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ER H H H HU U : W ERVIE T N I • P NEW COND O PROJECTS • BITCH SLA
02 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS Michael Daniels & Chris Hayes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / ART DIRECTOR Chris Hayes hayes@outlookmedia.com ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR / PHOTOS Robert Trautman traut@outlookmedia.com
SNAPSHOT
LIQUID, a new place in town for the fiece ladies and their followers to hang. We stopped by during Liquid’s VIP opening party. Two lovely bars, one right up front and one in the back with a huge dance floor. Liquid also has a cozy patio if you need to catch your breath.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mette Bach, Danielle Buckius, Wayne R Besen, Chris Crain, Jennifer Vanasco, Tom Moon, Regina Sewell, Leslie Robinson, Gregg Shapiro, Mick Weems, Julianne French, TF Barton, Romeo San Vicente, Jeff Fertig, Simon Sheppard, Tristan Taormino, Dennis Vanke, Mario Pinardi, Rick Kramer, Aaron Drake, Jennie Keplar, Scott Varner, Derrik Chinn, Dan Savage, Felice Newman, Tim Curran, Chris Hughes, Stephen J Fallon, Felice Newman, J. Eric Peters, Crystal Hawkins, Brent Wilder, Matthew Burlingame, Jacob Anderson-Minshall, Matthew Veritas Tsien, Cheri Meyers
BUSINESS & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Michael Daniels mdaniels@outlookmedia.com NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media - 212.242.6863 ADVERTISING DEADLINE Each Wednesday 8 days prior to publication. Call us at 614.268.8525. HOW TO REACH US Outlook Media, Inc. 815 N High St, Suite ii Columbus, OH 43215 614.268.8525 phone 614.261.8200 fax www.outlookweekly.net web www.outlookmedia.com business www.myspace.com/outlookweekly friends www.flickr.com/outlookweekly photos SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 614.268.8525
READERSHIP: 210,000 PEOPLE / MONTH Outlook Weekly is published and distributed by Outlook Media, Inc. every Thursday throughout Ohio. Outlook Weekly is a free publication provided solely for the use of our readers. Any person who willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over copies of Outlook Weekly with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading it shall be considered guilty of the crime of theft. Violators will be prosecuted. The views expressed in Outlook Weekly are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or personal, business, or professional practices of Outlook Media, Inc. or its staff, ownership, or management. Outlook Weekly does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any interpretation, advice, opinion, or view presented. Outlook Media, Inc. does not investigate or accept responsibility for claims made in any advertisement. Outlook Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility for claims arising in connection with products and services advertised herein, nor for the content of, or reply to, any advertisement. All material is copyrighted ©2008 by Outlook Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
MAY 29 - JUN 4 2008 VOLUME 12 NUMBER 48
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
TAVERN ON THE LAWN, Jill’s new tavern across from Berliner Park opened May 16 and we were there along with what seemed to be most of queer Columbus! Good thing they have a patio.
SNAPSHOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........2 ABOUT TOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...3, 38 COMMENTARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........4 GENERAL GAYETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........6 ANYTHING BUT STRAIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........6 COMMUNITY CORNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........8 SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......10 EXAMINED LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......11 OUT BUSINESS NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......13 EARTH TALK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......15 FEATURE: URBAN LIVING . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .17-26 DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......28 ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......28 DVD: SHELTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......30 BITCH SLAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......31 HEALTH & BEAUTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......33 MUSIC: UH HUH HER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......34 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......35 FILM : FREEHELD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......28 PUCKER UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......36 SAVAGE LOVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......37 THE LAST WORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......39 SCOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......39 NEXT WEEK: HRC
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 03
ABOUT TOWN by Chris Hayes THURSDAY, MAY 29 GRAB YOUR MANOLO BLAHNIKS Sex and the City Premier Parties & Midnight Movie @ Landmark Gateway Cinemas, 1550 N High St (btw 9th & 11th) 614.545.2255, www.gatewaytheater.com: Don’t break a heel as you run to his premier. Buy the Premier Party Package which includes: Carrie’s Pink Cupcakes, Sex and the City Prize Giveaways, Shoes, Purses & Jewelry...Oh My! Live Music & Cash Bar Premier Party & Movie Ticket is ONLY $10 per person ($8.50 for movie ticket only). Purchase your Premier Party Package by calling (614) 5452255 (ext. 5)Tickets are also available at the Landmark’s Gateway Theater Box Office WHY DID WE EVER STOP DRINKING THESE? Sex and the City Premier Parties & Midnight Movie @ Arena Grand Theatre, 175 W Nationwide Blvd, 614.469.5000, www.arenagrand.com: Because everyone else did. Bring back the classic - Drink up $3 Cosmos and win prizes while you wear your best couture at this party about sex and the city. Party starts at 10p, movie 12:01p. FRIDAY, MAY 30 WHERE’S NARNIA? The Lion In Winter @ Emerald City Players, 6799 Dublin Center Rd in the Dublin Village Shopping Dublin, www.emeraldcityplayers.com: Treachery, lechery, and traitorous behavior. What family doesn’t have its ups and downs? April Olt directs this smartly written play set in the Middle Ages at the Chinon castle of King Henry. It’s Christmas time, and it’s chaos! Henry needs to release his wife from the tower prison, select one of his three sons to be his heir, marry off his heir to Alais, the sister of the King of France (and Henry’s mistress!), and keep a war from starting. 8p; $12 adults, $10 students/seniors. SATURDAY, MAY 31 TOE SHOES AND WHAT The Ohio Dance Festival (rescheduled) @ Ohio State University Dance Department, Sullivant Hall, 1813 N High St: The Ohio Dance Festival is rescheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2008; one day of classes, auditions, an awards reception and Showcase. All events are at Sullivant Hall in The Ohio State University Department of Dance. Classes will run from 9a5p, an awards reception is from 5:30p-7p. The Showcase starts at 7:30p in the Sullivant Theatre at OSU. The Showcase will feature some of Ohio’s most sophisticated choreography and performance talent representing the diversity and excellence of dance in Ohio. Choreographers works by Rodney Brown, Nicole Cafera, Niecy Crawley, Sara Krajewski, Marlene Leber, Angelo Lemmo, Natalie Marrone, Amy Orr and Cara Surico. Students from Canton Ballet will perform. $5$15. WHO YOU CALLING HO, FALALALALA LALALALA? THE HO SHOW V: Rehabbed!! @ Axis, 775 N High St, 614.291.4008, columbusnightlife.com: Alexis Stevens has busted her girls out of REHAB to breathe one last drunk breath back into this fundraiser for the Gay Men’s Chorus. Enjoy great live singing, productions numbers, attitude, and interesting video spots!! This show features: Alexis Stevens, Aryse Jeffries, Shirley Feenee, BoBo DeMontreal, Kristina LaCroix, CoConetta, Arike Tequilla, the furry and fabulous Goldilocks Trio, the Co-Ho’s, the Dancin’ Boyz, and hosted by Andria Michaels! Tonight and tomorrow. Doors 7p/Showw 8p; tables $40/$50. $8.
SENSITIVE SIDE OF SCOTT Scott Neff @ Club Diversity, 863 S High St, 614.224.4050, clubdiversity.com: You’re home for music in the Village welcomes the local hottie Scott Neff to the stage. Scott will tug at your heartstrings with his broken-heart melodies while you sip on some of the best martinis in town. 9p; free. KEEP ON A ROCKING ME, DONNA Donna Mogavero @ various locations: Come see our community’s favorite stage diver as she plays her classic style of jams. Catch her 6p-8p at the Grandview Street Fair in front of Accent On Nature, then at The Thirsty Ear Tavern 9:30p- 12a with very special guests Robin Stone & Alexis Antes from Cleveland for a round of women singer songwriters. WHO KNEW? Seldom-Seen City Walking Tour @ 614.221.4508, www.columbuslandmarks.org: The return of Columbus Landmarks Foundation’s most popular walking tour, Forbidden City, offers a look at those parts of Columbus which are “seldom-seen,” including Katherine LeVeque’s office/penthouse at the LeVeque Tower. 9a; $15. SUNDAY, JUNE 1 WATCH OUT FOR YOGI 2nd Annual TransOhio Unity Picnic @ Goodale Park, TransOhio@wowway.com: Please join TransOhio for this afternoon of fun, food and friends! Please join TransOhio for the 2nd Annual TransOhio Unity Picnic! This is open to all Ohio GLBTQIA people, friends, family and allies (kids are welcome!).TransOhio will provide chicken/main dish and we are asking that everybody bring a picnic-type-food to share (and a serving spoon). Also, don’t forget to bring a blanket/chairs for yourself and your guests. Please bring your own drinks. No alcohol is permitted in the park. Please RSVP to us at TransOhio@wowway.com - your RSVP will assist us in additional planning. Volunteers are needed - please email angie@transohio.org. 12p-5p; free. TABLE FOR FOUR Sex and the City Brunch With the Girls @ Drexel Theatre, 2254 E Main St, 614.231.1050, www.drexel.net: Bring your girlfriends, co-workers or even Mr. Big to an elegant brunch at the theatres’ Radio Café starting at 10a and stay for the movie at 11a. The brunch includes homemade sugar-glazed cheese croissants, 2 choices of frittata’s, fresh seasonal fruit, assorted pastries, plus your choice of a breakfast mimosa or a Bloody Mary. Tickets including the brunch and the movie are $18. Call for advance reservations. Tickets will also be available at the door. MONDAY, JUNE 2 HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS A Home Of Your Own Free Homebuyer Education Workshop @ Homes on the Hill CDC, 12 S Terrace Ave, 614.275.4663 x100: Homes on the Hill CDC will hold the homebuyer education course, A Home of Your Own, geared toward first-time homebuyers. The course is open to the public and free of charge. The workshop will cover topics ranging from financial literacy, credit and mortgage loans to how to choose a realtor, home inspections, and the closing process. Guest speakers will include area professionals in the fields of lending, real estate, and housing. This workshop may be a requirement for some down payment assistance programs and first time homebuyer loan programs. Registration is required; please call register. Classes today June 9, & 16. 6p-9p; free. MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
04 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
LETTERS Wendy’s Faithful Deserve Better Dear Editor, I write to you today to voice my discontent with Wendy’s restaurant. While your publication isn’t a periodical featuring food reviews, it is a periodical featuring the views of the people. I’d be willing to bet that a mass of your readers have become aggravated with Wendy’s. Over the recent months, we’ve seen Wendy’s argue over full-grown men wearing red wigs, raise its prices, shrink beef patties on its sandwiches, and reduce the quality of its food. In the recent days, we have seen the sale of Wendy’s to Arby’s. Over the past weeks, my visits to Wendy’s have been nothing but subpar. I have had managers hand me my food with a “here”. No thank you’s. I’ve had managers smoke in the entranceway. Not only is this illegal, it’s disgusting. Since the passing of Wendy’s founder, our Columbus-born restaurant has gone down the tubes. I can only imagine that the late Mr. Dave Thomas is turning in his grave. His dream of a restaurant that never cuts corners is now nothing more than an equal to its lower competitor. Wendy’s needs to step up its game by remembering its roots. Until that happens, Wendy’s will continue on its downward spiral. Don’t we, the Wendy’s faithful, deserve better? Sincerely, Joshua A. Montgomery Columbus
California Gay Marriage and Catholics To the Editor: The California Supreme Court ruling has legalized gay marriage for Californians. The old anti family argument just does not jell for most reasonable people. The Rainbow Sash Movement must express both its joy at the ruling in favor of Gay Marriage, and at the same time its disappointment in the response of the California Catholic Conference of Bishops. In matters such as birth control, choice, gay marriage and stem cell research Catholic voters will judge for themselves. The Catholic Bishops can only speak for themselves. Their support of discrimination against GLBT families is grounded in fear of change. Change takes place when the theory of dogma hits the reality of people’s daily lives. More and more people are getting to know Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) people, and with this knowledge come changes in attitudes. Presently there are 60 million Catholics in the country, and nobody speaks for most of us in political matters, not even the Pope. We in the Rainbow Sash Movement understand that politics can bring out the worse in people as exampled by the nonsensical apology from Rev. John Hagee to Bill Donohue of the Catholic League. The apology leaves Catholic bigotry among fundamentalists in the roughly the same way a baby leaves a diaper. With this victory for GLBT families comes the threat from voices emerging from the Dark Ages of a fundamentalist camp to chal-
lenge the ruling on the November ballot. The GLBT community should not be intimidated by this; rather if this attempt is made we should shine the media spotlight on the intolerant forces that hide under the mantle of religion. This victory, like Massachusetts, is the beginning of a Renaissance in this country around the issue of privilege versus equality. I do not lightly dismiss the dangers and the difficulties of such a potential November challenge, but I firmly believe we can overcome it. In my opinion, there were many people who worked for this transformation in California Law. Therefore, thankfulness is appropriate. On behalf of the Rainbow Sash Movement I would like to thank the various hard working GLBT political, religious, and cultural organizations that worked tirelessly on this effort. We must always be mindful and appreciative of the significant part our straight allies played on this journey. I would also like to thank the California State Supreme Court for their just decision. To my sisters and brothers in the GLBT Communities of California, now is a time for geysers of joyful tears, enjoy the moment, this indeed is a instant of celebration for the rich and the poor, and the young and the old of our community. It is also a time when ethical and political principles lead the California State Supreme Court to legalize Gay Marriage, and not the forces of intolerance. Joe Murray US Convener Rainbow Sash Movement
The Reader Poll Last week we asked:
What do you think should become of City Center ? 33% Casino & Entertainment Complex 55% Grocery/Pharmacy/Restaurants • Razed, and an inner city park built. • Make it a huge gay retail shopping, restaurant, nightclub, bathhouse complex! • The cognate for City Center in Syracuse, New York is a real focal point for the community, in roughly the same type of neighborhood as Columbus’ City Center. Their public library is housed there, and they have 100% occupancy. Destination shops, like Whole Foods, or Trader Joe’s would give commuters and city dwellers alike a fresh nucleus. By all means it needs to be re-developed, and to thrive. • A store like Meijer or Target should be the anchor as many downtown loft residents have no where to shop - especially for groceries. • Casino, Restaurants, Improv Theatre, ParaMutual Betting, Super Arcade & Cinema Compex (All-in-one destination)
NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:
Do you think HRC is an elitist organization?
Got something to say? We want to hear from you! Email us at editor@outlookmedia.com or logon to www.outlookweekly.net.
Log on to: www.outlookweekly.net to take this week’s poll.
28% SO U RC
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
E : CNN/GALL U
P
CATEGORY
NOV 2 ’04
MAY 26 ’08
DIFFERENCE
AMERICAN DEAD
1,122
4,082
2,960
AMERICAN WOUNDED
8,124
30,329
22,205
IRAQI CIVILIAN DEAD
16,342
91,713
75,371
NATIONAL DEBT
$7,429,629,954,236
$9,392,624,758,339
DAYS ‘TIL 2008 ELECTION
1,463
162
$1,962,994,804,103 (1,301)
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 05
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
6 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
GENERAL GAYETY by Leslie Robinson
Talk of Murder The leader of The Gambia delivered a lulu of a speech recently. President Yahya Jammeh said he intends to behead gays. Not the finest policy statement I’ve ever heard. Speaking at a political rally, President Jammeh announced gay people had 24 hours to leave the West African nation, the BBC reported. He told the crowd he would “cut off the head” of any gay person found in The Gambia. The president promised “stricter laws than Iran” concerning homosexuality. In this Olympic year, what a spectacular idea for international competition: a contest between The Gambia and Iran to see which country can kill more of its own people for less reason. The winner gets a gold noose. Jammeh said, “The Gambia is a country of believers… sinful and immoral practices [such] as homosexuality will not be tolerated in this country.” According to The Advocate, the president told another sinful and immoral group to beat it as well: criminals. I, of course, don’t like gays to be lumped
together with crooks. I suppose the Gambian criminals were offended at being lumped together with gays. Jammeh directed landlords and hotel owners to boot gays out before security forces conduct a promised mass search. Just try and imagine being a gay or lesbian Gambian under these conditions. I think I’d chain myself to a European embassy. Or even better, to a European ambassador. A number of gay men have fled to The Gambia after a crackdown in neighboring Senegal in recent months. Out of the frying pan, into the inferno. President Jammeh got support from Gambia’s Daily Observer newspaper. Apparently he always does. In an editorial titled “Gays-Free Gambia,” the editors wrote that theirs is a Muslim and Christian country, and the Koran and Bible condemn homosexuality. The editorial noted, “Look, we are not interested
in stoning anyone, even homosexuals.” Oh, good! “What our president is saying, and we agree with him totally (‘as usual’ I hear you moan!) is this: Ours is a society guided by religious principles.” Those principles “leave no room for homosexuality,” the editors wrote, before ending with a plea: “So, please respect our religions, cultures and traditions by keeping your homosexuality out of our country.” Um, no. When customs include murdering people just because they’re different, those customs aren’t worth respecting. Even more to the point, gayness is as much Gambia’s as it is Holland’s or America’s. The claim that homosexuality is inflicted on countries is a huge helping of hooey too often served up by African leaders, and apparently by their assistant chefs, known as newspaper editors. Gambia’s President Jammeh seems to excel at hooey. Last year he startled the world by claiming he could cure AIDS. In three days. With herbs.
The Advocate reported that Jammeh’s presidential Web site showed pictures of him mixing the formulas and laying his hands on patients’ heads. He said he could also cure asthma. “The mandate I have is that HIV/AIDS cases can be treated on Thursdays,” the president announced in a speech before dignitaries, including foreign ambassadors, who must’ve wondered what the hell was special about Thursdays. “That is the good news and the bad news is that I cannot treat more than 10 patients every Thursday . . . For asthma, I have to choose between Saturday and Friday . . . Within three days the person should be tested again and I can tell you that he/she will be negative.” And warthogs will fly. Here’s hoping, praying, that his promise to kill gays is just as empty as his claim of an AIDS cure. Better a blowhard than a butcher. Leslie Robinson lives in Seattle. E-mail her at LesRobinsn@aol.com, and read other columns at www.GeneralGayety.com.
ANYTHING BUT STRAIGHT by Wayne Besen
The AIDS Blame Game “What is it about gay sex that makes U.S. health officials want to play Chicken Little with AIDS prevention and public safety?” Tony Valenzuela writes in the latest Poz magazine, where he criticizes, “The clueless tabloid and public health hysteria over man-onman sex.” Valenzuela points to “an imaginary ‘super strain of HIV to the sci-fi MRSA superbug.” And, he is correct that it seems the media and society seem to always take on the absurd posture that gay sex is a mysterious ticking time bomb. It is important to remember that gay bashing is a multi-million dollar industry. There is a vested interest by fundamentalist groups to convince the public that gay people are morally inferior and diseased, thus a threat to children, society and themselves. The notion that AIDS is a punishment from God is a staple of right wing literature. Instead of focusing on the condemnation of unsafe sexual practices, extremist groups say that the very nature of being gay makes one a candidate for an early death. For example, the so-called “ex-gay” group Exodus International uses the Bible to justify their belief in God’s wrath and fury against hoMAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
mosexuals. “Those who practice these sins ‘receive in their own persons the due penalty of their error,’” writes former Exodus Executive Director Bob Davies in ‘A Biblical Response to the Pro-Gay Movement.’ “In today’s society, homosexuality is reaping a bitter harvest...homosexual involvement reaps deep devastation in the lives of many who practice it.” The Traditional Values Coalition has published what they call a “fact-based report on the dangers of homosexuals and homosexual behavior to children and to our society.” One “fact sheet” is called, “Homosexual Sex = Death From HIV Infection.” Focus on the Family offers that, “solid, irrefutable evidence proves that there are lethal consequences to engaging in the defining features of male homosexuality...” Of course, blaming victims for deadly diseases is nothing new and has ushered in some of the most shameful and horrific acts in world history. In a recent New York Times magazine article, epidemiologist and physician Gary Slutkin (the article was about gang violence, not HIV) spoke of how Chinese Americans were once thought to be inherently prone to disease. “Chinatown, San Francisco in the 1880s,” Slutkin said. “Three ghosts: malaria, smallpox and leprosy. No one wanted to go there. Everybody blamed the people. Dirty. Bad habits. Something
about their race...And people come up with all kinds of other ideas that are not scientifically grounded — like putting people away, closing the place down, pushing people out of town. Sound familiar?” John Kelly’s book, “The Great Mortality” explains how Jews were blamed for the “Black Death” that wiped out an estimated one-third of fourteenth century Europeans. “In January 1349, Basel burned its Jews on an island in the Rhine, while hygiene-conscious Speyer, fearing pollution, put its dead Jews in wine barrels and rolled them into the river,” wrote Kelly. “Strasbourg marched its Jews to a local cemetery and burned them...In Worms the local Jewish community, faced with death at the hands of Christian neighbors, locked themselves in their homes and set themselves ablaze.” What I find bizarre is how the right continues to portray HIV as a gay disease when more than 80 percent of people infected worldwide are heterosexual. If God really wanted to punish the socalled “gay lifestyle” and send a message, wouldn’t He use a smart bomb — like blowing up gay bars on Saturday nights — instead of an indiscriminate shotgun blast that claims the lives of hemophiliacs and babies? The last time God was this inefficient, He placed George W. Bush in the Oval Office to carry out his will. For reasons of political convenience and conser-
vative correctness, antigay groups pick and choose who gets blame. In Washington, DC, black residents account for 81% of new reports of HIV infection and 86% of people with AIDS, though the city’s population is only 57% African-American. Based on antigay “logic,” this would mean that the “black lifestyle” is dangerous and should be condemned. Interestingly, they only focus on homosexuality and ignore other demographics and the largely hetero International AIDS epidemic because the inconvenient facts don’t mesh well with the right’s antigay storyline. Gay people were around for thousands of years before AIDS and will still inhabit this planet long after the disease subsides or is eradicated. In the grand scheme of the universe, HIV does not define homosexuality any more than past syphilis or gonorrhea outbreaks in Europe defined heterosexuality. Illnesses, like natural disasters, are not God’s wrath, but ordinary phenomena that affect different populations at any given time. History, however, teaches us that the most enduring disease is divisiveness in the name of the Divine, that predictably rears its ugly head at the very moments when healing is needed instead of hatred. © 2008 Wayne Besen. All rights reserved. Anything But Straight, www.waynebesen.com
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 07
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
08 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
COMMUNITY CORNER COMMUNITY RALLIES TO AID HIT-AND-RUN VICTIMS; PLANS BENEFIT WEEKEND Short North businesses, restaurants, and friends have demonstrated a tremendous outpouring of support in the week following the tragic events outside Haiku restaurant. Now, family and friends of the victims are teaming up with Short North retailers to plan a collaborative fundraising effort to help support the victims and their families during this difficult time. Update on the Condition of the Victims Julie Liu, co-owner of Haiku, suffered fractures to her sternum, multiple fractures to her ribs, a broken collarbone, and a dislocated wrist. She is also suffering from a serious concussion and a bruised brain. Doctors at The Ohio State University Medical Center are keeping Julie at the hospital to monitor her brain condition and her rehabilitation. Bartender, artist, and OSU student Rachel Widomski has suffered severe spinal cord injuries. While she has displayed remarkable strength throughout the ordeal, Rachel will be permanently paralyzed as a result of her injuries. Her rehabilitation will be extensive due to the severity of the spinal cord injuries. The Rachel Widomski Medical Care Trust has been set up at Huntington Bank. Anyone may make donations in person or mail checks to any Huntington Bank branch. Online donations are being accepted at www.haikuhelp.com. Paul Liu, co-owner of Haiku and husband of Julie Liu, states that “even though Julie’s condition is not certain at this time, I would like to place our focus on Rachel” in reference to fundraising and benefit efforts. Statement from Paul Liu, co-owner of Haiku and husband of Julie Liu Thank you to Mr. Todd Sandler for your heroic act of putting yourself in harm’s way and also thank
BRAVER is Back With the greatest of pleasure Robert Stout is proud to announce the Buckeye Region of American Veterans for Equal Rights (BRAVER) is currently beginning to re-form in Central Ohio. BRAVER is a local chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER), a national non-profit organization for LGBT United States Armed Forces Service Members and Veterans. AVER is dedicated to the full and equitable treatment of all present and former Service Members of the United States Armed Forces. With an estimated one million gay and lesbian Veterans alive today in America since World War II, and thousands of men and women being discharged from the Military for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” AVER has recognized a need to give a voice to these Veterans. Since 1990, AVER (then known as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Veterans of America) has worked to fulfill the needs of gay and lesbian Veterans whose issued were often ignored by other Veteran Organizations. An estimated 26,600 Gay and Lesbian Veterans are calling Ohio home with over 6,000 of them living in Columbus. AVER, with the help of Robert Stout, a former Sergeant in the United States Army, understood the need for a chapter of AVER to return to Central Ohio. “Our goal is to give help, support, and camaraderie to those that selflessly served our Nation,” said Stout who is Interim Chapter President. “We welcome anyone that is interested in the fight for equal rights for those who fought for ours.” For more information, please contact Interim MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
you for assisting the police in facilitating the apprehension of the perpetrator. My deepest gratitude goes to the support and help of Mayor Coleman’s office, the City of Columbus, the Columbus police department, paramedics, and the armies of nurses and doctors at The Ohio State University Medical Center for your caring and dedication to the excellence of your profession. Right now, I am overwhelmed by the people of Columbus with all the love, well wishes, prayers, and generosity that have been expressed to me, my family, and my extended family here at Haiku. I sincerely thank you. I would also like to thank the media for their sensitivity to my and Rachel’s family and the delicate nature in which you have reported on this inconceivable incident. Thank you for embracing us at a time of need and showing how much love is in this city. Immediate Needs Rachel is a native of Youngstown, Ohio. She has been in Columbus 6 years. She had recently begun pursuit of a bachelors in fine arts at The Ohio State University. Her parents and family have come to be by her side to help her through this inconceivably difficult time. The community is rallying to help the family manage the challenge of costs related to lodging, food and travel. Hotel rooms, dining certificates and cash donations are vital. Rachel’s prognosis indicates she will be hospitalized for months. She will need the support of her family close at hand to face the challenges that await her. If you would like to contribute, please visit www.haikuhelp.com or email info@haikuhelp.com.
President, Robert Stout, at 614.572.6130 or email at braverinfo@sbcglobal.net. You can also visit AVER’s web page at www.aver.us. And remember to always thank our Service Members and our Veterans for their sacrifices and service.
Candidates Sought For Positions On NLGJA Board Nominations are currently being accepted for seven at-large Board of Directors positions and two Executive Committee officer positions (National President and Vice President for Print & New Media). These positions help guide NLGJA as it works within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues, oppose workplace bias and provide professional development for its members. Executive Committee members may serve two consecutive terms, and at-large National Board members may serve three consecutive terms. All terms are two years. All nominees must be paid-up members for at least one year by the time of the election. Those seeking an Executive Committee seat must also have served as an at-large Board of Directors member or Chapter President for at least one year as of the election. Eligible members may nominate themselves or any other eligible member. Anonymous nominations are not allowed. All candidates must fill out their own nomination form. Nominations must be submitted to NLGJA Elections Chair Phillip Pina at ppina@pioneerpress.com by June 20, 2008.
Long-Term Needs Rachel’s life has been shattered. Her medical expenses and rehabilitation expenses will be insurmountable for her and her family. We have an opportunity as a community to step forward and offer tokens of assistance that will help bridge the chasm to recovery. The following are among the first of many such opportunities: Benefit weekend (Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8) In response to this catastrophic event, friends and family of Rachel and Julie are planning a threeday series of benefit events that will raise money to help assist the victims and their families throughout their recovery. The benefit weekend consists of four parts and will require the support of the entire community to be successful. 1. Tip Drive: Through her work at Haiku, Rachel was a “family member” of both the Short North Arts District and the restaurant community. An overwhelming number of Short North restaurants and businesses will be participating in a three-day effort to raise awareness and gather donations. Many restaurants are reporting that their service staff has agreed to donate their collected tips to the fund. The Central Ohio Restaurant Association is also working to expand the Tip Drive effort across the city. Restaurateurs interested in participating should contact Elizabeth Lessner via email at Elizabeth@tiptopcolumbus.com. 2. Artwork Silent Auction: Rachel studied art at The Ohio State University and is herself a budding Ohio artist. Rachel’s, Julie’s, and Haiku’s impact on the arts community will be demonstrated through a silent auction of local artist’s works. This will be held at The Art Exchange (17 E Brickel St in the Short North). All proceeds from the auction will be Voting will take place at NLGJA Goes to Washington, our 2008 National Convention & 5th Annual LGBT Media Summit, to be held August 21-24 in Washington, DC. Those unable to attend may vote via absentee ballot. Ballots can be downloaded at: http://www.nlgja.org/about/nlgja_leader_nominations.doc
The Hunt is On For America’s Most Eligible Gay Bachelor What makes a man America’s Gay Bachelor? Could it be looks? Personality? Success? It is time for you to decide as myPartner.com scours all 50 states and Washington, D.C. for the first ever, “America’s Most Eligible Gay Bachelor.” Anyone can nominate candidates through the end of May at myPartner.com. Online voting begins June 1st. Join the fun on myPartner.com and nominate your friends, your dream dates, or even yourself! You don’t have to be a myPartner member to nominate your favorite gay bachelor. "We want gay men across America to have a great time celebrating what makes us attractive to others. This contest will bring out the best in us all as we search for the ultimate available man," said Patrick Perrine, M.A., CEO and founder of myPartner.com. Perrine and myPartner.com are hosting live matchmaking events across the country as they scour all 50 states to find the first ever “America’s Most Eligible Gay Bachelor.” Each event will feature
donated to the recovery fund. Full details will be posted at haikuhelp.com and shortnorth.org beginning May 29. 3. A Place of Reflection: The storefront at 650 N High St will be transformed into an elegant showcase of the two women’s lives. This is a place where visitors can reflect, write letters to Julie and Rachel, read updates about their recovery progress, and learn how to make contributions to the fund. Rachel’s artwork will also be on display. The storefront will be active beginning the week of June 2. 4. Benefit Concert: A concert to round out the Gallery Hop evening, Saturday, June 7, will feature several well-known local acts. The evening concert will be held in the vicinity of Haiku Restaurant (800 N High St). Band line-up and schedule will be posted at haikuhelp.com and shortnorth.org beginning May 29. Volunteers - We need your help As this is an all-volunteer effort, we need all the help we can get. The Short North Business Association, Central Ohio Restaurant Association, and Couchfire Collective are working together to organize these events and gather volunteer support. If you or your business would like to get involved, please contact us at info@haikuhelp.com. Contributions - Ongoing Initiatives & Opportunities to Send Support In addition to visiting Huntington Bank to contribute to Rachel’s trust fund, concerned citizens can also make contributions online at www.haikuhelp.com. This website will also be an ongoing source of information about the recovery of both Julie and Rachel, and a calendar of planned events to continue the support efforts well into the future. on-site matchmaking using myPartner’s Partner Perfect Compatibility™ system. “This is a great way for us to show everyone how our matchmaking system works, and have a little fun at the same time,” says Perrine. “Everyone comes to the party single, but not everyone will leave that way.” On May 23rd, the kickoff event will be held at the W Atlanta Perimeter Hotel. On May 28th, the myPartner team will host bachelors from around the Northwest at W Seattle. And on July 17th, eligible bachelors from all over the country will gather at the W San Diego to find out which of the finalists will be named “America’s Most Eligible Gay Bachelor” of 2008. “We want to issue a challenge to the nation to make sure their best men get nominated. It’s a friendly competition to find the most desirable men,” said Perrine. Of the top 51 contestants, one from each state and one from the nation‘s capital, five will be selected and flown to San Diego for final judging. A panel of experts will decide who is America’s Gay Bachelor during a star-studded event at the W San Diego on July 17th during San Diego’s Gay Pride celebration. The America’s Gay Bachelor contest winner will receive a romantic get-a-way trip for two at the W San Diego, a $25,000 Private Matchmaking Package, a trip to San Diego Gay Pride week, and a chance to be featured in a national publication. To nominate candidates, go to www.mypartner.com/AmericasGayBachelorContest.html. Post photos and answer questions about your favorite nominee. Above all, tell myPartner.com what makes the nominee America’s Gay Bachelor.
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 9
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
10 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
SPORTS RIDER REGISTRATION UNDERWAY FOR TOUR DE GRANDVIEW CYCLING CLASSIC
Competitor registration for the 2008 Germain.com Tour de Grandview Cycling Classic is now open. Riders and teams may register for the June 28-29 event by visiting the race’s official Web site at www.tourdegrandview.com and clicking on the Register Now link on the home page. Online registration is open until 3:30 p.m. on June 27, and pre-registered riders have the advantage of lining first for each of the Tour’s races. Also on the race’s site is a link to the official race flier, which contains race categories, dates, times, distances and prize money. The site also includes directions, course maps, information about host families, contact information and other event details. A favorite stop for top professional cyclists from the U.S. and around the world, the event features two days of world-class bicycle racing through the streets of this Columbus, Ohio suburb, as well as a number events and activities for spectators and cyclists alike. Among the events scheduled for this year’s
race are a Kids’ Sprints competition and Ohio Series Criterium race on Saturday afternoon; a Saturday night street party with food, drinks, live entertainment and children’s activities; and a final set of criterium races on Sunday afternoon. The races will feature both men and women cyclists in multiple professional categories. The criterium courses will cover a number of the hilly, tree-lined streets on either side of Grandview Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare. The Germain.com Tour de Grandview Cycling Classic is Ohio’s premier cycling event, attracting an international field of more than 300 professional cyclists to central Ohio each year, as well as hundreds of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. Celebrating its 16th year in 2008, the Tour is organized by the non-profit Grandview Community Association with the support of the City of Grandview Heights, local volunteers and sponsoring businesses. More information is available at www.tourdegrandview.com.
OHIO ROLLER GIRLS: BOUT 3 RECAP Take-Outs versus Band of Brawlers HellionBOI~> jammed for 28 points and Alli Catraz added 21 as The Take-Outs defeated the Band of Brawlers 73 – 54 to cap off an undefeated regular season and advance to the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. The Take-Outs took a 36 – 24 lead into the second half. The Brawlers trimmed that lead early in the period when drrty grrl jammed for 10 points while the Take-Outs’ jammer spent a minute in the penalty box. But the Take-Outs responded with a suffocating defense, draining the clock and
limiting the Brawlers’ scoring opportunities. The Take-Outs appeared to be targeting Kitty Liquorbottom, as they held her to 7 points in 13 jams. drrty grrl led the Brawlers with 36 points. Players of the Bout: Take-Outs: The entire pack – The collective effort of the Take-Outs’ hard-hitting blockers ultimately won the bout. Band of Brawlers: drrty grrl – she may have jammed for 100 points against a lesser defense. More info at www.ohiorollergirls.com
REALLY BENT MONDAY NIGHT BOWLING LEAUGE Standings as of 5/19/2008 Place Won Lost 1 MoMen Tum 10 2 2 Vertical XXX 9 3 3 Team 1 8 4 4 The Lunchbox Democrat 8 4 5 Team 11 7 5 6 Team 3 7 5 7 Spring Fling 6 6 8 2 Tuckers and a Tina 6 6 9 Spare Tactics 6 6 10 Here for the Beer 5.5 6.5 11 Reverse Oreo 5 7 12 Giggle Loop 5 7 13 Everybody Hates Butts 5 7 14 Five or Better 5 7 15 Table 5 4 8 16 Two Bats and a Mitt 3.5 8.5 17 Shutup N Drink Ur Beer 3 9 18 Baby Seals 2 10
WEDNESDAY NIGHT FEVER BOWLING LEAGUE Standings as of 5/21/2008 Place Won Lost 1 HairyMaryScaryFairy 11.5 0.5 2 The Flying Monkeys 9 3 3 Left On Gay 8 4 4 Art & Co. 7 5 5 Three Stooges 7 5 6 Little Man Straight 7 5 7 Checkerboard Chicks 5 7 8 The Four Queens 5 7 9 The Butt Sisters 5 7 10 Summer Suckers 4 8 11 The Pin Droppers 2.5 9.5 12 Balls In Question 1 11
WEEKLY STANDINGS
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 11
THE EXAMINED LIFE by Tom Moon, MFT
Henry has been feeling down for several days, and is terrified that he may be sliding into another severe depression. His last bout, his third, was paralyzing and debilitating, and cost him his boyfriend. He tries to get rid of his negative feelings by alternately suppressing them and thinking his way out of them. In the process he dredges up past pain and conjures up worries about the future. In his imagination, he tries out solution after solution, and feels more and more like a failure because he can’t come up with a way out of the gathering darkness. The more he tries to figure out what’s wrong and fix it, the more he’s preoccupied with what’s happening in his mind; the more out of touch he is with the world; and the worse he feels. Henry’s experience is familiar to many gay men. Depression is by far the most common problem which gay men bring to my therapy practice. The Gay Urban Men’s Health Study, a sample of men who have sex with men in four major urban areas conducted between 1996 and 1998, found that the seven-day prevalence of depressive symptoms in their sample was 17.2%, nearly twice the rate of current depression found in the general population. Moreover, depression, like addiction, is an illness characterized by a tendency to relapse. Each episode of depression increases the likelihood that a person will experience another episode by 16%. Henry’s fears are unfortunately not unfounded. Recently, however, a team of researchers has developed a new form of treatment, which appears to reduce the incidence of relapse significantly. In their theory of the causes of relapse, Henry is making the common mistake of trying to ward off depression from the “doing mode.” The doing mode is triggered when the mind sees that things are not the way it wants them to be. Two things then happen. First, negative feelings are triggered. Second, habitual patterns of mind are set in motion whose aim is to reduce the gap between the present state and the desired state. This problem-solving mode works very well for things like figuring out how to drive across town, but is counterproductive when applied to internal, emotional pain. When the doing mode is used on even mild unhappiness by people who have previously suffered depression, it seems to set in motion a cascade of increasingly worsening states. This is an important finding, because our hyperactive culture is one in which most of us are busily “doing” during most of our waking hours. Does that have something to do with our high prevalence of depression? What seems to stop a temporary blue mood from metastasizing into a black hole of depression is what the researchers call “being mode,” in which the focus is on accepting and allowing what is,
without any immediate pressure to change it. This mode is characterized by a sense of freedom and freshness of experience. It seems that when we stop fighting our negative moods, they ebb and flow on their own, without congealing into deep depression. Fortunately, a well-researched stress-reduction technique seems to help people switch from doing to being mode fairly easily. In the 1970’s Jon KabatZinn, at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, showed that “mindfulness,” an ancient Eastern meditation technique, has measurable benefits in the treatment of heart disease, chronic pain, stress-related gastrointestinal problems, headaches, high blood pressure, sleep problems, and anxiety disorders. He defines mindfulness as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to things as they are.” He developed an eight-week program for teaching this form of awareness to patients. Today this program is being taught in medical centers all over the country as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). When the researchers used a modified version of MBSR with patients recovering from depression, they discovered that mindfulness can be a powerful prophylactic against depressive relapse. They found that, in patients with three or more previous episodes of depression, their program, which they call Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), almost halved the relapse/recurrence rates compared to those who received standard treatment alone. One of the benefits of MBCT is that the practices can be taught in a class format, making it a highly cost-effective form of treatment. In fact, some selfmotivated patients can master the practices completely on their own. The entire eight-week program is now available in a book and accompanying CD, called The Mindful Way through Depression (Williams, Teasdale, Segal, and Kabat-Zinn, 2007). A word of caution: it is not advisable to do this program while in the throes of a severe depression: its usefulness is in preventing relapse in those who have emerged from an episode of depression. But for those concerned with preventing relapse, this research-based course in mental health may be an important addition to their self-care. In the past year, I’ve recommended it to six clients who are recovering from depression. All have reported positive results, including Henry, the man I described above, who appears to have nipped a potentially catastrophic relapse in the bud. I recommend this new program highly. Tom Moon is a psychotherapist in San Francisco. His website is tommoon.net. MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
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OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 13
OUT BUSINESS NEWS
NRGetic Renovations
by Michael Daniels
Spotlight:
Benny King & National Reconstruction Group
Robbie and I had considered selling our Westgate home and joining the rest of the tribe in a downtown or Short North condo. Then we realized what the changes in the housing market had done to the equity. Selling our house was not going to happen for a while, we realized. So we decided to settle in, and, like with many other things in our lives, make the outside match the inside. Over the past few years, we’ve gotten the interior of our house pretty much the way we want it, but the outside was, in a word, butt-ugly. The aluminum siding had been painted some time in the 80s and was chipped and peeling. The roof was on borrowed time, and the lack of guards on the gutters meant a twice a year experiment in aerial acrobatics, cleaning out gunk and goo. And then we met Benny King, of NRG (National Reconstruction Group), who came to our rescue. Referred to us by mutual friends, Benny and his entire crew treated us with complete respect as a couple, and were there to answer our questions and assuage our fears
throughout the process. Not only did he and his team give our home a great paint and trim, but he removed the three layers of old shingles, repaired the (unknown to us) holes in our roof, re-shingled our home, and our new 5” gutters, with guards, go on this week. We were so impressed with Benny’s attention to detail and the quality of his work that we sat down with him to share his expertise with Outlook Weekly readers. Michael Daniels: What services does NRG provide? Benny King: We are a full-service home improvement contractor, providing roofing, painting, gutters, decks, basement finishing, fences, drywall work, room additions, and woodwork. MD: What are the qualities and characteristics that a homeowner should look for in a contractor? BK: Look for a reputable contractor with great references and who is a member of the Better
Business Bureau (note: NRG is). Ask them for references and check out some of their work. It’s also best to find a business that is locally owned, and check with their references to make sure that their reputation is one of being dependable, honest, and on time. MD: What are the most important questions for a homeowner to ask of his/her contractor? BK: Wow, that really depends on the job. But don’t be afraid to ask whatever questions are on your mind, and make sure you’re comfortable doing business with them before any work begins. Check their BBB references, and make certain that they are insured and have current workman’s compensation. MD: What permits are required for roofing, painting, and gutters? BK: Permits aren’t required on the items you mention. Some fencing, decks, room additions and basement refinishing require permits, though not in all municipalities.
MD: How does a homeowner know if his/her contractor has given a fair price/estimate? Are there general pricing guidelines that can be referenced? BK: The best way to know if you got fair pricing is to have a great big smile on your face when the job is done. You get what you pay for. MD: What are the one or two most “bang for the buck” things that a homeowner can do to improve the look and value of a home? BK: Replace the roof and finish the basement – these two items add considerable resale value to a home. Kitchen upgrades are great, too. Using Benny’s criteria, we got a great deal, because we certainly have big smiles on our faces, our home is beautiful, and we’re more than satisfied with the quality and timing of the work, and even moreso with Benny and his crew personally. NRG is the place we’ll contact for any future home improvements or repairs. Check out Benny King at NRG by calling 614.581.1648 or visit him on the web at www.contactnrg.com.
Applications Available For LGBT Business Owner Of The Year Award
Salon Offers Free Services For Better Business
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and Wells Fargo & Company today announced the fourth annual LGBT Business Owner of the Year Award, recognizing a small business owner for his/her entrepreneurial spirit and personal service to the community. The winner will receive a cash grant of $5,000 and will be recognized at the 2008 NGLCC National Dinner: An Evening of Courage on November 7 at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. Applications are currently being accepted. “We are proud to again join with an industry leader like Wells Fargo & Company to recognize excellence in LGBT business,” said Justin G. Nelson, NGLCC co-founder and president. “This award truly highlights the leadership and quality found in the LGBT business community.” The NGLCC and Wells Fargo support the accomplishments of LGBT small businesses and are proud to join forces in presenting the NGLCC/Wells Fargo LGBT Business Owner of the Year Award. The award recognizes one outstanding LGBT business owner for his/her business performance, innovation, growth, and
Rich, earthy scents and high prices often come to mind when consumers think of a salon taking on the Aveda product line, but free services is a new angle altogether. That is not stopping the recently rebranded Phia Salon in the 700 block of the Short North, though. “We’ve been experimenting with complimentary pampering treatments like hot towel wraps for months, now” shared Dairdre Kennedy, the salon’s senior artistic director. “The addition of the Aveda product line simply allowed us to extend our pampering services”. The new services are called “sensory experiences” and one three- to five-minute experience is offered free-of-charge at each visit. Clients choose between a mini-facial, a hand and arm massage, a shoulder and neck massage, and a deluxe scalp massage. Sarah Brcek, who was recruited to Phia Salon from the Brown Aveda Institute in Mentor Ohio loves offering the sensory experiences. “The hand and arm massage is my
personal service to the community. Last year’s award winner, Noma Hanlon of Hanlon Brown Design in Portland, OR said, “It was an honor to be recognized by Wells Fargo and the NGLCC as a leader within the LGBT business community.” NGLCC is the only national not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of the LGBT business community. A premier advocate of the LGBT community, the NGLCC seeks to expand this community’s financial opportunities, economic growth, continued innovation, and equality. As one of NGLCC’s founding corporate partners, Wells Fargo is committed to serving the needs of the rapidly growing community of LGBT businesses. Interested LGBT business owners can download an application at www.nglcc.org/businessaward. Applications must be received no later than July 9, 2008. Questions can be directed to businessaward@nglcc.org.
favorite” she says. “I love seeing people relax and I get to use the Aveda Hand relief four or five times a day so my hands are so soft now” Giving away free services hasn’t hurt business though, according to salon manager Aimee Yerkes. “Each visit, a client gets one sensory experience. Many clients prefer to receive three or four, and are happy to pay the difference. We’re also finding that our clients want to come in more often and they are referring friends even more often than they did before because they want their friends to be pampered” To accommodate clients who want multiple experiences, Yerkes says that the salon offers two-experience-Tuesdays and three-experienceThursdays at no additional charge.
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OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 15
EARTH TALK From the Editors of E
Dear EarthTalk:
Dear EarthTalk:
As an online gamer, I spend a lot of time in front of my computer. What’s the environmental impact? And are “greener” PCs available?
Vegetarians and vegans are so self-righteous about not eating meat and how meat eating is so bad for the environment. How true are these claims?
Bob Grant
Frank Doolittle, Sudbury, MA
Online gamers and other heavy computer users are definitely leaving an environmental mark. Depending on when it was made and how it was designed, a standard desktop PC can use anywhere from 60-300 watts when in use, while an inefficient gaming PC with powerful graphics card, multiple hard drives and optical drives, flash memory reader and a 30inch LCD might consume as much as 750 watts, or about as much as a typical refrigerator. Until July of 2007, government Energy Star requirements only measured a computer’s energy use while in standby mode, which allowed the majority of brands to carry the label. New stricter efficiency requirements have brought greener models. You’ll find the largest selection from companies like Dell and Hewlett Packard. Many businesses use the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) to assist in the purchase of greener computing systems, and the evaluations can be useful to consumers, too. EPEAT evaluates and rates computing equipment on 28 efficiency and sustainability criteria, awarding them bronze, silver or gold for overall performance. Technology company VIA is well regarded as an industry leader in low-wattage processors (central processing units or CPUs), with some barely sipping only a dozen or so watts from the power supply. Some typical VIA designs can outperform competitors using only 23 watts, or less than half the power called for by Energy Star specifications. Of course graphics cards used by PC gamers are serious energy hogs. Your top-end ATI or nVidia card will render great graphics, but use 300 watts or more. Newer cards are better, but much depends on
their use. The best advice is to buy only the graphics power you need. One of the easiest ways to save on computer power is to use technology that automatically rests when you do, and to shut your computer down when you’re not using it. Windows XP allows users to configure power management settings, and Vista Ultimate lets you configure power-saving options in even more ways. Vista can actually throttle its power consumption for some tasks and power down at other times. If you’re just typing a Microsoft Word document, performance will back down, whereas if you are editing video in a powerful program like Adobe Premier Pro, Vista will use all the processing power available. Bear in mind that screen savers are not energy savers. In fact, power-down features may not work if you have a screen saver activated. Happily, LCD color monitors do not need screen savers. In terms of shutting down, while PCs use a small amount of energy when they start up, it’s considerably less than the energy used when they are on for long periods of time. Consider turning off the monitor if you aren’t going to use your PC for more than 20 minutes, and both the CPU and monitor if you’re not going to use your PC for more than two hours. If you’re concerned about the “wear and tear” of turning PCs on and off, don’t be. Most PCs reach the end of their “useful” life due to advances in technology long before the effects of being switched on and off multiple times can have a negative impact on their service life.
There has never been a better time to go vegetarian. Mounting evidence suggests that meat-based diets are not only unhealthy, but that just about every aspect of meat production - from grazing-related loss of cropland, to the inefficiencies of feeding vast quantities of water and grain to cattle, to pollution from “factory farms” - is an environmental disaster with wide and sometimes catastrophic consequences. There are 20 billion head of livestock on Earth, more than triple the number of people. According to the Worldwatch Institute, global livestock population has increased 60 percent since 1961, and the number of fowl being raised for food has nearly quadrupled in the same time period, from 4.2 billion to 15.7 billion. The 4.8 pounds of grain fed to cattle to make one pound of beef represents a colossal waste of resources in a world teeming with hungry and malnourished people. According to Vegfam, a 10-acre farm can support 60 people growing soy, 24 people growing wheat, 10 people growing corn - but only two raising cattle. Food First’s Frances Moore Lappé says to imagine sitting down to an eight-ounce steak. “Then imagine the room filled with 45 to 50 people with empty bowls... For the feed cost of your steak, each of their bowls could be filled with a full cup of cooked cereal grains.” Harvard nutritionist Jean Mayer says that reducing U.S. meat production 10 percent would free grain to feed 60 million people. U.S. animal farms generate billion of tons of animal waste every year, which the Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency says pollute our waterways more than all other industrial sources combined. The infamous 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill dumped 11 million gallons of oil into Prudoe Bay, but the relatively unknown 1995 New River hog waste spill in North Carolina poured 25 million gallons of excrement into the water, killing 14 million fish and closing 364,000 acres of shell fishing beds. Hog waste spills have caused the rapid spread of Pfiesteria piscicida, which has killed a billion fish in North Carolina alone. Other than polluting water, beef production alone uses more water than is used in growing our entire fruit and vegetable crop. And over a third of all raw materials and fossil fuels consumed in the U.S. are used in animal production. Meat also increases our carbon footprints. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, livestock around the world contribute more greenhouse gases (mostly methane) to the atmosphere - 18 percent of our total output than emissions from all the world’s cars and trucks. “There is no question that the choice to become a vegetarian or lower meat consumption is one of the most positive lifestyle changes a person could make in terms of reducing one’s personal impact on the environment,” says Christopher Flavin of the Worldwatch Institute. “The resource requirements and environmental degradation associated with a meat-based diet are very substantial.”
CONTACTS: Food First, www.foodfirst.org; UN Food and Agriculture Organization, www.fao.org; Worldwatch Institute, www.worldwatch.org. Energy Star, www.energystar.gov; EPEAT, http://epeat.net; Recycling an old monitor, www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/donate.htm; VIA, www.via.com. GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? E-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.
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OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 17
FEATURE STORY
Living Large!
by Chris Hayes
Despite the “housing slump,” Columbus continues to turn out luxury living options for all you urban progressives. With close to 5000 downtown area units available, under construction, or in the pipeline, there is something for everyone. Here is a preview of what’s new, now and next. Go on, live large!
ibiza We start with the monolith of all the projects in our line up. The two tower/townhome/parking garage extravaganza getting ready to begin construction in the Short North and will redefine the urban landscape of our city. This massive undertaking features many living options and amenities that you’ve grown to expect from the developers, Arms Properties (think Dakota, Lahoti,The Brown, U etc). Named after the famous island off the Spanish coast, Ibiza represents the Short North’s vibrant mix of residents. Walking distance to everything, the complex is situated exactly in the middle of the district. Selling fast, you better move fast if you want something on the economical side. The Amenities • Rooftop Pool • Concierge • 6,000 Sq Ft Fitness Center [Includes Yoga and Massage] • Bang & Olufsen Media Room • Visitor Parking • Floor to Ceiling windows
Location: Price: Size: Contact: Email: Web:
• Loading Dock and Freight Elevator • Recycling and Refuse Chutes • Reasonable Condo Fees [Approximately 20¢ per Sq Ft.] • Court Yard • Glass Elevator • Italian Village Park • Panoramic View Deck
High St & Hubbard $119K -$1.55M 546 - 4,828 sq ft, 144 units 614.29.IBIZA info@ibizaonhigh.com www.ibizaonhigh.com MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
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OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 19
FEATURE STORY
The Hartman
continued
(phase 2)
The Hartman Hotel reborn. Originally opened in the fall of 1902, the six story hotel was described as the most lavish hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Dr Hartman hosts dignitaries from Ohio, the US and around the world. The hotel becomes a destination for dining and entertainment - "the place to see and be seen." Now it is the place to be seen again. The first phase of the Hartman Loft Condominiums sold out fast. But 22 unique new homes, from studio lofts to two-bedroom/ two-bath models, are now available on the Hartman building's top two floors. From the 12-foot ceilings to the modern kitchens and onsite parking, the lofts blend historic elegance with contemporary conveniences. Move in now and you can to live at the hartman for free! The Amenities • 24 new units on floors 5 & 6 • Outstanding views of downtown • 1 & 2 bedroom units • Exposed brick walls • 12 ft. ceilings with exposed wood oak beams • 7 ft. energy efficient windows • Granite countertops • Hardwood floors, ceramic tile & berber carpeting • Stainless steel appliances & washer/dryer • Gated, on site parking • 10-year tax abatement
Now Selling! Location: Price: Size: Contact: Email: Web:
The Senecca
Standing at the Corner of Broad and Grant Streets in the Downtown Discovery District is the once proud Seneca Hotel building. Originally constructed in 1917 and designed by noted Columbus Architect Frank Packard, this historically listed 10-story brick structure is being transformed into a 93 unit apartment building with nearly 15,000 square feet of ground floor retail. Units include primarily 1 and 2 bedrooms with great views of the downtown skyline and surrounding historic architecture. The Seneca is a landmark for a community that is home to Columbus College of Art and Design, Franklin University, Capitol University Law School, and Columbus State University – each of which is within a few blocks walking distance. The Seneca is literally in the center of everything. Consisting of approximately 120,000 SF, the redevelopment of The Seneca will be $15 million dollars and will utilize a combination of Historic Tax Credits and CORF (Clean Ohio Revitalization Funds) to bring about the transformation. The Amenities • A Relaxing And Safe Environment • Tenant Lounge • Convenient Downtown Location • Historic Landmark Building • Wired for High Speed Internet • Retail Establishments in Building • New Energy Efficient Windows • Stainless Steel Appliances • Designer Paint Scheme • Secured Access To Building
Now Renting for Fall! 150 E Main St (4th & Main) $150K - $380K 606-1457 sq ft, 22 units (58 total) Plaza Properties 614.220.0824 info@hartmanlofts.com hartmanlofts.com
Location: Price: Size: Contact: Email: Web:
Broad and Grant Streets $689-$1524 427-1437 sq ft, 76 units Campus Apartments 888-892-1368 dmerrill@campusapts.com www.campusapts.com/senecca
Interest Rate Outlook Continues toImprove Most of the business news emphasizes an expansive subprime debacle and the growing troubles of lenders and mortgage-backed security investors. Optimism is scarce in the headlines. Or at least it is scarcely reported within the mainstream media. But the fact is that major problems in the mortgage industry now overshadow the good news that conventional 30-year fixed rate mortgages are a bargain. The Fed Funds rate was cut to a bare bones rate of 2 percent on April 30th. Recent rates on the tried-and-true 30-year fixed rate mortgage - which has been the bread and butter of the American housing market through all sorts of ups and downs - hover right around the attractive six percent level. Those who pay a little extra at closing can even get lower rates, and sometimes that is a smart strategy for those buyers who plan to stay in the home for many years. Short-term owners are better off taking the going rate - which is still a bargain - because it will require less closing costs. That’s because if you intend to sell within 2-5 years you won’t have the loan long enough to capture savings over the long haul. Keep in mind while planning your exit strategies that if you stay in your home as a primary residence for at least two years, you will most likely qualify for a significant tax savings on any capital gains. With the housing market so oversold, capital gains are a very real possibility over the next 2-3 years, so homeowners who invest now and sell after the end of this decade may be rewarding with a double bonus of gains plus tax breaks. If you are shopping for a home - at a time when home prices are historically affordable and builders of new homes are throwing in lots of valuable perks and upgrades - there is no time like now. This season, all over the USA, the building industry is - both literally and figuratively - throwing in everything including the kitchen sink in order to market and sell unusually backlogged inventories of new homes. Or you may want to refinance, take out a home equity loan, or use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to fund home improvements or upgrades. With the slowdown in the housing industry putting the squeeze on builders and contractors, their services are available for discounted prices. Many are hungry for work, so this summer will offer a great opportunity to add tangible equity and quality of life enhancements for a super reasonable price to a home, rental unit, or vacation property. Although this normally a hectic season to try to find qualified contractors - because most of the good ones stay booked months in advance - this year there are plenty of expert professionals waiting to jump on a job and get it done in a timely fashion. Or you may have purchased a home within the past few years and gotten stuck with an increasingly expensive adjustable rate mortgage. In that case, refinancing into a predictably prudent conventional mortgage at current interest rates is a no-brainer. Although rates during the most recent real estate bull market spoiled many consumers with super-low single digit interest, many of those rates were just teasers or come-on’s to lure buyers into ARM loans that have now catapulted into double digit territory. But conventional 30year rates like those offered now have not been around in years. Don’t delay, however, because the Federal Reserve issued statements at its final April meeting insinuating that the unprecedented series of big rate cuts may now be ending. So those who capture a fixed rate now will enjoy built-in savings when the cycle again sends the cost of borrowing higher. To offset the rising cost of other household expenses while maintaining a prudent rein on the mortgage, consider employing a biweekly payment strategy. Although many mortgage lenders and banks will manage a biweekly plan for you, they do so for fees that typically undercut your savings. A better strategy - as long as you are somewhat organized and have a moderate amount of financial discipline - is to just create and manage it all by yourself. Here’s how it works. Let’s say, for instance, that your monthly payment is $1,600. Instead of paying once a month, just pay $800 every two weeks. By paying half of your monthly payment two weeks ahead of time, you will make the equivalent of a whole extra payment each year. Savings realized over the life of a 30-year loan could cut the payoff time by about three years. That not only saves you all those extra payments but it adds up to large savings of interest paid on your outstanding principal balance. Most mortgage companies will let you employ this clever but painless strategy, and it will not cost you any extra to launch your biweekly payment program. Each of the mortgage and real estate brokers at www.GayRealEstate.com and www.GayMortgageLoans.com is especially committed to the GLBT community. To contact one of these experts just visit the Web sites or call toll free at 1.888.420.MOVE (6683).
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
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1200 Grandview
Metropolitan
City Hop 2008: Saturday, June 4; 10a-6p Columbus Landmarks welcomes everyone to the 9th annual City Hop tour of 18 properties showcasing unique examples of downtown living spaces. Prospective downtown dwellers and curiosity seekers can learn firsthand about the exciting opportunities available for living Downtown. The tour showcases downtown Columbus’ cultural attractions, historic landmarks, restaurants, entertainment venues & green spaces. There are 4,200 new residential units completed or in the pipeline and City Hop will feature 18 residential projects throughout downtown Columbus. The projects offer a wide range of living options, from loft-style units, renovated buildings, apartments, townhouses and new luxury condominiums. Participants can start the tour at any of three Ticket Stop locations [see below]. You must choose one of these ticket stops as your starting point. There you can purchase tickets, pick up prepurchased tickets and receive a map and tour book. There is a suggested but not prescribed route that you can take at your leisure. The tour is from 10a to 6p and you can start and end anytime you like within those hours. Buy your tickets online (www.columbuslandmarks.org/cityhop2008/), but remember to bring your PayPal E-Receipt to any of the 3 Ticket Stops to retrieve your tickets day of event. Don’t leave home without it! $15, $12 Member. Online ticket sales close at 5p, Friday June 13, Day-of-event tickets are $18 and are sold only at the 3 main Ticket Stops. CITY HOP TICKET STOPS: Start tour at any of the 3 ticket stops: 1. Ibiza in the Short North Arts District, 861 N High St; 2. Neighborhood Launchf downtown, Gay & Fourth St; 3. The Arena Grand Theatre, Arena District, 175 W Nationwide
City Hop Tour Stops 1. Arena Crossing Apartments 10. Kramer Place 425 N Front St 825 N 4th St 2. The Buggyworks 440 West Nationwide Blvd
11. Lofts at Jeffrey Place 801 Civitas Ave
3. Courthouse Condos High & Mound St
12. Neighborhood Launch Gay & Fourth St
4. Courtyard Townhomes at Jeffrey Place 222 Neruda Ave & 4th St
13. North Bank Park Condo 300 Spring St
5. 8 on the Square 8 E Broad St 6. Harrison Park 575 W. First Avenue 7. Hartman Loft Condos 150 East Main St 8. ibiza 861 North High St
14. Ohio Loft 139 E Main St 15. 199 S Fifth Blue Heron Land Company 16. Rich Street Walk 579 & 587 E Rich St 17. The Seneca 367 E Broad St
18. Sixty Spring 9. The Jeffrey 60 Spring St Corner of E1st Ave and N 4th St MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
Urban living refined. With eight residences and one office suite, this is a very rare opportunity. 1200 Grandview is the perfect blend of lifestyle, location and luxury for homeowners who want the convenience of urban living steps away from Grandview’s dining, shopping and entertainment. The boutique condominium midrise offers a unique sense of style, quality and community on Grandview Avenue. The open floor plans celebrate today's informal lifestyles with versatile spaces for living, dining and entertaining. Dramatic, large windows and private balconies reinforce the feeling of openness while maximizing natural light. A rooftop terrace offers a private oasis overlooking Grandview Avenue. Drawing upon the best of Grandview Avenue's streetscape, the exterior blends handsome proportions in a warm palette of brick, accented in stone, glass and metal. The Amenities • Open, flowing floor plans • Lofty nine-foot ceilings • Hardwood floors • Three-sided fireplace • Granite counters in kitchen and bath • Stainless steel GE Monogram appliances • Lighting allowance • All Kohler and Grohe fixtures • Washer and dryer hook up
• Telephone entry access system • Secure first-floor parking garage w/ two parking spaces per residence • Large, private balconies • Attractive lobby and reception area • 24/7 secured access for residents • Brick exterior, accented in stone
Driven by design, Metropolitan is a unique choice for condominium living in Grandview. A distinctive mid-rise building with brick deco inspired architecture, and flatiron form. Designed from the inside out with unique interiors made to maximize livability, and accommodate appointments renowned for design, such as Bang & Olufsen components and Hans Grohe fixtures. Placed perfectly on the cusp of Grandview, a five-minute walk to the shops, restaurants and galleries of Grandview Avenue. Metropolitan is original in that it houses 20 units, of which 13 are unique. The Amenities • GE Profile stainless steel appliances with gas fired range & stacked washer dryer • Granite counter tops and bar top • Walk in roman showers • Soaker tubs in all 2nd baths and master baths in 1 bedroom units • Laundry sink tub in utility rooms • Pre-wired for 3 CAT 5 tele phone outlets & 6 cable TV outlets (average per unit) including outlets in the master bathroom and kitchen
Now Selling - Under Construction
Now Selling!
Location: Price: Size: Contact:
Location: Price: Size: Contact:
Email: Web:
1200 Grandview Ave $395K - $725K 1,537 - 2,258 sq ft, 9 units Chip Santer 614.562.9498 chip@santercommunities.com www.1200grandview.com
Email: Web:
• Gas ventless 3 sided fire place in every unit • Audio and video pre wiring by Bang & Olufsen • Elegantly appointed Hall way corridors with win dows at each end • One parking space included in sales price • Patios standard on every unit. • Large skylights in hallways and master bathrooms in penthouse units • Wood flooring
Northwest Blvd & W 3rd Ave $253K-$681K 1300-2068 sq ft, 20 units Chris Reese 614.523.6200 chris@chrisreese.com www.metropolitangrandview.com
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The Jeffery: North Block
Ohio Lofts
Urban Living on the Web For more about urban living in our fair city, we recommend the following websites. Descriptions are excerpted from the sites themselves. Columbus Retro Metro – www.columbusretrometro.com – an urban portal that includes exploration of urban neighborhoods, links to urban lofts, condos, homes, and apartments, virtual tours of the City, and blogosphere commentary on revitalization efforts. Think Urban – www.think-urban.com – your source of information for urban living in Columbus, Ohio. Get the information you need while living in any of our great neighborhoods or the information you need to decide which of our great neighborhoods you’d like to call home. Columbus Underground – www.columbusunderground.com – a source for all things local in Columbus, including local news, events, food, nightlife, shopping, and more. Downtown Columbus – www.downtowncolumbus.com – a project of the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) and Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (Capitol South), this website tracks downtown living, culture, shopping, entertainment, and sports. Short North Business Association – www.shortnorth.org – the official website of the Short North Business Association, providing links to dining, galleries, art, shopping, nightlife, entertainment, and personal and business services in the Short North. Columbus Streetcars – www.columbus-streetcars.com – the unofficial citizen support site for Columbus streetcars, tracking media coverage and making the argument that the city needs streetcars an it needs them now. Downtown Residents Association of Columbus – www.dracolumbus.com – a site for downtown residents, or those who want to become residents, designed to promote the benefits of living in the core of the city, be involved in ongoing improvements to downtown, and socialize with other urban dwellers. Consider Biking – www.considerbiking.org – a site for those who value bicycling, walking and other alternative forms of transportation for commuting, recreation, and sport, and who wish to celebrate and champion those who choose to incorporate cycling and walking into their daily lives. Greater Columbus Arts Council – www.gcac.org – through vision and leadership, advocacy and collaboration, the Greater Columbus Arts Council supports art and advances the culture of the region. A catalyst for excellence and innovation, GCAC funds exemplary artists and arts organizations and provide programs, events and services of public value that educate and engage all audiences in our community. The City of Columbus – www.cityofcolumbus.org – the official website of the City, with links to all city departments, commissions, and divisions. Experience Columbus – www.experiencecolumbus.com – where to play, stay, dine, and shop for out of town visitors to the City, and a tremendous resource for local businesses to learn how to reach those visitors. Columbus Chamber of Commerce – www.columbus.org – supporting economic growth and development of the City and greater Columbus area business communities. Live Work Play Columbus – www.liveworkplaycolumbus.com – a project of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, this is the ultimate website for those looking to relocate to the City. Those of us who live here can learn a lot, too, using the multitude of links provided to other local organizations. MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
Mindfully Chic: Green living at the North Block Lofts and Townhomes. No Birkenstocks required. You can maintain your chic lifestyle and tread lightly on the Earth. Jeffrey Place 's North Block lofts and townhomes bring you the best of both worlds. Designed by architect George Acock, the North Block condominium's stylish modern design elements frame a wealth of eco-friendly technology. All 66 of the North Block’s green living condos combine to create the largest solar panel array in Ohio . This is green living in downtown Columbus . The North Block didn't stop at solar panels. The geothermal heating and cooling system uses the Earth's constant below-ground temperature to help heat and cool the North Block homes. Geothermal technology is clean, renewable, and a big money saver. Other green living elements at the North Block include, rainwater reuse irrigation, carport roofs planted with year-round maintenance-free vegetation, and the use of modular construction to significantly reduce the amount of construction waste and keep the homes affordable. The Amenities • Bamboo hardwood floors • Stainless steel appliances • Washer & dryer hookups • DeltaSignature series kitchen & bath fixtures • Lancaster: maple square panel cabinetry • Geothermal heating and cooling system • Available in two floor plans: Townhome or Loft
The Oho Lofts are distinctive New York style condo lofts featuring exposed brick, hardwood floors, and high ceilings. Located on the Main Street residential corridor, these lofts offer open space with one, two, and three bedroom units in addition to a 3,500+ sq ft penthouse. The building also features a private rooftop garden with great views of downtown. The building was originally the Ohio Furniture building (built in 1848), and it’s transformation has maintained its old world charm while giving residence the modern amenities they need. Unfortunately, you will never own your parking with this complex. They have a 20 year lease on the lots next door, so renting a space is your only convenient option. The Amenities • 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units • Stainless steel appliances • Elevator service • Exposed brick interiors • Kitchens by JAE Company • 9ft - 18ft ceilings • Rooftop garden • No down payment for qualified buyers • 10-year tax abatement
Now Selling - Under Construction
Now Selling- Some Finished/Under Construction
Location: Price: Size: Contact:
Location: Price: Size: Contact: Email: Web:
Email: Web:
1st Ave & 4th St $149K - $270K 768 - 1513 sq ft, 75 units Julie, Laura, or Sara 614.297.7448 sales@jeffreyplace.com jeffreyplace.com
139 E Main St $184K - $989K 800 - 3,500 sq ft, 21 units 614.582.3698 info@ohioloft.com www.ohioloft.com
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199 Fifth St You’ve got to see the penthouses! The most solid feeling of all the projects, this space offers an incredible living experience. Secured 2-car parking, large, extra large and extra extra large balconies, roof top terrace with fire pit water feature, glass walled penthouses, contemporary interior and exterior design, exposed concrete ceilings, breathtaking views of downtown Columbus, low condo fees, 199 S 5th St has loft living at its Finest! It will be easy to make this your home. The Amenities • Parking Garage • Spacious Balconies • Low Condo Fees
• Great Downtown Views • Large Doors • Rooftop Terrace • City views
• Luxury finishes • Gas fireplaces • 10 year tax abatement
Now Selling - Under Construction Location: Price: Size: Contact:
199 S 5th St $272K - $750K 1,275 - 3316 sq ft Annette Trembly 614.451.0906 aztrembly@yahoo.com www.199s5thst.com
Email: Web:
River South Lifestyle Communities will break ground on more than 200 new apartments and condos along Front St. The $25 million private construction project will create a new neighborhood replacing four empty surface parking lots along Front Street between Town and Rich streets. Lifestyle Communities will bring both housing and on-site parking to the area, with 130 apartments starting from $750 to $990, and 76 condos selling between $125,000 and $250,000. Recent public and private investments have made RiverSouth an emerging neighborhood. Construction for the Main Street Bridge has been under way for several years, and the Lazarus Building has been renovated into an award winning "green" office space and is 99% leased. The Scioto Mile Park is set to begin construction in May and the municipal garage at the corner of Front and Rich streets will be completed in the spring of 2009. Lifestyle Communities will move their corporate headquarters downtown in June. In addition the City will begin the next phase of converting streets from 1-way to 2-way this summer, with completion expected in 2009. Road Conversions around RiverSouth will include: Front Street (Broad to Rich), Ludlow Street (Town to Rich), Wall Street (Town to Rich), Rich Street (High to Ludlow) The total new investment in downtown since 2000 is estimated at $2.19 billion, with $711 million in public funding helping leverage $1.48 billion in private investment. This includes projects proposed, under construction, or built since 2000.
Location: Price: Size: Contact: Email: Web: MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
Front St btw Rich and Town $125K-$250K 130 Apts / 76 Condo units 614.883.HOME info@lifestylecommunities.com www.lifestylecommunities.com
SPURNING SUBURBIA by Michael A. Knipp Ask any one of my friends and they’ll tell you – the suburbs scare the shit out of me. For many years I lived among immaculately clipped lawns, SUV-filled driveways, and the eerily timed exits of husbands and wives departing their cookie-cutter split-foyers for another nine-to-five. My neighbors were quiet folks who mostly kept to themselves, occasionally crossing their privacy hedges to borrow a half-cup of sugar. With their measuring cups also came fake smiles. Seldom, and only in the summertime, a few husbands could be heard almost bonding over Budweisers and brats in the backyard, bragging about the new Craftsmans collecting dust in their garages. When the meeting of the small-minded recessed, it was assumed that each patriarch robotically returned to his still-warm seat in front of a penis-extending plasma TV, beating his hairy chest in surreptitious dominance over the others. If possible, the wives – while not as desperate as the ABC television network illustrates – were phonier than their breadwinning counterparts. In their defense, they at least feigned polite greetings when necessary – mostly around the holidays, as to not be deemed complete bitches. Always half-pressed, the children of these future custody-embattled broods traveled in packs to greet the school bus, each possessing similarly styled sling packs adorned with obligatory emoband patches and dimwitted Wite-Out musings. Every now and again, if you listened closely enough, you might catch the sounds of blood splattering the pavement as one punched another for ruining his copy of “Super Smash Bros. Brawl.” A lovely portrait of picket-fenced America, isn’t it? I couldn’t wait to escape. For as long as I can remember, I’ve possessed a paranoia that prohibits me from enjoying life outside urban areas. It has mostly to do with CNN stories about slain families of six wrapped in Egyptian-cotton down comforters, left lying in the basement for weeks on end. While those scenarios are generally uncommon on oak-tree-lined avenues, it’s not an anomaly to have sexual predators and petty thieves creating happy homes next to your own. A quick search of a public-records registry will reveal more than you ever care to discover about those reticent residents. I found out firsthand. All things considered, a scandalous past or present is not where the problem had lain – there are bad people everywhere – but rather the way in which some tried to hide it. It was the sin-soaked, prescription-pill-induced gazes I received on routine mailbox visits, as well as perennially closed curtains, that terrified me. Because of my own increasing fears of being
stuffed in a clothes trunk and stored in the attic, I uprooted my loosely planted county seeds and headed for a place where the neighbors heartwarmingly nod at you on the streets, a cigarette at midnight on a well-lighted stoop isn’t out of the question, and when domestic altercations ensue, they’re loud enough for the whole block to hear. There are no secrets in the city – whatever happens comes at you like a slap in the face. Which is better than suburbia’s stab in the back. When I relocated to Federal Hill, it was more of a milestone than a move. Despite my parents’ concerns for my wellbeing, I’ve never felt safer. In the suburbs, I was afraid to walk the neighborhood at night, and if a car followed too closely while driving my own vehicle, I took an out-of-the-way route until it passed. In my own house, I wouldn’t enter a dark room without first clicking on the light switch. Since moving to South Baltimore, I’ve slept through the night, lullabied into dreamland by the drone of nighttime activity, the buzz of public transportation, the chug of ever-passing trains. If that’s not enough to whisk me away, I can count on the flashes of red and blue splashed across my bedroom’s exposed brick, accompanied by sirens. Oddly, and perhaps ironically, it makes me feel alive – as if I won’t be forgotten if the Reaper comes aknocking. I have neighbors, too. Real ones. They’re mostly my age – 20-somethings – who have relatively nothing to hide compared to the inhabitants of my previous community. (It’s true; I’ve already searched the public-records registry hoping to uncover their drama.) These people have so little to conceal, in fact, that upon returning from the bars recently, a random guy and girl stripped off every article of clothing to hold a nude footrace on Light St. An unusual sight indeed, but it was all in fun. And in case you’re wondering… he won. Granted, this anecdote may sound more like issues with insanity than an attentive observation, but it’s nothing more than personal opinion. Certainly, suburban life has its advantages – pleasant aromas, tidy sidewalks, abundant yards – but behind that pristine façade are vague whispers and anonymous cries. It’s a petrifying existence – life among Stepford-esque single-family homes – that sucks you in with promises of an advanced educational system and free parking. But don’t be fooled – it’s all an elaborate ruse to silently but methodically steal your soul. At least downtown you can hear it coming. Michael A. Knipp is a 26-year-old Baltimore-based freelance writer and the founder of Line/Byline Communications. He can be reached at michael.knipp@gmail.com.
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DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD by Romeo San Vicente
PACINO GOES WILDE The story of Salome in the New Testament is one of iconic female seduction, as she’s said to have caused the death of John the Baptist. It’s a minor detail that became legend thanks to it being one of the few non-Old Testament stories that involves sex. One artist who kept the story fresh in the public’s mind was Oscar Wilde, who saw his controversial play Salome banned from stages. Now Al Pacino has taken Wilde’s version and remixed it in a film called Salomaybe? Written and directed by and starring Pacino as King Herod, the film combines documentary and improvised drama to retell the story from an actor’s perspective. The rest of the cast is comprised of relatively unknown character actors (that’s how you keep the budget tight) and should be ready to make film-festival rounds sometime this year.
KNOXVILLE AND POSEY MAKE HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE
ROSIE PRODUCES UP A STORM
ALEXANDER PAYNE HUNG UP AT HBO
John Waters’ latest project, the family-friendly Christmas movie Fruitcake, finally has the beginnings of its cooler-than-cool cast, with the signing of Parker Posey and Johnny Knoxville to star in the main adult roles. The title, however, is also the name of the story’s protagonist, a little boy (yet to be cast) named “Fruitcake” who runs away from home at Christmas after he and his parents are caught shoplifting meat. On his journey, he meets up with a little girl being raised by two gay men. Together, the kids go in search of her birth mother. OK, so it’s not Miracle on 34th Street. But remember, this is from the man who showed the world 20 years ago that he could make a plenty strange and still sweet family film called Hairspray. So there’s nothing to stop this promises-to-be-weird holiday confection from reaching the same wide audience.
With each passing year, New Orleans continues to redefine itself in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. And now Rosie O’Donnell has lent her support to the city’s arts community by executive-producing a documentary titled After the Storm. Directed by Hilla Medalia, the film centers on a group of New York actors who go to New Orleans to stage a community center production of Once on This Island with a cast of local teenagers. As auditions and rehearsals move along, the young actors involved share their struggles over the loss of family and friends as well as the diminished economic opportunity they face in their hometown. Still in production, look for it soon at festivals before it finds its eventual wider audience on cable.
Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Payne (for Sideways, not his little-used-but-still-creditgetting screenplay for I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry) has a new project up his sleeve. And it’s about what’s in one man’s pants. Hung, a comedy pilot on track at HBO, will be Payne’s TVdirecting debut, from a script by Dmitry Lipkin, creator of The Riches. And the subject matter? What happens when an average, middle-aged basketball coach learns how to put his exceptionally large penis to better use. No actor has signed on yet to play the gifted guy, but casting is scheduled to begin soon. If picked up for series, it will be, at the very least, the first show of its kind. But will there be a Boogie Nights-style reveal shot? Or will it remain a mystery? Either way, expect a big deal to made about this one.
Romeo San Vicente will, no doubt, serve as a technical consultant on “Hung.” He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com.
ARTS by Emily Swartzlander
Think You Know The Columbus A rt s F e st iv a l? Th i nk Ag a in ! There’s so much to discover at this year’s Columbus Arts Festival presented by Time Warner Cable. From our new location in downtown’s Discovery District, to the Giant Eagle Family Stage, to exhibitions of work by local artists, the 2008 Festival is full of new, exciting things to see and do. That’s why our motto for this year is “Discover the Art.” Because we want you to discover the art, music, literature and more at the Columbus Arts Festival, along with the wonderful arts and cultural locations throughout the Discovery District. But that doesn’t mean we’ve left out the Festival favorites. You’ll still find delicious food, hands on activities for kids and adults and performances by local and national acts on our Main and Club stages. Here are some highlights from this year’s Festival: • The Columbus Jazz Orchestra takes the Main Stage from 8p-10p on Friday for its annual Festival performance. If you’ve never seen the CJO, now’s the time. You won’t be disappointed. MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
•Show support for the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus during their Saturday performance, from 2p-2:30p on the Club Stage. •Don’t miss the 5th annual Columbus Arts Festival Poetry Slam, from 8p-10p Saturday at the Poetry Corner. Back by popular demand, the Poetry Slam is an electrifying, high impact night of poetry. Sounds like an oxymoron? It’s definitely not. •Check out Art Revealed, an exhibition of work by local artists. This new exhibition is made possible through support of Elmer’s. •Looking for something to do with your family? Try the Hands-on Art Activities area, where you and your kids can make your own masterpiece. We’ll have performances from Thurber House, The Columbus Celtic Dancers and more on the Giant Eagle Family Stage, and you can relax in the Topiary Park while your kids enjoy a performance of Pinocchio on our Children’s Theater stage. The Hands-on Activities area, Family Stage and Chil-
dren’s Theater are open Saturday and Sunday only. Of course, it wouldn’t be the Columbus Arts Festival without our talented visual artists and craftspeople, who will be showing and selling their work the entire weekend. This year, we’re proud to feature approximately 250 artists from across the country, who were chosen to participate by a panel of national arts experts from more than 1,200 applicants in 15 types of media. Stop by the artists’ booths, talk with them about their work and take home a piece (or two) for yourself or as a gift. We hope you’ll join us for this year’s Columbus Arts Festival and discover something new to love about this favorite event. Hours are Fri-
day-Saturday, 11:30a-10p and Sunday 11:30a6p. Parking is available in Columbus State Community College and Columbus College of Art and Design parking lots, and all money from these lots goes toward student scholarships. Visit our Web site at gcac.org/fest to see a map of the new site and check out the list of participating artists, entertainment schedules and more. Emily Swartzlander is Marketing & Communications Director for GCAC, a member organization of the Columbus Arts Marketing Association. For more information, visit www.camaonline.org.
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30 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
FILM by Mikey Rox
Taking Cover:
An interview with ‘Shelter’ director Jonah Markowitz Blink and you’ll miss it, but every so often a gay-themed saga comes along that doesn’t suck. That may seem harsh, but the truth is that for every Brokeback Mountain there are a dozen Say Uncles – films produced because no one had the guts to tell the projects’ masterminds that they should quit their day jobs. Luckily for writer/director Jonah Markowitz, no one needed to. Because with Shelter, his feature debut (on DVD May 27), Markowitz has turned out a poignant piece of cinema that’s less about being homosexual than it is finding happiness – regardless of sexuality or circumstances. The story of Zach (Trevor Wright), who gives up his dreams of attending art school to take care of his family while falling in love with an older family friend (Brad Rowe), Shelter grittily captures on film what’s at the core of every romantic human heart – a longing to belong and the barriers that must be broken to achieve it. In a recent interview, the award-winning Markowitz discusses his new film, which has premiered on three different platforms (theaters, TV and DVD) in as many months; casting the easyon-the-eyes male leads; why he doesn’t consider Shelter a ‘gay’ film; and how, hetero or homo, at the end of the day it’s up to us to find our own way. Mikey Rox: You cut your teeth in the film industry as an assistant art director on films such as The House of Sand and Fog and Meet the Fockers and as art director on We Are Marshall. How did those positions prepare you to direct? Jonah Markowitz: I learned a lot about how to tell a story in a visual way. I also got the opportunity to watch many talented directors and their crews work on set. MR: While working on the latter film, you were writing and directing two acclaimed short films, I Left Me and Hung Up. What was the impetus for your transition from art direction to full-on directing? JM: I had always studied directing and wanted to be a director. It just took a while to get there. MR: Your first feature film, Shelter, is releasing on DVD May 27, but in the past two months the film was released theatrically followed by a television premiere on here! TV. That’s quite a whirlwind release schedule using an unprecedented platform. Did it pay off? JM: I think it did – especially as it’s hard with this size budget to really get a bang for your buck with marketing. This way you can really capitalize on it. MR: Though both male leads, Trevor Wright and Brad Rowe, play gay in Shelter, they’re straight in real life. Was this a conscious decision on MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
your part to cast straight men in the gay roles? JM: Absolutely not; not only would that be illegal, but I wanted the best actors for the best roles, regardless of their age. I would never ask someone I was casting or hiring about their sexuality, nor would I appreciate anyone doing the same to me. MR: Let’s talk about the chemistry between Trevor and Brad for a minute. As straight guys, it was probably somewhat difficult for them to create an on-screen man-on-man relationship since they’re both straight and likely out of their comfort zone. But was the chemistry naturally there, or did you have to step in as director and sort of guide them to more authentic realizations of their characters? JM: We talked about what it was like to be so in love with someone that you wanted to spend all day in bed with them. That’s all the direction they needed. They’re actors; they did the rest. MR: In your director’s statement, you say that, “Shelter is a story about people – not gay people – just people,” and, in fact, mention several times that the story is more about desire, love and identity than sexuality. Do you think you accomplished that, especially when the media considers this a ‘gay’ film? JM: Not all the media considers this a gay film, and, judging by the response I’ve gotten at screenings and festivals, I do think that we accomplished this. MR: There’s a pivotal moment in the film when Trevor Wright’s character, Zach, is confronted with homophobia from within his own family. The nature of the conflict is so severe that it threatens to take away everything that Zach loves, including his nephew, for whom he’s been caregiver. Why is this moment crucial to the plot, and why do you think audiences will relate? JM: I think that it’s something that everyone goes through, straight or gay – the moment when you realize that you cannot live your life for other people, that joy only comes from being yourself. MR: Shelter’s soundtrack includes many here! Tunes artists, including Shane Mack and the band Dance Yourself to Death. How do these track selections assist the story? JM: Music always drove the story, and when [executive in charge of production] Matt Freeman introduced me to Shane’s music, I was sold. MR: At the end of the day, how do you want people to view this film? JM: With someone they love! And then again with a bunch of friends. Who is Mikey Rox? Who gives a fuck! But you can find him at www.mikeyrox.com.
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 31
BITCH SLAP
Stop Stealing From Me Sandler! Hi Adam Sandler ripped of his movie Zohan form my 2005 Comic Book - Jayms Blonde and I’ve got trailers on YouTube about it and have served him with legal cease & desist papers. www.JaymsBlonde.com or search for “Zohan & Blonde Go Blow To Blow” on YouTube for the 2nd Trailer Simply The drama...... Go Back To Drivers Ed! Really, driving 2 miles slower might save you a couple cents down the road but nothing dramatic. And these idiots driving 40mph on the freeway I mean REALLY? What are you thinking! And to top it off they don’t even use their damn turning signals! I’m continually amazed that an 80 thousand dollar car is not equipped with such a luxury. Get off the road! Why Is “Soda To Go” So Hard? The Short North is such a great place to work – I wouldn’t want my office anywhere else. But I can’t for the life of me determine why restaurants don’t carry bottled soda for their carryout clients, or at least have cups with lids that fit, and beverage carriers that don’t wobble and tear and disintegrate before your very eyes. Yes, I could walk to UDF for a soda, but that kinda defeats the purpose of Short North dining. I don’t want to make two trips, one to a great restaurant and another to a dingy not-so-safe-looking convenience store owned by homophobes from Cincinnati. So c’mon, SNBAers, help a brother carry out! Think Past Your Next Frappucchino I am so tired of people not being able to see the big f*#king picture! Ya’ll bitch about the lack of parking downtown and in the Short North and then in the same breath bitch that you don’t think streetcars are what Columbus needs. Well wake up idiots! Our city is growing, our gas is shrinking and China is taking over the world. In a few years, we’re not going to be able to afford or have any gas left to worry about parking with. We need to plan ahead and get started so when we run out of gas, we’re not stuck walking a mile to work, which wouldn’t bother me, but lord knows your fat ass wouldn’t walk! Get on board or get out already. Life in Plastic – Not Fantastic! Ok, here goes. Plastic!!!! While it has helped to “save lives,” it pollutes our environment more than we could ever imagine. It adds hormone qualities to every baby bottle, water bottle, and yes, directly from your faucet. It would seem that life is not possible without it... what a crock of shit!!!!! But think about it, when is the last time you did anything that didn’t involve plastic: brushed your teeth, used a razor, drove a car, drank from a bottle, bought anything in a blister pack, took food home from a restaurant (and no, Rumpke does not recycle bottle caps, or plastic to go containers, and either does anyone else, so, um, from landfill to water supply, you’ll be sure to get your fill). And if anyone says “but..., ”ask yourself, did you elect to drink estrogen today? Kill an albatross today? If you like Ed Norton, check out “Strange Days on Planet Earth” on PBS! MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
32 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 33
HEALTH & BEAUTY by Michael Daniels
Making Over Me Last fall, I made a commitment to myself to do some things to make my outside more closely match my inside. That is, I made a commitment to do my own mini-version of Extreme Makeover, using only products and services available from current Outlook Weekly advertisers and supporters. The commitment was difficult, sometimes a bit painful, but definitely worth the effort. This is my story. I embarked on this personal transformation journey in a variety of areas. I made a contract with myself to change my body, my appearance, my stress
weeks post-procedure. Total healing time for each was approximately six weeks and optimal results will not be seen until 6-8 months for each area. I also underwent one treatment of lipo-dissolve on my face and neck, approximately 8 weeks after the tumescent procedure, to further sculpt my jawline and remove some remaining fatty deposits. Lipo-dissolve involves a series of medicated injections that may melt away unwanted small, localized areas of fat. The results are nothing short of amazing to me. Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment, but
perts) gave me a fresh cut and color and continues to be both my friend and my style consultant. Changing my stress levels Realizing that controlling and reducing my stress levels is critical, I turned to Ellen Seigel, an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist, who continues to help me with meditation techniques and other energy healing avenues. I’ve also relied on my life partner Robbie Daniels, and my business partner Chris Hayes, who are always there to support me, encourage me, and generally take on the nearly impossible task of keeping me sane. Changing my health habits Once I had lost nearly a quarter of my abdominal girth, I was determined to keep it off! I turned to Toby Whitehead at SupperThyme USA and continue to use their Extreme Fitness Meals. These meals not only provide pre-made healthy eating, but have also helped me to learn what a true portion size of food is and to make healthier eating choices when cooking at home or eating out. I haven’t quite gotten to the point where I can
Toward the future I know this is an ongoing process. I have to make daily choices to eat right, exercise, and take care of my skin. I have to walk the dog instead of just dumping her in the yard, I have to take the stairs instead of the elevator, I have to walk to complete my errands rather than drive. I still have some work to do to get my bodyfat percentage down to below 20%, and I’d like to stop smoking. There are still many Aveda hair colors that I haven’t tried, and several areas of my body still have blank skin to ink. But I’ve taken some good first steps, and for the first time in my 43 years, I actually like the way the guy in the mirror looks, even when he’s not wearing clothes. I have no choice but to grow older, but I can choose to do it on my terms. The journey continues, and I thank Robbie, Chris & Traut, and all of my other guides, supporters, coaches, and cheerleaders, as I move forward, making myself over every day. Contacts and references: Dr. Joe Villa, South German Village Medical Center, 614.444.4496, www.sgvcosmetic.com – see Dr. Joe’s ad on page 32 in this issue and weekly on the Network Columbus sponsors page; Chris Churchill and Lindsay Hearts, artists at
There were abs under the flab, expertly uncovered by Dr. Joe Villavicencio. Eating right and working out has helped me to define and refine them as my transformation continues. levels, and my health habits. Changing my body Perhaps the most major part of my transformation was my decision to undergo a series of tumescent liposuction treatments with Dr. Joe Villavicencio at South German Village Medical Center. The tumescent technique, created by Dermatologist Jeffery Klein, MD, is a much less invasive technique than traditional liposuction. The procedure was performed in Dr. Joe’s office with only local anesthetic. After consultation and setting realistic expectations for results, Dr. Joe injected a solution into the fatty tissue that anesthetizes the area. The solution also causes the area to become firm and swollen (tumescent), which enabled him to then extract the fat through a thin tube (called a cannula) inserted through tiny puncture wounds in the skin. The fat was then removed through the cannula with the assistance of a high-pressure vacuum. I was awake during these procedures, and able to communicate with Dr. Joe and his staff throughout the procedure. The procedures were mildly-to-moderately uncomfortable, but not painful, and took between 1.5 and 3 hours each. I had a total of three tumescent lipo procedures – one on my abdomen (Oct 07), one on my flanks or “love handles (Apr 08),” and one on my face and neck (Jan 08). With each procedure, there was discomfort during the healing process and I had keep the area bound with a compression garment for 2-3
rather a body sculpting technique. While I did lose a few pounds from the procedures, the majority of my weight loss has come from changing my eating and exercise habits (more on this later). But the lipo results themselves yielded amazing changes … I lost 10 inches from my abs and flanks (from 46” to 36”), and 4-6 inches from my waist (from size 40 jeans to size 34/36). The accompanying pictures tell the story far better than any further description ever could. Note: yes, folks, those tattoos are real … some have told me that they’d never have thought I was a “pierced and inked kind of guy,” but I have several, and continue to collect body art from my tattoo artist, Chris Churchill – the new piece on my left forearm rocks! – and my professional piercer, Lindsay Hearts, both at Evolved Body Art.)
Losing about a decade off my face thanks to cosmetic lipo, a great skincare regimen, and a new hairstyle, color, and look.
Changing my appearance Finally having achieved a jawline and neck that I actually liked in the mirror, I decided to enhance and maintain them. Dr. Jim Ford performed a Zoom tooth whitening procedure, and provided me with the products required to maintain and touch up a clean white smile. Kimm Hrdlicka of Arbonne International consulted with me, and created a personal skincare regimen using Arbonne’s NutriMinC and NutriMenC line, to reduce wrinkles, tighten and tone my skin, and get rid of the colored bags under my eyes. Stephen Leput at Phia Salon (formerly Haircolorx-
commit to a gym membership or a personal trainer, but Robbie and I did bite the bullet and purchase a home gym system. I make an effort to work out at home three times a week for 15-20 minutes, and am starting to see results in terms of a little more muscle and a little less fat overall. Since October, I have managed to lose approximately 15 lbs (from 218 to 203 lbs) and have lowered my bodyfat by 8% (from 33% to 25%), meaning that I’ve lost about 23 lbs of fat and gained about 8 lbs of muscle.
Evolved Body Art, 614.421.4444, www.evolvedbodyart.com – Evolved’s ads run every other week on the classifieds page; Dr. Jim Ford, 614.228.1113, www.drjamesford.com – see his ad weekly on the Network Columbus sponsors page; Kimm Hrdlicka, 614.888.2150 – see her ad weekly on the Network Columbus sponsors page; Stephen Leput, stylist at Phia Salon, 614.545.7100, www.phiasalon.com – Phia’s ads run every other week; Ellen Seigel, Heart Centered Healing, 614.842.4374, www.heartcenteredhealing.info – see her ad every other week; Toby Whitehead, Supper Thyme USA, 614.798.4890, www.supperthymeusa.com – Supper Thyme’s ads run every other week.
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
34 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
MUSIC by Gregg Shapiro
If Leisha Hailey, one half of the electro duo Uh Huh Her, looks familiar, there are good reasons. In the `90s, Hailey was one half of queer twosome the Murmurs (along with Heather Grody), a pair known for songs such as “You Suck,” “I’m A Mess,” and “La Di Da.” A few years after the Murmurs disbanded, she could be seen as Alice on Showtime’s The L Word. Musical partner Camila Grey, formerly of Mellowdrone, is now becoming more visible as the other half of Uh Huh Her. Common Reaction (Nettwerk), the forthcoming major-label debut by Uh Huh Her arrives at a time when the `80s revival of synth-driven music is still having an impact on our ears. No doubt songs including the title track, “Dance With Me,” “Not A Love Song,” “Explode,” and “Wait Another Day,” will make their mark where dancing is involved. On the afternoon of the first night of their Spring 2008 tour, Leisha Hailey and Camila Grey of the electro duo Uh Huh Her, spoke to me before their sound check at the Double Door in Chicago. Gregg Shapiro: I’d like to begin with the name of the band, Uh Huh Her, which is also the name of a 2004 PJ Harvey album. On a scale of one to ten, how would you each rank PJ Harvey’s influence on you musically? Leisha Hailey: Oh, wow. I don’t want to give a number, but she’s definitely an influence to both of us. We’re in no way a PJ Harvey tribute band. GS: Of course. LH: She’s amazing, though, truly one of the best artists around today. Camila Grey: I’m really inspired by her. As far as how she relates musically to us, it’s really different. MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
GS: Is she aware that you’ve named the band after an album of hers? CG: Yeah, she actually is. LH: I can’t remember how we heard. CG: Through a lady in New York, who’s friends with us, who works for Spinner(.com), who interviewed her. She said, “By the way, did you know that there’s a band called Uh Huh Her?” And she (Harvey) said, “I feel sorry for them because they have to keep pronouncing the name to people” (laughs). GS: It’s not a tongue twister, it’s more like a throat twister. LH: Uh huh! GS: Leisha, Uh Huh Her is a duo and your previous band, the Murmurs, was also a duo. What do you like about working in pairs? LH: That’s funny. This band never set out to be a duo. We were actually an all-girl trio when we first formed. Which I loved the idea of; I think that’s hot. Our drummer (Alicia Warrington) ended up leaving the band because she actually had to make money. CG: Because we weren’t making any. LH: It just ended up like this. Let’s put it that way. GS: Camila, the songwriting is credited to both of you. What’s involved in that process? CG: It tends to work in a lot of different ways. When we first started, we were all bringing different ideas to the table, just trying to figure out what our sound is because we’re so new. Now we’re trying to hone the sound that we do have. A lot of it’s from the production angle, which is what I do. That’s the main credit I take – stacking it all together. It’s really collaborative in that I’ll half do
one lyric and she’ll finish it. GS: It’s almost like finishing each other’s sentences. CG: In a way. LH: That’s a good way to look at it. And we’re such opposites that I think we come at something… CG: …from completely different angles. LH: Which is good for the outcome, I think. GS: The Uh Huh Her disc is largely a synth-based effort. What was the draw, the attraction of working in that genre? CG: For me, I love playing with synthesizers. It’s the instrument that I grew up doing. So, I have a huge love for it and I love `80s bands, synth rock. I think that’s probably obvious. That was a huge element in the production. I don’t like to be too overt with it. I think it’s a nice undertone. LH: I have never played the synth in my life, so I’ve been learning. CG: It’s been fun teaching her. LH: Yeah, it’s really great. All the sounds that a synth can make. CG: The power of the Nord. LH: Yeah (laughs), exactly. It just gets in your blood. CG: It’s huge (makes synth sound). LH: Of course, I’ve always been a fan of that music, as well. It’s fun to be actually creating it. GS: The music on the disc isn’t all dance-untilyou-drop. There are some slow tunes and that ballad at the end, “Dreamers.” Was it important for there to be musical variety on the album? LH: I like when an album has highs and lows and different tempos. It can become background
music if it sticks to one place. I think it came out that way also because we had some time restraints. We were very rushed in making this record, much like everything else with this band. CG: We should have been called Rush. Or Rush 2 or Rush, Part Deux. I think, ultimately, we didn’t plan it that way. But I like that it lends itself to doing a little bit of a roller coaster – it takes you up, then it takes you down. GS: Because electronic dance music tends to be popular in the LGBT community, will you be making any appearances at any gay clubs or will you be primarily doing live music venues? LH: We’re just really out to play live shows. Just your run of the mill rock venues to get our tour legs. CG: We haven’t really done a full tour yet. We’ve done a little week tour and little one-offs, but we haven’t had the consistency of touring rock clubs. That’s what we’re aiming for. GS: Are there remixes planned or done? CG: Morgan Page did one. LH: And we definitely plan on having other people do that. GS: Leisha, music figured prominently in The L Word, with at least two soundtracks being spawned. Will an Uh Huh Her song be on a forthcoming soundtrack? LH: I don’t know. I’m as oblivious to that world as anybody. We got chosen – okay, I had a little in (laughs), what can I say – they put one of our songs (into the show last), but I don’t know how they go about picking (the material for) the CDs.
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 35
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MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
36 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
PUCKER UP by Tristan Taormino
Brokeback Mountain was just the beginning . . . I just got back from a weekend at the University of California at Santa Barbara, where I attended “Console-ing Passions: An International Conference on Television, Audio, Video, New Media, and Feminism. It was three days of geeking out with academics about TV, the Internet, and various kinds of media studies - who knew that people are getting their Ph.D.’s in Battlestar Galactica and The Hills these days? Naturally, the first panel I went to was all about porn, with four scholars presenting papers on lesbian identity politics and pornography, the 1980s cult hit Café Flesh and its ‘90s sequel, the industry in Vietnam, and bad-boy director/current Justice Department target Max Hardcore, that last topic featuring the best title ever: “Scrunchies, Braces, and Throat Fucking: Performances of Girlhood in Gonzo Porn.” A bunch of women stuck around afterwards to continue the discussion that the panel had, um, stimulated, and we began talking about the kind of porn we all watched. Someone brought up the work of Shine Louise Houston’s Pink and White Productions (pinkwhite.biz), a San Francisco– based company that describes its mission as creating “adult entertainment that exposes the complexities of queer sexual desire . . . dedicated to producing sexy and exciting images that reflect today’s blurred gender lines and fluid sexualities.” She thought it was amazing; I chimed in and said, “Yes, it’s diverse, radical, and I totally applaud Houston’s vision.” Another person chimed in: “Do you like fag porn? All my queer female friends do.” Hers wasn’t a surprising question. I know lesbians who dig it more than any other kind of hardcore fare. I briefly dated a genderqueer dyke who just loved gay male porn: She ran out and got the newest title from her favorite company the day it came out. In this case, she adored movies from Bel Ami (belamionline.com), which feature young, hairless European lads (think the boy-on-boy version of the straight barely-legal genre). The boys are very pretty and androgynous, and some of them could definitely be mistaken for dykes with their clothes on. But other girl-loving girls love über-butch men, leather daddies, and big hairy bears, so it’s not always about androgyny. By now, I think it’s commonplace to accept that queer women love queer male porn, but what is that all about? First, let’s acknowledge a practical reality: There isn’t a whole lot of lesbian porn produced by and for lesbians, or that feels authentic to lesbian viewers. Some dykes can get their fix of queerness - both the lust and the cultural aesthetics - via gay porn, even though it features people of a different gender than those they get it on with in real life. Queer is often attracted to queer first and foremost, like when the guy I lusted after in high school turned out to be gay - it makes sense in some way. And speaking of gender, plenty of lesbians MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
identify with various forms of masculinity: Their own gender expression may be at the masculine end of the spectrum, or they may like to fantasize and play with gender and sex. Gay porn gives them a range of masculine desires to relate to or lust after. For those dykes who themselves identify as fag - or who like butch/butch, boi/boi, or transman/transman sex - they can see a hyper-masculine version of their own sex lives and/or fantasies performed on the small screen. The phenomenon of straight women who love gay male porn has been documented and was discussed plenty when flocks of females gushed over Brokeback Mountain. When women came out of their fag-loving closet, it illustrated the flip side of a common theory: Plenty of straight men love girl/girl porn because they want to see lots of who they lust after. The same is true for het women: They like to look at hot naked men shagging, and it doesn’t really matter that they’re shagging each other. I think it may also be true that while pornos full of romance and mood lighting are marketed to women, some prefer a sweaty, get-right-down-toit romp in the locker room any day. Wired.com columnist Regina Lynn, author of Sexier Sex: Lessons from the Brave New Sexual Frontier, writes that it’s not always about identifying with someone in a scene: “For me, gay porn has always been arousing because of its masculinity. The strength and power, plus the double dose of raw male drive and sexuality, add up to more than the sum of their parts.” On Nerve.com, journalist Kera Bolonik admits that she gets off with men onscreen, but not in real life: “Nothing makes me hotter than watching two men going at it. There is something really admirable about gay male porn, at least in principle: it’s egalitarian. Everyone gets a turn at the top as well as at the bottom. Everyone comes, and often they do it together.” I’m not sure this concept of equality is attractive to everyone (I personally like a hefty dose of power dynamics with my sex), but it supports the notion of seeing some kind of sameness, something non-heterosexual represented. And it also raises the issue that many women, regardless of their orientation, have with porn: their ambivalence or discomfort with seeing female performers when issues of consent, enjoyment, and pleasure are unclear. Somehow, our concerns and feminist politics don’t overshadow the sex when women are absent (as if a man could not degrade or coerce another man, which is obviously flawed logic). I like gay porn for the hot dudes, the overflow of testosterone, and the unapologetic sexual desire. I also like straight porn. But that’s a subject for another column. For more information on Tristan Taormino’s work, please visit Puckerup.com.
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 37
SAVAGE LOVE by Dan Savage
Wing Man, Disability Fetishes and Social Isolation I’m writing on behalf of a 19-year-old guy with cerebral palsy. As you may know, CP is a brain affliction resulting from insufficient oxygen at birth, and it causes the part of the brain responsible for motor function to work incorrectly. Troubles for people with CP include muscle spasticity, weakness, and/or painful contraction, and in some cases a life spent in a wheelchair. My buddy is, like any 19-year-old, interested in finding out more about his sexuality. He has watched his peers develop sexually, but hasn’t had the opportunity to do so himself. Intimacy aside, are there any services that you know of that could help him to experience sex for the first time? I don’t mean to buy the guy a hooker or anything like that, but I wondered if there are people who would assist him and a girl (disabled or otherwise) into bed. Thanks, and keep up the great column. I’ve been a reader for years… Friend In Deed “Your reader shouldn’t make assumptions about what having sex or being sexual means to his friend,” says Cory Silverberg, coauthor of The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability. What if your friend doesn’t want to get into bed with a girl, but head into a dungeon with one? Or two? Or what if your friend is gay? Or what if all he really wants is to make it with a plush toy or a picnic table? “Just like we do with everyone,” says Cory, “we tend to assume folks with disabilities are straight and just want to have penile-vaginal intercourse and some oral sex. We’re almost always wrong. So the first thing he should do is ask his friend what he’s interested in.” Cory also suggests that you ask your friend if he’s having sex with himself, since masturbation is the easiest way for a person to explore his sexuality. “Mobility disabilities can make masturbation tricky,” says Cory, “but never impossible. Privacy and motor control can be challenging, but there are many workarounds.” If your friend has or finds a partner and needs physical assistance during sex, you might want to help him find an attendant, a person who works with physically disabled people, who is comfortable positioning him and a partner in bed, assisting with condoms, and cleaning up. “In my experience,” says Cory, “attendants who are queer tend to be more comfortable talking about sex and making that kind of assistance part of their job description, but that doesn’t rule out straight ones.” So if your friend has plenty of sex with himself and has a good idea what he’d like to do, but doesn’t have a partner to do it with, what do you do
then? “I don’t have any new suggestions here,” says Cory. “He should get out there, use online and virtual spaces, join a social group related to something he’s passionate about - all of these are good ways to meet people. Paying for sex is also an option, but avoid the escort ads and try to get a referral from someone you know and trust.” I was in a chat room today and a guy asked if he could see my belly button. Of course, my fetish alarm went off. Turns out this guy is 19, disabled, and feels like a total social/sexual outcast. Because of his physical problems and his fetish, he said he felt like he’d never have a normal relationship. I couldn’t lie to the kid and say “Don’t worry, pumpkin, your soul mate will find you someday,” so instead I offered “Most people are assholes - and this comes from an able-bodied vanilla girl, so yeah, your life’s gonna be tough.” Then I thought there must be some kind of internet group out there for disabled fetishists. It might also make him feel more normal, and he may be able to arrange an amazing you-canfetishize-my-disability-if-I-can-jerk-off-in-yourbelly-button relationship. I’m torn up thinking about this kid and want to do something for him. Trying To Help A Kid Out “Your reader probably feels like she is doing a good thing,” says Cory, “but she should tone down the condescension [about fetishes and disability].” Cory feels strongly that people with disabilities shouldn’t be told they must look exclusively to disability fetishists for partners. “But there are people who have a specific sexual preference for people with disabilities,” says Cory, “and they identify themselves as devotees and in most cases the disabilities they prefer are people missing limbs and people in wheelchairs.” Ascot World (www.ascotworld.com), according to Cory, “is still one of the biggest and best devotee sites and offers links to discussion groups, which, if this guy is interested, are one place to look for people.” Now before angry able-bodied folks take offense on behalf of the disabled and fill my inbox with angry letters about creepy devotees, please wrap your able-bodied heads around this: If you believe in equal treatment for people with disabilities - and you do, right? - then that extends to sex. We all want to be objectified from time to time, and a disabled person has just as much right to healthy objectification as any able-bodied person. There’s really not much difference between a leg man and a lack-ofleg man - well, except this: The more common a fetish is, the less likely we are to regard it as one. “But a lot of devotees don’t think of themselves
as fetishists,” adds Cory. “They compare their interests to someone who likes red hair or big boobs, more of a preference or something they have an emotional connection to rather than something they absolutely need to get off.” Please help me. I’m 38 and have no boyfriend or friends to go out with. I have been in a wheelchair for 10 years with a hereditary condition. I have low self-esteem, which does not help. I don’t know how to fix it. If I do ever go somewhere on my own, I never find people that want to talk, and my life is so boring. Dying Out Here “The effects of the social isolation people with disabilities face can include depression,” says Cory, “and from this brief note, that’s my first concern.” Cory thinks you might benefit from seeing someone - le shrink - about your general mental health before you start looking for a boyfriend. “The reader wants to ‘fix’ the problem, but the truth is that there isn’t any quick or easy fix, especially when it comes to self-esteem. But taking some action to change your situation can make you feel more positive about yourself and what you have to offer others.” Once you’ve sought out some help for your depression, Cory suggests you “find some volunteer work that is accessible [or] join a social group or club” - basically follow the standard-issue advice for any lonely person, able-bodied or not. You also might want to check out these disability dating websites: www.dawn-disabled-dating.com, www.disableddatingclub.com, www.enablelove.com, www.lovebyrd.com, and www.specialsinglesonline.com. Cory also wanted me to pass on these resources: Independent Living USA (www.ilusa.com); info on seeing a sexual surrogate (www.pacificnews.org/marko/sex-surrogate.html); some practical suggestions from Outsiders, a UK disability-rights group (www.outsiders.org.uk/practical-suggestions); and Queers on Wheels (www.queersonwheels.com). Cory also writes for, and maintains, a sex and disability resources page at About.com. Finally, all three authors of The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability - Miriam Kaufman, Fran Odette, and Cory Silverberg - are happy to help others with suggestions and can be reached via e-mail at sex.disability@gmail.com. Cory also takes questions this week on the Savage Lovecast, my weekly podcast, which you can download at www.thestranger.com/savage. Confidential to California: Thanks for that. mail@savagelove.net MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
38 • OUTLOOK WEEKLY
ABOUT TOWN
Twisted Little Town by Chris Hayes
Hedwig And The Angry Inch opens at the Club Theatre in June
www.freshmen.com
John Cameron Mitchell’s cult musical hit Hedwig And The Angry Inch is coming to town! For those who do not already know, Columbus’ very own Club Diversity (863 S High St), acclaimed martini and piano bar, has added a large addition to its plate: The Club Theatre Company. Housed above Club Diversity, the thirty-two seat theatre and its company is led by artistic director Ryan Scarlata. “Hedwig And The Angry Inch will be the biggest show we’ve produced yet,” Scarlata says. The theatre underwent much renovation in the month of February to prepare for the arrival of this large scale show. “We are sparing no expense and using every inch of talent we can muster to make this show the theatrical event of the summer.” One way this show will stand out is the exceptional casting of the leading role. Matthew Brennan will be joining us in Columbus from New York City for eight weeks to star in the Club Theatre Co’s production. Hedwig And The Angry Inch is a powerful rock/pop/punk styled musical that really speaks the GLBT community. In east communist Germany, a young boy named Hansel falls for an American soldier. Knowing they would not be able to come to the U.S. without being married... and that they would not be married unless one of them was female... Hansel’s mother took him to a back alley surgeon who performed a sex-change operation. The operation is botched and Hansel, now named Hedwig after his mother,
is left with a surgically constructed vagina that has healed shut. Thus, Hedwig is left with a dysfunctional inch of flesh. Upon coming to the U.S., the couple stay together for a year when the soldier leaves Hedwig for another man. Hedwig then meets a young teenager named Tommy Speck. She teaches him of life and writes music for him. They discover Tommy’s talent as a performer and change his name to Tommy Gnosis. He eventually leaves her and becomes an international superstar performing the music Hedwig wrote for him. Internationally ignored, Hedwig and her band the Angry Inch are forced to support themselves by playing coffee bars and strip mall dives. The show, originally produced in 1998, follows Hedwig and her band performing in a small restaurant where Tommy is playing the adjoining arena. She believes that Tommy is her soul mate and is driven to either reunite with him or destroy him. Subsequently, the show was produced as a film starring John Cameron Mitchell (author and original Hedwig) in 2001. The Club Theatre Company production of Hedwig And The Angry Inch will be performed June 12-15, 19-22 and 26-29 (Pride weekend). All shows will begin at 7p. Tickets are $18 in advance or $24 at the door. Please visit www.clubdiversity.com and follow the links to order tickets through ticketweb. Tickets are also available by calling a ticket master phone line or by calling Jenny at 614.406.5510.
Manhunt.Net’s 7 Sexy Sins Tour Comes to Axis
MANHUNT.net, the leading gay online company in the USA, announced today they will celebrate their seven year anniversary with a national tour this summer. The “7 Sexy Sins” tour will hit forty North American cities, beginning with a huge bash in Boston, Massachusetts. The event celebrates the biblical 7 deadly sins of Lust (luxuria), Gluttony (gula), Greed (avaritia), Sloth (acedia), Wrath (ira), Envy (invidia), and Pride (superbia); with a sexy twist. Manhunt.net’s “7 Sexy Sins” are: Fellatio, Rimming, Masturbation, Voyerism, Bondage, Sodomy, and Orgy. Each “7 Sexy Sins” event will feature guest DJs, gifts
bags, door prizes and appearances by models from Falcon Studios, Hot House Entertainment, Raging Stallion and HisFirstHugeCock.com. Other Sponsors of the “7 Sexy Sins” tour are BoyzParty.com, Streem Master, CircleJerkBoys.com, BangBangBoys.com, HairyBoyz.com, UndercoverMags.com, OnTheHunt.com, Fort Troff, Island House, MEN Magazine, C-IN2 Underwear and Genre Magazine. The world-renowned photographer Joe Oppedisano shot the “7 Sexy Sins” ad campaign for the launch of the website www.ManhuntTour.net. The sinners head to Ohio for two shows next week. On Jun 6 they will be at Bounce in Cleveland, and then on Jun 7 they head to Axis here in Cbus. Both nights feature Falcon Exclusive TJ Hawke.
COLUMBUS NEXT MEETING: JUNE 11, 6P-8P; LOCATION: U CAFE - 782 N HIGH ST; SPEAKER: OUT WITH OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS WWW.NETWORKCOLUMBUS.COM
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008
OUTLOOK WEEKLY • 39
fin
THE LAST WORD by Chris Crain
Gay Marriage By Judicial Activism The critics aren’t all wrong in labeling the California Supreme Court marriage ruling ‘judicial activism.’ They’re just wrong about why. The euphoria still lingers weeks after the California Supreme Court decided that limiting marriage to heterosexual couples violates the state’s constitution. Gay and lesbian couples from across the country are already making wedding plans in the Golden State, which unlike Massachusetts has no residency requirement for marriage. That excitement isn’t shared by everyone, of course. Conservatives have attacked the ruling since it was announced, complaining that a bare majority of the California Supreme Court had exceeded its authority and legislated from the bench, deciding for itself that same-sex couples ought to be able to marry, rather than leaving it to the Legislature. Republican presidential candidate John McCain was among the critics, affirming through a spokesman that he “supports the right of the people of California to recognize marriage is a unique institution sanctioning the union between a man and a woman. “John McCain doesn’t believe judges should be making these decisions,” the spokesman said. The California court rightly rejected this simplistic charge of “judicial activism,” noting that state and federal constitutions were themselves adopted by “the people” in part to limit the power of “the people” to trample individual rights. Unfortunately, even though the court was perfectly within its authority to rule on the constitution-
ality of the marriage laws, the four justices in the majority arguably overstepped their authority in several important and completely unnecessary ways. Perhaps most surprising about the marriage decision was how swiftly will come the justice. Having concluded the existing law is unconstitutional, the court ordered county clerks to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples almost immediately 30 days from the effective date of the decision. When the state supreme courts in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey earlier concluded that their heterosexual-only marriage laws violated the rights of gay couples, they left it up to their respective legislatures to pick what form of recognition should replace it. Vermont and New Jersey chose civil unions; Massachusetts chose marriage, although only after the high court later made clear that no other alternative would do The California court, on the other hand, took that crucial question from the Legislature and decided on its own to open up marriage to both gay and straight couples. The majority did so despite acknowledging two times in the opinion by Chief Justice Ronald George that “marriage for everyone” wasn’t the only possible solution to this constitutional problem. The other option would be to put in place the same institution for straight and gay couples alike, but call it something else: domestic part-
nerships, civil unions, civil partnerships or whatever. Maybe “civil unions” or “domestic partnerships” for gay and straight alike wouldn’t fly politically, but maybe the legislative debate itself might have reconciled more Californians to the idea that marriage for everyone makes the most sense. Instead, these four justices robbed the public of that debate, as well as the democratic freedom of selecting which constitutionally acceptable form of legal recognition they wanted. Even on the constitutional question where conservatives have focused their rage, the court took the unusual step of relying on not one but three independent reasons for striking down California’s separate forms of recognition – marriage for straight couples and domestic partnership for gay couples: 1. Banning gays from marrying violates their fundamental right to marry (right to privacy). 2. There’s no compelling reason for the way these separate forms of legal recognition infringe upon gay Californians’ fundamental right to marry (equal protection). 3. There’s no compelling justification for how these separate institutions discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation (equal protection). Any one of these three constitutional deficiencies would have been enough for the court to reach the same result.
Relying solely on the first would have been least controversial because it avoided the plaintiffs’ equal protection claims, thereby bypassed the hugely controversial question of whether sexual orientation should be treated by courts like race and gender. These “suspect classifications” in the law are subject to “strict scrutiny” by the courts, and the government must bear a heavy burden to defend the challenged statute. Even after the concluding the marriage law violates the right to privacy, the court majority kept going, becoming the first state supreme court in the country to decide that sexual orientation should be a “suspect class” like race or gender. That’s a huge victory for gay rights, and one that’s fully justified in my view, but it shouldn’t have come now, not in this case. Winning is always good, but the way you win is also important. The California court could have ruled in favor of the gay marriage plaintiffs in ways that were less activist and therefore less likely to be reversed by a ballot measure. A narrower victory might also have had more influence with other state supreme courts wary about charges of judicial activism and being overturned by voters. Chris Crain is former editor of the Washington Blade and five other gay publications and now edits GayNewsWatch.com. He can be reached via his blog at www.citizencrain.com
HOROSCOPES by Jack Fertig
GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 20): You need a good challenge now, and your feistiness could well be directed in more intellectual directions than you would likely choose. Sexual adventures are fun, sure, but stretching your mind is more fulfilling in the long run.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sep 22): You’re about to stumble into some career setbacks, but they’re just minor annoyances. Don’t let them rattle you. Friends and allies can help you turn the bothersome clean-up work into a blessing.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 20): Erupting relationship problems seem more serious than they really are. Sit down and talk things out. Home and money issues can stir up needless drama. Calm, rational solutions take some work, but will save lots of trouble in the long run.
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 19): Friends can offer helpful advice on any problems you have at home, but consider that as a starting point for coming up with your own solutions. Work may distract from personal problems you need to focus on.
CANCER (Jun 21 - Jul 22): Every relationship has some problems. Yours are exaggerated by your busy brain, but there is a kernel of truth in what you’re thinking. Discussing it with your love can complicate things. Solutions are better found in bed.
LIBRA (Sep 23 - Oct 22): Your busy brain is veering toward cleaning house, focusing on picky details at work, and being more helpful than others can appreciate. Two out of three ain’t bad. Developing your skill in any hobby or creative effort will help keep you from kibitzing.
CAPRICORN (Dec 21 - Jan 19): Stay focused on your work. Distractions that seem to be tiny and harmless will prove to be a lot more trouble than expected. Stay clear about goals and values. You may well be underestimating your own worth to others.
ARIES (Mar 20 - Apr 19): Speak from the heart, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because you will. It is important to get those errors out on the table so you can correct them, learn better, and achieve greater things.
LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 22): Try to stay out of power struggles at work. Your longrange view of the situation is sharp, but it’s better to give advice to allies than to join the fray. Focus your attention more on the erotic connection with your partner.
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): You need to shake things up in the bedroom. Keeping private play private may not be easy. Focus some of that erotic energy into artistic expression to keep your mouth from stirring up trouble.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb18): Helping others is noble, but now you need to focus on yourself. Take time out to meditate and relax, and reconsider what’s important in your life. Artistic efforts can be revealingly therapeutic and probably best kept to yourself.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): You have some brilliant ideas that you’ve shared with friends. Getting them out as widely as they deserve will take more effort. Don’t succumb to doubt. If your ideas need some revision, getting them into a larger forum will help.
Jack Fertig, a professional astrologer since 1977, is a founding member of the Association for Astrological Networking. He can be reached for consultations at 415.864.8302, www.starjack.com, and by e-mail at QScopes@qsyndicate.com.
MAY 29 - JUN 04 2008