December 10, 2014
Tempe pastor: Kill gays and eliminate AIDS by Christmas OBSERVER STAFF TEMPE -- Just a week after making news with an antiSemitic film, the Rev. Steven Anderson of Tempe said AIDS could be eliminated by Christmas if people just killed all the homosexuals. Getting pretty close to a terroristic threat there, Steve-O, but as long as you cloak it in Christianity and invoke the Christmas spirit, the authorities probably won’t blink an eye.
Before making headlines with his film against the Jews, Anderson was perhaps most famous for saying, “I do hate homosexuals, and if hating homosexuals makes our church a hate group, then that’s what we are.”
Openly gay blogger Steven Payne at Daily Kos wrote, “So, yeah, this guy is an Asshole for Jesus. So why bother writing about him? Because he is a dangerous Asshole for Jesus.” Continued on page 11
Inside
Georgia lamebrains aid religious liberty by banning mosque
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ATC brings two men onstage for hilarious melodrama romp Page 5
Hot tub fight breaks out over who is higher paid escort Page 7
KENNESAW, Ga. -- If you wrote this crap as fiction, your editor would tell you it’s simply not believable.
RuPaul drops her flag once again in 2015 and 14 new queens rev up in hopes of being named America’s
Next Drag Superstar. Among them is Arizona’s own Tempest DuJour. (Third from left.) “This year we have some of the youngest and oldest
contestants in RuPaul’s Drag Race herstory,” Ru said in a statement. “Study each queen closely. Do not underestimate anyone. The girls that make it Continued on page 12
The wait is over for IBT’s Kitchen on Fourth Ave.! TUCSON -- IBT’s’ newly remodeled kitchen and restaurant opens Thursday at 628 N. Fourth Ave. in what used to be the Kasbah, two doors north of the iconic IBT’s dance club. A previous Observer exclusive from Nov. 6, 2013 detailed the planned stages for the restaurant’s remodel and launch. Now near complete, the finishing touches are just being put into place for the grand opening.
Anti-Muslim protesters gathered outside the council chambers during the vote.
Currently, a full menu from the kitchen is available in the bar, but Thursday will be the first day patrons can enjoy the seating area of the new location just in time for this weekend’s Fourth Avenue Street Fair.
“To me, [the mosque] is a threat to my freedom, my liberties, and everything I own,” one demonstrator told TV station 11 Alive. To the rest of us, dimbulb, the threat is allowing you to run loose in public without a leash.
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Cris Eaton-Walsh, the only -- notice, the ONLY -council member to speak up for religious freedom in any sense of reality, was forced to accept police protection in the days before the vote because “Christian” terrorists posted her address and photos of her children online.
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Members of the Kennesaw City Council said last week they protected religious freedom by denying a request from an Islamic group to rent a retail space for worship services.
CODAC opens new integrated treatment location ‘Bad Santa’ doesn’t refer only to your B&D sugar-daddy
Tucson’s Tempest DuJour joins ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
He’s also blasted women who dare to say so much as an “amen” in church (they only get to speak up at home) and has described Jews as “children of the devil.” (Probably not prudent to point out to Anderson that Jesus was a Jew.)
Anderson, the pastor of Faithful Word Baptist Church, apparently forgot that most of the 35 million people with HIV are not gay. He didn’t say what he’d do with the rest of them, but presumably death would be fine for them as well.
HIV’s ability to cause AIDS is weakening over time, study finds
Issue 1559
Such promotion of ignorance is not limited to Georgia suburbs, of course. As a blogger known as Continued on page 3
If you think a government shutdown would badly damage the GOP, where’s the evidence? By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST By the time you’re reading this, we might have a clearer picture on whether Republican congresscritters actually plan to shut down the federal government again this month. (At the time of this writing, there’s talk about a quick vote on funding most government functions through September 2015.) So far, all the major media prattling on that subject has been a hod of twaddle about what an enormous price the GOP will pay if it does repeat
the fun and games from this time last year. Even The New York Times
has been out in fantasy-land on this issue. Last week it reported that after a basement meeting Continued on page 13
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D.C. passes bill to protect LGBTs from conversion therapy WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The District of Columbia Council unanimously approved a bill Dec. 2, that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. When signed into law, Washington, D.C. will become the third jurisdiction -behind California and New Jersey -- to pass legislation protecting LGBT youth from practices that are known to cause severe depression and even suicide.
Female ejaculation declared illegal in British pornography LONDON -- Jolly Old England certainly has its problems with Tea Party types these days, but the move to ban female ejaculation from DVD porn is more “out there” than usual. Male ejaculation, of course, continues to be the “money shot” in pornography. Lady-spunk was only one activity banned among a list of things, of course. Fisting, face-sitting -- the no-nos other than female ejaculation might at least be justified as remotely threatening to health. As Emily Shire wrote at The Daily Beast, “It doesn’t take too many logical leaps to get the message: Physical expressions of female sexual pleasure can be dangerous and are certainly illicit.”
OBSERVER As long as half of America revels in the glorification of ignorance, you can’t entirely blame the media for using it to sell advertising space. Still ... for Pete’s sake, Gretchen, try to get a friggin’ clue.
Gay mayor elected without controversy in Catholic Poland SLUPSK, Poland -- One of Poland’s most prominent gay-rights activists was recently elected mayor of a conservative city without his personal life becoming a campaign issue. Robert Biedron didn’t win on the first round of voting but overwhelmed his opponent in the runoff by 57 percent to 43 percent. Biedron will now serve as mayor of Slupsk, a city of 97,000 near the Pomeranian coast. For various reasons, he was given little chance of winning. For one thing, he ran as an independent; for another, he ran for mayor of Slupsk while living hundreds of miles away in Warsaw, where he serves as the first openly gay member of Parliament. The country has one other openly gay mayor, but he leads a village of 1,500 and is not as prominently gay as is Biedron. Poland is still a conservative Roman Catholic country, although LGBT activists say change is coming quickly.
‘Honey Boo’ figure steps in cowpie over Ebola claim
The British Board of Film Classification, usually labors in obscurity and its members probably had no clue about the amount of worldwide publicity -- and not the favorable kind -- they were about to generate.
Anna Cardwell of the late reality TV series “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” got herself mired in a Food and Drug Administration investigation of a product that claimed to be effective against Ebola and half a dozen other diseases.
This may not match in importance the denial of education to young girls in many countries or the denial of reproductive services to women in so much of the U.S., but this is a battle against women’s freedom that women didn’t even know they had to fight.
Cardwell, known as “Chickadee,” had become a spokesperson for Young Living products made with essential oils.
As Shire said, “It may be just a squirt, but it stands for a whole lot.”
Fox anchor views Garner verdict as threat to tree lights NEW YORK CITY -- Bloggers quickly vented their reactions last week after Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson expressed deep concern related to the grand jury verdict in the Eric Garner choking death. Carlson didn’t seem concerned about the fact that Garner is still dead or even about the grand jury not indicting Officer David Pantaleo despite a video showing Pantaleo using a choke-hold that’s against the law. No, indeedy -- Carlson’s deep concern was that anger over the police killing of another unarmed black man might disrupt the Rockefeller Center tree-lighting ceremony later that evening.
The FDA determined that Young Living (owned by a man named D Gary Young -- get it?) made health claims for his products that were not supported by research. The company reportedly has dropped the claims. Young’s website describes him as a logger who was paralyzed in an accident, then brought back to health through the use of certain juices. Caldwell’s molestation at age 8 resulted in a 10-year prison sentence for a former boyfriend of Mama June, head of the “Honey Boo Boo” clan.
Kansas minister gets death threats over same-sex weddings WICHITA, Kan. -- A Metropolitan Community Church minister in Wichita has received a string of phone calls threatening violence -- including threats on her life -- since she performed a wedding ceremony last month for 15 couples who wed at the county courthouse. The Rev. Jackie Carter told the
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Wichita Eagle that the threats come in daily.
probably will be used to refuse to provide contraception.
“I’ve kind of talked myself into trying to be more calm about it and realizing that there are more people out there that are supporting us than threatening harm to us,” she told the newspaper.
“I should not be forced to follow the religion of my pharmacist,” said Barnett, who is Jewish.
Before the Nov. 17 wedding ceremony, she reported that two callers had threatened to chop off her head and mount it on a stake. “This is ridiculous hatred that has no place in this city or state or this country,” she told Wichita’s KSN-TV.
Michele Bachmann’s giant rally fizzles to mainly Cruz, King WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Remember two weeks ago when President Obama announced his executive order on immigration and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann went on Fox News to announce a giant counter-rally for Dec. 3? “I’m calling on your viewers to come to D.C. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at high noon on the west steps of the Capitol,” said Bachmann, R-NeverNeverland -er, Minnesota. When the big event arrived, Bachmann spoke from the steps to about 40 protesters. She was joined by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Steve King, R-Iowa. All three are prominent members of Congress’ Tinfoil Hat Caucus.
That, of course, was of no importance to the good ol’ boys and their lapdogs.
Phoenix cops kill black man armed with McDonald’s PHOENIX -- With national tension already running high over a string of police shootings of unarmed black men, a Phoenix officer last week killed a man who was delivering two bags of McDonald’s food to his daughters. Police said they were investigating Rumain Brisbon, 34, because someone reported a man selling drugs out of an SUV in a nearby apartment complex. They also said that when officers approached the SUV, Brisbon appeared to be moving things around in the vehicle and then moving things around in his pocket. After he was dead, it was discovered Continued on next page
1830 E Broadway Blvd #124-215 Tucson, AZ 85719
Bachmann retires from Congress at the first of the year, leaving the Washington press corps agog at the thought of actually having to hustle stories instead of simply quoting the latest Bachmann bromide.
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Lazy journalists across the globe are wailing, “Noooooo! Nooooo! Where will get our funny stories without Michele to hand them to us?”
Executive Editor Nicholas K. M. Pafford
Answer: The Republicans just elected at least a dozen Bachmannsby-another-name. They’ll make sure you guys don’t have to work.
Michigan House OKs bias bill like one vetoed in AZ LANSING, Mich. -- A bill that would neuter just about any LGBT protection you could name was approved last week by the GOP-controlled Michigan House of Representatives. It is reportedly similar to SB 1062, the fiasco approved by Arizona’s Republican legislators and vetoed early this year and which would have allowed discrimination based on a claim to religious belief by the discriminator. The Michigan bill passed on a party-line vote of 59-50 and now goes to the state Senate, also controlled by Republicans. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed such a bill into law in that state earlier this year. State Rep. Vicki Barnett, D-Farmington Hills, pointed out on the House floor that the Michigan bill
Editor-In-Chief Bob Ellis
Senior Editor Greg Miller Assistant Editor Christine Beall Assistant Editor Christopher L. Pankratz Phoenix Area Distribution T-Media Promotion Send Classifieds, Inquiry Letters, etc to: info@observerweekly.com Publication of names or photos of any person or organization in the Observer Weekly is not to be construed as indication of the sexual orientation of such person, organization or advertisers or any employees thereof. Opinions expressed by contributors, advertisers or in PSA’s are not necessarily those of the Observer, its staff or advertisers. The Observer assumes responsibility for its own editorial policy only. © 2014 by Observer Publications Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted or archived in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Observer Publications Inc.
December 10, 2014 Continued from previous page that the object in his pocket was a bottle of pills, which relatives said were prescribed for a work-related injury. Found left in his vehicle were a gun, legally registered, and a small amount of marijuana, which family members said was also legally obtained under Arizona law. Police emphasized that Brisbon had an arrest record even if his activities at the time of death were innocent. A police spokesman said the officer involved was “doing exactly what we want him to do.” About 300 people protesting the shooting joined the festivities at Phoenix’s First Friday arts event two days later.
‘Poo bus’ gives taking the No. 2 a whole new air BRISTOL, England -- In service as of last week, officially it’s called the BioBus but it was immediately nicknamed “the poo bus” and probably has already earned several earthier monikers that utilize ancient Anglo-Saxon terminology. It’s a bus powered by biomethane from rotting garbage and human . . . er . . . waste. “Taking the No. 2” may never be said with a straight face in Bristol again. As fuel goes, though, it’s the ultimate local source. “Gas-powered vehicles have an important role to play in improving air quality in UK cities, but the Bio-Bus goes further than that and is actually powered by people living in the local area, including quite possibly those on the bus itself,” said Mohammed Saddiq, general manager of Geneco, which owns the bus. See? That elderly couple at the bar who played such a loud duet on the barstools wasn’t what you thought. They’re serious potential investors -- stockholders in the Bio-Bus.
OBSERVER after being bullied over being a school cheerleader, which the bullies said made him gay. At the time of his death, Ronin Shimizu was a seventh-grader in a charter school that allowed much of his instruction to take place at home, but previously he was the only boy cheerleader at Folsom Middle School. “I heard that people called him gay because he was a cheerleader,” a young friend told Sacramento’s KOVR CBS-TV affiliate. Daniel Thigpen, a spokesman for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District, said there had been several reports of Ronin being bullied at school, but that the district investigated them all and took appropriate action. Ronin’s friends said, however, that the bullying never stopped.
U.S. pastor behind ‘kill the gays’ bill ordered to trial BOSTON -- The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals has denied Pastor Scott Lively’s petition to avoid a lawsuit for crimes against humanity for Lively’s roll in Uganda’s “kill the gays” bill. The widely denounced AntiHomosexuality Bill was largely produced in a Uganda workshop held by Lively and two other American anti-gay activists. Lively remains as loud as ever. Last week on “Trunews” he stated that homosexuality is worse than mass murder and that it led to Noah’s flood.
Friends of the Library hold book sale TUCSON -- Friends of the Pima County Public Library is having a book sale Jan. 16-19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Book Barn on 2230 N. Country Club Rd., just south of Grant Rd.
Suicide victim, 12, was bullied over being cheerleader
Seniors (over 55) get a 25 percent discount on Saturday. Sunday is halfprice day. Monday is a Friends bag day, $10 per bag of books.
FOLSOM, Calif. -- A 12-yearold California boy committed suicide
For more information, public contact: Libby Stone at fpcpl@qwestoffice.net, 520-795-3763 or www.pimafriends.com.
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Letters to the Editor A thank you from Phoenix Dear Editor, I want to thank you for profiling men aged 50-60 on pages eight and nine. I used to visit the Tucson bars during my 20s in the ‘70s when Tucson had a lot of bars, and, for me, was a change of pace from the Phoenix bar scene. From time-to-time, I see men that I remember from my youth via your newspaper. Thanks for appreciating mature men. Being 60, nowadays, it is encouraging to see guys I remember pictured in the Observer. Lastly, thanks for continuing publication. I remain of the opinion that the Observer encapsulated gay news better than any of the Phoenix newspapers. I was always able to find your newspaper at a variety of bars in Tucson and Phoenix. I don’t get out to the bars anymore but it is good to find you on Issuu. Thanks for making your newspaper available via that platform. David Lucero, Phoenix, AZ
We should stick to the gay community Dear Editor: I live in Phoenix. I use to live in Tucson and I pick up the Observer from a gay bar on a regular basis. What I’m concerned about is that I see a lot of articles that cover racism toward blacks. And I read something about the Ferguson protests. [“America’s current fad: ‘colorblind’ racism. Stop it” appeared in the Dec. 3 issue of the Observer.] And I always see a negative tone; like white people are the racist ones. But I have seen a lot of hostility coming from black people for no reason whatsoever.
And I think we should stay out the issue of blacks and racism and let them handle that on their own. Blacks for a large part are not supportive of gay rights. I’ve talked to many of them and many of them are Bible thumper types and very anti-gay. So I think we should stick to the gay community and let them fight their own battles. Especially since most of them don’t support us anyway. I find it really insulting, actually, that your articles are actually supporting them. If that guy in Ferguson would have done what the police officer had said and didn’t attack the police officer, none of that would have ever happened. He threatened that police officer’s life and what happened, happened. Not everyone in the gay community agrees with the Ferguson protests. Randy [last name withheld] Phoenix, AZ Editor’s Note: The Observer’s mission has always been to shed light on injustice. It will continue to provide a platform for people to share their voices. Whether in the LGBTQ community or elsewhere, an injustice can’t be ignored or considered someone else’s problem. It’s regretful that you have experienced hostility from anyone of the human race. And it’s just as regretful that your personal experiences have left you prejudiced toward the injustices felt by others.
Georgia lamebrains aid religious liberty by banning mosque Continued from page 1 Hunter noted at Daily Kos, “It happens wherever there is a group of brick-stupid people who do not understand words like ‘liberty’ and ‘freedom’ even though they (mostly) know how to spell the words for their posterboard signs, and America has more brick-stupid people than any one town or state can hold.” And it’s going to continue until Christian extremists are treated the same as any others. We’re all holding our breath on that one, of course.
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That video may look as if HIV’s ability to cause AIDS is weakening over Eric Garner was choked to death, but Rand Paul tells time, study finds HLA-B*57 more than in South Africa, so patients no longer benefited from the protective effect. But they also found the cost of this adaptation for HIV is a reduced ability to replicate -- making it less virulent.
Photo: Nacho Doce
A nurse (left) hands out a red ribbon to a woman, to mark World Aids Day, at the entrance of Emilio Ribas Hospital, in Sao Paulo Dec. 1.
By Kate Kelland REUTERS
Rapid evolution of HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is slowing its ability to cause AIDS, according to a study of more than 2,000 women in Africa. Scientists said the research suggests a less virulent HIV could be one of several factors contributing to a turning of the deadly pandemic, eventually leading to the end of AIDS. “Overall we are bringing down the ability of HIV to cause AIDS so quickly,” Philip Goulder, a professor at Oxford University who led the study, said in a telephone interview. “But it would be overstating it to say HIV has lost its potency -- it’s still a virus you wouldn’t want to have.” Some 35 million people currently have HIV and AIDS has killed around 40 million people since it began spreading 30 years ago.
But campaigners noted on Dec. 1 that for the first time in the epidemic’s history, the annual number of new HIV infections is lower than the number of HIV positive people being added to those receiving treatment, meaning a crucial tipping point has been reached in reducing deaths from AIDS. Goulder’s team conducted their study in Botswana and South Africa -- two countries badly hit by AIDS -- where they enrolled more than 2,000 women with HIV. First they looked at whether the interaction between the body’s natural immune response and HIV leads to the virus becoming less virulent or able to cause disease. Previous research on HIV has shown that people with a gene known as HLA-B*57 can benefit from a protective effect against HIV and progress more slowly than usual to AIDS. The scientists found that in Botswana, HIV has evolved to adapt to
The scientists then analyzed the impact on HIV virulence of the wide use of AIDS drugs. Using a mathematical model, they found that treating the sickest HIV patients -whose immune systems have been weakened by the infection -accelerates the evolution of variants of HIV with a weaker ability to replicate. “HIV adaptation to the most effective immune responses we can make against it comes at a significant cost to its ability to replicate,” Goulder said. “Anything we can do to increase the pressure on HIV in this way may allow scientists to reduce the destructive power of HIV over time.” The study was published on Dec. 1 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
us the tax killed him OBSERVER STAFF Just in case you’re butt stupid and don’t realize the near-Satanic bent of our current crop of politicians, several of them are constantly working hard to remove all doubt. Silly us might think that if a medical examiner rules a death a homicide via prohibited choke-hold and the online world has watched a video showing it, there isn’t much doubt about whodunnit. The key words there would be “silly us.” U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., gave us the real low-down on the Eric Garner killing last week on MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews”: The tax did it. “Obviously, the individual circumstances are important,” Paul said. Ya think? The actual circumstances in a killing? Important? “But I think it’s also important to know that some politician put a tax of $5.85 on a pack of cigarettes, so they’ve driven cigarettes underground by making them so expensive,” Paul said. Funny how that aligns with Paul’s presidential campaign. “But then some politician also had
to direct the police to say, ‘Hey, we want you arresting people for selling a loose cigarette,’ “ he added. Once any such politician noticed the public reaction, the smart money says he or she should have liquidated some assets and jumped a plane to a country that doesn’t have an extradition treaty with the U.S. Not far behind Paul on the ignorance scale was GOP U.S. Rep. Peter King of New York, who said the 350-pound Garner’s own fat, asthma and heart condition killed him. Without those factors, “almost definitely he would not have from this” was King’s sage opinion. Of course, if he hadn’t been attacked by a cop for selling a cigarette outside of its package, “almost definitely he wouldn’t have died from this,” either. As noted elsewhere in the Observer, as long as half the American public lives to glorify ignorance, you can’t entirely blame the opportunists for taking advantage of it, no matter how vile they get. The scary thing is, in Paul’s case many people seem willing to elect it president of the United States.
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McCain backs deal to help Iran even if we’re bombing it WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Arizona’s U.S. Sen. John McCain has been singing “bomb, bomb Iran” for a decade, and now the voters have placed him in a position where he may be able to carry that out (as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee). But that doesn’t mean he isn’t willing to help Iran if it benefits some of his longtime backers. McCain is a power behind a move to approve a land deal to help international mining conglomerate Rio Tinto gain control of 2,400 acres of Tonto National Forest after nearly a decade of trying. Backers of the plan are pushing it as must-pass legislation in order to get it approved during this month’s lame-duck session.
This is the same deal that led to Arizona’s former Rep. Rick Renzi being convicted on a plethora of felonies including conspiracy and racketeering. Rio Tinto and Iran are co-owners in a Namibian uranium operation -- presumably where Iran gets uranium for its nuclear-enrichment program, which McCain supposedly opposes. The national forest would be acquired by Resolution Copper, co-owned by Rio Tinto and another international mining giant, BHP Billiton. The forest land has been protected since the Eisenhower administration, not only to preserve ecosystems but also Native American sacred sites.
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Page 5 OBSERVER WEEKLY Peggy Lee skipped the sugar ATC brings two men onstage for hilarious melodrama romp and spice, but what a feast!
By the time Peggy Lee (left) got through threatening Disney, Miss Piggy Lee became Miss Piggy.
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plenty of cause to be bitter.
IS THAT ALL THERE IS? The Strange Life of Peggy Lee By James Gavin Illustrated. 601 pp. Atria Books. $32.
Born in Jamestown, N.D., Norma Deloris Egstrom was the seventh of eight children, her mother died when she was 4, her stepmother was extremely emotionally abusive, and her alcoholic father did nothing to protect her.
If many divas turn out to be hookers with hearts of gold, Miss Peggy Lee must have been the one with a spleen of acid. Her 60-year career included a series of No. 1 songs beginning in the early 1940s, of which at least two must be counted among the 20th century’s most memorable -- 1959’s cover of Little Willie Johns’ hit “Fever” and 1969’s surprise hit “Is That All There Is?” Simultaneously, she pretty much turned life into hell for most of the people around her. Many fans of one of her biggest successes don’t even realize she was responsible: She wrote songs plus provided the singing and speaking voices of four characters in the Walt Disney animated classic “The Lady and the Tramp.” Then she got involved in a spectacular pissing match with Disney when the studio began to promote a self-absorbed puppet called Miss Piggy Lee. By the time Lee got through threatening to mop up a courtroom with Disney, Miss Piggy Lee became famous as simply Miss Piggy. According to reviews of James Gavin’s new biography of Lee, people interviewed for the book say she claimed credit for songs she didn’t write, lied in order to file lawsuits, made up health problems before she had the real ones, and occasionally lied just for the hell of it.
She began singing professionally on KOVC radio in Valley City, N.D. -- not a beginning guaranteed to pave the way to changing the musical world. “Is That All There Is?” indeed. Not quite. By all accounts, Lee herself was an alcoholic, a heavy smoker, a pill addict and a binge eater who treated nearly everyone she met like servants. The one thing she could do like almost no one else, though, was take a song and shape it to her own style. Luckily for her, millions found that to be enough. Her career earned her three Grammys (one was the Lifetime Achievement Award). She had the top-selling record in the U.S. for 1948 (“Manana”). One of her smash hits (“Is That All There Is?”) came nearly 20 years after rock ‘n’ roll ended many singing careers among her generation. Well, now ... there may have been one other thing she was good at. Aside from four marriages, she had affairs with some of the sexiest men of her time. According to Gavin’s book, though, the one she never got over was ... Robert Preston. ??? While it’s a cliche to say “There’ll never be another one like her,” in the case of Miss Peggy Lee, it’s a rank understatement. For better or worse.
Also according to the book, she had
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Ian Lowe fades in the background opposite the stunningly schizophrenic performance of Joe Kinosian.
By Christopher L. Pankratz OBSERVER STAFF Arizona Theatre Company does a lot of things well. A raucous display of camp and circumstance, “Murder For Two” takes two actors to the brink of melodramatic madness as a murder mystery is cleverly solved by an underdog beat-cop wannabe detective played by Ian Lowe opposite the show-stealing talent of Joe Kinosian, who carries the weight of the show portraying a cast of about a dozen additional characters. Kinosian astounds with his high-energy over-the-top three-ring-circus of a performance. Using perfected posture tweaks, he transforms from one campy character to another in a meta-theatrical acting decathlon which leaves the audience glued and breathless. In the space of a nanosecond Kinosian, who co-wrote the play, slides from being an overenthusiastic fireman to the saucily suspicious widow, gung-ho student detective, dwindling boys chorus with street cred, zany psychiatrist, or any one of a handful of other kooky characters. To top it all off, both actors play double duty as pianists accompanying each other through the score. What the music lacks in dimension and complexity, it makes up for in cutesy camp. Camp is a major player in the dynamic between the two men who nearly kiss about a dozen tension-filled times. While each plays his role, the actors behind the characters also show through
in a stunningly titillating way. ATC’s production signals the launch of a national tour for the show, which delivers an evening of light but fun theater. Go in with the understanding that the show is melodrama -- well done melodrama and you are not likely to be disappointed. You may be a little exhausted by the constant high current of the action, but it’s definitely worth the exercise.
Newbie Sam Smith, Beyonce capture 6 Grammy nods each Out blue-eyed soul singer Sam Smith and perennial superstar Beyonce each captured six nominations to become the leading contenders in the 57th annual Grammy Awards, it was announced last week. Smith, 22, is nominated in four top categories -- album of the year, best new artist, song of the year and record of the year -- the last two for "Stay With Me (Darkchild Version)." His first album, "In the Lonely Hour," was one of the year's biggest sellers and deals with Smith's breakup with his first serious boyfriend. His competitors in the best new artist category are Iggy Azalea, the country singer Brandy Clark, and the rock groups Bastille and Haim.
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Community Voices
An opportunity to help brighten the holidays for people living with HIV
By Scott Blades Executive Director TIHAN The holidays can be a challenging time for some of us — financial stresses, emotional stresses, family stresses, and more.
holidays and get involved, here are two easy ways you can help: 1) Donate a gift or a gift card for the holidays. TIHAN is collecting gifts, and you can drop them off at our office (2660 N. First Ave.) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We need gifts dropped off by Dec. 16 if possible.
So, at TIHAN, we do what we can to help brighten the holidays for the people we serve: people living with HIV. We do this through encouraging our community to give generously in support of holiday programs for people living with HIV! The spirit of the season is about being together and celebrating life and celebrating each other. We do that with opportunities to gather together and to enjoy each other’s company, and share our gifts with those we care about. TIHAN and SAAF join forces to sponsor two big holiday events for those living with HIV in our community. SAAF takes the lead and TIHAN helps with a holiday party for families affected by HIV. Adults living with HIV and their kids are treated to a fun party with Santa and holiday gifts and cheer. Volunteers helped the kids do holiday arts and crafts, and decorate gingerbread cookies. Kids get to “shop” and pick from among donated gifts to give to their parents, and parents get to shop for gifts for their children.
TIHAN takes the lead for the second big holiday event, in collaboration with sponsoring congregations Cornerstone Fellowship, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Casas Church, and SAAF: an extra-special Poz Café celebration for people living with HIV. This month, our normal Poz Café lunch is transformed into a special Holiday Dinner and Dance Party at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church. At the party, we’ll have decorations,
Horación y Celebración “La Virgen de Guadalupe” Mercado San Agustin ~ 100 S. Avenida del Convento Saturday, December 13, 2014 1-5 PM Mariachi Music ~ Aztec & Folklorico Dancers ~ Food 2 PM ~Altar Blessing, Grupo Cualique, Mariachi Presentation Musicians, Singers, and Dancers are encouraged and welcome to perform.
music and dancing, holiday gifts, and a great menu, including chef carved prime rib of beef (with au jus and horseradish sauce), duchess potatoes, broccoli with Hollandaise sauce, winter fruit salad (with lemon poppy seed dressing), warmed rolls, and a Viennese dessert table! As you can tell, we try to make this holiday event as special as possible! And, with the generous support of faith communities, businesses, volunteers, and community members like you, we hope to be distributing holiday gifts at Poz Café to everyone living with HIV who attends. If you are living with HIV and want to participate in our holiday programs, all you have to do is contact us at TIHAN and register (a simple one-page registration form). And if you want to help brighten the
In1945 Pope Pius XII declared Our Lady of Guadalupe to be the Empress of all the Americas. During December we hold an event to honor and celebrate the Patron Saint of all the Americas. Original painting by Frank Ybarra, www.ybarraart.com.
Center for Hispanic Performing Arts Foundation presents Tucson Pozole Fest™ Come enjoy variations of traditional Mexican Pozole by Seis Kitchen ~ Dolce Pastello & Agustin Kitchen Supporters Mercado San Agustin~CHISPA Foundation~ AZ Bilingual Estudio Piel, Blu-Wine & Cheese, La Estrella Bakery For Information Contact godduran63@msn.com or call (520) 730-8721 Net proceeds will benefit CHISPA Foundation
2) Stop by TIHAN’s Holiday Open House and Cookie Exchange! Please stop by the office on Dec. 12 between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. for our holiday open house. We’re looking forward to welcoming volunteers, donors, CarePartners, and friends to come by, meet the TIHAN staff and board of directors, and enjoy some time together. If you’d like, feel free to bring one or two dozen cookies to share with others, and everyone will be able to take some cookies home with them. (Please provide information if the cookies contain nuts as some have allergies). We’ll provide beverages. (And if you’d like to also bring a holiday gift to give to someone we serve, we’d love that too.) RSVPs encouraged – please let us know if you’re planning to attend 520– 299-6647 or volunteercoordinator@ tihan.org. So please keep that spirit of the holidays and the spirit of giving alive and well for people living with HIV. And remember that there are so many volunteer opportunities where you can help make a difference in someone’s life not just around the holidays with a party or with a gift, but through being part of a support system to help people and live as well as possible.
December 10, 2014
OBSERVER
Too bad the Nevada GOP dumped its racist, antigay speaker-elect By R.D. Smith GUEST COLUMNIST When Nevada’s GOP forced out the speaker-elect of the state Assembly (House of Representatives) before he could even assume his duties, most progressives around the country praised it as a positive development. It was a fuster-clucking catastrophe -- they replaced him with someone more likely to limit the rhetoric. (An aside: Despite the recent low voter turnout that produced what’s been called a GOP sweep, Nevada was the only state added to the list where the GOP controls all three branches of government, so it’s the one where we can expect the action now.) Hansen is so weirdly far out there, and has such a big mouth he loves to shoot off, that his term as speaker would have been so full of “did you hear what that asshole said today” that the legislators could have been stymied from raping the state -- they’d be too busy sloshing water on one Hansen fire after another, and that would have put a damper on radical moves. As a sub, they elected Assemblyman John Hambrick of Las Vegas -- probably just a more polished weasel but with the same lethal bite. But Hansen’s topple didn’t involve much of a fall: His peers still elected him assistant majority leader -- his jackassery just won’t command quite such big headlines. And if Hambrick seems a tad more civilized, don’t worry -- the rest of the Assembly’s “leadership” team duplicates Hansen all the way. Directly above Hansen, the incoming majority leader is Michele Fiore, best known for defending the Cliven Bundy militias’ pointing guns at federal agents. The majority whip will be Jim Wheeler, who only recently became famous for saying he’d crap on the U.S. Constitution in a heartbeat and reinstate slavery if his constituents wanted him to. Now they’re set to start turning Nevada into Kansas or Wisconsin. But back to Hansen: His downfall is a true story of the power of the press -and in a way that people like him never seem to anticipate. You see, before Hansen became Assemblyman Hansen, he was Newspaper Columnist Hansen for a total of 13 years -- and those columns,
Page 7 WEEKLY Hot tub fight breaks out over who is higher paid escort
it turns out, were a cesspool of racism, sexism ... just general redneck, wingnut tripe. Published in the Sparks Tribune (Sparks being a city of about 100,000 just east of Reno), the columns were easily accessible to the Reno News & Review, which thought voters might be interested in the train wreck that just elected speaker. Andrew Barbano, who shared the Tribune’s editorial page with Hansen for years, wrote in his column (The Barbwire) earlier this month, before the sewage splattered: “Alas and alack, I believe Ira is an overt bigot, racist and homophobe. … The Barbwire never forgets, and I’ve got the evidence in Ira’s own words, which I will be publishing as the legislative session approaches. Can achieving high office and political power change the leopard’s spots? I hope so …” On race, when Hansen wrote about a black Republican state legislator (whom he supported), the man was identified as black. When he wrote about President Obama (whom he most rabidly opposed), the man was a “negro” -- uncapitalized. He also was opposed to women in the military except in limited roles, but that wasn’t his most Neanderthal view on women. He wrote regretfully about the birth rate declining to only two children per marriage. Hansen even wrote glowingly about the Confederate flag he kept on his office wall as a sign of a “proud cause” -- in Nevada, no less. Continued on page 12
From left: Austin Adams, Douglas Tench and Michael Gordon
By David Moye HUFFINGTON POST A hot tub threesome in Spartanburg, South Carolina got heated with two men scuffling over who is the higher paid escort. The melee happened early Nov. 30 after Austin Adams, 18, and Michael Gordon, 33, met Douglas Tench, 21, at a gay nightclub, and decided to use the hot tub at a home where Gordon was dog-sitting. At first, the trio was having a good time “kissing and touching each other.” But the fun ended when Adams and Tench allegedly began discussing their separate careers as escorts, according to The Smoking Gun. Police said when Tench said he was paid more for his services, Adams reportedly became angry and punched and kicked him. Although Adams told police that Tench threatened him with a knife, he was unable to describe it and cops did not find a weapon, according to the New York Daily News. Gordon managed to separate Adams and Tench, allowing Tench to run to another house and call 911, according to the Metro. Adams was charged with simple assault while Tench and Gordon were issued summonses for providing alcohol to a minor, CountOn2.com reports.
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OBSERVER
WEEKLY
December 10, 2014
December 10, 2014
OBSERVER WEEKLY
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Chamber Connect
OBSERVER
WEEKLY
December 10, 2014
GLBT Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Merry and Gay’ holiday party honored those who gave back to the community By Chad Froeschke President GLBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce celebrated the end of the year with our annual holiday party and awards celebration – “Merry and Gay” Dec. 5. Common themes of compassion, advocacy and education were evident with the nomination results voted on by chamber members. It was quite apparent by the awards given out last Friday that it is not enough just to own your own company or manage an organization but to strive to support and give back to the community that you live you in.
For more than 43 years CODAC Behavioral Health Services has been a leader in behavioral health in southern Arizona providing support and services to GLBT individuals and families suffering mental illnesses or substance abuse. And earlier this year they launched the Living Out Loud Health & Wellness Center, offering a full spectrum of integrated care to the LGBTQ Community. Colette Barajas for the Community Leader of the Year:
2014
The 2014 Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce Awards went to:
Colette has been a true community leader in Tucson since the ‘70s and was a founding member of Wingspan. As a business leader, she has operated several businesses in Tucson including Centra Realty and was a tireless advocate for marriage equality on our state.
CODAC Behavioral Health Services for the 2014 Charity of the year:
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild for the 2014 Most Supportive Elected Official:
Mayor Rothschild has led our region through economic recovery and the renaissance of downtown Tucson including the campaign to add an additional 10,000 trees in Tucson -- not only helping our environment but adding to Tucson’s beautiful scenery. And he has been a staunch advocate of equal rights, even before being elected to office and earlier this year lead the Tucson City Council as a vocal opponent to SB 1062, fighting discrimination in Arizona. Rosa’s Chante Assisted Living for the 2014 Business of the Year: Rosa’s Chante Assisted Living has been an open advocate for our aging LGBT population. They are a respected leader for the LGBT assisted living industry hosting numerous training seminars educating businesses and organizations about the special needs of LGBT assisted living.
Wendell Hicks and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation for the 2014 Presidents Award: SAAF has been a critical institution for the health of the GLBT and straight community Tucson for almost 30 years. With the leadership of its executive director, Wendell Hicks, SAAF has taken the responsibility of embracing and continuing another vital institution of the GLBT and allied community -Wingspan. SAAF has shown courage and dedication to support Tucson’s GLBT community and is a true example of leadership, compassion, advocacy and education in our community. Congratulations to this year’s awardees!
CODAC opens new integrated treatment location TUCSON -- CODAC announced the opening of its newest integrated treatment facility. CODAC at Broadway opened Monday.
behavioral health, primary care and wellness services for adults. Members of Cactus Bloom are surrounded with support from peers and trained professionals who understand or can relate the various transitions that come with aging.
This campus is the new home to CODAC’s Young Adult Team, Developmental Disabilities program, Cactus Bloom Program for adults ages 55 and over and the new LGBTQI Health and Wellness Center, Living Out Loud. These programs provide specialized care to meet the unique needs of the LGBTQI community. The Living Out Loud Health and Wellness Center is a safe, welcoming space for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex,
CODAC at Broadway located at 3130 E. Broadway Blvd.
transgender or gender non-conforming to receive culturally relevant mental health and primary care in addition to gender confirmation services, community support and other alternative
and complementary services to support the whole person. Cactus Bloom, a program for adults 55 and over provides integrated
When CODAC first began in 1970, CODAC stood for Community Organization for Drug Abuse Control. It was a name used by several organizations that provided similar services. CODAC separated from that network. Since then, it has just used the acronym. If you are interested in joining these programs or in learning more, please contact CODAC at (520) 327-4505.
December 10, 2014
Fireside Chat
OBSERVER WEEKLY
Family Day: A SAAF
holiday tradition By Wendell Hicks Executive Director SAAF
Rand Paul hunts way to circumvent law against dual run OBSERVER STAFF U.S. Sen. Rand Paul is apparently looking for a way around Kentucky law so he can run for president and run for re-election at the same time, which is prohibited by his home state’s election law. Once you’re through gasping in shock and horror that Paul would try something like this, we’ll continue with our story.
Southern Arizona AIDS Fountation case manager London Arango as Santa. One of my favorite collaborations with the dedicated staff and volunteers of SAAF and the Tucson Interfaith HIV/ AIDS Network is Family Day. One of the most dignified and respectful gift exchanges I have ever participated in -Family Day helps lower income clients of SAAF and TIHAN find gifts for their children, and helps those same children find gifts for their parents. In the past, I have had the pleasure of helping children pick gifts and have witnessed a number of older children tell their younger siblings, “That’s not what mom would want!” And, it reminds me of the relationship I had as a child with my younger siblings when ultimately, the younger ones think about it and agree. They work together in the selfless nature of the holiday to support their parents, who give so much for them, and who work hard to provide day in and day out. This is the one day a year where HIV status isn’t talked about and we don’t focus on medication adherence,
therapies or treatment, housing, government assistance, or any of the challenges our clients face every day. This day, we spend time together celebrating families and the season. I also have the distinct pleasure of seeing staff from all departments come together to serve clients. From directors to health educators and case managers, all of our staff assists families in getting the perfect present, taking a picture with Santa and Mrs. Klaus, enjoying finger foods and hot chocolate, and sharing in their community. We could not create this tradition without the kindness and generosity of people in our community who give toys and clothes for parents and children. Please consider making a contribution to Family Day in support of people who may need the holidays the most. Not sure what to donate? Please visit http://saaf.org/news-and-events/ you-make-the-holidays-bright/ to learn more about what is needed to make the holidays bright!
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In Kentucky’s case, the law prohibits running for two federal offices at the same time. Paul recently announced he’ll run for a second term in the Senate, but he’s obviously also been running for president since Mitt Romney’s 2012 defeat -- just not officially announced. The Republicans failed to win a majority in the state legislature last month so they could change the law, thus eliminating what would have been the option least painful for Paul. At the same time, according to the National Journal, the Paul camp doesn’t want to get bogged down in court by filing a legal challenge to the state law -- arguing that a Kentucky law pertaining to federal races is unconstitutional. Some of the options being discussed seem pretty radical. According to Townhall.com, Team
Rand’s top option right now is to get Kentucky switched from a presidential primary state to a caucus state, so that technically Paul won’t be running in two federal “races.” Apparently they’d need to hurry, so the caucus could be held in mid-March -- the earliest date allowed -- in order to give Paul a boost in other states. That overhaul would have to be approved by the 300-member board of the Republican Party of Kentucky, and reportedly no such move is yet officially afoot. Even more audacious is simply running in both races regardless of the law and daring Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes to keep his name(s) off the ballot, threatening to torpedo her next re-election bid if she insists on following the law. But, as the blogger Hunter notes at Daily Kos, “Like a sterilized dinosaur in a poorly planned theme park, Rand Paul will find a way. ... “Yes, yes, these are all very fine laws, my friends, but Mr. Rand Paul is a very important man,” Hunter writes. “I think we all understand that our previous laws were never meant to apply to someone as very important as he is. Quickly — let us change them to reflect our new understanding of these things, so that Mr. Paul can be on his way.”
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Tempe pastor: Kill gays and eliminate AIDS by Christmas Continued from page 1 Another quirk about Anderson’s congregation is that it’s reportedly part of the King James Only movement, which preaches that “the King James Bible is the word of God without error.” That would come as quite a shock to King James, of course, since he ordered his translators to reinforce the episcopal structure of the Church of England and to produce a beautiful work of literature;
he must have never known that they didn’t follow instructions. The original King James Bible also included the books of the Apocrypha, which are rare in Bibles today. Facts, facts, facts -- whatever. Anderson probably isn’t the type to let realities interfere with what he wants. A protest was held Sunday outside Anderson’s church.
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As Clark Saw It
OBSERVER By Gary Clark
WEEKLY
Tucson’s Tempest DuJour joins ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’
Continued from page 1 to the top this season will shock you.”
Zoe’s World
By Zoe
December 10, 2014
DuJour is a fierce drag personality with comedic and performance skills to back up her eye-catching appearance. A loving partner and father of two, Tempest performer Patrick Holt is a skilled costumer who works in the theatre creating masterful designs for many productions and currently teaches costume design and construction at UA. Tempest is known locally for her big wigs and show-stopping numbers at charity events like Turnabout for TIHAN and as the hostess of the campy and competitive Retro Game Show Night. She can be seen at IBT’s Saturday for the Streetfair Showcase alongside Alyssa Edwards of Ru Paul’s Drag Race season 5. On Facebook and social media, #TeamTempest has been trending and many have changed their profile pics to selfies with the towering queen.
On dragofficial.com’s preseason fan vote, Tempest is soaring above the competition. At press time, she had nearly three times as many viewer votes as the next in line. “I’m overwhelmed and honored to represent Arizona on season seven of Ru Paul’s Drag Race! The love and support I’ve been receiving has been amazing and I cannot thank everyone enough!” Holt told the Observer. The other “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 7 contestants are: Sasha Belle (Iowa City, Iowa), Violet Chachki (Atlanta), Kennedy Davenport (Dallas), Mrs. Kasha Davis (Rochester, N.Y.), Miss Fame (New York City), Jaidynn Diore Fierce (Nashville, Tenn.), Kandy Ho’ (Cayey, P.R.), Katya (Boston), Jasmine Masters (Los Angeles), Trixie Mattel (Milwaukee), Max (Hudson, Wisc.), Ginger Minj (Orlando, Fla.) and Pearl (Brooklyn, N.Y.).
Too bad the Nevada GOP dumped its racist, anti-gay speaker-elect Continued from page 7 But in fact, gay men are the group Hansen attacked in print most continually. In his writings, people he opposed are the only ones whose sexuality got discussed, and no fact ever stood in the way of his smear campaigns. He loved to repeat his assertion that most child molesters are gay, even though statistics easily prove the opposite. He blamed the Roman Catholic sex scandals on gays, ignoring the fact that once more gay men started becoming priests during the 1980s, the incidence of child molestation (the cases we know of, anyway) actually decreased in that demographic. That’s according to a study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The Nevada tourism industry especially opposed Hansen on gay issues. It isn’t just the estimated $52 million a year the state stands to gain from marriage equality (per a UCLA study), but the industry remembers what it’s already lost because of anti-gay politicians. In 1981, when Reno’s National Gay Rodeo attracted 8,000 tourists, Lt. Gov. Myron Leavitt famously called the tourists “queers” who should “go somewhere like California.” So they did, when the National Gay Rodeo left the state. The only people who will benefit from Hansen NOT being able to speak from the speaker’s pulpit are his fellow GOP politicians. But even for them, this can’t end well.
December 10, 2014
OBSERVER WEEKLY
If you think a government shutdown would badly damage the GOP, where’s the evidence? Continued from page 1 at the Capitol, GOP leaders said they know they have to actually govern now or “squander the support voters gave them at the polls last month.” Where on earth did that idea come from? If voter turnout for last month’s midterm elections was as low as 36 percent, which was reported, then the Republican vote might represent 20 percent of the electorate. That’s the bedrock percentage that basically opposes the rest of us on everything and has strangled the House of Representatives for years, so where does the GOP stand to “squander” anything and how did last month’s vote represent a change of any kind? It’s bad enough that we have thousands of websites and hundreds of newspapers spinning fantasies in order to sell ads -- we didn’t need The New York Times to lower itself to the same level, but in recent years the old “gray lady” has dunked itself in the toilet bowl right alongside the other mass media. If the last shutdown cost the GOP a single vote, where was it? The Republican Party’s stock can’t get any lower among most non-Republicans -zero is zero -- and the people who elect these wingnut chupacabras still think it’s a peachy idea. Nov. 4 proved that last year’s
shutdown cost them nothing. A net loss? Not in the vote count, that’s for sure.
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This Saturday: a food drive, indoor snow fight and fun for all
Now, I understand that Republican leaders may want the lunacy stopped because they’re tired of trying to command an army of dipshits, but so far the price they’ve paid equals a pack of chewing gum. You can always say, “Well, if they keep pulling these stunts, it will cost them in the long run.” Logic might dictate that you’d be correct, but the whole Tea Party schtick has become an emotional thing, not rational, so there’s no way of knowing how far they’re willing to go. Remember: Back in the 1930s, German voters refused to accept the idea that Hitler would destroy their country even though he told them he would. How many times have you read, “We thought it couldn’t happen here?” Americans seem determined to believe the same thing now. If some of you know some magic trick to keep it from “happening here,” feel free to start the incantations any time. Our clock is ticking. If magic fails, there seems to be no reason not to tell you right now: It can happen here, and it’s mighty damn close to happening here. Time to find that box of fairy dust, folks!
By Mark R. Kerr SPECIAL TO THE OBSERVER Come sing with Bing Crosby, throw snow at Danny Kaye and ring sleigh bells with Rosemary Clooney on Dec. 13, 7 p.m. at the Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. for the 1954 movie classic “White Christmas.” This is the second annual showing at the Loft Cinema and audience members are encouraged to sing along and participate, including joining in the new Tucson tradition -- an indoor snow fight. The mistress of ceremonies for the event is Miss Capitol Cities 2015 -- Lady Ashley herself! Ashley has
been performing for the last 15 years. A former Miss Gay Tucson 2011, Miss Gay Queen of the Desert 2009, winner of Tucson Drag Race, winner of Arizona Drag.com’s Drag Race! Ashley Performs throughout the state and across the country! Always performing in benefits and charity functions! This movie showing is a food drive for SAAF and will also benefit the Tucson Chuzapalooza Gay and Lesbian Bowling Tournament. More information about the bowling event can be found online at chuzapalooza.com. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at the Medicine Shoppe, 305 S. Euclid Ave.
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Remember to send in your wedding announcements and photos to info@observerweekly.com so we can print them here for all the world to see. Donations accepted.
To volunteer, call Mark Rosenbaum For support services, call a Link Specialist For more information, events, or to donate, visit www.tihan.org
OBSERVER WEEKLY
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Monday BRODIES TAVERN - Service Industry Night 7 p.m.- 2 a.m. $2.50 House Well, Long Islands, Margaritas on Tap, $3 16 oz. BudBud Light-Mic Ultra Cans, Fireball Shots. IBT’s 11a.m.-2a.m. Taking Back Mondays hosted by Diva featuring *3-4-1 Well Vodkas (Regular, Grape & Cherry) 9 - Close. Karaoke Inside or Lounge on the Patio 9 p.m. VENTURE-N Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
Friday BRODIES TAVERN - Get the Party Started Friday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Malibu Rum Black-House Long Islands-Pucker Vodka, Margaritas on tap-XX Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Flawless Fridays featuring “Absolutely Flawless” Drag Show hosted by China Collins @ 9 p.m. DJ Import Inside after the show, Million$DJ on the Patio 9pm. GoGo Boys @11p.m. LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, Karaoke 8-12, $3.50 Absolute Lemon Drops, $5 Jamesons VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
BRODIES TAVERN - Two Buck Tuesday 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $ 2 House Well, Fire Eater Shots, $2 Margaritas on Tap, $2 Long Islands IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m.; Taco Tuesdays. $1 Tacos. Drink Specials 9-Close: Mix-n-Match Mexican Beer Special, Tequila Specials (Patron $6, Milagro $4.50, Hornitos $4, Cuervo $3.50), Million$DJ Inside 9 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 2 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.
BRODIES TAVERN - Whiskey Wednesday 7-2 a.m. $3.25 Jack-Jim Beam-JamesonFireball-Makers Mark-Johnny Walker Red IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., “Viva La Diva” Drag Show Hosted by Diva at 9. “Whiskey Breath” Drink Special Every Wednesday 9-Close. $2 Well, $3 Call, $4 Select Top Shelf Whiskey and Scotch Blend Whiskies. Million$DJ Inside after the drag show. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 22 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm.Dave’s $3.50 Margaritas and Long Island Iced Teas
BRODIES TAVERN - Customer Appreciation 7-2 a.m. Two-for-One Well-Domestic Bottles, Margaritas on Tap House Kasiz Shots IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m. Therapy every Thursday. All Day *2-4-1 Drink Specials (excludes top shelf, wine & draft). Million$DJ Inside at 9 p.m., DJ Sid the Kid on the Patio 9 p.m. GoGo Boys @11 p.m. LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, Happy Hour 6-8, $3 Southern Comforts, $5 Long Islands VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi 22 for 1 Original Everything Happy Hour 5-6 pm. 4.00 Titos/ Absolut, Cosmos/Martis from Dan G
Saturday BRODIES TAVERN - Back Pocket Sabado Latino 7 p.m. - 2 a.m. $3 Magaritas on tap-Corona Bottles, $3.25 Latin Beers-XX Micheladas, $1 Tequila Shots-Corona Ritas IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke on the Patio 5 - 8 p.m., “Saturday Night Starlettes” drag show Hosted by Janee Starr 9pm, Million$DJ on the Patio 9 p.m., DJ Import Inside after the drag show. LOOKS - 6 p.m. to Close, $3 Flaming Shots From Hell, $5 Bombay Saphires VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi
Monday 12-3 p.m. 4-5:30 p.m.
4:30-6:30 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
7-10 p.m.
7-8:30 p.m. 7-9 p.m. 6 p.m.
sources
Mah Jongg Mondays Himmel Park Library. Ages 50+, 1035 N. Treat. In Our Own Voices, Women’s therapy group for survivors of sexual trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club, 520.327.1171 Cancer Support Group for LGBT People, Arizona Cancer Center at UMC-North, Rm 1127, 3838 N. Campbell Ave. 520.694.0347 Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. SAGA General for trans forlks and allies 1st Monday SAGA Desert Girlz for trans Femanine folks 2nd Monday Reveille Men’s Chorus Open Rehearsal, Rincon Congregational Church, 122 N. Craycroft Tucson Women’s Chorus rehearsal.Call for details: 520.743.0991 Desert Girlz meeting at Wingspan PFLAG en Español Meets the 1st Monday of each month at Fortin de las Flores: 243 W. 33rd St.
4 p.m.
LGBTQA Support Group. LGBTQ Affairs Office, UA Student Union level four. SAGA Desert Boyz for trans masculine folks 3rd Tuesdays
7-9 p.m.
Wednesday 3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
12-1 p.m.
Pink Triangle AA Meeting, 439 N. Sixth Ave. Everyday. Gender Spectrum support Group. UA Campus Health Service Building Room C312. $5 TMC Hospice LGBTQ Grief Support Group. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Peppi’s House Chapel, 2715 N. Wyatt Drive. RSVP at: 520-324-2438. Wednesday Night Christian Bible Study, Cornerstone Fellowship Social Hall, 2902 N. Geronimo Ave. Weekly Bears Coffee at Crave, 4530 E. Broadway Blvd.
3-4:30 p.m.
4:30-6 p.m.
6:30-7:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.
BRODIES TAVERN - Funday 7 p.m. - 2 p.m. $2.50 House Well, $3 House Long Islands, Tap Magaritas, $1 House Kasiz Shots, $1.75 Domestic Pints IBT’s - 11a.m.-2a.m., Karaoke 4-8:30 p.m. “Cheap Ass Sunday’s” 9-Close feat. 2-4-1 Drinks and Bottle Beer (exclude top shelf, wine & draft), Karaoke Inside 9pm; DJ Sid the Kid on the patio 9 p.m. VENTURE-N - Open Noon-2am. Free Music. Free WiFi
Two Spirit support group. African American Student Affairs MLK Center, 1322 E. 1st Street. 6 p.m. Write Now! a writer’s group open to all at Revolutionary Grounds 606 N. 4th 6:30-7:30 p.m. Regardless of… NA LGBT Meeting, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. 7 p.m. Weekly Meditation Classes in Central Tucson, cost: $10, Kadam Meditation Center Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. 7-9 p.m. SAGA Desert Partnerz for cis-gendered 4th Thursday 7-10 p.m. Triangle Tribe, Men’s Support Group. Call 520-398-6826
3-8 p.m.
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health resources
4-5:30 p.m.
Support Group for Transgender Survivors of Sexual Trauma, SACSA, 1600 N. Country Club Queer People of Color &
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Ajia Simone, Owner 426 E. Ninth St. 520.624.8400
10-11.30 a.m.
10-12 p.m.
2-5 p.m. 2:45 p.m.
Friday 4 p.m.
5:30-6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Wingspan’s Eon Youth Program New Youth Orientation Fridays at 4p.m. Youth Center Open M-F Oasis LGBT Social Group. Email oasis.wingspan@gmail.com Bingo at MCC Every Friday call John 975-3166.
2nd Saturdays
Bears of the Old Pueblo Potluch 2nd Saturdays 520.444.2275 Transparents For parents of trans kids. RSVP SAGA to attend.
Sunday 9-11 a.m.
Co-ed Softball, all abilities welcome. Oury Park, 600 W.St. Mary’s
Advice For Life & Prayers for World Peace. Bud dha’s teachings, Kadampa Meditation Cen ter Arizona 1701 E. Miles St. LGBT Buddhist Medita tion Group meets every Sunday at The Three Jewels, 314 E. 6th St. in Tucson. Meditation sessions with readings, recordings, and discussion. Welcoming to all.For info call Jim at 520-884-4218. Mamasitas! Men’s Sports club at Menlo Park The New Men’s Massage Group. Sept 21 at 4 pm. Call Marc at 881-4582 to sign up. Or email bleu55@gmail. com in advance. It’s a great place to meet men. Safe, non-sexual but very sensual and a little erotic. Donation.
3-5p.m.
Men’s Social Network “H” Club open to entire LGBTQ community. This is a fun discussion, learning and participation group meeting for discussions on major words beginning with the letter “H.” Doesn’t meet the 1st Sunday of the month.
5:30 p.m.
Puertas Abiertas Latin/ Hispanic LBGTQ/Ally support group meeting at Wingspan 430 E 7th St – every 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:30pm.
Saturday
Thursday
SAAF’s MSHAPE Lounge offers mens health re-
Sunday
2:30-4:30p.m.
Tuesday 3-8 p.m.
December 10, 2014
December 10, 2014
OBSERVER
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Post-internet artist/intellectual seeks lunch buddy who likes art, lit., history and politics. Zero interest in pop culture. Write to Box 85571, Tucson, AZ 85754. 1549
Made to your specification Birthday, Anniversary or Anything you desire Robert Grummons 520-309-0306 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Large collection of artwork to choose from 1558
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Not getting enough biting, satirical political analysis? Check out my popular blog at dailykos.com/ wolfbane in az!
Looking for one mature person working or retired to share a two bedroom one bath house -- 800 sqft. $350/month plus 1/2 utilities. Call JR @ 520-461-6698 1550
Certified Wildlife Sanctuary N. Soldier Trail near Catalina Highway. Fully furnished large picture windows, mountain views, and labyrinth. Perfect for writers, artists and birders. $595 monthly w/ lease Call Donna 520-760-1331 1557
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If you can read this This week, you get a two-fer! These beautiful boys are Julius and Goliath! Julius, being a snowshoe, has the cutest crossed eyes, and is a loving, adorable sweetheart. Goliath is a huge marshmallow of a kitty, with a purrbox the size of Texas. They have FIV, and met here at The Hermitage where they’ve become fast friends. Because they’re FIV+, they need to be homed with other FIV kitties.
Julius and Goliath
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OBSERVER WEEKLY
December 10, 2014
‘Bad Santa’ doesn’t refer only to your B&D sugar-daddy OBSERVER STAFF One of the more surprising recent revivals (or are we just being naive?) has been Santa Claus’s original opposite persona, Krampus. Maybe you’ve starred in a few fantasies in which “Bad Santa” was the one who really knew what you wanted for Christmas, but Krampus goes a little further than that. He was featured on 19th-century Christmas cards as soon as Christmas cards became popular, but soon afterward, Christianity began to bend Christmas more and more, and Krampus just didn’t fit the accepted script. What the church can’t stamp out, it adopts and modifies, but Krampus appeared to be a total victim of the times. So he entered more than a century of oblivion, only to begin a resurrection in recent years, and now he’s so mainstream he was featured on a recent episode of “American Dad.” His name comes from the German krampen, or claw. That’s a big clue to Krampus -- he has claws, hooves, horns and other features that Aunt Thelma might be dreaming about but won’t be putting under the Christmas tree for all to see. Throughout most of Christian history, the druidic tree and the magical mistletoe plant -- and Santa himself, once he came along -- were associated with pagan or non-Christian traditions, just like Krampus. (Trees only became acceptable in English-speaking countries after the
Above: St. Nicholas and Krampus card (1912) by Arnold Nechansky. This greeting card celebrates the feast of St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop of Myra (Turkey) and, later, the model for Santa Claus. It is the tradition in the whole of Central Europe that St. Nicholas rewards good children with gifts, while the accompanying figure of Krampus, a demonlike being, punishes the bad children on the evening of Dec. 6. Right: A modern female B&D interpretation of Krampus like the one used to promote a holiday party with a twist. The event includes naughty stilt walkers, a private parts painting both, a prosthetic horn station and more!
German-born Queen Victoria and her German-born husband, Prince Albert, posed in front of one.) But in other words, Krampus dates back to a “pre-rational” time that’s hard to imagine now, with roots venerated in pre-Christian times but then demonized by the church. “Pagan” referred to “the things country people do,” since rural people were slower to adopt the “new” Christian ways. Talk about religious intolerance. . . Most of us come from centuries of it. Just as modern Christianity and Judaism (and Islam) do, these old religions embrace the instincts of man.
Sure, the older religions embrace instincts we try to deny in the modern world, but one look at the news should convince you how well that’s worked out for us.
In recent years, there have been Krampus celebrations in some European cities -- perhaps most notably the Krampuslauf in Graz, Austria. Mostly, he’s celebrated on Dec. 5, the eve of the Christian St. Nicholas Day.
As Jay Michaelson (who has written about both his same-sex marriage and his Jewishness) stated at The Daily Beast: “Repressing our instincts doesn’t lead to wisdom, just as wisely expressing them doesn’t lead to chaos. Here’s an idea. As the nights grow longer and the days grow cold, let’s ditch the stocking stuffers, and express our inner Krampus.”
Maybe Krampus shot his wad this year and “American Dad” will be his climax on this side of the Atlantic, but what a perfect antidote to gagging quantities of Santa, Mariah Carey, false gaiety and Black Friday tripe. And isn’t it nice to know that even the 19th century couldn’t stomach all that treacle without a healthy dose of paganism?