The Standard Magazine

20 Years of

“The Chase”

Jane Krakowski

Headlines a Star-Studded

Evening CELEBRATING STEVE CHASE

HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

20TH ANNIVERSARY

january, 2014 volume 2 issue 1 theStandardps.com

28th AnnuAl

P r e s e nt e d b y t he I ndIo C h Am b e r of C o m m e r Ce

January 24, 25, 26, 2014 Featuring over 250 acclaimed artists showing traditional, contemporary and abstract fine works of art — clay, drawing, glass, jewelry, metal works, painting, photography, sculpture and textile.

Empire Polo Club 81 800 Avenue 51, Indio, CA 10 am to 5 pm

Tickets $8 • 2-Day Pass $12 Children 16 and Under Free Tickets sold until 4 pm

For information: www.southwestartsfest.com • 760-347-0676 Cash/CC accepted at gate

Media Sponsors

contents Volume 2, Issue 1

theStandardPS.com

twitter.com/theStandardPS jane krakowski headlines The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards 20th Year

facebook.com/theStandardPS

design by Maya Kalabic

Volume 2 Issue 1 Cover 20 Years of “The Chase�

Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Q&A Entertainer Jane Krakowski gets real with The Standard feature Palm Springs International Film Festival Celebrating 25 years of Movie Magic Financial Journey Financial Planning for Various Life Stages travel George takes you on a Beer Excursion

january, 2014 3

Commentary

The Standard Magazine 1111 Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-831-4869 Nino Eilets Publisher Luciano McNulty Editor Maya Kalabic Art Director Photographer David A. Lee Contributors Chris Astrala, Steven Bolerjack, Chris Heritage, Lisa Keen, Lee Lynch, Dennis Mason, Forrest P. Murphy, Mike Sebring, Ken Toth, George Zander www.thestandardps.com Editorial Credits : BrandPoint, Huffington Post, LGBTQ Nation & Project Publicity The Standard Magazine is published monthly. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the Standard or its staff, advertisers or readers with exception of editorials.

Publication of the name or photograph of any person, business or organization in articles or advertising in the Standard is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person, business or organization. The Standard disclaims any responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Advertising rates are subject to change without notice. The Standard reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any advertisement for any reason including, but not limited to poor taste. It is the policy of The Standard that we only publish letters to the editor that are signed by the author and verifiable by phone number. We can reserve the right of anonymity upon request. The letters need to be original, in good taste and free of libel as well as edited for clarity and grammar. Letters are subject to editing by The Standard that also reserves the right to decline print. Please forward your letters to: info@thestandardps.com The views expressed is not necessarily those of The Standard. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No portion of the publication may be reproduced in any form without the expressed consent of the publisher.

cover

30 years of service

by Desert AIDS Project …

Supported by 20 years of Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Andy Linsky, long-time board member and donor to D.A.P., as well as founder of its Partners for Life annual giving program was listed in the gala program as secretary of the board of directors, in addition to serving on the gala committee. Among dozens of others listed on committees, many of whom are still supporters of D.A.P., were Father Andrew Green as board member and Steve Kaufer as board treasurer. Green left the D.A.P. board in 2011 after continuous service to the organization since 1993. Although Kaufer took a board hiatus after many years of service to D.A.P. in its earliest days, he again serves as a board member, including as chair of the governance committee, which helps to identify new board members.

The First Steve Chase Awards Gala

The very first Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on February 13, 1995 … which has grown to become one of the “must-attend, hot tickets” on the Coachella Valley social calendar … was first staged 10 years after Desert AIDS Project was incorporated on August 22, 1984 as a part of the Community Counseling & Consultation Center.

In 1995, the gala was a progressive affair, co-chaired by Dr. David Kaminsky and D.A.P. board member Deirdre Coit. After “a special dining experience created by world-renowned Tuscan chef Giuliano Bugialli” at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage, everyone moved to The McCallum Theatre for a cocktail reception with the honorees.

Current Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala co-chairs, Barbara Keller and Jim Casey, would seem to be cut from the same cloth of devoted service to Desert AIDS Project. However, they had good models to follow, such as Tim Hanlon of Wells Fargo and longtime supporters Bill Jones, Dick Taylor, and others who have put in countless hours for what has become a signature event for raising funds as well as awareness for Desert AIDS Project.

“In addition to serving as D.A.P. board chair and board member respectively, Barbara and Jim are committed to bringing a better experience to our gala attendees each year,” said David Brinkman, CEO of D.A.P. “The funds raised have increased under their tenure – last year, the total was more than $1.4 million. And we couldn’t do it without Jim’s company, Integrated Wealth Management, taking the lead as presenting sponsor for seven consecutive years … to the tune of a total of $1.5 million!”

It all began with Steve Chase and Heart Strings …

Professor Luc Montagnier was recognized for his work as Head of the Department of AIDS & Retroviruses and the Institut Pasteur in Paris, as well as President of the World Foundation for AIDS Research and Prevention. His fellow honoree was actress and activist Mary Steenburgen. They were presented with their awards before the inaugural gala attendees enjoyed a concert by the legendary Harry Belafonte, who has long been as famous for his activism as he is for his acting and singing.

6 theStandardps.com

On February 16-17,1992 the Design Industries Foundation for AIDS (DIFFA) and The NAMES Project Foundation brought the national tour of Heart Strings, The AIDS Memorial Quilt, and You: An Event in 3 Acts to the Palm Springs area, the second stop before travelling on to a total of 34 American cities. The program’s welcome letter from the event chair, internationally known interior designer and long-time D.A.P. volunteer/donor Steve Chase … and living with

cover

BeTTy Ford, sTeve Chase & joan kroC

deBBie reynolds, shirley MaClaine & anGela lansBUry

les daMes dU soleil

harold MaTZner earl GreenBerG & david peeT

an aIds diagnosis himself ‌ read, in part: The first national tour was very successful, raising over four and one half million dollars, and hopefully this one will be even more successful.

It has been a privilege for me to chair this event because I believe so strongly in the message conveyed and its importance to our population. The greatest appeal to me is that the income from this event will remain here in the desert to benefit Desert AIDS Project, a wonderful organization that we have watched grow from a very small size, to a much larger, well-run operation offering numerous services to people living with aIds and to the needs of their loved ones.

MiChael Childers & denise Brown

JanuarY, 2014 7

cover I sincerely hope that you will enjoy this evening’s show, and the memories of it will motivate you to continue to work with us in the battle against AIDS. We cannot do it without you.

disease – culminating in a special video clip of the 30 years of Desert AIDS Project. One or more yet-to-be-identified “Hollywood heavies” will also be in attendance, to accept the special award.

In Act One, a new production of Heart Strings combined musical numbers with the words of people living with or affected by AIDS. Act Two was a public display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt while Act Three was a call-to-action, encouraging people to volunteer at local AIDS groups.

“Whether their entertainment preferences run to Broadway musical theatre, dance, or great movies, anyone attending the 2014 gala will get a bit of it all,” Keller said.

When the curtain rose for the first time for Heart Strings in 1986, actor David Hasselhof read excerpts from a diary, which were followed by staged musical selections. Throughout the show, the audience thought they were hearing the words of a person with AIDS. At the end, Hasselhof closed his book and said, “This evening I have been reading from the diaries of a young woman, Etty Hillesum. She died at Auschwitz in 1944. She was 28 years old.”

“Whatever your taste, we’ve got some great entertainment, to keep the evening moving along,” added Casey. “I’m pretty sure everyone will leave with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.”

There was an audible gasp from the audience, as they recognized the basic premise that life, prejudice and death are void of time and circumstance. Although it continued to evolve and change in its staging, Heart Strings became a vehicle for people not directly affected by AIDS to relate to the broader human impact of this tragic disease.

After being honored at “A Valentine’s Gala” in 1993, along with former First Lady Betty Ford and Joan Kroc, McDonald’s heiress and the Steve Chase interior design client who was persuaded by him to donate one of her private residences to provide funding for D.A.P.’s first medical clinic, D.A.P.’s gala namesake succumbed to AIDS in 1994. The board, donors, and volunteers of Desert AIDS Project lost no time in properly honoring his legacy with the 1st Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards in 1995.

Fast Forward to 2014 … continuing to mix music and mission From Harry Belafonte to Diahann Carroll to Charo to Erasure to Patti LaBelle and so many other performers… from the stages of Broadway and worldwide concert venues … 19 years of “the Steve Chase” have brought noteworthy entertainment to its audiences. All the while, these galas have stood firmly in their activism and advocacy, reminding attendees that AIDS is not over.

Since the annual gala exists to recognize not only the work of research scientists and the heroes of medicine, but also those in the arts who are equally committed to activism, it seemed a natural in this 20th year for Keller and Casey to create a special “AIDS in Cinema” Arts & Activism Award. It will honor well-known films that have made a special impact on the world’s understanding of this

8 theStandardps.com

It will be a dual-anniversary …

… When the 20th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala comes to the Palm Springs Convention Center to honor those who have been a big part of D.A.P. over its 30 years of service to the communities of the Coachella Valley.

Curt Ringness, immediate past chair of the D.A.P. board of directors, will receive the 30th Anniversary, Board of Director’s - Distinguished Leadership Award in recognition of his service to the organization since 2000. Terri Ketover, also a D.A.P. board member, will receive the 100 Women Award, in honor of more than doubling the ranks of the 100 Women annual giving program that benefits women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. As a salute to their many years of support to Desert AIDS Project, the very generous David Kaplan and Glenn Ostergaard will be honored with the Partners for Life Award.

IF YOU GO 20th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Saturday, February 8, 2014. Palm Springs Convention Center Cocktails & Silent Auction @ 5:30 PM / Dinner, Awards & Entertainment @ 7:00 PM / After-Party @ 9:00 PM

Just award-wi$n26 per month fo r o ning, han dcraftedtw wines.

For 23 years, club owners Br uc e a n d Pa m B or in g h a ve expl ored less-tr aveled roads seeking the hidden gems of th e Cal ifor n ia win e countr y to introduce you to the vin tn er s, th e fin e win es th ey c r aft and the ric h histories that only fe w ever k n ow.

Be among the privileged and exper ien c e th e fl avor, th e stor y an d the people behind fine ar tisan win es. Rec eive Br uc e an d Pa m’s per sonally selec ted wines along with a member s- on l y publ ic ation delivered to your doorstep.

1-800-631-8749

Call Us Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm PST.

Also Makes a Fun & Unique Gift

december, 2013 9

Q&A

The Incomparable Jane Krakowski Jane Krakowski gives new meaning to the term “Triple Threat.”

She has excelled as an actor, a dancer and a singer. And oh boy can she sing! These talents earned her a much-deserved Tony award for the Broadway musical Nine.

From Broadway to London, from the silver screen to television, Jane has performed with the best and along the way she has added many accolades to her list of accomplishments including the coveted Laurence Olivier award for her performance in Guys and Dolls opposite Ewan McGregor. Many know her best from TV as Elaine Vassal on Ally McBeal (Golden Globe nominee) and more recently as Jenna Maroney on the critically acclaimed 30 Rock.

I had the extreme pleasure of talking with Jane, and realized that although she is best known for her comedic roles she obviously takes one thing very serious, giving a great performance…no matter what.

Question: First of all thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us. So let’s dive right in. Many know you as the sometimes-eccentric Jenna Maroney from 30 Rock, but I have to say I have a soft spot in my heart for Elaine Vassal from Ally McBeal. Which character do you identify with the most and why?

Jane: First, Happy New Year! I am so happy to get to talk with you and thanks for writing the article! I loved being a part of both shows. I suppose I identified with the character on 30 Rock a bit more - only because she, too, is an actress. I like to believe the similarities end there. (laugh) Question: Who was your favorite guest co-star on 30 Rock?

Jane: There were so many! We were lucky to have so many amazing guest stars on 30 Rock. One of my early favorites was Paul Reubens. He was just hilarious and created such a unique and memorable character. It was one of the first episodes when the show went to that full farcical level. While we were filming that episode Tina (Tina Fey) humorously gave it the title “goodbye America” because she thought once that one aired we would be cancelled. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. Fun little trivia re: that episode (actually called “Black Tie”) - Will Forte played a small part as Prince Gerhardt’s messenger, Tomas, and then later went on to be another one of my favorite co-stars as Jenna’s Shaman: Paul L’Astnamé. I also really loved when all the musical stars came for the “Kidney Now” episode.

It was such an incredible day on set. All of the cast and crew and

10 theStandardps.com

Q&A family and friends came down to be in the “audience of TGS” and getting to riff with Mary J Blige was just unbelievable to me. What an amazing lady!

Question: What do you miss most about 30 Rock?

Jane: Spending everyday with some of the nicest, funniest and most clever people I will ever know and work with, and getting to play such an exaggerated character as Jenna. It was so fun to play someone who had no grasp on reality. It gave both the writers and me the freedom to go as far as we could. We would start with too much and then still add more.

Question: Now that 30 Rock has ended what does the future hold for you?

Jane: Opening a mall near you!

Question: You did a guest spot on Modern Family; how was sparring with Sofia Vergara like and will that be a recurring role?

Jane: I love the show Modern Family so it was a real treat for me to be on it. They have the nicest cast and crew and they make an incredible show. It was so fun to get to go to their set and play with them all for an episode. It would be my pleasure to go back anytime!

Question: Next month you will be in Palm Springs performing at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. Will this be your first visit to Palm Springs and what are you looking forward to the most?

Jane: I am so happy to be able to come and perform next month at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. The fight is not over, we will always need to spread awareness and I will continue to want to do anything I can and lend my voice to help this most important cause.

IF YOU GO 20th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards February 8 2014 / 5:30pm Palm Springs Convention Center Tickets: www.desertaidsproject.com or 760-323-2118.

In addition to Jane Krakowski, a star-studded line-up for this year’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards will be on hand to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the awards. Scheduled to appear: LaTonya Holmes Nita Whitaker LaFontaine Tomasina Abate Eden Espinosa Eric Martsolf Ray Leeper and the “So You Think You Can Dance” All-Stars

january, 2014 11

feature

The Palm Springs International Film Festival brings Hollywood to Palm Springs

The Palm Springs International Film Festival has grown into one of the world’s most popular — about 140,000 people attended last year, many from outside the area —as a showcase for international cinema. The festival essentially takes over the town for 10 days, with films on 15 screens in Palm Springs and the surrounding area.

The 25th festival, which kicks off Jan. 3 and runs through Jan. 12, features some of this award season’s brightest lights, including Sandra Bullock, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Bruce Dern, and director Steve McQueen. The members of U2, Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr will be honored with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award on Jan. 4.

This year’s festival features 187 films from 60 countries, including 77 premieres.

The 2014 lineup includes 45 of the foreignlanguage film submissions, including all nine titles that made the academy’s shortlist.

The festival combines elements of Sundance, Toronto and Cannes film festivals.

It is also a rare chance to highlight foreignlanguage films in the U.S., where the audience for them has dwindled.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, there are special screenings and events, including “Deja View: Past PSIFF Favorites,” which features films that have won the Audience Award and gone on to win the foreign-language Oscar.

Also showing will be first films at PSIFF whose directors went on to major careers — Roberto Benigni’s “Life Is Beautiful” and Baz Luhrmann’s “Strictly Ballroom.”

The awards gala and the festival are part of the nonprofit Palm Springs International Film Society, which has member screenings

12 theStandardps.com

and education programming throughout the year. Money is raised for the festival through the awards gala, which has revenues of about $2.3 million, and its sponsors Cartier, Mercedes-Benz and “Entertainment Tonight.”

Festival sponsors include the city of Palm Springs, Wells Fargo, Wintec, Windermere Real Estate, Bank of America, Guthy-Renker and Diageo.

This year’s LGBT film choices Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton USA – Directors: Stephen Silha, Eric Slade, Dawn Logsdon – 82 minutes Celebrating the life and work of poet, experimental filmmaker and visionary James Broughton, Big Joy is an ode to liberation, bisexual desire, and artistic expression. As Broughton put it: “Follow your own weird.”

Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia USA/Italy –Director: Nicholas Wrathall – 89 minutes Gore Vidal, as you’ve always known him, only more so more acerbic, more insightful, more brilliant… and more sorely missed now than ever. A fascinating exploration of the life, times and work of the late, great American writer.

Ignasi M. – US Premiere Spain – Director: Ventura Pons – 87 minutes Meet Ignasi Millet, larger-than-life Catalan connoisseur, father of two, gay, HIVpositive and ebullient conversationalist. He shares provocative and inspirational thoughts on art, religion, sex, politics… and much more.

TWO: The Story of Roman and Nyro USA – Director: Heather Winters – 72 minutes Famed songwriter/producer Desmond Child (Livin’ La Vida Loca, Waking Up in Vegas) and his long-time partner Curtis fought the good fight for gay marriage and child rearing long before it was commonplace. This hugely engaging documentary, which won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Nashville Film Fest, traces the tale of their marriage and ‘modern family’.

Tattoo – US Premier Brazil - Director: Hilton Lacerda – 110 minutes A young soldier in the Brazilian military is drawn into the anarchic and uninhibited world of avant-garde cabaret in Hilton Lacerda’s award-winning debut, a lively period piece set in the mid-70s.

Cupcakes – US Premiere Israel/France – Director: Eytan Fox 90 minutes A charming confection about six friends – gay, straight, successful, not so successful – whose jokily written song is chosen as Israel’s entry in a Eurovision-like song contest, Cupcakes features a who’s who in Israel’s film, television and music industries, and is unabashed fun.

feature Gerontophilia – US Premiere Canada – Director: Bruce LaBruce 90 minutes An 18-year-old lad with a penchant for pensioners takes a job in a care home and falls for an 81-year-old man. Shocking?

The big shock here is that director LaBruce eschews his usual hardcore style for a film that is positively gentle and pleasing.

The Dog USA - Directors: Allison Berg, Frank Keraudren – 100 minutes We’ve all seen Dog Day Afternoon and marveled at Al Pacino’s portrait of the gay bank robber who wanted to fund his lover’s sex change. But Berg and Keraudren went further.

They spent years getting to know the real, larger-than-life character behind the story.

Hidden Hills – World Premiere USA - Director: Dan Steadman – 73 minutes Mimicking the style of ‘60s Rock HudsonDoris Day movies and turning societal convention on its ear, this deeply demented, straight-faced comedy asks the question: “Can true love between two white men survive in a time and place where societal norms only tolerate interracial romance, and straight people are the ones kept in the closet?”

and the chance for romance challenge his assumptions about himself.

Five Dances USA – Director: Alan Brown – 83 minutes A coming out tale of an extraordinarily gifted young dancer recently arrived in the big city (Broadway star Ryan Steele: Newsies, West Side Story), Five Dances is a sensual glimpse of life and first love in New York’s downtown contemporary dance world.

Continental USA - Director: Malcolm Ingram – 94 minutes Steve Ostrow and his legendary The Continental Baths – the gay hotspot in 60s and 70s New York where Bette Midler got her start – take center stage in this funny, moving documentary blending anecdotes and archival footage into a big-hearted celebration.

It’s All So Quiet Netherlands/Germany – Director: Nanouk Leopold – 93 minutes This subtle portrait of rural loneliness follows a middle-aged farmer’s quest to cast off the shackles of closeted emotional repression he’s worn all his life. “A poignant reflection on solitude, homosexual repression and aging.” The Hollywood Reporter Rosie Switzerland - Director: Marcel Gisler – 106 minutes When Lorenz, a successful gay author suffering writer’s block, has to return to his small hometown in Switzerland to care for his aging mother long-buried family secrets

Test USA – Director: Chris Mason Johnson 90 minutes Set in San Francisco in 1985, Test follows Frankie, the newest member of a fast-rising contemporary dance company. When a troupe member falls ill Frankie is called upon to fill his role, and his relationship with a

handsome veteran member of the company deepens in unexpected ways. Winner, Jury Award, Best Narrative Feature, L.A. Outfest.

Salvation Army – US Premiere unconfirmed This milestone in the depiction of homosexuality in the Arab world follows Abdellah from his teenage years of furtive sex in Morocco to his time as a graduate student in Geneva, where being a gay Moroccan comes with a different set of obstacles.

Open Up To Me – US Premiere Finland/Sweden - Director: Simo Halinen 95 minutes Maarit is a beautiful, intelligent and sexy woman – who used to be a man. When she meets and falls in love with Sami, she finally feels like she can fit in somewhere. But Sami’s tolerance is soon put to the test.

Reaching for the Moon Brazil – Director: Bruno Barreto – 118 minutes Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings) and telenovela superstar Glória Pires deliver commanding, intensely emotional

january, 2014 13

feature performances as timid American poet Elizabeth Bishop and fiery Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares in the true love story.

Sarah Prefers to Run Canada – Director: Chloé Robichaud 96 minutes Robichaud’s debut feature is a highly assured, subtle, observational film about a young middle-distance runner making the leap to a big city university team, but stumbling in the adult world of relationships and responsibilities.

Two Mothers Germany – Director: Anne Zohra Berrached 75 minutes The German system makes it very difficult for lesbian couples to have a child, a fact explored with intelligence and depth in this deeply moving docudrama that shows the

increasing strain put on one relationship by this profoundly unfair practice.

Vic + Flo Saw a Bear Canada - Director: Denis Côté 95 minutes Acclaimed Quebecois filmmaker Denis Côté picked up a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for this jaggy, ominous, hypnotic

piece about two lesbian ex-cons cohabiting uneasily out in the woods.

For a complete list of films, show times and venues visit www.psfilmfest.org See you at the movies.

january, 2014 15

money

Financial Planning for Life Stages

By Mike Sebring Financial planning is a journey that requires continual monitoring and adjustments. As you move through different phases of your life, priorities and circumstances change that can alter your course. Being aware of changing needs and finding appropriate solutions can help you reach your financial goals.

The financial landscape for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans – and in particular, same-sex couples – includes a number of matters that are unique to the community, especially in light of the repeal of parts of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the striking down of Proposition 8 in California. With policies still being established, it’s important to stay informed as the nation’s laws continue to evolve.

Following is information to help with financial planning during various life stages.

Newly Independent Once you begin supporting yourself by working in your career or trade, it is important to form and implement sound financial habits that will serve you for the rest of your life. At this stage, you may become responsible for rent, paying off a student loan, or other bills, so get in the habit of paying them on time to help build a favorable credit rating. If you haven’t already, it is important to learn how to budget and save. If your employer offers a 401(k) or other savings plan, be sure to take full advantage of this and other benefits. In addition, it is wise to have some saving set aside for emergencies during all phases of life.

Establishing Roots Whether you are getting married, starting a family, or purchasing your first home, putting down roots often involves a shift in priorities with a new focus on providing for your family, and building and protecting assets. It is important for married same-sex couples and domestic partners to have a serious discussion about finances before committing, and continue to communicate regularly about goal setting, budget and cash flow, insurance and investing.

If purchasing a home, shop for a mortgage that fits your personal situation, and be sure that you understand the different types of rates,

16 theStandardps.com

terms and loan programs for first-time homebuyers.

Today, nearly one in five same-sex couples have a child or children under the age of 18 at home. Nearly half of all lesbians (48%) under the age of 50 who are living alone or with a spouse are raising a child under the age of 18. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it will cost the average family about $235,000 to raise a child to the age of 17, and that figure doesn’t include the cost of a college education. If you plan to pay for some or all of your child’s college education, begin exploring 529 College Savings Plans and other options that may offer tax advantages.

Purchasing adequate insurance coverage becomes important during this life phase to protect your family, home and assets in the event of an accident, death or disaster, as does having a will or living trust.

Mid-Life During the mid-life phase the typical wage earner will be about half way to retirement and near the peak of his or her earning potential. You may be facing the expense of putting children through college, taking care of aging parents, helping with grandchildren or all of the above.

While tax planning is important at any stage, one may become more aware of its importance as you accumulate wealth and assets, and you may find it necessary to consult a professional for tax advice.

The Internal Revenue Service has recently confirmed that legally married same-sex couples must be treated the same as heterosexual married couples. This means that married same-sex couples can now file joint Federal tax returns and potentially achieve tax savings in this area.

Pre-Retirement With retirement on the horizon, your financial goals may shift from focusing on growth and accumulation, to safety and generating income from your assets. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to adjust your investment portfolio. Seek information about Social Security income you may have coming and when you should start claiming benefits. The repeal of DOMA also has an impact on Social Security benefits. Same-sex couples may be eligible for such benefits as the Social Security retirement spousal benefit, the disability spousal benefit and the surviving spouse benefit. Consult with your financial planner for the latest updates in this arena.

If you have outstanding debt, work to pay it off so you enter retirement debt free. Evaluate your medical insurance to ensure that it will cover the rising costs of healthcare. Consider purchasing long-term care insurance to cover healthcare expenses should you require personal assistance later. Prepare an estate plan to minimize taxes and ensure that your custodial, financial and medical wishes are carried out upon your death. Providing your loved ones with a power of attorney will also give them the ability to make important life decisions on your behalf if necessary.

Retirement In retirement, the focus is on sticking to a spending plan that allows you to live off of Social Security, your savings and investments, and ensuring that they last. Housing needs may change and downsizing your home may be a consideration. You may also be in need of an estate plan to determine how you will transfer your accumulated wealth, reduce estate taxes and leave a legacy. This is an area where same-sex couples may need to take special precautions, as marriage laws vary by state, and it’s still smart to prepare an estate plan that clearly spells out your wishes and intentions.

Discuss your changing needs with a trusted financial advisor to help you balance what you need to do today to be ready for the years ahead.

The foregoing article is intended to provide general information about financial planning and is not considered financial or tax advice from Union Bank. Please consult your financial or tax advisor.

Mike Sebring is a senior vice president and regional manager for Union Bank in the Pacific Northwest. He is also steering committee chairperson of UB PROUD, the bank’s employee resource group for LGBT employees and allies. Headquartered in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding company with assets of $105.5 billion at September 30, 2013. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank, N.A., provides an array of financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, and major corporations. Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.

january, 2014 17

Why a

Mortgage Broker is a better choice:

Ò We work for the borrower—not the bank. Ò We specialize in many loan programs including FHA, VA, conventional, reverse mortgages, and local grants. Even some with NO DOWN PAYMENT! Ò Faster closings (30 days or less). Your file is never lost in another department, because we process all files in our office. Ò We help everyone from first-time home buyers, and less-than-perfect-credit buyers, to the savviest of real estate investors.

JOHN A. EVANS

Broker / President

CalBRE# 01398882 | NMLS# 287669

John@ContempoLending.com

760 778 5111 www.ContempoLending.com 475 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 CalBRE# 1837324 | NMLS# 287912

Locally owned and operated!

INTEGRATED WEALTH MANAGEMENT PRESENTS

F E AT U R I N G P E R F O R M A N C E S B Y

TOMASINA ABATE

EDIN ESPINOSA

LATONYA HOLMES

JANE KRAKOWSKI

NITA WHITAKER

2014 HONOREES

DAVID KAPLAN & GLENN OSTERGAARD PARTNERS FOR LIFE AWARD

TERRI KETOVER, PH.D. 100 WOMEN AWARD

“AIDS IN CINEMA” ARTS & ACTIVISM AWARD

CURTIS RINGNESS, JR. 30TH ANNIVERSARY, BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD

S ATU R D AY, FEB RU ARY 8, 2014 PAL M S P R I N GS C O NV E NTI O N C E NTE R C O C K TA I L R E C E P T I O N 5 : 3 0 P M D I N N E R , AW A R D S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T 7 : 0 0 P M A F T E R PA R T Y 9 : 3 0 P M

deCember, 2013 CALL 760.969.5743 OR VISIT DESERTAIDSPROJECT.ORG

19

perspective

Stonewall, Amended

By Steve Bolerjack

Way back in the twentieth century (well, 1999) I wrote a holiday column for the New York Blade entitled “Out (but not at Christmas).”

The gist was that while we may be openly, comfortably and even militantly out to our friends, colleagues and contemporaries, when it comes to holidays at home with family, we sometimes devolve into our angsty, fearful and awkward adolescent selves. Something about sleeping in your old room--especially if it’s frozen in time with the early, embarrassing accoutrements of one’s presumed teenage heterosexuality such as high school yearbooks, acne-spattered prom date photos, Boy Scout merit badges, etc.—may chill one’s resolve to come out already to the folks, Aunt Helen and all those churchy cousins who keep asking when you’re going to bring home that special gal. Even 30 years after Stonewall, coming out was still a difficult step for most gay and lesbian people, especially to family.

And that’s something unique to the gay experience. One knew pretty much where one’s relatives stood on any topic: everything from politics, race relations and religion, to Vietnam, gas prices and various conspiracy theories. But for most of us over 50 or so, nothing remotely gay ever come up over dinner while we were growing up.

We had nothing to go on, no inkling of what our family’s reaction might be if we suddenly blurted out the Awful Truth. So we tended to presume the worst. Straight people have their own issues, but they never face this one.

Simply coming out was the centerpiece of the Stonewall Agenda (I scribble metaphorically; as far as I recall, was nothing was officially written up, mimeographed and sent round) and to do so confidently, even defiantly if necessary. And while it has taken more than 40 years, the effects of those widespread revelations of our own Truth finally have had seismic social consequences which

20 theStandardps.com

amaze and hearten me today. The unexpectedly rapid shift in public attitudes (red states are another whole rant) toward gay people and marriage equality is sort of astounding for some beat-up boomers I know. Stonewall was about becoming open, quitting the shame of the closet, celebrating our differentness, rejecting marginalization and mostly, embracing Pride—not necessarily in being gay itself but in being fully human and equivalent to anyone else.

Still, the last thing on the Stonewall to-do list was same-sex marriage, much less monogamy. A bourgeois, hetero institution soaked in religiosity with a 50 percent failure rate seemed a dubious model for our newly unfettered, edgy, unprecedented, revolutionary relationships.

But all agendas are subject to amendment. While my indifference to same-sex marriage persisted through the 1990s, I’ve come, with alleged mellowing of age I suppose, to embrace the both the validity of and necessity for our own state-sanctioned nuptials as necessary to complete or at least advance what Stonewall began. Full equality in world society is mandatory (full assimilation in cultural institutions may be another matter entirely). So that’s why it’s hard to believe that this past Christmas, with 18 states (including Mormonland Utah!) having enabled marriage equality, many gay folk finally brought a new husband, wife or partner home for the first time. Stonewall—for all its good intentions--could never have foreseen that.

Last month, I was honored to be a guest at a simple, short, secular ceremony uniting two wonderful, talented, funny men in marriage. Living to see what was once so utterly unthinkable and unexpected makes it wonderful to be a survivor. And it makes getting older not so bad.

psp focus CELEBRITIES ANNOUNCED FOR COYOTE STAGEWORKS BENEFIT Star-Studded Cast to Perform “The Man Who Came to Dinner” Coyote StageWorks is pleased to announce a roster of celebrities scheduled to appear in “The Man Who Came to Dinner” at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the Annenberg Theater in Palm Springs.

The one night-only performance will benefit Coyote StageWorks, a not-for-profit company dedicated to advancing theatre as a vital art form in the desert communities of the Coachella Valley. Veteran stage, television and film actor G. W. Bailey has been cast as the famously outlandish radio wit Sheridan Whiteside, the role played by Nathan Lane in the show’s Broadway revival in 2000. Bailey (Captain Harris of “Police Academy”) is joined by funnyman Fred Willard (“Everybody Loves Raymond,” Waiting for Guffman,” “A Mighty Wind”), and his “Major Crimes” and “The Closer” co-star Phillip P. Keene. Additional celebrities named to the growing cast list are

Joyce Bulifant (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Airplane!”), Jim J. Bullock (“Too Close for Comfort,” “Hollywood Squares,” Broadway’s “Hairspray”) and Mo Gaffney (“Absolutely Fabulous,” “That 70’s Show,” Local celebrities also slated to appear in the performance include Valley philanthropists Annette Bloch,

Barbara and Jerry Keller (Acqua Pazza, Lulu), and Terri Ketover. Wells Fargo financial professional Gary Hall will play a role, as will popular radio host Bill “Bulldog” Feingold, CBS Local 2 meteorologist Patrick Evans, and restaurateur Tony Marchese (Trio, Purple Room).

“The Man Who Came to Dinner,” written

by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, opened on Broadway 75 years ago. Set in a small town in Ohio in the 1930s during the weeks leading to Christmas, Whiteside slips on a patch of ice outside the home of a rich factory owner injuring his hip, and is attended by the absent-minded town physician and his frantic nurse. For more information about Coyote StageWorks and its 2014 season, please visit coyotestageworks.org. Group sales: 760-318-0024. To purchase individual tickets or subscriptions call 760-325-4490 or visit www.annenbergtheater.org

CV Rep brings a taste of India with it’s upcoming production of A Perfect Ganesh by Terrance McNally The Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre (CV Rep) continues to bring “theatre of substance” to the desert communities with its third production of the 2013-14 Season, A Perfect Ganesh, by Tony Award winning playwright, Terrence McNally and directed

by CV Rep Artistic Director, Ron Celona.

The second of three McNally plays being presented at CV Rep this season, A Perfect Ganesh will enjoy a three week run from Jan 22-February 9, 2014 at the CV Rep Theatre in Rancho Mirage.

Considered one of McNally’s best plays, A Perfect Ganesh is an insightful and creative blend of comedy and drama with many enchanting characters, and a captivating plot filled with humor, warmth and a host of surprise

22 theStandardps.com

twists and turns. A Perfect Ganesh stars Mueen Jajan as Ganesha, Sharon Sharth as Margaret Civil, Kathleen M. Darcy as Katherine Brynne and Sean Galusszka as Man. A Perfect Ganesh Performance Schedule and Ticket Prices Previews: Wed, Jan. 22 and Thurs, January 23, - 7:30 PM - Tickets: $35.00.

Opening Night & Reception: Fri, January 24 - 7:30 PM – Tickets: $50.00. For complete schedule visit www.cvrep.org The CV Repertory Theatre is located in The Atrium, 69-930 Highway 111, in Rancho Mirage. Tickets are available at the theatre box office between 10:30 AM and 2:30 weekdays, or Call 760-296-2966. To order tickets online visit www.cvrep.org

psp focus Dance for Life Dancing in Support of AIDS Assistance Program

Dance for Life, a showcase of spectacular performances by renowned dance companies in support of AIDS Assistance Program, is returning to Palm Springs for a highly anticipated performance on Friday, January 17, at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. A spectrum of dance genres - from contemporary jazz to classical ballet, avant-garde modern to technical Broadway - promises to please the palette of even the most discerning dance fan.

Dance for Life continues to be one of the most exciting cultural and charitable events in town, and each year has drawn large crowds and great applause. Look forward to yet another wonderful night of brilliant dance performances. AAP is proud that this event is becoming an annual tradition.

Over the last two decades, Dance for Life has raised more than four million dollars for Chicago’s HIV/AIDS community. It has grown to become the largest dance performancebased HIV/AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest, and since its founding, every annual

performance has sold out. Returning to Palm Springs for a third season, this event brings together renowned national dance companies, all joining forces to help those in need.

Dance for Life Palm Springs continues the 22-year tradition set by its sister event and has invited only the finest concert dance companies from across the country to perform. Currently scheduled to appear are Giordano Dance Chicago, Nevada Ballet Theatre, ENTITY Dance Company, Tap Sounds Underground, Los Angeles Ballet, and more. * Giordano Dance Chicago, the original jazz dance company, captivates audiences worldwide with dynamic performances and the diversity and wide appeal of its repertoire. * Nevada Ballet Theatre is a classically based company committed to the highest artistic standards with an eclectic repertory, moving easily from the classics to the highenergy, contemporary ballets. * ENTITY Dance Company explores the nature of human existence through the art of

movement. * Tap Sounds Underground has been entertaining audiences all over the world for more than three decades and displays their diverse and high-energy pieces along with the rich tradition of tap history. * Los Angeles Ballet has become recognized as a world-class ballet company known for its superb stagings of the Balanchine repertory, stylistically meticulous classical ballets and its commitment to new works.

The evening begins with a champagne reception at the Palm Springs Art Museum at 6 pm, followed by the Dance for Life performance at 7 pm. Tickets for the event are $95 per person.

VIP Seating is also available at $200 per person. This VIP-level ticket also includes entry to a special VIP reception with dancers and sponsors the evening before the performance at the Bougainvillea Room at Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs. To purchase tickets, contact AIDS Assistance Program at 760-325-8481.

january, 2014 23

news

national

Charlie Crist apologizes for supporting efforts to ban same-sex marriage in Florida

By LISA KEEN | Keen News Service In an extraordinary interview, Florida’s former Republican Governor Charlie Crist has apologized for having supported efforts to ban on same-sex marriage on the ballot in that state in 2008.

“I’m sorry I did that. It was a mistake. I was wrong. Please forgive,” said Crist, in an interview with Watermark, an LGBT news organization in Florida.

Crist was the Republican governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011. Crist is currently running for the Democratic nomination for governor, saying that his former political party “went nuts.”

However, Watermark publisher Tom Dyer, who conducted the interview December 17, didn’t let Crist off the hook. He noted Crist also supported limiting marriage to heterosexual couples when Crist ran for senator in 2006 and that he expressed a belief that children who need to be adopted would be best off in “traditional” heterosexual homes.

“When you look back at the circumstances, one could come to the conclusion that your shifts in opinion were either politically expedient…” said Dyer.

“They were. They were. And it was wrong,” said Crist, interrupting. “That’s what I’m telling you. And I’m sorry.”

Nadine Smith, chief executive officer of Equality Florida, said she was “glad to see someone who has done harm publicly pledge to work to repair the damage.”

“My activism is based on the premise that people can and do change,” said Smith, who has been an LGBT activist for many years.

“I’m particularly proud of Tom Dyer the publisher of Watermark for pulling no punches and really zeroing in on the issues. He asked the questions that needed to be asked and that we deserved to have publicly and thoroughly answered. I can’t recall the last time I’ve heard a politician say ‘I was wrong. I am sorry’.”

Crist told Dyer his earlier positions were “examples of me trying to be a good Republican.”

“I couldn’t do it anymore and I’m sorry I did,” said Crist. “I made a mistake. I’m not perfect…please don’t hold me to that standard. And I’m sincerely sorry. I understand when it’s necessary to say I was wrong.”

“Can you convince us that your present views aren’t once again driven by political expediency?” asked Dyer. “Can you convince us that the positions you’ve recently expressed are heartfelt, and something we can count on in the future?”

“I just did,” said Crist. “There will be doubters, and they have a right to that. But I ask that they have a little faith.” Crist likened his change of position on same-sex marriage to that of President Obama, who famously evolved from supporting only civil unions to supporting marriage for same-sex couples.

Crist said he has urged a state representative who is sponsoring a bill to create a domestic partnership registry in Florida to “go for marriage.”

A poll of 1,000 likely voters in late November showed Crist with a slight lead over incumbent Republican Governor Rick Scott, but that lead has diminished over the past from a high of 16 points last March, to only four points in November.

Amazon pulls book telling parents to ignore their gay kids Written by notorious anti-gay radio host Linda Harvey, the book tells parents to ignore their children when they say they’re gay. The radical anti-LGBT leader of Mission: America Linda Harvey, the book claims to ‘help’ teens realize their ‘bright future’ regardless of ‘same-sex attractions or gender confusion’.

Titled Maybe He’s Not Gay: Another View on Homosexuality, the book insists ‘as more and more young people announce this is their identity, it’s time to take a closer look.’

On coming out, Harvey says many young people think it is a ‘new civil right’ to

24 theStandardps.com

be ‘who you are’.

‘But there’s a problem. Are we sure this is the truth?’ she says. ‘Does this identity bring the promised liberation and the key to a whole new life?

‘Does it lift the burden of secrecy – or begin a different kind of struggle?’

According to Back2Stonewall. com, Amazon pulled the book deemed ‘irresponsible and potentially dangerous.’

Harvey has a long history of airing her homophobic views.

In the past, she has said LGBT communities are not ‘people’, and should not

be given equal protection under US law.

Harvey said in 2011 gay rights advocates were ‘masters of demonic manipulation’.

She has also referred to the It Gets Better video project as ‘wrong, it’s evil, it’s dark’.

In August 2011, Harvey said weekend radio show that ‘There is no proof that there’s ever anything like a gay, lesbian or bisexual or transgendered child, or teen or human.’

The Southern Poverty Law Center, a US civil rights organization has designated Harvey and Mission America as an active anti-gay hate group.

news INTERNATIONAL

Queen pardons famed code breaker, ‘convicted homosexual’ Alan Turing

Nearly 60 years after his death, Queen Elizabeth II has formally pardoned famed British mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing.

Turing, widely considered to be the father of computer science and artificial intelligence and most famous for his work on breaking the German Enigma codes during World War II, was chemically castrated after being convicted in 1952 of “gross indecency” with another man.

Turing has been officially pardoned by Elizabeth II under the little-known Royal Prerogative of Mercy.

“We in consideration of circumstances humbly represented unto us, are graciously pleased to extend our grace and mercy unto the said Alan Mathison Turing and to grant him our free pardon posthumously in respect of the said convictions,” reads the Queen’s pardon.

The pardon comes after a change of heart by British government, which had previously insisted that Turing was properly convicted of what at the time was a criminal offense.

Turing, who was gay, was criminally prosecuted under Britain’s 1885 Criminal Law Amendment Act that criminalized homosexual activity and led to the convictions of over 49,000 British men, including Oscar Wilde.

Faced with the prospect of imprisonment, and perhaps with it the loss of the mathematics post he held at Manchester University, which gave him access to one of the world’s only computers, Turing accepted the alternative of “chemical castration” — a series of injections of female hormones that were supposed to suppress his sexual urges.

At age 41, he died of cyanide poisoning on June 7, 1954 in what was ruled a suicide.

“Turing was an exceptional man with a brilliant mind,” Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said in a prepared statement released Tuesday. Describing Turing’s treatment as unjust, Grayling said the code breaker “deserves to be remembered and recognized for his fantastic contribution to the war effort and his legacy to science.”

january, 2014 25

I’m charting my own future.

Mitch, D.A.P. client

D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person High-quality, primary and HIV-specialty medical care through our Wells Fargo Health Center is only the beginning of what our clients find at Desert AIDS Project. Our case managers facilitate our holistic approach to care with a broad array of services, including our HIV-specialty dental clinic, food and housing support, Eastern medicine alternatives, in-house lab services and pharmacy, mental health and substance abuse programs, a full-service community center offering a computer lab, wellness programs, health education, and so much more.

All under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project is saving lives.

Please continue to help by donating at desertAIDSproject.org, joining one of our annual giving programs, or by saving the date for one of our upcoming fundraising events.

26th Desert AIDS Walk | October 19, 2013 Dancing with the Desert Stars | November 22, 2013 SPARKLE! All-Star Holiday Concert | December 11, 2013 20th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala | February 8, 2014 Celebrity Doodles | April 5, 2014 Dining Out for Life | April 24, 2014

760.323.2118

desertAIDSproject.org

26 theStandardps.com

diet uPdaTe eASy tiPS to StiCK to your HeAltHy livinG new yeAr’S reSolutionS

only 8 percent of people who make new Year’s resolutions actually achieve their goals, according to a recent study by the university of scranton. This year, instead of making a promise to lose weight, make small but impactful changes to the way you eat to ensure you reach your resolution goal. “many people don’t realize how swapping a few simple ingredients can significantly impact caloric intake,” says Rita Held, culinary professional. “Making these easy modifications to meals will help improve overall health this year and for years to come.”

Keep healthy eating resolutions without forsaking taste with these tips from held. * head to the produce aisle. many people only focus on fresh produce during the warm weather months but winter also provides a vast array of delicious fruits and vegetables. brussels sprouts, fennel, grapefruit, kale and clementines are all in season and bountifully accessible during the winter months. enjoy them as a fresh alternative to processed snacks and sides. * ditch dressings and butter. at only 20 calories per tablespoon, seasoned rice vinegar is a great alternative to store-bought dressings, oil and butter. splash it on salads, cooked vegetables or even baked potatoes for a tangy twist with lots of flavor. Nakano seasoned rice vinegar comes in vast flavor varieties. * replace heavy pasta with grains. There’s a reason quinoa is so popular. This tiny little grain is gluten-free and packs a high protein value. Try it in place of pasta or rice in meals. * embrace meatless mondays. Pick a day of the week when you choose not to eat meats. swapping meat for vegetables not only lowers your caloric intake but also can reduce your chance of developing chronic illnesses. look for vegetables and grains high in protein, like broccoli, to keep you full.

Just by making these small changes will help you stay on your path to a healthier you.

JanuarY, 2014 27

LEGALLY SPEAKING

How is Your LGBT Legal Health? Tips for 2014

By Christopher Heritage

2013 was a knock-out year for the LGBT community in the U.S. - “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is gone; DOMA discrimination is being eliminated; more and more states are allowing same sex marriage; and marriage rights were restored in California. 2014 will see more changes in laws that tackle discrimination and support human rights and civil liberties for everyone.

But the real strength and legal health of the LGBT community is only as good as we choose to make it. We all need to review our personal situations right now, in light of the dramatic changes to our rights and responsibilities that have occurred over the past year. We, and our loved ones, deserve to enjoy the benefits of our progress and to avoid the hazards that still exist for our community.

28 theStandardps.com

These recommendations can bring you good legal health in 2014: Protect yourself and your relationships. If you have a life partner, but choose not to marry or register as domestic partners, protect yourself with a well crafted estate plan. The law considers you legal strangers, and you need these legal documents to establish the personal and financial aspects of your relationship.

They can prevent financial turmoil in case of incapacity or death of one of the partners. If finances are not clearly spelled out, deeds and other assets not properly titled, and wills or trusts not kept up to date, one of the partners may leave the other without legal access to some or all of their shared assets.

Even if you are married or registered, your legal protections may stop at the state line, because most other states and countries still do not recognize these relationships. You may be prohibited from making medical decisions for, or even visiting your partner or spouse in the hospital in the event of an accident or illness while outside the state. Health care directives and powers of attorney are essential to protect individuals and same-sex couples, at home and away.

Plan for Your Pets. To most people, pets are just like family, and deserve to be protected like all of our loved ones. But we rarely think about what happens to a pet when its owner becomes disabled or dies. It is possible that it will be poorly treated or euthanized if the owner did not provide legal protections for its care.

Pets are property, so you can’t leave money directly to them, but you can leave money to a caretaker, requesting that the pet be cared for until it passes on. It is essential to ensure that the caretaker gives proper care and uses the money wisely, so most states permit pet trusts to be set up to provide funds for the care.

A trustee will be responsible for carrying out the purpose of the trust. You may designate a caretaker for the pet, and require the trustee to ensure that the care is appropriate and the funds are used properly.

Examine your income tax situation. Elimination of DOMA means that same-sex married couples will now file joint federal income tax returns, and continue to file joint state tax returns in any state, such as California, that recognizes these marriages. States not validating same-sex marriages will likely still require a separate tax return for each spouse.

The federal government does not recognize registered domestic partnerships or civil unions at this time, so joint IRS tax returns are still not permitted for these couples. Consult your tax professional and attorney to see if marriage would be good for your finances and life situation.

This article is part of an ongoing series of articles pertaining to legal issues relevant to the LGBT community, and is intended for general information purposes only – not legal advice. Christopher Heritage is an attorney in Palm Springs and San Diego, who focuses on LGBT estate planning, domestic partnerships, same-sex marriage, probate, trust administration, and bankruptcy. He welcomes questions and comments and can be contacted at 760-325-2020 or at chris@heritagelegal.com

january, 2014 29

travel

Following the Brew Festivals

By George W. Zander

For those of you who enjoy a really good beer, pay attention to this article. Not only will you learn about wonderful craft beer in America, but also where you can attend the leading Brew Festivals in the West!

This is not about Bud Light or Miller or Olympia, or Pabst.

For years, Anheuser-Busch created a “McDonald’s” approach to selling their product. Excellent marketing campaigns had changed America’s beer preference to light-adjunct lager. Low calorie light lager beers soon began driving and shaping the growth and nature of the American beer industry, even to present day. For folks who never travelled outside this country, that was the brew of choice.

America’s brewing techniques started to change in the 70s.

The traditions and styles brought over by immigrants were starting to have an influence. The American choice was light lager and it appeared all over store shelves and in bars, making imported beer an insignificant player in the marketplace. By the end of the 1970s, the beer industry dropped to only 44 brewing companies; thus creating a new trend, Craft Beer.

As a beer drinker from Washington State, I was able to follow this trend from the boutique breweries and pubs inception through now. In 1982, Bud Grant, an immigrant from Scotland, started a

30 theStandardps.com

brewpub in Yakima’s old Opera house and later moved it to the city’s train depot. The brewery began with pale ale, and eventually developed a Scottish Ale, an IPA (India Pale Ale) and several seasonal varieties. He poured the beers and chatted about beer history around the world. The Yakima Valley in eastern Washington produced over 85% of the nation’s hops, so naturally Yakima was a perfect spot for all this to begin.

The quality of beer from these small breweries improved over the years, enabling a wider distribution and establishing popularity and local choices. Up until the 1980s the popular image of beer in America was still that of a mass-produced bland brew with little character, tradition or culture worth mentioning. The comparison with fast food became the norm.

Out of this culture started the Beer Festivals around our nation.

Centers like Seattle, Portland, Denver and Boston grew to the place where everyone had a brewpub and craft breweries in their city.

Even the Coachella Valley has breweries so your travels do not have to take you very far. A short trip to 1000 Palms to stop at the Coachella Valley Brewing Company will place you into the culture of the micro-brew instantly!

travel

Therefore, for planning your 2014 escapes from the desert, check out these amazing festivals.

the ultimate celebration of Beer. Locals say it is the quintessential celebration of craft beer.

Feb 7-14 San Francisco Beer Week ...the big draw locally is a contest between East Bay and West bay brewers.

Oct 2-4 Great American Beer Festival, Denver.

Late October Austin Beer Week Its South by Southwest with less music and better beer!

May 8-18 Seattle Beer Week More famous for coffee, this city also has many craft styles beers to choose. This remarkable week will make any beer lover very happy!

May 22-24 California Festival of Beers, San Luis Obispo Jul 23-27 Oregon Brewers Festival. One of the oldest, this is

Nov 7-14 San Diego Beer Week. Close to home and a great festival.

This should give you many possibilities for you and your traveling companions to escape the Desert, and wrap your lips around a few glasses of the finest beers in America. You may just never buy a Bud Light again. Cheers.

january, 2014 31

wellness

To Resolve or Not To Resolve That Is the Question

By Dr. Kenneth Toth, BA, MAT, DC, RN, CPT Here it is--January of the New Year! Alas, it’s the time to make good on all those New Year’s Resolutions made in yesteryear. As it were, it’s the time to pay off the charge card of indiscretions committed against our states of health during the past year…in installments. How many people will just end up with another low “resolution credit rating”, come this time next year, because of nonpayment as promised…or should we say non-payment as “resolved”?

Over the years, I have heard many people claim they were going to make good on their resolutions to get healthier by trying to work out more on a regular basis, and modify the quality and quantity of their food intake better, once all the holiday parties and goodies for the taste buds were behind them. Granted, no one wants to be left out of the holiday celebrations beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s Day. So the exercise program (because of perceived time constraints) and nutritional monitoring (because it tastes so good) often is delayed or completely set aside until the start of the New Year.

Well, water under the bridge is just that. It isn’t coming back this way anytime soon, just as time gone by. But if you’ve missed the bus so far, that doesn’t mean you won’t have the opportunity to get on another and better one for the ride of your life during 2014!

However, there is a critical decision that must be made here regarding your mindset going forward. In this regard, using the word and mindset of “try” will surely squander another whole year.

However, using the word and mindset of “resolve” will undoubtedly be your best bet! When it comes to health, you must first possess a deep resolve to gradually improve your whole lifestyle. If you casually “try”, the probability of failure is very great. “Try” takes so much effort for so little or no success. But “resolve” makes the effort much easier because you are no longer fighting against yourself in the forms of indecision, procrastination, poor prioritizing of your time and activities, and repeated starting and stopping of your exercise program and nutritional support.

To truly “make a resolution” means that you have absolutely resolved to accomplish something come hurricane or high water!

It is final. It is irrevocable! It is cast in stone. That is the kind of determination you must muster in order to be successful! I find that all of my clients had made a very personal and irrevocable resolution to greatly improve both their general health and physical appearance BEFORE they decided to seek out my services. They are

32 theStandardps.com

not dabblers. They are ready to accept success! That is the key! And when they feel and see their decision bearing fruit, they continue to be even more self-motivated to stick with their resolve for a lifetime because they both feel and look better. And their physicians notice these positive differences from a clinical point of view and always reinforce what the client has resolved to accomplish. I can readily assess a prospective client’s level of resolve, or lack thereof and kindly let them know if we are not a match for the job at hand.

The most important investment you can make in your life on this planet is your commitment to attain, and then maintain, the best state of personal health possible. In order to be successful, you must put that personal commitment above all else. You must be both proactive and strong in your resolve. The ongoing dividends over a lifetime will astound you and every one of your loved ones!

Dr. Kenneth Toth, BA, MAT, DC, RN, CPT, holds multiple degrees and credentials as a science educator, chiropractor, registered nurse, and personal trainer. He is currently limiting his professional activities to Personal Training/Nutritional Coaching. Dr. Ken is now accepting new clients at WorkOUT Gym, Palm Springs, CA for personal training along with nutritional coaching. He may be reached at 949-235-9408 or by email at: ken@KenTothFitness.com.

fitness

reSolutionS reDefineD By dennis Mason, B.F.a., C.p.T. With the coming of the New Year, the time has arrived to reflect, recognize and release all those events in our lives that have come and gone during the past year. The important thing to remember is that the ‘future is not yet written’. so, what we do today, will ultimately determine what happens in the future. Therefore, the choices we make should be wise ones. we must release the attachments to past events and focus on our new goals, using all the knowledge and wisdom we have gained along the way. achieving and maintaining good health and fitness is a goal that fits right into this philosophy. generally, we tend to look at our body as if it were separate from our mind and that which we describe as our spiritual self. This pattern of thought then is self-perpetuating. since most of us see ourselves and others as a physical image and is very compelling; I see you, you see me. but, perhaps a broader way of thinking about ourselves is expressed in a philosophy called simply the ‘body/mind’ connection. This concept can help to expand our understanding of whom and what we truly are.

Indeed, we are the Physical being. but we are also the ‘mind’ or intellectual self, and on a much higher level spiritual beings as well.

This concept can simply be referred to as ‘body, mind and spirit’. It balances the physical world, our perceptions of the physical world through our mind and that part of us which is eternal and omniscient. everything is energY and is connected to everything else. our minds, including perceptions, thoughts and intellect are all connected. we are giving and receiving information with one another all the time. on the physical plane, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and our very existence on this tiny planet in the cosmos connect us. we are literally physically connected to everything around us. The old saying, ‘you are what you eat’ was founded in this thought.

Your body is also connected to external influences as well. Unlike genetic influences, which govern the basic operation of our body and are not generally subject to change by us, external influences can have an effect on our being, as well, but can be handled or controlled by us to some degree. stress is one of the most common externally stimulated influences in our daily lives. Every day we encounter stressful situations from work, school; rush hour traffic, financial difficulties and from the personal relationships with which we are involved; just to name a few.

In our present social environment, these effects can interfere with the body processes necessary to maintain the general state of fitness. For example, if you are attempting to gain muscular weight, a tranquil and stress free mind and body are necessary to allow

for muscular growth. additionally, it can affect us even if we are attempting to drop our body fat percentage. stress triggers our body to release a chemical called ‘Cortisol’ into our blood stream.

Cortisol breaks down protein (muscle) to use it for energy, as another part of our fight or flight response. Hence, our body fat percentage can go up, not down, if we are subjected to stress over an extended period of time.

Of course there are still other influences that affect us and fortunately, we do have the ability to modify or control them to some extent. This then, becomes the first rule to implement your new resolutions to change your lifestyle to a happy, healthy, fit and productive one. “fitness is more than just a workout.” It’s a lIfesTYle committed to staying active; eating healthy; reducing stress and having fun.

Join me each week to be taken on a journey with my radio guests to explore new ideas; separate myth from fact and gain new information. That’s fITness & more InTernaTIonal with me, dennis mason, premièring saturday January 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

Pacific Time, only on www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Fitness and More.

It is with all sincerity that I thank you for following these articles on a regular basis as well as those who are reading this article for the first time. May each of you have a healthy, happy and prosperous new Year. lIVe healThIer, lIVe longer: geT fIT for Your lIfe. Dennis Mason is a certified personal trainer and coach with over 30 years’ experience, an nPC bodybuilding competitor, charity cyclist, health and fitness motivational speaker and author. Contact him for information regarding his services: Physique training, post injury retraining or nutritional guidance. Visit dennis mason on the web at:www.dennismasonfitness.com or www.FitnessAndMoreRadio.com. Email at dennis@dennismasonfitness. com On Facebook and Twitter as fitnessradio. tel 760 219-5877.

JanuarY, 2014 33

medicaL 411

ASK tHe DoCtor QuesTIon: I am near-sighted all my life and I really want lasIK. I have gotten several opinions. one doctor tells me that I am a good candidate and the next doctor tells me I am not. what is your advice? my contacts strength is a -4.50 diopters. I am 43 years old. Thanks.

-Jean C, Palm Springs, CA answer: The fda has approved the use of the VIsx sTar s2 laser for myopia (nearsightedness) between the range of -.75 diopters and -10.0 diopters with an extended range up to -12.0 diopters with astigmatism between 0.75 and 4.0 diopters. Therefore, you are “in range”. The reason you are getting two different opinions is your age. as we approach 44 years of age, we begin to blur with reading at the standard 14-inch distance from our facethe ‘short arm syndrome’. If you correct your vision perfectly for distance, within one year, you will begin to blur with all your reading and near tasks. In your case, I would advise you noT to have a full distance correction with lasIK because, very shortly if not immediately, you will replace the blur you have at distance with a more annoying blur at near every time

34 ThesTandardPs.Com

By ForresT p. MUrphy, Md, FaCs

you want to read or look at any detail up close.

I know this is disappointing since you want it so badly but you will be sorry you spent the money in about 3 years.

QuesTIon: I have a friend who had lasIK and then became near-sighted again.

The doctor does not want to repeat the lasIK on my friend. Is that possible? I thought that lasIK was permanent and why can it be repeated?

-John S. - Palm Springs, CA

who was perfectly corrected initially then ‘regresses’ as time goes on. The other possibility is that the full amount of near-sightedness wasn’t corrected in the initial procedure, but this is likely not the case with your friend because this can be easily and permanently enhanced by another LASIK procedure under the initial LASIK flap.

The technology is changing almost yearly so stay tuned, as there will be many advances in the lasIK procedure in the next 10 years. haPPY new Year, eVerYone!!

answer: without knowing the exact history of the patient, I can only speculate. It sounds like your friend may have developed a lasIKinduced weakening of the cornea. when this happens, the LASIK flap and the small amount of corneal tissue ablated by the laser physically ThIn the central cornea. some corneas will then decompensate and actually bulge out because the eye is a closed sphere with an intraocular pressure. gradually, the pressure exerted on the central thinner cornea causes it to ‘stretch’ out and the length of the eye becomes a little longer again, inducing near-sightedness once more. This is very discouraging for the patient

Forrest P. Murphy, MD, FACS is a board-certified ophthalmologist and board eligible in emergency medicine and anti-aging. he has agreed to answer medical questions for the standard magazine. If you have a question for dr. forrest, simply send us an email with your question to info@standardps.com. The Content provided in this column is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute. always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practice medicine or general health care in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have.

january, 2014 35

The Amazon Trail

The Brightest Month

By Lee Lynch

It may be January, but this is the June of our gay lives. June, as in the most popular month for weddings. June, as in the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. June, as in our Supreme Court victories.

During the wonders of the holiday season, starting at Thanksgiving, we have much to be thankful for and to celebrate.

Somehow, the holiday lights and candles seem to glow brighter and spread more light with the knowledge that a majority of Americans are expressing increased tolerance toward our people.

The dreadful Defense of Marriage Act and California’s equally ridiculous Proposition 8 have all been laid to rest at last. I’d love to send holiday good wishes to the courageous Edie Windsor and more to the righteously defiant California couples Paul Katami and Jeffrey Zarrill, Kris Perry and Sandy Stier.

The frosting on the wedding cake was the legalization of marriage in Rhode Island, Delaware, Minnesota, New Jersey, Hawaii and Illinois. Betrothed couples in Illinois have to wait until, when else, June, for the law to take effect.

Of course, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has a way to go, but there are fewer Scrooges among the Republicans than there used to be. And there always has to be a Grinch: Michael Steel, Boehner’s spokesperson, quoted the head buffoon, who “believes this legislation will increase frivolous litigation and cost American jobs, especially small business jobs.”

The undeclared states and politicians are a noodle pudding of marriage confusion: they will here, they won’t there; it’s already legal, they won’t take pictures at gay marriages, they won’t make gay wedding cakes, they will make gay birthday cakes… Federally, President Obama appoints gay ambassadors and judges, and the Republicans protect the nation from gay ambassadors and judges.

Gay cadets marry at West Point when just last year they could be dismissed for wanting to. The trend is worldwide; at least 15 countries no longer prohibit LGBT marriages.

We were discussing the legitimization of gay marriage and my sweetheart came up this little questionnaire for our non-gay, married neighbors to make sure all these changes aren’t hitting them too hard.

“Hey, how you doing there?”

Neighbor is fine.

“Well,” my sweetheart asks, “We just wondered – is our happiness bothering you?”

Neighbor looks puzzled. I am trying not to laugh.

36 theStandardps.com

My sweetheart says, “We were concerned you were maybe thinking of checking out the other team?”

Neighbor looks horrified.

“We thought our playfulness on walks around the neighborhood might be making you reevaluate whether watching T.V. on your couch is really enough for you –?

Neighbor gets huffy.

“Or if seeing Lee take out the trash or pick up the dog poop might inspire you to help your wife with chores?”

Neighbor’s wife peers out around hubby.

“We meet your wife at the neighborhood ladies’ luncheon.

It’s so much fun,” my sweetheart would say, “that we both can go!

Because, you know, we’re the only couple there. Ever.” I can see her swallow a little snicker.

“Does it bother you to hear us laugh in uproarious delight for extended periods of time?”

They are mute.

“Don’t you sometimes wish your bedroom shades were pulled down at all sorts of odd and unexpected times too?”

They sigh.

“It’s really hard,” my sweetheart tells them, “to keep our happiness under wraps. So, just let us know any time our gay marriage threatens to derail your 50 years together.”

Meanwhile, in the rush for holiday gifts, dinners, travel and parties, we can buy from a lot more vendors. The Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index saw the largest growth in the survey’s history, adding 54 new businesses. The Victory Fund reported big wins for LGBT candidates. Even the Salvation Army timidly went with the flow – it removed links to two notorious “ex-gay” ministries as part of its new campaign against LGBT discrimination. Sports and acting celebrities seem to have popped out of their closets with greater frequency this past year. And personally, my sweetheart and I were able to leave an uber conservative area and move to a community where we were, literally, welcomed with open arms.

As we take the plunge into 2014, I’m reveling in this new, unexpected season of freedoms and confidently expecting the breakthroughs to continue. I remember when it was unthinkable to take a lover home for the holidays. Now, far more often, it’s unthinkable not to.

We’re not all home, or out, yet, but this year Brazil, next year, who knows. Uganda? Russia? India? Texas? I hope so. During our festivals of light, I don’t want to see one more light go out, one more lonely queer’s life go dark when it takes all of us, and all our ways of loving, to brighten the darkest month.

january, 2014 37

hrc uPdaTe union bAnK reCeiveS toP SCore on HuMAn riGHtS CAMPAiGn’S 2014 CorPorAte eQuAlity inDex

union bank, n.a., announced that it earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the human rights Campaign’s (hrC) 2014 Corporate Equality Index. This is the first year that Union Bank participated in hrC’s rating system, which serves as the national benchmarking tool for corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (lgbT) employees. with its top score, union bank was recognized as a “best Places to work for lgbT equality” by hrC. union bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is illustrated in numerous programs, products and services, such as its nearly 20-year local heroes awards, which celebrates cultural diversity, including extraordinary lgbT honorees. Community partnerships; a diverse and highly engaged workforce in which more than half of its employees are people of color and more than 60 percent women; and a strong commitment to community development finance and diverse business lending. The bank also has one of the most diverse corporate boards of directors of any major u.s. company. “we are extremely proud to receive a perfect score of 100 percent and a ‘best Places to work” recognition on the human rights Campaign foundation 2014 Corporate equality Index,” said union bank senior executive Vice President and Chief human resources Officer Annemieke van der Werff. “Celebrating diversity and inclusion has been part of the bank’s nearly 150-year heritage, and it’s exciting when our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels within the bank is recognized.”

38 ThesTandardPs.Com

another example of union bank’s commitment to the lgbT community and its employees is ub Proud, the bank’s employee resource group for lgbT employees and allies. ub Proud works to strengthen ties between colleagues, senior management, clients and community members by increasing visibility and awareness for the lgbT community. union bank also supports and participates in lgbT Pride celebrations throughout the west Coast, and supports a number of LGBT community and non-profit organizations, including a long-standing partnership with the financial services Industry exchange (fsIx). “we have worked diligently to create a welcoming culture that enables us to attract, develop and retain diverse talent, respond to broad customer segments, and partner effectively with our communities, including the lgbT community,” said van der werff.

“This recognition is a testament to the commitment of our leaders and employees, including ub Proud, to fostering inclusive business practices and one more example of our dedication to responsible banking and ‘doing right.’”

The 2014 CeI rated 934 businesses in the report, which evaluates lgbT-related policies and practices including nondiscrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the lgbT community. download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

Wedding Rings from Palm Springs

HEPHAESTUS

PALM SPRINGS’ PREMIER DESIGNER JEWELRY GALLERY

132 La Plaza ▼ Palm Springs ▼ 760.325.5395 www.HephaestusPS.com ▼ www.metalorgy.us

january, 2014 39

al c lo

events Calendar You series of events. The event offers courses from a free 1K fun run for kids and 5K and 10 mile course for those seeking to start the year off right and commit to a healthy lifestyle. registration for the mayor’s race is available now through www.yoursustainablecity.com or on www.active.com JAn 10 - feb 16 The deserT rose PlaYhouse To PresenT “nITe Club ConfIdenTIal” The desert rose Playhouse, the Valley’s live stage company serving the lgbT community, will present miss Joey english in dennis deal’s “mid-century modern” jazz musical Nite Club Confidential. The production will open January 10, 2014 for a six-week run closing on february 16, 2014. Performances are fridays and saturdays at 8:00 Pm and sundays at 2 Pm. for tickets and further info visit www.desertroseplayhouse.org or call 760-202-3000

JAn 11 maYor’s raCe, swIm and wellness fesTIVal Palm sPrIngs Join mayor steve Pougnet and the City of Palm springs for the 2014 mayor’s race, swim and wellness festival taking place saturday, January 11, 2014 at ruth hardy Park in Palm springs. The event is sponsored by The Clinton health matters Initiative, part of the Clinton foundation. In its third year, the wellness festival is part of a year-round healthy Planet, healthy

40 ThesTandardPs.Com

JAn 18 1sT annual “PerformanCe” men’s healTh eVenT. eIsenhower medICal CenTer Palm sPrIngs This is a great event for anY man over 40 interested in recovering or maintaining his health, vigor and vitality. learn about key issues and advances in men’s health and meet the medical experts serving our Coachella Valley. This event is free and open to the community, so we encourage you to invite your friends and family! event is from 8:30-1:00 saturday Jan 18. for further info & to register

by Jan 11 visit http://emc.org/menshealthevent

JAn 24 - 26 souThwesT arTs fesTIVal emPIre Polo Club IndIo featuring over 250 acclaimed artists showing traditional, contemporary and abstract fine works of art, clay, drawing, glass jewelry, metal works, painting photography sculpture and textiles. for info go to www.southwestartsfest.com

feb 2 mcCallum TheaTre PresenTs sIng-along-a sound of musIC If you’ve always wanted to be part of a musical, this is your chance when the mcCallum Theatre presents “sing-a-long-a sound of music” on sunday, february 2, at 2:00pm. get those vocal cords warmed up, make a costume, and come to the mcCallum Theatre to join the international smash-hit sensation! It’s the perfect afternoon out for birthday celebrations, office outings, family trips, or anyone who has ever shed a tear during “edelweiss.” www.mccallumtheatre.com

DbA JAnuAry MixerS The desert rose Playhouse Jan 13 6pm-8pm windsor Court/Prowatch senior Care Jan 27 6pm-8pm for more info visit www.desertbusinessassociation.org

onGoinG >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

lo ca l

EVENTS CALENDAR Come by for our happy hour from 10am – 7pm. Yes, that’s right: 9 hours long!

For a list of all events and specials visit www.huntersnightclubs.com

Oscar’s Café & Bar You and your dog(s) are invited to join us every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30am - 2:00pm for a fun brunch on our always dog-friendly patio. Oscar’s Cafe & Bar participates in My Perfect Pet’s “Dine With Your Dog” program, offering fresh, whole, healthy 100% Human-Grade Food for your dog while serving delicious human food for our pet parents! Dog meals are offered FREE with a $2 per meal donation (which benefits local animal nonprofits) 7 days a week at Oscar’s Cafe & Bar. Make your Bow Wow Brunch Reservations by calling Oscar’s at (760) 325-1188.

PS: Brunch is also available indoors for those without pets!

Art Walk. Back Street Art District , Discover the Backstreet Art District, on the first Wednesday of every month, the coolest, hippest art destination in the desert. Stroll through a dozen artist-owned galleries and working studios featuring exciting collections of original, contemporary art by nationally and internationally recognized artists including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics as well as performing arts. ART WALKS are held the first Wednesday of every month during evening hour. www.backstreetartdistrict.com

Sundays “The Playgirls” at Toucans Tiki Lounge featuring Tommi Rose. Performances 8, 10pm.

These darling Divas of drag really deliver with their very own brand of entertainment to packed houses. Special guests appear weekly.

DJ in the sound booth. Every Sunday Complete list of events www.toucanstikilounge.com Hunters Nightclubs® Palm Springs, Palm Springs’ go-to gay bar and dance club, has been leading the way in full-out fun for 13 lucky years now! We enjoy having the desert’s most sought-after and friendly DJs, full-on themed events, and a staff that has it all without the attitude. And of course, we are proud to hold the longest happy hour in the entire Valley. Remember: Size Matters.

Wang’s in the Desert. The weekly Wang’s Live Entertainment series features the

best in local and regional musical talents.

Guests can relax from cabaret and Broadway show performances to upbeat, jazzy showcases on the Zen Patio, with its beautiful stone outdoor fireplace, giant red Buddha statue and lush tropical surroundings. The Sunday series is becoming the new performance showcase for weekends and holidays in downtown Palm Springs. It’s the perfect, casual venue for great music, cool cocktails and of course, a fantastic crowd.

For more information about Wang’s in the Desert, visit www.wangsinthedesert.com

Tuesdays Bella da Ball Cabaret Variety Dinner Revue at Azul features a different show each week with a cast of male and female vocalists and drag personalities. The highly popular show is hosted and produced by Palm Springs’ area social ambassador, Bella da Ball, and features music-comedysong-dance-costuming-headdresses-photo ops-door prizes-audience participation and more. The 95+ minute production features musical numbers ranging from show tunes to country to pop and everything in between.

Don’t miss the fun every Tuesday at 7:30pm! No cover.

january, 2014 41

tl a n

events Calendar ski week, aspen gay ski week has gained the reputation of hosting the most exclusive and explosive winter entertainment. world-renowned dJ’s, indoor & outdoor pool parties, debauchery that will take you into the morning hours just in time to hit the slopes. www.gayskiweek.com

bisexual, transgender community, and their allies. The conference is run by the national gay and lesbian Task force, and attracts more than 3,500 people from all over the country every year. Presenters and participants come from all lifestyles and include members of the business community, elected officials, students, faith leaders and staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations. www.creatingchange.org

Jan 3 - 13

PAlM SPrinGS internAtionAl filM feStivAl Palm sPrIngs, Ca In 2013, the festival screened 42 of the 71 movies that were submitted by countries around the world to the oscars for that year’s foreign language film prize. In the days before the festival’s opening, several of the international filmmakers convene at sunnylands, the annenberg estate in rancho mirage, to trade strategies on funding, producing and promoting their movies. The festival regularly attracts around 135,000 people, with some 70% coming from outside of the Coachella Valley, including Canada and Europe. www.psfilmfest.org

Jan 16 - 26

SunDAnCe filM feStivAl ParK CITY, uTah The sundance film festival is one of the largest independent film festivals in the united states. The festival is a showcase for new work from american and international independent filmmakers. The festival comprises competitive sections for american and international dramatic and documentary films, both feature-length films and short films, and a group of outof-competition sections, including nexT, new frontier, spotlight, and Park City at midnight. www.sundance.org

Jan 29 - feb 2 Jan 12 - 19

GAy AnD leSbiAn SKi weeK asPen, Colorado For over 28 years, as the first official gay

42 ThesTandardPs.Com

nAtionAl ConferenCe on lGbt eQuAlity: CreAtinG CHAnGe housTon Texas what is Creating Change? only the premier annual organizing and skillsbuilding event for the lesbian, gay,

Jan 19

HuStlAbAll lAS veGAS las Vegas, neVada get ready for the return of the annual hustlaball to las Vegas sunday January 19 at share nightclub. The “erotic cabaret and mega dance party” is back in sin City after 5 years, with a history of over 27 events in new York City, london, berlin, brussels, los angeles, san francisco, Chicago, and once again in las Vegas! early bird Tickets available now at www.hustlaballvegas. brownpapertickets.com

int l

EVENTS CALENDAR culture. The festival program is made up of a wide range of events and activities including visual art, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, live music, parties, sport, social events and public forums. www.midsumma.org.au

Jan 12 - 19

Arosa Ski Week Arosa, Switzerland The annual Gay Ski Week in Arosa, one of Switzerland’s most enchanting winter resorts, is in its 9th year and constantly growing with people participating from all over the world. Come experience Swiss hospitality, the charm of a true mountain resort and glamorous parties while you’re enjoying yourself with various activities throughout the week. There is a wide range of accommodations. Don’t forget to order your event pass for the week, or do you want to miss the foam party, a fondue night at the mountain hut, a classical piano concert, the pool party, our cabaret-night or the dragqueen ski race? So what are you waiting for? www.arosa-gayskiweek.com

Jan 12 - Feb 2

Midsumma Festival Melbourne, Australia Midsumma has been Melbourne’s annual Queer Celebration since 1988 - with a smorgasbord of queer arts and cultural events spread over more than 85 different venues throughout Melbourne and Regional Victoria.

Midsumma Festival brings a diverse mix of artists and performers together under a single umbrella for an impassioned celebration and innovative presentation of queer arts and

Feb 5 - 10

Jan 26 - Feb 2

Beef Dip Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Beef Dip is an international gay bear week at Puerto Vallarta. Activities include cocktail, dance and pool parties, the Beef Dip booze cruise, Canopy River Zip line tours, and Off Road adventures. www.beefdip.com

Jan 30 - Feb 2

Rainbows Winter Festival Reykjavik, Iceland An international four-day gay event offering guests everything from exotic sightseeing trips, northern lights hunt and late night parties. The amazing Euroband will be our hosts, welcoming Iceland’s most celebrated Eurovision icons on stage for an amazing night of power ballads, disco beats and trashy techno. This international event attracts people from all around the world. www.rainbowreykjavik.com

Antwerp Leather Pride Antwerp, Belgium During the Belgium Leather Pride, several gay fetish parties and events will be held in Antwerp, a city that is rapidly developing as one of Europe’s hottest and most popular fetish destinations. www.leatherpride.be

Feb 7- Mar 2

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Sydney, Australia Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of Australia’s most famous and well-loved events, bringing thousands of visitors to Sydney to join in the celebrations. It captures the imagination of Australia’s LGBTQI and mainstream communities, taking over the city for weeks on end, culminating in the worldfamous Parade: a colorful and dazzling night of pride, celebration and self-expression. www.mardigras.org.au

january, 2014 43

the3d’s RESTAURANTS

dine | drink | dance { Coachella Valley }

Bars and Night Clubs

Wang’s in the Desert 424 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 325-WANG (9264) www.wangsinthedesert.com

Las Casuelas Terraza 222 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-2794 www.lascasuelas.com

Zin American Bistro 198 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 322-6300 www.pszin.com

Hunters Nightclub 302 East Arenas Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-323-0700 www.huntersnightclubs.com

Nature’s Health Food & Cafe 555 S Sunrise Way Suite 301 Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-9487 www.natureshealthfoodcafe.com

LuLu California Bistro 200 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com

Birba 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-5678 www.birbaps.com

Toucan’s Tiki Lounge 2100 North Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-416-7584 www.toucanstikilounge.com

Pomme Frite 256 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 778-3727 www.pomme-frite.com

Cheekys 622 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-7595 www.cheekysps.com

Rainbow Bar and Grill 216 South Indian Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-325-3989 www.rainbowbarngrill.com

Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill 350 S Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 992-5641 www.rioazulpalmsprings.com

El Mirasol 140 E Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 323-0721 www.elmirasolrestaurants.com

Trio Restaurant 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

Thai Smile Palm Springs 651 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 320-5503 www.thaismilepalmsprings.com

Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille 415 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 778-6279 www.hamburgermarysps.com

Studio ONE 11 Cocktail Lounge 67-555 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite A103, Cat. City CA 92264 760.328.2900 www.Studio-One-11.com

Trio Restaurant 707 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 864-8746 www.triopalmsprings.com

Rick’s Restaurant 1973 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 416-0090 www.ricksrestaurant.biz

The Tool Shed 600 E. Sunny Dunes Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.3299 www.toolshed-ps.com

The Tropicale 330 E Amado Road Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 866-1952 www.thetropicale.com

Pinocchio in the Desert 134 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-322-3776 www.pinocchiops.com

Spurline Video Lounge 200 Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262 760-778-4326 www.spurline.com

Sherman’s Deli & Bakery 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-1199 www.shermansdeli.com Acqua Pazza / The River at Rancho Mirage 71800 Highway 111 Suite A167 Rancho Mirage, CA Phone: (760) 862-9800 www.acquapazzabistro.com Azul Restaurant 369 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 325-5533 www.azultapaslounge.com Casa de Frida 450 S Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 459-1681 www.casadefrida.com Copley’s on Palm Canyon 621 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA Phone: (760) 327-9555 www.copleyspalmsprings.com

44 theStandardps.com

Business dIreCTorY your ad here! theStandardps.com

www.TrioPalmSprings.com

GET HIM ON THE LINE Try For Free

800-960-6843

66511 pierson Blvd. desert hot springs, Ca

760.251.0999 Ahora en Espa単ol /18+

operationsafehouse.org

cominG up neXt month MODERNISM WEEK INTERNATIONAL BEAR CONVERGENCE LOVING FOOD ROMANTIC GETAWAYS JanuarY, 2014 45

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014 The O’Donnell Golf Club Palm Springs Cocktails 5:30 pm Dinner 7:30 pm An abundance of bartenders, fabulous live & silent auctions, inspiring honorees, delectable cuisine, divine entertainment and dancing!

FEATURING* * SCHEDULED TO APPEAR

Linda Clifford “If My Friends Could See Me Now” France Joli “Come To Me” Evelyn Champagne King “Shame” Maxine Nightingale “Right Back Where We Started From” Pamala Stanley “Coming Out of Hiding” Anita Ward “Ring My Bell” Martha Wash “It’s Raining Men” Alfa Anderson Luci Martin Norma Jean Formerly of Chic “Good Times”

BENEFITTING

For tickets visit aidsassistance.org or call 760-325-8481

Media Sponsor

46 ThesTandardPs.Com

PhoTo rewInd holIdaY haPPenIngs PhoTo CourTesY of daVId a. lee & The sTandard sTaff

JanuarY, 2014 47

PRE-EVENT VIP RECEPTION: Thursday, January 16, 2014 6:00 to 9:00 pm VIP Reception Bougainvillea Room @ Spencer’s – Tennis Club PERFORMANCE: Friday, January 17, 2014 6:00 pm Champagne Reception Palm Springs Art Museum Sculpture Garden 7:00 pm Dance for Life performance Palm Springs Art Museum Annenberg Theater Tickets are $95 for performance only. $200 per person includes VIP reception on January 16.

Visit aidsassistance.org or call 760-325-8481

Since 1992, Dance for Life has raised more than four million dollars for Chicago’s HIV/AIDS community. Now in its third year in Palm Springs, this highly anticipated event will once again celebrate the art of dance to benefit AIDS Assistance Program and The Dancers’ Fund.

THE COMPANIES: Giordano Dance Chicago, Nevada Ballet Theatre, ENTITY Dance Company, Tap Sounds Underground and Los Angeles Ballet.

Photography by Sandro Dancer: Victoria Jaiani

Media Sponsor

PhoTo rewInd holIdaY haPPenIngs PhoTo CourTesY of daVId a. lee & The sTandard sTaff

JanuarY, 2014 49

Come to Palm Springs for international Bear Convergence this Presidents’ day Weekend!

Hosted at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel

Plus... fRiday

meet & GReet SatuRday

Late niGHt Pizza PaRty Sunday

BeeR BuSt dJ eaSy tiGeR

LIVE PeRfoRmanCe by

Sunday, FEbruary 16 at fuRRaGeouS®

Passes & Hotel ReseRvations at ibc-ps.com

bearfoot inn PA L M R

E

S

O

R

S P R I N G S

T

F

O

R

M

E

N

Clothing Optional | Pet Friendly | Private Patios | Kitchens | Mountain Views| Heated Pool

www.bearfootinn.com 760-699-7641

Benefiting AIDS Assistance Program and The Center Food Bank of Palm Springs.