The Standard Magazine

The The Sports Sports Issue Issue EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

ESERA TUAOLO NFL BEING GAY IN THE

SEPTEMBER, 2014 | VOLUME 2 ISSUE 9 theStandardps.com

CONTENTS VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9

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twitter.com/theStandardPS THE SPORTS ISSUE: ESERA TUAOLO DESIGN BY MAYA KALABIC

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Volume 2 Issue 9 COVER ESERA TUAOLO BEING GAY IN THE NFL COVER STRAIGHT SPORTS ALLIES HELP OR HINDRANCE? FEATURE FITNESS TRENDS THE LATEST TO GET YOU IN SHAPE MUSIC BABS IS BACK BARBARA STREISAND DUETS EPICUREAN BENEFITS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

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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, Chris Heritage, Lee Lynch, Dennis Mason, Steve Roth Terri Schlichenmeyer, 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.

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COVER |Q&A

ESERA TUAOLO

ALONE IN THE TRENCHES

BY CHRIS ASTRALA

Recently there has been much said about openly gay players in sports, particularly the NFL. Michael Sam, the first openly gay man drafted by the NFL and to play in a preseason game (although he was cut from the Rams, he was just picked up by Dallas Cowboys) proved that you can be out and still be mostly accepted and judged solely on performance and not for whom you love.

We wanted to get a first hand account on what it was like to be gay, closeted and play in the NFL. So we contacted one of the trailblazers who actually endured the tension, pressure and fear of being outed while doing what he loved to do: Esera Tuaolo.

A second-round pick out of Oregon State in 1991 by The Green

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Bay Packers, Tuaolo was a defensive lineman and the first rookie in NFL history to start in all 16 games. His record earned him a spot on the 1991 All-Rookie team.

Tuaolo played nine seasons for the Vikings, Packers, Jaguars, Falcons and Panthers. He kept his homosexuality a secret during his career, and even contemplated suicide. When he came out in 2002, two years after retiring from pro football, Tuaolo finally found the happiness his younger self had been so desperate for. In 2002 he wrote Alone in the Trenches: My Life as a Gay Man in the NFL. In the book he talks about how he had dreams about coming out while still active in the NFL, but there was no chance those dreams would become reality. “The environment was not right,” he said. “I had to play to provide for my family and kids, and coming out would have probably meant getting or been purposely injured by one of my teammates, and being ostracized in the locker room and in practice; I couldn’t risk it. He also mentions that he “did not feel safe at all” in the locker room with his teammates: “It was so hard...being in that masculine environment. The secret killed me.”

In addition to being an activist, motivational speaker, singer, advocate, author and father, he is also a great cook. “I learned to cook Hawaiian-style from my mom and other chefs from restaurants that I have been part of”, says Esera, “I combine my catering skills with singing, if the host wants me to. I like to call myself ‘The Singing Chef.’”

Tuaolo is also an HIV/AIDS activist—his brother died from complications of the disease. He has appeared in public service announcements and is a major fundraiser for Camp Heartland for children and youth with HIV/AIDS. He travels the country speaking about homophobia in sports and anti-bullying. Following is my conversation with Esera, it was great speaking to this amazing man.

THE STANDARD: Hi Esera, first of all thanks for the opportunity to talk with you, I know that you are a very busy man so let’s get right to it. You came out in 2002 after 9 years playing for the NFL and you did it on HBO’s “Real Sports”, which was huge by the way, especially in those days. Did your friends and family know that you were about to do this on such a large stage and if so what was their response?

Esera: Only a small number of friends & family knew about my relationship with Mitchell. I was not going talk to rest of the family but Mitchell convinced me to talk to them before the story came out.

Q&A |COVER They had their concerns and negative comments but it was all about them and how people would react and treat them. We needed to stay focus and stay true to ourselves and what we wanted as a family. We wanted to be happy and not live in a lie with our two beautiful children. We wanted what our straight friends and family members took for granted. We wanted to walk down the street as a family we wanted to be happy!

THE STANDARD: What was it like being closeted and playing for the NFL? Esera: At first it was horrible but then it just become part of my life. You learn to accept it or it will destroy you. Although I accepted it, I was still living with depression, stress, hurt and suicidal tendencies.

To not be true to yourself and having to live a lie was difficult. Going through your life with someone and not being able to share your happiness with or your rewards in public with was difficult. To go to the Super Bowl and not be able to introduce your partner to the team, coaches or their families was difficult and depressing. I was with my Mitchell at the latter half of my career and being in the closet destroyed that relationship. Having to hide our love for each other is something no one should go through. I’m tearing up by just answering this question but I thank God everyday for my life and my beautiful children. That is why I’m so happy for Michael Sam because he doesn’t have to deal with anything I dealt with. He’ll be able to concentrate on football and that’s something I wish I had.

THE STANDARD: What was the reaction of your former teammates when you came out? And are you still in contact with any of them?

Esera: It was a shock to many of my former teammates. A handful of them contacted me but only half of them seem sincere.

Recently I have been contacted by a few of them and it was good to catch up.

THE STANDARD: You are known for being a very spiritual man, what is your take on religion and homosexuality?

Esera: I recently did a 2-day seminar in Minnesota on that topic. I have good friend that is pastor and we decided to tackle this topic at his church. We invited the surrounding churches and we had 600 people show up. It was a great forum because it gave both sides an opportunity to share without the screaming and chaos that you see on television. I could talk about this topic until the cows come home but I’d rather just say this. Our God is a God of love and he showed that love by sending his son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for all our sins. Key word ALL. Now at the seminar the first question I had was “Is Homosexuality a Sin?” My answer was NO if your in a loving committed relationship. But if

your asking me if I’m a sinner like everyone in this room, then I would say YES because in the Bible is says “We all fall short of the glory of God”. Meaning we are all sinners. The final question I received at the seminar was “Are you going to Heaven?” My answer was Yes because the price was already paid. When Jesus Christ died on the cross he became the key to every lasting life. He also said “I am the way and the light, no one come to the father but through me”. I believe that Jesus Christ is my lord and savior so that’s how I know I’m going to heaven. I grew up Pentecostal Samoan First Assembly of God church in Hawaii so I know a thing or two about the Bible. I left them with this to think about.

I don’t mind another person having and opinion but when you tell me that I’m going to hell, my children are going to hell and my parents who brought me into this world will go to hell, well then that’s when I have a big problem. We are all born into this world alone and when we leave this world we will be alone and when I stand at judgment day and God ask me if I’m worthy to enter into the Kingdom of heaven, I will say no because no is. So before I left the seminar I used the same scare tactics that religion would use on us, I quoted the bible. “The measure you judge will be Judged unto you” meaning if you walk up to that voting station and you vote against same sex marriage amendment, God will vote against you because even if you disagree with the color of my skin, hair or who I decide to give my heart to, I am a child of God. Amen.

THE STANDARD: In 2006 you sang the national anthem at the 2006 Gay Games, that same year you wrote your book “Alone in the Trenches” what was it like to put your experiences into words?

Esera: I actually sang the Gay Game anthem and I was so overwhelmed with pride, love, joy and excitement, During rehearsal the night before the opening ceremony I was a tragic mess. I could not remember the words; I was like a deer in headlights. They were going to cut me from the program but my manager assured them that I would

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COVER |Q&A out called STRONGER (check it out here). Written by the Gorgie Porgie. STRONGER for me is the anthem for the Gay community.

It’s the feeling you have when you say those words for the first time: I’m Gay. After the shock wore off and dealing with the realization of your reality, I felt empowered, a sense of joy and strength. You can purchase it on iTunes or go to www.musicplantrecords.com. So to answer your question, yes I will be doing much more music in the future.

THE STANDARD: Tell us a bit about the “Hate In Any Form Is Wrong” campaign and how people can get involved.

sing my ass off. :-) I did. It was absolutely one of the highlights of my life. Writing the book: At first I did not want to write the book but after receiving over 500,000 emails from around the world by people inspired by my story and wanting me to write a book it took me a few years after coming out to decide to write it. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Opening all the doors in my mind that I locked and threw away the key was difficult. I’m glad I did. I still receive thousands of emails and sometime stopped on the street by people telling me that they loved the book and was inspired by it. It makes me smile but at the same time its feel weird because people know everything about you. I’m planning on writing a second book so look out for it. People can buy my book at www.amazon.com or on my website www.hateiswrong.com for a signed copy.

THE STANDARD: Many people know you as a former NFL player but some don’t know that you have mad skills as a singer, what is your musical style and who are your influences?

Esera: Growing up on the banana farm in Hawaii one of the only radio programs that came through was this Motown radio station. So I was influenced buy Smoky Robison, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, The Manhattans, Nat King Cole and old school Tina and Ike just to name a few. I sing like a big black women, I guess that’s my style. I’m a high tenor and I enjoy the challenge of singing women songs.

THE STANDARD: A few years back I saw you take the stage with CeCe Penniston and you guys rocked, are you planning on doing more dance music and who would you like to collaborate with?

Esera: I love me some CeCe Penniston. She’s a good friend and incredible voicetress and Diva. I had a blast sharing the stage with her. I signed with Music Plant records and have a dance single that

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Esera: Our mission statement for HATE IN ANY FORM IS WRONG is to help address the issues and minimize the negative impact that hate has on our society, especially with today’s youth on bullying. We want to educate and bring awareness to the bullying epidemic that is sweeping our nation. I want to empower and bring a sense of self worth to victims of hate, through my speaking presentations; workshops and creating follow up programs. Together we can end bullying and create a safe environment for all of our children. People can log on to the website www.hateiswrong.com and take the pledge and create a video so we can post it. I want people to tell their story in a short video so people around the world can be inspired. Also they can jump on my website www.hateiswrong.com to purchase my HATE IN ANY FORM IS WRONG t-shirts and 100 perfect of the proceeds go to help my cause.

THE STANDARD: You and your former partner share custody of your twins, how did fatherhood change you?

Esera: It made me a better man. Words can’t express what my children mean to me, the joy they bring into your life is nothing you can ever imagine unless you have children. Coaching my son in football is a dream come true and having my 13-year-old daughter do my photo shoot for this story is also a dream come true. I love my kids and they love big daddy.

THE STANDARD: What are your biggest pet peeves? And what makes you smile?

Esera: Mean people is one of my biggest pet peeves and kids always make me happy.

Mahalo for taking this time to sit with us, its been an honor and a pleasure.

To find out more about Esera’s “ Hate in any Form is Wrong” visit his website www.hateiswrong.com 100% of the proceeds of t-shirts sold on the site goes directly to the cause. Follow him on Tweeter @ eseratuaolo, Instagram ETUAOLO and like him on Facebook.

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COVER |SPORTS

STRAIGHT ALLIES IN THE SPORTS WORLD HELP OR HINDRANCE? The dirty little secret about the LGBT sports movement is that it’s not an LGBT sports movement. In every significant area in which you would measure a foundation’s impact in sports -- fundraising donations, media presence, resource development, athletic connections -- straight men are dominating the landscape. This is especially true in professional sports. The effective role of straight allies is as the supporters, not stars, of the movement. They don’t try to redefine the decades old word ally so that LGBT athletes can fit under their banner.

They don’t say, as one high-profile ally recently did, that “there’s no such thing as LGBT rights.” An ally spends his time lifting up the voices of the LGBT community, not his own. When he gets asked to accept awards or speak to the media, he offers the opportunity to LGBT people, or at least shares it with them. It’s about understanding and effectiveness. Good allies understand that. They don’t whitewash our movement, claiming that they are equally affected by homophobia and anti-LGBT laws that, for example, keep same-sex couples from marrying their partners. The following are several outstanding & exemplary allies; thanks guys for your support.

BEN COHEN One very active straight ally is Ben Cohen, an English rugby world cup champion, who retired to start The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which “supports organizations, programs and people that advance equality for the LGBT community and help for at-risk youth by standing up against bullying.” Cohen recently stripped down to his underwear to benefit his organization. He said, “No one should have to tolerate that [bullying], no matter what your sexual orientation, the color of your skin, your size or the color of your hair is.”

BRENDON AYANBADEJO Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Brendon Ayanbadejo, has been a vocal longtime supporter of marriage equality. The football player blogged about same-sex marriage for The Huffington Post in 2009, made a video for Marylanders for Marriage

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BY CHRIS ASTRALA

Equality, and donated Ravens tickets to the cause, which drew criticism from Baltimore County delegate Emmett Burns Jr. CHRIS KLUWE Chris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings punter, also lashed out at Baltimore County delegate Emmett Burns Jr.in a letter of his own. Kluwe asked in his letter “How does gay marriage, in any way, shape or form, affect your life?”

HUDSON TAYLOR Hudson Taylor, a three-time all-American wrestler from the University of Maryland, (and HuffPost Gay Voices blogger) started his foundation, Athlete Ally, which encourages “all individuals involved in sports to respect every member of their communities, regardless of perceived or actual sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,”

SEAN AVERY Retired New York Ranger Sean Avery caused a splash last year when he became, what’s believed, the first pro athlete to voice support for gay marriage in New York. Since then, Avery teamed up with fellow ally, Hudson Taylor, joining in Athlete Ally’s message of combating homophobia in sports.

DAVID POCOCK Australian rugby player David Pocock says he will not marry until gay marriage is legal Down Under. “We’ve moved forward on so many issues and this is the next progression,” Pocock said while appearing on the Australian Broadcasting Company TV show “Q&A” in August.

SPORTS|COVER STEVE NASH When Phoenix Suns president and CEO Rick Welts came out to NBA all-star Steve Nash, he said he’d support Welts. Soon after, Nash made a video for HRC’s New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign, saying he’s proud to be a part of a growing group of athletes speaking out for gay marriage.

MICHAEL IRVIN Michael Irvin, former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Famer, appeared on Out magazine’s cover last year. Irvin spoke out for LGBT rights and marriage equality, citing his late gay brother’s passing. He also said he would support any athlete in the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB who comes out.

PATRICK BURKE Co-Founder of You Can Play, which is a social activism campaign dedicated to the eradication of homophobia in sports, centered on the slogan, “If you can play, you can play.”

The campaign was launched on March 4, 2012, by its three co-founders: Patrick Burke (a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers and son of former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke), Brian Kitts, and Glenn Witman (both of GForce Sports) The campaign was precipitated by the death of Brendan Burke, son of Brian and brother of Patrick. You Can Play is an official partner of the National Hockey League.

SCOTT FUJITA Cleveland Browns player Scott Fujita first voiced his support for gay marriage in 2009, reacting and agreeing with fellow NFL colleague Brendon Ayanbadejo. Two years later, Fujita continued his LGBT advocacy taping a PSA for the HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality initiative.

Huffington Post & Outsports contributed to this article

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FITNESS|FEATURE

FITNESS TRENDS From augmented-reality training to wearable technology, 2014 is the year that science helped to put you at the top of your game.

BODYWEIGHT TRAINING Thank Cross-Fit and obstacle racing cultures for ushering in a return to minimalist, go-anywhere, drop-and-do-it-for-free full-body strengthening. This year, for the first time ever, bodyweight training appeared on the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey of 3,815 health and fitness professionals predicting fitness trends for the upcoming year.

PERSONAL TENS MACHINES A staple in physical therapy offices for decades, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machines send small electrical pulses to the body through electrodes placed on the skin, and are thought to block pain signals from hitting the brain. They’re also thought to improve circulation and lower inflammation in the area being treated.

WORKOUT HAPPY HOURS From spin gyms to running stores, fitness businesses are amping up their social game, offering online networking, post-workout raffles, food, and drinks. Indoor spinning company Cyc, for example, lets customers challenge one another to virtual races, send each other messages, see who’s signed up for class, and which bike they’re riding.

ROPE TRAINING Rope training requires grip strength, eye-hand coordination and muscular endurance and/or power.

The dynamic resistance of rope training is like doing speed, agility and quickness drills for your hands. The cool thing is the way the resistance is applied—the faster you move the rope, the greater the resistance, which can be humbling.

HEXOSKIN Hexoskin is the first wearable movement, respiration, and heart activity tracker. Hexoskin tracks your health and gives you insights

about your activities, your sleep, your life’s choices. The Hexoskin has the advantage of being a simple shirt and not something clunky like an armband. Put on the shirt, plug your device, and your body metrics are displayed on your phone and uploaded in your account.

Sleep, be active, live. When you wear the shirt, your health stats are digitized and uploaded in real-time. You can get detailed reports on your training and general health in a web browser on any device. www.hexoskin.com FLYKLY & SUPERPEDESTRIAN Cycling fashion, technology, and infrastructure converged in 2014, making this the year of the bike. Two companies, FlyKly and Superpedestrian plan to sell battery powered, smartphone-enabled rear bike wheels in 2014. The design makes it simple to turn most bikes into electric rigs, so commuting will be easier than ever.

OUTDOOR TRAINING CAMPS Not for everyone I’ll give you that. Gyms are warmer. But for some people outdoor training is the one. Some even go so far as to sign themselves up for military-esque boot camps and grueling running events with equally grueling names such as Tough Mudder and Spartan. Whilst a great alternative to being stuck inside the gym and stomping the treadmill, not all outdoor fitness has to be grueling. For every battlefield style workout there is a more gentle, yet still effective, outdoor activity. It’s just a matter of choosing your battles, so to speak. With more and more events springing up, it’s clear the trend for outdoor fitness is on the up.

CIRCUIT TRAINING Circuit Training appeared in 2013 (no. 18) for the first time in the top 20 trends and now occupies the no. 15 position.

Circuit Training is a group of 6 to 10 exercises that are completed one after another and in a predetermined sequence. Each exercise is performed for a specified number of repetitions or for a set period before having a quick rest and moving on to the next exercise. Some respondents pointed out that Circuit Training is similar to high-intensity interval training but at a naturally lower intensity.

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FEATURE OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS A trend that addresses accountability, these are efforts to define and track outcomes to prove a selected program actually works. Measurements are necessary to determine the benefits of health and fitness programs in disease management and to document success in changing negative lifestyle habits. The proliferation of technology has aided in data collection to support these efforts. Accountability to owners and operators of health and fitness facilities provide important metrics to determine if new programs are cost-effective and if old programs are actually working.

WELLNESS COACHING Wellness Coaching often uses a one-on-one approach, similar to a personal trainer, with the coach providing support, guidance, and encouragement. The wellness coach focuses on the client’s values, needs, vision, and goals. According to this trends survey (and results from past surveys), it appears as though Wellness Coaching and its principled techniques of behavior change are being adopted by personal trainers and other health and fitness professionals.

HYDROSPINNING For many years, spinning has been the typical exercise of choice. Also swimming has been a great choice as a low impact all around exercise. What happens when you combine swimming and spinning; you get underwater spinning, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Among the reasons it gives for riding your bike while partially submerged in a pool are “it burns up to 800 calories”.

PILOXING Piloxing combines elements of pilates, boxing, and dance. You’ll jab, crunch, leg-lift, shimmy, dip, dodge, and possibly even plié, all while wearing weighted gloves. You’ll become long, lean, and powerful. It’s intense. This trend began when long-time Pilates devotee and instructor Viveca Jensen began to box to increase strength.

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MUSIC|FEATURE NOW HEAR THIS

LEGENDARY ARTIST’S FIRST DUETS ALBUM IN MORE THAN A DECADE Columbia Records has announced the upcoming release of Barbra Streisand’s “Partners” album, to debut on September 16th, 2014, featuring 12 inimitable new Streisand duets with the world’s greatest male vocalists.

Ms. Streisand took to Instagram to announce to the world the official September 16th release date for “Partners.” Fans can preorder “Partners” now.

The inspired new musical pairings on “Partners” include, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Jason Gould, Josh Groban, Billy Joel, John Legend, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Blake Shelton, Stevie Wonder and a breathtaking virtual duet with the King of rock n’ roll, Elvis Presley.

The new album, which is executive produced by Ms. Streisand and Jay Landers, is produced by ‘Babyface’ and Walter Afanasieff.

“Partners” is comprised of 12 songs, many of which are regarded as Streisand classics. Among the songs included are “New York State Of Mind,” with Billy Joel, “It Had To Be You,” with Michael Bublé, “Come Rain Or Come Shine,” with John Mayer, “Love Me Tender,” with Elvis Presley, “The Way We Were,” with Lionel Richie, “What

Kind Of Fool,” with John Legend, “People,” with Stevie Wonder, “I Can Still See Your Face,” with Andrea Bocelli, “Evergreen,” with Babyface, and Ms. Streisand’s first studio-recorded duet with her son Jason Gould, on “How Deep Is The Ocean.”

Throughout her career, Barbra Streisand has generously shared microphone and spotlight to create some of the most magical duets in music history. Ms. Streisand has elevated the craft of pairing incomparable vocal styles with impeccable song choices, transforming the realm of the duet into the summit of collaborative artistry. For more than six decades she has seamlessly blended such extraordinary moments – both live and in the studio – into an acclaimed body of work that is unrivaled in popular music.

Ms. Streisand is currently the best-selling female recording artist in history and the only woman to make the All-Time Top 10 Best Selling artists list, an honor that includes “Partners” duettist Elvis Presley. Ms. Streisand has recorded 51 gold, 30 platinum and 13 multi-platinum albums in her career, including nine #1s, and is the only recording artist to have accomplished #1 album in five consecutive decades.

Recognized as an icon in multiple entertainment fields, Ms. Streisand has attained unprecedented achievements as a recording artist, actor of stage and screen, concert performer, movie producer, film director, author and songwriter. In her accomplished career she has been awarded two Oscars, five Emmys, ten Golden Globes, eight Grammys, a special Tony award in 1970 as star of the decade, and two Cable Ace awards – the only artist to receive honors in all of those fields of endeavor. Ms. Streisand is the recipient of the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Medal, two Peabody Awards, A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy Legend Award. Ms. Streisand is also the first film director to receive the Kennedy Center Honors.

FIRST ARTIST TO LAND 3 SONGS IN THE TOP SIX OF BILLBOARD’S DIGITAL SONGS CHART SINCE MICHAEL JACKSON Ariana Grande first landed at the top with her first full-length album for Republic Records, Yours Truly. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, Billboard Digital Albums Chart, and iTunes Overall Albums Chart. Moreover, it yielded the game-changing pop smash “The Way” featuring Mac Miller. One of 2013’s defining songs, the single went double-platinum, hit the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and reached #1 on the iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart. In the

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FEATURE|MUSIC aftermath, she was named “Best New Artist” at the American Music Awards in 2013.Grande’s magnetic charm, impressive voice, and astounding presence have enchanted millions of fans worldwide.

2014 saw her reach incredible heights right out of the gate.

The year’s most anticipated album, Ariana’s sophomore effort, My Everything has already garnered 4 #1 Singles on iTunes overall Top Songs Chart. The first single from this album, “Problem” featuring Iggy Azalea, saw her become the “youngest woman to debut with over 400K sold first-week”. In addition to ranking as the 4th “highest digital song debut for a female artist” and 8th highest ever, the platinum smash debuted at #1 in 65 countries, topping the iTunes overall Top Songs and Pop Songs charts for four weeks.

Other accolades followed throughout the year with Grande winning “Favorite Breakout Artist” at the People’s Choice Awards 2014, the “Young Influencer Award” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, the “Radio Disney Chart Topper Award”, and more. Still, the future looks brighter than ever as her star continues to rise. Following the double-platinum, chart-smashing, and history-making success of the summer’s biggest single “Problem”, her sophomore set, My Everything [Republic Records] is available now and promises to be the music event of 2014.

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BOOK REVIEW

ALWAYS OVERBOOKED…

BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER

Throwing a dart at a board.

That’s one way to decide where you’ll go on vacation. You could also call a travel agent, hop in a car, or head to the back yard.

No matter what you do with those precious weeks of vacay, you’ll definitely use them.

So how about a whirlwind tour of the Far East and its bedrooms, hotels, and furtive parks? Sounds good? Well, before you book that trip, you might want to read “Gaysia” by Benjamin Law first.

It stands to reason: if most of the planet’s population lives in Asia, then the Far East is the gayest place in the world. Benjamin Law suspected that and, as an ethnically Asian gay Australian, he was geographically in a good location to prove it. He decided he’d find his “fellow Gaysians: the Homolaysians, Bi-Mese, Laosbians, and Shangdykes.” But first, he’d go to Bali.

There, he found a “relaxing island getaway” that happily embraced gay men; where clothing was optional, even discouraged, at many resorts; and “money boys” were willing to do anything for a fee. Sessions of “jiggy-jiggy,” says Law, were a “creative” way out of poverty for (sometimes straight) boys and young men but since the rate of condom use was low, the rate of HIV was high.

In Thailand, which has a “long history of transexualism,” Law attended a beauty pageant for “ladyboys.” Acceptance for these beautiful girls was evident nearly everywhere – but with no legal recognition, they had few rights as women.

Gay Chinese men are pressured by their families to marry, and many of them enter mutually beneficial agreements with lesbians under the same pressure, Law discovered. Others marry straight women, but keep mum.

In Japan, “drag queens and camp gays” are accepted, but lesbians are all but hidden. Harmful myths about contracting (or not contracting) HIV are common in Myanmar; so common that “roughly 240,000 people” live with it, and four out of five “die waiting for medication.” And in India, Law found an antiquated anti-gay law; a counselor who fought against it; the world’s only openly gay royal; and a (rumored-to-be-closeted) yoga instructor who claimed to cure homosexuality…

I was somewhat taken aback when I first started this book: with a brief introduction and little-to-no fanfare otherwise, author Benjamin Law jumps feet-first into his travelogue, profanely and bluntly.

Fortunately for readers, his humor and sense of the absurd smooth the abruptness of what he finds. That helps a lot and before long, you’ll be well immersed in “Gaysia” and the open (and closed)

atmospheres that Law uncovers.

That’s not to say, though, that this is a completely rompish book.

Yes, Law has unusual adventures here, but in between the funny asides and sharp perceptions, he offers serious observations to show that Asia may be halfway around the world, but it’s closer than we think.

This book is explicit and profanity-laden, but it’s also funny and charming and worthy of being tucked in your carryon this summer.

Take “Gaysia” with you on vacation, and you certainly won’t be bored.

“Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East” by Benjamin Law, foreword by Aaron Allbright c.2014, Cleis Press $16.95 / $20.95 Canada 283 pages

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I fought my way back from addiction.

Carl, D.A.P. client

D.A.P. treats and supports the whole person Like everyone, I’ve made lots of mistakes in my life. One of the biggest was letting alcohol and crystal meth consume me for a time. It led me into unsuccessful relationships, homelessness, and even ignoring my HIV medication therapy, causing me to lose one of my eyes. With the help of a counselor at Desert AIDS Project, I’m in recovery and am proud of my accomplishments at College of the Desert. I may have lost an eye...but I’ve never seen more clearly than I do today.

This and more...all under one roof Thanks to your generous support, Desert AIDS Project has been saving lives for 30 years.

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.

Desert AIDS Walk | October 18, 2014 Dancing With The Desert Stars | November 14, 2014 World AIDS Day | December 1, 2014 - Pathways to Health & Well-Being HIV Conference - Everyday Heroes

760.323.2118

desertAIDSproject.org

EQCA UPDATE EQUALITY CALIFORNIA CELEBRATES 100 PIECES OF LGBT RIGHTS LEGISLATION WITH PASSAGE OF THE “PANIC DEFENSE” BILL

BY STEVE ROTH Equality California, the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization in California, celebrated its 100th piece of passed legislation today when the California Assembly — by a preliminary bipartisan vote of 58-14 — approved AB 2501, which would prohibit the use of the “panic defense” to support a finding of sudden quarrel or heat of passion, which is necessary to reduce a charge of murder to manslaughter.

This bill, the first of its kind in the nation, now moves on to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk. For more than a decade, EQCA has partnered with legislators to successfully sponsor more legislation improving the lives of LGBT people than any other statewide LGBT organization, strategically moving California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT people to a state with some of the most comprehensive human rights protections in the nation.

“This milestone is not significant for quantity alone but for the real, life-changing impact of these laws,” said Rick Zbur, executive director-elect of EQCA. “Because of the work of Equality California in the legislature, California students will learn about the role and contributions of LGBT people in history; people around the world know about the story and example of Harvey Milk; and LGBT youth won’t be subjected to the psychological abuse that is conversion therapy.”

“LGBT seniors who have lost a partner will be secure in their homes and not vulnerable to unfair tax increases; California employers must provide health insurance for same-sex spouses and domestic partners; and transgender people need not fear that they won’t be able to secure a job or a place to live simply because of their gender identity,” he added.

For its milestone 100th piece of legislation, EQCA partnered with Assembly member Susan Bonilla to end the “panic defense,” a disturbing legal tactic that has been used in various cases in California and nationwide, whereby criminal defendants claim that they have been the object of romantic advances by a person of the same sex or a transgender person that they found so offensive and frightening as to induce a violent reaction against the victim.

“This defense legitimizes prejudice and hate, and it should play absolutely no part in California’s justice system,” said Zbur. “This bill helps eliminate anti-LGBT bias as a ‘reasonable’ basis to ease the punishment for violent crimes against LGBT people.”

“There is absolutely no justification for the use of ‘panic defenses.’

SUSAN BONILLA

Clearly this tactic has been utilized by defendants, unjustly targeting members of the LGBT community, based on damaging stereotypes,” said Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla. “With AB 2501, we are moving forward to ensure equality in our courts and making it very clear that discrimination against the LGBT community is intolerable and unacceptable.”

There is a complete lack of scientific research to support the “panic defense,” and the American Bar Association last year adopted a resolution urging “federal, tribal, state, local and territorial governments to take legislative action to curtail the availability and effectiveness of the ‘gay panic’ and ‘trans panic’ defenses.”

“This panic defense bill and the other 99 pieces of legislation before it have brought us a long way in improving the lives of LGBT people in California,” said Zbur. “As we look ahead, Equality California is evolving to meet the needs of California’s LGBT community. We will utilize Equality California’s enormous mobilization and communications capacity to educate the public and to fight discrimination wherever it exists. And we will use our public policy and legislative expertise to advocate for programs at all levels of government that address the needs of the LGBT community and combat historic and existing discrimination. This is the work ahead of us.”

SEPTEMBER, 2014 19

PSP FOCUS GREATER PALM SPRINGS PRIDE

ANNOUNCES 2014 PRIDE HONOREES & COMMUNITY GRAND MARSHALS

SHANNON MINTER, MARIAH HANSEN, THE DESERT ROSE PLAYHOUSE, FIONA FOYSTON & PAT BERGMANN

TONY MARCHESE, PENNIE FEEHAN, GORDON ELKINS, ROVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF CHIEF DEPUTY RAYMOND GREGORY & WES RANKINS

TORI ST JOHNS, VICTORIA KOLAKOWSKI, ALEXIS ORTEGA & THOMAS SMITH

LGBT civil rights attorney, pioneering businesswoman and first openly transgender trial judge in the United States top the slate of activists and community leaders to be recognized with Spirit of Stonewall Awards.

Greater Palm Springs Pride announces the recipients of its 2014 Pride Honors Awards. The prestigious Pride Honors are presented annually to individuals in order to recognize the work they have put

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into raising awareness and furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on October 10, at the Hyatt Palm Springs.

Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented to the nation’s leading transgender advocate for LGBT rights Shannon Price Minter and businesswoman pioneer Mariah Hansen. Recognized for enhancing the community through the arts, the 2014 Organization of the Year is

PSP FOCUS The Desert Rose Playhouse. Fiona Foyston and Pat Bergmann, along with Tony Marchese, will be recognized with Spirit of Stonewall Community Service Awards.

Pennie Feenhan and Gordon Elkins will be honored as Volunteers of the Year, and Riverside County Sheriff Chief Deputy Raymond Gregory and community activist Wes Rankins will be recognized with the Spirit of Pride Award for advancing equality, promoting diversity and celebrating the strength and talent of the LGBT community. The 2014 Friend of Pride Award will be presented to student advocate Tori St. Johns and in recognition of her trailblazing work as the first openly transgender trial judge in the United States, Superior Court Judge Vicky Kowlakowski will be the 2014 Spirit of Stonewall Special Guest.

The Community Grand Marshals recognized for their positive and lasting impact represent two generations of volunteerism and

service in the community. Alexis Ortega is part of a new generation that’s dedicated to building a stronger and more vibrant community and Thomas Smith is recognized for thirty years of community service, leadership in the leather community and as an award winning author.

The prestigious Palm Springs Pride Honors Awards are presented annually to individuals to honor the work they have put into furthering the causes of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their allies. The awards reception will take place October 10, 2014, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Hyatt Palm Springs located at 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/ honor2014. Proceeds from the reception will go to the Pride LGBT Landmark Monument Fund to establish a Wall of Honor landmark monument to honor and remember LGBT community members.

CINEMA DIVERSE THE PALM SPRINGS GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, which opens its Seventh Edition on Thursday, September 18th and runs through Sunday, September 21st “We are screening a total of twenty eight feature films and more than 30 shorts this year,” said Michael C. Green, Cinema Diverse Festival Director and Managing Director of The Palm Springs Cultural Center. “This will be the largest number of feature films we’ve ever screened, and about the same number of shorts that we screened at last year’s festival.”

The 2014 opening night film is Saugatuck Cures – a great comedy produced and directed by Cinema Diverse Alum Matthew Ladensack, who screened his short film, The Apple Tree in 2012.

“We are excited to make our World Premiere at Cinema Diverse,” Ladensack says. “We plan to bring as many members of our team as we can to the opening.”

Saugatuck Cures touches on a number of today’s most compelling issues, including conversion therapy, religious freedom and gay marriage. The film includes stellar performances by Max Adler (Glee, Switched at Birth), Danny Mooney (Ides of March, Whip It) and Judith Chapman (The Young & the Restless). Ms Chapman, who lives in Palm Springs, reports that she is quite excited to see Saugatuck Cures make its World Premiere in her hometown.

2014 OPENING NIGHT OF CINEMA DIVERSE SAUGATUCK CURES

SEPTEMBER, 2014 21

PSP FOCUS

SNAILS IN THE RAIN, THE LAST STRAIGHT MAN, THECIRCLE3, THE WAY HE LOOKS, TIGER ORANGE & TRU LOVE

Cinema Diverse continues on Friday, September 19th with a full schedule of films. Screenings begin at 11am at the Camelot Theatres and continue throughout the day, and through the weekend.

With a variety of comedies, dramas and shorts the 2014 Festival is rich with entertainment and options. Green added, “We’ve got lots of choices, and two great ticket pass options that people can choose from.” The All Access Pass, which grants access to all screenings

and each evening’s after party, is only $149.00. That’s a tremendous value for the film buff who ‘doesn’t want to miss a thing’ during the weekend. And for those who may have limited time, but want to see multiple films, we have The 6 Pack Deal, priced at only $69.00.”

Individual tickets are $13 each, and can be purchased in person at Camelot Theatres, or online at www.camelottickets.com. Passes and individual tickets are on sale now. For a complete schedule of films and show times visit www.cinemadiverse.org

LEGENDARY DRAG ICON CHARLES BUSCH PERFORMS AT COPA Charles Busch, one of the most prolific, talented, and outrageous New York theater artists, will bring his legendary show to Copa for a 2 night performance on September 19 & 20 at 8 PM. Playwright, actor, novelist, drag artist, and leading lady. Splashed on the map in 1984 at the dingy yet inspired Limbo Lounge as one of the burgeoning artists of New York’s East Village arts scene, Busch’s scandalously sex-charged, cross-dressing classic, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom quickly became a theater phenomenon. It moved from the Limbo Lounge to the Provincetown Playhouse and ran an unprecedented five years, securing its place as one of the longest-running shows in Off- Broadway history. Vampire Lesbians of Sodom also marked the

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birth of one of New York’s most memorable theatrical companies, as Busch’s legendary Theater-in-Limbo plays brought together an eclectic troupe of actors whose talents are now on display in rare archival video footage.

Charles Busch is the author and star of such plays as The Divine Sister, The Lady in Question, Red Scare on Sunset and the afore mentioned Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, which ran five years and is one of the longest running plays in Off-Broadway history. His play The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife ran for 777 performances on Broadway and won Mr. Busch the Outer Circle Critics John Gassner Award and received a Tony nomination for Best Play. He wrote

PSP FOCUS

and starred in the film versions of his plays, Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright.

Mr. Busch made his directorial debut with the film A Very Serious Person, which premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won an honorable mention. He is also the subject of the documentary film The Lady in Question is Charles Busch. For tickets to see this extraordinary performer visit www.copapalmsprings.com

SEPTEMBER, 2014 23

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LEGALLY SPEAKING

BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS AVOIDING THE FALLOUT

BY CHRISTOPHER HERITAGE

LGBT relationships run the gamut from simply living together (cohabitation) to marriage. Most couples form lasting unions, but there will be rifts in others that lead to a break-up, with the two individuals going their separate ways. Financial differences or problems are a common result of the failures, and disagreements can result in emotional crises, costly court cases, and judgments that neither party likes. A little careful planning can usually avoid most or all of the drama. Here are some of the things to consider: Cohabitation Many partners have been in long-term cohabitation relationships, because domestic partner registration or marriage weren’t available to them. For others, cohabiting is simply a casual, convenient and voluntary way to live together. They may not realize that there can be specific responsibilities the partners have under civil law. They may not be able to just walk away if they decide to separate.

Civil Court (as opposed to Family Court) handles disputes cohabiting partners might have over the terms of their relationship.

Were promises made and not kept? A partner must prove a legal basis for a claim, such as an oral, written, express or implied contract.

The Court will determine whether there was an enforceable contract, and if so, whether it has been breached by one or both of the parties.

These lawsuits (popularly known as “palimony cases”) can be very expensive, take many years, and are difficult to win.

A Cohabitation Agreement is the best way to avoid financial disputes in the relationship. The partners identify their financial contributions to the relationship, and what they expect to take away from the relationship if they separate. If the partners don’t want a formal agreement (“It’s not romantic”; “We would never do anything to hurt each other”), then it is essential for each partner to maintain individual bank and investment accounts, not hold title to any assets in joint ownership, and not contribute any money toward the purchase of any asset (house, car, etc.) that is only in the name of the other partner.

Never give up a job or other assets because a partner promises support, without a specific agreement in writing stating the promise and that the partner will not be left destitute if the relationship ends.

Marriage and Registered Domestic Partnerships (RDP’s) In California, marriage and RDP’s are essentially identical. Under state law, spouses and registered partners have very clear and defined obligations to care for and support each other. They can’t just say goodbye and walk away if one of them has trouble with money, gets sick, or finds a new love-outside the union. If they want to end the union, they must file a petition for dissolution of marriage and/or RDP. Family Court handles the dissolution process, and supervises all the steps that must be taken to ensure that the final judgment will be fair and equitable. The expense of dissolution and the emotional toll on spouses or partners is directly related to whether the couple can agree to an amicable split. Each must disclose detailed financial information to the other, including listing all assets and debts. If minor children are involved, there will be a comprehensive review of their current status and a determination will be made about the best plan for their future support and care. Pets, too, are often part of the picture, and their welfare must be carefully considered in a

SEPTEMBER, 2014 25

LEGALLY SPEAKING judgment. The dissolution process can take anywhere from a minimum of 6 months to a year or two, depending on how quickly the couple can reach agreement on all the terms.

Pre-marital or pre-RDP agreements are the best way to avoid future conflicts and disruption of personal lives when a marriage or RDP ends. Post-marital or post-RDP agreements may be created if the union has already taken place. Based on many of the dissolution cases we have handled, these agreements should be essential for any couple sincerely making a long-term commitment to each other.

Couples can gain security or lose a fortune by choosing to enter or not to enter into such agreements.

Both Pre-marital/RDP and post-marital/RDP agreements must meet strict California legal requirements, including: • The agreement must be made voluntarily, and not under fraud, duress, or undue influence • Parties to the agreement must have legal capacity to enter into an agreement • The agreement may not be unconscionable

• The agreement must not be against public policy • Full disclosure of each party’s assets, debts and financial details must be made • There must be independent legal counsel for each party, unless that right is properly waived in a separate writing (in our practice, both sides are always represented by independent counsel) Every relationship faces an uncertain future. Agreements are roadmaps that make each relationship stronger and more secure.

They provide clear understanding of each person’s financial status and obligations, and are the foundation for a couple’s future, no matter what happens.

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

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FITNESS

HEALTH IS ITS OWN REWARD

BY DENNIS MASON, BFA, CPT This sure has been an amazing year, so far. And, I’m sure it will get even more amazing as the next few months roll by. In spite of the entire social, political, financial, housing and employment mess we’re all in right now, one thing has remained ‘most important.’ That one thing is staying healthy and fit for whatever comes next. It’s not a new idea. It’s always been that way, but has often been obscured by the quest for a ‘better life;’ But better than what?

As a professional health and fitness trainer, coach and athlete for over 40 years, I have witnessed many highs and lows in the overall health and fitness levels of our people. Of course, I realize that it’s hard to think about health when costs are going up and income is going down. But, now it’s more important than ever before to get back to the ‘basics of life.’ It’s the simple law of the jungle, stating once again “only the strong survive.” No doubts there; it’s true.

The main problem standing in our way to better health is the huge amount of conflicting information delivered to us daily over the internet, television, radio, print and word of mouth. This makes everything all that more confusing. To top it all off, most of that information comes in the form of advertisements that are designed solely to ‘sell you something.’

For that reason, I will be further expanding my internet radio programs to help separate fact from fiction, information from infomercials and right thinking from wrong thinking when it comes to taking care of your health. Sharing the knowledge I have gained over the last four decades is my way of objectively offering help to those of you who are seriously seeking a safe, sane and selfsustaining method by which to stay healthy and fit for a lifetime.

Information will be available on a regular basis here and on my website listed below. But, for now I will simply say that you have the power to care for your body in a healthy manner. You alone must do it; for no one else can do it for you. You must decide how you want to live your life. You are the ‘artist’ and the ‘caretaker’ of your own body/mind creation from Spirit. Listen to your body; it knows best what it needs and will tell you so. But, you must pay attention. What works well for others, may not work for you. Use good judgment based on your own knowledge and experience. Take the time to learn what you need to learn. If you need help, contact me. Staying healthy and fit is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Dennis is a certified personal trainer and coach with over 40 years’ experience, an NPC bodybuilding competitor, charity cyclist, health and fitness motivational speaker and author. He specializes in Physique Sculpting, and Nutritional Guidance. He also offers Aquatic Conditioning, weather permitting, in your pool or his. Join Dennis on demand on his Internet radio programs, FITNESS & MORE INTERNATIONAL and be taken on a journey to explore new ideas; separate myth from fact and gain new information.

Dennis Mason, only on: www.BlogTalkRadio.com/FitnessAndMore For more information regarding his services, please visit: DennisMasonFitness.com or FitnessAndMoreRadio.com. Also on Facebook and Twitter as fitnessradio. Telephone 760 219-5877

SEPTEMBER, 2014 27

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SPORTS

EXERCISE SMARTER NOT HARDER Contrary to what most people believe about being active, it’s not only about how many times you visit your health club each week or even what you do when you’re there. Instead, you must understand how your body responds to a variety of workout intensities and train your body to be metabolically flexible while using fat and carbohydrates at the right times during exercise. Teaching your body how to use these fuels at the right times during exercise helps get the most out of your exercise program, thus working smarter rather than harder.

But how do you do this? Many people use 220 minus their age to calculate maximum heart rate in beats per minute and then do not surpass this heart rate during exercise. Unfortunately, formulas such as this one and popular heart rate training guide charts you might see at most typical gyms don’t apply to most people.

That’s why Life Time - The Healthy Way of Life Company has developed a scientifically supported method of monitoring intensity during exercise. The company’s personalized Active Metabolic Assessment helps individuals find their personalized heart rate zones and calorie burn rate within each zone.

“Completing an assessment such as the Active Metabolic Assessment identifies the optimal heart rate zones where your workouts are most effective. It measures key cardiovascular training markers, including anaerobic threshold, aerobic base and VO2 max, and lets you know how many calories you burn during exercise to develop a customized cardio plan designed just for you,” says Jen Keskey, national program manager for assessments and devices at Life Time. “By understanding your own unique heart rate zones, you can change how your metabolism functions and burns fat and sugar, ultimately leading to greater results (usually in less time) - whether trying to lose weight or training for an athletic event.”

Heart rate zones are very unique, just as how an individual responds to different exercise intensities is, Keskey says. “The results we see from people who have an assessment and train according to their own unique program prove results time after time. Not only will you see changes in how your body responds relative to different exercise intensities but you can track your progress and calorie burn over time to better manage your workout time.”

Once people know their heart rate zones, using a heart rate strap is key. However with the fitness technology industry saturated with heart rate monitors, straps and devices, monitoring and getting connected to your heart rate can be a daunting task.

Life Time has introduced a new, exclusive heart rate training system called LT Connect, which includes an LT Connect Mobile app that allows members to track heart rate zones, workouts, distance and map via GPS all while staying connected to Life Time experts whether in the club working out on a piece of cardio equipment or running around their neighborhood. The app syncs directly with assessments such as the Active Metabolic Assessment so users can train using their customized heart rate training plan in base, interval, peak and free flow workouts. It also allows for coach-customized workouts to be uploaded based on your weekly workout schedule and your goals.

So what does all of this mean? Many, upon an initial assessment, only burn fat efficiently up to a heart rate around the top of zone three (otherwise known as Anaerobic Threshold or AT). At intensities beyond AT the activity becomes too hard to fuel with fat as the main fuel source and instead the body will use mostly stored carbohydrates to complete the work.

“Heart rate training can condition the body’s ability to prefer a certain type of fuel, regardless of the total number of calories burned in the workout,” says Keskey. “Once we find your zones, the methods are fairly simple.”

SEPTEMBER, 2014 29

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WELLNESS

HEALTH: A HARD “SELL”

BY DR. KENNETH TOTH, BA, MAT, DC, RN

I hope you’re old enough to remember Andy Rooney on the 60 MINUTES TV show. He was the resident curmudgeon who tried to get the viewers to look at things that didn’t seem to make a whole lot of sense to him in a more thoughtful, ok critical, manner.

Let’s just pretend that this is the 60 MINUTES show, and here we go!

Have you ever wondered why most people take better care of their cars than their own bodies? That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, because you can always trade in the car for a new one whenever you want, but you’re stuck with only one body to ride in for life.

I could never figure out why all the pesticides, aka poisons, on food stuffs is always okay because “it’s just a little”. A little here and a little there can add up very fast in every single meal several times a day for a lifetime. Doesn’t your common sense tell you that that just might be a big red flag?

We’re told that most of us will die of one or more of three terrible maladies: cardiovascular disease, cancer, and/or cerebrovascular disease. Wouldn’t it make sense to do your own research to find out how you might be able to avoid all three pathologies? The “experts” don’t seem to be doing a very good job of it because the disease rates keep climbing and climbing.

Why don’t people get a little ticked when the “experts” keep telling us we have the best, most advanced healthcare in the US, when we are actually ranked 37th in the world by the WHO Ranking of Healthcare Systems. France ranks 1st, and Singapore ranks 6th.

Why is it that the word “fat” is no longer politically correct? We say overweight, large, etc., when we really mean fat. The CDC has recently reported that a full one-third of our population is obese, and that two-thirds of our entire population is overweight. There seems to be so many fat people anymore that fat seems to have become the norm. If overweight has become the new norm, doesn’t it follow that more and more people will become overweight or obese with all the attending costly pathologies?

And that brings me to the end, which reminds me of the bottom line in any accounting book. I hear over and over that healthcare costs are going through the roof, and that we must cut costs or we just won’t be able to afford so-called entitlements such as Medicare and Medicaid any more. And how about those private insurance rates going up and up? How long can we afford that?

Hmm. I think more people ought to take more math courses.

I think hospitals should not allow family members to bring in big bags of high glycemic fast foods to hospitalized family members with diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. I think people need

to start taking a lot more self-responsibility for their health. I bet doctors get a little tired of hearing patients complaining of the same things over and over when they haven’t been compliant with doctor’s orders. I don’t understand it whenever I hear senior citizens say they’re too old to exercise. What else do they have to do that can do so much for their health? I get darn tired of hearing people saying how Medicare is not going to be there much longer without severe cutbacks at best. Haven’t they ever heard the story of the golden goose? We’re killing the golden goose, folks, and that will mean no more golden eggs!

Oh my, golden geese, math, ledger books, cause and effect, selfresponsibility, CDC, WHO, facts (shhhh, it might be politically incorrect to cite facts), and denial. I guess these are not good dinner conversation topics. Please pass the onion rings and half-pound bacon burgers. Oh, and don’t forget the large fries and giant soda. My health care card will pick up the tab for the consequences…for now, at least.

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 accepting new clients for personal training along with nutritional coaching. You may contact Dr. Ken at 949-235-9408 or ken@kentothfitness.com or on his website at KenTothFitness.com.

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EPICUREAN

THE BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL

BY THOMAS CHO

(protecting against 20% of the UV rays). It contains vitamin E, which is great for burns and abrasions. Antioxidants in coconut oil also provide anti-aging properties. Weight loss - Coconut oil can speed up your metabolism. It’s rich in medium-chain fatty acids, which are easily digested then converted into energy instead of storing as fat.

It boosts your thyroid function and in turn boosts your metabolism.

Heart health - Coconut oil helps maintain a healthy heart by lowering your cholesterol levels. Remedy for pneumonia - Provides faster and more complete relief from pneumonia complications. It is a great alternative to traditional antibiotics, as it has no side effects. Oral health - Using a technique called oil pulling, coconut oil helps draw out toxins in your mouth and helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.

Coconut oil is also known to protect against cancer, improve acid reflux, reduce inflammation in your joints, strengthen your liver and so much more. All of these benefits give coconut oil it’s super-food heavy weight title. There are so many ways to incorporate coconut oil into your diet. Here are some tips on how to include it in your life.

Oil pulling - Swishing coconut oil around your mouth for 15 minutes will ‘pull’ out bacteria, viruses and has a detoxifying effect.

You may have heard of coconut oil, but have you used it before?

Coconut oil offers an impressive list of health benefits. The best part is it tastes delicious. Coconut oil is an oil that has been derived from the meat or kernel of mature coconuts. It’s appearing everywhere these days but it’s nothing new – natives in tropical countries have been using it for centuries. It’s actually a super-food because it offers your body so many amazing benefits. It kills bacteria and viruses, it’s a source of high quality fats, and it has a low GI and can be used for cooking as it can withstand higher heat temperatures than olive oil. You can even as a natural moisturizer, maintain healthy hair and more. Incredible right? Some even say it’s a cure-all and although I don’t know whether this is true, there are still plenty of other reasons why you should consider including it in your diet.

A key component in coconut oil is Lauric Acid – almost 50 per cent. Once in the body, it’s converted into called Monolaurin, which is highly toxic to bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms. Here are some of the other top benefits that coconut oil yields: SKIN CARE - Coconut oil effectively moisturizes your skin while protecting it. It targets free radicals and also protects against the sun

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BAKED GOODS - Coconut oil is a great vegetable oil substitute or alternative to dairy. It adds beautiful flavor and sweetness to food.

STIR-FRYING - Coconut oil is great for sautéing due to it’s high smoke point. You can use it for meat or vegetables and will give off a lovely coconut flavor. It’s perfect for vegans too.

FRESH - You can add coconut oil to your tea or smoothie or just eat it straight from the jar.

SAUCES - You can use coconut oil to make any sauce including gravy. Coconut oil is great in curries as well.

MOISTURIZER - Moisturizers are full of chemicals that seep into your body and add to your toxic load. Coconut oil is the perfect natural moisturizer for your skin and hair.

Always buy organic or virgin and avoid hydrogenated coconut oil. With so many benefits and uses it’s hard not to incorporate coconut oil into your daily regime. Start by using it in small amounts where you can and eventually you’ll find a way to use it for everything!

EPICUREAN THE HEALTHY MEDITERRANEAN DIET The Mediterranean Diet is a kind of lifestyle plan that a lot of people have learned to practice in order to develop a healthy and fit body. Basically, this type of diet plan emphasizes the right balance of getting plenty of exercise and consuming foods that are particularly more common in Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Spain, even those in North Africa and the Middle East. It combines elements of Mediterranean-style cooking of those countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. People there generally are healthier than Americans. The Mediterranean diet recipes traditionally also include fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, fish, and typically higher amounts of olive oil. Another great benefit is that based on several studies, those with higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet had better brain function, lower rates of mental decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Olives, for example, can only be consumed if they’re soaked in salty brine for weeks. Feta cheese is cured and stored in salt brine. Capers, anchovies, codfish and roe are all Mediterranean staples routinely packed in salt. The breads, pastries and sauces of the Mediterranean are all high in salt. Greek taramosalata is made from salted codfish roe, while tzatziki is made from salted, fresh cucumbers that are drained and added to yogurt; North African baba ghanoush is made of roasted eggplant, blended with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and lots of salt. This doesn’t even include all the famous salt-cured meats such as jamon serrano, prosciutto, salami and various sausages.

Olive oil is the anchor of the Mediterranean diet. No other natural oil has as much monounsaturated fat. When drizzled on salads and

vegetables or grilled fish, it adds a pleasing aroma and texture. But olive oil by itself is somewhat bland and is always accompanied by liberal amounts of salt. Virgin olive oil, so cherished for making salads, is slightly bitter because of all the unique antioxidants it contains, so salt is especially important for improving its taste.

Yet, the people of the Mediterranean, who enjoy all these foods, have the world’s best cardiovascular health. The diet is so healthy that the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) used it as a model in its famous DASH Study (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), which confirmed that the Mediterranean/DASH diet was healthier than the typical American diet and effectively reduced blood pressure.

Americans who believe they need to follow a low-salt diet may hesitate to explore the Mediterranean diet, or may try to reduce the amount of salt inherent in it. Before turning your back on the Mediterranean diet and all its proven health benefits, discuss the option with your doctor. The Mediterranean diet has proven its worth for centuries.

To help you get started with a healthy Mediterranean meal, try the following recipe: NORTH AFRICAN SALAD Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1/4 cup 2 to 3 cloves garlic, crushed and minced 1 pound box Israeli couscous (or any tiny pasta such as ziti) 3 cups chicken stock

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EPICUREAN 2 lemons, juiced 1 lemon, zested 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves 1/3 cup finely chopped Italian parsley 1/3 cup dried chopped dates 1/4 cup slivered almonds or pistachios, toasted Directions: In a medium saucepan, warm 3 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sautĂŠ for one minute. Add the couscous and toast until lightly browned, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of 1 lemon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm or al dente, stirring occasionally, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain the couscous.

In a large bowl, toss the cooked couscous with the remaining olive oil, remaining lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper and let cool.

Once the couscous is room temperature, add the fresh herbs, dried dates and almonds/pistachios. Toss well and serve.

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SEPTEMBER, 2014 35

TRAVEL

TRAVEL TO HEALTH, FITNESS & WELL BEING

BY GEORGE ZANDER

All vacations whether, 3-day weekends, or month long sojourns have a huge element of elation- hopefully. All trips away from you and your group’s routines need to be planned with an eye for health, well-being and fitness. Nutritious food, good exercise, and relaxation take some work at the beginning of planning your trip. There is also the amazing idea of going to a health resort and spa for a total immersion in good health, wellness and a great time!

THE OAKS AT OJAI This is an almost one of a kind spot. Nestled in downtown Ojaia wonderful franchise free village, the small and compact Oaks provides exercise, healthy food, and beautiful suites and cottages for its guests. The Oaks provides plenty to do for two days, or a month or longer! The embrace of a really personal and caring staff will amaze you and it becomes the real reason for the stay!!

California Craftsman design is an experience. The beach is lovely and the restaurants on site match some of the finest anywhere in the area.

You will be able just to dive in a stay surrounded by this lovely spot, but exploring Laguna Beach is worth some time as well!!

THE BILTMORE SANTA BARBARA Santa Barbara is, like Laguna Beach, an iconic California beach town. It is beautiful and chockablock full of tony shops, great restaurants and lovely historic sites. The Biltmore is the most amazing Spa Resort. It has been around 1927 and is built is a Mediterranean/Moorish/Spanish style. You and your party will enjoy 11 personalized spa treatment rooms – including four day suites, each with a fireplace – or most services are available in the privacy of your own guest room.

OMNI LA COSTA- CARLSBAD Thirty miles north of San Diego, is this world famous, large and elegant Spa Resort. The minute you arrive, you will be treated to a relaxing atmosphere and a full range of services. Guest will be staying in the tranquility of a Colonial Spanish village yet close enough to all the attractions in and near San Diego.

L’ AUBERGE SPA AND RESORT, DEL MAR This lovely resort is a medium size spot that sits directly on the beach. Views and sounds of the pounding surf will surround you. As with Ojai, you and your group will be able to step out of your hotel and walk a couple of blocks into downtown Del Mar. The staff is very professional and caring. The food is delicious, and the bar- again with a sweeping view is festive, and has live music!

MONTAGE- LAGUNA BEACH Nearly everyone says that this resort is the best experience in Southern California. The rooms and grounds of this massive building of

THE GOLDEN DOOR, ESCONDIDO Situated on 377 acres on the western slopes of southern California’s mountains, Golden Door is a Zen-inspired oasis for those looking to

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refocus their minds and reenergize their bodies. Find peace among the stone walkways and waterfalls of our Japanese gardens. You and your party will engage your muscles with a personalized fitness program.

This spa was founded in 1958 and grew into a world famous spiritual and health center. You will love the antiques from around the world and the 20 miles of hiking trails.

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT, ST. GEORGE UT. Voted best spa in the United states by several sources, this lovely small sized spot will be worth the full day drive. Blended naturally into a landscape of vivid red rock cliffs and canyons of southern Utah, Red Mountain Resort has everything you need to relax, renew and rediscover your passion for adventure. Eighty-two beautifully designed rooms and twenty-four villa suites are carefully sited on fifty-five acres of black lava gardens and fragrant mesquite with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Red Mountain’s ideal location allows convenient planning of a customized adventure to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks.

CANYON RANCH, TUCSON AZ Canyon Ranch was founded by Mel and Enid Zukkerman in 1979.

Mel was inspired to start up a healthy resort after his on success with improving his health using nutrition and exercise. There are over 40 various exercise programs and a huge emphasis on learning to cook with very healthy recipes. The resort sits on 350 acres of amazing mountain and valley views in a perfect high desert climate.

RANCHO LA PUERTA, TECATE, MEXICO This ranch style escape provides acres of space, lovely accommodations, and emphasizes the possibilities of changing people’s lives! For the better. Located just south of San Diego, it is in a perfect site for relaxing and taking over your life. The food is healthy and tasty. An expert a “slow cooking,” the experience from over 70 years of recipes will enthrall your taste buds. Many folks come here for the world class cooking school. There is exercise; lovely rooms and a very caring staff that will make you stay in this fabulous spot very memorable for you and your friends!!

So there you have it. Now you know how to mix a vacation that includes health and well-being and you can make it exciting as well!!!

Enjoy.

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THE AMAZON TRAIL

THE LAST HOLIDAY

BY LEE LYNCH

Why are we celebrating the obligation to toil most of our lives?

Seriously, why is Labor Day an American holiday? Is it an excuse for one last blowout before – before what?

I’m tempted to research the origins of Labor Day, though I have no doubt that I learned all about it back in fourth grade. It’s never made sense to me to get a day off to celebrate work. Of course it’s never made sense to me that we have to expend so much of our energy to make money so we can spend money on such things as celebrating something with which most of us have a love/hate relationship: our jobs.

Even as a kid, Labor Day was no picnic for me. My parents might travel from Queens to see family in Boston, and we might fill a carload or two with parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. In the trunks would be coolers of iced liquids, sun tan lotion, towels, pails, shovels, diapers, beach balls, inflatable swimming gear, flippers, masks, snorkels, lawn chairs, and the rest of the paraphernalia required to have a few hours of fun, in our case, at sunny Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The ocean always turned out to be too cold for swimming, and the site was too windy for sunning, but there were some climbing rocks and a small playground, an ice cream stand and, for me, activities to help me forget I had to go back to dreaded school.

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Today, I live in a seaside tourist town. Here, we celebrate Labor Day for a unique reason: the tourists go home. In season we can barely break into the thick traveling traffic to leave the house.

Once headed toward town, the out of state and inland drivers are completely bonkers. It’s like bumper cars in an amusement park.

They speed through congested areas, dodge in front of other cars to gain an inch, text and smoke with their windows open, rev diesel engines, and cause collisions off and on all day. I know: I have a police scanner. There is something desperate in these visitors who come at the end of summer.

I understand. I dreaded every day I ever worked. That’s no way to spend one’s existence, but given that my life’s work is writing (and much needed gay-centric writing at that), leaving my home to earn money made me furious. Work was nothing to celebrate, but retirement is! Finally I am free to write my little heart out. But, oh, how hard it is to watch my sweetheart rejoin the labor market.

It’s been a treat having her at home with me, in the next room while I write, beside me when I take a break, and spending time together whenever we want. We walk on the beaches weekdays when they’re empty. We go for rides to explore back roads. We’ve had time to travel a bit of America. My sweetheart unpacked almost all of our too many household goods, arranged the furniture, filled

the cabinets, hung the pictures while I finished up at my job and wrote. And she’s been perfectly content being a homemaker.

But she’ll need to retire someday, and our plans are bigger than our wallets. She’s been applying for jobs and getting interviews, networking and disseminating resumes. I try to help with my 30 odd years of experience as a vocational counselor. After all, I lured her out West.

My sweetheart looks like a power femme all dressed up for the job hunt. She charms and impresses interviewers. Yet small town hiring is kind of quirky. Everyone who is already working knows everybody from high school or church or the bowling club. When openings come up, it’s usually someone with deep roots in the community who is hired. My sweetheart in many instances clearly has more to offer an employer than some fledgling, but the known quantity may seem the safer bet or the hiring manager may have some tie that binds. There are not a whole lot of employers here, especially understaffed employers. Worse, maturity is not the selling point it should be.

Fortunately, we have lots of support through the hunt. When our friend HML saw a picture of my sweetheart all gussied up, HML joshed her about the dressy little purse she carries to interviews and promptly named it Beulah. Now my sweetheart never has to attend

a Chamber of Commerce meeting, drop off resumes, or endure interviews alone.

She has Beulah with her.

Maybe we’ll go to a secret local beach for a picnic on Labor Day to create good magic. The water will be too cold to swim and the winds too strong to sun. The tourists will be racing back to work after partying with desperation. Beulah can stay home to guard the resumes. She likes her job.

Lee’s new book, An American Queer: The Amazon Trail, A Quarter Century of Queer Life in the United States, will be released October 1, 2014 by Bold Strokes Books www.boldstrokesbooks.com.

Where Palm Springs Sleeps!

1900 N Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262

Reservations & Special Offers Call 760.322.3757

TheMonroePalmSprings.com

SEPTEMBER, 2014 39

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EVENTS CALENDAR Springs gathering of spiritual counselors, wellness professionals and healers. Some people came because they were curious; others spoke of blending Eastern and Western healing and spiritual modalities to get the best of both worlds; and some just wanted to be with like-minded people. www.palmspringsbodymindspirit.com NOW THROUGH SEPT 15 PALM SPRINGS SUMMER SPLASH Summer Splash is back, and the 2014 Edition of the popular Palm Springs Summer promotion promises to be the best ever with more participating businesses, more special events, and more special offers than ever before!

Sponsored by the Desert Gay Tourism Guild, Summer Splash brings Greater Palm Springs area hotels, restaurants, bars, retailers, promoters and entertainment venues together to create a vibrant and varied line-up of special offers and special events. The fun begins on June 15th, 2014, and continues all the way through September. So come on! Jump in and join the Fun! www.palmspringssummersplash.com

SEPT 26-28 PALM SPRINGS BODY MIND SPIRIT WEEKEND The Seventh Annual Palm Springs Body Mind Spirit Weekend will be held September 26-28, at Crystal Fantasy Enlightenment Center in downtown Palm Springs. Last year over 550 people experienced this exciting, yet intimate, Palm

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by Purple Room Restaurant and Stage.

The first round of the competition kicks off Friday, July 11. A panel of three judges and audience response will determine advancement.

Those who move forward from the first competitive round on July 11 will compete in subsequent rounds on July 26 and September 27, until the winner is selected at the finale on October 25. The winner ‘s special solo show will be November 21. www.purpleroompalmsprings.com

NOW THROUGH SEPT 30 HARD ROCK HOTEL PALM SPRINGS Locals Rock! 50% Off Breakfast & Lunch @ Sessions Flash your ID or business card that shows you work or live locally and you’ll receive 50% off your breakfast or lunch! Valid Monday – Thursday, thru 9/30/14.New Summer Hours at Sessions: 7am to 2pm Daily. www.hrhpalmsprings.com

ONGOING >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

NOW THROUGH OCT 25 PALM SPRINGS VOICE COMPETITION Talented local singers will vie to win the first Palm Springs Voice Competition hosted

COPA In a throwback to old Palm Springs’ nightclubs, the Copa is fashioned around an elevated performing stage and a stunning u-shaped bar lined with leather barstools, upholstered booths, and gilded cocktail tables. Sink into the sexy lounge, sip a

SEPT 8 MIXER 6:00-8:00 PM Co-Hosted by Twin Palms Bistro & Gay Desert Guide 1201 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs www.desertbusinessassociation.org

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EVENTS CALENDAR DJ in the sound booth. Every Sunday Complete list of events www.toucanstikilounge.com

cocktail, and enjoy the lineup of local and guest entertainers. For weekly schedule visit www.coparoomps.com

THE PURPLE ROOM Supper club, drinks and live music. It’s where Palm Springs plays. Great entertainment nightly and dinner specials. You never know whom you might see at The Purple Room.

For monthly schedule and info visit http://purpleroompalmsprings.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!

FLIRT AT HARD ROCK HOTEL Thursday nights in downtown Palm Springs got a little hotter and a little more exciting with a new show/new dance party/ new venue/new room/new night/new international brand…Flirt at Hard Rock Hotel. Doors open each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. to the new Flirt Showroom, located inside the Hard Rock Hotel, Indian Canyon and Arenas. Two shows each Thursday, 7:30 and 9:00 p.m. No cover charge.

21+. Entrance is immediately off the Porte Cochere. Two item minimum (food and/or drink per person per show). Check out Hard Rock Hotel and Bella da Ball on Facebook. www.HRHPALMSPRINGS.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. 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

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.

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.

FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS VISIT OUR MEDIA PARTNER, GAY DESERT GUIDE. CLICK ON LOGO

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EVENTS CALENDAR musicians brought together to educate and entertain audiences with once-in-a-lifetime performances, panel discussions, and master classes.www.outbeatjazzfestival.com

SEPT 4 - 14

PLAY PRIDE LGBT FESTIVAL DALLAS, TEXAS An annual LGBT play festival that coincides with Dallas Gay Pride and produced

by TeCo Theatrical Productions. A great evening of inspiring and entertaining stories from and about the LGBT community. Six playwrights will compete on behalf of their favorite charity for a chance to win $1,000 for a local LGBT community group. The winning play will be selected by audience vote. Each night audience members will receive a ballot to vote for their favorite play. On closing night, we tally the votes and on lucky nonprofit will walk away $1,000 richer. www.tecotheater.org

SEPT 19

OUT ON THE MOUNTAIN. SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN VALENCIA, CA Six Flags Magic Mountain’s annual “Out on the Mountain” Gay Night returns this year on Friday, September 19, 2014. The entire park goes gay for the night, which provides a safe and inclusive environment of fun for the LGBTQ community, with rides, dance party, and performers. Out on the Mountain is the creation of Six Flags Magic Mountain and DJ Ray Rhodes started in 2008. Over 6,000 people are expected to attended this seventh annual Southern California event of thrill rides and private gay party, while raising funds for local gay charities and organizations. The entire park is closed to the general public for this private party from 6pm-1am. Info at www.outonthemountain.com

SEPT 18 - 21

OUTBEAT JAZZ FESTIVAL PHILADELPHIA, PA The William Way LGBT Community Center, with generous support from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, is proud to announce OutBeat: America’s First Queer Jazz Festival. The four-day festival will serve as the finale for the Community Center’s annual music series and highlight the intersections between sexual orientation, gender identity, and jazz history and culture. OutBeat will feature a vibrant and eclectic mix of world-renowned jazz

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year, the fair shifts over a block and the fair is a week earlier than usual, so mark your calendars. Located on historic Folsom Street, leather and fetish players from around the world converge. With over 200 exhibitor booths showcasing fetish gear and toys. With two massive live stages, two huge dance areas, music, and art, play stations and more, there’s bound to be something for everyone. www.folsomstreetfair.com

SEPT 25 -28

ORLANDO BEAR BASH ORLANDO, FL Orlando Bear Bash takes place in sunny Orlando, Florida from September 25-28, 2014. Orlando is arguably the biggest tourist destination in the USA and is also regularly hailed as one of The Advocate ranked gayest cities in the USA. Much like Orlando, Orlando Bear Bash proudly features non-stop parties, an unparalleled host resort, and top-notch entertainment. For more info visit www.orlandobearbash.com

OCT 2 - 4

SEPT 20 - 21

FOLSOM STREET FAIR SAN FRANCISCO, CA Bigger is Better at this “Only in San Francisco” event. With over 40,000 fetish enthusiasts spread out over 13 blocks, this

ORGULLO FESTIVAL MIAMI, FL Now in its 4th successful year, Celebrate ORGULLO is a festival of Hispanic LGBT Pride, the first event of its kind in South Florida. Generating thousands of visitors to South Florida each year, the Celebrate ORGULLO Festival has grown to incorporate art, film, music, theatre & education; all while promoting and showcasing the great talent and resources the community has to offer.

Go to www.celebrateorgullo.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR SEPT 4 - 7

BEARS ON ICE REYKJAVIK, ICELAND Bears On Ice is a friendly social event for bears and friends where you get to see a little bit of Iceland and have fun with likeminded guys from all over the world. We also organize smaller social events through out the year. If you´re coming to Iceland don’t miss this amazing event, we are sure you will remember it for a lifetime! www.bearsonice.org

change in perception in recent years from the cheap booze style holiday into (and you heard it here first) the cool and trendy resort it is today. Oh yes it is! Benidorm and in particular the old town where the gay village is located offers the perfect Mediterranean backdrop for one of the newest non-commercial pride events in Europe. www.benidormpride.com

SEPT 8 - 13

5RHYTHMS® RETREAT. ISLAND OF PAROS, GREECE 5Rhythms® retreat for gay men with Bodhi and Alex Nikiforov. Five days on the beautiful Greek island of Paros, Vacate one-self, create space away from your everyday life, extend your summer and relax by the sea. Move from ‘doing’ to ‘being’ and to be together as a community of gay men. There are no prerequisites.

Guys with no prior 5Rhythms or any dance, movement or meditation experience are very welcome to join. Plus there will be plenty of free time to enjoy the wonderful holistic beach resort.

For more info and complete schedule visit www.freedom-dance.com

SEPT 8 - 14

BENIDORM GAY PRIDE BENIDORM, SPAIN Benidorm showcases the biggest community led gay event of the year. The gay friendly resort has seen a total transformation and

SEPT 19 - 27

QUEER LISBOA / LISBON GAY AND LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL LISBON, PORTUGAL The Oldest Film Festival in Lisbon. Queer Lisboa is the sole Portuguese Film Festival dedicated exclusively to screening gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and transsexual themed films, a genre known as Queer Cinema. It is our purpose that of programming the most aesthetically and narrative wise relevant titles in the international panorama, so that our audience has access to a number of films whose visibility in the film circuit is very restricted. www.queerlisboa.pt

SEPT 14 - 15

FOLSOM EUROPE BERLIN, GERMANY The European edition of the infamous Folsom street party. Folsom Europe stirs your imagination and makes you go wild. And wild you will be! Thousands and thousands in fetish gear will be flocking the streets in the Berlin-Schöneberg district for the 11th edition of Folsom Europe. Berlin offers something for everyone. There’s a lot to discover from the traditional leather bars in the district Schöneberg to the alternative scene in Kreuzberg. The concentrated events take place in six city center districts, each with its own charm. The number of countries represented at Folsom Europe is unmatched.

Meet the world at Folsom Europe and the world meets you! Enjoy Berlin, enjoy Folsom, live your fetish! www.folsomeurope.info

OCT 3 - 10

FULL MOON CRUISE TAHITI FRENCH POLYNESIA Source Events invites you to make this dream a reality on our first ever All-Gay Full Moon Tahiti Cruise aboard Windstar’s Wind Spirit. We’ve timed this cruise to coincide with one of mother nature’s rarest and most spectacular shows in Tahiti’s most beautiful setting: a Total Lunar Eclipse with the backdrop of Bora Bora. For complete itinerary and info visit www.sourceevents.com

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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

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY your ad here! theStandardps.com

ART + DESIGN mayakalabic.com

www.TrioPalmSprings.com

GET HIM ON THE LINE Try For Free

800-960-6843

The POP Shop is coming to Palm Springs in June!

760.251.0999

Ahora en Espa単ol /18+

OperationSafeHouse.org

COMING UP NEXT MONTH PALM SPRINGS PRIDE WALK FOR A CAUSE: AIDS WALK 2014 CONVERSATION WITH KATE CLINTON STUDY IN PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER ZVONAR SEPTEMBER, 2014 45

PHOTO REWIND THE TRAM HIKE + MISMATCH GAME PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID A. LEE & THE STANDARD STAFF

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PHOTO REWIND BIG BEAR ADVENTURE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE STANDARD MAGAZINE STAFF

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