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2 6 tim
mcgraw
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| VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 6 | MAY 2011
MEET OUR HAPPY SPOKES MEN.
Key West’s laid back, live-and-let-live atmosphere is the perfect place to restore balance to this crazy world.
fla-keys.com/gaykeywest ~ 866-848-9362
APRIL 2011
CONTENTS
20 >> Going Out
32
Orlando
>> Celeb Dionne Warwick: Only Trust Your Heart Kimberly Caldwell: Living Without Regret Scott Herman: A Dip in Chilly Waters
42 >> Flavor
Hint of Myint Seasons 52
48 >> Fashion
James Tudor Underwear Summer Scents
62 >> Health
Reduce Stress
64 >> Entertainment
32
dionne warwick 12 OMG!
| VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 6 | MAY 2011
Film: Weekend Artist Undercover: Zachari Logan
68 >> Insight
Gay in the USA
70 >> Sounds
Origins & Idols
72 >> Why Steven Y? 74 >> Coming Out
Nathan Mckellips
76 >> You Outta Know
dot429 Steve Adkins
Sip the FineSt Margarita... Experience the gourmet side of Mexican cuisine Taste guacamole made fresh at your table Savor fresh seafood and steaks with authentic sauces Follow us on Facebook and Twitter • cantinalaredo.com Sign up for our text group for complimentary Queso Laredo text “CANTINA” to 89686
Escape to Palm Springs, CA and leave the humidity behind. Discover a gay desert oasis of sun, adventure and relaxation!
Book your room now at:
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Publisher/ Executive Editor: James L. Clark - james@omgmag.com Associate Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Joey Amato - joey@omgmag.com; 407-496-8751 Associate Editor: Eric Liebman - eric@omgmag.com Health/Fitness Editor: Wm. Cory Jeffries - cory@omgmag.com; 813-368-0532 Copy Editor: Lucas Mariano Contributing Editor: Michael Goodman Entertainment Reporters: Dustin Fitzharris, Alberto Martinez Travel Reporter: Cole Wakefield Marketing Director: Tim Evans - tim@omgmag.com; 954-297-4003 Creative Director: Joshua Beadle Display Advertising Sales Representative: Parker Sund - parker@omgmag.com; 954-283-8539 National Sales Agency: Rivendell Media Writers: Joey Amato, Steven Binko, Matthew Dane Brookshire, Rick Desmond, Tim Evans, Dustin Fitzharris, Antwyone Ingram, Wm. Cory Jeffries, Lucas Mariano, Alberto Martinez, Arnold Myint, Mick Sandoval, Jared Sharon, Ron Slomowicz, Steven Youngstein
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The deadline for advertising each monthly release is the third Friday of each month before 12pm. please call our office for any questions. Opinions expressed in the Magazine are not necessarily the opinion of OMG! MAGAZINE©, OMG MULTIMEDIA COMPANIES, LLC or its staff. Publication of the name or photograph of any living person or organization in articles or advertising in OMG! MAGAZINE© shall not be construed or implication made as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures and testimonials of any living person, and OMG! MAGAZINE© may lawfully publish and cause such to be made and the advertiser automatically agrees by submitting said ad to indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature out of such publication. The DEADLINE for every Thursday’s release of OMG! MAGAZINE© is the Tuesday before at 12: 00 p.m. (noon) for new advertising made and designed in-house by OMG! MAGAZINE© or the Thursday before at 12:00 p.m. (noon) for advertising submitted from an outside graphics firm.In the event that an ad is accepted after deadline, the advertiser agrees by submitting such an ad to indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature that may arise from any error that may be made in said ad. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without written permission is strictly forbidden.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: This is a very exciting time for OMG! Magazine. In the past few months, our publication has garnered acclaim for its design and content by hundreds of members of the LGBT business community. As a result, OMG! was one of only a few dozen publications selected to exhibit at the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association’s annual convention, this year being held in Fort Lauderdale. This was both an honor and a privilege given that we were asked to join in the company of some of the best and most established publications in the world. Travel has become a major focus of OMG! and in this month’s issue we journey to Orlando, “The City Beautiful,” to explore the sights which make the city one of the most visited in the United States. But instead of highlighting theme parks and tourism hotspots, we decided to venture outside the box and show our readers the other side of this magnificent city; a side rarely seen by tourists. This is a celebrity filled issue. Not only are country superstar Tim McGraw, American Idol Kimberly Caldwell and diva extraordinaire Dionne Warwick featured in the pages that follow, but we are proud to announce that fitness guru, Scott Herman will be contributing a monthly column to OMG! This of course is in addition to our other celebrity column, Top Chef Arnold Myint’s “Hint of Myint.” Our “Coming Out” section this month was written by Nashville’s Nathan Mckellips. Make sure you read his story on page 74. This feature has become one of the most popular since we introduced it in our March issue. If you would like to share your story, please feel free to send us a letter. We want to hear about your struggles or triumphs. May also marks the month when OMG! Magazine will be officially delivered to your doorstep. We’ve realized that many of our readers wanted the magazine shipped directly to them every month, so we have instituted a direct mailing program which will enable us to control our distribution; a very rare distribution technique among LGBT publications. This process will prove beneficial to our advertisers because we will be able to tell them exactly who they are reaching. I cannot thank you enough for your devout loyalty to our publication. This is a very difficult time in the publishing world as many periodicals are either becoming electronic or ceasing to exist completely. Your readership and support will assure OMG’s continued growth and success. OMG!
Photo by: Kyle Poffenbarger
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Come for the music, stay for the fun. The party lasts all summer long, kicking off with the CMA Music Festival in June, celebrating with a Nashville Pride Festival and heating up to the explosive festivities of 4th of July weekend. Book a trip to Music City where the fun never stops and the music plays on 24/7/365.
visitmusiccity.com or 800. 6 57. 6 91 0
TRAVEL
GOING
OUT:
ORLANDO by Joey Amato
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| VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 6 | MAY 2011
When people think of Orlando, images of theme parks and mouse ears are usually the first thing that comes to mind. Yes, Orlando is a city built on tourism, but there are many other attractions outside of Universal Studios and Walt Disney World that a person may want to discover in “The City Beautiful.” One of my favorite places to visit in Orlando is Lake Eola. As the heart of downtown, Lake Eola is home to dozens of festivals, events and farmers' markets throughout the year. On any given weekend, you will see hundreds, if not thousands, of people gathering around the lake, enjoying a leisurely stroll, conducting yoga sessions or participating in a game of Frisbee. Adjacent to Lake Eola is the Thornton Park neighborhood, Orlando’s trendiest area. Home to sidewalk cafes, art galleries and urban lofts, Thornton Park has become the place to see and be seen for the downtown social crowd. Not too far away, on Mills Avenue, is an up and coming area of town, which has seen a renaissance in the past few years. Venues such as Funky Monkey, Banana’s and The Center dot the avenue, which has become a favorite spot for the LGBT community.
White Party
If antiquing is of interest, then head to Mt. Dora, just a short 25-minute drive from the city. This area boasts rolling hills, quaint boutiques and dozens of antique stores. A few miles away is Lakeridge Winery, a beautiful vineyard situated in the hills of Clermont, which produces an array of sweet wines. I recommend the Cuvée Blanc, a light bodied semi-dry wine which pairs perfectly with poultry and seafood. Orlando is also a shopper’s paradise. Not only does the city have numerous malls and town centers, but it is also home to two enormous outlet malls. With stores ranging from Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue to Adidas and Armani Exchange, there is definitely something for everyone. The highlight for me is Mall at Millenia, a gorgeous mecca featuring high-end designer stores, anchored by Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus. The mall features a 65-foot glass water garden, a circular rotunda with plasma televisions and a variety of dining options including The Cheesecake Factory, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and Brio Tuscan Grille. While at Millenia, be sure to stop by Gucci, Hugo Boss and Zara, some of my favorites stores. After a fun-filled day of shopping, head to Winter Park, the upscale neighborhood just north of downtown Orlando, where cobblestone streets, fashion boutiques and wonderful restaurants abound. Take a drive up Park Avenue or turn onto one of the many tree-lined streets to view mansions built by Orlando’s glitterati. While in Winter Park, don’t forget to stop by the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933) is housed at the museum and includes jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass windows and lamps, and the chapel interior the Tiffany designed for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The city of Orlando is also home to numerous other museums and cultural attractions, most notably the Orlando Science Center, the Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art. People visiting Orlando should also stop by The Center, the only LGBT community center in Central Florida. Over 15,000 people visit the Center each year, which provides free HIV Rapid Testing seven days a week as well as a host of other support services. The Center, which formed 33 years ago, is also home to
numerous support groups and counseling services. Local artwork can also be seen rotating throughout The Center's art gallery, which is one of only 12 galleries of its kind. The city is also a largely philanthropic community. One of Orlando’s largest organizations is the Hope and Help Center of Central Florida. Formed in 1989, the company is now one of the leading HIV/AIDS service organizations in the country, with a staff of 39 employees and eight locations in metro-Orlando. The non-profit also maintains a mobile testing unit that travels to underserved and high risk areas. In 2010, the Hope and Help Center delivered HIV/AIDS prevention education, support and testing services to over 16,000 individuals. Of every dollar raised by the organization 88 cents goes directly to client services, which include case management, health education/risk reduction, AICP: AIDS Insurance Continuation Program, pharmacy eligibility, HIV testing and counseling, outreach, peer education, food pantry, and volunteer services. The city also hosts two large LGBT events every year, the first being Gay Days, a celebration that began at Walt Disney World in 1991. Since its inception, Gay Days now encompasses numerous events and attracts nearly 125,000 visitors. This year’s Gay Days will take place May 31- June 6. Another not-to-be missed event is the annual Come Out With Pride celebration, Orlando’s gay pride festival held every fall, which attracts tens of thousands of spectators. This year’s event will take place October 6-8. To celebrate Pride, Orlando will host two pre-Pride concerts on June 3 and 4 starring Kelly Rowland and Deborah Cox.
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TRAVEL TRAVEL
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[ Where to Stay] One of the best places to stay during any visit to Orlando is The Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. This musician’s paradise features rock and roll memorabilia throughout and offers over 650 guest rooms. The hotel is also home a 12,000 squarefoot pool, which is consistently voted one of the greatest pools in Orlando as well as the fabulous Mandara Spa, where guests can indulge in any number of relaxing treatments. Furthermore, The Hard Rock Hotel offers exceptional dining options including the famed Palm Restaurant, one of the country’s premier steak and seafood establishments. For a more casual dining experience, head to the Beach Club and enjoy something from the grill along with a signature cocktail. May I suggest the Raspberry Beret or Sweet Home Alabama? Once a month, the hotel hosts Velvet Sessions in the lobby’s Velvet Bar. Previous performers have included Taylor Dayne, Joan Jett, Brett Michaels and the Go-Go’s. It certainly is a party that you shouldn’t miss. Visitors looking for a smaller hotel to enjoy during their stay should visit the Eõ Inn & Spa, a small boutique hotel located in downtown Orlando, situated on the southeast corner of Lake Eola Park. The charming inn offers 17 beautifully furnished guest rooms, most of which have views of downtown and Lake Eola Park. Amenities offered at the Eõ Inn include amenities include complimentary wireless Internet and a full service day spa offering massages, facials, waxing, relaxing body wraps, spa manicures and spa pedicures.
[Where to Play] There are many places to mingle in Orlando from downtown to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, but if you want to go where the “see and be seen” crowd goes, stop by Pulse, the city’s hottest nightclub. Drop by on Saturday for “Pulsate,” where DJ Scott Robert spins house music and the dance floor stays jammed all night.
View from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Visitor’s looking for a more relaxing, but chic place to enjoy a cocktail should venture to Savoy on Orange Avenue. This establishment is famous for its happy hours and array of attractive young men who frequent the bar.
[Where to Dine] Orlando is a culinary dream. Celebrity chefs including Emeril Lagasse, Todd English, Cat Cora and Norman Van Aken all have their footprint in the city. Universal Studios and Walt Disney World are also home to dozens of fabulous establishments. But if you are looking for somewhere with a more local flavor, stop by Hue in Thornton Park, one of the hippest restaurants in downtown, offering progressive American cuisine. Two other restaurants worth mentioning include Citrus, Cityfish and the Boheme, located in the magnificent Grand Bohemian Hotel. Visitors looking for a late night snack should journey north to Banana’s Diner. Banana’s is not your traditional diner, even though they offer a variety of burgers, salads and sandwiches. The diner hosts weekly Gospel Brunches on Sunday, Broadway sing-alongs every Tuesday and drag servers every Friday and Saturday evening. Aside from having delicious food, the fun, energetic environment is worth the trip. OMG!
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One lucky winner will get:
-Two round-trip tickets on Southwest -Two-night stay at the Hutton Hotel (June 17 & 18) -Limo transportation to/from festival -Two VIP tickets to the festival on June 18
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feature
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Tim McGraw reveals his SOUTHERN VOICE by Joey Amato
Since the release of his debut album in 1993, Tim McGraw has won three Grammy Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association Awards and ten American Music Awards, while simultaneously maintaining a parallel career as a successful actor. Now, with the release of “Southern Voice,” his tenth studio album, McGraw plans on extending his reach even further through the honesty and emotions depicted on the record. Although McGraw has sold over 40 million albums and achieved 30 No. 1 singles, cutting a record is not that easy for the talented performer. "For me, making a record isn't just going in and having fun," says McGraw. "It's going in and digging and digging and trying to get what's inside of me out, and never quite getting there. And that's what keeps you going back and trying again." “Southern Voice” was an album created through McGraw’s experiences as a musician, father, actor and husband. Each song was drawn from a different heartfelt emotion. "I don't go out looking for that kind of material," he says. "As an artist, you just put your antennae up, and you find and record whatever you're drawn to. You might not notice any theme as you're making an album, but once it's done, you look back and get a better picture of where you were as a person at the time." Among the territory explored by McGraw on “Southern Voice” is aging and mortality – on songs like "If I Died Today" and "Forever Seventeen" – and the relationships between parents and children – "You Had to Be There" and "I Love You Goodbye.” The tracks garner memories of one of McGraw’s biggest hits, "Live Like You Were Dying," but contain a completely different feel. "Those things are part of my life, and they get a little more in-depth the older I get," he says. "Both of my fathers are dead now. Some things hit a little harder than if they were still around, but it can also make you a little softer in some ways, too."
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feature
Although McGraw strives to capture genuine emotions on the album, “Southern Voice” also has its share of up-tempo anthems including "It's a Business Doing Pleasure With You," and the title track of the record “Southern Voice,” in which McGraw pays homage to southern cultural icons including Hank Williams, Rosa Parks, Michael Jordan and the Allman Brothers. "It reminded me of songs from earlier in my career," McGraw says. "Something like 'Down on the Farm' — it has those kind of sentiments, but said in a more mature, more lived-in way. It says a lot without you realizing it's saying it to you." McGraw also draws on other music influences on “Southern Voice” aside from his trademark sound. "Growing up in Louisiana, of course I listened to country music," says the singer, "but that ‘70s rock is a big influence on me, too. On that song, I went in with the intent of making a Traveling Wilburys/Mark Knopfler/ Eagles kind of thing; I knew exactly what I wanted it to sound like." One of McGraw’s most personal songs on the album is a track called “I'm Only Jesus.” "I loved the song, but I wasn't quite sure what it was going to come out like,” says McGraw. “My guitarist came up with a part that really turned the song around, and the end result was way more smoking, more rocking than I ever expected. The song always had this strong message, but now it really hits you upside the head."
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A jack-of-all-trades, McGraw also wants to continue to grow as an actor, having recently starred in both “Country Strong,” alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, and “The Blind Side,” in which Sandra Bullock’s performance earned her an Academy Award. "Acting is an extension of what I do," he says. "It adds emotional depth, and gives another dimension to how I prepare to make a record or a video. You take on things and learn, take in information, and different tangents show up that can't help but reflect in what you do as an artist." McGraw has appeared in Friday Night Lights (2004), Flicka (2006), The Kingdom (2007), and Four Christmases (2008) as well as hosting Saturday Night Live, a rare honor for a singer in any genre. With an extensive tour schedule ahead, McGraw shows no signs of stopping. "I don't look at how I fit into the industry, into the puzzle of other artists," he says. "I look at how can I get better and where I'm going. I'm competitive, and I want to win, but at the same time, I don't even know what the competition is doing. I see a lot more ahead of me than there is behind me." Joining McGraw on his “Emotional Traffic Tour” are special guests Luke Bryan and The Band Perry. OMG! __________________________________________________ For more information, please visit www.TimMcgraw.com.
"...You might not notice any theme as you're making an album, but once it's done, you look back and get a better picture of where you were as a person at the time."
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DIONNE WARWICK CELEB
Fifty years ago a young lady from East Orange, N.J. named Dionne Warwick began her career as a singer by making demo records. Within months “The Demo Queen,” as she became known, earned her first Top 40 hit, “Don’t Make Me Over,” and the hits kept coming. Songs like “Walk On By,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” the Oscar-nominated “Alfie,” and “I Say a Little Prayer” helped Warwick become one of the best-selling artists of the Rock and Roll era.
Only Trust Your Heart by Dustin Fitzharris
Today at 70, the five-time Grammy Award-winner is celebrating her golden anniversary in show business by releasing a new CD, “Only Trust Your Heart.” The project predominately features the songs of American composer Sammy Cahn, including “The Second Time Around” and “I Fall in Love Too Easily.” In addition to making new music, Warwick recently wrote her memoirs titled “My Life As I See It” and also tried her luck on “Celebrity Apprentice.” However, when we talked right before the premiere of the show, it was a subject she didn’t seem overly enthusiastic to discuss. While watching her interactions with the cast, it was apparent why Warwick strayed from the topic. After being eliminated on the March 27 episode, Donald Trump told the press, “She just felt like she was superior to the other people in the cast, and I don’t think they liked that.” Although she did not succeed on the show, it makes no difference. Warwick has earned her place in history, not only as a pioneering vocalist, but also as a humanitarian for her endless dedication to AIDS research. While it appears Warwick shows no signs of slowing down, she told us that she might be getting ready to take her final bow.
Q&A
OMG: What made you want to do this album? DIONNE WARWICK: It was brought to me. It was a project that was very reminiscent of one that I enjoyed doing so very much, and that was Cole Porter (1990). There are some wonderful lyrics and incredible melodies. OMG: Why Sammy Cahn? WARWICK: The record company that I’m with happens to own the catalogue. They were looking for a voice to do Sammy Cahn’s catalogue. I guess my voice suited the pattern. OMG: The title is so intriguing: “Only Trust Your Heart.” How have you learned to trust your heart?
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WARWICK: By continuing to be me. The only me I know. OMG: And who are you? WARWICK: I’m Dionne! That’s simply put, but absolutely meant. The person you meet here today — you see me a year later — it will be the same person. OMG: You are keeping busy these days. In addition to the new CD, you have participated in “Celebrity Apprentice”. Did you know that because the show has become so popular Donald Trump said they now have to qualify all the individuals who want to be on it? Why do you think he selected you?
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CELEB
WARWICK: I’ve played his casinos. Donald is a very interesting person, has always been. He’s always treated me with the utmost respect. I would go so far to say he is a friend. I didn’t know anything about qualifications.
this little boy to jump on his tailcoat, and he’s pulling him around like a sled. There is no talent in Bieber. I’m sorry. That’s my opinion, of course, and I am entitled to it. I just think Bieber, whatever that is, needs to cease and desist.
OMG: You recently wrote your memoirs. Interestingly, about ten years ago you gave an interview in which you said, “My life, as my audiences know it, is enough for you to know.” What changed your mind?
OMG: Someone you did admire, however, and considered a dear friend was Luther Vandross. Do you have a favorite Luther memory? WARWICK: We don’t have enough time. Every single moment is a favorite memory of Lu. He was not only a friend; he was family. I miss him terribly. We would talk every day. No matter where he was, or where I was. At 3 o'clock in the morning the call would come, and he’d have me laughing till 5!
WARWICK: When Simon & Schuster said, “You write the book that you want to write.” You’re getting it from me, and nobody else can give you that. You know, a couple of my peers have written books that I still question why. How much do you want people to really know about you? I think my life is basically an open book in OMG: You are also friends with Aretha many ways. But, there are little bits and pieces Franklin. Have you spoken to her lately? that I think I should keep for myself. WARWICK: No, nobody has spoken to her. She’s OMG: And after reading the book, you changed her number. She doesn’t want us I actually did write one where you didn’t guess. When she’s ready to talk to me, she has reveal any personal or intimate details. my numbers. WARWICK: Exactly. Nor, are you privileged to have that. OMG: You had your first hit in 1962 with “Don’t Make Me Over.” Then in 1968 you earned your first Grammy for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” When did you finally feel like you had made it? WARWICK: I’m still trying to make it, child. Just like the pendulum swings one way, it swings the other way too. It’s like the old saying, 'You meet the same people coming down as you do going up.' I’ve been truly blessed that my career has lasted as long as it has. Fifty years is a long time.
OMG: Let’s talk about the younger generation of performers today. What are your thoughts on Beyonce?
research that we’d still be talking about it today? WARWICK: When you start to think about the amount of money it takes, it’s astronomical to get people’s attention. It’s a very difficult job. (At the time) everybody had their heads stuck in the sand. Nobody wanted to be associated with AIDS. OMG: What stands out to you about that period of time? WARWICK: I remember people saying, “What are you doing hugging that person!” I said, “Because they need a hug.” “Well, you know they have …” “Yes, I know, and do you know how you can contract it? So let me educate you, so then maybe you can tell the story to someone else, and if you keep carrying the story, maybe everyone will finally understand what we’re up against.” AIDS is still something I’m very much involved with. I don’t care who finds the cure. Let’s just find it! OMG: What’s the best part of aging? WARWICK: Waking up every morning. Putting one foot in front of the other. That’s the best thing about aging. Being able to say, “I made another one — keep fooling ‘em!”
WARWICK: My little girl is a lady now. I met her when she was 16 years old. My son was producing Destiny’s Child. She’s become OMG: Well, you haven’t lost those cheek a phenomena. Rightly so. Not only in the bones! performing area, but she writes beautifully, and WARWICK: And I never will! she don’t sound too bad either. OMG: And what about your cousin Whitney? Do you think she received a bad rap when she went on tour last year?
OMG: What is something you still would like to have in your career? WARWICK: The Oscar, the Emmy, the Tony. Not necessarily in that order.
OMG: Having won five Grammys, what did you think of the awards this year?
WARWICK: Whitney is the daughter I never had. She’s my little princess. I think she went on tour too soon. She should’ve given herself a little more time to get vocally ready.
WARWICK: This is the first Grammys I’ve watched in, I can’t tell you how long. I sat up in my bed and applauded when Esperanza (Spalding) won. It’s music! Finally people’s ears are growing up!
OMG: In addition to making music, you have also done a lot of work for AIDS research, prevention and awareness. What was it like being named the U.S. Ambassador of Health in 1988?
WARWICK: See. Tell me about it. Damn lion!
OMG: Yes, when Esperanza won for Best New Artist, weren’t you waiting for them to announce...
WARWICK: One of the mandates was a selfimposed mandate, and that was to educate people first about the AIDS crisis. It was not relegated to one genre of people. It was not a gay, white male disease. Women were also contracting it. Children were contracting it. So, where does that put this disease? It’s worldwide and multi-gendered.
WARWICK: Yes. Absolutely. Absolutely! When Dionne says, “Adieu,” that’s what it is. Adieu.
WARWICK: Justin Bieber. OMG: Right. WARWICK: Geeze, if they would’ve said Justin Bieber, I probably would’ve thrown a shoe at the TV. I’m still trying to figure that one out. You know what it is? It’s Usher. Usher has allowed
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OMG: Did you ever think when you recorded “That’s What Friends Are For” for AIDS
OMG: “Alfie” won the Oscar …. Wait, I’m sorry. “Born Free” won that year.
OMG: Do you think you’ll ever retire? I mean really retiring, not like Barbra Streisand or Cher.
OMG: Really? Wouldn’t you miss performing? WARWICK: Nope. When I feel like I’ve finished doing everything that I want to do, I’ll retire, and it may be coming sooner than most people think. OMG!
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Kimberly Caldwell: LIVING WITHOUT REGRET By Dustin Fitzharris 38 OMG!
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In 2002, 20-year-old Kimberly Caldwell slept on her sister’s futon on the streets of Austin. Although it was Texas, she was bundled up in her winter gear, shivering as friends brought her soup and magazines to help her pass the time. She may have longed for the warmth of a cozy bed, but she wasn’t about to give up her spot in line to audition for the second season of television’s highest rated new show, “American Idol.”
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available on itunes
Just making it to the auditions proved to be a challenge. She had no extra cash. Thankfully, her grandmother lent her gas money. On Jan. 21, 2003 Caldwell’s audition for Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell hit television sets, and viewers heard the now famous words, “You’re going to Hollywood.” Week after week Caldwell’s performances wowed the judges and won the audiences' hearts and votes. But on April 16, 2003, after making it into the top 7, Caldwell was sent home. Since that day Caldwell hasn’t disappeared from show business. She hosted MTV’s “P. Diddy’s Starmaker” and worked on the TV Guide Network as their “American Idol” correspondent where she covered a variety of Red Carpet specials. Unlike other fan-favorite “American Idol” contestants, however, Caldwell didn’t rush to release an album. Finally, eight years later, Caldwell’s debut album, “Without Regrets,” was released in April. “When it comes to this album, I say it’s musically schizophrenic,” Caldwell says. “I have five little sisters, and I really felt like I had a message to get across.” That message, according to Caldwell, was about being human, fearless and empowering. Initially the album was supposed to come out last spring, but was delayed four times. Caldwell took a breath and just enjoyed the process. She said she had waited 20 years to make the album and wouldn’t have wanted it released unless it represented her fully. For her, the title transcends her personally. She believes all people should live their lives “Without Regrets.” As she looks back, she says what others may have called mistakes, has been about learning lessons, growing and becoming better with age. Caldwell was born in Katy, Texas on Feb. 25, 1982. She describes herself as an attention-seeking kid who would climb on the coffee table, throw her hands in the air and scream, “Look at me! I can do this!” She was and still is inspired by Reba McEntire, Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge, and her all-time favorite, The Judds. Just to be on a stage, at five years old, Caldwell started entering beauty pageants. For the next four years she continued on the pageant circuit while singing locally. The first song she learned was Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever Amen.” One of Caldwell’s first dreams was to appear on “Star Search,” the talent show long before “American Idol.” She wound up winning that competition five times; the most wins for a junior vocalist on the original version starring Ed McMahon. With the success of “Star Search” behind her, Caldwell’s family moved to Branson, Mo., so she could pursue her singing. She performed two shows a day, six days a week. Soon, Caldwell grew tired. She just wanted a chance to be a normal teenager, going to formals and having a boyfriend, so she returned to Texas. To many it may sound like a fairytale, but Caldwell did go through her difficulties coming from what she calls a “broken family.” Her parents’ marriage fell apart, and her relationship with her father deteriorated as her mother struggled to support her and her younger sister. It’s still difficult for Caldwell to talk about. She tries to make light of it when the subject comes up. “Where are we going here?” Caldwell asks with a nervous laugh. “Is this Oprah?” Wondering if she had patched up her relationship with her father, Caldwell just says at this point in her life all of her sisters and her mother are happy and in a wonderful place. “We’ve really taught each other what family means. That means sticking together,” Caldwell says. “I think by him [her father] leaving, that’s what we gained. We have even more sense of family and truly knowing that we really have each other’s back. This is a lifetime relationship that can’t be broken.”
Another relationship Cadwell had that fell apart was publicly documented. In 2008, shortly after singer David Cook won “American Idol,” he and Caldwell began dating. Less than a year later, they ended their relationship. It’s not clear if they are still friends. When asked, Caldwell response was, “That was so many years ago. There’s my answer.” Caldwell is not dwelling on the past, but she also hasn’t forgotten what brought her to America’s attention. Former “American Idol” contestant Blake Lewis throws “Idol” parties, which Caldwell attends and says she “feels like a dork” for even admitting. She’s a little behind on this season but loves seeing one of her idols, Steven Tyler, in a judge’s seat. If possible, she says she’d love to borrow one of his blouses. When it comes to the second new judge, Jennifer Lopez, Caldwell could not even imagine looking at her during a performance. “I don’t even know how people can stand in front of her and not forget their words,” Caldwell says. “I’d be wanting to play with her hair the whole time!” Even after all that Caldwell has accomplished, she wouldn’t call herself a celebrity. In fact, she thinks it’s the “weirdest word on the planet.” She will admit that she’s somewhat recognizable. She’s come a long way from the little girl in Katy, Texas who wanted to be a star. At the time she thought the word meant being a professional singer and having fame. Nowadays she isn’t so sure if she wants to be a star; she just wants her music heard. With her new album she has the opportunity, but understands that even after decades of wanting to make it, the album may not succeed. If that happens Caldwell says: “Then I can know that I can live without regret. I never wanted to wake up and say, ‘Why didn’t I ever try? Why didn’t I ever make the album that I always dreamed of?’ Now, whatever happens, I’m prepared for it. I’ve stood on my own two feet for a very long time, and I’ll still be standing regardless of the numbers.” Kimberly’s new CD “Without Regrets” is now available. __________________________________________________________ For more information, visit www.kimberlycaldwell.com. WWW.OMGMAG.COM OMG! 39
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CELEB
By Scott Herman
Scott Herman 40 OMG!
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A DIP IN CHILLY WATERS
What made you take the plunge to publicly announce your support of gay rights? I have spent my whole life standing up to bullies. I first became publicly involved with the gay community while filming “The Real World: Brooklyn.” We did a lot of work with gay teens during the show. Studies show that gay teen suicide attempts are four times that of heterosexual youth. In high school, one of my friends came out junior year, and I saw how the other guys treated him. I didn’t like it. I remember thinking enough is enough. I had to do something about it, so I made it known that if anyone picked on him, they would have to answer to me. Were you as fit then as you are now?
By Mick Sandoval Before flexing his muscles on MTV’s The Real World, Scott Herman was a self described "weakling’." At the age of 12, he found weights in his father’s basement and embarked on a rigorous fitness program six days a week, two hours a day. He also changed his diet to a high carbohydrate plan of pasta, bagels, rice and grilled chicken; then added Syntha-6, a protein supplement, along with multivitamins for added nutrients. Ten years of training has given Scott Herman superhero looks and the confidence to match. He doesn’t deny that the muscles help him in the dating arena, but he says they’ve also given him the strength to stand up for what he believes is right. In response to the recent LGBT attacks and gay teen suicides, Scott has been a vocal advocate against discrimination. “It’s not a problem we can ignore any longer,” he says. “I’ve learned when you ignore bullies, they find someone weaker to pick on. Maybe it’s the big brother in me speaking, but I want to be a shield for guys who may not be strong enough to take a stand.” In his latest shoot, Scott was convinced to take a dip in a cold New England lake in his underwear. The photographer said it would be symbolic of the dip he has taken in his fight for gay rights. Lucky for us, Scott bought it.
I found fitness when I was 12. I was a very quiet, introverted, weak kid. I needed an outlet for my frustrations, and so I began to workout in my basement with my Dad’s old weight equipment. The basement was my place of Zen. I could be anything I wanted to be down there. I could push myself as hard as I wanted and each day became physically and mentally stronger. Fitness gave me confidence. Is it true you were working as a fitness trainer at 14? Not exactly. I started working at Gold’s Gym when I was 14. The other trainers took me under the wing, and I would offer advice to new members. I found I genuinely enjoyed teaching others how to better themselves. I was training people full-time at 18 and making a pretty decent living from it. Do you agree that accepting differences in others is part of a healthy lifestyle? It sure is. It’s so important to be surrounded by positive energy. It is truly the lifeblood of your existence and to reaching your goals! I found that standing up for my friend in high school gave me a sense of power. It was the first time I realized how powerful it is to stand up for what is right. If I can be a shield that gives strength to others, then that is what I am going to do. Were you prepared for the negative feedback you would receive for supporting gay rights?
Q&A
Not at all. I didn’t realize the enormity of the hatred out there. How has the fitness community reacted to your stance? For the most part, they’ve been ok. However, some people continue to leave pretty rude comments on my YouTube videos. They call me fag lover. I get called gay a lot - like it’s a bad thing. At the end of the day, I could care less what anonymous fools say because most of them would be too cowardly to say those words to my face. They have to wake up every morning and look at themselves in the mirror. I am not going to waste my time on their nonsense.
To be honest, I used to use words like “gay” and “fag” with my friends simply because I didn’t realize why it was wrong. My brother and his friends have called me a “fag” for as long as I can remember. I didn’t know what it meant when I was younger. I only knew it was meant as an insult. Now that I know better, I do not use these words, and if I hear them being used “jokingly” I say something. What do you say? I simply point out that when you call someone gay in a negative way, you are saying that being gay is wrong. What other issues are you passionate about? My number one passion is fitness. I love to exercise and push myself to new limits. I also like to push others to meet their fitness goals. In this busy world, why is it important we set aside time for fitness? Fitness is more than just looking good. It is important to set time aside for fitness because you need to take care of your body if you want to live long enough and enjoy a full life. Exercise is a great way to release stress and negative energy. You will be a happier human being if you exercise. How much time is necessary? The average person should spend no more than 45 minutes to an hour exercising a day. It’s all about building a routine. Once you make fitness a permanent part of your life, it always will be. Also, be sure to stretch in the morning when you wake up and before you go to bed. How has being fit changed your world? I owe my whole life and career to getting involved in fitness at a young age. We all have a purpose in life. I was lucky to have been able to find mine in fitness. Does your partner share your passion? She does. She would have to. This is what I do for a living. Scott Herman Fitness is my life and to have someone not involved would make for a huge gap in our relationship. I need someone that is going to support me 100%. Does she share your feelings about gay rights? She sure does. I couldn’t be with someone who didn’t have an open heart to everyone. Scott, it’s commendable that you would come out publicly in support of gay rights. But if you knew then what you know now, about all the criticism and hate mail you would receive, would you have been so vocal in your stance for gay rights? I know in my heart what the right thing to do is and I will continue to do it no matter how hard the journey may be.
____________________________________________ The locker room has long been a place for athletes Visit ScottHermanFitness.com to air discriminatory remarks against gay men. Do you react when you hear teammates jokingly calling each other fairies? WWW.OMGMAG.COM OMG! 41
FLAVOR
HiNT of MYiNT by Arnold Myint Keeping it simple, I love May. There isn’t any other month that motivates me to drink a cocktail quite like this one. Just the thought of sitting on a patio excites my very being, and for some reason, during these 31 days, there seems to always be a reason to throw a party. I enjoy supporting local establishments and tasting what their eager bartenders concoct for the season. I also like the idea of throwing a simple, or not so simple, party at home. Though a cold beer or crisp glass of wine often times does the trick, re-creating restaurant favorites or putting a stylish twist on one of your favorite libations personalizes your event and often gets everyone into a festive spirit. ____________________________________ Arnold is the Owner of three popular restaurants in Nashville, TN. He is an accomplished Chef, Mixologist & Event Planner. A few of Arnold’s credits include Nashville’s Best Chef (Nashville Scene), Bombay Sapphire’s Inspired Bartender Finalist and Bravo’s TV Series; Top Chef DC. Currently committed to Nashville’s cosmopolitan growth, Arnold hopes to spearhead a foundation in the near future. For more information on Arnold Myint check him out on Twitter and Facebook or visit Arnoldmyint.com
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Photography: Sid Niazi
Simple Syrup 2 cups Water 2 cups Sugar In a sauce pot, dissolve sugar in water and allow to simmer on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Cool before using.
Lemon Grass Syrup 2 Cups Water 2 Cups Sugar 3 Stalks of Lemongrass 4 oz Lemon Juice Cut lemongrass into 3 inch sticks and split the stalks. In a sauce pot, add lemongrass, dissolve sugar in water and allow to simmer on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Add lemon juice into syrup and cool before using.
Ginger Syrup Simple Syrups are an easy way to jazz up a cocktail or ‘mocktail.’ They make great gifts, and the flavor possibilities are endless. Here are some easy syrup and cocktail recipes that will keep you and your party guests smiling from ear to ear. Cheers!
2 Cups Water 2 Cups Sugar 2 oz Sliced Ginger In a sauce pot, add ginger, dissolve sugar in water and allow to simmer on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Cool before using.
Ginger Mojito
Lemongrass Rose’ Spritzer
2 oz Rum 4 Mint Leaves 2 Lime Wedges 1 oz Ginger Syrup 3 oz Soda Water
1 oz Lemongrass Syrup 1 oz fresh squeezed Orange Juice 5 oz Sparkling Rose’ Splash of Ginger ale
Muddle Mint and Limes. Combine all ingredients add ice and shake lightly.
Combine all ingredients and serve either up or on ice
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FLAVOR
52
Seasons by Rick Desmond After living in Orlando for seven years, I was very familiar with Seasons 52, although over that time period, I only visited the restaurant for lunch or the occasional flatbread and cocktails. So I decided to give the restaurant a formal review to see if I enjoyed all that they had to offer. We began with two wonderful martinis. I chose the Organic Sunshine Martini made with orange infused Prairie organic vodka and organic agave nector, while my guest opted for the Pomegranate Margarita Martini, a blend of two types of Patron and pomegranate juice. I found my choice to be a little more refreshing and a perfect accompaniment to the starters. Our very knowledgeable server recommended we try the Eggplant Parmesan Flatbread. The dish comes prepared with herbes de Provence, parmesan and feta cheese with a light tomato pesto sauce. Both of us really enjoyed this selection and realized you can never go wrong with a Seasons 52 flatbread to start a meal. Next we sampled the Housemade Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, a large ravioli made with roasted garlic and sweet basil served in a tomato broth. I was expecting the goat cheese to overpower this dish, but it didn’t. The flavors blended together very well. My only suggestion is that one ravioli, albeit large, should not be shared. Along with our salads, I asked to sample a cup of Shrimp & Clam Cioppino. I was slightly disappointed that the shrimp and clam flavors were hidden in this dish. I was expecting them to really shine through, but my guest seemed to enjoy the selection. However, I was extremely impressed by the Organic Wild Arugula salad, prepared with goat cheese, grilled golden beats and toasted almonds. This is one of the best
salads I have tasted in recent memory. It was hard not to finish the selection. Almost as enjoyable was the Baby Spinach salad, made with raspberries, toasted pine nuts and crumbled goat cheese. This salad was a bit more difficult to eat because of the size of the spinach leaves. I would definitely recommend the arugula salad over this one. Four entrees, we decided to try two of the Seasonal Specials. First, and coming highly recommended from the chef, was the Grilled Atlantic Swordfish. The entrée was served over stir-fried vegetables with steamed rice and ponzu glaze. This dish, as the chef hinted, was delightful. The fish was perfectly cooked and the vegetables were prepared al dente. The ponzu glaze complimented both the fish and vegetables very nicely. Second was the Wood-Roasted Veal Tenderloin with sundried tomato orzo, roasted garlic, sweet basil and shallotDijon sauce. This dish was also very good, although I favored the swordfish a bit more. The veal was cooked medium rare, much to our liking, and I really enjoyed the orzo that accompanied this dish. Now it was time for Season 52’s grand finale, the dessert tray. Having both been here before, we decided to try two selections we hadn’t tried in the past. I chose the Pecan Pie with Vanilla Mousse and my guest opted for the Mocha Macchiato. Both were delectable. Needless to say, you can never go wrong with any dessert from Seasons. Both selections were amazing, especially when enjoyed with a glass of Fonseca Vintage Port. Overall our dining experience was very enjoyable and I learned that Seasons 52 isn’t just a place for lunch. OMG!
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f
ashion
The idea for James Tudor underwear – the name is a nod to the famous royal dynasty - stemmed from the desire to bring historical men’s period tailoring into the modern age. Jon HammondHagan and Alec Harrison were inspired by the idea of the British gentleman; a class of men who placed high emphasis on the immaculate detail of their dress. James Tudor evokes that idea of grandeur, decadence and quality. While emulating British tailoring, the collection also emphasizes a contemporary edge. The label founders affectionately refer to the James Tudor man as the 21st Century dandy. James Tudor Underwear is available online at www.LAJock.com
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Photography and Styling by Bobby Ray Model: Alee Ylmz.
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ashion
Neroli Portofino Tom Ford Private Blends
Aventus Creed •
Inspired by the life of an historic emperor who lived his life on his own terms.
A modern update of a traditional citrusy eau de cologne.
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The top notes of citrus stay present as the middle floral notes come through. A mild amber warms up the base notes.
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Although it is an eau de parfum concentration, it wears close to the skin and is not aggressive.
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Neroli oil comes from the bitter orange tree.
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Inspired by the landscape, climate, and waters of the Mediterranean.
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Originally released in 2007, this new version wears a bit lighter, making it perfect for the summer
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Available as fragrance, bath soap, shower gel, body oil, body scrub, and body moisturizer.
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Starts with a fruity bouquet of pineapple, black currant, and bergamot.
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Fresh, but not transparent.
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Light patchouli in the middle balances the floral, rose middle notes.
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The leather-embossed flask adds to the manly feel.
More than just a summer-friendly, lighter version of Au Masculin.
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The vanilla and amber base notes are more dry than sweet.
Starts off with a refreshing blast of anise and mint.
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Long-lasting, yet wears close to the skin.
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Warms into lemony floral with notes of jasmine and vetiver.
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The initial scent of anise stays present throughout the whole development and mixes rather nicely with the woody base notes.
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Light enough for summer; a great officefriendly scent.
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Available online at many discount fragrance websites.
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Office-friendly; wears close to the skin and lasts for a full workday.
Le Voyou Guerlain
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Voyou means rascal or criminal in French.
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Top notes of bergamot, coriander, and pink pepper give an initial energetic blast on first spray.
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Le Voyou was inspired by Arsene Lupin, a fictional character from detective novels written by French writer Maurice Leblanc.
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Warm sandalwood anchors the fragrance as notes of light patchouli and cardamom develop.
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Wears a little more subtle than its brother fragrance, Le Dandy.
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A light skin scent that makes a nice transition from day to evening.
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The unique wood-framed bottle looks like a piece of modern art.
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L'Eau au Masculin Lolita Lempicka
SUMMER SCENTS by Ron Slomowicz
With temperatures rising, the time has come to put away the heavier fragrances of winter and search out something lighter and fresher. There are so many fragrances out there - just about every celebrity and clothing brand has a line. Finding the right scent is a personal choice, the right blend of notes that compliment you. Always test a new fragrance before purchasing. In your search for something uniquely you, here are a few options to explore...
| HEALTH |
SPRING AHEAD & REDUCE STRESS By Wm. Cor y Jeffries, LMT Stress is a big challenge in life nowadays! Common symptoms of stress include skin problems, impotence, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, insomnia and frustration. We don't need to set a time to reduce stress, we need to incorporate some strategies in our daily life routine to prevent stress and reduce its effect on the body.
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1.
Define your goals: you must define your life goals and begin to achieve these goals; this action will help protect you against stress because you will feel that you know what your life purpose is and that you are in control of your destiny.
2.
Take control of your diet: simple changes in your diet plan will help to reduce stress. It can be as easy as avoiding stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, tea and sugar, and instead adding chamomile tea because of its calming and relaxing effect. You need to eat slowly in a calm environment to allow your digestive system to work well. Honey is a great natural alternative to sugar but in small amounts (one or two spoonfuls per day).
3.
A regular hot bath soothes tension: after a very busy day or when you feel that you need to just “unplug” and relax. You can take a hot bath by sitting in warm to hot water, and the water level should be above the waist. Using lavender oil can also enhance this relaxing experience.
4. Add aromatherapy: in the office, you can use aromatherapy to relax and avoid stress. One of the best ways is to use lavender oil on a source of heat and take in the scent; this is a great way to relax during the day when you need it the most. 5. Exercise: This is one of the most important things you can do which will reduce stress and bring you happiness! When you exercise, your brain releases substances known as endorphins, which bring on feelings of happiness and relaxation; you need to engage in some exercise regularly such as walking, dancing or swimming. 6. Breathing techniques: Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi all use deep breathing techniques. To meditate, simply sit with closed eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Breathing deeply regularly is great for health and from there, you can learn various other breathing techniques to gain enhanced benefits.
7. Relaxation techniques and self hypnotherapy: you can easily do this af-
ter the hot bath to relax even more. Simply sit or lie down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed, imagine there is a spot light above your head and concentrate on it. Then concentrate on your body part by part and try to relax the body and feel the relaxation deepening; you can also use a self hypnotherapy audio tape to help in this process.
8.
Massage: this is a great way to reduce stress, and as a Massage Therapist, I can assure you there are more benefits to massage then we have time in this article to count. I even do this myself when the other techniques fail to work for me. I feel better after receiving a massage. You can get a professional massage or if you’re lucky, you can simply ask your partner to massage you.
9. Spiritual healing: prayers and the act of helping others are very important components for happiness and stress reduction. You will feel calmer and have a sense of inner peace. 10. Talking through your problems: talking about your feelings acts as a releasing mechanism, and you will soon find that talking about your problems with your partner or best friend may help the solution to the problem come to light and will help to release blocked emotions. This often times will happen even in my client’s massage session. 11. Multivitamins: I take a Vitamin B and Ginseng (Panax ginseng more commonly known as Korean ginseng) complex regularly to decrease stress, and this has been a great help in my stress reduction. I hope that you find these suggestions helpful; my hope in sharing this information with you is that you can benefit from it. Reading about this is not enough to reduce stress, you must take action. OMG!
Another way to connect your mind and body is through Massage Therapy! Give yourself the gift of happiness today with a massage at TAMPAPROMASSAGE. There are a lot of massage therapists out there, give yourself the massage you pay for. At TAMPAPROMASSAGE, I offer quality affordable massage on your terms. For more information or to schedule your appointment today call (813) 368-0532 or check out my website at www.TAMPAPROMASSAGE.com.
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Entertainment
FILM: ANDREW HAIGH'S WEEKEND by Lucas Mariano
If you attended either the Miami Gay and Lesbian or Nashville film festivals in April, chances are you heard by Leo Juvier the buzz surrounding Andrew Haigh’s “Weekend.” His second full-length feature film has been gaining momentum since winning the audience award for Emerging Visions at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival realism. Consequently, he has not shied away from last March. graphic scenes of sex and drug use in his features.
The success of 'Weekend' certainly has raised expectations for the U.K. filmmaker. Haigh naturally wants to see continued success from his work. Yet he Haigh himself is mum on what a first-time viewer Haigh is unapologetic to any critics who say the manages to remain grounded about it. “Hopefully should be prepared to see in “Weekend.” He would explicit images might negatively affect an outsider's it offers a different take on the gay experience that rather an audience go into his or any film free of perspective of the gay community. “It makes me quite resonates with an audience,” he said. assumptions. “I want people to experience the film angry when people say that because it is ridiculous,” without too much comment or direction from me,” “Weekend” seems set to both send that message and he said. “Gay people, and for that matter straight he said. “It is the best way to enjoy something but people, do sometimes take drugs and have sex, and succeed, as Haigh says there are upcoming screenings obviously virtually impossible nowadays.” so why pretend that they don’t? at many more film festivals. Furthermore, Sundance Selects has purchased the rights to the film and will According to the film's official Web site, “Weekend” be distributing it across North America later in the “Should I only make films about monogamous gay focuses on a weekend of bonding between two men, couples that stay at home and look after their kids? Of year. Glen and Russell, after going home together from a course not. My films are not commercials to make the nightclub; bonds form through sex, drugs, alcohol Wherever Haigh's place is in the world, his features straight world accept us - they are about real three and conversation. Haigh takes it one step further by dimensional lives, and sometimes those people take show that he's come quite a distance from the editing trying to capture how that bonding affects their lives drugs.” department of major movies such as “Gladiator” and where in life the characters want it to lead them. and “Mona Lisa Smile.” He is, however, gaining more Despite the film's success Haigh understands, you direction. Finding one's way in the world is a theme Haigh has obviously cannot please everyone. He simply takes tackled before. “Greek Pete” was his first feature film negative feedback in stride. “I try to let it wash over “For me personally, I am interested in gay themed that followed a London rent boy trying to do just that. me, because once the film is out in the world there is films that say something original about the gay Haigh suggests that it's an avenue most people travel nothing you can do,” he said, “but negative feedback experience, either positive or negative, but that are along, but some face more traffic than others. “I think is hard. always honest,” Haigh said. “I just want to keep making that is a common theme in many lives and a struggle films that interest me, and sometimes they will have a that is especially pertinent if you are gay or live a life “I haven’t experienced much (negativity) on gay theme and sometimes they won’t.” OMG! outside of the mainstream,” he said. “It is hard to work “Weekend,” but I am sure it will come. It always comes ___________________________________________ out where you fit in to the wider world; it is difficult when expectations become raised,” Haigh said. For more on Andrew Haigh and “Weekend,” visit www. to work out what you want and how you go about andrewhaighfilm.com or www.weekend-film.com. getting it.” He does admit he hasn't found his place quite yet. “I’m not sure where I see myself personally,” he said. “But it feels like somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.” Haigh stopped short of saying that he sees himself in gay cinema, instead seeing himself, somewhere, in cinema as a whole. He said, “There is more to my films than just sexuality, just like there is more to a person than what gender they sleep with.” That said, Haigh certainly does not leave the sex out of his movies. In fact, Haigh embraces the neo-realism of his work. He tries to incorporate a certain amount of “poetry and tenderness” bundled up with that
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Entertainment
ARTIST UNDERCOVER: ZACHARI by Jared Sharon
At first glance, Zachari Logan’s self-portraits seemingly offer the viewer gratuitous and rather plebian pleasures. From the almost draftsman-like quality of his graphic work to the flat and simplified strokes of his paintings, his images are more than just superfluous homoerotic distractions. At further inspection, the canonical motifs present themselves subversively; the posturing of the objects, the orchestration of the space, all a studied effort to offer archetypes of preconceived masculine architectures while simultaneously subverting them. Logan’s premier in 2007 at Craig Scott Gallery launched this Canadian-born artist’s career, a show also featuring David Folk from the University of Saskatchewan who, like Logan, has his master's in fine arts. His earlier works are of a less autobiographical nature, at times utilizing individuals aside from himself, they can be distinguished by their reduced settings and singular figurization. His later works, almost exclusively manifest as self-portraits, are the evolution of a maturating aesthetic and conceit. Logan admittedly takes from historical oeuvres of male depiction, but he does more than just scrutinize form; in utilizing Neo-classical and Baroque structures, both in scale and expression, his character confronts the viewer with more than just their eroticized figure. Whether with a depth in gaze, or a fondling of his foreskin, his objects effectively render the viewer both vulnerable and aroused. In any of the myriad of his compositions, the subject is postulate in his own “masculinity.” The subject is never caricatured, though it precariously maneuvers on the biases of both the viewer and the artist himself. Logan articulates his objective by saying, "I mimic these styles referencing art-historical masculine portrayals, such as: male bravado, narcissism and heroism. I then undermine these very constructions by returning the instinctually heterosexist gaze with a self-anxious queer narrative.” His objective is operative; by appropriating traditional forms, he effectively impugns draconian ideals on either front. The objects in his work are resolute in their presence, and engender doubt in the viewer. OMG!
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LOGAN
Insight
Back in 2006 when I was employed by a Starbucks in Wisconsin, my manager refused to transfer me because according to her, "Gay is not, the image Starbucks is going for. It gives a bad name and can lose customers.." She said that if I put the transfer in, she would tell them I partook in illegal activities and that I was no longer welcome at her store. I threatened to go as far as the Supreme Court with the situation but was informed of something devastating that would change my perspective on equality forever. In the United States of America, LGBT people are not a federally protected class. In over half the nation, you can be fired for your sexuality or gender identity.
GAY IN THE
"I am proud to see the initiative we are taking as a country. I am proud of the progress. I am proud of my community." 68 OMG!
USA USA By Steven Binko
Since I can remember, there has been a huge emphasis in the media about "the fight for gay marriage as an equal right." For some politicians, it's a decider in the outcome of their campaigns; for others it's a distraction, for better or worse, from the real issues at hand. With all the attention, it never crossed my mind that gay marriage was hardly the biggest legal issue facing LGBT rights this century. I was at work when a fellow employee asked me, "Did you hear about our manager? Apparently the real reason he lost his previous employment is because he's gay." While the question of my manager’s sexuality has been a reoccurring topic between employees, this particular instance reminded me of the time I was forced to part with a company based on my sexuality.
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Currently, 20 states outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Twelve states outlaw discrimination based on gender identity. What does this mean? While I lost my job on the basis that I loved another male, compare it to my manager who was among the population in 29 states (9 more than LGBT protected states) safe under the smoker protection laws. While I don't have anything against smokers, I'm sure you can understand my frustration that a lifestyle/health choice receives more protection under our government than my ability to love. While I understand that my situation may be minimal compared to other LGBT people fired based on sexuality, it puts something into perspective: Before fighting to make gay marriage legal, we should consider protecting the people entering those marriages and their families first. Remember that anti-discrimination laws go beyond the work environment; it applies to children of gay families as well for example. I am proud to see the initiative we are taking as a country. I am proud of the progress. I am proud of my community. We have a long way to go in this battle for equal rights, and I encourage you to get informed on the variety of issues we face on the most primal level. Please contact your elected leaders and let them know how important it is that sexuality be federally protected against discrimination. We're not: "the land of opportunity excluding gays and lesbians."
² ORIGINS& IDOLS SOUNDS
By DJ Joanie
The Show by Massi & De Leon feat. Flava “Lights…Camera…ACTION!” starts off this amazing slice of circuit diva madness that’s sure to become an instant classic. I LIVE!, proving once again that I’m a reincarnated gay man with a penchant for drag queen bitchiness! Flava spits out a vocal full of all the ingredients we’ll come to expect in a bitch track: hair, make-up, men, beats and general bawdiness, fashioned around a show theme. Echoed laughs and ROTF snappy one-liners will have slayed and checking to see if this is Anthony Lamont or Franklin Fuentes in disguise. The production from Massi & De Leon is spot on and comes in two flavors “Runway Mix” and “Full-On Vocal” which is my fave and contains the best diss. Whew…we needed this….END SCENE!
Get My Money Back by Cazwell The gay rapper and his Bonobo Bois are back again and about to terrorize the masses. “Ice Cream Truck” and “I Seen Beyonce” behind him. Caz brings us a simple slap-in-your-face crazy track about $. The key to truly understanding this track is to search out its video on You Tube. With over 100,000 views you’ll understand why. This instantly reminds me of a gay “Bad Touch” by The Bloodhound Gang which goes down as one of the most suggestive songs in history. Decked out in grunge plaid, fur-monkey ears and lots of skin; they party in jail, eat bar-b-que’d bananas and dance like no one’s watching…or drooling. Full of attitude, there’s even a “Bitch…Don’t Try It!”. Bottom line, it’s a fun 90’s techno-rap that solidifies Cazwell as the GLBT’s answer to Pitbull.
Catch A Fire by John LePage feat. Debby Holiday Anthem Alert! Go directly to the Jamie J. Sanchez mix for the goods. With blockbuster-movie nuances this one plays out like the Brokeback Mountain theme with lyrics. Talk about True Grit! Debby sings her heart out about catching a wind, a rainbow and a fire. I predict this one will get lots of play at every Pride this year. Great stuff.
Me & My Microphone by September If sweet, pop-fluff is your flavor, the latest from the lass that brought us “Cry For You” is a cavity-inducing monster. The Punchy Mix storms along much like Cascada’s “Evacuate The Dancefloor” and has already reached Platinum status in her home country of Sweden. No earth-shattering, social conscious lyrics here. Just music, fun and microphones. Turn it up and go clean the house to it while you’re alone. Just hope no one catches you singing into the vacuum wand. MyFlexRadio.com is re-tooling and expanding in the new year. Access our new sound,,,,Have you heard us lately? Don’t forget to grab MyFlexRadio.com’s UPDATED iPhone App! Download it now for FREE in the App Store! Droid x users go to MyFlexRadio.com/mobile in a URL to hear us now! 70 OMG!
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Follow us: facebook.com/myflexradio
twitter.com/myflexradio
Dance-House-Circuit-Tribal-Chill and more. YOUR MUSIC: DJ Joanie is the Music Director of MyFlexRadio.com, a Billboard Club Play Reporter, and a resident DJ of Central Florida. bc is the Program Director of MyFlexRadio.com, the “voice” of all things Flex, and the father to “Taz” our Chocolate Lab station dog. He makes drinks on air and stresses creatively for a living.
American Idol’s 10th season should be getting down to the nitty gritty by press time and I thought it might be a good time to bring up one of my favorite subjects…artist origins and back stories. When Idol started this year I made a conscious effort to tune in since it was sans-Simon and now boosted the likes of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. So far its made for some really must-see TV, especially the judging and coaching of the novice contestants. Watching them bloom into diverse musical artists has been thrilling and emotional. All forms of popular music have been represented: Jazz, Country, Metal, Rock, Pop, Gospel, Italian Crooner and Diva Songstress. Knowing where they came from and witnessing the possibility of where they were going reminded me of the mission of every good dance-music dj and radio station….to expose and support new talent. Without this there would never be anything fresh, innovative or inspiring on the horizon. At MyFlexRadio.com our mission is MUSIC. We strive to express our love and passion for it by providing cutting-edge, entertaining, honest and legal transmissions to our world-wide listeners. When you support the artists, you support creativity. Now on to the month’s noteworthy releases.
WHY
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STEVEN Dear Steven:
It seems like all gay guys are obsessed with looks. I consider myself a reasonably attractive guy, but my friends tell me I am fat. My doctor says that I am fine. I don’t work out regularly and I don’t spend hundreds of dollars on clothes. I am just a regular guy. I cannot seem to meet a guy that isn’t interested in anything other than my looks. Maybe my friends are right. –Joe .................................................................................
First, you definitely need a boost of self confidence. Second, I am not going to lie to you. Looks do matter…somewhat. We are always attracted to beauty. With that comes one huge caveat. What is your interpretation of beauty? What you may find irresistible, someone else may find repulsive. The idea is to be yourself, not what someone wants you to be. Often we try to change who we are as individuals to fit a mold. The fashion industry perpetuates this “Delusion of Inclusion." Trendy is hot and if you don’t follow, then you are not. Hey, that rhymed! Seriously, the most important person you need to impress is yourself. Anyone worth anything will look for more than great abs and expensive jeans. As for attracting someone with more substance, try a reputable online dating service, cooking classes or book clubs. Bars and clubs are not a good place to meet your soul mate. Alcohol mixed with increased libido only leads to disappointment. Your friends probably mean well, but ask them to keep their negative opinions to themselves. Remember, those that criticize often possess deep rooted insecurities. Maybe they are self conscious about their looks or secretly have a crush on you. Either way, try to build each other up with positive reinforcement. Just be you and remember what Lady Gaga says, “Baby, you were born this way.” . OMG!
DO YOU have a Question for steven?
Dear Steven:
I have been with my boyfriend for two years, and his family still doesn’t accept me. They aren’t homophobic, but they forget my birthday and often ignore me at family gatherings. When I try to talk to them, they brush it off as me being too sensitive. When I ask my boyfriend to speak with them he says he doesn’t want to anger them or make things more difficult. I feel like he is putting his family before me. What can I do to fix this? –Mark .................................................................................
As our relationships become more generally recognized, there are a few situations when it becomes less a social issue and more of a personal one. The most important thing to remember is that you love your boyfriend. Some families are not accepting of anyone regardless of gender or race. Try not to take it so personally. Your boyfriend’s family appears to be from the school of “out of sight, out of mind.” These families sweep problems under the rug until it is tripping them as they walk through the house. You deserve to be acknowledged, but at what cost. I would tell your boyfriend that you want to speak with his parents alone. If that is not possible, ask him to join you. If that is not possible, then it may be necessary to gain the respect of others in the family first.
Once you have the recognition of others in the family, the tides may change. Expectations are your worst enemy as they often lead to disappointment. Continue to be cordial, polite and never intentionally exclude them. Sometimes we must treat situations with kid gloves in an effort to prevent further deterioration. If his family is intentionally mean, you are within your rights to safely distance yourself. I wish there was a better solution to this problem, but you can’t force someone to like you. OMG!
Email him at:
asksteven@omgmag.com
Follow me on Twitter @whySTEVENy 72 OMG!
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y
COMING OUT: By Nathan Mckellips I had just finished my first year at Lambuth University and it was late summer break when I had to face that “closet door.” I was about to take a road trip with some of my best friends to St. Louis. Before hitting the road, I get a phone call from a guy I had been messing around with. He told me that he may have gonorrhea and I should get myself checked. I was so angry at him and myself. I was like, ‘how did this happen to me…these things don’t happen to people like me.’ I then had to make a phone call to another guy I was sleeping with also to tell him. Once I got back to my hometown, Savannah, TN, I went to get tested and was treated for the disease. After I received a clean bill of health, I started dating a guy that later became my first boyfriend. Shortly after, I spent a weekend with him in his hometown of Memphis. While there, I ran into one of my fraternity brothers, that was out and proud, and a couple sorority girls that went to Lambuth University. I remember asking them not to tell anyone; “I’m not ready to come out.” Well during my first couple of days at Lambuth, my good friend Ashley came up to me and started asking about my weekend. I asked her what she knew and she told me that my fraternity brother had sent a mass text message telling everyone of my boyfriend, even though I wasn’t ready to come out. Then, one day when I was at the Hardin County High School gym playing basketball with some friends, I realized I didn’t have my cell phone on me. I called my mother from my friend’s phone to tell her to meet me at Taco Bell to hand off my phone. Now sometime during my St. Louis trip, my mother had called AT&T to get all the text messages from my sister’s phone forwarded to her via email. AT&T messed up and sent all the text messages from every phone line on my family’s account to my mother instead. When I met my mother at Taco Bell, the first thing she said was “We need to talk.” I respond with “Ok, What about?” She says, “Is there something you want to tell me?” My response, “No.” She pops the question, “Are you gay?” I replied with, “No.” Then she tells me that she has all the text messages via email of the gonorrhea, the boyfriend, me being outed etc. I told her everything, but she didn’t want to hear about it. I left to go back to the gym, she left to head home. I thought to myself, ‘coming out is hard enough, how am I going to explain to my mother that I had a STD also; especially when some of my family is convinced the root of all HIV lies within two men having sex.’ Later on that night tried to talk to her about it but she was heartbroken about it. She knew all my dirty secrets. OMG!
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YOU OUTTA KNOW
By Wm. Cor y Jeffries Can you imagine what a gay social network, whose primary purpose is something other than facilitating casual sexual encounters might look like? Surprisingly enough, neither could I, until I was introduced to dot429 - the numbers spell the word "gay" on a telephone keypad – hence a surefire branding tool in the age of instantaneous gratification.
Connect Online with dot429
As an Internet media marketer that relies heavily on social sites like Facebook and LinkedIn to connect to my client base, I have always been concerned about how the World Wide Web makes it incredibly easy for the homosexual market to cultivate destructive behaviors in our “Qmmunity.” It seems media mogul and dot429 Founder and CEO, Richard Klein shares a similar point of view. Klein, who is also the founder of “Surface,” an American design, fashion and lifestyle magazine based in New York City, launched dot429 in April 2010. The homepage highlights an online magazine, art house-style videos, members profiles and a splashy events gallery, all filled with great pride. dot429, a variation of LinkedIn for the LGBT community currently boasts a membership of over 55,000 business professionals. Some of dot429’s high profile membership includes Matt Farber, founder of MTV's Logo cable channel; Jodi Goodman, senior vice president of booking for Live Nation; fashion designer John Bartlett; and Jarrett Barrios, president of GLAAD. The company claims to be unique in that its “national” in scope, it solicits members from across the gay community, including allies and is an offshoot of “affinity marketing” - or what some are calling narrowcasting. Klein claims the driving force behind the site is its functionality. Some argue that the risk here is whether or not niche marketing should exist at all. The question arises, isn’t dot429 discriminatory in and of itself? I argue to the contraire. dot429 does not segment or “ghettoize” the LGBT community, even though its focus is specifically geared to a minority section of the population.
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The unusual advantage that dot429 aims to solve is some of the challenges associated with trying to connect with other gay-run or gay-friendly businesses. In doing so, it presents advertisers with a well-lubricated community of ready spenders. “Typical members of dot429 are entrepreneurs with their own businesses or executive-level fashion, marketing, design and entertainment professionals,” says Elliot Tomaeno of the organization. The company is getting a lot of things right. Surfing around the network, the most consistent impression is of quality, from the sharp smart magazine content that is fused to, and fully shareable with, the social networking element of the site, to the evident spit and polish of the event planning. The WEB site is supported financially by advertisements and members sign up for free. The success of the site is dependent on getting a critical mass of members quickly and though there are plans to eventually charge for premium - level memberships, the site remains free at this time. One of dot429’s major goals is to become a “one-stop” search engine for people who want to find anything and everything gay. Borrowing from the best online magazine and newspaper efforts, the social network's rendering of a profile page is impressive. Without slipping into stereotype, it's precisely what you might imagine an urban gay man might demand: tasteful and designled, while functional. “Once dot429 signs up enough members to support the effort, we'll move on to the next phase of development, which includes launching a mentoring program to pair experienced and fledgling professionals with similar interests, through a Match. com-like system,” says Tomaeno. OMG! _____________________________________________ For more information, visit dot429.com and create a profile.
YOU OUTTA KNOW
A Man with a Vision: Steve Adkins By Michael Goodman Coming out can be an incredibly liberating experience. For Steve Adkins, President of the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC), it was the rebirth of his life and a glimmer of hope and progress for the LGBT community in Miami-Dade county, Florida. Steve Adkins is all about business as he successfully finishes his first five great years leading the MDGLCC. A former banker right out of high school, Adkins came out in the 1990s when he made a career change from handling complex bank loans for Fortune 500 companies to owning the Jefferson House guest house on South Beach. It is a fairytale story, especially when you include the part about him meeting his partner of 11 years, Diego Goncalves, who was his adult education Spanish teacher. As a Miami businessman he saw the value in getting involved and joined the Chamber Board in 2003. Just two years later, he was inducted as the organization’s President. It’s been on the move ever since growing from 60 paid members to now more than 600 businesses. MDGLCC is the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses with a mission to promote a unified and thriving, gay and gay-friendly, business and professional community. Its goals are to promote networking within the existing gay and gay-friendly business and professional community, to promote business opportunities for Chamber members, to promote Miami as a yearround, gay and gay-friendly tourist destination, to provide resources for its members, and to provide outreach from our community to other organizations. “It is really important to me that the LGBT community has legitimacy, growth, diversity and unity,” Adkins said. “This is our chance to communicate our message of equality through initiative driven advocacy, which is different from being political.” With Steve at the helm, the MDGLCC continues to grow and last year celebrated their new headquarters and the opening of one of the nation’s only gay chamber-sponsored LGBT visitor centers. The focal point of the celebration was the official dedication of the Michael Aller LGBT Community Conference Room within the new space named for the City of Miami Beach’s Tourism and Convention Director and Chief of Protocol - a champion for LGBT issues over the past two decades.
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“Now we have a real place to call home,” Adkins enthusiastically adds. “This speaks volumes to the fact that the LGBT community is a legitimate force, which more and more people are recognizing.” Steve openly admits that we could not achieve this success without the goodwill of so many wise and giving individuals and businesses. Recently, the MDGLCC held its 10th Anniversary Gala Awards Celebration, raising $40,000, which will help sustain operations and the ever-increasing demand to expand the Chamber’s programming. Steve and his staff of two, Michael Vita and Jorge Risha, did an outstanding job to help celebrate the present and future of this ever-growing organization. A sold-out crowd of 500 all dressed in purple recognized a host of honorees for their long-term commitment to fostering diversity, as well as for their efforts in contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life in South Florida. The honorees were the Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association; Naomi Wilzig, World Erotic Art Museum; Switchboard of Miami, Inc. and Grey Goose Vodka, a Bacardi Brand. Those in the know agree that the MDGLCC has more to do and it is coming. Under Steve’s leadership, the Chamber will embark on a partnership with Save Dade to promote business equality, help organizations work with students to promote antibullying legislation and increase membership to further promote growth and diversity. The one common thread is that supporters know that Steve is a rare find who understands the Chamber’s role to ensure that the LGBT community thrives. He gets kudos from many who support his vision. On his journey, he has made many good friends including Steve Haas, Chair of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau who said, “There are very few people that I admire as much as Steve. He has proven his passion and determination to make the Chamber a great success. And as a person, he is an amazing friend, leader, ally and quite frankly one of the truest people I have ever met.” OMG! _____________________________________________ For more information, contact the MDGLCC by calling 305-573-4000, by emailing info@gogaymiami.com, by clicking www.gogaymiami.com or by visiting the LGBT Welcome Center at 1130 Washington Avenue.
REAL ESTAT
Welcome OMG! readers to my new real estate column "Charlie's Hot Sheet" featuring my personally reviewed properties that I believe are the hottest real estate opportunities in the Florida market. Please call me or my partner, Stephen Gay for more information, and pick up a copy of OMG! Magazine each month to see my picks for hot new listings! Charlie Hounchell 813-230-3376
Your Tampa Bay Real Estate Experts Luxury Homes & Condos, Short Sales & Foreclosures
Stephen Gay Realtor速
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Charlie Hounchell Realtor速, JD, MBA
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