Montrose Star

Community ‘A LANDING ON THE BAYOU’

A multi-media LGBTQ history experience

4 THE GAY-ETY STARTS HERE!

MONTROSE STAR .COM

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2018 e VOL. IX, 18 Photos courtesy Columbia Pictures

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Still Here, Queer, and Slaying

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| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

HRH Report

To err is human, a cowboy marries and kissing lesbians johnny trlica

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T H E S TA R C O N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S JIM AYRES by day is an employee benefits and human resources writer. By night he turns his creativity toward the local food and restaurant scene. Do you know of a restaurant that needs a review? Info@montrose-star.com JOHN BUCHANAN is originally from Florida but now calls Houston home for 20+ years. “Proud to be Gay and part of the Community – Your Gay Realtor of Choice!” johnwb214@aol.com

NANCY FORD has enjoyed a front row seat to the most remarkable and sparkly Cultural Revolution in the history of mankind. “What a world!” She reflects appropriately. After moving to Houston from Ohio in 1981, Ford became a highly visible player in Texas’ LGBT publishing circles as an editor and contributor to myriad other local and statewide LGBT magazines and newspapers.

RANDALL JOBE has been a fixture in the Houston LGBT Community for several decades in marketing and promotions for top nightclubs, as an actor/director/writer for dozens of theatrical productions, and is also known for his whimsical art pieces. He is the author of the 12-part series “This Old Queen”, which summarized his many experiences living in the gay Mecca, Montrose.

MARK KARIEL is from Marshall, Texas, but has called Houston home for almost 40 years. An accounting supervisor by day, he can be found working most Saturday nights at South Beach’s RuPaul’s Drag Race events. His RuPaul obsession began 6 years ago in Palm Springs. It will all be in his book, plus much more. Stay tuned! mark@sobehouston.com FOREST RIGGS is no stranger to the adventures of life, he bills himself as a “raconteur with a gypsy spirit.” A former educator, public speaker, hospital administrator, counselor and gay B&B owner, he was instrumental in the formation of OutSmart Magazine in the early 1990s. He has written for several newspapers, magazines and other publications.

Recently he completed a collection of short stories about his beloved Galveston and is working on a novel. He currently resides on the island where he can be found wasting bait and searching for the meaning of life.

JOHNNY TRLICA has called the Houston area home all of his life. Four years ago he founded and still edits the Houston Rainbow Herald and has worked in the apartment leasing industry for the past two years. His passion is keeping the battle for LGBT rights at the forefront of today’s headlines and fighting omplacency in the LGBT community.

ommentary: There’s a little bit of good and bad in all of us and maybe sometimes we just don’t know any better. What’s important is that we learn from our mistakes and are willing to change.

Houston Texans owner Robert “Bob” McNair passed away on the day after Thanksgiving, sparking an outpouring of praise and condolences as well as negative thoughts and feelings about the man who brought professional football back to the Bayou City.

McNair will be remembered as the man who was awarded an NFL expansion franchise in 1999, replacing the recently departed Oilers.

With that, Reliant Stadium, now NRG, was built and two Super Bowls were awarded to the city.

McNair was one of Texas’ biggest philanthropists; his foundations gave more than $500 million to scientific, literary, educational and faith-based organizations. He also donated $100 million to help build the Baylor College of Medicine, McNair Campus, which is located in close proximity to the Texas Medical Center and is home to two outstanding healthcare facilities.

That’s how most Houstonians will remember McNair. Some of us will recall how he made a large contribution to the anti-HERO campaign. Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) aimed to extend protections to gay and transgender residents.

Opponents stoked fear by claiming it would allow men into women’s restrooms. After public backlash, McNair rescinded the contribution.

More recently McNair took flak for a comment he made about NFL players kneeling during the national anthem. “We can’t have the inmates running the prison,” he said during an NFL owners meeting. He later apologized and said his words we not to be taken literally.

Perhaps learning a thing or two from the HERO debacle, McNair spoke out when the Texas legislature in 2017 was considering a “bathroom bill.”

“I don’t think we need it. There’s opposition in the House. I think there are other things more important going on in the world,” McNair was quoted as saying by the HoustonChronicle.com.

Bob McNair should be remembered for all the good he did for Houston and while some of his actions and words may have hurt at the time, he was willing to admit mistakes and learn from them. Let’s remember “to err is human, to forgive divine.” RIP, Bob! Here’s are a few of the stories we’ve been following on the Houston Rainbow Herald Facebook page.

Houston LGBTQ Activist Dies The Bayou City lost a hero on November 24. After a long and courageous struggle, Ray Hill died of heart failure at the Omega House Hospice, reports KPRCTV. He was 78.

Hill was a civil rights activist for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community along with fighting for prison reform. His motto: “Get up every morning and do what’s right.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner released the following statement: “Ray Hill, my friend and warrior, has passed. Fighting for gay rights, human rights, criminal justice reforms, Ray was on the front line and helped pave the way for many others to follow. He was authentic, committed and respected.

Last week, when Ray Hill posted on Facebook that his heart capacity was at 10 percent, many of his friends had the same retort: At 10 percent, Ray’s heart was still bigger and stronger than most other people’s Find us on P v Facebook.com & t Twitter

at 100 percent. It’s true. Ray had a heart for justice, equality and acceptance for decades, and he followed his heart into the streets, courtrooms, city council chambers, legislative hearing rooms, jails, prisons and radio stations of our city and state, advocating for his causes well before they became popular. I’m one of many people who agreed with him about his important causes now. But such positions are relatively easy to take and express now that Ray has blazed the trail. Rest in peace, Ray Hill.”

Former Dallas Cowboy marries Save a horse, ride a cowboy. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

Jeff Rohrer, the former Dallas Cowboys linebacker who recently came out, married his boyfriend, skincare expert Joshua Ross, reports Outsports.com.

Rohrer is the first publicly out gay former NFL player to be married to another man. “We’re the one for each other,” Rohrer told People.com. “It’s unexpected, but it’s undeniable. And people can see it when they’re around us. We’re in a good place now, and I’m thankful to not have to live in the shadows.”

Rohrer, a second round draft pick from Yale University, played with the Cowboys from 1982 to 1989.

Photo via EW.com

e by

‘The Prom’ at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Don’t rain on my lesbian kiss First they lose the House, then an NFL player marries another man, and now lesbians are kissing at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Conservatives are should be about to explode. The annual parade viewed by millions each year featured its first-ever lesbian kiss on live TV, reports PinkNews.com.

“The passionate embrace, which took place during a performance of ‘Build a Prom’ from the new Broadway musical The Prom, was broadcast by NBC to an estimated audience of 50 million people who tuned in for the annual parade through the streets of New York City,” according to the report.

The play is about a queer teenager in Indiana whose high school prom is cancelled after the authorities find out a lesbian student wants to bring her girlfriend to the event.

One hater tweeted: “What a horrible start to Macy parade. NBC and Macy’s should be ashamed of displaying a Lesbian kiss. This is why we do not watch NBC or shop at Macy’s. Not thankful for this.”

OK, everyone; you know where to do your Christmas shopping now. See you at Macy’s. e Johnny Trlica is the manager of the Houston Rainbow Herald Facebook page, your source for the latest LGBTQ news and information. Contact him at HRHeditor@gmail.com.

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 3

OP-ED

Creep of the Week: Donald Trump

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d’anne witkowski

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hoax and so it’s so funny to joke about when the country’s faith in Democracy is already shaken to its core.

Sadly, that voter suppression is still on-going. In Florida, Oh, and speaking of Russia, the Republicans are peeing their swamp creature outgoing Gov. Rick Scott is neck and neck with pants over the new Democratic majority in the U.S. House and so Democrat Bill Nelson in the race for Nelson’s Senate seat, and the Trump panic-fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions and replaced governor’s race is also undecided with all kids of hell going on him with a guy who is younger but just as racist and terrible. with uncounted ballots.

Only this new guy, Matthew Whitaker, wants to shut down the Thankfully we have a mature and adult human who thinks hard Russia investigation and OH HEY WHAT’S THAT? IT’S A as president that we can turn to for guidance at this difficult time. CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS AND IT’S COMING RIGHT AT US! As Definitely-Qualified-for-PresidentTo paraphrase a quote from Godzilla, Trying to STEAL two Job Donald Trump tweeted on Nov. 12, “[Washington D.C.] a smoldering “The Florida Election should be called in memorial to the unknown, an big elections in Florida! favor of Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis in unknown which at this very moment We are watching closely! that large numbers of new ballots showed still prevails and could at any time up out of nowhere, and many ballots are lash out with its terrible destruction missing or forged. An honest vote count is no longer possible— anywhere else in the world. There were once many people here ballots massively infected. Must go with Election Night!” who could’ve told of what they saw ... now there are only a few.”

Oh, and that’s after he Tweeted on Nov. 10, “Trying to STEAL Oh man, that sounds dire, doesn’t it? I don’t mean to be a two big elections in Florida! We are watching closely!” bummer, but shit’s dire. For real.

What a stalwart defender of Democracy, that one.

A lot of good came out of the midterm election.

A couple of things: these ballots that Trump claims “showed Michigan elected Dana Nessel as the state’s next Attorney up out of nowhere” likely include ballots of men and women General, replacing Bill Schuette, the man who fought up to the in the military who are stationed overseas. And they didn’t just Supreme Court to keep same-sex couples from being legally magically appear. They were mailed and under Florida law can recognized as married. Oh, and the lawyer who fought against arrive after Election Day and still count. Not that I think Trump Schuette and won? Dana Nessel, who is also openly lesbian. has any understanding of Florida law, not to mention how the In another karmic outcome, Minnesota Democrat and lesbian United States Postal Service works or how people outside of the Angie Craig beat the anti-LGBTQ Rep. Jason Lewis.

USA manage to vote. But surely he knows someone who can Massachusetts voters rejected a measure that would have taken whisper into his hair, “Refusing to count service members’ ballots legal protections away from transgender people. is a really bad look.”

Jared Polis became the first gay Governor of Colorado.

But that’s where we are.

Kansas sent Sharice Davids, who is both Native American and Oh, yeah, and then there’s Georgia where the Governor’s race a lesbian, to Congress. is still undecided between Democrat Stacey Abrams, who is a Zach Wahls, at just 27-years-old, is now an Iowa state senator. black (gasp!) woman (gasp!), and a white man whose name I can’t Wahls, you’ll remember, spoke in support of his lesbian moms in remember because I fell asleep looking at his face. front of the Iowa House of Representatives and the video went Don’t worry. Trump has an opinion about that, too: “You mean they viral. This is by no means an exhaustive list. So there is much to are just now finding votes in Florida and Georgia – but the Election celebrate. But Democracy is still in a fragile state. If we thought was on Tuesday?” he tweeted on Nov. 9. “Let’s blame the Russians Trump’s behavior was bad when he had a Republican majority and demand an immediate apology from President Putin!” was bad, we ain’t seen nothing yet. e D’Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has Get it? LOL. Because Russia interfered with the 2016 election been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski. and Trump was quite possibly in on it even though he calls it a

TOC NOVEMBER 28, 2018 | VOL. IX, 18

ell, we made it. We lived through the 2018 midterm election, an election that saw record turn out. And record voter suppression.

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COOKING WITH PAULA DREAM A trip to the holiday salad bar

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DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD Will Rosie rivet audiences on The Talk?

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HRH Report ......................................................... 2 OP-ED.....................................................................3 Community .......................................................... 4 Cooking with Paula Dream .......................... 10 Foodie Diaries ....................................................11 What A World ................................................... 12 Out at the Theater ........................................... 14 Star Buds ...........................................................20 Crossword Queeries .......................................20 Deep Inside Hollywood .................................. 21 PFLAG Houston News ....................................23 The Frivolist .......................................................24 Guide to the Clubs...........................................26

November 28, 2018. None as of press time.

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| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

Community

‘A LANDING ON THE BAYOU’

A multi-media LGBTQ history experience e by

randall jobe

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The Scene (Houston 1969-1981) 2017

Photos: Andres Alcoser

rag entertainer extraordinaire Naomi Sims stood on stage in a single spotlight at the Old Plantation Disco lip-syncing Diana Ross’ “Theme from Mahogany” which had become an often-requested signature performance.

Her infamous feather-eyelashed ebony eyes spoke of a thousand triumphs and as many tragedies as the lyrics sounded.

“Do you know where you’re going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Do you know?”

A long line formed to hand her tips and as Naomi reached to take each dollar, she seemingly acknowledged each and every adoring fan. I was one of them, captivated by every perfectly formed word and calculated gesture. Then, she began to sign the lyrics, her long beautiful fingers extending beyond the light. I wept.

Some time later my first lover asked me to live with him as we slow danced to “Mahogany”, and the words, “Do you know where you’re going to?” registered.

No. I did not know where I was going, but just as I saw the wonder, beauty and love in Naomi’s gut-wrenching performance, I leapt willingly. At that moment I was ready to go anywhere and experience everything my new introduction into gay life had to offer.

This moment in my history was one of many that flooded over me as I watched A Landing On The Bayou, a series of delights for all the senses beautifully crafted into an evening of theatre unlike most.

Nick Vaughan and Jake Margolin have captured a brief period of Houston’s LGBTQ experience in narrative, art, video, recordings and live drag performance. It is eye opening and mind-blowing. Presented in a boardroom at the Alley Theatre as part of their All New Reading Series, an initiative which produces world premieres, commissions plays and supports playwrights year round.

Landing is a mixed-media treasure chest showing a world where a division of political stances and drag performances seemed polar opposites but, in effect, unified a community dealing with police raids and the AIDS crisis.

A Landing On The Bayou took the Alley’s diverse audience on a journey that was all too brief, understandably.

To capsulate two decades of LGBTQ culture into 90 minutes was an enormous task. However, Vaughan and Margolin created a rich, thoughtful and powerful piece. The injection of live drag performances by local celebrities was sheer brilliance and delighted the audience. Regina Dane spoofed Anita Bryant to the tune “I’m Sorry” as she passed oranges to the audience (as a video of the hater of all things homosexual took a pie in the face in slow motion).

A highlight performance came as

Nick Vaughan & Jake Margolin 2016

The Scene (Detail - JJ Farmer) 2017 Find us on P v Facebook.com & t Twitter

Southryn Comfort Dion belted a Patti LaBelle number, tossing her wig high in the air in tribute to performers before her.

Homage is paid to a number of famous drag faces in performance and in an art installation that molds the theatrical piece.

By far the most captivating, if haunting,

moments came as An’ Marie Gill performed a high-heeled, boot stomping “Mein Herr” from Cabaret over a thematic map grid peeled away to reveal dark scuff marks where the streets of Montrose had been. Lit by a bright spot, the image lingered for a half minute, giving audience members a chance for their own interpretation.

The layers of history and remembrances were presented by poignant and often humorous recordings of well-known performers Hot Chocolate and Tasha Kohl and Houston icons Mary Hooper, Judy Beeson and Ray Hill. They shared moments that defined a captivating time of joy and tears in the LGBTQ experience: the wonderful times and the tragic loss of dear friends and extended family.

One story about a drag queen, J.J., dressed as Wonder Woman haunted the video screen, cigarette in hand, defiantly challenging the camera with her upper body ready to charge forward. The event was a drag show in the backyard of the long defunct Mary’s, now an upscale coffee house, reminding us of one of many before and after images that included locations of The Bayou Landing, The Old Plantation, The Ranch (the show’s only nod to the “L” in LGBTQ. One hopes that it was not a conscious oversight and that future works might be evenly representational) as well as gay bars across Texas from Austin to Odessa. The assembling of brief glimpses of a bygone era was tied together reflecting seven pieces of art depicting popular drag diva photos placed over intricately sequined maps and framed individually in woodenframed jigsaw pieces that fit together creating a striking image of the past.

Creative talents Vaughn and Margolin, members of the internationally acclaimed Brooklyn-based experimental theater company The Team, call themselves “interdisciplinary artists” and are on a quest to create their 50 States project, a series of fifty installation connecting queer life from each states’ pre-Stonewall history to contemporary regional queer experiences. The presentation was met with several bursts of wild applause for the live performances and several times, including the close of the show, with a jarring stillness that seemed to allow a moment, a connection and an understanding and appreciation of the intimate theatrical experience.

A Landing On The Bayou is a decidedly important flash of LGBTQ history important to those who lived it and those who need to hear the stories.

A tentative date of January 13, 2019, has been set for a presentation of A Landing On The Bayou at Michael’s Outpost. Details to follow. e

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 5

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| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

Bayou City Performing Arts presents ‘Joy to the World’ T

his season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston and the Bayou City Women’s Chorus come together for one night to perform songs of peace, joy, celebration and hope with an exploration of holiday songs from around the world.

Bayou City Performing Arts will present Joy to the World on Saturday, December 1, 7 p.m. at resurrection Metropolitan Community Church (2025 W. 11th Street, Houston, Texas 77008.

BCPA embarks upon a worldly journey in is fortieth year of musical excellence. Joy to the World reflects on what the true meaning of the holiday season is in a festive voyage of different cultures through song.

“Friends, family and love is the connection we have among us all,” said Kenneth Clayborne, director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston. And this is a season for embracing peace, joy and celebration.”

The audience is welcomed to sing along to certain carols with the chorale, and all ages are welcomed.

“We’re excited that the Bayou City Women’s Chorus will perform the sounds of the season from the United States and beyond,” said Tyler

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Ruberg, director of the Bayou City Women’s Chorus. “This year’s highlights include Engelhardt’s “Gaudete!” for treble chorus and percussion which is a very modernized arrangement of the traditional medieval text and 16th century Christmas carol aimed to dazzle the audience. The added percussion helps to drive the excitement to the very last beat of the work.”

“We will also be performing ‘Vuelle’ from Frozen,” Ruberg added. “While this piece is not a typical holiday tune, it definitely lends itself well to a more multicultural and diverse concert and Frozen is such a classic now.”

All are invited to celebrate the joy in the world this year by joining the Gay Men’s Chorus of Houston and the Bayou City Women’s Chorus. These sung traditional classics and holiday music and holiday music inspired from around the world are sure to put Houstonians in the spirit of season. In addition, there will be hand-made wreaths put together by the entire chorus, which will also be auctioned off at the event, as well as poinsettia bouquets for sale.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the BCPA website at BCPAHouston.org. e

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 7

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| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

chris azzopardi

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pansexual man-avenger returns – this time, with English actress Claire Foy sporting the Swedish computer-hacker Lisbeth Salander’s leather gear and trademark dragon tattoo. Based on the novel from David Lagercrantz, written after original author Stieg Larsson’s sudden death, the second installment in the Americanproduced Millennium film series, The Girl in the Spider’s Web, positions Foy’s Lisbeth as a Bond-like anti-hero. Gayer, though. And with so many dildos.

Foy’s latest big-screen turn follows two other memorable lead roles this year, in Steven Soderbergh’s unnerving thriller Unsane and the Neil Armstrong (portrayed by Ryan Gosling) biopic First Man, starring as his wife, Janet Armstrong. On the small screen, the 34-year-old actress took the throne as Queen Elizabeth II for two seasons of Netflix’s The Crown, which garnered her an Emmy and a Golden Globe in the best actress categories.

Here, Foy discusses that dildo scene, talking Spider’s Web director Fede Álvarez out of gratuitous lesbian sex, and why there’s an “ease” and an “openness” to kissing her female co-stars.

Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness stepped in when you and your two guests couldn’t get into the Governors Ball after the Emmys this year. In life, do gay men tend to have your back?

(Laughs giddily) Best question I’ve ever been asked – ever! We can’t get better than that. I don’t know! I mean, I would hate to speak for all gay men; I think that’s something you’d have to ask all gay men. There are several of them in my life who I feel have my back, which is lovely. And I have theirs.

Do you cry while watching Queer Eye like the rest of us?

Oh my god, it’s sort of like watching – have you ever watched One Born Every Minute where you watch someone give birth? It’s like watching that, because every time you watch it, you start going, “I’ll be fine with this one, this one’s fine, there’s nothing that’s gonna get me here,” and then ultimately, by the end, you’re weeping.

If we’re being honest, sometimes I watch Queer Eye just to weep.

Still Here, Queer, and Slaying The Girl in the Spider’s Web actress Claire Foy on objecting to a lesbian sex scene and being bi in _Unsane

(Laughs) It’s a cathartic thing to do!

Your encounter with Jonathan strongly suggests that you may have attracted a fierce LGBTQ following over the years.

How aware are you of your gay and lesbian following?

I wish I was more aware of it! I think I’ve never particularly noticed someone who identifies themselves in any particular group as being someone who’s watched a particular show that I’ve done. I feel very lucky, especially with The Crown, that it has such a broad appeal and that’s something that I am amazed by, that a TV program could be watched by so many different people. It’s quite a unifying thing, I think. Very rare nowadays. But I must say, I think the Queen holds a special part in quite a lot of people’s hearts, and so it’s interesting

to see who kind of has been interested in me because I played her.

It can’t hurt that The Crown portrayed Lord Snowdon as bisexual.

Oh yeah. Well, I think there’s so much honesty (on that show) about people’s sexuality that I think is really important. That’s how I feel about Lisbeth. I think her pansexuality – I loved that she had such an open attitude, not only to her own sexuality but to everybody else’s, a kind of nonjudgment (and an) understanding that there should be no judgment about people’s sexuality or what they identify themselves as. There should be more protagonists who have that message. It’s very important.

In the BBC’s The Night Watch, you played Helen, who gets involved in a Sapphic love triangle but identifies as sexually fluid. Do you gravitate toward characters who choose not to label their sexuality, or is that just a coincidence?

I think... no. As much as I’m interested in exploring those sides of myself I’m also interested in exploring those sides of other people. It’s what it means to be human. People’s sexuality, their sensuality, is something that I think there’s a lot of shame about in every walk of life; it’s something that’s weirdly not talked about, and I think people are not allowed to explore and express themselves and be open and be honest about what it means to be them, and that obviously includes your

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sexuality. I think it’s just really important to investigate that.

Have you questioned your own sexual identity?

Especially nowadays, I do find the idea of people being prescriptive about sexuality and defining themselves by it... that’s why I found Lisbeth so fascinating. She sort of takes it for granted, that her freedom is expressed in that way. Why should she have to evaluate it in that way? I think that is something that I find really admirable and definitely like to encourage more in myself. That openness and that ability to allow yourself the freedom to explore everything that is out there and everything life has to offer.

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 9 Andreja Pejić. Sex isn’t depicted but suggested. What kind of talk was there regarding how intimate Lisbeth should be onscreen with other women in the film?

There was a sex scene originally in the beginning of the movie.

The very beginning, right out of the gate.

Yeah, exactly. And that’s why I questioned it. I said, “What is the purpose of this? What are you trying to tell the audience with this sex scene? Are you trying to say that she’s a pansexual woman and here she is having sex with a woman and this is an important part of her character?” And I said, “Or is it titillation?”

Right, to indulge the male gaze.

Exactly. Lesbian relationships in movies are often used not as truthful depictions of two women making love with one another; they’re often (done) as a way of titillating the male and appealing to men. And so I asked pretty openly and bluntly (laughs): “How would you shoot it? Why is it necessary here? What are you trying to say?”

“If we do do this, it’s gonna be as raw and honest and truthful to the actual experience. I’m not doing anything that’s gonna be because it looks cool; it has to be really real.”

And I think when we had that conversation it sort of made (Fede) realize (the) purpose of this. You can communicate the relationship that two people have to one another without having to have a sex scene. I think that as an audience member I don’t particularly enjoy watching sex scenes. Isn’t like I watch them and go, “Oh, great!” I just think, “Oh god, let it be over.”

Photo: Columbia Pictures.

And watching it in a theater with 300 other people…

Our current political climate, where we have an administration attacking people who are not heterosexual males, seems like a good time for Lisbeth to resurface.

I just think that’s crazy. The beauty of humanity is that we’re diverse and interesting and all different shapes, sizes, colors – everything. (Diversity) should just be applauded and accepted and worshiped and adored.

Besides Helen and Lisbeth, have you played other LGBTQ roles?

I always thought my character Sawyer Valentine in Unsane was bisexual. I just did. I felt she was a very modern, young woman, and I think there’s an openness with this generation that definitely wasn’t around when I was younger. A kind of openness and

understanding about sexuality and how it can be open in that way, that didn’t really exist when I was in school, so I think Sawyer probably grew up slightly with a bit more of that mentality.

For Night Watch, you said your kissing scenes with your female co-stars, Anna Maxwell Martin and Anna Wilson-Jones, were preferable to kissing scenes you’ve had with male actors.

(Laughs) Yes...

All these years later, is that still true even after co-starring alongside Ryan Gosling?

an openness that is just a natural way of being. It’s a dynamic that happens; it’s just easier to be more open when you’re with a woman, in general, for me. So it’s much easier to have those conversations of going, “Oh god, this is really weird, sorry about that.” “Did I do anything weird with my mouth in that kiss? I’m really sorry.” You can be more honest about it, I suppose. And that’s not a gender thing. I’ve definitely done scenes with male actors where it’s not felt open but it’s felt that you can laugh about it and be silly about it and take it for what it is – which is pretty silly. It’s a pretty odd, strange thing to do, to kiss someone in front of 250 people.

(Laughs boisterously) I mean, male or female, I’ve been very, very lucky in who I’ve had love affairs with onscreen. Just, when you’re with In Spider’s Web, you wake up in bed next to another woman there’s an ease and Sofia, played by trans model and actress an understanding and a respect and Find us on P v Facebook.com & t Twitter

Yeah, exactly. I think passion is such an important part of a love drama. I think it needs to be there.

People have sex, therefore sex scenes need to be portrayed in films. But I do think it needs to be portrayed for a reason. There has to be a dynamic that’s interesting, and it needs to be not just at the opening of a film – two women having sex with each other for no real purpose, just to say, “Oh, by the way, she has relationships with men and women!” And so Fede was like, “I’ve thought about it and I think, actually, we don’t need it. I think it sends the wrong message.”

When you read that there would be a suitcase of dildos in the movie, what went through your mind?

I thought it was brilliant. It’s proper Lisbeth. Not only is she doing some sort of espionage but she also will enjoy the humor of knowing that all those kind of really macho airport security guys will have to search a case of dildos.

So, does this film hold the record for the most dildos in a Claire Foy movie?

Oh, I think so. There’s definitely room for a few more, though!

Claire, that suitcase looked packed, though.

Come on, we could get a couple more in there. (Laughs) e

As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his website at www.chrisazzopardi.com and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).

PAGE 10

| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

Cooking with Paula Dream

A trip to the holiday salad bar e by paula dream

(A K A K AL E HAYGO O D)

I

t looks like the holidays are at our doorstep: Traffic is terrible, people are fighting for that last parking space, little old ladies are running you down with their shopping carts, and you can’t get down the aisles at the grocery store for all the little rascals clogging up traffic. So, with that, I say Happy Holidays!

I use Bloody Mary mix in several recipes, so I thought it might be fun to share these with you. The first recipe is a very pretty salad and will add a festive look to your holiday meal, or just-anytime meal. The second recipe is another real winner at the dinner table. It’s quick, easy and is a good dish to make to take to a spread at your friends’ or families’ Christmas get togethers. And the last salad recipe brings together all the flavors of Chinese Hot and Sour soup, but in the form of a salad. It makes a great addition to your table and it is yummy!

Thank you again for all your comment and requests. And please support our advertisers, who make this paper possible.

POLYNESIAN MACARONI SALAD

8 ounces dry elbow macaroni 1/4 cup rice vinegar

dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup whole milk 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoons minced pickled or fresh ginger 2 teaspoon sugar 4 scallions, sliced 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced Cook macaroni in pot of boiling salted water until tender. Rinse macaroni with hot water and drain again. Place macaroni in large bowl and quickly stir in vinegar until absorbed.

For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, soy sauce, ginger, and sugar. Stir in mayo mixture with noodles, scallions, and bell pepper.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Serves four.

BLOODY MARY GREEN BEAN SALAD

2 7 10 Montrose Blvd.

Houston, T X 7 7 006

713.526.0202 Order Online www.pepperonis.net

1 pound fresh green beans 1/2 cup purple onion, thinly sliced 12 pickled okra pods, sliced 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved 4 celery ribs, sliced 1/4 cup fresh celery leaves

dressing:

1/3 cup bottled Bloody Mary mix (or more, to taste) 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1-1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 3/4 teaspoon hot sauce 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4-1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish, divided 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup vodka (optional) Cook the beans in boiling water for two minutes, cover until tendercrisp; drain, then plunge into ice water.

Drain again and pat dry. Place beans, onion, and okra in large bowl. Place tomatoes, celery, and celery leaves in separate bowl. For the dressing, whisk together Bloody Mary mix, lime juice, mustard, salt, hot sauce, pepper, and four teaspoons of horseradish in a medium bowl. Add oil in a slow, steady stream, constantly whisking until well blended. Toss bean mixture with 1/4 cup dressing. Spoon tomato mixture over bean mixture. Add salt and pepper and serve with remaining dressing. To give your guests a jump-start on things, add a little vodka (the drink of champions) to the dressing. Serve on a platter.

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HOT AND SOUR SALAD

1/4 red onion, sliced 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced 1 pound fresh baby bok choy, trimmed and sliced with leaves torn 1 teaspoon canola oil

dressing:

3 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seed oil 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, pepper flakes and salt; set aside. In a wok or large skillet, heat canola oil over high heat.

Stir fry onion, garlic and ginger for about two minutes. Add bok choy and stir fry for three more minutes.

Toss with vinaigrette. Serves four. bonus tip: Fresh ginger can be frozen for several months. When ready to use, hold under running water and the skin rubs off very easily. e Paula Dream, AKA Kale Haygood, owns Beyond Service, a Montrose-based, home-cooking catering company. For more information, call 713-805-4106 or email barrykale@yahoo.com

Foodie Diaries

BB Lemon’s Shepherd’s Pie

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 11

4412 WASHINGTON AVE | LAURENZOS.COM

BB Lemon’s burger and onion rings

BB LEMON:

Comfort food with a pedigree e by jim ayres

B

& B Butchers, an instant hit with the steakhouse set when it opened in 2015, now has a less pricey, but no less inspired, sister restaurant across the street.

Pucker up and say hello to BB Lemon, Houston’s latest homage to traditional diner and comfort food. Comparisons to The Classic, recently opened on the opposite end of Washington Avenue, may be inevitable. But the two restaurants comfort in very different ways.

If The Classic’s big windows and soothing palette whisper “Santa Monica,” then BB Lemon recalls a venerable, pubby neighborhood joint in the Bronx.

Like its namesake fruit, BB Lemon requires a tight squeeze to get in and around. A narrow entry brings you directly into the bar, with its suitedup bartenders. There are two dining areas, small and sunny in front, larger and less so in back. I personally love the masculine décor and cozy layout.

I also like how BB Lemon’s more retro menu items stay that way. A Corned Beef and Cabbage platter with boiled potatoes looks just like an East Coast family dinner and was a surprisingly popular choice on my visit.

It was a cold day, certainly, but that didn’t stop a party at the bar from chowing down on a dozen oysters on the half shell, nicely presented on a multi-layer stand.

BB Lemon’s take on Shepherd’s Pie is a beauty too. Served in cast iron, the perfectly coppered mashed potato peaks top a rich meaty filling beneath — vaguely curry, vaguely sweet. It’s a generous serving, easily leaving you enough for a doggy bag.

BB Lemon’s Bacon Parmesan

And I’m ready to declare the BLT the best anywhere. The bacon itself is the same small batch, thick cut, artisanal pork used at the mother ship, and there’s plenty of it. Beefsteak tomatoes are juicy, and the toasted bread is crispy nirvana.

You’ve just got to try it if you can bear to bite into its splendor.

I thought I just had to try the Bacon Parmesan appetizer. It’s a clever idea in theory — bacon, instead of chicken or eggplant, is breaded with Parmesan cheese and served with a tangy marinara. In practice, it’s… odd. The bacon, so tender in the sandwich, is fried to slate here.

Hard to cut into, awkward to eat.

Now with all the buzz about the burgers using a beef blend direct from the steakhouse, we thought they would be the star of this show.

And in time I’ve no doubt they will be. But on this visit, they were only bit players. Sure, the beef was high quality, but when ordered medium rare and served well and truly dead, tears flowed as if at a wake rather than a command performance.

Onion Rings (Strings?) were soggy and rubbed a considerable amount of salt into the wound.

If you’re excited to try BB Lemon now, please do. There’s plenty to love already, including the Lemonhead candy you get with your check.

But if you give it a couple more weeks to iron out a few wrinkles, I think it’ll be worth the wait. e

ace in l p t s e b the et town to g prime rib. it. come get

French dip

BB Lemon

1809 Washington Avenue, Houston, Texas 77007

713-554-1809 BBLEMON.COM

BB Lemon’s Corned Beef and Cabbage

prime rib pizza

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PAGE 12

| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

What A World

All I want for Christmas e by

H

nancy ford

appy holidays, and hearty ho-ho-ho to you and yours!

What is it about this time of year that makes us — well, OK, me — giddier than a four-year-old on Santa’s lap?

As if by genetic, ingrained habit, moments after the last the last carved Halloween pumpkin head implodes upon itself, my sleep patterns change, I am distracted from the easiest of tasks, and just generally find myself moving through the day with an additional skip to my step, heady with anticipation of the parties and luncheons and accompanying year-end hoopla.

This giddiness might be traced to my childhood gift-getting experiences. What kid doesn’t wait with exquisite anticipation to tear into that wrapping that’s concealing our fondest dreams and wishes?

Looking back, it’s impossible not to recognize the many unmistakable little clues wrapped in tissue paper and foil — warnings, some might say — that I was a young lesbian in training.

My earliest holiday memory is of my third Christmas. Well, I think it’s a memory; maybe the actual memory is seeing that black-and-white Kodak snapshot with the scalloped edges of

myself standing in front of a Christmas tree in my a butch striped T-shirt and corduroy jeans. Unseen are the boots I chose to wear day and night.

Either way, I swear I recall unwrapping the big rectangular box that was under that tree. Inside the box was the most pristine babydoll you’ve ever seen, complete with moveable arms and legs, hairplugs, and creepy blue eyes that opened and closed depending on whether the doll was sitting up or laying down. Fotr years, my mother told the story that I never even took the doll out of the box — a big, clanging alarm that traditional wife and motherhood were not in my future.

By the time I hit third grade, the Super Duper Blooper Gun topped my letter to Santa. I couldn’t wait to load it with ping-pong balls, pump the pressure cylinder, aim at my sister’s Barbie Dream House in which I normally played the Ken role and fire.

In sixth grade I got a football for Christmas — a white leather one, because my mother thought white was more feminine than traditional pigskin brown. That same year I got a purse — a brown leather one, ironically enough. It was not large enough to

Nancy ‘Baby Butch’ Ford

carry my football, so I had about as much use for it as I had for that creepy blue-eyed, hair-plugged babydoll.

Almost every year, one of my standard childhood holiday gifts was being allowed to spend the week between Christmas and New Year’s at my grandparents’ house. For a full week I didn’t have to compete with my five siblings, and would revel in the one-on-one attention my grandmother and grandfather would shower upon me. Heaven!

They lived in a very Mayberry-esque little village called Columbiana, a tiny town that, at the time, had about ten churches and one bar. (That’s changed, thank God.) To pass the time during those winter days of my youth I would bundle up, pull on my tan mittens with the knit backing and leather palms and then make the four-block trek to Cunningham’s Drug Store. Obviously, I wasn’t kidding about the Mayberry part.

There I would read the newest Archie comic book while sipping a chocolate malt at the counter. For real. It was a simpler, child predator-free time.

As I hit junior high and hormones started to take over, I recall one of those weeklong Christmas visits when my grandmother announed one night we were going out for dinner.

Dutifully, I took a bath, got dressed, shook up my grandfather’s aersol can of Barbesol, smeared the foam on my face, and shaved it off with his Find us on P v Facebook.com & t Twitter

Remington retractable razor. Then I poured some of his new Brut aftershave into my little palms and splashed it on my face in manly fashion as I had seen him do bundreds of times.

Unlike him, however, I immediately emitted a girly scream that no doubt the Cunninghams could hear those four blocks away. That was the night I realized there were limitation to my burgeonng butch persona.

My memory mostly fades when trying to recollect Christmas presents I received past junior high, except for the Christmas I was was 20 when I received an engagement ring from my husband-to-be. We all know how that story worked out. Maybe if my mother had whipped out that vintage black-andwhite baby butch snapshot the night I received that ring, we could have all been saved a lot of time and trouble.

Fast forward to today, when most of my gift giving has turned to the more practical: gift cards, or for those closest to me, a jar of my traditional, homemade roasted spiced pecans.

But hands down, the best gift I receive is simply spending time with family, dear friends and family of choice. That sense of love, togetherness and belonging far outshines any new football or Super Duper Blooper Gun. And the smell of spiced pecans roasting on a cold day beats the hell out of the smell of Brut. e

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 13

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PAGE 14

| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

Out at the Theater

Jingle Scrooge, jingle drag, jingle oh-so-gay e by

T

randall jobe

he Alley Theatre kicks off its 201819 season with Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s comedy classic of unrequited love, gender-bending hijinks and quick wit. Directed by Jonathan Mascone, this hilarious tale finds Viola assuming the disguise of a page boy for Duke Orsino, placing her at the center of an explosive love triangle in which identity, passion and gender all threaten to come undone. Bursting with vitality and romance, Twelfth Night gives audiences one of Shakespeare’s most dynamic heroines matching wits with a host of captivating characters.

Suitable for audiences high school aged and older. Through November 28.

Also, The Alley continues a holiday tradition with A Christmas Carol: A Great Story of Christmas, a familyfriendly retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic story following Ebenezer Scrooges’ journey with the three ghostly spirits who visit him on Christmas Eve. The story instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season. Through December 30. 615 Texas Avenue. Tickets: AlleyTheatre.org or 713-220-5700.

The Music Box Theater presents Back to the ’80s. The talented ensemble of Rebekah Dahl, Brad Scarborough, Cay Taylor, Kristina Sullivan and Luke Wrobel dazzle with a musical and comedic tribute to the 1980s.

Energetic and engaging, it’s a perfect date night for any couple or as a group outing. Through December 1. Friday

and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. 2623 Colquitt.

Tickets/reservations: 713-522-7722.

Stages Repertory Theatre kicks off the holiday season with The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged). It’s the annual holiday Variety Show and Christmas Pageant at St. Everybody’s Non-Denominational Universalist Church, where all faiths are welcome because we’ll believe anything! There is just one minor problem: None of the acts scheduled to perform have arrived. Now it’s up to three quickwitted church members to perform the entire pageant all by themselves.

It’s an irreverent, yet heart-warming romp through tradition with festive slapstick fun! Through December 23.

Also, Panto Star Force is Stages’ adventurous, cosmic blast of blockbuster hilarity! Jed, a farm boy from the planet Cypress, joins forces with a zany band of space rebels, robots and furry bartenders (and Buttons, of course!) to stop the powerful Emperor Snorkelfish and Dark Tater from taking over the galaxy.

Come ready to laugh, cheer and boo in true Panto style, with plenty of toetapping music and intergalactic fun for the whole family. Through December 30. Allen Parkway, Suite 101. Tickets: StagesTheatre.com or 713-527-0123.

Main Street Theater presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Miss Bennet is set two years after the novel ends and continues the story, this time with nerdy middle

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sister Mary as the unlikely heroine.

Mary is growing tired of her role as the dutiful sister in the midst of everyone else’s romantic escapades . When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match and possibly love.

Through December 23. 2540 Times Boulevard. Tickets: 713-524-6706.

Obsidian Theater offers a unique holiday experience with A Drag Christmas Carol.

A hard-hearted politician experiences a change of heart with the help of some drag queen ghosts in this jukebox Christmas musical. This original work is sure to be a fun and surprising wrapped gift for the adventurous. Through December 15.

3522 White Oak Drive. Tickets: ObsidianTheatre.org.

Theatre Under the Stars brings “a tale as old as time,” Beauty and the Beast to the Hobby Center just in time for the holidays. Twenty-five years ago TUTS helped usher in a new musical era with this Disney epic which became an international sensation that played a remarkable 13-year run on Broadway. It has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. A magical tale of love and acceptance, this allnew production is perfect for the whole family. December 8 through 23. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby Street. Tickets: 713-558-8887. e

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 15

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PAGE 16 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

Please note: Events, dates and times subject to change without notice.

Ġ Wed › November 28

Ġ Wed › December 5

Q Alley Theatre presents Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol–A Ghost Story of Christmas, 7:30p (Thru 12/30) alleytheatre.org Q Ensemble Theatre presents Christmas is Comin’ Uptown, from the book by Phillip Rose & Peter Udell (Thru 12/29) ensemblehouston.com Q Hobby Center - Zilkha Hall: Esperanza Spalding presents her new project 12 Little Spells, 7:30p (Thru 11/29) thehobbycenter.org Q Main Street Theater presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, 7:30p (Select dates/ times thru 12/23) mainstreettheater.com Q Matchbox 4: Main Street Theater presents Mr. Popper’s Penguins, 12:30p and 3:30p (Select dates/times thru 12/21) mainstreettheater.com Q Stages Repertory Theatre presents The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor (Thru 12/23) stagestheatre.com Q Stages Repertory Theatre presents Panto Star Force, the hilarious adventure, 7p (Thru 12/30) stagestheatre.com Q Tony’s Corner Pocket hosts ‘5-4-3-2-1 Wednesdays’ with Duckie & An’Marie, 8:30p, plus Hottest Male Dancers 6 Nights A Week, 10p Q Wortham Theater Center: The Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker, 7p (Thru 12/29) houstonballet.org

Ġ Fri › December 7

Q Tony’s Corner Pocket hosts ‘5-4-3-2-1

Q Club Houston presents the World’s

Wednesdays’ with Duckie & An’Marie, 9p, plus Hot Male Dancers 6 Nights A Week, 10p

largest male party, 10, theclubs.com Q Rich’s Nightclub hosts Fresh Fridays with DJs Johnny Vibe and Joe Ross, 10p, richsnightclub.com Q Tomball Sister City Organization presents their Annual Tomball German Christmas Market (Thru 12/9) tomballgermanfest.org

Ġ Thu › December 6

Q Discovery Green presents Screen on the Green movie, Home Alone, 7p, discoverygreen.com

Q Tony’s Corner Pocket invites you to join family & friends for a full Thanksgiving dinner, 6p, followed by Hot Male Dancers at 10p

Ġ Sat › December 8

Q Hobby Center - Sarofim Hall: Theatre Under the Stars presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, 2p (Thru 12/23) thehobbycenter.org Ġ Sun › December 9

Q Arena Theatre presenta a Manzanero & Mocedades en concierto, arenahouston.com Q Jones Hall: The Houston Symphony presents a Very Merry Pops Holiday spectacular, 2:30p, houstonsymphony.org Q Tony’s Corner Pocket hosts Sunday Funday featuring Hot Male Dancers at 10p Ġ Tue › December 11

Q Tony’s Corner Pocket presents Twisted

Charlie Daniels.

Tuesdays variety show hosted by Amanda, Ashleey and Alexis Nicole, 9p - PLUS Tony’s Amateur Male Dance Contest, 10p

Ġ Tue › December 4

Q Rumors Beach Bar - Galveston hosts Tequila Tuesday with Karaoke and Lip Sync Battles, 8p, rumorsbeachbar.com

Ġ Thu › November 29

Q Arena Theatre presents The Charlie Daniels Band & Travis Tritt in concert, arenahouston.com Q Discovery Green presents Screen on the Green movie, Elf, 7p, discoverygreen.com Q Pearl Bar hosts a Holiday Pop Up Art Show, 6p, pearlhouston.com

Ġ Wed › December 12

Q Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant presents Lucía y Valdemar

Q Tony’s Corner Pocket presents Twisted

Flamenco Show, 7-9:30p, milunahouston.com

Tuesdays variety show hosted by Amanda, Ashleey and Alexis Nicole, 9p, followed

by Amateur Male Dance Contest, 10p

Q Tony’s Corner Pocket presents 5-4-3-2-1 Yolanda Adams.

Wednesdays with Duckie DuJour & An’Marie Gill, 9p, plus Hot Male Dancers at 10p

Ġ Fri › November 30

Q Arena Theatre presents Keith Sweat & Johnny Gill, arenahouston.com Q Matchbox Gallery: TCAALH presents the Holiday Marketplace, 12p (Select times/dates thru 12/1) tcaalh.org Q Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, presents Paris, Texas, 7p, mfah.org Q Rich’s Nightclub hosts Fresh Fridays with DJs Johnny Vibe and Joe Ross, 10p, richsnightclub.com Q Tony’s Corner Pocket presents an evening of entertainment with Houston’s Hottest Male Dancers, 10p Ġ Sat › December 1

Q Arena Theatre presents Kirk Whalum, Yolanda Adams & Guests: A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas, arenahouston.com

Q Bering United Methodist Church presents an art show & sale featuring local artists Kermit Eisenhut, Larry Crawford and many more Plus a holiday concert. A portion of art sales to benefit Bering United Ministries, 5-9p Q Hobby Center - Zilkha Hall: Lab Performing Arts Initiative invites you to join Clare as she travels with the Nutcracker through the Bayou City in Houston’s Urban Nutcracker, 3p (Thru 12/2) thehobbycenter.org

Q Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, presents British Arrows, 7p, mfah.org

Q Jones Hall: KPVU 91.3 FM presents a Holiday Jazz & Gospel Fest with Gregory Porter and Avery Sunshine, 5p, worthamcenter.org

Courtesy Photos

Ġ Sun › December 2

A Christmas Carol Find us on P v Facebook.com & t Twitter

Willie-Colon

» Crossword Queeries .... 20

MANY HAPPY (ELECTION) RETURNS

» Star Buds .................................. 20

Why can't you overdose on cannabilis?

MONTROSE STAR .COM

Across the Causeway

» Guide To The Clubs............. 26

Section THE GAY-ETY STARTS HERE!

B

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2018 e VOL. IX, 18

Have yourself a ‘Grand’ little holiday season e by

G

forest riggs

alveston is full of wonderful things to visit and experience, especially during the holidays. It seems there is always something going on and a huge chunk of it starts in the fall.

For a destination known for its sunny beaches and nautical offerings, there is way more to the Island than sand, sunburns and strolling along the Seawall. Sometimes Old Man Winter sneaks up on southeast Texas and brings with it cold, windy and wet changes that can make outdoor activities a real challenge. The wintry weather is not so common on the Island. However, it does come and that can mean planning for some indoor fun and finding things to do that are out of the elements.

One of the best attractions on the Island is the Grand 1894 Opera House located at 2020 Postoffice Street. Galvestonians know this place and love it. Always eager to share top-rated shows and programs, the Opera House has been an institution in Galveston since its construction in 1894. Henry Greenwall set about in 1894 to raise the $100 thousand needed to build what would become the Official Opera House of Texas (designated in 1993 by the Texas State Legislature). The structure was designed by architect Frank Cox and quickly became the show place of the south. When six years later the Great Storm of 1900 ravaged the Island, locals with the assistance from folks all over quickly restored the famous Opera House and, as they say, “The show went on.”

The Opera House suffered some neglect for a few years, though it did survive all the major storms that came calling. Starting in 1974, local patrons, some of whom are still known for their great philanthropy, began to raise money to restore the great building to its original glory. Thanks to The Moody Foundation, Harris and Eliza Kempner, George and Cynthia Mitchell and other patrons of the arts, like a phoenix, the House rose again.

Over $8 million went into the reconstruction and improvements. The Grand 1984 Opera House is on the National Register of Historic Places and for years now, has been a source of pride for the Galveston community.

Under the executive directorship of Maureen Patton and troops of loyal volunteers, the Opera House continues to draw top performers and acts to the venue. Boasting a very active season, there

is always something going on at the Grand. Aside from music, plays, lectures and other events, the theatre that seats 1000 can be rented for weddings, birthdays, private events and top-notch social gatherings. The stage alone can easily seat over 100 guests for an ornate luncheon on dinner gathering.

As Galveston has over the years, stepping up its game when it comes to entertaining and drawing visitors, the Grand continues to host events and names from the very top of the list of nationally and internationally known performers and presentations.

The Galveston Symphony Orchestra under the conduction of Trond Saeverud has brought hours of beautiful music to the hallowed building. A recent performance of Mozart and Beethoven with guest pianist Anton Nel was one of the most moving and informative events of the season. Saeverud enjoys introducing the pieces to be performed and sharing tidbits and historical facts with the audience before and after the performances.

As the holiday season approaches and the city proudly boasts of being a Winter Wonder Island, the Grand will step up to the plate and offer some great shows and events. The city brags of offerings guests and visitors more than 50 magical holiday events.

If you are visiting the Island or live on the Island and have never taken in the eye-catching beauty of the Grand 1894 Opera House, take the plunge. It will be unlike anything you have seen or experienced before.

S 18

PAGE 18

| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

Across the Causeway

S 17 Sitting in the seats, of if lucky World War I on Christmas that year. enough to have one the 12 boxes that Everybody’s favorite, The Nutcracker, adorn the stages edge, you will be with the City Ballet of Houston will be transported to another time and place. performed on December 15 at 2 p.m. and Beautiful interior and furnishings 6:30 p.m. and again Sunday, December remind all of a grander day when going 16 at 2 p.m. There is also a Nutcracker the theater was indeed something Afternoon Tea on Saturday, December special. As a good friends says, “The 15 at 12:30 p.m. On December 23 comes boxes are not to see, but to be seen.” the beloved classic A Charlie Brown Whatever your holiday plans, make Christmas, live on stage at 1 p.m. and 4 time for the Grand. Tickets and schedule p.m. On January 12, Opera patrons will can be found on line at the face book see the award-winning story of Mozart’s page, as well as site such as Galvestaon. sister Nannerl in Sylvia Milo’s drama com. To rent the theatre or discuss The Other Mozart, with show time at private rentals, call 409-763-7133.

8 p.m. The Oakridge Boys will return The remainder of the 2018 Holiday to the Grand on Saturday January Season will include: Charles Dickens’ 19 at 7:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, A Christmas Carol, Nov 30 at 8 p.m.

December 20 at 3 p.m. The list goes and December 1 at 3 p.m., coinciding on and on and includes musical group with the Island’s Dickens on the Strand Pink Martini, Johnny Mathis, Monty weekend. On Sunday, December 2, Python’s Spamalot and Kinky Boots.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Make new memories and traditions Wynton Marsalis this holiday with a will present a Big visit to Galveston’s Band Holiday historic Grand with show time 1894 Opera at 4 p.m. Sunday, House. You won’t December 9 at regret it. e 4 p.m. offers a special holiday Forest Riggs, a resident of Galveston is no stranger play, All Is Calm: to the adventures of life.

A former educator and The Christmas business owner, he enjoys Island life and all that Truce of 1914, comes with it. He says he is a “raconteur with a quixotic, gypsy spirit.” the retelling of Forest has written for several newspapers and an extraordinary magazines as well as other writing pursuits, event that including a novel and Galveston’s Grand 1894 Opera House boxes collection of short stories. happened during

AT A.D. PLAYERS

Beloved Christmas movie told as live radio play

I

t’s A Wonderful Life has become a staple of the American Christmas celebration

for years. In A.D. Players at The George’s version however, the timeless story takes a new turn as a 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of a troupe of six radio actors portraying a few dozen characters, and a live foley artist, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds over the airwaves on Christmas Eve. A.D. Players at The George opens It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapted

by Joe Landry on Friday, November 30. The show runs Wednesdays through Sundays through December 23rd, with Previews on November 28 and 29.

Local actors Joel Sandel, Sean Patrick Judge, Christina Kelly and Orlando Arriaga join A.D. Players Resident actors Christy Watkins, Patty Tuel Bailey and Craig Griffin for this twist on the traditional story.

“It’s A Wonderful Life has become an iconic Christmas story, but at its core it speaks to the part of us that needs to believe we have value, that we can make a difference, that our life matters. The radio play version adds a new layer of humor and fun to an already familiar story. I’m excited to work with this talented cast, and our designers are already knocking it out of the park!” said interim artistic director Kevin Dean, who is directing.

Jake Speck, executive director of the A.D. Players at The George said, “We kicked off our season with an incredibly creative and well received production of Around The World In 80 Days, and our patrons seem to be very excited about Christmas. In fact… we already have some sold out performances. So get your tickets now!”

A.D. Players at The George, founded in 1967 by Jeannette Clift George, produces compelling theatre that upholds human value, celebrates creativity and engages a diverse audience. The company is one of Houston’s largest resident theatre companies, impacting more than nine million people over its lifetime. Annually, the company produces Mainstage Theatre performances, fields a Regional Touring Unit and maintains a year-round Performing Arts Academy. A.D. Players at The George became an Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) theatre in 2017 and is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Performances of It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play are Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are priced at $15 to 70, and can be purchased online or via the George Theater box office at 713-526-2721. For more information, visit www.adplayers.org and Facebook. e

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MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 19

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PAGE 20

| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

Star Buds

Crossword Queeries

MANY HAPPY (ELECTION) RETURNS Across

48 Claire of the Moon actor Todd

20 South Pacific heroine

1 They get checked

51 Greet with loud laughter

21 Plague for payment

at bathhouses

53 Kim Davis, who lost

24 Mabius of Ugly Betty

4 Abbreviated

the race for this office

25 “Toodles”

Broadway musical?

56 Blue bottoms

26 Gay-dog owner on TV

8 First out governor Kate,

59 “Houston, we

29 Former labor leader George

who was reelected

have a problem”

30 Darrin Stevens, for one

13 Prefix with classical

60 Reagan’s Star Wars letters

33 St. crosser

14 Antigay prejudice, e.g.

61 Like an eagle in flight

34 Preposition that

15 Milk, in Madrid

62 Pride of lions?

goes either way

16 Mineo, who played Plato

63 Half a score

35 Type of aids

64 First gay man elected

36 First of the Democratic

18 Emma Stone plays a

governor Jared

ass drawers

beard in this movie

65 Title for Uncle Remus’ bear

37 Tutti-frutti ingredient

19 Rights law upheld by

66 AARP members

38 Star Trek counselor Deanna

Massachusetts voters

Down

39 Who should be

22 Whoopi, et al., at the Oscars

1 It’s found under the tongue

23 Underdog victories

2 Diary entry start by Anais Nin?

27 Fruit cover

3 Comfort in sorrow

17 All’s Well That

Why can't you overdose on cannabilis? e by

H

rena mccain

appy Weedsday, everybody!

Let’s take a quick trip into some brain science today! No, I’m not a brain scientist or anything like that, but it sure is fascinating to know about. So here we go!

I hear at least everyday a question about overdosing and dying in relationship to cannabis. And of course, there are a lot of misinformed people out there so I thought I would write about this for this issue.

I have watched the opioid crisis spread like the plague. People drink and die and kill others over alcohol consumption and street drugs. People overdose on pharmaceutical pills, as well. There is a lot of stuff people can overdose and die from.

But cannabis acts on the body and mind in a way that’s very different than opioids or alcohol and all this other stuff.

I’m sure in the course of your life heard, as I have in mine, the tragic phrase, “so-and-so died of an overdose.” But when opioids like fentanyl, OxyContin or heroin are the cause, there’s a specific mechanism that causes that death.

As Oxford University anesthesiology professor K.T.S. Pattinson has observed, “In drug addicts, respiratory depression is the major cause of death.” In other words, during an opioid overdose the victim falls unconscious and the body forgets to breathe.

The body forgets to breathe!

So these opioids that are in heroin, fentanyl and the oxys don’t just suppress pain and increase feelings of pleasure, they also depress something in the brain called the pre-Bötzinger complex. This is where many opioid receptors are found and this is a major reason why opioid overdoses are so deadly.

In an overdose, this complex is flooded with opioids and they attach to these receptors, which causes the breathing to become slow and irregular. Eventually, without intervention, breathing shuts down completely and death occurs due to lack of oxygen. That’s it.

Also, an opioid overdose can depress the brain’s mechanism that regulates the heart and blood circulation, leading

to a drop in blood pressure and heart failure. Hence, a heart attack and death.

It’s a sad way to go, really. It’s a tragic spot to be in in life, especially when cannabis can help so much.

Now, regarding alcohol. Alcohol poisoning can become lethal when the alcohol overwhelms the liver’s ability to clear it, and alcohol in the blood anesthetizes those same brain systems that regulate breathing and blood pressure. They shut down, which leads to death. Cannabis, however, is not one of those things you can die from.

Cannabis still has caused zero deaths. Yes, that’s right. Zero. Cannabis does not affect the body in the same manner as anything else you put in your body. It lacks the ability to kill you.

Here is why it’s impossible for cannabis to kill you. The cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant act on specific receptors that are not concentrated in the brain stem, where breathing and the heart rate are controlled. Cannabinoid receptors are most highly concentrated in the basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebellum, which is where cognition and movement are controlled.

Those same receptors appear in scant numbers in brain stem areas like the pre-Bötzinger complex. Cannabis does not affect the pre-Bötzinger complex as opioids and alcohol and other drugs do.

There are virtually so few cannabinoid receptors there it isn’t physically possible to effect it enough to make a difference, much less cause a death.

In a 1990 study of cannabinoid receptors, researchers with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported that “sparse densities (of cannabinoid receptors) in lower brain stem areas controlling cardiovascular and respiratory functions may explain why high doses of THC are not lethal.”

So rest easy, my friends.

Cannabis doesn’t kill. e

Well

Ordinary

28 “

Man” (My Fair Lady)

4 Hardly like a muscle Mary 5 Even bigger than a

31 Squealer

bed for a queen

32 Lay in the hammock

6 Fill with freight

34 Role for Madonna or LuPone

7 The A in GLARP (abbr.)

36 Sharice Davids, first LGBTQ

8 Censor’s sound

elected to congress

9 Tails of the city,

40 Hollywood Squares choice

when cruising?

41 Church sections

10 Place for future Lts.

42 Saint, in Rio

11 Porter’s “

43 Daly of Judging Amy

Shouldn’t I?”

44 Home of the Bruins

12 PBS helper

—K.T. Pattinson, “Opioids and the control of respiration.” Br. J. Anaesth. 2008; 100(6): 747-58. M. Herkenham, A. B. Lynn, —M. D. Little, et al. “Cannabinoid receptor localization in brain.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA.1990; 87(5): 1932-6.

Rena McCain is a co-founder of the Cannabis Open Carry Walks. Find her on Facebook at GanjaGrrl420, or via Twitter @sassikatt24 and Instagram at ganja_grrl420.

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against homophobia 43 T, to a “Homer-phile” 45 Wave tops 46 “Harder days, empty days” (Oliver!)

47 Big name in dieting 49 Field of Ursula Le Guin 50 Ellen DeGeneres and others 52 Earth tone 54 Ready to get drilled by the dentist 55 Direction for seamen 56 Race unit in The Front Runner 57 ”Xanadu” band, for short 58 Tennessee foot player

Deep Inside Hollywood

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 21

Todd Haynes and Mark Ruffalo go after DuPont romeo san vicente Photo: Starfrenzy.

e by

T

hree-time Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight) will leave his Hulk responsibilities alone long enough to star in the latest movie from Todd Haynes. Socially conscious production company Participant Media will produce the film – once known as Dry Run, though currently untitled – about corporate lawyer Robert Bilott, who shepherded an environmental lawsuit that turned his career upside down and, most importantly, exposed decades of chemical pollution on the part of DuPont. Ruffalo will co-produce the film, based on Nathaniel Rich’s New York Times Magazine article, “The Lawyer Who Became DuPont’s Worst Nightmare.” It will be interesting to see what Haynes can do with this material, as his adaptations of other work always wind up bearing his auteurist stamp, and it’s great to see one of Marvel’s most beloved superheroes take time out to remind audiences that the only real-life heroes are the people who stick out their necks and take on the Big Bad themselves.

Get ready for a Roy Cohn-ucopia

Did you miss the Roy Cohn lesson in queer history class? Do you still not know about the closeted, Trumpmentoring, McCarthyite lawyer who hated the LGBT community and himself? Well, soon you won’t be able to blame media erasure for not knowing about one of the most dastardly homosexual villains of the 20th century, because Michael Sheen ( Masters of Sex) is about to star opposite Christine Baranski, Cush Jumbo and Rose Leslie, playing a character based on Cohn in the upcoming third season of the CBS All Access series The Good Fight. Sheen will play a charismatic lawyer named Roland Blum whose wickedness and corruption provides plenty of resistance fodder for Baranski.

Meanwhile, we already reported on the upcoming Matt Tyrnauer (Scott and the Secret History of Hollywood) documentary Where’s My Roy Cohn? (formerly titled Don’t Mess with Roy Cohn) But brace yourself for a second Cohn doc, this one still untitled, from Ivy Meeropol (Heir to an Execution).

She’s the granddaughter of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were prosecuted

by Cohn in the 1950s, and then executed.

Word is that this one will focus intently on Cohn’s private life, based on information from people who knew him, as well as on candid audiotapes of Cohn himself. Not to worry, none of this drops between now and the holidays to bum you out; it’ll all be part of 2019’s gift basket of deplorables instead.

Daniel Kaluuya joins Lena Waithe’s Queen & Slim

Powerhouse lesbian creator Lena Waithe has a new project going before the cameras. Called Queen & Slim, it’s

Mark Ruffalo

the story of a black couple on a first date that goes horribly wrong, forcing them into a series of consequences they never anticipated. Starring Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) and up-and-comer Jodie Turner-Smith (soon to be seen as Grace Jones in the upcoming Marvin Gaye biopic, Sexual Healing) have signed on, while helming duties will fall to acclaimed music video director Melina Matsoukas. It’ll be her first feature film, but she’s already directed cinematic stunners like Beyoncé’s “Formation” video as well as dozens of clips for artists like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, and Katy Perry. And the Waithe connection? She directed the Emmywinning “Thanksgiving” episode of Master of None. In other words, bring on this encore collaboration right now.

Will Ferrell, Gus Van Sant crown Prince of Fashion

Gus Van Sant, fresh off the critically well-received biopic, Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot, is about to bring another real-life subject to the screen: the 13-year-old son of Pulitzer Prizewinning author Michael Chabon ( The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay). Chabon wrote a 2016 piece for GQ titled “My Son, The Prince of Fashion” in which he detailed a trip to Paris’ Men’s Fashion Week with his young son, a devoted design fan. The heartwarming father-son bonding story went viral, especially among queer readers, and now Will Ferrell has signed on to play Chabon’s role in the film version. Currently titled Prince of Fashion, we’re hoping it turns out to be the kind of film befuddled dads in need of a map for raising their own fashion-loving boys turn to for advice. Then we hope they buy plane tickets to Paris for that boy. Trust us, we guarantee that kid has already been through a lot and deserves a break. e Romeo San Vicente knows more queens of fashion than princes.

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| MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

SOLUTION FROM p20

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PFLAG Houston News

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 23

PFLAG Houston’s holiday party to benefit Tony’s Place e by

linda bratsen

A

re you ready for some delicious food and great fellowship? We would love to have you join us on Sunday, December 2, 2018 for our annual holiday party. Utensils and drinks will be provided and attendees are asked to bring finger food.

Those who wish may bring donations for Tony’s Place to assist homeless GLBTQ youth. Suggestions are travel size toiletries, underwear, socks, etc.

We look forward to an exciting new year as we work together to advance our mission of support, education and advocacy. What a great opportunity to learn more about our organization!

We will meet from 2 ’til 4:30 pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St. Parking is available between Fannin and San Jacinto. The party will be in the Jones Building, immediately after our confidential small groups.

Gender Spectrum. PFLAG National has joined with Gender Spectrum, a national nonprofit support group for families with transgender, non-binary or gender expansive children and teens. Online discussion groups are available to connect families nationally or even worldwide. By joining these facilitated support groups, members can engage in fun interactions using real time audio and video. Trained volunteers and Gender Spectrum staff provide safe guidance, without any pressure to participate. You can learn more about PFLAG National or register for the online discussion groups at GenderSpectrum.org/groups.

Thanking the helpline. PFLAG Houston says a special thank-you to Kelly Cammack with Apollo Answering Service, LLC for donating the PFLAG Helpline Answering Service. To learn more about Apollo Answering Service, email kcammack@apolloanswers.com.

More PFLAG Houston meetings

PFLAG Houston is committed to supporting families and educating the public about LGBT issues, and invites all to consider the group’s numerous volunteer opportunities.

PFLAG Houston is also passionate about advocacy to ensure equal human rights and end discrimination. PFLAG

Houston invites all family members, parents and/or youth who are having problems with coming out issues, and welcomes everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity or political persuasion. The group is proud of its rich history and the continued contributions of members, and invites all to learn more about the organization and join in efforts to create a more diverse, accepting society. Find a home in PFLAG. pflag houston’s mid-month sharing meeting meets on the third Thursday of each month, beginning at 7 p.m. The meeting is located at Bering United Methodist Church, 1440 Harold Street in Houston. Enter under the teal awning. The meeting is in the first room on the left. pflag houston’s clear lake sharing meeting meets the fourth Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church in the fellowship hall.

The church is located at 17503 El Camino Real Drive in Clear Lake. pflag houston’s katy sharing meeting meets the fourth Tuesday Jeff Berry of each month, 7 ’til 8 p.m. at First Christian Church, located at 22101 Morton Ranch Road. Please enter the main building through the front doors and follow the signs. PFLAG Houston is excited to bring support, education and advocacy to the west side. pflag pearland’s sharing meeting meets last Sunday of each month, 2:00 ‘til 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Pearland, 2314 North Grand Boulevard, Room B211 (upstairs in the Bethel Building). Use the Jasmine St. entrance and follow the signs.

Pflag houston’s yahoo group subscription list is confidential, and all members can immediately post messages to all other members of the network. Subscribers may search PFLAG Houston’s archives to look at all previous listings. e

For information about support, upcoming events and meetings, as well as up-to-date news relevant to PFLAG Houston’s family and friends, visit PFLAGHouston.org, email PFLAG Houston’s hotline at helpline@pflaghouston.org or call 713-467-3524.

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The Frivolist

11 items in your attic that might be worth big bucks e by

mikey rox

A

ttic treasures are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Many of us are living more efficiently with less clutter lying around the house and barely any room for additional storage anyway. I’ve never even opened the hatch to the attic in my house – mostly because that horror-moviewaiting-to-happen can stay locked away for eternity for all I care.

Yet while younger generations don’t have a need or desire to take advantage of attic space – if they even have it – our parents and grandparents were basically functioning hoarders who stuffed the rafters to the gills will potential treasures. What sort of bounty is tucked away up there?

Take a look at these 11 items in your attic that might be worth big bucks.

1. STERLING SILVER AND ENAMELED METAL PIECES While silver and gold fluctuate in price on the markets, they’ll never not be valuable. And since sterling was relatively cheap back in the day, it’s feasible that your family could have a few pieces that demand a pretty penny.

“For pieces that retain their value over time, look to precious metal antiques including sterling silver flatware, tea sets, and also enameled metal pieces like Cloisonné and Champleve,” advises Michael de Bondt, an antique buyer and estate sales dealer in Sarasota, Florida.

“Because of the workmanship and level of quality in these items, they can be worth money for decades or longer

and remain more stable than trending antiques and collectibles.”

2. FAR EAST ANTIQUES De Bondt adds that Far East antiques also hold their value for a long time.

“The hottest items now that people might have lurking in attics from grandma’s parlor are Asian pieces,” he says. “We especially like Chinese snuff bottles, antique urns and bronze pieces.”

3. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

“Any musical instrument can have huge value, but especially guitars,” explains David Kalt, founder and CEO of Reverb. com, an online marketplace for guitars and gear. He says, for instance, that popular guitars from the 1960s could be attic treasures, including vintage Fender, Gibson and acoustic guitars.

4. OBSOLETE ELECTRONICS

As reported by Mashable, even the most outdated electronic devices are sought after, like the Imagination Machine that pulled in $900 on eBay. But even if you don’t have little-known vintage electronics, you can still cop a decent amount of green with your old Nintendo items, like a 20-year-old Super Nintendo game that sold for $81; dusty and totally defunct Betamaxes; and Apple products, like the Apple II+, which commanded $102 at eBay auction.

sales for vintage toys and game boxes are especially healthy.

“Most people think they are trash, but people buy them to reunite a toy with its original packaging, or just use it as art,” he says.

Another decent moneymaker is the fast food and cartoon character collector glassware from the 1980s.

“With ’80s kids now having disposable income, they are being bought up like crazy. There’s just something fun about drinking an adult beverage out of a glass that you used to sip apple juice out of,” says Bernhard. “Another favorite are stuffed animals from the ’80s and early ’90s. Alf, Teddy Ruxpin and My Buddy dolls fly off the shelves.”

6. COINS

Most coins will always be worth their face value – even if that has diminished over the years thanks to inflation. But some coins, especially rare ones in excellent condition, far exceed their original value. The same goes for paper money, too, which isn’t uncommon to find in attics previously owned by war-era families and veterans.

There are several options on where to sell your coins and cash – like to a coin shop, physical auction, and an online auction or marketplace – but first you should have the value appraised by a reputable source.

5. CHILDHOOD TOYS AND GAMES 7. VINTAGE MAGAZINES AND Kevin Bernhard, owner of Rust-andNEWSPAPERS Shine vintage and handmade market in Baltimore, reveals that

On eBay, a lot of 11 vintage Seventeen magazines from 1961 and ’62 sold for

nearly $50, while a single issue of Vogue magazine from April 15, 1968, was up to $36.99 from nine bids on eBay four days before its auction expiration.

8. COSTUME & DESIGNER JEWELRY “Signed pieces of designer jewelry are often a great place to find value: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Raymond Yard, David Webb – all these brands have been around for decades, and in some cases over a century,” says Anup Jogani, founder and CEO of Jogani Beverly Hills, a dealer in antique and vintage gems and jewelry. “Finding a piece with one of these iconic signatures means a good payday coming your way.”

Let’s not forget about costume jewelry, either. I’ve seen costume jewelry sell rapidly and for a decent fee – $100 per small box – at a yard sale that I co-hosted with a neighbor. It was part of his mother’s collection, which wasn’t particularly worth much in terms of quality or craftsmanship, but the pieces were nice enough to catch one buyer’s attention, and that’s really all you need.

9. COMIC BOOKS

A quick look on eBay revealed a few heavy hitters, like a lot of 1,712 Gold, Silver and Bronze Age Avengers #1 comic books approaching $7,200 with one day left on bidding; The Amazing Spider-Man #6 from November 1963 bid at $163.50; and a The Brave and the Bold title from 1955 at $128.50 with five days to go.

10. FURNITURE

Reader’s Digest suggests consulting Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide to establish your bearings in the vintage and antique furniture world, while paying particular attention to Stickley Mission Oak, Arts and Crafts, and Heywood-Wakefield brands. Items that might seem like a boon but are really a bust include 1920s and ’30s dining sets that are reproductions of 16th- and 17th-century pieces.

“They look like they came out of a castle,” dealer J. Michael Flanigan told Reader’s Digest, “but they were produced by the tens of thousands out of places like Grand Rapids.”

11. SPORTS TRADING CARDS

Considering the amount of time that’s passed and the number of sports trading cards that may be hidden away in the attic, you could have a nice chunk of change coming your way. Upper Deck has a beginners’ guide on how to start sorting through your cards before you approach a shop on the actual retail value.

Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been published in more than 100 outlets across the world. He spends his time writing from the beach with his dog Jaxon.

Connect with Mikey on Instagram @mikeyrox.

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Guide to the Clubs HOUSTON

n MONTROSE - MIDTOWN Crocker Bar 2312 Crocker St, Houston (713) 529-3355 Large Deck | Karaoke George’s Country Sports Bar 617 Fairview Ave, Houston (713) 528-8102 Sports Bar | Pool & Darts | Patio Guava Lamp 570 Waugh Dr, Houston (713) 524-3359 • guavalamphouston.com Video Lounge | Karaoke | Mixed JR’s Bar and Grill & Santa Fe 808 Pacific St, Houston (713) 521-2519 • jrsbarandgrill.com Videos | Patio | Karaoke | Shows Michael’s Outpost Piano Bar 1419 Richmond Ave, Houston (713) 520-8446 Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Piano Rich's Houston 2401 San Jacinto (281) 846-6685 RichsNightclub.com Barcode Houston 817 Fairview Ave, Houston (713) 526-2625 • facebook.com/barcode77006

Shows | Neighborhood Bar | CD/Trans The Ripcord 715 Fairview St, Houston (713) 521-2792 • facebook.com/ripcordhouston Leather | Uniform | Fetish | Men

n DOWNTOWN / EADO Lucky’s Pub - Downtown 801 St Emanuel St, 77003 (713) 522-2010 • Luckyspub.com Sports Bar | Food

n NW HOUSTON La Granja Disco & Cantina 5505 Pinemont Dr., Houston (713) 518-6753 • lagranjadisco.com Latin dance club

Moon Tower Inn 3004 Canal St, 77003 (832) 969-1934 • damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com Hot Dogs | Beer Gardens

Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon 11410 Hempstead Highway Houston, TX 77092 (713) 677-0828 • neonbootsclub.com

Neil’s Bahr 2006 Walker St, 77003 (281) 352-7456 • NeilsBahr.com Premier Nerd | Gamer | Intellectual hangout Tout Suite 2001 Commerce, 77002 713-227-8688 • toutsuitetx.com Bakery | Cafe | Pub Voodoo Queen 322 Milby St, 77003 713-555-5666 • damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com Casual | Po’ Boys | Games n DOWNTOWN / WARDS 1-4 Tony’s Corner Pocket 817 West Dallas Street, Houston (713) 571-7870 • tonyscornerpocket.com Neighborhood Bar | Pool | Dancers n HOUSTON - NORTH SIDE Ranch Hill Saloon 24704 Interstate 45, Spring (281) 298-9035 • ranchhill.com Country | Cowgirl | Neighborhood Bar The Room Bar 4915 FM 2920 Rd, Spring (281) 907-6866 • roombarspring.com Neighborhood Bar | Shows | Dance | Mixed

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Viviana’s Night Club 4624 Dacoma St, Houston (713) 681-4101 • vivianasniteclub.com Latino | Tejano | Dance n SW HOUSTON Crystal Night Club 6684 SW Fwy, Houston (713) 278- 2582 • crystaltheclub.com Latin Dance | Salsa n HEIGHTS / WASHINGTON CORRIDOR Pearl Lounge 4216 Washington, Houston 832-740-4933 • pearlhouston.com Neighborhood Art Bar | Live Music | Women

GALVESTON 23rd Street Station 1706 23rd St, Galveston (409) 443-5678 • 23rdstreetstation.com Piano Bar | Pub | Live Entertainment Robert’s Lafitte 2501 Ave Q, Galveston (409) 765-9092 • galveston.com/robertslafitte Neighborhood Bar | Pub | Cruise | Shows Rumors Beach Bar 3102 Seawall Blvd., Galveston (409) 497-4617 • RumorsBeachBar.com Beach bar | Shows

MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018 | PAGE 27

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PAGE 28 | MontroseStar.com e | Wednesday November 28, 2018

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