LESBIAN 4 • November NEWS 2015 VOL. 41 • NO.
AN INTERVIEW WITH DJ DUO REBECCA & FIONA
Carol: What we did for Love starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara .
And+ Then Came Marriage The drama, the behind the scenes struggles, the fights, the attacks that Roberta Kaplan had to endure . LN Contributors
Christin and Ashley Kelly-Brown are owners and wife team of LunaBella Makeup and Hair in Santa Barbara, CA. Originally from Oakland, CA., they met there at 17 years of age and have been together for over 12 years. Legally married in California on October 3, 2008, their company has since taken off. They absolutely love not only what they do but also how uniquely they work together.
Dian Katz works a variety of arenas. With a background in Marriage Counseling and a history as a professional performer, she’s LN’s Entertainment Editor and Self Help columnist. Dian’s also authored a book entitled: Love Hurts - A Spiritual Journey to Wholeness. She sometimes works the motivational speaking circuit. Dian’s an award winning drummer with her own rock band. Out of all the many hats she wears, performing and writing are her biggest passions.
Gladi Adams, PhD is a native New Englander who was recruited in Boston by the Los Angeles Unifed School District to teach English in L.A. She studied at Boston University, Cal State Northridge, California Western and UCLA. She.retired as a secondary school principal after 35 years in the system. She is married to Ella Matthes, publisher, and they have been working on the LN together since 2005.
John Esther For nearly a dozen years, Movie Editor John Esther has been writing for Lesbian News. Over time, he has written more than 100 articles for LN on flm, music, theater, and culture. His monthlymovie column, Eye C, is currently the longest consecutive- running movie column in LN. John also contributes articles to numerous other publications, plus his own blog. John is currently a Board Member of the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association(GALECA) Juno Parreñas, PhD has been a regular monthly columnist at the Lesbian News since 1997, when she was seventeen years old. Since then, she has lived in three continents, fve countries, ten cities, and has three degrees: a Bachelor’s from UC Santa Cruz, a Master’s from the University of Amsterdam, and a PhD from Harvard University. When she’s not writing about sexuality, politics, pleasure, culture, desire, and social relations, she works on her research involving orangutans.
Mona de Crinis grew up in a world without Xbox or Netfix, when tweeting was something birds did and “Pinterest” was a bad typo. She relied on her fertile imagination for fun quickly discovering that words threaded together could create a vibrant tapestry of expression. This awareness sparked a passion and subsequent career. For more than 20 years, she has written for and edited regional and niche publications. She has authored over 100 published articles.Mona lives in Palm Springs with partner, Lori, and four furry kids. Lynda Montgomery was born in Long Beach, a small town in Canada. She loves a pa- rade, so she moved to Long Beach California, a big town, so she didn’t have to be all alone in the Gay Pride parade! She is an activist for animal rights and gay rights, giving priority to gay animals! As a stand-up comic she has survived many dive bars, festivals, and comedy clubs. She is currently trying to get booked onto the “Olivia Cruises” because she heard it’s a great place to meet women!
Mona Elyaf has been writing celebrity magazine profles, entertainment news and lifestyle columns for two decades. She currently writes for the Hufngton Post, and serves as the West Coast correspondent for Diva Magazine (Dubai’s leading Women’s fashion magazine) writing pieces on Kim Kardashian, Kimora Lee Simmons and Denise Richards.Born in Beirut, Lebanon, raised in Paris, France, residing in Los Angeles, Elyaf has spent 20 years working in entertainment publicity, heading her own PR Company, ILDK Media. She holds a Master of Arts in journalism from New York University.
Morag Hillsinger is the Nom de Plume of R.J. Birmingham, a local attorney. Winner of an essay competition in 1993 “Trial by Media,” she also has a published case as co-counsel with Lambda Legal (2008) which beneftted gays and lesbians. She is a monthly contributor of Poetry for the LN. Ms. Birmingham practices Estate Planning and Serious Personal Injury at Long Beach Law, Inc. and is working on a book of essays about the practice.
Nat Burns is a professional writer and editor who retired from an editorial systems career in Virginia to relocate to New Mexico. She is an award-winning author and journalist and a book editor for several publishers. Burns has published eight novels to date and her work has appeared in more than thirty anthologies. She has worked for this magazine for six years and is a proud grandmother.
Carl Matthes is the current president of UGLA, Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance, an organization providing a support system for gay men, lesbians and education for individuals and the community He is a columnist on the Lesbian News, owned and published by his sister, Ella and her wife Gladi. He was editor of the GLAAD/newsletter, and a GLAAD/LA representative on the Board.In July, 2008, Carl was legally married to Carl Johnson, his partner of 48 years, by Los Angels City Councilmember Jose Huizar. It was a unique gay/ lesbian double ceremony as Carl’s sister Ella and her partner Gladi were also married by Jose.
Nikki McCauley was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Robert Morris University and spent ten years with Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. Accomplishments: Pilot- Godless- 2010- 2012. CD- Spoken Word 2005. Warner Bros. Writer’s Workshop 2003/2004 .Poetry Book- Inditing Poetry 1999. Scripts- Law & Order, The Practice, Cold Case, CSI Las Vegas.
Sally Sheklow came out in 1973 and has been with her Wifey for 25 years. They live in Eugene, Oregon with their two cats. Sally’s “Living Out” column frst appeared in Lesbian News in 1999, and twice won both the Houston Press Club’s Lone Star Award for best magazine column and Best of Eugene’s “Best Writer” award. Sally teaches Queer Studies at Portland State University, performs with the all-lesbian improv troupe WYMPROV! And makes art out of old buttons. Shawn Ryan is a lot of things. He’s an Actor/Singer/Writer/Director and Camp Director but fancies himself a Dancer/Poet/Lyrical Savant/Brother/Son/and Terrifc Husband. His greatest wish is that someday Barbara Walters will come out of retirement and make him cry on ABC. He lives in a state of adoring bliss with his husband, actor John Ainsworth, and their furry children, Mr Kitty and Gazpacho the Chihuahua. It seems as though things couldn’t get much better, but day by day, they to do. Follow him on www.Shawn-Ryan.com
Sherron Mills, N.P. has been a lesbian health care practitioner and activist for many years. In 1980 she co-founded Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Services, the country’s frst non-proft clinic to serve the lesbian community. She then went on in 1984 to launch Pacifc Reproductive Services to provide sperm bank, fertility and insemination services primarily to lesbians. Knowing that many of her clients would greatly value the opportunity for their children to meet their sperm donors, should they wish to do so, she was an early pioneer in recruiting men who would contractually agree to meet a child at least once after he or she reaches 18. As a result, PRS today has more “willing to be known” sperm donors than any other U.S. sperm bank.
Stephanie Papadakis is originally from southern California. Stephanie knew she wanted to live in San Francisco from the age of 10 (but had no clue she liked women). When she’s not working at a lesbian travel company in SF, she spends her time cooking delicious paleo meals, climbing rugged mountains, exercising daily, researching random trivia knowledge, making “dream lists” on Airbnb and planning day-, weekend- and week- long dates with her partner, Sara.
Sweet Baby J’ai is a writer, singer, composer, arranger, educator, and the Artistic Director of the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. A creative force on the music scene for over two decades, she tours the world with her genre-defying work, which both embraces and expands jazz tradition. She has worked in various capacities, including talent buyer for major music events throughout the country. She also serves as Creative Managing Director for the Educational Theatre Institute.
Teresa DeCrescenzo is a social worker, activist, teacher, and writer. After 25 years of advocating for LGBT youth through her work at GLASS, Teresa is adjunct professor at CSUN where she has taught Sociology of LGBT communities, Social Policy, Social Work Practice, and other courses designed to inspire and prepare future generations of social work activists. She is also the Director of Social Services at one of the largest acute care hospitals in California. As Arts & Culture Editor and Book Reviewer, Teresa brings the best of lesbian writing and cultural events to the community-at-large.
Toni Hart has had many careers, including her favorite – freelance writing. Early on she was a child actress and after college, became a designer of women’s & children’s fashions. After a pause to have three children, she turned to Mortgage Banking, retiring years later as VP/Administrator of the mortgage Dept. She’s become a hard working volunteer for many venues. To support her wonderful gay daughter, her attention is now zestfully supporting the LGBT cause. Victoria Bearden has practiced astrology for over 30 years, with clients across the country and abroad. To set up a personal consultation you can call her at 760-634-1028 or visit her web site at www.astrologervic.com November 2015
CONTENTS
LESBIAN NEWS COVER STORY An Interview With Dj Duo Rebecca & Fiona In this exclusive LN interview the DJ duo talks about where they find inspiration, their LGBTQA following and the new album By John Esther
INSIDE LN FEATURES
HOTSPOTS Carol: What we did for love November is sooooo fab and Carol may not be the flashiest or nearly the greatest so are the Hotspots! lesbian-themed film of all time but it is one hell of a love BOOKS story. A Love Story of Comfort, By John Esther Desire and the Art of Simple Cooking. And Then Came Marriage POETRY The drama, the behind the scenes struggles, the fights, The Show is Over the attacks that Roberta Kaplan had to endure - and that was just from our side! LESBIANS ON LOCATION By Robin Tyler Palm Spring Women’s Jazz Festival, UGLA Cabaret Event, Roberta Kaplan Book Signing Travel Canada’s a big country, with many cities and national FEMASTROLOGY parks to see, incredibly nice people and really good The month begins with a little excitement, as Venus and Mars food. align in Virgo By Stephanie Papadakis Earth Talk Will the California drought kill our Redwood trees? By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
Follow Us Online LIFESTYLES LESBIANNEWS.COM Comic Of The Month Let us know what The difference between a televised show and a live show is you think. night and day By Linda Montgomery
Movies Eye C Mustang has its share of bleak tropes but it is also one about female, namely sister solidarity. By John Esther Notes from Nat Emotion rules the fall lineup unless you’re a band hungry like the wolf—with a renewed appetite for an audience By Nat Burns
Theorhetically Speaking Time study units of perception By Nikki McCauley
COLUMNS Words That Make Sense Remember - Age is only a number By Toni Hart
Living Out Sally busts some rhymes about saving your juju for the good stuff. By Sally Sheklow
Positive Refections What we think will happen, might not... By Dian Katz, MS
Queerly Questioning We don’t usually think of white supremacists as one whose vocabulary includes “reparations” and who read British romantic poets. By Juno Parrenas, PhD
The Last Word Wonder Woman By Robin Tyler
Gay USA Watch the Gay USA Video.
AN INTERVIEW WITH DJ DUO REBECCA & FIONA | By John Esther
n 2007 Fiona Fitzpatrick and “Luminary Ones” in 2010. After a two big hits in the EDM dance foor Rebecca Scheja met at party in few more singles (notably “Bullets”) world: “Candy Love” and “Holler.” Stockholm, Sweden, through a and during some serious touring Like a lot of their songs, these two mutual friend. They immediately throughout Asia, Australia, Europe contain pulsing beats, accompanied connected on a professional and and the United States in 2011, by happy, go-lucky lyrics. But Ipersonal level. Rebecca & Fiona continued writing sometimes Rebecca & Fiona would songs. These songs culminated in change tunes, addressing their Since then they have stuck together, their debut album, I Love You Man displeasure with the status quo (“All making music and mantras about in 2012. Eyes”; “Machine”). having fun, having pride and having the courage to be women musicians After more hard work and touring, Recently Rebecca & Fiona released in the male dominated world of Rebecca & Fiona released their their latest single, “Sayonara” a Electric Dance Music (EDM). second album, Beauty is Pain in drum beating pop song illustrating 2014. The sophomore effort spawned that existential angst we have seen Known as Rebecca & Fiona, the in many Swedish flms (more on that DJ Duo released their frst single, below). The latest single will be a part of existential thingy. more conceptual than I Love You, Rebecca & Fiona upcoming third Man, which was just a collection album. Lesbian News: I understand you are of songs we thought were really working on a new album. What can awesome and made us proud. And But enough of the albums, Rebecca you tell us about it? now we are sort of going back to & Fiona are known for their touring, that. making standout performances at Fiona Fitzpatrick: Everything is the Electrical Daisy Carnival in New coming together in a totally new Fitzpatrick: It will be only killers, York in New York and Las Vegas in process for us! When we started no fller, hardcore for the foor! Or 2013 as well the Beyond Wonderland out making music we were always for the radio. Like, imagine meeting concerts in the San Francisco area really careful not to let people into great new friends and a song was that same year. the process. playing while you met and this album will be that song. Or whatever Returning to the States later this Rebecca Scheja: I guess we wanted was playing when you were making year, Rebecca & Fiona will perform to make sure that we truly could do out for the frst time with a really in Las Vegas at the Foxtail Pool Club it by ourselves. A year ago we felt cute person you have been firting (located at SLS Las Vegas Hotel & ready to let go a little of our control. with for a long time. The feeling Casino). And we started to work on what is of it all is so overwhelming but the gonna be our best album! In this exclusive interview, LN music stays with you because of its caught up with the DJ duo to fnd out LN: How will this recording compare great signifcance to your really hot about where they fnd inspiration, to I Love You, Man and Beauty is memory! why they have such a strong Pain? LN: What was the impetus behind LGBTQA following, what audiences Scheja: Beauty Is Pain was maybe your latest single, “Sayonara”? should expect from their upcoming shows and album. Oh yeah, and that Scheja: Fun, crazy - Party hard! We just wanted to be open-minded and master and the slave. Sometimes I reach it and it is even our own fault try everything in the studio. have a greater sense of direction but because we waste our time “cat also sometimes I’m just drunk, you fghting.” LN: Where do you fnd inspiration to know? And then Fiona will steer the write your songs? LN: You have a considerable spaceship for us. LGBTQA following. Why do you Scheja: Everywhere and nowhere. LN: Looking at your videos, it think the community is attracted to The cold and dark winter in Sweden seems the two of you get along very your music? is probably one of the reasons so well. Why do you two work so well much (great) music is made there. Scheja: We have a song, ”Clara” together? It’s a special feeling, lying in your on our last album and the song is bed making music without any Scheja: We are very much alike. We sung both from a female and a male impressions at all. have the exact same interests and perspective, maybe that spoke to at tastes in food. We are best friends! least the ”T” or the ”Q”. Fitzpatrick: But just as special watching the pink light and palm Fitzpatrick: We have to work Fitzpatrick: I identify with trees in LA. really hard against the prejudices gender fuidity, because the norm against women; such as the notion for a woman in our society is so LN: As individuals, what do each of that women are not able to hang out ridiculously narrow. Especially in you bring to Rebecca & Fiona? or achieve stuff without fghting. the music industry. I sometimes just Fitzpatrick: We are both big wanna shave my hair off and never Scheja: That is one way how the dreamers but also big achievers and ever wear make-up again. But still, I top is kept a mirage, only available I would say depending on turf, one think all the dressing up is fun. But to men. Because women are made of us is always one or the other of I look at it more as drag, rather than to believe that they’re never gonna that. my gender expression. Scheja: We take turns being the Scheja: Gay people in general listen to better music, at least my gay Scheja: We always make new edits, not menial but fun and weird jobs. friends. So if our music attracts the so one show is never like the other. In the beginning of our DJ-career we LGBTQA-spectra, I’m happy! would play crappy gigs, like weird LN: Stepping back, what was your weddings and such. Once we played LN: As you continue to record and childhood like? at a wedding where a really rich old advance your career, what are the Scheja: We grew up geographically dude married a hot young girl. And biggest pressures or challenges you close to each other, not knowing one hey, we don’t judge but it was like encounter? another. some cheesy daytime soap opera. Fitzpatrick: We are both Fitzpatrick: We both grew up in Fitzpatrick: The gear was one CD- workaholics, so our main problem is creative homes and that is a blessing player and for the other audio source that we are fdgety. We hate sitting and a privilege that we are well there was a DVD-player. around waiting for stuff to happen. aware of. It has been nice to be able LN: What do you do when you are Scheja: We have to make it happen to turn to someone in your family not working on your music? and get into the whole “planning and ask for advice. every detail” bit that we really just Fitzpatrick: Music is our only big Scheja: Now we are all just one big should leave to the pros at like, the hobby but we love to eat, drink, family! label. hanging out with friends and family. LN: Growing up, who were your Fitzpatrick: But, at the same time, Scheja: Watching documentaries favorite musical artists? as much as we love making music, and movies. we also love to be a part of all the Fitzpatrick: I have always listened LN: Are you involved in any social stuff around it, like the music videos. to extreme amounts of music. I have or political causes? We like creatively. We do not just been into one scene for a while and turn up when it’s time to shoot the really explored it, just to dive as Scheja: Politics is in everything, we lip-syncing! deep into the complete opposite the can’t turn off reality. next month. Music is everything! LN: In the world of EDM do you Fitzpatrick: We are as involved in The music from growing up, like experience any sexism? If so, how everything as we possibly can and from the childhood years that really do you overcome it? we try to be as active as possible. inspired me would have to be Abba, Mainstream artists just didn’t speak Fitzpatrick: In the beginning it All Saints, Lili & Sussie and, of about politics a couple of years ago was overwhelming but we learned course the Spice Girls. but now everyone is really active quickly how to understand it and LN: When did you know you wanted and vocal about different issues. It’s work against it. It made us very to be a professional musician? great! tough and I think we have scared quite a few guys along the way! Scheja: We kind of decided it LN: What is the most important thing together. Even though we grew up you look for in a mate? Scheja: We see sexism in most parts playing instruments and singing, of society, all the time, so of course Scheja: Confdence and kindness. making music is something we we see it in the EDM scene. It’s not It’s nice with people that view life as started with when we met. Or like, something that exists more or less a happy adventure. that’s when it all came together. in this or that music scene; it is all Fitzpatrick: And people that can around us, all the fucking time! Fitzpatrick: We met at a mutual take social responsibility in a group- friend’s party and it was love at frst LN: What can American audiences setting so that I can relax a little bit. sight. expect at your Las Vegas concert at [Laughs.] Foxtail Pool Club in December? LN: Prior to your success, did you LN: What is the best pickup line you work any menial jobs? If so, what Fitzpatrick: It’s such a fun place for have ever heard? were some of the worst or peculiar us. We’re going to play the music ones? Scheja: I have never heard a good we would love to hear if we were one. drinking Piña Coladas by the pool: Scheja: We have had a lot, maybe ‘90s vocals on new bouncy future Fitzpatrick: A look into someone’s beats. eyes is usually enough for me to know if there is something there. fair representation of the people of LN: How do you feel about interviews Sweden? where you talk about yourself and LN: When you are out for a fun night, your work? Do you feel they serve what is your drink of choice? Scheja: It is very dark and cold most your music or should the music just of the year in Sweden so Swedes have Scheja and Fitzpatrick: Beer! speak for itself? a lot of time to kill. You can’t just And cold red wine. But we love relax and hang around on the beach. Scheja: Actually we haven’t had margaritas and other drinks as well. The weather makes you productive the chance to speak so much about Yeah, we love to drink! and I think it’s a positive thing in the the new music yet. But we enjoyed LN: What is the best movie you have long run. We don’t play board games it a great deal with the last album, seen this year? with Death himself on a cold, windy because it was all so political to us mountain as often as people might and the stories in the songs were all Fitzpatrick: The documentary think though. true to us or inspired by real stuff, Amy about Amy Winehouse. I am you know. obsessed with stories about fallen LN: Sweden was the seventh country stars. The whole inspiration for our in the world to recognize marriage Fitzpatrick: We work really close last album, Beauty Is Pain, was equality. How do you feel about with our visual director Tommie X this whole thing with the initial that? to put together images and videos idolization of beautiful, talented based on the songs, so that it all Fitzpatrick: Anything less than young women and then how our together creates a universe open for equality for everyone is very fucked society is obsessed with seeing them everyone interested to dive into. up, so we are, of course, happy that being broken down. Sweden was early with it. LN: Do you fnd the existential angst found in many Swedish flms (at least the ones released in U.S.) is a
LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER TO HONOR JANE FONDA, WITH AWARD PRESENTED BY LILY TOMLIN, AND SCREENWRITER RON NYSWANER, WITH AWARD PRESENTED BY FRANCES MCDORMAND
LOS ANGELES LGBT CENTER’S 46TH ANNIVERSARY GALA VANGUARD AWARDS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, AT THE HYATT REGENCY CENTURY PLAZA
Los Angeles, CA (October 1, 2015) – The Los Angeles LGBT Center is proud to announce that two-time Academy Award winner Jane Fonda and Academy Award nominated screenwriter Ron Nyswaner will be honored at the Center’s 46th Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Fonda will receive the award from the incomparable Lily Tomlin, her co-star in the hit show Grace and Frankie. Nyswaner’s award will be presented by Frances McDormand.
Additional participants and attendees will be announced in the coming weeks. One of the nation’s premier LGBT charity events, the Center’s Anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards will bring together more than 1,200 LGBT people and their allies to enjoy cocktails, dinner, and entertainment, while celebrating inspirational honorees who exemplify courage, compassion, and a relentless tenacity for creating positive change in the world. The evening also features an extensive silent auction that includes high-end items, packages, and experiences.
“This honor means a lot to me. The work that the Center does for the LGBT community, its children, and extended families is profound and essential,” said Fonda, who will soon appear in director Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth.
Fonda became a friend and ally to the LGBT community at a time when celebrities advocating for LGBT rights was almost unthinkable. She campaigned with Harvey Milk against California’s anti-LGBT Briggs Initiative, fought Anita Bryant - the notorious activist who demonized LGBT with a campaign to repeal an anti-discrimination ordinance in Florida - and has been a lifelong supporter of the LGBT community and champion for human rights.
“Since long before I worked with Jane, I was in awe of her energy, activism, and generosity,” said Tomlin. “Three decades later, I am still in awe of her and feel truly privileged to bestow this well-deserved honor. She has earned this over and over and over in her lifetime.”
Nyswaner is an openly gay writer, producer, documentary filmmaker, activist and pioneer in LGBT-related films. He’s the Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of Philadelphia, the first major studio film to address homophobia and AIDS, and is the winner of a Peabody Award for his film Soldier’s Girl, which tells the true-life story of transgender heroine Calpernia Addams. More recently he wrote Freeheld—starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page—the groundbreaking story of a woman’s struggle to win her lesbian partner’s pension benefits after she’s diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is also the co-creator of the Nyswaner/Salzman Film Archive, the fourth largest LGBT film archive in the United States.
Please visit www.lgbtvanguardawards.org for additional information including details on how to purchase tickets.
TRAVEL
Eat Your Way Through Canada with These 13 Delicious Foods
| By Stephanie Papadakis
o you’re going to OK?). Canada for a weekend British Columbia – If you’re getaway. It’s a big spending time on Canada’s west country, with many coast, say in Vancouver, Victoria cities and national or wine country, the three local Sparks to see, incredibly nice foods to try are salmon, Saskatoon people and really good food. berries and Nanaimo bars. These No, Canada is not an extension no-bake treats originated in of America. Yes, Canada has Nanaimo and are typically made Nanaimo bars it’s own cuisine with delicacies with graham-cracker crumbs, found only in specifc parts of coconut, walnuts, vanilla custard the country. Whether you’re and chocolate. Pacifc salmon headed to the temperate climates come in all colors and sizes and of the west coast, the Rocky includes many different species Mountains, French country or such as Chinook, Chum, Coho, the Maritimes, you are sure to Sockeye, Cutthroat, Steelhead experience gastronomy at its and Pink. Saskatoon berries are fnest. similar to blueberries, are rich in Here’s a guide to foods you antioxidants and are considered Coho salmon can only get in Canada (well, a “superfood.” technically they are imported to many countries around the world but they just taste better when you get them from the source, Québec – Canada has some amazing exports but none are as great as maple syrup. Québec is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world, accounting for about 75 to 80 percent of the supply. Maple syrup is perfection (best drunk straight Arctic char from the bottle; I know, I do Saskatoon berries this frequently). The hottest and Ontario – The capital of Canada, trendiest export right now is Alberta – Heading to Calgary or Ottawa sits on the border of poutine, french fries slathered Edmonton? Meat lovers, be sure Québec. Purple garlic, a rare in gravy and cheese curds. It’s to try the famous Alberta beef, variety, is in abundance here and a heart attack on a plate, so considered among the world’s should be consumed in as many delicious and savory you can’t best. Alberta is also deemed the dishes as possible. Ketchup chips stop eating it. But the “under the cattle capital of Canada (this (yes, they taste just like they radar” Québecois delicacy is the milk is supposedly some of the are named), on the other hand, trademarked BeaverTail®, or best, too). should be eaten on their own or Queues de Castor as its known perhaps with a side of Dill Pickle in French. Its fried dough shaped chips or Munchies snack mix… like a beaver tail, topped with artifcially favored or not, these apples, chocolate or candy…is are downright delicious. You can this something you can really fnd these snacks at any market in resist? Toronto if you’re headed there. Alberta beef Manitoba – Winnipeg is a great jumping off point to see polar bears in the Arctic tundra. It gets pretty cold in there (like -30°C), but when it warms up, the chokecherries (wild black cherries) ripen and are used Maple syrup to make jams, jellies, juices and wine. Arctic Char is also a Purple garlic delicacy here, a cousin of salmon but genetically closer to trout (it’s also sustainably caught).
Poutine
Ketchup chips Chokecherries Beavertails New Brunswick – Wild blueberries and blueberry blossom honey are most adorned in this province, as Canada is the world’s largest exporter of the wild variety. Oysters are also highly valued here… aphrodisiac, anyone? New Brunswick oysters
Blueberry blossom honey What are your favorite Canadian foods? Let us know in the comments!
Wild blueberries CRUISE WITH ELLA AND GLADI
oin us – Ella & Gladi you can book a beautiful balcony Yashere, Judy Gold, Ruthie – in the Caribbean. cabin from just $1,999 per cabin, Foster, Michele Balan, DJ We will be on that’s only $999.50 per person.* Tatiana, and DJ Rockaway! Olivia’s Caribbean (The brochure price for this Add to this, Olivia’s signature Escape Cruise which cabin is listed at $2,599 per programming and the company Jtakes place January 30-February person.) THIS REPRESENTS A of over 1,900 lesbians and you’re 6, 2016. SAVINGS OF OVER $1,500 per sure to have the time of your life. person! You’ll never get a better trip at a $1,999 per cabin pricing (Just better price. $999.50 per person!)* There are just 10 cabins available at this price so if you want to go, Visit Olivia’s website, www. Turquoise waters, the best you’ll need to act now. Olivia.com or call them directly Caribbean Islands, 1900 women at 800-631-6277 or 415-962- and you! You can also upgrade and 5700 and select option 1 for more pamper yourself with a Signature Our friends at Olivia have given information. Be sure to mention Suite for just $1,599 per person us the opportunity to offer “BAY999” to receive this special ($3,198 per cabin)!* exclusive pricing to you on their offer. upcoming Caribbean Escape The cruise features Grammy Cruise (January 30-February 6, Award-winner Patti LaBelle, as 2016). If you act immediately, well as Karen Williams, Gina © Vetkit | Dreamstime.com Comic Of The Month: MISERY MAKES GOOD COMEDY
| By Lynda Montgomery
n National a lasting impression which was the last half of her act topless. Coming “Out” the perfect way to end the night. Yes it was an extreme move but Day, I hosted You had to be there and this is my as she says she had to come up a show at the message. Yes it was undeniably with something extravagant for Spit Fire Grill hot, yes, the show had gone on her special and this as defnitely Ofeaturing a variety of comics, too long and yes she had a shitty that! I was a little disappointed both seasoned and brand new. spot in the line-up. Rebecca with the special, so I wasn’t The room was hot, not in a good Donahue used these negatives sure what to expect from her way, the lack of air conditioning to make the best of the situation live show. It was amazing and made it very uncomfortable and and she came out on top. Her for the same reasons Rebecca with a line-up of 12 comics, the act was substituted for improv Donahue’s show was so great Tig last comic had the hardest job. and I loved it and chuckled all performed in the moment. She Besides the sweltering heat, the the way home, which for me is a did not do a practice rehearsal, crowd was also getting their very long drive! she was totally in sync with what dinner and drink tabs, the odds was going on with the audience Another great time was had when were stacked to not have the in front of her. One woman in a friend took me to see Tig Nataro best set of the night. To my the front was not getting any of live at the Largo Theater. If you astonishment her set was all about her jokes, which Tig picked up follow me, you know already that being present in the moment. on early in the show so she kept I love Tig, and she is becoming She began by complaining checking in to see how the woman very popular after years of doing loudly “Why would, the fattest like certain bits. The difference stand-up. Ironically she is being comic be up last?.” Her rants between a televised show and a touted as an overnight success. were hilarious, she had the rare live show was night and day and She is linked with breast cancer ability to read the crowd, relate my point is to see live comedy as awareness, having had a double to the crowd and wake the crowd often as you can – it cannot be mastectomy and having the up by using her outside voice. duplicated! courage to joke about it in her Do I need to mention, she was act. During her HBO special she from New York! Her name is shocked her audience by doing Rebecca Donahue and she left © Candonyc | Dreamstime.com
MOVIES EYE C
THE MANE-STREAM | By John Esther OF MUSTANG
he fnal day of the the oys. typically harmless are oth very conservative and school year is over. ame sans Take Me to the River uite concerned a out hat the ive sisters cele rate here one person sits on the nei h ors think in their remote the e innin of shoulders of another and tries urkish villa e. hen the fve summer y headin to knock off another pair doin sisters return home, randma Tto the each. heir fo in hair the same thin , it ould take a sets out to violently punish her lo in in the summer ree e, culture full of emotionally and randdau hters for pleasurin the fve play the ay only sisters se ually repressed psychopaths themselves y ru in your do and only hen they are youn . to consider hicken a provocative parts a ainst oy s necks. olday layda kdo an is the or scandalous endeavor. ell, in eldest, follo ed y elma u a the orld of co riter director ne moment e ere fne then un uro lu , ce lit scan , eni am e r ven s uasi everythin turned to shit, ale ur o a o uslu and the auto io raphical flm, Mustang, tells us. rom that day for ard youn est, ale unes ensoy , such a culture e ists. the irls ere uarantined in their ho also serves as the flm s o n house and their personal rphaned years a o, the narrator and leadin prota onist. elon in s confscated. fve sisters no live ith their ully clothed and in the lack ea randmother ihal oldas and nythin likely to pervert us as ith oys ho are also clothed, the ncle rol y erk Pekcan , ho anned, says ale. he fve of fve sisters play hicken ith them ould have only each other ut not for lon . oon, the house, not home, ecame sister solidarity. he fve youn for each other. ven hen they a ife factory here various irls stand united a ainst any disa ree, the confict is minimal aunts ould come over to offer u ly culture as much as they and respectful. lessons on ho to e a ood, can. hen sister is ettin hit, the n an individual level, each has o edient ife. o lon er allo ed others et in et een the victim her ay of copin ith her sudden to return to school, the irls ould and her a user. hen one ishes imprisonment. onay s ack no learn ho to make dolma to escape to see her oyfriend, the ay is precious hile elma s rather than dioramas, to sit and other sisters help out. passive a ressive demeanor se instead of soarin throu h makes her unpredicta le thus the open country or ste in over uncontrolla le. ce is defant to a ood ook, to o ey rather than “Anything likely the end hile ur and ale in opine. the day althou h it pro a ly efore the fve of them could to pervert us was ill not last until tomorro . arely make sense of their ell done flm featurin domesticated demise, t o of the banned,” says some fne performances y an sisters ould e married off and Lale. The five of unkno n roup of youn female t o sisters ould suffer reater actors, Mustang may e a it violence. ean hile, the adults them would have rou h around the ed es in terms o on lamin the children for the of mature themes ut this is moral decay of the community. only each other the kind of adolescent female rance s offcial scar su mission but not for long. re ellion found in uropean flms for est ilm in a orei n hich is almost non e istent in an ua e yes, the flm is in olly ood s fantasy factory. urkish and set in urkey ut it ontrary to the predominant trope is still rance s entry , Mustang offered in most flms, theater and has its share of leak tropes ut it novels, these sisters are there is also one a out female, namely
Notes From Nat The many progressions of pop music - from three years’ experience to thirty years’ | By Nat Burns
re you a Duran they’ve always had a unique, © 2015 Warner Bros Records Inc Duran lover? This recognizable sound. Today the duranduranmusic.com question may not be band is made up of singer Simon Carly Rae Jepsen is back with as important as when LeBon, Nick Rhodes, bassist another new album. Called you frst fell in love John Taylor and drummer Roger Emotion, this is her third studio Aor ere proposed to ut it defnitely Taylor, many of whom have come album, following Tug of War shows that, if you are a DD fan, and gone in various phases of (2008) and Kiss (2012). After the you’ve had your head tilted toward the band’s lifetime. If you look huge success of the playful single the pop music scene for a long time. at a timeline of events in all their from Kiss, “Call Me Maybe”, Songs such as “Rio”, “Hungry Like careers, it’s mind-boggling. Jepsen said she was eager to The Wolf” and “All She Wants Paper ods is their fourteenth release something more emotional, Is” have been resounding in your studio album. Unfortunately, evocative of 1980s pop music. collective minds for almost forty the band has, as yet, made few Inspired by seeing Cindi Lauper years. That’s saying something. production videos, releasing perform in Japan, she realized Duran Duran, originally made up mostly audio clips online. I that adding emotion to music was of guitarist John Taylor, drummer found this video very interesting, an important element for her. I Nick Rhodes, singer Stephen Duffy however, about the making of didn’t get that from this work, and bass player Simon Colley, was Paper ods. though. Whether by accident or by an English rock band formed in design, she has yet another playful 1978 as part of the New Romantic earworm to contribute. Check out movement. This movement, a pop Here’s a little eye candy from an this amazing video for “I Really culture trend in the UK, began in older album-a song called “Girl Like You”, featuring, amazingly British nightclubs around 1979 and Panic enough, actor Tom Hanks: peaked sometime near 1981. One of the nightclubs worked in by the group was called Barbarella’s and The greatest thing about this new And I’d be remiss if I didn’t give the band chose their name after album is the amazing participation you the original earworm, “Call a character in the Roger Vadim by other big name stars—to drop Me Maybe”. science fction movie, ar arella, a few names, Lindsay Lohan on Doctor Durand Durand. “Danceophobia”, Mr Hudson on Paper ods , ies a on ast This album is a good one, albeit Here’s a very early interview Night in the City” and Janelle still a young one. I think Jepsen video, shortly before the release of Monae and Nile Rodgers on has staying power but I do expect their frst sin le, Planet arth Pressure ff . heir talents, (read hope) that future albums as well as the addition of Mark will be a better range of substance Ronson (remember “Uptown rather than fash. uess e ll see. peakin of Planet arth , here s Funk”, to name one work?) on that video: © 2015 Schoolboy/Interscope “Only in Dreams” take this album Records www.carlyraemusic.com over the top and I predict a stellar performance in sales for this one. During the 1980s, Duran Duran was considered the usual, easily My favorite from this album was ‘Til next month, created, throw-away pop group, the title son , Paper ods . like Nat like so many other one hit wonders the lyrics a lot. Another older fave but they have had amazing staying is the oldie but goodie, “Rio”. You power. Granted, the group has can watch it here: changed band members the way a Barbie doll changes clothes but
Carol: What we did for Love | By John Esther arol may not be is the story of its titular character society and rende vous in relative the fashiest, played y ate lanchett a secrecy. most poetic, oman ho is in the middle of a n stark contrast to the clich angry or nearly divorce hen she meets herese that a aul is involved in a the reatest ooney ara , a noticea ly les ian s second date, arol and les ian youn er oman ho is oin herese slo ly uild upon their themed flm of all time ut y the throu h her o n identity stru les. C relationship. irst, they ecome cinematic ods, it is one hell of a here is an immediate connection reat friends efore ecomin love story. oon, coo and oo e, et een the considera ly older lovers. nfortunately, this love thy hearts ill e a futterin , a and much richer arol from e may not e permitted until they pitter patterin durin the latest ersey and the youn , store clerk are far and a ay from the pryin flm y odd aynes Velvet herese from e ork. Goldmine . ust try and not ive eyes of the male a e. n today s merica, the t o into the flm s lamorous ima es t least that is hat they think. could and most likely ould, of omen smokin ci arettes. fter painstakin ly aitin to immediately start datin ut since y ife and others certainly did. consummate their relationship, this is merica in the early s especially on the part of arol, ho, ased on Patricia i hsmith s the love that dare not speak its despite her a e and e perience in second novel, The Price of Salt, name forces these t o omen such matters, is not predatory it ith a screenplay y noted to circumvent the mad patriarchal play ri ht Phyllis a y, Carol turns out arol is not really out of the atchful eyes of her estran ed hus and, ar e an e cellent yle laire or an. ontrary to most se marria e in the state of handler . stories a out les ians durin those e ersey le ally reco ni ed times and for many decades same se marria e in . ith evidence of apphic amour to follo , hether they ere in hand, ar e is more than ever oreover, not only as marria e fctitious or not The Price of Salt illin to use a moral clause to e uality unthinka le durin the as nota le in that it did not end in et full custody of their sole child, early s, ays and les ians tra edy for its les ian characters. indy adie and ennedy eim . ere deemed as unft parents hile Carol, ar ua ly, stays true ven if arol for oes her love for a dan er to the child s elfare. to the novel, it is not entirely clear herese and others, it may not e arol has very little le al standin if our dear lovers ill live happily enou h to in oint custody of her to contest her po erful, rich ever after. entieth century dau hter. arol is a prisoner of hus and s accusations and proof merica as predominately not her times. of her illicit, ille al affairs. n kind to its citi ens. hat is the flm s most po erful he follo up to her frst novel, o e sure, unless arol and ver al e chan e, arol re ukes Strangers on a Train hich as herese live another years her hus and s actions y merely adapted to the screen y director unlikely due to their ross ci arette remindin him that if he truly lfred itchcock , i hsmith consumption they ill never cares a out their dau hter he ill pu lished the some hat e perience marria e e uality. he a ree to oint custody. f you do auto io raphical The Price of Salt state of e ork le ali ed same not, then e ill o to court and in under the pseudonym of it ill et u ly, says arol. nd of domesticated la order as people like ar e. n response e are not u ly people. oom once a ain in full s ay. en to his insecurities, ar e ould orked. omen stayed at home hurt that hich he claimed to love his scene is also one of the fnest and raised a ies. aterialism and most, arol. or men and people moments in the flm for lanchett. alcohol ere the only accepta le like ar e, fear con uers love. ne of the reatest flm actors in the comforts. ndividuals ho strayed orld, lanchett s performance is aynes, ho shot into national ere elittled ack into conformity a mesmeri in portrait of restraint. prominence after his controversial or ostraci ed for the sake of some flm, Poison inspired lanchett is also onderful, accepted reater ood. his y the novels of ean enet a ar ua ly etter, as ary apes repression not only hurt the likes ferocious riter ho challen ed in the e cellent flm, Truth, hich of arol ut it also harmed, al eit the de asement of s rench as released in cto er. to a far lesser de ree, men like society ith his o n form of ar e, too. hey may not e u ly that de asement , has continued fur coat arol ears sure is ar e craved the patriarchal to challen e the miso ynistic, dis ustin ut the times could order. hen it as threatened, he se ist society of th century e. ive years after orld ar felt threatened as a man in ood merica, usin female and male ended merica as a place standin ith family, friends and prota onists played y some of the for emotional and intellectual usiness. ifference is scary to est female actors in the usiness. and artistic oppression. he n his flm, Safe, and his aucasian, artesian paradi m Far from Heaven’s athy shares arol s upper class freedom to pursue her scandalous interests at least in secret. n Carol and Mildred Pierce, oth eponymous characters ill ne ate their love and passion in the interest of their dau hter. here is also the overlap ith aynes and lanchett ho previously orked to ether in m ot here. rilliant, heart armin and unorthodo iopic flm a out o ylan, lanchett played a pensive, andro ynous version of ylan. or her efforts the t ice cademy ard inner he viator lue asmine on the olden lo e a ard, ndependent pirit ard and hica o ilm ritics a ard for est supportin actor hile ein nominated for est supportin actor y the P , and lliance of omen ilm ournalists. In Carol lanchett ives another stellar performance. t is pro a ly flm, Far from Heaven, ulianne Pierce, aynes cast ate inslet a little too uno vious to arrant oore played an affuent oman as a sin le mother of t o also conservative, mainstream ut livin under a very conservative livin in the an ernando alley repeat myself attention ut milieu an ernando alley, lendale tryin to make it lanchett has her moments. he . n the former, oore s durin epression era merica. look arol ives upon her lover s arol essentially incrementally ertainly ith re ards to any of return in the flm s fnal shot is one loses her identity to the point of these three flms you can see the of those unfor etta le cinematic near o literation hile her athy overlappin themes and settin s moments. in Far from Heaven incrementally et een them and Carol. n Safe, fnds it in the racist, homopho ic arol has een ostraci ed ecause s of ortheast, merica. she has a manmade illness. n the miniseries, Mildred
HOT SPOTS By Dian Katz, MS |
check this festival out!!! Let me know how it goes and send some Hungarians this way. I LOVE them!!! For more information on this fab Film Festival, : http:// www.labrisz.hu/lift. Ooooh, check this out!!!! How would you like to take a Bike Tour through Death Valley National Park in California??? DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK BIKE TOUR by WOMENTOURS is putting on Well would ya look at this!!! It’s sistah???? Oh never mind. I will a lesbian bike tour for all of the N.O.V.E.M.B.E.R.!!!!! It just get on with the Hotspots. Geez!!!! ladies on November 8-15. Do happens to be one of my favorite Can’t have any fun with you you know how spectacular Death times of they year!! Why you ask? guys!!! Valley is?? Well as long as you You did ask right? Well sit down, don’t go during the hot months Imagine yourself in Budapest, sip a hot cocoa and I will tell you. of the year.. which could be Hungary and getting to attend So, every year on 11-11, I have every
BOOKS | By Lillian Jensen
sustenance and peace in a world considering that when Obama of excess and inauthenticity, frst took offce he, like many demonstrating how all our stories politicians, still viewed gay rights are inextricably bound up with as politically toxic. In 2008, for how we feed ourselves and those instance, he opposed full marital we love. rights for same-sex couples, calling marriage a “sacred union” between a man and a woman. It wasn’t until 2012, in the heat of his reelection campaign, that ama fnally em raced marria e equality.
POOR MAN’S FEAST In Don’t Tell Me to Wait, former Advocate reporter By: Elissa Altman Kerry Eleveld shows that Obama’s transformation from cautious Born and raised in New York to a gradualist to gay rights champion food-phobic mother and a food- was the result of intense pressure fanatical father, Elissa Altman from lesbian, gay bisexual and learned early on that fancy is transgender activists. These men always best. After a childhood and women changed the country spent dinin at fne esta lishments, conversation issue by issue, from Le Pavillon to La Grenouille, pushing the president and the she devoted her life to all things country toward greater freedom gastronomical. She served rare for LGBT Americans. Drawing on game birds at elaborate dinner years of research and reporting, parties in an apartment so tiny that Eleveld tells the dramatic story of DON’T TELL ME TO WAIT the guests couldn’t turn around and the f ht for ay ri hts in merica, bought eight timbale molds while By: Kerry Eleveld detailing how activists pushed the working at Dean & DeLuca, just president to change his mind, turn ay ri hts has een a defnin to make her food tall. the tide of political opinions and progressive issue of Barack set the nation on course to fnally hen, Elissa met and fell Obama’s presidency: Congress embrace LGBT Americans as full in love with Susan—a repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t tell citizens of this country. frugal, small-town in2010 with his strong support and Connecticut Yankee in 2011, he instructed his Justice With unprecedented access and with a devotion to Department to stop defending unparalleled insights, Don’t Tell Tsimple living—and it changed the Defense of Marriage Act, Me to Wait captures a critical her relationship with food and the helping to pave the way for a moment in American history people who taught her about it, series of Supreme Court decisions forever. that ultimately legalized same- Told with tender and often sex marriage nationwide. This hilarious honesty and flled ith rapid succession of victories is twenty-six delicious recipes, Poor astonishing by any measure— and is especially incredible an s east is a tale of fndin © Irochka | Dreamstime.com EarthTalk®
Are the California redwoods in danger because of the drought? | By Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss
alifornia is home “Redwoods are an iconic key that are greater than 1,000 years to two of the species,” said Anthony Ambrose, old, says Todd Dawson, a UC three redwood a postdoctoral researcher with Berkeley Professor of Integrative tree species: the Department of Integrative Biology who’s been studying coast redwoods Biology at the University of redwood ecology and physiology Cand giant sequoias. The coast California (UC), Berkeley. for over 25 years. redwood is the Earth’s tallest “They’re the tallest, oldest, For the coast redwood, the tree, growing more than 360 feet and largest trees in the world. drought impacts are not as severe tall, with a trunk that can extend Everybody around the world as they seem to be for the giant to 24 feet wide. The “General knows about them. People love sequoia. Trees at the edges of the Sherman” giant sequoia tree them, even if they’ve never coast redwood range, including at Sequoia National Park in visited them. They’re beautiful the southern end of the range in California’s southern Sierra forests and beautiful trees.” the Santa Lucia Mountains south Nevada mountain range is the For the past four years, California of Big Sur, seem to be the most “undisputed King of the Forest,” has been suffering a grueling affected. Here, young trees have being not only the largest living drought. Agricultural economists lost a lot of their leaves, and have tree in the world, but the largest at UC Davis recently calculated not grown very much, if at all, living organism, by volume, on that the drought will cost the state Dawson said. the planet. General Sherman $2.74 billion in 2015. Drought is 2,100 years old, 2.7 million “Many trees are experiencing can reduce tree growth rates pounds, 275 feet tall and 100 feet the highest levels of water stress and may even lead to tree death. wide at its trunk. we’ve ever measured. We’ve not Coast redwoods receive up to seen much tree mortality, but Redwood forests offer shelter 40 percent of their water supply many trees have thin crowns and to many animals, including from fog, which is created from do not look healthy,” Dawson mountain lions, American warm, moist air rising from the said. “Our biggest question is black bears, Roosevelt elks and cold surface aters of the Pacifc. just how far can these trees be mountain beavers. According Giant sequoias grow in mountain pushed? If the winter does not to the National Park Service, habitats where an abundant bring good rainfall and a normal approximately 280 species of winter snowpack recharges the snowpack throughout the state I birds have been recorded within groundwater they depend upon am not sure how our state trees the boundaries of redwood and use in the summer. However, will do. We are likely to see national and state parks. Just during the past two winters, some mortality as we are seeing over 800 bird species occur in much of the giant sequoia range in some of the pines and frs in all of the United States, so that had little to no snowpack. As a California. But how bad this will equates to approximately one result, groundwater levels have be – only time will tell. third of the country’s birds. dropped, sometimes below the roots of immense giant sequoias © Sundelllarsen | Dreamstime.com
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THANKSGIVING 2015
| By Sally Sheklow
nce again, at this time in the month of November In the mood of Thanksgiving I stop and remember To offer my thanks for the good things in life OLike my health and my freedom, my cat and my wife
I’m thankful of course for the freedom to marry Which we won back in June—by one vote (kinda scary) he ud es upreme made it clear, fve to four That we can’t deny people this right anymore
There’s still some resistance, just look at Kim Davis The Kentucky odd bird, A.K.A. rara avis Who’s refusal to license a marriage between Two men or two women is out and out mean
Then candidate Huckabee followed by Cruz Used Davis’s story to get in the news A hero, a martyr, a victim, they said Of the woman who four times, herself, has been wed
But she’ll get her due, which is my fervent hope For her fraudulent claim of support from the pope Pope Francis responded that The Holy See Decidedly doesn’t endorse bigotry
And that is a message, I’m thankful to note hat s likely to infuence folks hen they vote The tables are turning, the tides are all shifting Our notions of queerness are much more uplifting The work’s not complete, we have much more to do Before everyone’s equal and free, that is true But little by little we’re making our way And for each inch of progress I’m saying Hooray
I’m making a point to be much more aware Of all of the good stuff and not to despair It’s easy to slip into worry and stress Because plenty of things in the world are a mess
But keeping up hope with our eyes on the prize Is much more effective than some realize I’m thankful, therefore, that there’s things I can do To make peace, love and freedom ideals come true
It wouldn’t take long, a few minutes or so To write to my senators letting them know That queer and transgender folks lacking protection Will be on my mind when they face re-election
And I can sign up, give some bucks, be involved In organized efforts to get problems solved Global and national, statewide and local There are so many groups who are active and vocal
I also have options of what I support With the money I spend, I can read a report n uffn ton Post on ho isn t or is A company known as a queer-friendly Biz I mean it, I’m thankful, there’s lots of potential f ays can make myself more infuential If something is good I can work to defend it If something is wrong I’ll be working to end it
I’m thankful for having this space and this ink To encourage my readers to act and to think Don’t worry if you don’t know just where to start Begin with some gratitude deep in your heart
Say thanks for what’s good and be joyful in life Don’t spend all your juju obsessing on strife Then you can join me as I sit and remember The stuff to be thankful for every November
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| By Toni Hart
ho ever said that is included in the bargain price, looking like you just got out of growing older too. And...no trip to and from the bed. Of course they will forgive is “FUN?” Yes, store and no waiting in line to you but you will kick yourself up it does have checkout. and down for looking like a creep. its advantages, Another good hint is to keep up the Wlike discounted admission to e ercisin . e s, uads, iceps and movies, plays and amusement the like suffer from lack of regular parks and 20% off dinners and Just your luck to e ercisin . ou defnitely don t lunches. But all in all, those added ant ye ye arms or fa y birthdays sometimes weigh you meet someone legs and thighs. Joining a gym can down. Now, I’m not talking about help you do your e ercises at least going from twenties, thirties or you really care a couple times a week. Yoga is even ffties. o ever, after si ty fabulous as you age as it provides fve you may notice some pesky about when you gentle movements and breathing changes going on. e ercises that keep you feelin You start to walk at a slower pace... dash out of the stron and healthy. int here very sli htly at frst ut it catches are plenty of e ercise sites on line up to you. It’s harder to carry large house looking ust oo le to fnd them . parcels ...wow...that watermelon Another important thing to seems to weigh a ton. Were they like you just got remember is - attitude! You may always that heavy? Getting those be getting older but you can still bags and cartons in and out of the out of bed. think “young.” Try to associate car and carrying them into the with some younger people, house has become a chore and especially kids. They will keep you you may want to sit down and rest Your hair and skin seem to change up to date on current e pressions, between trips. as well. Be sure to get a GOOD games and movies. Soft pedal your hairstylist even if it costs a bit more. Shopping on line can suddenly complaints about aches and pains. Someone who knows what looks ecome e tremely attractive. We all have them but no one wants good on YOU can be worth her Wow! did you ever realize there to hear about them. weight in gold. A good manicure were so many bargains? Some or fll can last a couple eeks and astly, do some of the thin s you sites don t even char e ta . ould makes a great difference in your have been postponing. Check out suggest keeping your shopping to appearance. Try not to leave the “Day Trips” at you nearest senior items you don’t have to try on. house without some makeup and center. You will be amazed at the Some sites are from overseas and f in your hair. one are the days variety of bus trips and places the si in comparison is diffcult. when all we needed was a dab of you can visit. Some even provide But coats, jewelry, watches, lipstick. Just your luck to meet lunch and heck, just enjoy your household stuff, computer gadgets someone you really care about age - whatever it is! and accessories were made to be when you dash out of the house purchased on line. Often shipping © Scott Griessel | Dreamstime.com
AND THEN CAME MARRIAGE | By Robin Tyler
And Then Came Marriage- that summer I read a magazine 1962 I moved to NY’s Greenwich United States v Windsor and called ‘The Ladder.’ In it was Village to meet other out and proud The Defeat of DOMA article by Del Martin and Phyllis women. I hit the clubs and I was Lyon who said there was nothing immediately arrested for female by Roberta Kaplan (W.W. wrong with being a lesbian. (But impersonation but that is different Norton & Company) think about moving to a big city story. n the fall of 1959, at age 17, I immediately!) My mother and I 32 years later, in 1991, another told my Jewish mother that I were in the kitchen when I ‘came lesbian came out to her Jewish was a lesbian. Mrs. Chernick out’ to her and she grabbed a knife mother. (Had I known her at the (my mother) had sent me to and said “here, stab me in the time, I would have warned her the Banff School of Fine Arts heart, pour salt in the wound!” not to do it in the kitchen.) When Iin Canada to become a thespian. Obviously, she did not take it Roberta Kaplan told her mother When I got on the train to Alberta, well. But I believed what Del and she was gay, her mother kept I immediately fell in love with Phyllis had written, that there was banging her head against the wall. another young woman from nothing wrong with me. So, in Needless to say, Mrs. Kaplan took Winnipeg. Obviously, I had not it as well as Mrs. Chernick. heard my mother correctly. But Roberta was so closeted, that in Massachusetts challenging la frm illin to take the case while attending Harvard, she DOMA on behalf of eight couples ‘pro bono.’ (yes, for free!) got the reputation of being a and three widowers. Mary’s What made Edie’s case so unique neoconservative, reactionary strategy of attacking DOMA so was that, unlike the gay legal homophobe because she yelled soon was not exactly greeted with organizations who represented at a woman she was secretly in enthusiasm by others in the LGBT multiple plaintiffs (Robbie kindly love with for falling for another movement. Both Lambda and refers to them as a ‘diverse coalition woman! She enrolled in law the ACLU took the position that of plaintiffs’) but I refer to them as school at Columbia and after Mary was moving too fast and a chorus line of plaintiffs to stand raduatin at a e , she fnally could create bad legal precedents behind attorneys who wanted to be ‘kissed a girl.’ But Roberta was that would be damaging going the stars.) And the organizations petrifed of comin out pu licly. forward. did not want to focus on the legal She did not know that closets were protections and penalties same vertical coffns that suffocated (We heard the same scripted sex couples experienced because those inside to death. So, in 1991, response when my wife and I were of a lack of Federal Recognition. Roberta Kaplan, who was just the frst to sue for marria e ri hts They wanted to focus on smiling coming out and was ‘seriously in CA in 2004). “The time is not couples, holding hands and talking depressed and anxious’ saw a right! We have a plan,” said major all about love, because that is therapist for 2 sessions to try to LGBT attorneys. Of course, after, what their focus groups told them get help. And that therapists name they jumped in with their own people wanted to see. was Thea Spyer. clients and we won.) The exception was the Prop 8 Roberta was scared of not being Besides, the LGBT legal cabal felt Olson/Boise case where 2 non- able to have a relationship, a family that the issue of a widow having to gay male famous attorneys, one and a normal life. But Thea said pay ‘estate taxes’ was not the issue Democrat and one Republican, it as possi le to have a fulfllin that would defeat DOMA because got so much press themselves, relationship and happy life even if Edie was ‘just a bit too wealthy that this ‘odd couple’ should have you are a lesbian.” And then she and privileged to be the face of been standing together on top of told Roberta about her 25 year gay rights.” Really? the wedding cake! But they went relationship with a beautiful and When Robbie Kaplan was called against movement’s bad ‘advice’ brilliant (IBM math wiz) woman by an activist trying to help Edie and ere hired to fle a ederal named Edie Windsor. get an attorney, Robbie walked 4 lawsuit to overturn Prop. 8. Eighteen years later, 81 year old blocks over to Edie’s apartment Robbie, this brilliant, experienced Edie Windsor sought legal help. excited to know that she was attorney did not listen to the Thea had died of MS and although going to meet the woman whom organizations. Edie and Thea had been married Thea Spyer, her therapist, had told in Canada in May, 2007, because her about all those years ago. She She was an experienced litigator of DOMA (Defense of Marriage showed Edie a video of her 2006 and was going to win by focusing Act), their marriage was not oral arguments the NY marriage on 2 things. recognized and Edie had to pay case, which she had argued l. Unfair taxation, which $363,053 in estate taxes. Edie brilliantly but had lost. (Yet is something she felt even went to Lambda legal, because several law school professors had conservatives understood. she and Thea had contributed to used it in their class to teach oral them and a junior attorney told advocacy.) 2. EDIE WINDSOR, EDIE her it was the ‘wrong time’ for Edie Windsor immediately wanted WINDSOR, EDIE WINDSOR the movement. HRC gave her the Robbie to represent her. After the The book goes into the drama, ‘cold shoulder’ and the ACLU movement’s organizations refused the behind the scenes struggles, agreed with hem. Mary Bonauto to represent her, here was a major the f hts, the attacks and the and had fled a la suit competition that Robbie had to endure. And that was just from our there was not one thing they could 11/10 - University of Southern side! This book tells all. Two great get her on. Her arguments came Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS) love stories (Robbie and Rachel, not only from her brain but deep 11/11 - Lemuria Books (Jackson, Thea and Edie), the trial and all down, from her soul. She painted MS) the internal struggles. It was so the story of Edie Windsor and interesting and well written that I Thea Kaplan with such passionate December 2015 could not stop reading it! strokes, that many of us in the 12/13 - Congregation Shir courtroom, who already knew In March, 2013, my wife and I Tikvah (Minneapolis, MN) the story, sat there mesmerized fe to ashin ton to o to the and many us were crying. A lot 12/14 - Congregation Adath US Supreme Court to see the of attorneys had helped Robbie Israel (St. Paul, MN) arguments in the Prop 8 case. We prepare but when she stood up in had fled a la suit a ainst Prop January 2016 the upreme ourt for the frst through our attorney, Gloria Allred time in her career, she ‘hit it out of 01/12 - Weinstein JCC hose frm had on our marria e the ballpark.’ (Richmond, VA) case) but we had lost the Prop 8 case in the CA Supreme Court. We knew this was it. We knew 01/13 - Charleston JCC/AFFA So we went to DC to watch the that this would go down in history (SC) legal conservative ‘mega star’ Ted as the case that not only brought February 2016 Olson, argue in the US Supreme down DOMA but paved the way Court. for marriage equality, which in 02/23 - JCC North Miami Beach turn will be the Trojan horse in (FL) I can’t tell you how disappointed which all of our equal rights will I was. One justice referred to our 02/26 - American Jewish fnally arrive. movement as ‘ an experiment,’ University (Los Angeles, CA) and Olson didn’t respond. Decades from now, when people March 2016 Another justice referred to look back in disbelief that we incorrect negative information could have experienced this kind 03/13 - Temple Sinai New about children raised by same-sex of discrimination and we think Orleans (LA) couples and Olson didn’t answer. of winning marriage equality, 03/29 - Washington Hebrew I had thought of him as “the 6 the picture that will indelibly be Congregation (Washington, DC) million dollar Wizard of Odds’ but etched into all of our memories, was livid when I walked out of the is the one of Edie Winsor, almost For more tour dates go to courtroom. Because of the huge running down the Supreme Court http://robertakaplan.com/ press buildup around this famous teps, pink scarf fyin in the robbiekaplantour.html Republican attorney who had wind, beside her unstoppable won case after case at this court attorney, Roberta Kaplan, waving Robin Tyler has been a marriage (including Bush v Gore), I had to the thousands of supporters, activist since 1987, when she expected more. cheering them on to what became produced ‘The Wedding’ at the our greatest victory. And this is 1987 March on Washington. She The next day made up for the picture that will go down in and her wife Diane Olson were everything. I had read about history. Mazel tov! the frst lesbian plaintiffs to fle in Roberta Kaplan but because the Case that brought marriage to Robbie wanted Edie and Theas’ TOUR DATES CA (Tyler v State of California). great love story very public, most November 2015 of the articles, as planned, were about her client. So when I watched 11/02 - Central Queens Y (Forest her oral arguments. this now out, Hills, NY) proud, lesbian partner of Rachel 11/09 - Square Books (Oxford, and mother of Jacob pleaded the MS) case with such brilliance, that
LESBIANS ON LOCATION Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival 2016
Clare and Patty
Lucy & Gail celebrate
Elaine Gibbs sings Etta James Anne and Darlene Palm Springs was home to the with the honorariums presented to women’s Jazz festival the weekend the performers this festival created a of October 9th, and in all my years magical weekend for the residents of of being; never have I ever seen, Palm Springs. An open house was nor heard, music resonate with such offered at the Hyatt free of charge precision, such rhythm or such soul. for city residents to meet and greet the performers, and out of town Both promoters, Lucy DeBardelaben guests by Palm Springs residents and Gail Christian are beloved to who perhaps were unable to attend the city of Palm Springs. Their the ticketed performances—which low key demeanor, somehow has by the way were a complete sellout. allowed them to welcome thousands of concert goers individually with The combination of the graciousness such grace as to create the sense that of the producers of this festival, you are a guest in their home. The with the very best of female jazz artistic Director Sweet Baby Jai, performers in the world , created a complements this duo with the type not very subtle magic, here I am, of “Hands-on Friendliness rarely an entire week post festival, still seen in such a talented and gifted rockin from the sound of fne a performer. and already looking forward to the continuance of the Palm Spring The initial presentation, honoring Women’s Jazz Festival as an annual Grammy award winning vocalist event here in Palm Springs. Diane Schuur was held in the former home of actress Loretta Young, in the comfort of the parlor. Music in such a beautiful setting was breathtaking Huge windows were the backdrop for a double bass as background music, leaving a stunning piano as the centerpiece. The home now belongs to, Chris Bennett a concert jazz pianist herself who graciously performed as well as opening her home for Diane Schuur to perform in—but it truly was Sweet Baby Jai who sang her way into everyone’s hearts. By the time Diane Schuur got to the keyboard, the setting provided the magic, and the notes of Ms.Schurr’s voice brought it all to a crescendo of applause. As if this was not suffcient, a medley of delicious h’ors d’oerves was served along with cocktails of one’s choice It’s so interesting to see that not only were the producers and directors of this event gracious hostesses, but each and every performer offered their unique openness and personality by intermingling with the crowd of people who support this festival by buying tickets. Along UGLA CABARET EVENT UGLA CABARET EVENT
Roberta Kaplan Book Signing
Roberta Kaplan signing her book
Diane Olsen, Roberta Kaplan, Robin Tyler Roberta Kaplan with Her book Brooke Sorenson Brooke Sorenson, Debbie Hussong_Betty Gavin Macintosh DeGeneres_Dian Katz
Ravon Owen
Rock Reporter Dian Katz
Teri Polo and Sherri Saum
Utkarsh Ambudkar American Cancer Society The 20th Anniversary Mothers of the Year Luncheon
Diana Feldman Rosanna Scotto, Paula Zahn, Marion Scotto, Elaina Scotto, Greg Kelly, Jenna Ruggiero, Julia Faucetta (Photo Credit: Annie Watt/AnnieWatt.com)
Cricket Burns
Paula Zaun
Rosanna Scotto
Ambassador Brenda L Johnson, Isabel Leeds Cece Cord, Bonnie Comley
Gabe Sokoloff, Dr Susan R Drossman, Julia Sokoloff, Adam Sokoloff POSITIVE REFLECTIONS
| By Dian Katz, MS ANTICIPATORY FEAR - GREATER THAN THE FEAR ITSELF
ometimes we allow few popcorn kernels and a gooey just a couple dollars, so I expect the fear of “what we candy wrapper from time to time. them to be very clean and well think will happen,” to So..I have continued to sit in the managed. consume us to the point top row because it’s where I love Well, I’m sitting there in this of not fully living in the to sit. sold out theater watching the Spresent moment. Well... The other night a friend newest Johnny Depp movie. I just completed one of those and I sat in the back row like we All of a sudden, I see something episodes. My “what if” fear always do. I plopped myself into crawling on the wall next to me. dominated me at a movie theater. the last seat and sat against the I can’t quite make it out because One of my favorite past times is wall. Now mind you, I usually go it’s too dark. “It” crawls away going to the movies. A previous to some really nice theaters. These from me, so I sigh in relief and student of mine who worked at are by no means the old beat up continue watching the movie and the movie theater, once told me to ones with terrible broken down pounding down my popcorn. Then never sit in the top rows because seats. The theaters I attend are suddenly.... the big ugly thing it gets nasty under the seats. I upscale and the admission is not makes a u-turn and starts inching thought...oh please, I can handle a its way toward me. You got to be kidding me!!!! GO THE OTHER climb up onto my chair tucking Nada! WHAT THE???? Where WAY!! PLEASE! GO!!! I try to my feet while still squirming and is that creature that ruined my focus back on the movie. “Nom balancing a big bucket of popcorn movie??? nom” chewing away. I watch the in one hand. I must have looked My friend walks casually down movie, I watch the bug. I watch the like a contortionist right out of the stairs and comes over to me, movie, I watch the bug. I don’t say Cirque du Soleil. smiles and says, “Wasn’t that a anything because I don’t want to I begin blowing on the wall toward great movie?” make a scene or disturb my friend the bug trying to make it head the enjoying her movie. And anyway, “Hmph!” So much for enjoying other way. I no longer look like a there is no place for me to move to the movie. It wasn’t really the contortionist, just a nut case. Here because it’s a packed theater. bug that ruined my show. It was I am all twisted squirming in my me. It was the fact that I allowed Now, whatever is crawling on that chair, sitting on my feet, balancing my imagination to run so wild it wall starts b-lining toward me and popcorn and blowing on the wall. became irrational. It was the fact my popcorn!!! Oh Dear God!!! I’m lucky no one called the psych that I turned my fear into my focus This is just horrifying!!! Why ward on me. Oh geeez!!! What rather than just focusing on the me??? I don’t need this!!! I start can be any worse than this bug movie. itching all over like other things climbing toward me?? Nothing I might be crawling up my pant think. Oh yes there is!!!! THE BUG Many times, our fear of something leg or worse yet, on my head or HAS NOW DISAPPEARED!! I becomes greater than the reality of neck!!$@$ Dian breathe!! It’s just CAN’T SEE IT!!!!! it. Haven’t we all had times where a bug, I tell myself. we were to do a presentation or an NOOOOOO!!! GET A FIRE interview and were worried sick Holy hell!!! What is that thing!!!! EXTINGUISHER!!!! CALL THE the night before? Then once we I squint trying to make it out in the FIRE DEPARTMENT!!! did our speech or interview, we say dark. Sweat now dripping down CALL THE HAZMAT TEAM!! to ourselves, “wow, that wasn’t my face. Just a bug??? It’s as big HECK, CALL SPECIAL as bad as I thought it would be!” as a house!!!! IT’S HUGE!!! I FORCES!! The anticipation of things is often think it’s a cockroach!! Trying a zillion times stronger than the desperately to watch the movie I can’t move. I can’t breathe. I am actual event. This is equally true but squirming in my seat.. now frozen and glued onto my for good things happening too. seat. I know that thing is on me!!! I’m not sure if it is a cockroach Sometimes we think something I just know it!!! Breathe Dian, but kind of glad I can’t see it well is going to be so fantastic we can breathe!! The movie is ending. Oh enough to know what it is. It keeps barely sit still. Once it happens we thank you God!! I’m outta here!!! inching closer and closer to me. I are thinking.....“is that it?” I leave my friend, my popcorn, my am now squirming in my seat like water and run!!!! As the credits The key I realized, is to not get all I’m sitting on a hot plate. I must roll, I run and leap down the stairs worked up in fear about something have looked like I had to go the like a zebra running from a lion!! I that may never happen. The bug bathroom really bad. must have jumped 10 steps in one wasn’t on me. It didn’t even come The big ugly creature crept closer! fyin s oop he stairs seemed close enough to touch me. I wasted OH MY GAWD!! What if that IS as long as the Great Wall of China. my whole movie and my fav - a spider??? I hate spiders! I hate I almost broke an ankle but at least the popcorn - staring and fearing big bugs!! I am going to scream I made it to safety where I could the bug rather than enjoying my like a little girl!! Is it a spider?? fnally shake that thin off me. time. Although an uncomfortable It looks like it has a huge long lesson, I got the message... At the bottom of the stairs, I body. No, I think it’s a humongous violently shake my pant legs. I cockroach. Good Lord, gotta sit rub my hands through my hair and on my feet have fip fops on. all over my body like it was on Hurry Dian. Sit on your feet!!!! I fre. o u . solutely nothin © Scott Griessel | Dreamstime.com
QUEERLY QUESTIONING Yard Sign Wars
| By Juno Parreñas, PhD
ur neighbor’s cases that have happened in Ohio The cowardice of this person Black Lives and whose memories of their na s at me. fnd myself Matter yard sign wrongful deaths prompted the wondering which neighbor did it. was stolen. In Black Lives Matter movement. Why didn’t they steal the same its absence was sign from across the street? Why We too often tend to think of Oa hand written note without a haven’t they stolen ours? Is it white supremacy as the ideology name or signature. The note because the neighbors across the of ignorant masses, the kind said that “all lives matter” and it street are lesbians and it could be embodied by Trump supporters suggested that our neighbors use a hate crime? Is it because I’m who beat up homeless Latinos their “white guilt,” leave our “lily obviously not white? Were the and who imagine immigrants of white” neighborhood (which is neighbors whose sign was stolen color incongruously as people not quite true: we’ve got at least targeted because their house is who are both lazy dependents 5 multiracial households on the nicest on the street? of state enefts and ho steal our block), sell their house and Americans’ jobs. We don’t usually I talked about it with my neighbor belongings and give it all up to think of white supremacists as the since I had given her the yard the Black Lives Matter movement kind of person whose vocabulary sign when she asked about ours. as reparations. It ended with includes “reparations” and who In the immediate aftermath of the a suggestion that they read a read British romantic poets. theft, she wondered aloud if she William Blake poem about the should go to the police. I know I folly of remorse. By talking about reparations, wouldn’t. When the Black Lives the person recognizes the I thought our neighborhood Matter movement is rightfully unjust history of slavery but was a blue spot in an otherwise addressing the problem of police does not want to ameliorate purple-red sea of the Midwest immunity at killing black folk, those inequalities. Or, they see but voting Democrat does not the police seem to be the last to reparation as acts for individuals make one anti-racist. Our sports turn to about a stolen Black Lives instead of society. By imagining fan nei h ors literally ave fa s Matter yard sign. Her impulse reparations as solely about with racist caricatures from their to go to the police demonstrates taking away personal wealth front yards and yet they, or at who feels protected by the instead of f urin out societal least one, cannot handle having police and who would be afraid mitigations against racism, this an open conversation about race to open themselves to police person happily colludes with and racist violence. This feels all harassment. I supported her idea racist injustice for the sake of the more symptomatic of how of posting the anonymous note personal property (all the while e have diffculty dealin ith on our neighborhood’s Facebook violating others’ property rights race in this country, especially page. She didn’t though and I’m by feeling entitled to steal a yard in a state that has become afraid she’s let this get to her. sign!). This person’s letter serves synonymous with the deadly face But we cannot let ourselves be as a reminder to me that white of racist injustice: Sam DuBose, intimidated into silence. supremacy cuts across class and Tamir Rice and John Crawford educational levels. are a few of the most infamous © Plusquechose | Dreamstime.com POETRY The Show is Over | By Morag Hillsinger
The circus tent hich rushes the foor like your dress as een lifted he fa ric rend sho s ired clo ns cattered mischief makers nd a ma ician o lon er a le to suspend dis elief
it y falterin fre he faces of children nce rapt re one.
© Margaritavasina | Dreamstime.com THEORHETICALLY SPEAKING
Perspective States | By Nikki McCauley
ime and space – perspective lesson- 12 teachin s, remote controllin the lives of the states - pico seconds pedestrians. color and sound- numbers and symbols- standing still on the shore staring at the statue speaking to deaf people- T deciphering the truth that lies behind the rules hope and optimism to all she honors I learned sign language promises of freedom and opportunities to all who entered the music “Prince” in the 8th and 9th want her hand literate illustrations “Sign of the Times” ut in reality dreamin , dreams of another ein s possibilities Beautiful and broken like a watch at the right time who in essences fears the words equality I stand on high places - never afraid to look down o, av, connect reconnect complete the circle one fn er on revival pen in love ith the letter like I’m 1/6 of the radius because I spend time reconnect to words spoken learning the law - went to court on a junk charge - turned out there was a false witness— thank God… Theory of relativity returning one to true essence - for technology failing— they would have seen I was dmittin my mistakes, in two places confession, st ohn a li erty lesson of focus and self bi-location excited mind examination Innocent of the accusation just skin similar in funneling through 7 levels of introspection via musics complexion but the heart tells the truth it just depends 7 notes of octave elevation on the judge that’s hearing the recollection to the limbic brain and up the chain of thought across ever fearin fearin never never feein life, ut the bridge of theta rotation thank od, had an ali i energy moving freely restoring the truth I am bi- o m sin in from a oft ell sli htly ainted , coastal defated, thirst so drank and I live in different states and in many mansions olecules of hydration, hi h vi ration rene ed my thus the return of the prodigal is cause for celebration art form free from the tyranny, cham ers of loss, dou t, fear, Like Picasa before his knife moves- imagination despair and unfair judgment into the sphere of the bares witness heart where love is abundantly running preadin paint on the canvas in it s refection climbing the tree of life to the 7 colors of the rainbow etched in space I photograph messages making spilling over iTunes born on the 21st day — meet perfection in I seek to see the hidden colors - multiple spectrums- multiplication li ht endin often e posin fuorescent so dance in rivers of rays of li ht, activated the Broken glass lies shattered - bleeding over and into hole, may you follo and en a e in second si ht new hues Now I’m breathing underwater-Humming notes of songs to my beloved father— echoing hymns in other languages - breaking chains of the minds of savages - bonds breaking but bound free in search of liberty- chained to the education system © Paradoxfx | Dreamstime.com Vendange Carmel Inn | By Lillian Jensen
endange is the drinking a glass of wine around the for a honeymoon or romantic perfect getaway fre pit, or stoppin y the lo y getaway. destination located for nightly hors d’oeuvres, will The Inn offers breakfast daily. in the village of make your trip more memorable. Carmel-by-the- Wine Themed Rooms: are Dawn’s There are 18 rooms in the Inn ea. t is the frst ine themed Dream, Galante, J. Lohr, Joullian, V which is owned and operated by Inn in all of Carmel and Monterey. Manzoni, McIntyre, Otter Cove, the Lee family. Sleeping areas are Each room is named after a local Pierce Winery, Tudor, Twisted appointed with memory foam- winery. These partnered wineries Roots, Ventana, Cima Colina. top beds, deluxe linens, WiFi, design their own rooms in their and hi h defnition fat screen own creative manner, providing televisions. guests with a memorable and fun experience. Carmel Beach, The separate Cottage Suite offers has exquisite shops, world class a generous 650 square feet of restaurants and beautiful beaches. living space. With a California You’ll see what makes Vendange in ed, hi h defnition fat a once in a lifetime stay. Their screen television, as freplace and gardens, the grand pergola, kitchenette, it’s the perfect place The Last Word
Wonder Woman | By Robin Tyler
s atched the frst it, the left loves him as oe iden ould step in. ut emocratic de ate, remem er hen iden ould not raised in anito a, anada as not surprised allo itnesses to testify ho under democratic socialism and at illary linton s ould have confrmed hat nita it is onderful. ut here in the intelli ence, poise, ill as sayin a out larence , they ill never vote for a Apersonality and ans ers. he is homas. es oe, e have you to socialist. f all of the pro rams a reat de ater, havin done it so thank for helpin ustice homas ernie ants and ho ouldn t many times. et confrmed. o, e are left ith ant them ere put to ether, it illary, ho has een orkin o e honest, hen she alked ould re uire a ta rate and on family, omen and children out the frst ords out of my not ust on the ealthy. o, the issues for decades. omen, e mouth ere love hat she is epu licans ould pull out the fnally have a chance to elect earin ut my feminist self red aitin and the ta amount someone ho really cares a out uickly chastised my hat mi ht and then eat his campai n us emem er, the is not a have een construed as a se ist to death ith it. hey are so emocracy. t is a epu lic that remark. he looked reat ut fri htened of illary runnin for has ecome a corpocracy . nd kept it to myself. o did she President, that they actually said at this point in history, e have mana e to appear rested and on many of the ri ht in talk our very o n onder oman rela ed after her hectic schedule sho s, that ernie on the de ate ho is oin to step and has the ut of course, she is illary. alk a out coalition politics, it stren th and the po er to f ht any people are supportin is the only time have seen the for us ernie anders ecause he is ri ht a ree ith the left. nd more pro ressive and let s face then of course, some are ishin © Daniel Raustadt | Dreamstime.com FEMASTROLOGY | By Victoria Bearden
he month begins with in effect from about mid-month Femastrology Horoscopes for a little excitement, all the way into early December. November 2015 as Venus and Mars A word to the wise: don’t be or all the i ns urin the frst align in Virgo. This surprised if you fnd it diffcult part of November, with the Sun in energy will spark up to see eye to eye with others mystical Scorpio, spend some time romance and can also be channeled during this period. It can be very T looking into the deeper aspects of into creative productivity. By frustrating, both personally and your life. Psychic energy is often mid-November, both planets will in business. Clashes arise from quite high during this period, which be in Libra, which is a whole differences in ideology and beliefs. can lead to amazing insights. This different ballgame. Venus in Libra his may have si nifcant political is also the time of year when the enhances all manner of social ramifcations. t can also rin veil between the worlds is thin and interaction and can also enhance about soul searching and deep it is easier to tune in to the world artistic endeavors. But Mars in introspection, as we try to match of spirit and communicate with Libra is a bit more problematic, as up our dreams with our realities. the dear departed. The Sun goes the urge to “do your own thing” Patience and stillness will lead to into fery a ittarius on ovem er may come into sharp contrast with clarity. 23, which will speed up the tempo your desire to please others. This The New Moon in Scorpio on of events. The only hitch (and it’s could certainly complicate things November 11 can help us get in a big one) is the Saturn/Neptune around Thanksgiving, I imagine! touch with our “inner warrior” and debacle. By November 30, the Sun Mercury, the planet of fnd coura e to tackle challen es will be perfectly aligned with the communication, moves into deep, and forge ahead. And there are dysfunctional duo, which could intense Scorpio right at the start of a couple of truly positive days rin up some confict, to e sure. the month. This will be useful for leading up to the Full Moon in It may be wise to adopt a neutral, investigation and research. This exciting Gemini on November 25. diplomatic attitude as the month energy is also related to secrets… Just remember to keep your cool ends, as others may not be feeling which are usually exposed when getting ready for Thanksgiving, as like doing so. Hey, somebody’s Mercury goes into Sagittarius, things could get a little scattered got to keep the peace! Right? which happens on November 20. ith all the ener y fyin around The biggest news of the month Opportunity Dates: November is Saturn in Sagittarius square to 1, 3, 11, 16, 20, 23, 24, 25 and 30. Neptune in Pisces, which will be
Aries (March 21-April 19) Rams have been in Libra (September 23-October 22) Your the hot seat for challenge and change, as I’m intuition is red hot now and could guide you sure those born in early to mid-April will attest to. to some key moves re ardin fnances. no ho ind your inner peace and complete any unfnished to trust and ho not to eep rounded y dare to business. Don’t be afraid to embrace endings. Seek dream. Libras born early to mid-October are still in harmony in your environment and at work. The a cycle of major change, which is demanding. Pace ealin rts ill e a reat eneft to you no . yourself.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Earthy planetary Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Earthy vibrations line up in your court! All systems and watery planets create a solid matrix of are go, or at least they should be! Personal and energy and opportunity for you. Self-determination business relationships are enhanced. Creativity is is highlighted. Your role with friends and colleagues high. And things are generally good. Get some things is evolving. Harmony reigns…unless you are getting accomplished and enjoy the good vibes. in your own way! Focus on what you truly want to create. Gemini (May 21-June 20) Put some effort into organizing your schedule. Take a few things Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) OFF your plate, if possible. This is time to focus on Frustration arises from internal discontent. establishing your equilibrium. Slow down a little and But on the outside, things are looking up! Adjust get things in order. This is particularly important for your mindset to take advantage of all the things you Geminis born in May. have going for you right now. By December many problems will be solved. Cancer (June 21-July 21) Spiritual and creative activities are greatly enhanced now. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) If you This is a magical time and your ideas are inspired and use your power wisely great things are possible inspiring. Romance is on the upswing. But you may at this time. Others will lend support and include you feel a little stressed about work and obligations. Do in their success. Remember to put your higher mind not over-burden yourself now. Just do what you are in charge. Lose your fear. Release physical stress. doin , really, really ell. his should e a enefcial cycle. Aquarius (January 20-February 18) Your world should be an exciting place right now! Leo (July 23-August 22) You will have a chance Career is highlighted. You are learning lots of new to ork some onders ith your fnances if things. People are looking up to you. But beneath the you focus now. Some things you’ve put energy into surface, many passions are ra in . eep your head are likely to bear fruit. But watch the temptation to on straight and all will be well. spend it before you get it! Home and personal life are also emphasized. Make harmony and peace a Pisces (February 19-March 20) This could be priority in your household. e the authority f ure a confusing time, as you struggle with personal when necessary. issues and consider the big picture of your life. Seek consul with wise people who can offer solid guidance. Virgo (August 23-September 22) This is Mysteries about relationships will be revealed. an amazing time for opportunities, both in business and personally. But there is one catch. The Saturn/Neptune energy could throw a monkey wrench into the most promising situations. You need to be cautious and astute when dealing with others, particularly when they are making bold claims and offers. Then you’ll avoid pitfalls and win big! © Starblue | Dreamstime.com You can watch all the Gay USA video’s by clicking the video above. Internet Connection required. L e s b i a n N e w s Gift Guide
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Tap on each image to see a larger version of artwork. SUSAN ST. THOMAS GALLERY Tap on each image to see a larger version of artwork.
“Stardust Reveries” An exhibit of celestial abstract art by Susan St. Thomas at the Sebastopol Gallery, 150 N Main St Sebastopol CA 95465. www. sebastopol-gallery.com. 707 829- 7200 With over 40 years as a professional astrologer, Susan combines her fascination with the language of the stars and her lifelong expression as an artist. This collection is inspired by the images captured by the Hubble telescope of deep space – a boundless realm of ever changing form. Susan uses layered glazes of acrylic to create depth and a dance of light and color, sometimes mixing media and collage. Capable of both precision painting and loose free fo in ashes, she inte rates a variety of innovative techniques to express her imagination. Diane Bernstein, L.C.S.W. Psychotherapy - Individuals & Couples
Specializing in alternative parenting and lesbian couples. Practicing in the community for over 30 years. (310) 398-3981 [email protected] 5392 Janisann Ave., Culver City, Ca. 90230
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Domestic Abuse / Violence - Get Help Domestic abuse and violence have been front-page news lately, and a topic of discussion throu hout the country. he epartment of ustice defnes domestic violence as, “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” It can be: Physical Sexual Emotional Economic Psychological
If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there is help out there. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) LESBIAN NEWS
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