That year also saw the onset of Prohibition, and, thusly, the rise of the American Mafia.

Females continued to push the fashion envelope, which was often comprised of hair fascinators and sassy flapper outfits.

Art Deco style marked the era’s aesthetic.

More mechanization also meant more access to electrical machines like radios, lending this decade the nickname, the “Machine Age.” A new sense of freedom and prosperity emanated across the U.S. after World War I. Nightclubs, dancing and freeflowing and spirited jazz music were all the rage.

Published in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was inspired by the renowned author’s firsthand experiences at the era’s elite, glamorous parties. The novel is still celebrated today.

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BLISS culture

The 1940s “We Can Do It!” J. Howard Miller’s iconic poster of Rosie the Riveter for the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company was a battle cry intended to recruit women for “masculine” defense industry jobs in shipyards and munitions plants, among others, as American men were shipped off to fight in WW II. Crooners such as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra took over the radio airwaves and stages. Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong became symbols of jazz music, rising in popularity by leaps and bounds.

Casablanca and It’s a Wonderful Life brought smiles to the masses while the world was at odds.

Fashion transitioned from feminine to functional. Women often sported modest pants and utilitarian clothing befitting of their new workplace roles.

The 1950s Visions of happy homemakers are unavoidable when thinking of the ‘50s.

As the men returned from wartime and eased back into their former roles at home and work, pin-up-perfect, apron-clad, smiling women were often relegated to running the household.

New and novel for most households, modern American families circled the television set after dinner to watch sitcoms such as I Love Lucy and Leave it to Beaver.

Hourglass shapes with full skirts and small waists were all the rage in fashion for women, with Marilyn Monroe leading the trend.

Beefy-grilled, chrome-laden behemoths sporting dramatic tail fins and prominent hood ornaments took over the roads as America’s love of the automobile took on a fever pitch.

One thing truly defined the ‘50s though: the emergence of a new style of music called Rock and Roll.

The younger generation’s form of audio rebellion against the big band era, guitars and drums took to the stage and studio, while the hips of swoon-worthy artists like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry swiveled provocatively, much to many mothers’ dismay.

The 1960s It was a decade of volatile juxtapositions.

Peace and war. Civil Rights and those who didn’t care about equal treatment for all. Anger spurned tremendous creativity.

Distinguished, admired leaders like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. were assassinated.

Mad men orchestrated the office environment with cigar and bourbon in hand, while literally mad women attempted to break glass ceilings.

The counterculture was popular culture for many.

Timothy Leary told the world “Tune in, Turn On, Drop Out.” Festivals like Woodstock showcased many musicians revered as legends today, like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

It was a decade full of free love, hippies, tie-dye and the many ways people altered their mental state to try and make sense of a world in flux.

The TV western Bonanza was beloved…and filmed at Lake Tahoe. Sitcoms like Andy Griffith and the Dick Van Dyke Show portrayed downhome, happy families.

The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones crossed the pond and revolutionized music worldwide.

Conservative fashions of the ‘50s were blown away by psychedelic patterns and colors, and dramatically rising hemlines for women.

It was perhaps the most influential decade going forward the world had yet seen.

The 1970s Oft considered the worst decade for fashion, or perhaps “fashion” is the wrong word entirely, the ‘70s brought out gaudy patterns, far-reaching shirt collars, bell-bottomed pants, leisure suits and velour.

Microwaves brought quick, easy foods to the forefront. But let’s be real, eating was secondary to dancing and partying for many.

Disco blasted from dance clubs like Studio 54 and muscle cars. A latterdecade global oil crisis then turned cars into more efficient machines.

Star Wars made many folks fanatical about space and the movie series.

Hip hop in New York began explaining life foreign to many across the country, while the Bee Gees kept people roller skating on the weekends.

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The 1980s In the U.S., Ronald Reagan, a former actor, became President for most of the decade. Kids across the nation were encouraged to “Just Say No” to drugs by the First Lady.

A defining decade for pop music, the ‘80s were highlighted by musicians such as Madonna (what Gen X-er doesn’t remember asking their parents how to be “Like a Virgin”?), Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson.

Rebelling against the radio favorites, punk rock, new wave and rap music were genres for populations seeking to define their lives through music.

Fashion was fluorescent. Women teased their hair to within an inch of its life or pinned it back with banana clips. Track suits and sneakers like Nike’s Air Jordans were purchased in droves.

MTV transformed the way we experienced songs as music videos took over television sets.

Sitcoms such as Dynasty, Dukes of Hazzard, M.A.S.H., Three’s Company and Cheers gave TV-lovers everywhere something to look forward to weekly.

Eight tracks were traded for cassette tapes, and the mix tape became everyone’s favorite personal gift.

The 1990s It was another decade of societal evolution. A war on Iraq was begun. President Bill Clinton was then elected in 1992.

Huge engines on fast cars were indicative of a thriving economy, gas prices no longer a primary concern.

Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson and Vanilla Ice came on the pop scene strongly.

CDs began to replace tapes, playing Seattle’s genre-defining grunge music like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Listeners donned flannel shirts and torn jeans.

Gangster rap music expressed a different type of angst. The censorship movement over song lyrics by the likes of N.W.A. and others was in full force, and often ignored by malcontent youth.

While the masses watched iconic movies such as Pulp Fiction and TV shows like Seinfeld and Friends, other channels aired police chasing icon-turned-accused-murderer O.J. Simpson down California highways, and riots breaking out in the wake of the Rodney King trial.

With the millennium approaching, a mania ensued, as concern over now-readily-found computers crashing once Y2K hit grew.

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The 2000s With an underwhelming computer response to Y2K, the masses looked towards the next millenia.

Eco-awareness hit many, and, thanks mainly to the internet, globalization began for the populace. We now knew what people across the world did, how they felt and lived, and what they believed.

We wanted to explore our planet, and did, and then wanted to save it.

On September 11, 2001, the entire world changed. A War on Terror was begun. Fear came to the forefront of life. Travel changed forever.

In 2007, a deep-seated financial crisis set in around the world.

The new digital social media platforms engrossed young and old, and items such as iPods took music to yet another level, turning CDs into prehistoric pieces of plastic.

Lady Gaga, Outkast, NSYNC and Carrie Underwood ruled the airwaves. In a time of turmoil, Alan Jackson reminded us that “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere”.

A new show called American Idol was riveting weekly, as was the first Idol who went on to greatness, Kelly Clarkson.

The 2010s Environmental consciousness flourished. People wanted to reverse humans’ immense and damaging footprint.

Music was digitally created, with Electronic Dance Music bringing a bounce to younger generations’ steps.

Even working and dating had turned digital.

Nearly everyone began staring at cell phones. Reality TV made mega-stars out of unknowns. Online shopping became a thing, to the detriment of brick-and-mortar stores.

Women donned yoga pants and athleisure everywhere.

Offices were becoming antiquated to a whole generation of digital nomads able to work from anywhere with Wi-Fi. Craft came back. A new appreciation of craft brewing, coffee roasting, distilling, woodworking, and more was permeating culture.

People embraced their individuality, and marriages became legal, letting love be love.

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same-sex

The 2020s What will this next decade bring with it? An eagerness to see is now encompassing the world.

In the past, women—and many others—were often taught to “go along to get along”, not to stick up for themselves. Women and men were taught to tolerate and accept behaviors towards them that would otherwise be considered intolerable.

Will women begin to rule the world? Will people that may not identify with the gender they were born be embraced for the strength they have to find their true selves? Will positivity permeate the world? Will families be beautifully redefined? Will there be equality among all, finally?

We can all hope, and anxiously await and accept what’s to come. m

BLISS culture

WILD and Free THE ARTWORK OF ANASTISCIA CHANTLER-LONG

“I love vibrant, edgy color! Bold colors are the arousing enthusiasm of life. Vivid colors speak louder than words and have the ability to hit hard with expression. Much of my work is designed to be thought provoking and each piece holds a story based on historical fact. What the eyes can see the heart can feel.”

Anastiscia Chantler-Lang moved from Toronto, Canada to the Reno-Tahoe region in 2015 for Lyme Disease treatment. This move and her treatment did more than restore her quality of life, it restored her purpose; to create, once again. A self-taught artist, she is fascinated with history and stories about the frontier. The rich and deeply colorful history, geography, and culture of the great Sierras and the people who sacrificed so much to retain the natural beauty of the region, and still do, became a wealthy inspiration that freed her imagination, expressive emotion, inner spirit, and passion. She envisions herself living in the old towns of the wild west, experiencing the high desert landscapes first-hand, and incorporates these images into her artwork.

Anastiscia describes her inspiration for the pieces shown here: These pieces have been inspired by the exquisite, fiery beauty of the wild horses running across the Sierra plains. They represent both wild freedom and modern-day sustainability, as well as my gratitude for the efforts of those who continue to work to preserve and sustain the native wildlife and natural wonders of the region; a unique past and present richness maintained.

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“Buddy,” one of my personal favorites, was inspired by a grazing wild horse who came so close to me that I could touch him. I had stopped to take a photo and this horse slowly sauntered over, stood directly in front of me, and appeared as if he wanted to share something with me. The moment was a breathtaking gift.

The figurative female pieces came to me after multiple visits to Virginia City and exposure to the historical accounts of the women who settled there. They were from all walks of life, and regardless of the controversial and provocative vocations chosen by some, through spirited hard work and collaboration, they made vital and valuable contributions to the development and sustainability of Virginia City in its heyday.

The artwork of Anastiscia Chantler-Lang can be found in galleries throughout Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, and Laguna Beach, California, and in private home collections. Her accolades and awards include the Traditional Artist award in the Figures category at Fusion Gallery, Palm Springs CA, 2015, 2016, 2017, and Honorable Mention in 2018, as well as Honorable Mention 2018 for “Cocktail Hour” at Las Lagunas Gallery in Laguna Beach, CA. Her artwork was featured in a 2017 Facebook commercial for Hyundai Motors called, “A Better Drive,” which also supported Lyme Disease Awareness. Her “Lady Liberty,” inspired

by The Mona Lisa, sits in a senator’s office in the Capitol Hill building, Washington, D.C. Learn more about the artwork of Anastiscia Chantler-Lang at ARTrageous.info or Facebook @ARTrageous. m

Nyla Allen, Owner

BLISS advertorial

THE REFUGE SPA at the Renaissance Hotel NEXT LEVEL SPA EXPERIENCE IN DOWNTOWN RENO

By Leslie McCarroll | Photos Courtesy of The Refuge Spa

Downtown Reno is undergoing so many new, creative, next level changes in every industry. Imagine what the next level spa of the future could look like…Well, it’s here.

It’s called The Refuge—an anything but traditional spa inside the Renaissance Hotel—and it’s changing the spa industry as we know it.

It’s not the stock-art version of a spa (so, don’t expect any lotus flowers or zenned-out models). Instead, they’ve reimagined the spa for real life, a place where you can rest, recover, and rise above it all.

The Refuge Spa is the only urban day spa in Northern Nevada to offer express treatments and one-of-a-kind amenities to suit-case weary corporate warriors, sore and satisfied adventurers and cliche-breaking millennials. Featuring an Express Treatment Lounge, Float Pod Experience, Infrared Sauna, and Social Spa Bar…this locally owned spa is creating a next level urban refuge as unique as Reno itself.

The Refuge Spa offers options. If you only have 15 minutes between meetings or after a long day, visit the Express Treatment Lounge for a variety of quick fix treatments, such as a foot soak and massage, hand treatment, facial refresh, chair massage, virtual reality relaxation, and zero gravity zen.

To deliver the latest treatments they draw on the freshest techniques and trends in the industry such as CBD Massage, VR Meditation Massage, Hydrafacial, and Floatation Therapy with a focus on infusing a local vibe into treatments such as the Black Rock Mud Wrap. If you want to bond with your bestie, court a new client, or celebrate with a group, they offer social spa parties and customized spa events.

For the gentlemen, they’ve got you covered from beard facials to man-icures and a featured SkinFit Men’s Facial. Even Fido will be impressed in the Lucky Dog Paw Spa that pampers your pup with treats, fluffy beds, and lavender spritz. Yes, you read that right, you can bring your dog to The Refuge Spa. Their revolutionary approach doesn’t just mean rethinking the typical spa treatments and environments. They’ve also added a full bar with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to add an extra level of revitalization. At The Refuge, you can have your martini and your massage too. Happy hour at The Refuge includes an express treatment, and a crafted cocktail, wellness shot, craft beer or health elixir.

The Refuge Spa’s creator, Nyla Allen, opened her first wellness and med spa, Dolce Vita, in South Reno over 6 years ago and it has been voted “Reno’s Best Local Spa” for 6 years running. For The Refuge, Nyla wanted something different. “The Renaissance Hotel is modern, unique, and creative and because it’s in the heart of

downtown Reno there is amazing art and uniqueness everywhere, bursting around us. To have a sleepy spa wouldn’t be suited for this location. We have brought in the creative culture of Reno by choosing uncommon decor and offering uncommon treatments, and we are embracing creativity. A creative and unique environment can pull people out of the cubicle and refresh their spirit. We aim to inspire and enliven using eclectic art to enhance the urban theme and eclectic vibe.”

The Refuge Spa’s urban comfortable atmosphere is designed to encourage guests to disconnect from technology and the stresses of our busy lifestyle. “It’s not only disconnecting from the world, it’s reconnecting with yourself too. That all comes from within, self care so you can live better, so you can give more of yourself, to your work, to your family, to your goals. The spa experience is designed to help you relax but we also want you to leave The Refuge with greater focus. That’s the whole idea of what “spa” is supposed to be…human connection, inner healing, temporarily checking out so you can better check in on real life. The Refuge Spa is your tool for recovery so you can take time to take care of you so that you can get back out there and thrive.”

Nyla has a true passion for the spa industry and she was originally inspired to become a massage therapist due to her own experience with inner healing and mind body connection as a child. “I had chronic headaches and didn’t know why. After multiple medical tests and treatments, nothing was working. As an eight-year-old, I would lay in bed and force myself to relax to drown out pain. Meditation is what calmed my mind, eased my headaches. Being able to find that peace as a child was a profound part of my journey. From there, I just gravitated towards things in my life that meant healing. I realized touch and human connection are the key coping mechanisms we need. As a massage therapist, I’ve seen the impact of touch and how it positively affects people’s lives.”

Guided by her healing nature, Nyla has created a spa space unlike anything Reno has seen. It is led by the belief that self-care is vital and that modern day life requires a modern day spa. Designed with corporate warriors, adventurers and travelers in mind, The Refuge Spa is an urban-focused extension of Dolce Vita.

Experience the future of self-care for yourself! The Refuge Spa is NOW OPEN and taking reservations for your relaxation experience, simply call (775) 433-0300. Attend the grand opening celebration by joining the invite-only list at TheRefugeSpa.com and join The Refuge Spa community on Facebook.com/TheRefugeSpa. #RestRecoverRise

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BLISS wellness

CIRCLERed of

HEART DISEASE IS THE #1 KILLER OF WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES

By Krystal Webb | Photo by Jeff Ross

YOU CAN HELP GO RED FOR WOMEN SAVE LIVES Our mothers. Our sisters. Our friends. So many women in our lives are touched by cardiovascular disease. Whether it’s heart disease or stroke, cardiovascular disease takes a woman’s life every 80 seconds.

But we can change that.

With a little more education and making small shifts in our lifestyle, we can prevent 80% of cardiac events. Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s movement to save the lives of women.

Since 2004, Go Red for Women has been raising awareness that heart disease looks different in women. For instance, a woman suffering a heart attack might not feel the stereotypical crushing

chest pain. Instead, she might feel a little discomfort in her chest, jaw and neck pain and nausea. Without the education that these are signs of a possible heart attack in a woman, she might not seek medical help right away. In fact, the American Heart Association says women may wait up to 30% longer than men from the moment they begin experiencing symptoms to arriving at a hospital.

Go Red for Women is passionate about educating women on the signs of heart disease and stroke and urging them to put their health at the top of their todo list. In our busy lives, Go Red for Women is there year-round with simple tips and education on living a healthier life. Small shifts like switching soda for fruit-infused water or taking 10 minutes to meditate can do wonders for your heart.

Pictured: Maria Sheehan, Valerie Glenn, Patty Downs, Susanne Pennington, Gail Sande, Leslie Billows, Leslie Acosta, Julie Larragueta, Marily Mora, Valerie Clark, Chrissy Menicucci, Cathy Trachok, Victoria Atkins, Lys Shonnard, Judy McNulty, Gale Kraft, BJ North, Mendy Elliott, Laura Ebert, Lesley Klein, Catherine Mannikko, Karen Bryan, Michelle Hulbert, Sharon Cioffi, Rita Mirales- Bogarin, Lori Tuntland, Debbie Day, Alicia (lee) Viray, Jessica Stack, Kym Hanson, Audrey Damonte, Mary Avalos, Barb Hawn, Tammy Evans, Lisa Pistone, Cheryl Chenault, Tiffany East, Sara Beth Brown, Ann Morgan, Meredith Williams, AJ Reed. Not pictured: Ann Hall, Ann Nelson, Beth Schuler, Dr. Anita Kedia, Karen Vibe, Pam Netuschil, Pamela Beko Molini, Robin Krueger, and Susan Codd

February 7, 2020: National Wear Red Day Wear Red and Share on Social Media #RenoGoesRed

February 28, 2020: Annual Go Red for Women Luncheon RenoGoRedLuncheon.heart.org

In Northern Nevada, we’re fortunate to have dedicated Go Red for Women ambassadors in our community.

Circle of Red is the philanthropic society of Go Red, filled with a group of women passionate about fighting heart disease in women. Many members have lost dear friends and loved ones to heart disease. They know what’s at stake. As front-line advocates for the cause, Circle of Red members not only help save lives, but give meaning and fulfillment to their own lives and those they touch.

They use their influence, generosity and ambassadorship to increase awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. Their stewardship leads to donations that support breakthrough research projects by the American Heart Association.

Real change is possible. Join the Go Red for Women movement by visiting the website RenoGoRedLuncheon.heart.org. The 16th Annual Reno Go Red for Women Luncheon is on Friday, February 28th, 2020 at the Downtown Reno Ballroom. If you’d like to involve your company or learn more about Circle of Red, please contact Go Red for Women Director Jessica Stack at jessica. stack@heart.org.

National Wear Red Day is Friday, February 7th – Please share a photo of you wearing red on social media with #RenoGoesRed to join the national conversation! m

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BLISS wellness

STROKE WARRIOR RECOVERY COACH Kimi Woolsey “YOU CAN’T BE STRESSED AND BLESSED AT THE SAME TIME, YOU HAVE TO PICK ONE.”

By Leslie McCarroll

There’s nothing that can prepare you for it... one minute you’re juggling 1 million things in your life that all seem so important, caring for everybody at the same time and then instantaneously you’re literally dropped to your knees without warning. So many things that you took for granted change in that very second but the one thing that stands out as having changed the most is your perspective on life. Strokes don’t discriminate. Anytime, anywhere, it can happen to anyone.

September 4, 2019 - It was like any other day, Kimi was getting ready to head to a doctor’s appointment in Carson City. Same morning rush as usual, splashed water on her face and sat down to use the bathroom and that’s when her life changed unexpectedly. Sharp excruciating pain took over the right side of her body as she tried to get up and a very bright light engulfed both eyes. Her vison was blurred, the left side of her body became lifeless, and she knew something was terribly wrong. By God’s good grace, her fiancé and her son were home at the time and were able to help and act quickly.

As the REMSA ambulance arrived, she tried to get up but her body was completely lifeless from the waist down. She remembers thinking she didn’t want her son to see her die.

Kimi suffered a mini stroke at home followed by a massive stroke rated 16 on the NIH Stroke scale (typically fatal) en route to the hospital. Thanks to the swift work of the team at Renown, she had emergency brain surgery as soon as she arrived. They discovered that Kimi had suffered something very unique called a “dissection” in which the tissue pulls away from your brain enough to pull up blood so it’s similar to an aneurism. Kimi has undergone four excruciating months of intense physical therapy to gain mobility and movement back in her left side. There’s no telling when, or if, it will ever come back. The pain is unbearable at times and with 36

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limited availability of local physiatrists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, she is forced to travel to Stanford to get the help she needs. As a self-employed medical esthetic technician, Kimi’s insurance premium is running out fast and her medical bills far exceed $250k and climbing due to the ongoing therapy that she will require for an unknown length of time. Unfortunately, Kimi doesn’t qualify for disability benefits because the state of Nevada requires full disability and though her condition is “partial disability,” she can’t work, she can’t drive, she can’t be alone for any length of time, and she’s completely dependent on everyone around her; a tough pill to swallow considering she was an independent multitasker at the top of her game just a few months ago.

Before the stroke Kimi says she was so accustomed to doing 18 things at once and never in the moment. Now, it’s physically impossible to do more than one thing at a time.

It’s the best gift she’s ever had. She’s in the moment with people, her kids, and everything is such a blessing. She doesn’t take anything for granted.

“When people think of being healthy, they think of eating right, going to the gym, not drinking.. they don’t think of mental health being a big part of it. Mental health is number 1. I now mediate whereas I didn’t before. I focus on being in the moment and taking a slower pace at life.”

Kimi is bound and determined to not let this define her. She has decided to become at “Stroke Warrior Recovery Coach” to help other stroke survivors gain their lives back. Kimi is very fortunate not only to be alive, but also to be at the level of recovery she is at with the type of stroke she experienced.

To offer your support, please search “Kimi Woolsey Reno” on GoFundMe.com. m

Owner Lacy Taylor strives to provide the highest level of service to all parties during a transaction. Our Goal at ACME Title and Escrow Services is to allow the customer the opportunity to spend less time worrying and more time celebrating a closing.

We provide a Boutique experience for our clients, void of the usual stresses that might be associated with buying or selling a home. The difference in our company is that we are locally owned and hands on. Our efforts will directly support our local economy and you can feel comfortable knowing that your escrow will be handled by the owners of the company.

Give us the opportunity to meet your Title and Escrow needs, we are confident we will become your Title/Escrow company of choice.

• Over 15 years of experience • Specialize in blondes, extensions, creative & corrective color • By appointment only

522 Lander St | Reno, NV 775.686.6776 | acmetitleandescrow.com

KRISTIN SMITH 1512 Lander St • Reno, NV 775.303.2876 • upstairsatblondies.com @b_l_o_n_d_i_e_s

@ Upstairsatblondies

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BLISS spotlight

Mustang Ranch

The Power of Human Touch AND THE ART OF THE COURTESAN

By Kristy McLean Photos by Lana & Anthony Longo | Elegant Life Photography Hair and Makeup by Kristin Smith, Shannon Pulley, Stacy Kruger, Wendallyn, Allison Stanton & Janae Conseur Styling by Leslie McCarroll Dresses by Dillards Location: Mustang Ranch

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BLISS spotlight

“There are many in the world dying for a piece of bread, but there are many more dying for a little love.” – Mother Teresa There is no greater hunger than the hunger of the heart.

One of the greatest virtues of humanity is our collective desire to help those in need. We serve in soup kitchens, donate canned food, and organize meal delivery to our friends in need. We work to bring clean, running water to villages struggling through poverty and drought. We rally around fire victims who have lost their homes and we build shelters for the homeless. When we witness a lack of basic human needs like food, water, and shelter, we feel compelled to help.

But, what about love…human connection…physical touch…sexuality?

The basic need for sexuality is biologically programmed into us as human beings. Not only are we wired to procreate for the survival of our species, but we have the need for sexual fulfillment, likely influenced by our innate need for touch and human connection. Countless studies have proven that human connection and physical touch play a critical role in physiological and psychological development. According to Dr. Tiffany Field, Ph.D., Founder of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, “When you stimulate the pressure receptors under the skin, the heart slows down, food in the gastrointestinal tract is absorbed into the body better and serotonin is released into the bloodstream. When that happens, you decrease pain and heighten alertness. Touch can even stimulate the body to better equip its natural killer cells to fight off bacterial infections and even more serious health threats such as cancer.”

MRI data shows that affective or emotional touch results in activation of the orbitofrontal cortex and the caudate cortex, the parts of the brain that strongly influence decision-making, impulse control, and learning. Research shows that hugging, kissing, and holding stimulate the production and release of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine – “feel good” hormones that create euphoric feelings, promote positive self-esteem, and reduce depressive thoughts. Conversely, the effects of touch deprivation and a lack of human connection can be catastrophic. Infants that are deprived of human touch display developmental deficiencies, metabolic disorders, behavioral abnormalities, failure to thrive, and, in some cases, even death.

Touch deprivation has also been proven to contribute to fear of attachment, fear of commitment, heightened anxiety, loneliness, depression, aggressive behavior, body image issues, sexual dysfunction, unsafe levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and abnormal levels of hormones that regulate social behavior.

Luna & Vera Bliss

The takeaway from this science? Humans need to be touched, held, and engaged with in order thrive.

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Sarah Vandella

Bailey Rose

“Skin Hunger” – The Societal Ripple Effect of Touch Deprivation “In a research study across 49 cultures worldwide, the cultures that exhibited minimal physical affection toward their young children had significantly higher rates of adult violence, but those cultures that showed significant amounts of physical affection toward their young children had virtually no violence.”

– Dr. Tiffany Field, Ph.D., Founder of the Touch Institute at the University of Miami We live in a time when social-emotional wellness and mental illness are of great concern, suicide rates are on the rise, and technology is intercepting human connection at every turn. While we know all about the recommended daily dosage for vitamins and minerals, did you know that experts also recommend 14-20 physical touches and 8 hugs per day for optimal health?

Yet, social norms have trended toward a reduction in 42

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human touch. Psychologists, doctors, and educators are being advised to follow “no touch” policies, fear of harassment or being perceived as “inappropriate” has resulted in less interpersonal touch in our day to day interactions, and as society becomes more reliant on technology, our focus on meaningful human contact declines. In fact, while the majority of us are probably not even getting 20 human touches per day, a 2016 study by a leading research company, dscout, found that the average smartphone user touches their phone approximately 2,617 times per day!

Dr. Kory Floyd, a professor of communication at the University of Arizona whose 2014 study of “affection deprivation” in more than 500 participants found that people who experience “skin hunger,” or a deep desire for physical contact with another person, were, among other things, more lonely, depressed, had less social support, experienced more mood and anxiety disorders and an inability to interpret and express emotions. This lack of affection correlated with a “fearful avoidant attachment style,” the same reaction so common in affection-deprived children

Rea

from orphanages — and in many men. Dr. Floyd found that men are more likely than women to report that they received less affection from others than they wanted.

Dr. Floyd is not alone. There are numerous studies that point to touch deprivation being more prevalent in men, and more detrimental. While women tend to employ a tend-and-befriend approach that invites confidence in and cooperation with people who can help them externalize their struggles, men tend to grow stoic, emotionally withdrawn and, too often, isolated when faced with conflict and stress. If the “tough guy” approach strengthened men mentally and emotionally, it wouldn’t be a problem. But the weight of so-called “gender role stress,” such as feeling the need to suppress emotions that may be perceived as unmanly, doesn’t make men more resilient. It makes them more vulnerable, triggers anxiety and depression, and prevents them from seeking mental health help. A 2000 study by UCLA researchers found that “men are more likely than women to respond to stressful experiences by

developing certain stress-related disorders,” such as hypertension, alcohol and drug abuse.

A December 2019 Washington Post report analyzed mass shootings in the U.S. since 1966.

The findings are not only interesting but align with this concept of touch deprivation. There have been 172 cases in which 4 or more persons were killed by a lone shooter since 1966. In all but 4 of the cases, the shooter was a male. The same report claims that social isolation is the number one common denominator that mass shooters share.

Frequently, these loners are separated from their spouses (or have never been married) and have been alienated from their families. Considering this wide body of evidence, perhaps we should take a closer look at the societal effects of skin hunger and touch deprivation, and seek to develop a greater appreciation for the value of therapeutic touch.

The Business of Human Touch Despite the natural tendency of humans to care for

BLISS spotlight

those in need, it seems that there is a widespread reluctance to offer support for the basic human need for touch and sexuality. We are cautious in social situations so as not to invade our friends’ personal space, and in school we are taught to keep our hands to ourselves. It’s perfectly acceptable for someone to collect food stamps, walk into a homeless shelter, drink water from a public fountain, and receive financial aid for prescription drug therapies, but to publicly promote sex and human touch as charitable outreach would likely be considered absurd by the general population. Furthermore, touch therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and cuddle therapy are not covered by medical insurance plans nor prescribed by family doctors. So, how do we solve this growing issue of skin hunger and touch deprivation that could be having massive effects on violence and mental health in America when charitable outreach, treatment, and business practices that address the basic human need for touch and sexuality are not socially acceptable?

vehemently oppose the idea that there might be value in a transaction of money for physical touch/ sex and they worry about the commercialization of women. Brothel supporters, on the other hand, believe that it’s better to have prostitutes regulated, controlled, and tested regularly than to have them walking the streets.

One of the only professions that truly addresses the need for human touch and sexuality is that of the professional courtesan. The majority of clients seeking both private cuddling services and the companionship of professional courtesans in legal brothels are overwhelmingly male, straight, educated, divorced, and in their early 50s. This same demographic has suffered a stark increase in opioid addiction and suicide, and, as demonstrated above, is the exact demographic at highest risk for the negative effects of touch deprivation. Other common clientele of the legal brothel industry includes disabled veterans, wheelchair users, elderly widowers, and married couples seeking to rekindle the romance in their relationships. And, sure enough, their most common request is simply to be touched or held. In fact, the madams of Mustang Ranch, a legal brothel in Storey County, Nevada approximately 15 miles outside of Reno, claim that more than 50% of their “parties,” or experiences between professional courtesans and their clients, never even involve sexual intercourse.

The Courtesans, or “working girls,” of Mustang Ranch are all independent contractors who must be 18 years of age, register with the county sheriff, pass a background check, undergo regular medical checks, and pay federal income tax. They are business owners, mothers, neighbors, family supporters. Though they all have different stories, every single one of the courtesans we interviewed made a point to say how proud they are to be working in an industry that empowers them to earn real income and to pay their taxes, live debt free, and work toward a life goal such as paying their way through college, buying a house, or helping fund the chemotherapy of a parent. They also volunteer, make charitable contributions, and much like anyone who travels for work, if they have children, they leave them in the care of a trusted spouse or family member while they’re gone on business. Then, when they’re home, they are 100% present, perhaps even more so than the average working parent.

Though prostitution has been commonly referred to as “the oldest profession in the world,” with documented roots that date back to 6th century B.C., it certainly is not a socially acceptable career choice and the sex industry has undergone great scrutiny throughout time. Modern anti-brothel advocates

The sex industry has certainly withstood the test of time and appears to meet a societal demand, so rather than listen to the critics, we went straight to the source, got to know the ins and outs of Mustang Ranch and have had amazing, real conversations with about 20 of the courtesans. What began as an intriguing investigative study evolved into sincere friendships with and appreciation for these fellow entrepreneurs who happen to choose Mustang Ranch as their preferred place to conduct business, and their stories are among the most impressive and compelling stories we’ve ever heard.

The Art of the Courtesan

As the courtesans shared heartfelt stories about their experiences with clients (keeping all client details confidential, of course), we began to develop deep empathy and respect for not only the courtesans and their clients, but also for the owners and staff of Mustang Ranch who work diligently to welcome all walks of life into their beautiful home.

These professionals are confident and proud, and

Phoenix

Madam Tara & Madam Jennifer

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BLISS spotlight

they have a natural gift for making people feel special, loved, accepted, and normal for a change. This is certainly not a job that anyone can do.

They spoke with conviction, pride, and honor as they likened themselves to therapists, caregivers, and confidants, and explained how compassion and listening skills are the key skills involved in doing their job well. Many had tears in their eyes when they expressed their gratitude for their employers and their coworkers. They described the Mustang Ranch Madams, Jennifer and Tara, who manage all aspects of the business from reviewing the hundreds of applications they receive on a monthly basis and interviewing applicants to ambiance and customer care, with a tone of respect and adoration that one might use when describing their mother. One after another, the working girls of Mustang Ranch described the resort as a safe haven, a refuge, the best place they had ever worked. They had learned more life skills, fiscal responsibility, and professional strategies at Mustang Ranch than they ever had before. They shared how Lance Gilman conducts sales meetings and training sessions on negotiation techniques and strategic business practices, and the madams teach them life skills, safe sex practices, and encourage them to be on a five-year plan or less. Working at Mustang Ranch is a stepping stone, a means to an end, not an end-all-be-all for someone who has no other choice. Many women who have worked at Mustang Ranch have gone on to become successful lawyers, hospital administrators, or real estate professionals.

And, they credit Mustang Ranch for teaching them more than they ever learned in college.

Setting the “Gold Standard� for the Brothel Industry While not all brothels operate at the same level of quality as Mustang Ranch, the owners of Mustang Ranch are actively working to improve industry standards for brothel management.

They have been known to host fellow owners of legal brothels in Nevada for training and consultation, sharing their business practices and desire to set the gold standard for the industry, and encouraging their colleagues to follow suit.

The business is completely transparent; all visitors are encouraged to tour the Mustang Ranch Resort without any business obligation, and, for our tour, we would have the pleasure of Madam Jennifer herself as our guide. We were unsure what to expect as the security guard opened the door and welcomed us inside the Wild Horse Saloon, the 24x7 gateway to Mustang Ranch, but any anxiety quickly dissipated when Madam Jennifer greeted us with a friendly smile and welcoming charm. The Saloon is dimly lit and relatively small but has a lively feel, good music, a bar in one corner and a stripper pole in another. A male bartender offers us a drink and, as we wait, we glance around

BLISS spotlight

the room; there’s a few ladies hanging about, one is chatting with a patron, one is casually walking around the pole but not for anyone’s entertainment but her own, and the other is sitting by herself, not a cell phone in sight, looking friendly and ready to chat if you are. They are dressed as if they are going out – some more clothed than others but all appear professional and happy to be there. Jennifer enters a code into a keypad on the wall and gestures us to follow her through a doorway and into another large lounge and, with full drinks in hand, we embark on our tour.

Jennifer was beaming with pride as she walked us through the halls of the Mustang Ranch, in and out of immaculate, beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with a different theme and custom scent but all with a warm, welcoming ambiance. She spoke highly of the girls who work there and it is clear she loves them all like her own. She and Tara also care for the entire property as their own with 24x7 housekeeping, kitchen, and security staff, as well as strict standards for cleanliness and zero tolerance for drug use. In fact, in order to maintain their track record of zero incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) at Mustang Ranch, the ladies are tested weekly and must be medically cleared to come back to work after leaving the property. Each customer undergoes a visual inspection of their genitalia prior to service and every guest room is equipped with a shower or bath. The first thing that happens in any experience is a shower, cleansing, or bathing of some sort. The ladies are all independent contractors and they decide what services they’re willing to perform, have a right to refuse service to anyone, and they personally negotiate and agree on the value and terms of each transaction or “party.”

All services and associated costs are agreed upon in a negotiating room prior to their party, and, just as a hair stylist, makeup artist, or commissioned sales representative might, they split their client fees 50/50 with the house.

To ensure the safety of the ladies at all times, there is a panic button in every room and security cameras throughout the resort. They run background checks on all of their staff and contractors and uphold the highest expectations for quality, cleanliness, and

exceptional customer service. They must be doing something right as the courtesans claim that up to 80% of their clientele is repeat business, and they unanimously agree that most of their clients come primarily for companionship, cuddling, and conversation in a safe, nonjudgmental environment in which they can be the most uninhibited version of themselves. These ladies are passionate and they believe they are fulfilling a need in society, helping to minimize the effects of mental illness, loneliness, and rejection. They believe that without brothels and legal prostitution there would probably be a higher incidence of rape and sex crimes, and there certainly would be more danger and life-threatening work conditions for the women who choose to service the demands of a sexually driven society.

The Entrepreneurs of Mustang Ranch Mustang Ranch is one of the original “For Women, By Women” businesses in Nevada. And, its original founder, Joe Conforte, was truly a selfmade man. A first-generation Sicilian immigrant who came to America through Ellis Island in 1937, Conforte eventually made his way west and worked as a cab driver in Oakland, CA where he learned first-hand about the supply-demand cycle of the sex industry as he drove incoming sailors and marines to nearby brothels. He moved to Nevada in 1955 and opened his own brothel and began lobbying for legal prostitution. In 1971, Storey County made prostitution legal and licensed Sally Conforte (Joe’s wife) as a brothel owner. Mustang Ranch became America’s largest and most profitable brothel until it was eventually shut down in 1999 due to tax evasion.

Mustang Ranch got its second chance when another self-made man, Lance Gilman, happened upon the auction of the establishment on eBay. It seemed like a reasonable investment given that he was in development on the surrounding property along Hwy 80 and USA Parkway. “My background is in real estate development, particularly commercial projects like the Tahoe Reno Industrial Complex.

While I knew about brothels, I had no idea I’d become a brothel owner in order to ensure Storey County’s financial future. While I was initially hesitant about (continued on page 66)

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BLISS flavour

SUSTAIN YOUR

Sparkle

By Michelle Miller

Sparkling wine is synonymous with seasonal celebrations; a must when toasting the New Year and divine to share with that special someone on Valentine’s Day. However, a celebration is not essential to have “bubbles” in your glass as it is also one of the most versatile wines for food pairing. Don’t believe me? Try it with some potato chips and see for yourself. In fact, sparkling wine pairs perfectly with a wide variety of foods due to its modest flavor and vibrant acidity.

Sparkling wines are produced in many areas around the world, most notably, and arguably most deliciously, from the Champagne region in France. However, true Champagne is quite costly. So, if your savings account is tapped out from spoiling your sweetie this holiday season, here are some spend thrifty suggestions to assist in sustaining your sparkle: Prosecco is easily approachable when venturing into sparkling wine. It is fresh, slightly fruity, and won’t break the bank, making it ideal for parties. Made from the Glera grape, grown in northeast Italy, Prosecco is lighter in style and typically includes a touch of residual sugar to round out its flavor and minimize bitterness.

California and Oregon produce a myriad of sparkling wines in various methods and styles ranging from fresh and fruity to complex and toasty. This vast variety will verily lead to palate pleasing and financially friendly discoveries with the feel-good flair that comes along with shopping local and supporting our neighboring wine producers.

Cava is produced in Spain using the Champagne method. Its styles and cost are determined by age; the elder being Gran Reserva. This is a vintage dated wine requiring a minimum of 30 months on the lees (residual yeast cells lingering in the bottle after fermentation) and produces notes of toast, butter, brioche, and even caramel. While pricier than younger Cava, Gran Reserva can rival vintage Champagne at a fraction of the cost.

A fun way to explore sparklers is to host a party having guests bring different representations and see which are preferred.

Sample various snacks and experience the versatility offered by sparkling wine in food pairing. If all else fails, and these wines just don’t spark your interest, keep them chilled ‘til morning and top with fresh squeezed orange juice – because we never met a mimosa that wasn’t a sparkling wine-win! m

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BLISS flavour

The DEPOT A STOP YOU MUST MAKE IN RENO!

By Jigs McHugh | Photos by Lou Manna

Have you ever felt like a restaurant was waiting for you to walk into it? This is how I felt when I visited the Depot! It is a three-story brick building that houses the restaurant, bar, craft distillery and brewery. Built in 1910, this historic building was home of the NevadaCalifornia-Oregon Railway and has been meticulously renovated to the original standard of architectural elegance of time gone by. In short, you feel at home the moment you enter this wonderful gracious space.

Our Depot journey began with the Brewery and Craft distillery. Our host, Chef-owner Nick Strowmatt, guided us to an immense facility hidden behind the restaurant that delights private parties with an eclectic, industrial ambiance. Behind this facility, we encountered the brewery, canning and packing line in full swing, huge palates stacked ten feet high with cases of craft beer waiting to be shipped and enjoyed by local residents. The Depot produces nine seasonal craft beers and is home to Battle Born Beer. Our final stop, before returning to the restaurant: the distillery. If you are a fan of small barrel spirits you will be pleasantly pleased and delighted with their selection of creative spirits. Their production includes reserved aged corn whiskeys, single malts, barrel aged high-country gin and a host of other medal winning spirits.

Back in The Depot, Nick escorted us to the second floor with its own private oak bar nestled in the far corner of the room. This is where the culinary magic was about to begin!

As a former restaurant chef-owner myself, I know there is a rhythm to a restaurant that you can sense the moment you walk in. In this vein, The Depot defiantly flows like a fine symphony.

It takes a lot to impress me. Yet, I was blown away by the creativity and attention to detail in

the menu. With a host of traditional favorites each with their own elegant twist, dining at The Depot is truly an enjoyable experience.

While all six of the entrée selections we were lucky enough to be served were superb, the following three deserve honorable mention: Arugula Salad – Super fresh peppery arugula with thinly slivered apples, candied walnuts, finished with Rogue creamery smokey blue cheese dressing creates a nuance of texture and flavor...... It literally danced across my palate!

Pappardelle Bolognaise – This is pure comfort food for a winter night! House made pasta embraces a hearty beef and pork sauce exploding with complex layers of flavors.

Cashew Pork Wrap – The tortilla wrap, lightly grilled, develops an intense grain flavor. Nestled within, delicate marinated pork loin, shaved cucumbers, crunchy rice noodles, balanced with a sweet basil- cashew vinaigrette, finished with the zip of homemade kimchi.

For the full menu, please visit: thedepotreno.com/view-the-menu In closing, the care, passion and creativity of their kitchen shine with a foundation of locally sourced ingredients resulting in an experience that will have you coming back again and again!

The Depot is located at 325 East 4th Street, Reno, NV – Visit TheDepotReno.com to learn more, or call (775)737-4330. Brunch Available on Weekends at 11am. m General Info: info@thedepotreno.com Brewery/Distillery Tours & Info: brewery@thedepotreno.com

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BLISS jet set

YOUR NEXT

Wine Country Weekend ONLY A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP AWAY BAJA CALIFORNIA

By Danell Wilson-Perlman

Hop on a quick flight from Reno, NV to Long Beach, CA...skip on down Pacific Coast Highway…and, simply jump across the border into Mexico for your next wine country getaway!

As we disembark our Jet Blue flight from Reno, NV to Long Beach, CA and are greeted by sunny skies and 75 degrees, it was hard to believe it has only been a short hour since we escaped freezing temperatures and Reno’s first snowfall of the year. Flying from Reno to Long Beach is an international traveler’s dream as both are small, quaint airports that make you wonder why traveling can’t always be this simple. Within a mere 20 minutes (including renting a car), we are on the freeway heading down the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

The coastal PCH boasts some of the most beautiful ocean views and countless options for a bite to eat with beachfront access. However, as a South African native, Mozambique restaurant in Laguna Beach has my heart. The menu offers a true taste of my homeland and as we peruse the extensive South African wine list from the most perfect table in their rooftop dining section overlooking the glistening Pacific, I feel right at home. Laguna is a perfect stroll town where you will discover unique, eclectic shops and amazing art galleries.

Though we would have loved to linger in Laguna longer, San Diego’s Gaslamp District is waiting to be explored. Approximately one hour drive from the shores of Laguna, we find the Kimpton Palomar San Diego located in the heart of the city and receive a warm welcome into our beautifully appointed room with an artistic twist. Inspired by rooftop bar and pool view from our hotel room, we stop by the complimentary social hour in the lobby before beginning our progressive evening of small bites and split drinks in the Gaslamp Quarter. There are so many great options but I absolutely loved and highly recommend The Water Grill and Rustic Root.

It only took 52 minutes from downtown San Diego to get to the beach town of Rosarito, Mexico. We’ve been staying at the Rosarito Beach Hotel for years but this time we fell in love all over again

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with the breathtaking ocean view rooms in the new tower; each equipped with a kitchenette, living room, and patio where you can truly relax and soak up some sun, It truly feels more like a luxury condo than just a room in Mexico. Friendly service and delicious food await you at the hotel restaurant, an easy go-to for a quick bite and a Margarita. The town has many great options for food, from an informal taco stand to high end surf and turf cuisine. But if seafood is your fancy, it’s worth the 20-minute drive south to Puerto Nuevo, known for its many fabulous lobster restaurants. We end our day with a beach walk; toes in sand within steps of the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

Agua del Vid Eco Resort

Agua del Vid Eco Resort - Pancracia Cocina de Autor

The next day we head out on a 2-day wine adventure to Valle de Guadalupe - Baja’s wine country and Mexico’s largest wine producer. The region has been known to turn many a wine enthusiast from a skeptic to a hopeless admirer. Here you will find some powerful, interesting reds and whites, as the local wineries focus on the terroir and fine wine market rather than mass production. With rustic, natural elements reflected in their buildings and the décor, you can feel the way these wineries have a distinct value for their symbiotic relationship with nature. Wine tastings feel like an education in science; each wine pour gets explained in a unique way and it lingers in your mind to make a lasting impression.

The Valley now boasts nearly 300 wineries making it tough to narrow your options, but after careful review, we were pleased with our decision to book two nights at Agua del Vid Eco Resort. The architecture is absolutely stunning and the rooms are all individual cement buildings overlooking the vineyards. The resort boasts a lap pool, large jacuzzi, and eco spa.

The restaurant is a sight to see - lots of natural wood, leather, steel and glass, alive with natural elements and a magical ambiance. The cuisine is a California/ Mexican fusion which delights the senses.

Some of my favorite wineries and other lodging options in the valley are El Cielo Winery and Resort, Hotel Encuentro Guadalupe, Vinicola Adobe Guadalupe, AlXimia Winery, La Casa de Dona Lupe, Decantos Vinicola, Emeve Winery, and Oeno Wine Resort - set amongst gigantic boulders, fauna & flora, so many types of unique lodging styles to choose from.

Thankful for friendly service, great meals, and an easy border crossing, we say Adios y hasta luego…until next time, MEXICO! m

El Cielo Winery and Resort

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Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine

IVF | Egg Freezing | Intrauterine Insemination | Egg Donation Gestational Carrier | Preimplantation Genetic Screening Sperm Donation | Reproductive Surgery | LGBTQ Welcome

#HAVEAHEART Russell A. Foulk M.D. & Scott J. Whitten M.D. 645 Sierra Rose Dr., Ste. 205 Reno, NV 89511 (775) 828-1200 n evad afe r ti li ty.c o m B l i ssL i feM ag.com 57

Photo by Tom Zikas

Photo by Ben Birk

Photo by Grant Kaye

Photo by Ben Arnst

Photo by Ben Arnst

BLISS jet set

SQUAW Valley | ALPINE Meadows Courtesy of Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows

Voted ‘Best Ski Resort’ in North America for three years in a row by USA Today, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is an internationally renowned mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe, California and proud host of the 1960 Olympic Winter Games. With the 2020 season in full swing, the resort continues to take winter recreation to new heights with new lifts, events, and experiences. Whether you prefer to hot shot off the highest peak or simply sip hot totties in the warming hut, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows will not disappoint. Here’s what’s new in 2020: New Treeline Cirque Chairlift at Alpine Meadows – From Base to Black Diamond in 5 Minutes or Less!

This new $10 million detachable, high-speed quad chair transports skiers and riders from the base area to the Sherwood ridge in a total of five minutes. While a midstation stop allows quick access to some of Alpine’s best low-intermediate terrain, expert skiers and riders can take it to the top to drop in on the frontside or venture into the back bowls of Sherwood, which boast the resort’s best views of Lake Tahoe. The protected alignment of Treeline Cirque makes it favorable in high winds and inclement weather, and the rapid access from the base area will dramatically improve the skier experience for a wide range of ability levels.

Get Your R&R at the Tram Car Bar – A restored 70’s era Squaw Valley tram cabin has a new home on the Olympic House deck, serving drinks as the Aerial Tram soars overhead. The Tram Car Bar is a nod to Squaw Valley’s storied past—the original logos and unique shape of the cabin are the ideal après-ski photo op with the iconic Tram Face in the background.

“The Leap of Love” – 50 Couples Take the Leap Together on Leap Day 2020 - This collective Leap Day mountaintop wedding will take place on February 29, 2020 (Leap Day).

Up to 50 couples will get married or renew their vows at the picturesque High Camp Upper Observation Deck, with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the snowcapped Sierra Nevada. The ceremony will be followed by a laid-back gathering in the Terrace Bar & Restaurant and a group ski down 3.2 miles to The Village at Squaw Valley.

New Adventures with Alpenglow Expeditions & North Face Mountain Guides - Alpenglow Expeditions,

the local mountain-guide service located in The Village at Squaw Valley, introduced two new weekend offerings this season; Shirley Canyon snowshoeing tours every Saturday and Sunday leaving at 10:30am, followed by backcountry expeditions through unexplored terrain and untracked powder in the Tram Ridge zone beyond Broken Arrow every Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am departure.

The North Face Mountain Guides program will expand with a new half-day offering to complement the existing full day option. Groups of up to 4 skiers or riders discover the resort’s most coveted terrain with priority lift line access, ideal for big powder days.

Get Moving with Mountaineer – Evening Hours Extended to 10pm - In its inaugural 2018-19 season, the new Mountaineer app-based shuttle service transported over 81,000 passengers and removed at least 20,000 vehicle trips from access roads in Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. New this season, Mountaineer offers extended evening hours in Squaw Valley (until 10 p.m. daily), holiday service in Alpine Meadows, and two vehicles were added to its fleet to further reduce weekend wait times.

U.S. Freestyle Moguls National Championship March 19-22, 2020 – The country’s best freestyle moguls talent, including Olympians and World Championship medalists Jaelin Kauf, Tess Johnson and Brad Wilson, will take on the historic Red Dog trail at Squaw Valley in an intense weekend competition.

Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows spans 6,000 skiable acres across two mountains, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. Skiers and riders of all abilities are welcomed by over 65 percent beginner and intermediate terrain, while legendary steeps, towering cliffs and heart-pumping chutes continue to be ground zero for boundary breaking skiing and riding. The resort features slopeside lodging at The Village at Squaw Valley®, which bustles year-round with nonstop events and over 50 bars, restaurants and boutiques. With an annual average of 450 inches of snowfall and 300 sunny California days, Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows is known as the Spring Skiing Capital™ and provides one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in Lake Tahoe. Visit SquawAlpine.com or follow @squawalpine for more info. m

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BLISS society

SOCIETY | Blissful Moments VICTORIA’S VOICE FOUNDATION IN MEMORY OF VICTORIA SEIGEL Photos by Eric Marks

“An Evening to Save Lives” Victoria “Rikki” Siegel was only 18 years old when she died of a drug overdose on June 6, 2015. She was the oldest of seven siblings, a recent high school graduate, and a dreamer with a tremendous heart. In her memory, her parents David and Jackie Seigel created Victoria’s Voice Foundation to bring awareness to the dangers of opioid addiction and to champion ways to reduce drug experimentation, addiction, and overdose.

Bliss Media was proud to support Victoria’s Voice Foundation at their “Evening to Save Lives Gala” at the Westgate Resort Las Vegas on October 26th. The star-studded guest list included Barry Manilow, Dionne Warwick, Scott Stapp, Lee Greenwood, Michael Lohan, Daniel Baldwin, as well as reality stars Gretchen Rossi, Teresa Giudice and Phaedra Parks. Reno philanthropist Stacie Mathewson was also present and accepted the Victoria’s Wings Award.

The event raised over $1.3 million for the Victoria’ Voice Foundation. These funds will help support youth and families facing opioid addiction and initiatives such as Victory Clubs that provide services and perks for teenagers across the country who stay clean and sober. Learn more at VictoriaSiegelFoundation.org and stay tuned for more about Victoria’s Voice Foundation in an upcoming feature on BlissLifeMag.com.

David & Jackie Seigel and family

Daniel Baldwin & guest

Stacie Mathewson, Jackie Siegel & Leslie McCarroll

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Michael Lohan & wife Kate

Dionne Warwick

Michael Lohan, Daman Elliott & Jackie Siegel

PINK PARTY Photos by David Marshall Fleming

The sold out Pink Party returned for it’s 15th year at the Bluebird with special guests Canadian Legends SkiiTour on November 9th, 2019.

The Pink Party is to benefit Johnno Lazetich and the Golden Gate Project’s 2020 World Wide Children’s Hospital Tour kicking off in Capetown, South Africa March 2020.

Pink Party in full effect

DJ Jamie Cooper

Beats were dropped by the highly acclaimed Canadian Djs that call themselves SkiiTour, will were joined by Pink Party founding DJs, The Rhino, DJ Osh and Pink Party resident DJs Roxy Venus & Miss Cooper.

DJ JohnoTheRhino

Stewart Campbell & Matt Burns

Blue Bird bartender Travis Ramos & friends

TREE OF LIGHTS GALA Photos by Jered Lehman

Sean Savoy & friend

CHAIRPERSON of Safe Embrace - Jed Spendlove (far back in green tux) and friends

The Trees and Lights Gala is Safe Embrace’s largest fundraiser that was held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at The Nugget Resort Casino in Sparks.

Guests entered the Gala via red carpet and participated in a cocktail hour surrounded by beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. All the trees and wreaths were auctioned off during the event and then delivered to the highest bidder’s home the following week! Sponsorship included a threecourse meal followed by a fast-paced live auction, dancing and entertainment.

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BUILDING PRESSURE on Swing States NEVADA’S CRITICAL ROLE IN THE 2020 DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS

By Rick Jenkins | Photo Courtesy of Biden for President 2020

Nevada may not be the most influential state in national elections, but it certainly plays an important role due to its status as a swing state.

The state will be an early indicator for how well candidates are campaigning because the Nevada Democrat caucuses will be held on February 22, one of the earliest primary elections in the country. Part of what makes this election emblematic for other states is that Nevada has a good blend of urban and rural populations, thus it can predict how well candidates are influencing a wide array of demographics.

This diversely settled population also affects Nevada’s role in the national elections themselves. Urban populations tend to vote more toward Democrats, while rural populations tend to support Republicans. This has led to Nevada shifting support between both sides many times throughout its history, making it a swing state.

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Swing states, whether they’re big or small, have always been important in elections. Legislature that addresses the way electoral and popular votes are allocated, such as the National Popular Vote Bill, is a hot political topic these days considering the controversy that plagued the 2016 election, in which Clinton won the popular vote while Trump won the Electoral College.

Since 16 states, including California and New York, have approved the National Popular Vote Bill so far (accounting for 196 Electoral College votes), there will undoubtedly be some serious strategy in play for the 2020 Presidential Election. Every single swing state will be a vital political battleground.

Nevada, on its own, is not the most influential state in national elections. However, Nevada is not on its own. It is a part of the whole, as well as somewhat representative of the whole. Both the Democrats and Republicans, with all their global ambitions, will be even more desperate to win this state over than ever before. m

BLISS society

BLISS LIFE EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Dr. Jill Biden AN INTIMATE CHAT WITH A FORMER SECOND LADY OF THE UNITED STATES

By Kristy McLean | Photo by Eric Marks Bliss editorial team with Dr. Jill Biden (from left: Rick Jenkins, Kristy McLean, Dr. Jill Biden, Leslie McCarroll)

“Put the phone down, look what’s going on around you, talk to people, listen...”

These were a few of Dr. Jill Biden’s recommendations in an exclusive meeting with Bliss Life Magazine. Dr. Biden, former Second Lady of the United States (2009-2017), has been married to Democrat frontrunner in the 2020 presidential primaries, Joe Biden, for 42 years. She is a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College, a career she is so passionate about that she continued working while her husband was Vice President of the United States, and she continues to work while on the campaign trail as well. She is thought to be the first second lady to hold a paying job while her husband was vice president. She even mentioned that, as we spoke, she brought student papers with her to grade while she traveled!

She had flown out to Nevada from the East Coast for a busy weekend hitting both Las Vegas and Reno where she and her team opened the new Biden for President field office off Kietzke Lane in Reno. It was her first visit to Reno and, as many newcomers often claim, she was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful weather and high desert landscapes. She wished she had more time for recreation but today was all business with a women’s roundtable discussion in the morning, followed by the field office opening, and an evening event with local educators.

We were honored to get a few moments to chat with Jill to learn more about this accomplished woman and her views on work-life balance, family relationships, technology, and more.

Here are a few highlights - please log onto BlissLifeMag.com to read the interview in its entirety: MULTI-TASKING AND WEARING MULTIPLE HATS Bliss Life (BL): What is one of your keys to living a blissful life? You’re on the road so much, you’ve worn so many different hats in your life, how do you stay grounded and find joy every day?

Dr. Jill Biden (DJB): Yes, I’m traveling a great deal, I’m teaching, and I’m a mother and a grandmother. I think really having it all means giving it all, and I try to create balance in my

life. I love exercise. As a runner, there’s nothing better to me than taking a long run outside. I also love taking a casual bike ride with Joe and indoor cycling with my sister. My family is very important to me. I’m in constant touch with my children, my grandchildren, and my husband.

TECHNOLOGY, CELL PHONES, AND RESILIENCE BL: How are we going to teach children and teens these days about being resilient? It seems like that’s something that’s breaking down over time.

DJB: I think we have to start talking to one another. We have to put our phones down once in a while and just talk… and listen. With my grandkids, my students…I say, “Put the phones down. Look what’s going on around you. Talk to people, tell them your ideas, hear what they’re saying to you.”

I think that’s an important part of it. Technology is great, I use it all the time in my teaching. But there’s a time and a place for everything. I think you have to keep that dialogue going.

BIDEN PLATFORM FOCUS: FAMILIES, TEACHERS, KIDS BL: There’s a lack of mental health professionals nationwide, and especially in education. What do you feel we need to do and what would you like to see changed?

DJB: I totally agree with you. Children are going to school and they’re facing so much. There’s cyber-bullying on social media, in many kids’ homes there’s poverty, food insecurity, and domestic violence, and a lot of kids are bringing all of this to school. We need to help our families, and we need to help our teachers, and most importantly we need to help our kids. That would be a major part of Joe’s platform in the White House.

Sincere thanks to the Biden for President team for the opportunity to meet Dr. Biden during her October 13, 2019 visit to Reno, NV. Dr. Jill Biden shares more of her personal journey in her new biography, “Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself” – find a link to buy the book at the end of the full article on BlissLifeMag.com. m

ROCK ‘N’ Reno A HISTORY OF THE ROCK BANDS IN RENO, NEVADA, FROM THE EARLY 60’S TO THE EARLY ‘80S

BY MIKE MANTOR AND GERRY FOSTER MCCARROLL A Book Review By Paul D. Manktelow

I entered Reno with the British Invasion in the mid-60’s and soon became a musician. (Well, what else can a poor boy do?) Rock ‘n’ Roll was on the loose and seemed to be the answer. We were just a handful of scruffy young kids in the beginning, playing in rock bands, but the scene soon grew and became something more than we had ever imagined. Dance halls and night clubs began opening up; it was a happening thing making a huge impact on the local youth. I don’t think there is anyone more qualified to tell this story than Mike Mantor. I played with him in one of Reno’s first notable bands, The Justus V, and we’ve remained close friends ever since (some 50+ years). So, when he told me that he and Gerry were going to take on the enormous project of putting this book together, I was very excited. I felt that “Rock ‘n’ Reno” was a story that needed to be told. The book takes you down memory lane, recalling some 193 Reno bands and most of the musicians who played in them, with band photos and pictures of their posters and flyers. The book talks in depth about many of the talented musicians that have emerged from Reno, and many band stories that will either make you laugh, or 64

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cry. Some pages have been written by the band members themselves. The book also tells of many local players who have enjoyed major success on an international level, such as Chuck Ruff, Bill Church, Michael Furlong, Steve Hobson, and Jerry Weems, to mention a few. And, there are those who continue to carry the torch and are still out there playing today. Unfortunately, there are also others who have passed on to play on the big stage…may they rest in peace. This book represents a huge community of Reno musicians that have become a family of brothers and sisters and includes those who have been entertained over the years. Of course, this project may never have seen the light of day were it not for the guiding hands of Gerry McCarroll who tied all the loose ends and the many contributions of surviving band members together. Cheers!

“Rock ‘n’ Reno” is available on Amazon.com and can be purchased in Reno at the following: Nevada Historical Society, Nevada Wolf Shop, Bizarre Guitar, Sundance Books & Music, Recycled Records, Copper Cat Studio, and Classic Rock Coffee Co. and Kitchen. m

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Our fleet range from SUV’s to stretch limousines, a limo/party bus, mini buses and Mercedes Benz sprinter vans.

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Joe Conforte

Chinook transport of original Mustang Ranch building

Lance Gilman

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the idea and the stigma that was sure to follow, I purchased Mustang Ranch in 2003 off eBay, paying $145,100. In order to preserve the history of the operation, we moved the original buildings by Chinook helicopter to their current location and began extensive upgrades and renovations costing millions to ensure the luxury of the resort. Through years of renovations, I watched the brothel change into a business I could be proud of, not something I would shy away from. Now, nearly 20 years later, I hope if anything, I left this industry better than I found it. That’s what I want my legacy to be.”

Gilman’s long list of achievements in commercial real estate and land development date back to the 1980s when he was instrumental in the development of nine major shopping centers in San Diego County, CA. He was then responsible for the acquisition, planning, and marketing of South Meadows Business Park in South Reno before he moved on to create the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center, America’s new hot bed for the manufacturing industry and home to the first Tesla Gigafactory and many more industrial giants. While Gilman and his son, Donny, own the land and sign the checks, all of the Mustang Ranch’s day to day operations are handled by the madams.

Madams Jennifer and Tara speak so highly of their place of business and the opportunities they have to change lives every day. Both madams worked at the Ranch as courtesans back in the 70s when it was owned by Joe Conforte and claim that, even then, it was the safe haven that saved their lives and gave them the stability they needed to get off the streets, buy a home, have children, and give back to the community.

Embracing the Heart of the Wild, Wild West Nevada has history, heart, and prides itself on a “to each his own” kind of mentality. It’s where the salt of the earth and the pie in the sky dreamers come together. Homesteaders, miners, ranchers, gamblers…all with big dreams. Some strike it rich, some do not. Imagine the gold miner, countless hours underground, desperately searching…did he get his 8 to 14 touches per day for optimal health? Probably not…but, enter the courtesan with 66

BLISS LIFE | Wint e r 2020

her therapeutic touch and shoulder to cry on to help diffuse those wild fantasies and keep him out of the bar fight that night.

Like mining, gaming and entertainment, the sex industry is woven into the very fabric of great state of Nevada. Whether your outlet of choice is gaming, food, shopping, sex, drugs, or rock ‘n’ roll, in Nevada, you can legally explore activities that push the boundaries of social norms and satisfy the hunger that nags at your skin, your stomach, your soul…get your vices “out of your system” so you can go back to your real life with gratitude and appreciation for your freedom, your job, your family. Like it or not, these industries continue as the backbone of Nevada economics and the income generated from gaming and legal brothels helps pays for our schools, our infrastructure, our health and human services.

Legal prostitution in Nevada grosses approximately $75 million per year, and Mustang Ranch, like all legal brothels, pays more in taxes and fees per square foot than any other business in Nevada.

Mustang Ranch also has a heart for giving back to the community and they do so in countless ways that include feeding residents at a local senior citizen center and providing hundreds of backpacks filled with food and school supplies to local children in need. They also believe that no one should ever dine alone so they host holiday feasts on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter at no charge – everyone is welcome, no one is turned away. Even the Red Hat Ladies…you know, those cute little old ladies who pride themselves on their philanthropic endeavors, gather for the occasional luncheon at Mustang Ranch to enjoy the warm hospitality, fabulous food, and exceptional service. This is the culture of Mustang Ranch; inclusion, compassion, and human connection. m Learn more about the Mustang Ranch courtesans at MustangRanchBrothel.com and in the Bliss Media mini-documentary that will be released January 2020 – for documentary release details and a full list of resources and references for this article, please Search “Mustang Ranch” on BlissLifeMag.com.

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HEART DISEASE IS THE NO. 1 KILLER OF WOMEN, CAUSING 1 IN 3 DEATHS EVERY YEAR.

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16TH ANNUAL GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 DOWNTOWN RENO BALLROOM

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by

Presenting Sponsor

Healthy For Good

Speaker Sponsor

Survivor Gallery

STEM Goes Red Sponsor

Action Gaming ♥ ITS ♥ Kindred ♥ Orangetheory Fitness ♥ Tiffany East Public Relations What if we approached our heart health the way women approach life every day?

What if it was just a SHIFT? Women are busy and we want to make heart health accessible to every woman, no matter what phase of her life she is in. Because she’s worth it.

And because we know even a small SHIFT can make a big impact for heart health.

This year, we invite you to SHIFT with us. ™ Go Red trademark of AHA, Red Dress trademark of U.S. DHHS.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM LUNCHEON PROGRAM & KEYNOTE SPEAKER For more information, contact: Jessica Stack, Go Red for Women Director jessica.stack@heart.org 775-322-7065 RenoGoRedLuncheon.heart.org

2020 Go Red For Women Chair Lesley Klein

Corporate Accounting Director IGT Speaker Dr. Christine Carter Author, sociologist and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center Known for her scientific research to help people lead their most courageous, joyful, meaningful and productive lives.

NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7!