FASHION:
BAD ROMANCE GIFTING IDEAS TEGAN + SARA
CONTENTS DEAR READER THE PIN-UP BOYS OF BURLESQUE ARTIST: ATOM BASHAM NEW HOPE IN AIDS VACCINE GRAND THEFT AUTO: BALLAD OF GAY TONY GIFTS FROM THE HEART (MALIN + GOETZ) SMALL TEMPTATIONS CANDY APPLE MARTINI FASHION: BAD ROMANCE LADY GAGA: THE FAME MONSTER TEGAN + SARA: SAINTHOOD THE EVER CHANGING LANDSCAPE GOD HATES FRED PHELPS HOROSCOPES
CREDITS Carlie Wagner/ Mixologist Chrstina Burton/ Director of Graphic Design + Photography Eric Green/ Writer Gerald McGuiggan/ Writer Heather Bear/ Makeup Artist Jake Giles/ Writer Jennifer Schnoes/ Editor-in-Chief + Artist Joey Grant/ Creative Director + Writer Josh Shores/ Director of Fasion + Stylist Keegan Kennedy Green/ Writer Leslie Shores/ Stylist + Makeup Artist Lisa Kimmey/ Writer Michael Gonsiorek/ Writer Micheal Comstock/ Mixologist Neil Bagadiong/ Editor Robert Brady/ Writer
Dear Readers, What a fun month of holidays, stress and over eating we’ve had! As we draw towards the end of 2009, we realize what a crazy year has passed. We look forward to celebrating the holidays, and reflecting on the past year. Mint Male wants to share with you great gifts to give, what to wear and not to mention what to bring to this year’s holiday parties. We delved into the AIDS vaccine, tried out boxing and we also wanted to give you the gift of three handsome (and barely clothed) men. Looking back at the last 11 months, we saw a new president come into office, fiery debates on topics ranging from health care to stimulus packages and 250,000 of us marched for our equality. We saw the rise of swine flu and the fall of legends like Bea Arthur, Micheal Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Patrick Swayze amongst others. We also lost a great ally Ted Kennedy and hope for someone just as strong to take his place. We look forward to growing and sharing with you, our fellow readers, the best content we can deliver. We promise to keep our standards high and be a new venue in the world of GLBTQ media. We refuse to be lost and we encourage the voices of our staff, especially with the lack of gays in the media. So we ask in return a small favor: spread Mint Male to everyone you know. We might be gay men’s magazine, but we still try to appeal to everyone in our community and even our allies. So Happy Holidays and to all a very good New Year. Joey Grant We would like to thank our early supporters and people who went even a little bit out of their way to help our message evolve and shout loud and clear. Cocktail- David Sikora Berlin- Scott Cramer Enye - Wines DoveTail Free Nation of Beauty Jeff Dorta- www.projectpublicity.com His Stuff LVAC Phoebes Cupcakes- Heart you Phoebe and Kate Original Penguin- Christopher Murphy Mini Bar - David Groene, Robin Cook, Molly Reno Red Eye - Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz Sky Bar- Jenae Williams UR Supermodels- Asha Spacek Time Out - Jason Heidemann
The Pin-Up Boys of Burlesque “The trouble with the burlesque show, from beginning to end, is either that it has been too dirty -- or that it hasn’t been dirty enough.” -Irving Zeidman, The American Burlesque Show, 1967 When it comes to getting dirty, Stage Door Johnnies, the all male burlesque group from Chicago, are in the business of getting it just right. Drawing their inspiration from a time when “men were men and women were women,” their performances are a wonderful celebration of how those roles have changed. They are also taking the time to get it right. The three members, Ray Gunn, Jett Adore and Bazooka Joe were first revealed on the scene as back-up dancers for the very talented Hot Toddy, Chicago’s original male burlesque performer and co-producer of Chicago Takes Off, an artful and sexy annual charity event for Test Positive Aware Network. One particular eve, Mr. Toddy gathered the boys together, instructed them all to create stage personas and solo acts, and to be prepared for a photo shoot in less than week. Their first chance to bare it all was during a performance with the fierce female entertainers Frenchy Kiss and Fanny Tastic at Waterhouse tavern in Roscoe Village for an audience that is reported to consist mainly of ladies, their boyfriends, and Bazooka Joe’s mom. They apparently had no trouble winning the crowd over for they have gone on to do shows in at least a dozen other venues around the area including Park West Theater, Circuit Nightclub, Spin, the Viaduct Theater and Shank Hall in Milwaukee. While male performers may be Burlesque’s new talk of the town, Chicago is no stranger to this style of entertainment. From the 1933 World’s Fair to the now demolished Rialto Theater, a part of Billy Minsky’s once famous burlesque circuit, there is a rich history to be found in this city. However, until recently, there has not been a decent show in decades. Once a thriving art form filled with elaborate sets, beautiful costumes, fun-poking social and political commentaries, and talent who knew just when to show just enough skin, burlesque unfortunately did not survive past the fifties. A combination of fierce competition due to hard times during the prohibition and depression eras and the always unwelcome prodding of ignorant and busy-bodied “concerned citizens groups” turned these acts into artless strip shows
hosted at venues that were even less inviting. And it stayed that way for the most part until the nineties. Fortunately for everyone the Internet came along. This (then) new tool allowed the resurgence of small burlesque groups around the country to come together and form a community, paving the way for this strip-teasing trio to shake their “assets.” It also brought to the stage the opportunity to mix new ideas with old traditions. In one of these mixtures, Ray Gunn delivers a stellar sci-fi performance as a back-flipping, stripping version of Morpheus from the Matrix. As flexible and graceful as he is tempting, he shows the audience that the blue pill not only frees his mind from deceit, but also his body from his jacket, vest, pants and eventually his shiny, black briefs. Another pop-culture collaboration is Jett Adore’s Zorro number. It is the kind of Zorro that you have always wanted to see -- the eventually naked kind. With a cape instead of big feather fans, Jett illustrates a mastery of the art of tease and surprise reveals that gave burlesque its original appeal. Its purpose: leaving the audience always wanting more and giving what you do give them just when they think they are not going to get it. Equally as tantalizing is Bazooka Joe’s Steam Heat routine where he swaggers up in what looks to be just a towel. Every time the audience thinks they are going to get a look at the goods, he strips off one towel to reveal a smaller one underneath. Fortunately for the audience, towels can only be made so small. With this type of talent, the Stage Door Johnnies have solidified themselves as major players in the world of Chicago burlesque and plan to travel to Las Vegas in June for the 2010 Miss Exotic World burlesque competition. It seems that no matter what theme these three pin-up boys bring to the stage, an obvious dedication to the roots of this style will always be at the forefront of their acts. Written by Eric William Green
Upcoming shows: Delight Before Christmas (Girlie-Q Productions) Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays nights at 8:30 pm November 27th through December 19th Theatre Building Chicago Hot Toddy’s Christmas Striptacular Wednesday, December 9th Scarlet Nightclub
Vaudezilla Thursday, December 17th Exit Chicago Rebellious Mondays Every Monday night starting in 2010 Hydrate Nightclub The Wall (Viva La Muerte Productions) January 8th, 9th, 15th & 16th Viaduct Theater
Festival of Flesh (Arkham Noise Productions) Every last Thursday of the month Lucky Number Grill
Belts and Buckles www.heroine-chic.com
Belts and Buckles www.heroine-chic.com
Belts and Buckles www.heroine-chic.com
Messenger Bag www.originalpenguin.com
Recycled Billboard Messenger bag www.greenheart.com
Recycled Tire Messenger bag El Salvador Fair Trade www.greenheart.com
ATOM BASHAM Local Chicago artist Atom Basham brings monsters in all shapes and sizes to life. Basham grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and has been in Chicago for the last ten years. He recalls beginning his art career at the tender age of three: drawing on walls and eventually cardboard boxes due to the consequences of wall art. He quickly moved into painting and decided to start by changing his mother’s paintings of an elephant. He felt pink and green stripes suited the elephant better.
Basham explains his determination and desire to never stop painting, “I work all the time and try to keep the focus on my painting.” He has been working full time to build his collection, his portfolio and find his ground in the Chicago art community. When pressed to explain his process, he says this, “I make coffee, check my email and sketch from my head.” These little monsters seem to simple spring to life from the corner of his imagination, and then he takes his sketches, considers placement, and the images naturally build upon themselves. As self taught artist, Basham learns through trial and error until he gets his own desired finish. “I don’t even remember the last time I bought a new canvas,” he said, referring to his use of mostly
recycled and salvaged materials. He paints on top of old paintings, slabs of wood, and just about anything else he can find. His three bedroom living and work space is filled with art and a large stash of materials he has picked up via the alley or local thrift stores. When asked if his sexuality affects his art, he replied, “Yes and no. Only in the way that in the gay subculture you have to be more comfortable with your body. It helps when you’re a painter. You’re less shy to paint body parts.” He continued, “It makes an impact on who I am as an artist not what my art becomes.” He recently attended “The Addams Family” on stage and left with mixed feelings about the show, but with nostalgic thoughts of what first inspired his monster making. American cartoonist Charles Addams, the original creator of “The Addams Family”, made Basham realize that “art can push out of the box”. Basham shows immense creativity and we are excited to watch him grow and expand upon his art. The future is bright for this artist, who has his eyes set on one day owning a gallery and workplace, developing toy monsters, and even work on some stop motion films.
Written by Joey Grant
Visit Atom at http://monstersinmyhead.tripod.com
NEW
HOPE IN AIDS VACCINE Written by Joseph R Yates, MD, FACEP
World AIDS Day was observed on December 1st of this year. If you just read this, you missed it! But you can certainly still help and it is never too late to make a difference. Between 1981 and 2007, AIDS killed more than 25 million people. As of 2007, 33.2 million people on our planet live with the disease. Amazingly, I meet people in the emergency department every day who tell me they’re not concerned about getting AIDS. They consider condoms an inconvenience, and they haven’t seen large numbers of friends suffering or dying with the disease. Because there are available treatments which help people look healthy and live longer, young people are often not afraid of the disease! For relative safeness of various sex acts, please see my November article in the archives of MintMaleMagazine (MMM). But, as the leading local researcher on development of AIDS vaccine, Dr. Richard M. Novak of the University of Illinois, Chicago, says, “…they still have to take the medicine. It’s a task every day, costs a lot of money, and has unpleasant side effects.” AIDS is very complicated, as are the treatments and medications that follow. Luckily, in modern times, we have the treatments which to keep many victims alive and healthy. But it’s still very deadly. In addition, exposure to AIDS also dramatically increases your risks of contracting hepatitis, syphilis and the whole gamut of sexually transmitted diseases. We recommend, at least, these five ways to stay healthy and avoid diseases: 1. Subscribe to Mint Male by emailing Mintmale@mintmale.com, so you can receive the latest copy every month. We always have an assortment of sexy men and fun -to-read articles, but a priority of ours is to keep you healthy.
2. “Practice celibacy” has been a national moral and religious campaign for years. Here at Mint Male Magazine we don’t realistically expect, or even wish that for readers who choose otherwise. We do advise to “wrap it up,” especially during the riskiest behavior - anal sex. 3. I am a professional and experienced doctor. I am here to answer those questions you may not always want to ask. So you can send me an email at DocYates@mintmale. com 4 Be Honest. You should tell your partners your status, and what you may have. Also, get tested every six months. There is no reason not to, with websites like http:// www.hivtest.org, that make your life that much easier by helping you find places to get tested. 5. A glimmer of hope to cure AIDS has begun and here is how to get involved. Contact www.HopeTakesAction.org. Read further about the reason for renewed hope in this battle against AIDS: At the end of this summer, a six year study on 16,000 volunteers in Thailand ended, showing some success for the first time in the history of AIDS vaccine research. The study, funded by the US Army and the National Institutes of Health, showed that by combining two previously-failed vaccines, the number of people in the vaccinated group was one-third less likely to contract the virus during the study period. This isn’t a cure. Not even a successful enough vaccine to be initiated into the general population. What it is, is the first successful trial, meaning there is hope in what was previously looking like a dead end – the hunt for a vaccine that meaningfully reduces the risk of disease transmission. New life will be injected into ongoing researchers’ efforts. New money may be provided for research in light of the prospect that a vaccine is coming along now.
In our own community, Dr. Novak and the University of Illinois at Chicago are participating in the development of a different kind of vaccine. They need you and your contacts to spread the word. Volunteers are needed to participate in the study of a vaccine directed toward reduction of the effect of the virus in people who contract it.
The vaccine being studied here is simultaneously being studied in at least twelve cities around the United States. A vaccine will be administered to the study group, which will be comprised of over a thousand 18 to 45 year-old men who have sex with men. It is a fact that some of these men, despite being re-educated about risk avoidance during the trial, will convert their status to HIV positive. The vaccine, it is hoped, will reduce the viral load and the effects of the disease in those who do convert. This is different from the vaccine being used in the Thailand study in that it does not prevent the development of antibodies. It theoretically reduces the effect of the virus on the person who becomes HIV-positive. What you can do: If you’re a circumcised man who has sex with men and are between the ages of 18 and 45, please go to www.HopeTakesAction.org. In addition to Chicago, the trial is looking for men in: Atlanta, Birmingham (Ala.), Boston (Fenway and Brigham & Young), Los Angeles, Nashville (Tenn.), New York City (Columbia U. and NY Blood Center), Philadelphia (U. Penn.), Rochester (NY), San Francisco, and Seattle. Project WISH University of Illinois at Chicago 840 S. Wood Street Room B39 Chicago, IL 60612 (312) 413-5897 (800) 575-5758 (Illinois only) If you don’t fall into the study eligibility category, talk it up! You know people who are eligible, so let them know how much our community will be indebted to those who help us make progress in the fight.
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Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony Written by Michael Gonsiorek
As a gay video gamer, it is hard to find representation that has an air of dignity. While there hve been gay video game characters, they have mostly been thrown in for a quick, low blow laugh. While “The Ballad of Gay Tony” makes certain strides, this game is not in the market to change that. At least not completely. The first thing to note is that the player does not control Gay Tony, but controls his partner in everything but life, Louis Lopez. While Tony is a bit of a stereotype at times, the relationship he has with Louis is tender. Louis was a kid on the wrong path. Even though Tony does things he is not supposed to, Louis feels he is obligated to help him out. Tony owns two of Libery City’s hottest night clubs, one straight and the other gay. The player learns that Tony owes a few favors to people, and Lopez is sent out to take care of them. “The Ballad of Gay Tony” has not strayed far from the “GTAIV” formula. If that game felt comfortable, then there is not much that has been tweaked in this version. The missions feel a bit more overthe-top, but that isn’t a bad thing. One of the complaints of GTAIV was that it can be a bit too serious. The game is an equal opportunity offender; this is not a problem as all of the Grand Theft Auto games have made every single group in the world look bad. It comes as no surprise that other characters will often refer to Tony as a ‘faggot.’ It is in these moments where I found Louis to be very likable because he always sticks up for Tony. It is established that Louis is straight, but it’s not a problem as he represents a forward thinking man, and hopefull this will rub off on the kids who play this game. The thing that sold me on this game was
the mission “...blog this...”: There is a blogger who likes to draw over pictures of people and post them on his mostly pink blog called ‘The Celubinator.’ He writes some unflattering things about Tony and his clubs. A meeting is arranged, and Tony tries to get on his good side by offering a helicopter ride. Needless to say that if you have a problem with a certain blogger who exists in the real world, you will enjoy this mission greatly: it will fulfill your desire to punch him. Repeatedly. There are few other things besides Tony that are ‘gay’ in this game. As Louis, you can visit Tony’s gay bar and have a dance off with one of the patrons there, also Tony has a boyfriend. That’s pretty much it. But it is a step forward, and Rockstar took a chance with this game by having such a prominent gay character. That never happens unless it’s in a lesbian context to titillate in the video game world. This game would get an 8.75 out of 10. The game can either be downloaded from the Xbox Live Marketplace for 1600 Microsoft Points (about $20) which will require the player to own a copy of GTAIV in order to play the expansion. The other option is to buy this in a bundle pack along with the other downloaded episode “The Lost and the Damned” for around $40. If you want the disc, you can buy it in a package called “Episodes of Liberty City.” The disc version does not require a copy of GTAIV in order to play the episodes.
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GreenHeart empowers consumers by giving them the opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet and mankind with their purchases. This holiday season, make your gifts mean more and give more. Buying fair-trade, ecofriendly and from social enterprises has such a greater impact than scouring through over-sized department stores. Usually, when buying these types of gifts, you assume the hefty price tag. However, at GreenHeart, they have gifts available on any budget, and some items are surprisingly affordable considering their origin and the quality of the products. The store has an abundance of jewelry, clothing, food, home decor and much more. Did we mention GreenHeart is non-profit? They exist so that we can have somewhere to go and buy these items that are so important to our economy and to social justice. It’s so important because it is more humane and responsible to the environment. The point is, while your buying a product for yourself or another, you’re also recycling, giving to the underprivileged, and supporting social enterprises all at the same time! GreenHeart was founded in October 2007 under a parent non-profit called Center for Cultural Interchange. CCI is a international education exchange organization dedicated to the promotion of academic development, cultural understanding, environmental consciousness, and world peace. They were sending students all over the world for a variety of education and social causes, and then decided to bring the world to you. The GreenHeart Shop was born to not only raise awareness of the outside cultures, but to also be eco-friendly. With the rising concern of the environment, GreenHeart decided we needed an outlet to purchase reconciled, non-harmful, and eco-friendly materials. The store features merchandise from a huge variety of countries and techniques as well as a peek into every part of the world. Fair trade, eco-friendly, sustanibale, social enterprise...What does this mean? Mint Male has that answer.
Fair Trade Fair Trade is a third party certification for consumer products that ensures: - Workers are paid fair living wages - Products are made in a safe and democratic work environment - No sweatshops or child labor is used - Environmentally sustainable practices - Reinvestment of proceeds in community development (such as clean water, schools, health care, nurseries, etc.)
Eco-Friendly Products that are made from either renewable or recycled materials and that use environmentally friendly production processes. Basically, the production of these products will not contribute towards pollution, the leaching of harmful chemicals into the environment, the destruction of natural eco-systems and habitats, or cause other environmental problems.
Sustainable This term is used often and may have slightly different meanings for people. For the GreenHeart Shop, this word is a combination of the above two words. It denotes a long term view of the environmental and social impact of certain products and trade systems. Does this trade Social Enterprise system/product provide for continued long While many Fair Trade producer term health of the environment and worker groups are social enterprises in essence, communities? Does this help create the actual term is usually refers to US-based healthy stable economies for the future? companies and producer groups. Part of the Does this ensure the protection of reason for this is because there is not a Fair Trade the environment for the years to certification for products made in the US yet (a discussion come? for another time.) Here in Chicago, the Mayor’s office has a specific “Social Enterprise Ventures Program” which defines social enterprises as “...a revenue-generating venture that provides a nonprofit with unrestricted funds and enhances the organization’s core mission. Earned income from these ventures build and sustain real jobs while providing wages, career tracks and supportive services for people who have substantial barriers to employment. As such, this program offers an opportunity for people with criminal records to gain real work experience in a real business environment with Find GreenHeart standard practices and procedures sensitive to their 1911 W Division individual needs and personal circumstances”. I Chicago, Illinois think of it as a for-profit business with nonwww.greenheartshop.org profit values and mission.
Snake Bottle Opener Made in India Fair Trade - Recycled bike chains $9
Galimoto (bicycle rider) Kenya Fair Trade $10
Salvaged Recycled Glassware Wisconsin Used beer and wine bottles $8 & up
Salvaged Recycled Glassware Wisconsin Used beer and wine bottles $8 & up
Handmade Embroidered Ornaments India Fair Trade $6.50 & up
Women’s Bean Project Colorado Social Enterprise Dips, mixes and a variety of food products Made by displaced women $4.25 and up
Paperless Gift Wrap India Fair Trade - Handmade from old cotton rags $2.50
Mosaic Bowls Indonesia Fair Trade- Black Chamba Technique $50 & up
Recycled Newspaper Wallet Kalamazoo, MI $14 & up
Recycled Tire Wrist Band El Salvador Fair Trade $10
Alpaca Wool Scarves Bolivia Fair Trade $20
Fabric Cupcake Set Bangladesh Fair Trade and Hand Knit $32
Santa Claus Gourd Box Peru Fair Trade- Made from gourds and designs are hand carved and burned onto it $9
Mr. Ellie Pooh Paper Fair Trade Made from Elephant Poo (it’s sanitized!) Paper Products $10 & up
Organic Cotton Stuffed Llamas Peru Fair Trade- Hand knit $14
Robert y b n e t it r W
Brady
Since launching in 2004, (MALIN+GOETZ) has become a household beauty brand. Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz started the family owned and operated skincare line with 11 products and have grown to over 50 products in only 5 years. This all due to having a belief in their brand. Matthew’s background is in beauty and Andrew’s in marketing. Matthew started his career in the Executive Training Program at Saks Fifth Avenue following University in 1991. After two years there, Matthew worked for three years as a cosmetic buyer at the privately owned Barneys New York. For the next five years, Matthew oversaw global distribution and sales development for the family operated Kiehl’s. After Kiehl’s sale to L’Oreal, Matthew accepted a position with Prada to develop and manage the Helmut Lang Parfums Division and licensing agreement with P&G. Two years later, Matthew and Andrew began developing a business plan for (MALIN+GOETZ). For ten years preceding the launch of (MALIN+GOETZ), Andrew worked as Marketing Director for family owned Vitra, a Swiss-based design manufacturer. Andrew’s responsibilities included finding and cultivating the architects and industrial designers whose careers Vitra is known to begin. Both the New York flagship (MALIN+GOETZ) architect and graphic team behind the (MALIN+GOETZ) packaging were organic extensions of previous collaborations and relationships. Utilizing his creative expertise for (MALIN+GOETZ), Andrew has also established himself as chef for a monthly dinner party that March 2006 Food & Wine Magazine call one of Manhattan’s “best.” *Taken from www.malinandgoetz.com
For our December issue, Makeup Artist and Beauty Contributor Robert Brady reveals M+G’s top 5 recommended gift-giving for the man in your life! “I love (Malin+Goetz) because it really shows results! The whole line is unisex and fragrance free, paraben free. Anyone can use it, even the most sensitive of skin!”
#1 product since the start is their Grapefruit Face Cleanser $30/8oz. It’s a foaming gel with natural grapefruit extracts. It’s gentle, yet very through and not harsh on the most sensitive of skin.
#2 Vitamin E Face Moisturizer $42/4oz. The Vitamin E face moisturizer feels amazing! Especially even after shaving! It’s very cooling, non-irritating to the skin, and my skin is very sensitive. I love that it’s oil-free and residue-free plus it doesn’t clog my pores.
#3 Detox Face Mask $40/4oz. An Allure Magazine Editor’s Choice Award Winner: the detox face mask is unlike any other face mask you’ve ever used! It contains natural almond extract which gently and effectively purifies, clarifies, balances and soothes your skin. Vitamin C, vitamin E and soy protein help firm and address the signs of aging. It even smells good and contains only natural fragrances and colors.
#4 Eucalyptus Shower Gel $18/8oz. You will love this orgasmic natural eucalyptus scented shower gel! It’s very hydrating, and the smell alone will totally relax you!
#5 Peppermint Hair Shampoo $20/8oz. Try this shampoo and pamper yourself each time you wash your weave! Very gentle and hydrating, yet the natural peppermint fragrance purifies and balances all hair types.
Small Temptations
Photographed by Christina Burton
Peanut Butter Cake A decadent holiday dessert appropriate for all your holiday gatherings. Rich and peanut buttery, this cake is sure to make mouths water. Ingredients for crust: 1 box chocolate cake mix 1 stick of butter; melted 1 egg 8 tablespoons hot fudge
Ingredients for filling: 1 8oz package of softened cream cheese 1 stick of melted butter 3 eggs 1 16 oz box confectioners sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground cloves 1 heaping spoonful of creamy peanut butter
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. For the Crust - In a large bowl combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg with an electric mixer. After all ingredients have been incorporated, transfer dough to a well greased 9x13 glass pan. Pat down the dough evenly and cover with a layer of hot fudge. Set aside. For the Filling - In another large bowl mix together softened cream cheese, 1 stick melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves. Mix in eggs one at a time. Next, add in confectioners sugar one cup at a time. After all the ingredients have been incorporated and mixture is creamy, add peanut butter. Mix again until all peanut butter is incorporated. Transfer filling mixture to glass dish with the crust. Spread evenly and jiggle the pan slightly so that no air bubbles remain. Place cake in a preheated (350 degrees) oven and bake for 50 minutes. Remove after 50 minutes and let cool for about two hours. Serve and enjoy.
Monkey Bread
A Christmas staple in my family, this bunt is perfect for Christmas morning or your holiday cocktail party. Beautiful to look at, fun to eat, and easy to make. Ingredients: 1 stick butter 3 cans large buttermilk or home style biscuits 2 cups cane sugar 2 cups dark or light brown sugar 3 tablespoons cinnamon 2 tablespoons nutmeg
In a large bowl combine sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cut biscuits into quarters and cover pieces in cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the completely coated dough pieces in a very well greased bunt pan. Leave about an inch of clearance between the last layer of dough pieces and rim of pan as the dough will rise during baking. In a small sauce pan melt 1 stick of butter and a cup of the cinnamon sugar mixture together. Remove from heat when mixture starts to boil and pour over the dough pieces. Place bunt in 350 degree oven and bake for 30 mintues. Let cool breifly and transfer bunt carefully to a large serving plate by placing a plate against the open side of the bunt pan and flipping. If all goes well your bunt will transfer well and you can enjoy!
Mini Mushroom and Sausage Quiches Ingredients 8 ounces turkey breakfast sausage removed from casing and crumbled into small pieces 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil (for cooking turkey sausages) 8 ounces mushrooms 1/4 cup sliced scallions 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 5 eggs 3 egg whites 1 cup milk
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F. Coat a nonstick muffin tin generously with cooking spray. Heat a large nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add sausage and cook until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl to cool. Add oil to the pan. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown, stirring often. Transfer mushrooms to the bowl with the sausage and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in scallions, cheese and pepper. Whisk eggs, egg whites and milk in a medium bowl. Divide the egg mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each cup. Bake for 25 minutes or until the tops are just beginning to brown. Let quiches, still in the muffin pan, cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes, but not too long! Make sure to enjoy these while they’re good and warm. Remove from muffin pan and serve! Note: If you would like a crust for your quiches, simply cut pie crusts into small circles and press into muffin pan cups.
Mouthwatering Water Chestnuts A sure fire way to make your holiday party a hit. Make sure you have some silver hors d’oeuvre sticks to make your presentation that much better! Ingredients 2 packages of organic bacon 3 cans of water chestnuts 8 ounces of organic mayonnaise 5 ounces of chili sauce or hot sauce 2 cups of brown sugar
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. To prepare, drain all three cans of water chestnuts and cut bacon slices into thirds. Wrap each water chestnut with a piece of bacon and hold together with a toothpick (make sure you get the toothpicks that can be in the oven - nothing with plastic!) Bake on a cookie sheet for 35 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven and drain off grease. Mix mayonnaise and chili/hot sauce in a bowl. Pour over the water chestnuts and sprinkle brown sugar over each water chestnut. Bake again for another 35 minutes. Replace wooden sticks with silver picks (or at least non-cooked toothpicks) and serve!
Hummus Ingredients 4 Garlic Gloves, finely chopped and mashed 2 15oz cans of Garbanzo Beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed 2/3 cup of Tahini (roasted - not raw) 1/3 cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice 1/2 cup of Water 1/4 cup of Olive Oil 1/2 teaspoon of Salt
In a food processor, combine all ingredients except salt and process until smooth. Add salt to taste. Serve with crackers, raw vegetables such as sweet red peppers and carrots, or pita bread. If you can’t find mini pitas, simply cut the large pita pockets into triangles. If you want your pita toasted, lightly brush with olive oil and set in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.
Chocolate Martini Ingredients 2 1/4 oz Stoli Cinnamon Vodka 3/4 oz Godiva Dark Chocolate Liquor 1/2 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream 1/2 oz of Cream
Combine ingredients in martini shaker with ice and shake well. A great addition, though completely optional would be garnishing the edge of the glass with cinnamon powder and a cinnamon stick.
PISS + VINEGAR Mintmale’s new favorite undies can make a great present for a lover or perhaps something to sport yourself. These highly graphic, extremely fun undies can bring out the confidence in any man. Show your love for Jesus, Boys or Buddha this holiday season from designer Jason Sutherland, the man who helped launch the fun-derwear industry with Ginch Gonch. Piss & Vinegar will be available in major department stores soon. Sutherland notes, “Our underwear literally grabs guys by their balls. We want to remind men to grab life by the balls and to live each day like it is their last. Because it just might be.” You can find this hot new line at select indepentent retailers and is available now online at www.pissvinegar.com.
CANDY APPLE MARTINI (Makes 1 Drink) With your holiday party in mind, I have decided to feature an incredibly easy, yet festive, martini for this month. The deep red and bright green make my Candy Apple Martini a great option for your holiday drink menu.
Ingredients: 1 bag Cinnamon hard candies 1.5 oz Citrus flavored vodka 1.5 oz Apple Schnapps
Directions: Before your guests arrive, place candies in a double layered freezer bag and wrap it in a kitchen towel. With a hammer (or other heavy object), crush candies into a powder on a durable surface. Take your martini glass and dampen the rim before dipping it into your powdered candy. Allow the glass to rest for a minute so the candy is able to solidify. This process may have to be repeated in order to create a thick layer of candy around the rim of your martini glass. At the end of this process what you’ve accomplished is, essentially, your glass has become a cinnamon lollipop. Combine 1.5 oz of vodka and 1.5 oz of schnapps into a shaker with ice. Mix well and strain into glass. If you plan on serving a large number of these drinks, I suggest preparing the candy rims in advance. If the candy is layered thick enough, the drink can be refilled without having to reapply the candy each time. You can also make pitchers of the drink early and keep it refrigerated to refill drinks throughout the evening. Enjoy your holiday celebrations!
BAD ROMANCE
H oliday parties are all about having fun and bring-
ing out your creative side. Add color and over the top accessories; its only once a year so you may as well enjoy it. Parties are also a time to go overboard and dress things up a bit. Remember, especially at a party, you can never be overdressed. Wear a suit. Wear a bow tie. Even throw a top hat on. Wear mistletoe as a boutineer. This year, we are seeing more casual tux type suits you can dress up or dress down as much as you’d like in colors other then black. A crisp pin striped button down shirt with or without cuffs accompanied with a bow tie or scarf and a top hat can energize any evening. You could also try fixing a solid colored or complimenting print scarf around your waste like a cumberbund with simple safety pins or paper clips to clasp it on (even a bandage clip can secure it safely in place). A more casual yet still appropriate holiday attire could be some tuxedo pants (like the sequin studded ones in our current editorial) with a pair of pumas and a cute v-neck tshirt. Slip into your favorite winter sweater with some nice fitting wool plaid pants, a dress shirt, and your comfy sock hat you love to wear for a very festive look. Big comfortable jacket like sweaters with buttons or zippers are also hot this winter. They’re good to pair with dress attire or a nice pair of dark denim or some bright colored corduroy. Whatever you do, have fun and go leap out of the box to be the talk of the party, whether your hosting or attending. We featured some beautiful women’s attire in this bad romance. Both the short black mini dress and the long strapless dress in a very modern material are by local designer Lacroix. They are perfect examples of stepping out and would be the centerpiece at any holiday party. Styled by Josh + Leslie Shores Hair by Joey Grant + Leslie Shores Make-Up by Leslie Shores + Jennifer Schnoes Models: Faris Kabaklic + Jennifer Schnoes Photographed by Christina Burton
Jennifer wears Pleated taffeta gown $2100 LaCour http://www.maisondelacour.com/ Hand made feather headband $25 LSBROOKE LSBROOKE@yahoo.com Earrings Vintage
Faris wears Drab shell top hat $29.90 Blue button down w/ribbon tie $59.90 Grey w/black accents suit/tux jacket $189 Zara http://zara.com/
Jennifer (right) wears Bustier balloon dress $1760 LaCour http://www.maisondelacour.com/
Faris (left) wears Knitted jacket $89.90 Blue button down $59.90 100% cotton t-shirt $29.90 Zara http://zara.com/ Pinstripe slim trousers $98 Original Penguin http://originalpenguin.com/
Faris (far left) wears Satin back suit jacket $250 White stitched dress shirt $98 Pinstripe slim trousers $98 White bow-tie $39.50 Faris (back) wears Red sweater $69 Plaid is Duece trousers $98 Black and white polka dot bow-tie $39.50 Flakey sock hat $35 Original Penguin http://originalpenguin.com/
Faris wears Grey suit/tux jacket $189 Zara Plaid is Duece trousers $98 Original Penguin Cotton pin tucked shirt www.soledaddesigns.com Red silk tie $75 Brooks Brothers
TER
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We’ve come to expect a lot from Lady Gaga. She wears outlandish pieces that on first glance make you ask, “What the f**k is that?” but with a tilt of your head, you realize every thread is stitched methodically. One would think after wearing an outfit made in the likeness of Kermit the Frog, she’d be hard pressed to top herself (which definitely takes the cake as the most batshit crazy thing she’s worn). Much like her fashion in the past year, Gaga continues to top herself musically with each single. It’s hard to believe the young blonde with the lightening bolt over one eye singing about just dancing is suddenly doing music videos that take place in Russian bath houses and ending in murder. Stylistically, Lady Gaga is definitely not just dance. On her official follow-up to her debut album, The Fame, the lavender blonde is back with The Fame Monster, an expansion on themes from her first album but with a darker twist. Simply reading the title of this review probably lodged first single “Bad Romance” in your head. With a series of infectious structures that unite to complete what is perhaps her best single to-date, Gaga employs frantic synths and catwalk beats to accompany a more guttural, raw sounding vocal that matches the desperate lyrics of the song. The risk with a lesspolished voice suggests a more versatile sound on future albums. The versatility doesn’t stop there on the eight track record. Next up is a 90s throwback called “Alejandro.” If you don’t start humming an Ace of Base tune, you’re
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either born too late or deaf. As Gaga sings about an older Mexican lover, she uses Spanglish and smoky electronica to create her own desert scene. On The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga assigned each of the songs a specific monster. All were created based on her experiences she had touring the world in support of The Fame. The contrast between the glory and the gory sides of Fame provide interesting motifs that flow between the songs: monsters, teeth, dancing, drinking, sex, ugliness, and unity. On “Dance In The Dark,” a start-and-stop effect and an 80s influence tell the tale about a girl with an abusive lover who finds solace on the dancefloor. The bridge pays homage to Madonna’s “Vogue,” only this time featuring a roll call of public figures who fell victim to the dark side of fame, including Princess Diana, Jon-Benet Ramsey, and Sylvia Plath. Second single “Telephone,” featuring Beyonce, pits pop’s leading ladies in their second collaboration – only this time, it’s actually good and almost makes you forget about the steaming mess that is “Video Phone.” Produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins (Britney Spears, Spice Girls), Gaga takes the simple concept of wanting to dance without mobile distractions and transforms it into the most hard-hitting dance track of the album, complete with ringing phones, blips, and words that won’t escape you. Beyonce’s contribution is minimal, but who needs B when you have Lady G? Gaga does slow things down with a classic rock ballad called “Speechless,” which she has said is a song sung
from the perspective of her mother about her father. It’s produced by Ron Fair and has a full backing band with real instruments and Queen-esque crescendos that make Gaga worthy of her Queen-inspired name. Although the affected way she sings may be overdone, it is easily the most fleshed-out ballad she has done. Still, we have yet to hear the ultimate Gaga ballad. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes, the record ends with a marching-band on speed sounding song called “Teeth.” As Gaga sings about a man taking a bite of her bad girl meat, brass takes this straightforward pop song and gives it a Louisiana swing flare, complete with a harmonious call and response. It’s the most daring thing she’s done, and she needs to do more of this so she doesn’t circle the drain of pop cliché. Although it is not a full album of material, Lady Gaga has delivered a platter of pleasing pop from which fans and new listeners alike can sample and enjoy. Even if every song is an up-tempo club banger with the exception of “Speechless,” that’s certainly not a bad thing. With four number ones from a debut album and being only 23 years old, it seems as though Lady Gaga has only begun her pop onslaught.
Visit Lady Gaga at www.hausofgaga.com
TEGAN + SARA
SAINTHOOD by Jake Glles Courtesy of Canvas Media Tegan & Sara – Sainthood Released 10.27.09 Label – Sire/Wea
Listening to the songs from Canadian sister duo Tegan & Sara’s newest album, Sainthood, you’ll find it difficult to find traces of the 19-year-old girls who released their first album in 1999. It only takes the first few songs to notice the absence of the high-pitched voices that sometimes grated on their first couple of albums. Since releasing The Con in 2008, the girls have adopted a more mature sound without losing the rawness that makes Tegan & Sara dynamic and refreshing in the singer-songwriter scene. Lead-off single “Hell” has a driving tempo and a series of repeated lyrics to make the song accessible without the gloss. A peak into the lyrics reveals themes that carry into the rest of the album; failed relationships, disillusionment of romantic ideals, and the general torment that accompanies being infatuated with someone you can’t figure out, anchors the record and gives “Sainthood” a consistent sound. Sometimes, the album sounds a little too consistent. Fans may miss the more obvious ballads and down-tempo songs found on The Con. Still, Tegan & Sara build on their signature sound with each album, and never repeat exactly what they did before. Songs like “The Cure” feature the recognizable harmonies of the sisters against a lo-fi guitar and a new wave melody in the chorus. Similarly, “Sentimental Tune” climaxes with a string section and accordion that elevates the song into an almost ethereal atmosphere, a new and exciting trick for a Tegan & Sara record. It’s clear with Sainthood that the girls are comfortable with their abilities, but also obvious that they’re pushing themselves musically and lyrically. As the sisters mature, their music follows suit, proving that it’s possible to top your best work over and over again.
Visit them at www.teganandsara.com
The Ever Changing Landscape by Joey Grant
Politics change as quickly as celebrity relationships go sour. We live in a such media whirlwind era with Twitter alone able to change the tone of the political landscape in a matter of hours. So many issues are constantly being beaten against us, from health care to the environment and the immediate threat of the growing unemployment rate. The Right quickly blames the Obama Administration for every wrong turn, and the Left dwells on a past full of failures. Hopefully, with the new year approaching, we can look towards the future of a reformed health care system, the repeal of DADT, some new regulations on climate control, of course, the repeal of DOMA and a beginning to a future of marriage equality. I hope our President doesn’t fall to the middle or even worse to the right. I feel like our country needs a progressive leader that doesn’t give up on the dreams of the liberals and those who fall to the left. I hope our landscape changes to be more inclusive to grant equality to GLBTQ people, immigrants, and women. I don’t want to see us stumble backwards by sending more troops to Afghanistan, putting restrictions on abortions, and making more financial mistakes. It’s time for the lobbyists, NRA and religious organizations to get off the political lawn and let the American people back in. We have been left out thanks to corporate greed, lobbyist wish lists and the far right conservative movement. We must stop basing our government policies on these types of organizations that care only about one agenda. Our health, happiness and success should be priorities in the policies being made. I want to see a jobs bills that creates more jobs and education for Americans to grow. I want to see changes in the policies that limit the GLBTQ community in the military as well as in marriage. The government should start protecting us and not their coffers or campaign bank accounts. The right and left should stop pretending to wage this political civil war that encourages donations and approval ratings games.
Washington needs to put forth real effort towards reform and prosperity. The media is not much better: they consume the airwaves with talking points that were fed down from sponsors. We need the lawn to grow and include the priorities of the people. The voice of every American. In this era we’re also seeing the death of major gay news sources Window Media, LLC, and United Media, LLC. These two companies controlled the Washington Blade, Southern Voice, and the South Florida Blade. The Washington Blade was the longest running gay newspaper and celebrated 40 years last month. This is a major setback in the gay community since our voice is so small. We are a treated like a small blade of grass on the political landscape: almost as if we were a fringe group supporting some crazed cult leader. It shows daily that our community is left out and ignored by the media. The National Equality March got little to no coverage except from the American cable television run network C-span, and our news seems never to make national headlines. Members of our community are still being harassed, dismissed, and brutally murdered, but the population at large isn’t the wiser because these incidences are not reported on national news media channels. We are forced to be heard through facebook, blogs and small time local newspapers. This is exactly why Mint Male is so important to my staff and I. We are striving to become a new voice for the community, and we will fight to be heard. We will call out double standards such as Adam Lambert’s supposedly racy awards show performance when we have seen more than we asked for from performers and celebrities such as Britney Spears, Lil Kim, Paris Hilton, and others. Let’s not mention the millions of music videos that are practically soft core porn. When a gay man grinds some face and makes out with a person of the same sex, he is ridiculed, cancelled from shows and blurred on national television. I hope it does nothing but help his career. I digress, but it shows that our community is never represented in a good light and always in a scandalous or controversial way. Another example of double standards: a major highend department store has just recently rejected our request to pull clothing for our fashion spreads. We are too racy because we show men with their hands near their crotches, and yet their ads can be found in “W” and other leading fashion magazines that feature topless women and almost artistic nudity. It made me realize how connected politics, the media, and even local occurrences are. It can be a politician neglecting our needs, the media refusing we exist, or a department store acting as if our magazine is too controversial. It’s one big mass that is too scared to cross the line and be on the right side of history. When will the landscape include us and admit this: yes, we really do exist.
God Ha Have you ever wanted to Bitch Slap someone? I thought so. Many of us have taken it a step past wanting and have actually done it! Brava! I do not condone acts of violence of any sort, especially that of a physical nature, But sometimes it’s called for! I am going to start the first ever Mint Male ‘Bitch Slap’ column by lambasting the despicable Westboro Baptist Church and it’s evil leader, Fred Phelps. In my opinion, Phelps is likely a closeted homosexual despite his and his church’s antigay stance. It’s really more than a stance, it’s a way of life for Phelps and his moronic followers. Westboro Baptist Church is an independent Baptist church and anti-gay hate group located in Topeka, Kansas. It began in 1955 and has arguably grown to be the most hateful organization in America. Phelps is an 80 year old, self loathing bigot that was born November 13th, 1929. He founded Westboro Baptist Church in 1955, just two weeks after his 26th birthday. So young, and hate filled. Phelps and his church are most notably recognized for their slogan: ”God Hates Fags”, although their hatred is also targeted at the U.S. military, communist nations, the Catholic church, Islam, Judaism, Princess Diana, Heath Ledger, Sonny Bono, and too many more to mention. In short, he hates everyone and everything. I’ll focus only on his repeated, unrelenting, unwarranted and maniacal attacks on gays for the past several decades. In 1951, on the campus of the John Muir college, Phelps began his hate mongering and inflammatory rhetoric. He began preaching about the campus at will spewing unfathomable hatred toward practically anyone in his sight. It seemed he hadn’t yet honed in on gays, but directed his attacks toward random targets. He was upset with what he deemed ‘promiscuous petting’ and general closeness between students on campus. He targeted teachers for their ‘filthy jokes’ in classrooms, profanity and cheating. It’s clear that he was already suffering from a mental problem or perhaps he was purely evil. Some eleven years later in 1962, Phelps attained a law degree from Washburn University. In 1964, he formed a law firm that would later all but fail as a result of his permanent disbarment from the practice of law in the state of Kansas. He was caught red-handed lying and charged with perjury. He has told the court
ates Fred Phelps
by Gerard McGuiggan
that he would produce eight witnesses in a case that would prove his case. He prepared affidavits that the eight were to supposedly to sign. While he was lying like a rug, the defendant in the case produced signed and sworn affidavits from the very eight people that he listed. They swore that they never had any contact with Phelps and moreover, never agreed to sign any such document. Busted! It couldn’t have happened to a better person (grin). After disbarment from Kansas, he continued to practice in federal courts until 1989 when he settled a case in which nine federal judges brought a complaint against him and five of his children for filing false complaints against the judges. Admitting defeat, he agreed to permanently stop practicing in federal courts. He has gone after almost everyone, save those of his own church. In 1998, Westboro members appeared at the funeral of Al Gore’s father. Donning picket signs and screaming vulgarities, they yelled to gore: “Your father is in hell”. One year prior, the described Gore as a ‘Famous Fag Pimp” because of his support of gay rights. After giving you a brief glimpse into his past, I’ll now focus on some of the reasons that make me loathe and despise this poor excuse of a man. I’m sure you’ll feel the same as I do about him before too long. You have probably seen him and his minions at the Pride Parade in the past. They are there every year picketing and being general pains-in-the-ass. They stand there adorned in their low-budget plastic shoes, weathered flannels and deeply soiled John Deere hats. If you’ve ever seen one of them smile then you’d know what a half-box of Chicklets gum looks like. They aren’t pretty. But even uglier than what you see is what you cannot. I’m talking about their souls (if they even have them). They are filled with hate, and antipathy and have likely never known love, not even for themselves. They stand amongst the crowds on a very proud day in our community with picket signs and scorn. They hold signs that say such things as “God Hates Fags”, “Fags Doom Nations”, “You’re going to Hell”. Some in our community retort with a few choice words of their own. Kudos to them! If you have seen any of the media reports surrounding the funeral of Matthew Shepard, then you’ve probably seen Phelps and the gang there too. They believe that Matthew deserved the fate he met. They really do believe it was the work of God and nothing else. While the Shepard family lay to rest their son, these people were there shouting and picketing. I can only hope that they will meet with similar circumstances at their time of grief. They are actively picketing playhouses where the stage production of The Laramie Project happens to be playing. They make it a point to be there every time, every place. When HBO released the movie based on true story of Matthew Shepard, Phelps and his people went to New York City to picket the home office of HBO. I must give thanks to God that Phelps’ followers are few in the big picture. He may not have the numbers behind his twisted agendas that he thinks he has especially after have running in gubernatorial primaries five times and losing all five times. In 1992, Phelps vied for and lost the Democratic primary for US senate. He ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Topeka in 1993 and 1997. It’s clear that the consensus is not with him in Kansas. That’s a really good thing kids! Can you say loser? It saddens me that in 2009, we still have this type of person to deal with. Stand up for yourselves. Denounce this man and all who would be like him. I know for a fact that God does NOT hate gays, but I think he does hate red-necks with homemade picket signs! Fred Phelps, enjoy your Bitch Slap, you’ve earned it dear.
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Holiday Horoscopes Wake up, Sagittarius! Shake off the sleepy cocoon of last
month and emerge a fierce butterfly. Serious issues will arise later this month in your social and love life. Take your own advice and you’ll come out on top with grace. If you’re single, your positive energy may be just the thing to catch the eye of a special someone.
Reach out Capricorn!
Your goals are clear but still just out of reach. December is more about the journey than the destination. Little steps add up if you’re brave enough to take them. Strengthening old alliances will over-ride late month power struggles and leave you feeling dominant and attractive. Fierce!
Look out Aquarius! You’ve seen the sign and it has opened up your eyes.
Now is the time to act on what you saw. December starts off with a bang that sends you forward. Let the enthusiasm carry you through work issues, but use caution when it comes to love. Leaping into someone’s arms too soon may prove particularly destructive near mid-month.
Calm down, Pisces!
Mixed emotions have left you feeling jittery. Stop seeking the validation of others and focus on you and you alone. Now is the perfect time to take control of your life. Eat better, work harder, play more. Be wary of relationships that seem to good to be true. Smooth talking can knock you off your path. A little focus, however, will go a long way.
Hold tight Aries! Feeling stuck in a rut? Blame your key planet, Mars. Although
December throws you into a whirlwind of social activity, your love and work life feel stagnant this month. Put on your best dancing shoes and prepare to party. You’ll accomplish more when things get moving if you focus on living in the moment now.
Go wild Taurus! Financial, emotional, and social situations all demand bold and
adventurous choices from you this month. You’re surrounded with chances to get closer – one bold step might be all it takes. Power struggles bring the claws out later this month. Use your new boost of bravery to conquer all.
Think big Gemini! Your ongoing quest for higher connections to both people and
the world around you starts to pay off this month. Focus on the silver lining and you’ll see the brighter side of life. Although your holiday season tendency is to usher people in, Mercury in Capricorn is filling you with doubt when it comes to love. Take a rational look at things and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Work it, Cancer! Change is spinning all around you. Rather than becoming a dizzy, emotional hot mess, control your moods. You’ll survive the storm if you use your head more than your heart. Strength is sexy. Put your best foot forward and people will surely notice.
Make a wish, Leo! Romance in the air gives everything a magical glow. Enjoy the hope and happiness that surrounds you this month, but be careful not to lose your head. Disappointment is sure to follow if your goals and expectations are unrealistic. Keep your eye on a reasonable prize and it (or he) will be your greatest holiday reward.
Back it up, Virgo! The New Year offers an all you can eat buffet of opportunities,
but first you have to get in line. Are you where you need to be? Although hard work is required to get you back on track, a little idealism and charm will go a long way. Focus on recharging your life and the bedroom will inevitably spice up too.
Lighten up, Libra! Your big goals are right around the corner if you can stop being
so hard on yourself. Focus on the way you talk to yourself, and you’ll like what you hear. Communication rules this month – a flirty casual chat has the power to become much more.
Let’s get physical, Scorpio! Use this month’s burst of energy to work on your physical goals. Flexibility benefits every aspect of your life this month – from the board room all the way to the bedroom. After long phases of taking care of others, December is all about you. Work it – you’ve earned it.
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