lvgnlbb by RT Media

DECEMBER 2009

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

ASK KATTY KATHY HOLIDAYS for the SKINNY BITCH... UNCLE TOMS’ CRABBIN

LASVEGASGAYNEWS.COM

DECEMBER 2009

24 24 | Fey Performs

FEATURES 8 | KATTY KATHY...It‟s the time of year to give thanks, and that includes Las Vegas gays. But what, you ask, do you have to be thankful for?

26 | HOLIDAYS for the SKINNY BITCH...I know I am a skinny bitch with a

11 On our cover Ryan Zink, one of the Twelve Divas of Christmas 11 | 12 DIVAS of CHRISTMAS.. Page 4

28 inch waist. But I still feel fat!

27 | CHEF TONY...Stuffed Dates with Bleu Cheese and Red Wine Sauce

36 | UNCLE TOMS‟ CRABBIN… Welcome to the LVGN Little Black Book,

the newest GLBT publication in NV. With the holidays in tow I should probably wish you a MFC…..

40 | RED is the COLOR of my LIPSTICK….Since this is the introduction issue and I have been „recruited‟ to write a blog, column, article, or whichever you choose to call it. I should introduce myself.

VEGAS STUFF 6 | LETTER from the EDITOR

LITTLE BLACK BOOK Issue 1 December, 2009

Publisher

30 | CAUGHT OUT & ABOUT

Dennis Heer

42 | HOMOSCOPES

Editor Rickey Turner

44 | WEEKLY EVENTS

Contributors

46 | MAP

Tony Polimeni Tom Moilanen L.L Katty Kathy

48 | BUSINESS GUIDE

29 29 | Snicks Re-opening and Birthday

LVGN, Little Black Book is published monthly. No part of this publication my be duplicated without permission from LVGN Media Group. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the same as the publisher, or itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advertisers.

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Letter from the Editor 2009 is coming to an end, and we will soon be faced with the year 2010. Even though I‟ve only lived in this city for 3 years it feels like ten. With just being here for such a short amount of time I am still shocked at all the great people I‟ve come to know. So there is one thing that has become annoying when I hear about the Las Vegas LGBT community. “There is no gay community in Las Vegas.” In fact there is a huge community here. If you don‟t believe me (this will exclude our new arrivals and those of you who choose to be „homebodies‟. I‟m referring to anyone who has lived here for over 2 years and actually are not the normal „boozy bar flies„), look around the next time you‟re out and about and see whom you have seen before or even actually know. Then do it again the following time. We all in one way or another know each other so why is there no community should be the question. Is it because we let the businesses that cater to our lifestyle tell us where we should go and turn our noses to other places because of issues not our own? When did being gay become a design laid out that we all have to follow? What really measures a gay community? I was in the Navy , so I‟ve lived in other major cities and the only difference I see, is a community is based on it‟s non-profit groups and how they are supported. As I attend functions in this city, I see there is an unawareness of what‟s actually going on, or even what do some of these groups do. Also, to get people in the door you can‟t have the same dated functions month after month. Times are changing, and with that so should fundraising techniques. The nonprofits also need to make their presence known, and not just on nights when you‟re holding a bar function. Everyone is still spending money, so your main competition is the couch and TV. LVGN is striving to be a non-bias outlet of everything our community has to offer. That was the reason we came out with our website at the beginning of this year. It‟s funny really to go from doing something as a hobby and then being nudged into coming out with a magazine. In no way am I trying to beat out any other publication. LVGN is just filling the gap. I honestly never actually wanted to go to print. The way things are now with the economy, many publications are going out of business, so I made the Little Black Book. The concept is that it fits into your back pocket, It‟s simple and to the point with content that is readable. All of my columnists are locals here and they have almost complete literary freedom to write about whatever they choose. Gone are the days of having to roll up a magazine that you probably won‟t read unless you‟re waiting for your friends at the bar or „popping a squat„. I hope with all of our readers and the business owners that are praising our arrival, we can show there is a community here, and we‟re taking back our voice.

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Here are the top five 5. Vegas Weather Although we all complain about the heat, it‟s really not that unbearable. Especially when we get the mild fall and winter months. With almost everyone having a pool, it

It‟s the time of year to give thanks, and that includes Las Vegas gays. But what, you ask, do you have to be thankful for? After all, you‟re broke, your grandmother hasn‟t spoken to you since you came out,

your last trick‟s meth habit kept the temperature “down” so to speak, and you just got yet another call from the Health District (and not about renewing your Health Card, either). Well, even you, my friend, have some things to be thankful for. Page 8

also allows for year round outdoor tanning. A big plus when you‟re trying to justify how butch you really are. Also, allows for skimpy outfits.

4. Free Cocktails No, that was not free cock and tail, boys. One word, as in drinks. Thanks to Vegas‟ weather, it is not totally unbearable to prance around with no pants, no shirt, or none of the above. And if you‟ve got the body for it, or even if you don‟t

(as anyone who has been at underwear night on Lucky Bear weekend can tell you), your lack of modesty is your ticket to free drinks, at least a few nights a week.

3. Yes Men

1. Fag Hags

If you are too modest to wear (or not wear) an outfit, don‟t worry. Vegas is full of “yes homos.” Just ask any little twink at the club if you look alright. They have plenty of practice hugging and saying their friends look “fabulous.” If you‟re looking for a sure bet on your quest for selfaffirmation, find the nearest

We should all take a little time out to thank the ladies in our lives. Sorry “Divas,” I‟m talking about the real girls here. Whether it‟s a roommate, an ex, just a friend, a sister (biological or otherwise), or a “girlfriend,” we all have fag hags. And although they can be frustrating at times, we should be more appreciative. Whether they

homo wearing a mismatched wool sweater (especially in the summer), scarf, indoor sunglasses, and either colored Chuck Taylors or man boots. Then turn to his best friend and ask how you look.

2. Gay Labels Let‟s face it. Whether it‟s a personality flaw or a physical flaw, we all have flaws. Well, thanks to the gay “scenes,” your flaw may just be an asset. Have a baby face and a scrawny body to match? You‟re not sickly, you‟re a twink. A “little” chubby

and not manscaped? Congratulations, you’re a bear! In your 40s and like the twinks? If you were straight, you‟d be a pedophile, but instead, you‟re a “daddy.” Insecure and like to be degraded? You‟re not troubled, you‟re submissive. And no matter what your particular quirk may be, there‟s someone looking for you!

subtly tell you he’s not that cute, pound on the bathroom door while you‟re trying to get your freak on, threaten any man that comes near you, or just stand by patiently and hopefully remember that cute guy‟s name better than you could, be thankful. She may just help you avoid that call from the Health District. So this during this holiday season, give thanks to the hag in your life. And as bad as gay life in the Valley may get, especially in tough economic times, remember, there are at least five things that you can be thankful for this year.

Got a question or comments for Katty Kathy? E-Mail her at: kattykathy@lvgn.com Page 9

nicest and realest people I‟ve met.

I present my 12 Divas of Christmas. As not really a follower of the different levels of “Drag” and also the fact that I‟m kind of „nosy‟. I wanted to learn more about the queens in our community and wanted to know why do they opt to don the attire of the opposite sex and hone their individual talents and perform for us all on a regular basis. The selection process actually was a consensus from a group of people I asked. The 12 here are not ones I feel are the most talented or the most popular but yet 12 queens that I see out and about and wanted to get to know them a little better. I tried to cover all the levels when I chose these Divas. A couple of them I actually met for the first time and I have to say for the stigmata that comes with being a Diva. These 12 were actually, for the most part, some of the

I would also like to make an honorable mention of a Diva that was actually the first Diva I chose. I wanted this Diva to be a part of this because his show was the first I saw when I moved to Vegas a couple of years back. Also, he reminds me of my favorite movie and it‟s lead character Hedwig. Hedwig was hilarious and had a sarcastic style of telling jokes that I think this Diva embodies in my mind. That Diva is Shawn M. He hosts the show at Freezone in the Fruit Loop every Friday night at 10pm. Through scheduling issues that were mostly my fault, I was not able to get Shawn for this feature, but I would like him to know that I still think he is a top notch performer and he will always be one of my Divas of Christmas. Another thing you may see when you come across a Diva page in our Little Black Book, is my commentary underneath their bios. This was actually suggested by one of the 12, Ryan Zink, who actually challenged me to do it. So my comments are underneath each Diva which consists of how the shot went, why I chose them, or how I really feel about them and the experience of picking them for this feature. Some of the commentaries can come across a little like WTF but I was honest and my sense of humor can come across abrasive. So that is my disclaimer and to show I respect all of them as performers as well as human beings.

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Frank Marino Frank Marino Age: 46 Frank Marino currently is the host and producer of Divas Live!, the female impersonator show running at Imperial Palace on the Vegas strip . He currently holds the unofficial record for the longest continuous performance run at a single casino in Las Vegas. For over 20 years, Frank was also the emcee and star of La Cage which ran at the Riviera Hotel & Casino from 1985 to the earlier this year when the show ended. He has played Joan Rivers since the start of La Cage and even as a child growing up in Brooklyn, he dreamed of being a star. He just didn‟t realize then he would have to dress up in Bob Mackie gowns and Manolo Blahniks to do so. His credits also include being an accomplished author and making his big screen debut in the movie Miss Congeniality 2.. In the end he hopes that the future will be as rewarding as his life has already been. “It‟s nice to be important but more important to be nice.” - Frank Marino Editor Comments I‟ve only seen Frank once before and that was when he stood in for Jimmy Emerson and hosted the opening night of Divas off the Strip. Well the name was actually changed from An intimate evening with the former cast members of Las Cage to Divas off the Strip, shortly after the opening night which I never understood why. Frank is the only one of the 12 Divas that I actually didn‟t shoot the photo myself. Since he has his own show on the strip, I was okay if he had some publicity shots he took and I would use those. It was perfect for him and he sent me a head shot ‟he just took‟. As I started putting the lineup together I noticed that it looks awfully familiar just picture no Santa hat and put it on top of a phone book.

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Hot Chocolate Name: Larry Edwards Age: 54 Hot Chocolate currently works for Piranha/ 8 ½ Ultra Lounge as the Mood Director. He also is a cast member for Divas Live! at the Imperial Palace. He got his start doing drag in Atlanta at a bar called the Sweet Gumhead. He has won many titles such as Miss Gay America, Miss Gay Texas, Entertainer of the Year in Las Vegas and in March 2005 was awarded the Key to the City. In 5 years, Larry sees himself still entertaining and being the hostess with the „mostest‟. “Enjoying Life to the fullest and bringing happiness to others”. - Larry Edwards Editor‟s Comments: I would like to say Chocolate is the forerunner for being the most good hearted and down to earth Diva. I can honestly say that and it must come with the wisdom of age or something. We shot this photo right before Chocolate went on a week long cruise. I need to go on a vacation after doing this 12 Divas story.

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Ginger Grant Name: Kirk Age: Unknown Ginger Grant is the current Empress of the Imperial Court. He works at Charlie's and hosts their Sunday Night Drag show. He also hosts (off and on) “Something Special,

Something Different” on Mondays and

Drag Queen Bingo on Tuesdays. Editors Comment: Well that‟s the info I have on Ginger Grant. I asked him for his bio for about 2 weeks straight so I‟m not really bothered about how much information is on here. I was actually going to replace him since he acted like he didn‟t want to have any part of this. It never came out of his mouth but actions speak louder than words. I also know this is not the greatest photo but this was actually the 5th attempt to take it. I believe in being honest so this may have come out harsh but I‟m not at fault. I tried but hey I can‟t make water into wine.

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Kitty Litter Name: Mark Grissom Age: 43 Currently works for Fun Hog Ranch off Paradise and Twain. He hosts his own show there on Sundays called, “Are you smarter than a drag queen?” He has been married for 24 years and he and his husband moved to Vegas 10 years ago from Colorado. He got his start doing drag to help raise money for a dying friend and the reason he does drag is for the community. “Community is Unity” Editors Comments: I know Kitty does do a lot for the community even if it doesn‟t put him in the Limelight unlike other drag queens we see doing charity events. Also since his style of drag is more campy and comedy when you see him out as a man you wouldn‟t know he was a drag diva since some of his peers can look like eyebrow-less aliens and he still has his brows .

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Ryan Zink Name: Ryan Zink Age: 36 Ryan is a former cast member of La Cage at the Riviera where he performed as Reba regularly. He also was a regular cast member of Divas off the Strip at Goodtimes before the show ended. He got his start doing drag during gay pride in Amarillo, TX back in 1997. He started impersonating Reba about 9 years ago. He sees himself in 5 years in the movie industry. Ryan is currently shopping around with a script he wrote and when the new La Cage opens back up he will be in it. He would like everyone to know that he has a bigger heart than his attitude. Editors Comments: As much as Ryan is at Fun Hog they should put him on the payroll. You can usually find him sitting by the bartender entry at the end of the bar. He was actually one of the easiest to shoot and looks completely non - Reba so I guess he isnâ&#x20AC;&#x;t just a one trick pony like most thought. I can say Ryan is probably the only Diva that has worked at every bar in this city and also sadly the only Diva that was fired from almost every bar. Yup, I said it he has the mark of a true Diva. Page 16

Jimmy Emerson Jimmy Emerson Age: You never ask that Jimmy actually pursued acting in the beginning. He was a drama major at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX . He also studied Mime at Stockton State College. His list of acting credits are impressive and somewhere along the line, he discovered he had a talent for stand - up comedy and his quick wit made him sought after as an emcee. It was then he created his first female character: Roxie Starr. From there he has performed in both the Atlanta and Las Vegas, La Cage productions where he has developed comedy look-alikes as Peggy Lee, Tammy Wynette and Ann Miller. He also started his own production company and his production of Naked Boys Singing is currently playing at the Onyx Theatre, located in the commercial center. Jimmy still wants more for the future and is working on a bringing a new show. Editor Comment. I was informed that they are bringing La Cage back to the Riviera and Jimmy is the new host. It hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x;t been confirmed but sources say they are trying to revamp it and have new cast members with new faces. They want to bring something new and exciting instead of just the same old thing. The shoot went great too. Jimmy was the most animated Diva I shot.

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Samantha Jerika Cole Name: Sammi Escamilla Age: 37 Getting her start from following her drag mother Reba(David) in Harlingen, TX. Impersonates usually Lady GaGa and Selena when she performs. She actually is transgendered and lives as a woman but still has all the „bits and pieces‟ and has no plan of getting rid of them. “It‟s like having the best of both worlds” - Samantha Cole Editors Comments: “My tranny baby‟s mama.” Since I don‟t frequent drag shows as much as my gay card says I should, I haven‟t seen Samantha perform since that drag-a-palooza event known as the “So you think you can Toxx finale“ at Flex. (Really it was like 6 hours long) I thought her last name was Toxx from winning the competition, and she lost her title conveniently before they gypped her out of most of the prizes she was entitled to. I actually replaced the host with Samantha since the host‟s schedule was so busy he couldn‟t take a headshot, and he had the audacity to want me to use one from his MySpace that was like a mini me version of himself.

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Kenny Kerr Name: Kenny Kerr Age: 57 Kenny currently hosts his own cabaret show “An evening with Kenny Kerr” every Friday and Saturday night at Destafono‟s Restaurant from 11pm - 1am. He actually got his start forty years ago when he was just sixteen and was approached while shopping in a Philadelphia Mall by producers of a local impersonation show. They approached him because he had a natural resemblance to Barbara Streisand and wanted him to audition after being made-up. Kenny agreed and the rest is showbiz history. He has performed at eight major casinos, opened for Joan Rivers & Connie Francis, and has had roles in six different movies. The most noted was role was co-starring with Whoopi Goldberg in the The Associate. Kenny plans in the future to take his show on the road and feature his talents as the World‟s Foremost Master of Impersonation. Editor Comments: I saw his show for the first time when I approached him on being one of the 12. It was really funny and racy without going to far into the obnoxious. I wanted Kenny as one of the 12 since he actually opened the first impersonator show here in Las Vegas: BoyLesque, at the Silver Slipper Casino, way back in 1977. So he has been performing longer than most of us have been alive. The shoot only took a couple of minutes to do. He was very engaging when it came to getting a good shot and he knew how to „smize‟ ( smile with your eyes).

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Nikita La Femme Name: Nikos Kay Age: 38 Nikita got his start doing drag at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY while taking theatre. He is best known for being Miss Gay Pride 2005 and Empress IX. He would like to say “Take the time to know me before you judge me”. Referring to dating, “Its hard to find someone to be okay with you in a dress”. In the future. he sees himself doing more charity work and hopefully being in a show on the strip. Editors Comments: Out of all the Divas, I have seen Nikita at all the different fundraising events lending his time and talent to help raise money for different organizations. It‟s easy to say you want to do more charity work but Nikita is actually the one doing that all on his own and not filling any kind of title obligation. His shoot was really easy. The first couple of photos there was no corset so he kind of looked like the KoolAid man. Page 20

Kenneth Blake Name: Kenneth Blake Age: 38 Kenneth currently is a cast member of Divas Live!, which runs at Imperial Palace on the Vegas Strip. He also hosts his own show every Tuesday night at Flex. He is best known for impersonating Madonna and Dolly Parton but also can impersonate Cher, Celine Dion, Gwen Stefani, and Marilyn Monroe. He is also a former cast member of Norbert Aleman's "An Evening At LaCage". Kenneth also is known for his wig designs which are featured world wide with clients in The United States, Germany, Australia, Sweden, The United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Norway, and Italy. He also has mixed and remixed music for shows and entertainers all over the globe. You can see his work in "BORN DI-

VAS", "GODDESS", "Legends In Concert", "Crazy Girls", "Passion Extreme", "SHOWSTOPPERS Can't Stop The Beat", "BOTTOMS UP", just to name a few. Editor‟s comments:

I believe Kenneth is probably the hardest working Diva. He has such a long list of projects it‟s remarkable he gets up in the morning. I‟ve seen him perform Dolly and it always shocks me, especially if you have seen Kenneth out of drag.

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COCO VEGA Name: Joseph Santellona Age: Legendary Coco currently hosts his own show, Flamboyance, which runs at Gipsy Nightclub every Sunday night at midnight. He also is a cast member of the Divas Live! Show, running at Imperial Palace. He is best known for his Tina Turner, Bette Midler, and Shirley Bassey impersonations and also is known throughout the country for his costume making. His most famous would be the medusa costume he made for Shannel, when she appeared on Rupaul„s Drag Race on Logo. Originally from Toledo, OH he actually got his start doing drag one night while drinking tequila. He hopes the future brings him being „bigger than life‟, and always entertaining on the strip. “I would like to thank the Vegas community for the incredible welcome and making it my new home” - Coco Vega. Editor‟s Comments: I actually think the outfits Coco creates show real talent. Out of all the divas I shot, he was the most critical of himself when it came to his photo. I think it looks really good and not much “editing” was needed for it. Page 22

Sage Summers Name: Angel Summers Age: 23 Sage currently is a cast member of Flamboyance running every Sunday night at Gipsy Nightclub in the Fruit Loop. She is a former Miss Gay Las Vegas, Miss Sin City US of A, and Miss Gay Pride. The inspiration to start performing came to her while watching MTV Spring Jams during spring break. While at home for being kicked out of school for fighting, Rupaul appeared on the show and she decided that was the role she wanted to pursue. She is another one of my Divas in a long term relationship having been with her lover for over 6 ½ years. Sage hopes in the future, that she can open her own nightclub and give new young entertainers a place to start. She didn‟t have that opportunity when she was younger. “Diana Ross is my biggest inspiration” - Sage Summers Editor‟s Comments: I met Sage for the first time when I asked her to be one of my 12 Divas and actually she was the last one I shot. I can say she is probably the Diva with the biggest entourage, because when she leaves the bar she always has a big group with her. I chose Sage even though I‟ve only seen her perform a few times. But every time she does, you can tell she puts all her heart into it.

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Latin Sensation Fey Performs Review by Rickey T.

Elephant Music recording artist and Mexico native, Fey performed in early November at Piranha/ 8 ½ Ultra Lounge‟s Sunday Latin Nights. The night was a partnership with Los Chinos and Club Papi. Fey is a Latin club diva, having sold around 10 million albums world-wide and known throughout Mexico since her self - titled debut album in 1995. Las Vegas was the last stop on her National club tour to promote her latest album, Dulce Tentacion (Sweet Temptation - English version to be released later). The night was packed full of anxious fans waiting for her prompt appearance at 3:30 a.m. She performed hits that has made her famous as well as her new hits such as, Lentamente (Let me show you) and Provo came (Games that you play). Since I don‟t speak Spanish I could not understand a word of the show, but the crowd seemed to go „loco‟ when she came out with her two dancers. If I was into short guys I would have been in heaven and everyone was jamming out to every song Fey performed. The music was a style similar to such artists like Paulina Rubio and maybe a Hispanic Kylie Minogue. One thing I couldn‟t figure out that seems to be a trait lately, even with the debauched performance by Ashlee Simpson, that only happened a few years ago and the more recent reviews on Britney‟s latest concerts. I feel unless your choreography is similar to the front line of “River dance”, you should never „lip-sing‟ all the songs you perform. Especially in a club setting where‟s it‟s harder to get away with it. I‟m just saying even with me not understanding a lick of Spanish, I was over it when she lipped every word.

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tongue I go into a culinary orgasm that last about 20 seconds. Afterwards, I am ready for a cigarette and a glass of wine to finish the night. Find what you love and enjoy it but don‟t be gluttonous.

By: Chef Tony P.

I know I am a skinny bitch with a 28 inch waist.

But I still feel fat! All of you out there that are naturally skinny are the luckiest ones of all. You get to stuff your face (while no one is looking) and not gain a flipping ounce during the holidays. For the rest of us, we have to either not enjoy all the amazing food for the sake of staying in OK shape or we pack on the keg and say screw it. This is where I as the new food columnist get to really have fun. Giving you advice on how to enjoy the holidays and come out of the house in March not wearing a parka. First, we all have to understand that food is a necessity. We all do have to eat! But it does not mean when we step into our friend‟s front door that we are now in the “World Buffet” at the Rio. As a guest we should eat less than what we would eat at home. Keep that in mind; eat less out than you would eat at home! Secondly, I am a firm believer in eating rich foods. For one they are very filling. This equates into two or three bites of extremely creamy or heavy amazing flavors verses the entire bowl of chips when you know one is never enough. It is OK to eat anything you want (unless otherwise advised by your doctor) just eat less of it. Savor it from the moment it enters your mouth. For me, really rich chocolate desserts do it. The moment it hits my

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Third, watch how much you drink! I know for many here in the valley drinking is either a daily or weekly indulgence that never goes away. If you meet up with someone chances are it is at a bar. And during the holiday this is even more enhanced with either holiday cheer or the humbug curse.

The liquid diet though really does not count as a diet. From a culinary point of view drink according to what is going on. If having dinner then TRY to match your drink to the food. This is especially easy for all of the winos out there. But it can also be done with beer and cocktails as well. After you find a good drink, add water. I don‟t mean water to the drink. For every drink you have add either a glass of water or tea or coffee. This will help with the gut and also the DUI‟s. We all want a six pack, not a keg so why drink one. I know, I know… this is all information you already understand. Unless you are one of the lucky ass bitches that can‟t gain a flipping pound, we have to do something. And as for me, I will be eating this year. I want to try to get my ass back without the waist going up. For those that really don‟t care this holiday season I do have three words for you; March, April, May. We have 3 months to lose the 30 pounds before the swimsuits come back on and we are lounging by the pool at Sun Kissed! Happy Holidays Everyone, Tony P

Stuffed Dates with Bleu Cheese and Red Wine Sauce 12 large or 24 small dates (pitted) 12 slices of bacon 24 smoked almonds 2 cups enjoyable red wine Â˝ cup bleu cheese (crumbled) If dates are large cut in half sideways making 24 pieces about 1 inch long. Stuff with one smoked almond and close the date around it. Cut the slices of bacon in half and wrap each of the almond filled dates with a half of a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon on to the date with a toothpick and place on a broiler pan. In a sauce pan, place the 2 cups of red wine on medium high heat. When it comes to a boil reduce temperature to medium low and simmer until total liquid is less than half of the original. Set aside. Place bacon wrapped dated under broiler on high heat. Check on dates every 2 or so minutes. When bacon is cooked turn dates over to finish the other side. Once the bacon is cooked all the way around the date take them out and place them on a pan with paper towels to soak up the grease. Place on a serving platter and drizzle the wine reduction on top of each date. The crumble the bleu cheese on each to finish the dish.

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Do not Park It has been a common practice to use the parking lot that is located on the corner of Harmon and Paradise directly across from the Hard Rock Casino as overflow parking when going to the Fruit Loop. In recent months every single car that parks there is being towed. The tow trucks come out in groups to get rid of the cars parking there. LVGN called the management company of the plaza but received no return call. One has to wonder if they have started towing cars in an effort to make money since no businesses survive when they lease space in the plaza. The only parking you can find will be the overflow parking Piranha usually has on the dirt lot right pass their building on the right side of Paradise. This is overflow for Piranha not for the Fruit Loop so be sure to go in and buy a drink before bar - hopping. Another location that will tow you, if you park there, is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hotelâ&#x20AC;? next to Fun Hog Ranch, The Siegel Suites. They have been known to tow you if you try to park there as overflow parking for the bar. A suggestion would be to ask the security guard in front of the bar exactly where to park so that he can point you in the right direction, so that after getting boozy in the bar you have a vehicle to come back to. And remember Drink Responsibly when driving. Page 28

Snicks Reopening and Birthday Another thing that occurred recently was the re - opening of Snicks, in late October. They were closed for about two weeks after losing their liquor license while still under their gambling suspension for past legal difficulties. They also celebrated their 33rd birthday the same day which brought in a few familiar faces that came to show their support. From one LBGT business to another, LVGN

would like to welcome Dominick, the owner of Snicks, back to the community. We hope the longevity his business has already had, stays for many more years to come.

CAUGHT OUT

For more photos visit our gallery @ LasVegasGayNews.com Page 30

AND ABOUT

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CAUGHT OUT

For more photos visit our gallery @ LasVegasGayNews.com Page 31

AND ABOUT

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By Tom Moilanen Las Vegas Gay News December 2009

Welcome to the LVGN LBB, the newest GLBT publication in NV. With the holidays in tow I should probably wish you a MFC, but I‟d likely be met with the response to which I‟m accustomed: BFD. Besides, even abbreviated profanity is a bit offputting in the second sentence of an inaugural piece, not that I care. But I am breaking in a new editor, and they can be a feisty lot. I‟m told this is a pocket tour guide/website/news portal/ events calendar featuring everything gay in Las Vegas. It

probes. It thrusts. It may even bite, particularly this column. Yet, through this digital/ newsprint fusion you‟re sure to find all kinds of places to part with your money, which is the primary purpose of all publishing, aside from wielding a little social and political clout. Page 36

Didn‟t know that, did you? Thought it was all about honing your craft, journalistic integrity, getting the scoop and fighting for the cause, didn‟t you? Silly child. It‟s the same impulse that drives all human behavior: Self-interest. See? Stick with me and you‟ll be wearing radishes the size of diamonds. In case you‟re wondering, I‟m the same character who writes about porn for “that other newspaper down the street,” as the Review-Journal so fondly calls the Las Vegas Sun. In the interest of peace on earth, good will toward men, I intend to straddle the literary fence, for two reasons: To cover my own hide, and because I haven‟t

straddled much of anything else lately, unless you count that one lonely night with a cactus. I haven‟t seen that many pricks in one place since the last school board meeting.

While foremost a racket, one thing media can do, however, is contribute to some sense of “community,” a word of which I‟m suspicious, basically because it rings disingenuous. But if there‟s one thing so sadly lacking in this city of 2 million plus, it is precisely that. While I tip my hat to the Schlegels and Schaefers – and others who precede me in the game – I‟ve been around long enough to have heard the complaint from two generations: “There is no gay community in Las Vegas.” Know why? Because there is no straight community in Las Vegas, and there never will be. Aside from a few social pockets, people

keep to themselves. They‟re distant, even rude. Try nodding to a stranger in passing, or striking up a conversation in line at the bank. Without launching into a dissertation, this neighborly sense isn‟t something you can create. It can‟t be propped up like a casino façade. It has to come from people who give a rip, and as long as you deify the superficial, it‟s the superficial you shall reap.

And we all know how queens are when it comes to substance. Why do you think they call it the powder room? It would be nice if another rag could help define gay Vegas beyond poker machines, cheap beer and sexual gamesmanship, but that implies a corrective impulse; it connotes a wished-for outcome; that somehow things could be set right with just a little effort. Lotsa luck. I gave up on hope around the same time I gave up on getting laid, which might explain the last thirty years. It isn‟t easy getting a response from people unless you dangle cash in their face, and about the only thing I dangle these days is an occasional participle. So in my stead, please stage your rallies, write your letters, attend your festivals and by all means spend your money, especially at the joints represented here. Keep this thing afloat so I can publicly piss and moan a few more months.

What the hell. MFC. And while I‟m at it, HFNY too.

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By: L.L.

Since this is the introduction issue and I have been „recruited‟ to write a blog, column, article, or whichever you choose to call it. I should introduce myself. I was asked to write for this magazine because I am what the editor calls “The missing Link”. I‟m a lesbian, “lipstick” by most common terms but still a lesbian but who gay men refer to as being „straight-acting‟. I‟m not bisexual, but yes I did experiment when I was younger, which I think we all have but I made the decision a long time ago to just be who I was comfortable be-

I never was a “Tom boy” and I have steered away from the feminist movement. I think the reason why R.T. was so astounded by me was because I never was one to follow stereotypes. ing.

I‟m just me and so this little corner of the written word is my niche to talk about my viewpoint and the „going ons‟ in my life where though I‟m not ashamed of who I am. I have always been the one not likely found to be considered a homosexual. Since this is the December issue and Christmas is just around the corner. I wonder what is the ideal thing to do when it comes to gift giving this year. (I‟m sorry to the readers that practice other religions but I‟m Southern Baptist) Do you try to give everyone a gift so they don‟t feel left out? Page 40

You know, I tried that last year and I always forgot someone. So there was that awkward moment when I had to run to Wal -greens from a party to get a card and gift card last year. So this year I‟m going to just buy everyone the same thing. “Costco‟s here I come”. I know a lot of my friends are having some financial issues so I‟m going to just turn the notch down a bit this season. Letting someone know you‟re thinking of them this holiday season is better than trying to give them something you really can‟t afford. Oh

great here I go writing about not following stereotypes and I‟m talking about finances. I know a bad joke. So remember just because it‟s the Holiday season you don‟t have to pretend to be the „Belle of the Ball‟. Give your friends something practical and their love for you won‟t change because of it. We‟re not gay men we don‟t value each other by how much „stuff‟ we have.

Feeling hot hot hot? With your ruler, Mars, touring your chart, you normally fiery temper gets, well, kicked up a notch. The focus has been on home this summer, and August is no exception -- only now, you're having it out with those nearest and dearest. Before you start hurling the Swarovski knick-knacks ala Scarlett O'Hara, consider channeling that energy into hours of hot make-up sex. That could be a very productive way to quell the fire in your loins around the middle of the month, when a Venus-Mars linkup has you feeling like a bucking bronco. Looks like our little Aries is about to become a man! It's a good thing your tush looks so nice in a suit, because you're dressing to impress this month. Perhaps some people doubted your commitment and professionalism, but you're back to let them know you work as hard as you play. Meetings with business managers, insurance agents, accountants and lawyers will go especially well for you, so make your appointments in advance and get your house in order. When Uranus enters the picture (but when did it leave, really?), things get even kinkier. You'll have to work hard to keep one eye out for new love prospects and another on your pocketbook, but that's your challenge this month, dear Gemini. Whether you've been planning a permanent move to NYC or a lavish trip Belize, it looks like you're budgeting today so you can have the time of your life tomorrow. At least sex is free -- if you play it right -- and you'll be getting plenty starting mid-month. You'd have to work hard not to get laid. If you're looking for love amid all this randy fun, you'll be disappointed. Instead, you might want to just go with the flow, stock up on condoms, and get plenty of practice for when you do meet El Uno.

It looks like you might be getting nowhere in a hurry. If this is taking place on treadmill, rock on Mr. Simmons. Sometimes, however, activity does not mean progress. This could be precisely your dilemma, even if you don't see any way to slow down. Take this mix for what it is -- neither good nor bad -- and contemplate why the stars are leading you through these celestial doldrums. While you're waiting for the answer, might as well hit the books as this month is ripe for intellectual achievement. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and stay put as much as possible. Go easy on the cologne and pomade this month and let your silver tongue charm its way into the pants of your beloved. Leos looking for love could find it this month, and those looking for strict NSA will find that, too. Exotic travel for two may be in the cards -or maybe just the pool boy from El Salvador? For single Leos, this news couldn't be better -- but coupled-up lions will be cursed with the same charm and it could lead to problems with a partner. But why eat Oscar Mayer when you have fresh Italian sausage at home? This month is slow-cooked sexiness for you, dear Virgo, and juicer than a pig on a spit. If you've longed for his kiss and despaired that you would never leave the platonic zone, think again. Proximity will be to your advantage, for your charm is at an all -time peak and your every utterance is iambic pentameter. You'll be able to maintain a veneer of suave calm, and that's a fantastic thing -- smoked meat beats burnt any day. When you're not busy charming some unsuspecting boy out of his pants, you have plenty of time to yourself this month. Use it to cleanse your mind of any tensions between friends, family and co-workers.

Confident, expansive, intelligent, your powers of persuasion are sharper than ever and carpe diem is the name of the game. Normally a social animal, your date book is even more stacked with appointments and parties. Schedule yourself down the last 15 minutes, but don't you dare overdo it. You could clean up in business, no problem; but nothing beats a sexy bed buddy to call your own.

You have a lot to be thankful for this month, dear Capricorn, including a marvelous sense of balance after a period of turmoil. Changes, both good and bad, have rocked your world recently, but your home, finances and love life could get downright boring. Good thing, then, that you'll still have to find a way to balance your books -- and the answer could be an increased workload. Around the middle of the month, your new work arrangement could spark some tension with your S.O. or B.F.F.

Where you're normally a stone cold seducer, this ride on the bronco finds you downright slap happy. If you find yourself outside at midnight, staring up at a bedroom window, belting out "Always On My Mind," you'll have nothing to regret. Everyone loses their head in love at least once. But you gotta ask yourself: is he worthy of your affections, or does he have the head of an ass? Before you get too attached, get an objective second opinion. Then, consult your own feelings to figure out which turns you on more: the guy or the game.

I wish I could foresee clear sailing for your love boat, Aquarius, but it looks like you've wandered into the perfect storm. You've seen a lot of action in the past few months, but your lack of beauty sleep is finally starting to catch up. Before you go after the next boy, the next deal, the next promotion, stop and ask yourself: what's driving you? The constant need to succeed is actually a weakness. You'd better pull in the reigns soon for some serious R&R before somebody does it for you.

Your normally fiery personality is aflame this month, Sagittarius, and drawing both cheers and jeers. The good news is that things look fresh and exciting both on the love front and in your professional life -- so much so that some may wonder aloud who died and made you Jack Wrangler, but only because you have an uncanny ability to master every position like a porn star. The people upstairs are surely impressed, which is bound to attract some jealousy. Brush it off, because by midmonth you'll be in a white heat of passion that combines your love of sex with your love of philosophy.

It looks like a month of toil, but if you channel your inner Suze Orman you might actually find yourself enjoying it. Think of the possibilities! Stocks, bonds, Roth IRAs -- and if that doesn't make you tingly inside, think of the beach house in Malibu you'll be able to afford when you retire early. Investments of all sorts are all sanctioned by the stars this month, and that means you're working overtime to make money and iron things out with your financial advisor.

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Little Black Book invites all businesses and charities to contact us for a free listing of your event. Let us know what you have planned and we will put it in. email your events to: events@lvgn.com

Backdoor– 2-4-1 Drinks 10a-12 Badlands– 2-4-1 Drinks 4p-7 Buffalo- $5 Beer Bust 9p-12 Charlie’s– Drag Queen Bingo 9P Escape– Open 24/7 Flex– Underwear Island 10P-2 Freezone– Ladies Night Beer Bust 8p-1 Fun Hog Ranch- $5 Beer Bust 9P-2 Gipsy-Closed Goodtimes– Open 24/7 Hawks Gym-Locker/ room specials Krave- $2 Martinis LV Eagle– Karaoke 10P Onyx TheatrePiranha Nightclub– Latin night Free Beer Bust 11P-1

Snick’s Place- Happy Hour 2-4a, 2-4p Spotlight-$5 Beer Bust 12-4P 2-4-1 9P-12

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Backdoor–Karaoke 2-4-1 Drinks 10-4 Badlands– Happy Hour 2-4-1, 4-7P Buffalo– Macho Monday, specials 9p-12 Charlie’s-Something Different 10P Escape– Happy Hour 24/7 Flex– 2-4-1 Mixed Drinks 4-7P Freezone–Happy Hour4-8, Bust 8p-1 FunHog Ranch-Drink Specials 9p-2a Gipsy-Closed Goodtimes– Liquor Bust 10p-2a Hawks Gym– Locker/ room specials Krave– Closed LV Eagle-Free Beer During Football Onyx Theatre-Vegas Improv 8P Piranha Nightclub Drink Specials 10 Snick’s Place Happy Hour 2-4a, 2-4p Spotlight-2-4-1 9p-12, 12-4p Beer Bust

Backdoor– Underwear Night 2-4-1 drinks 10P-4

Badlands– 2-4-1 Drinks 4P-7P Buffalo-$2 wells & Beer 12P-2P&5p-7p Charlie’s– Retro Night $1 Mini pitchers 7P -2A

Escape-Open 24/7 Flex– Welfare Wednesdays Show @ 12a Freezone– Beer bust 8P-1A Fun Hog Ranch- $1.50 Margaritas 9P-2A Gipsy-Closed Goodtimes– Karaoke 10P Hawks Gym– Pitch Black Night 8P-6 Krave-So you think you can strip/ Prizes LV Eagle– Underwear/Jockstrap Night 7P3A Free well/beer if in your underwear Onyx Theatre-Karnival 1st Wed of Month 7P Piranha Nightclub-Ladies Only Night Snick’s Place-Happy Hour 2-4a, 2-4p Spotlight-$1.50 Screws & Margaritas 8-4p

Backdoor-2-4-1 Drinks 10a-12 Badlands– 2-4-1 Drinks 4p-7 Buffalo-$2 wells & Beer 12P-2P&5p-7p Charlie’s- Bear/Bare Chest Night Escape-Happy Hour 24/7 Flex-24-1 Budweiser all day Freezone-Naked Boy Frat Party Beer Bust 9:30P-2A $7 Liquor Bust Fun Hog Ranch-- $5 Beer Bust 9P-2 Gipsy-Closed Goodtimes– Club Cyanide 11P-3A Hawks Gym-Open 24/7 Krave– Thurstdaze Liquor/Beer Bust LV Eagle-$5 Well/ Drafts Bust 12-5P & 10P-2A Onyx Theatre-Naked Boys Singing 10P Piranha Nightclub-BoysTown Free Drinks in your Underwear Snick’s Place-Happy Hour 2-4a, 2-4p Spotlight-$5 Liquor Bust 1-4P $5 Beer

Backdoor-Noches Latina 10P-6a Badlands- $5 Beer Bust 7P-12 Buffalo-$2 wells & Beer 12P-2P&5p-7p Charlie’s-.75 Happy Hour 7-9P $10 Beer Bust 9P-1A

Escape-Happy Hour 24/7 Flex-$1 Wells 9-11P Ntoxxxicated 11P Freezone-– Drag Show & Beer Bust 8P-1A Fun Hog Ranch-Open 24/7 Gipsy-Closed Goodtimes– Papi Chulo, Noche Caliente 10P Hawks Gym-Open 24/7 Krave– Open LV Eagle- -$5 Well/ Drafts Bust 12-5P & 10P2A

Onyx Theatre– Rocky Horror & Naked Boys Singing

Piranha Nightclub-No Cover Locals All Night

Snick’s Place-$5 Beer and $6 Liquor Bust 9P -12a

Spotlight-$5 Beer Bust 12-3P Jock Night 12a-3a

Backdoor-Noches Latina 10P-6a Badlands- $5 Liquor bust 7P-12 Buffalo-$5 Beer Bust 9P-1A Charlie’s-NGRA Night, .75 Happy Hour 79P $10 Liquor Bust 9P-1A Escape- Happy Hour 24/7 Flex-Confessions W/JewDi Vine DJ Ricoche Freezone– Drag Show & Beer Bust 8P-1A Fun Hog Ranch– Happy Hour 3-7P Gipsy-HerBar Goodtimes- $10 liquor/Beer Bust 10P-2A Hawks Gym-Open 24/7 Krave-Flesh and sKizoFrenia LV Eagle– Jock Strap & Underwear Night 10P-3A Onyx Theatre-Naked Boys Singing 10P Piranha Nightclub-No Cover Locals All Night Snick’s Place-Happy Hour 2-4a, 2-4p Spotlight-$5 Liquor Bust 1-4P $5 Beer Bust 8-11p

Backdoor– Noches Nortenas 9P Badlands-$3.50 Beer Bust 9p-12 Buffalo-$5 Beer Bust 4P-7P Charlie’s$5 Bust 4-7P Show @9P Escape– Open 24/7 Flex– 2-4-1 Bloody Mary’s Freezone-Beer Bust 8p-1a FunHog Ranch- $5 Beer Bust 6-9P Gipsy- $2 Wells 10p-12 Show @ 12 Goodtimes– Open 24/7 Hawks Gym– Open 24/7 Krave– SINdaze Hosted by JewDi Vine LV Eagle-$5 well & Draft Bust 12-5P 10-2A

Onyx Theatre-Naked Boys Singing 3P Piranha Nightclub-Free Beer Bust 9-12 Snick’s Place– Open 24/7 Spotlight-$1.50 Mary’s 8-4$5 Beer Bust 4-7P

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Washington

US 95

Charleston

Oakey

3 M De an

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Valley View

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Commercial Center Badlands Saloon & Dancehall Las Vegas Lounge

Spotlight Onyx Theatre The Rack

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Men’s Clubs Commercial Center

Hawk‟s Gym Entourage

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Fruit Loop

Buffalo 8½ and Piranha Night Club Free Zone Gipsy Get Booked

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Naples

Maryland Pkwy

Commercial Center

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Paradise

E Sahara

1 Back Door Lounge 2 Charlie‟s 3 Escape 4 Fun Hog Ranch 5 Flex 6 Goodtimes 7 Krave 8 Snick‟s 9 The LV Eagle

Business Listings Bars and Clubs 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge 4633 Paradise Rd. 791-0100 Backdoor Lounge 1415 E. Charleston 385-2018 Badlands Saloon 953 E Sahara #22 792-9262 Buffalo 4640 Paradise Rd. 733-8355 Charlie’s Las Vegas 5012 Arville 876-1844 Escape Lounge 4213 W. Sahara Ave. 364-1167 Flex 4371 W. Charleston 385-FLEX Fun Hog Ranch 495 E. Twain 791-7001 Page 48

Free Zone 610 E. Naples 794-2300 Gipsy 4605 Paradise Rd. 731-1919 Goodtimes 1775 E Tropicana 736-9494 Krave 3663 Las Vegas Blvd 290-0436 Las Vegas Eagle 3430 E. Tropicana 458-8662 Las Vegas Lounge 900 E. Karen 737-9350 Piranha Nightclub 4633 Paradise Rd. 791-0100 Snick’s Place 1402 S. Third St. 385-9298 Spotlight Lounge 957 E. Sahara 696-0202

Businesses and Groups Blue Moon Resort 2651 Westwood Dr Las Vegas, NV 866-798-9194

Price Video 700 E. Naples #109 Las Vegas, NV 702-731-1342

Community Counseling Center 1120 Almond Tree Ln Las Vegas, NV 702-369-8700

The Rack 953 E Sahara #16 Las Vegas, NV 702-732-7225

DeStefano’s Restaurant Kenny Kerr Show 3430 E. Tropicana 702-436-3275 Gay & Lesbian Community Center 953 E Sahara # A19 702-733-9800 Get Booked 4640 S Paradise Rd Las Vegas, NV 702-737-7780

Tiger Lily Flower Shop 700 E Sahara Las Vegas, NV 702-737-7077

If You would like your Business or group listed in Little Black Book, just send us the information to: listing@lvgn.com

Hawk’s Gym 953 E. Sahara #35B Las Vegas, NV 702-731-4295 Onyx Theatre 953 E. Sahara #16 Las Vegas, NV 702-732-7225

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DSH 2009