Cyndi Lauper
+Mike Ruiz & Diane Warren Coming Jan. 2012: OMG! TRAVEL MAGAZINE
South Beach’s ultimate resort destination
South Beach. Style. Sophistication. Gansevoort Miami Beach Hotel, Spa located oceanfront in the heart of South Beach, offers an unrivaled resort experience.
gansevoortmiamibeach.com or call 866-932-6694
2 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 3
T U R N S O U T Y O U R E A L LY C A N TA K E I T W I T H Y O U.
To
Live
Forever
EGYPTIAN TREASURES from the Brooklyn Museum Through January 8, 2012 Downtown Nashville fristcenter.org 615-244-3340 Members/Youth 18 and younger FREE
Barbara & Jack Bovender
To Live Forever has been organized by the Brooklyn Museum. Large Outer Sarcophagus of the Royal Prince, Count of Thebes, Pa-seba-khai-en-ipet. From Thebes, near Deir el-Bahri, Egypt. Third Intermediate Period, Dynasty 21, ca. 1075-945 BCE. Gessoed and painted wood, 37 x 30 1/4 x 83 3/8 in. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 08.480.1a-b
4 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 5
6 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 7
8 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 9
10 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 11
12 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 13
14 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 15
lauper 16 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9
INDEX
2 8 cyndi
CONTENTS
22 >> Travel
Miami
28 >> Celeb
Cyndi Lauper Diane Warren Mike Ruiz
46 >> Look Book
The Arts
56 >> VIP
Michelle Whitedove Vince Foster Michael Kenny Dj Ron
72 >> Fitness 74 >> Art
Federico Uribe
80 >> Taste 82 >> Sound
David Green Dj Maximus 3000
86 >> Winter Scents 90 >> Why Steven Y
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 17
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Joey Amato – joey@omgmag.com; 407-496-8751 Associate Editor: Lucas Mariano Features Editor: Dustin Fitzharris Business Editor: Michael Goodman Food and Wine Editor: Mike Trost Music Editor: DJ Maximus 3000 Contributing Editors: Eric Liebman, Gibson Leon Segura Fitness Reporter: Scott Herman Political Correspondent: Steven Binko Creative Director: Alex Winston VP of Operations: Tim Evans – tim@omgmag.com; 310-990-6780 Marketing Director - Florida: Parker Sund – parker@omgmag.com; 954-283-8539 Marketing Director – Atlanta/Nashville: Cody Young – cody@omgmag.com; 931-287-8377 Sales Representatives – Florida: Alexis Lords – 305-992-0629 Carmine Dagnell – 321-987-1455 National Sales Agency: Rivendell Media; 908-232-2021 Legal Council: James L. Clark, Chris Mancini Contributors: Rick Desmond, Tim Evans, Ben Rock, Mick Sandoval, Jared Sharon, Ron Slomowicz, Steven Youngstein OMG! Magazine Editorial/Sales Office: Nashville, Tennessee OMG! Magazine Corporate Office: Tampa, Florida
The deadline for advertising each monthly release is the third Friday of each month before 12pm. please call our office for any questions. Opinions expressed in the Magazine are not necessarily the opinion of OMG! MAGAZINE©, OMG MULTIMEDIA COMPANIES, LLC or its staff. Publication of the name or photograph of any living person or organization in articles or advertising in OMG! MAGAZINE© shall not be construed or implication made as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organization. All copy, text, display, photos and illustrations in the ads are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized, have secured proper written consent for the use of names, pictures and testimonials of any living person, and OMG! MAGAZINE© may lawfully publish and cause such to be made and the advertiser automatically agrees by submitting said ad to indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature out of such publication. The DEADLINE for every Thursday’s release of OMG! MAGAZINE© is the Tuesday before at 12: 00 p.m. (noon) for new advertising made and designed in-house by OMG! MAGAZINE© or the Thursday before at 12:00 p.m. (noon) for advertising submitted from an outside graphics firm.In the event that an ad is accepted after deadline, the advertiser agrees by submitting such an ad to indemnify and hold harmless the Publisher from any and all liability, loss and expense of any nature that may arise from any error that may be made in said ad. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole of this publication without written permission is strictly forbidden.
Become our fan on Facebook for all the latest OMG! news and events. 18 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 19
LETTER
Photo by William Gary. Taken at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: As we close out the year, it is only appropriate that we reflect on the past, the present and the future. It’s been almost a year since I joined OMG! and I can honestly say it has been one of the best years of my life. Not only was I given the opportunity to expand my horizons and take the helm of a great publication, but I was also given the opportunity to give back to the community, through a combination of editorial, advertising and promotional opportunities. Many organizations approach us on a daily basis asking for help, and although, we want to give as much as we can, it is almost impossible to help everyone. This is why the staff of OMG! has created OMG! Gives Back, a program designed to support the needs of HIV/AIDS organizations in the communities we serve. Beginning with this issue, OMG! will donate 20% of all advertising proceeds back to the community. In Fort Lauderdale, we have partnered with Broward House, an organization which provides quality care and
20 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
support services for individuals who are HIV positive.
somewhat winding road but we made it through holiday season. As always.
In Nashville, we have chosen Nashville CARES, a communitybased AIDS service organization providing education, advocacy and supportive services to anyone affected by HIV or AIDS.
So from the entire, OMG! staff, we wish you a wonderful and joyous holiday season and as always, thank you for your loyalty and readership.
I ask that you take the time to visit the websites of these two wonderful nonprofits. The work they have done and will continue to do in their respective communities has been unparralled. This is only the beginning of the program, so more partners will be announced soon. On a lighter note, this issue celebrates the best in arts and entertainment. We thank Cyndi Lauper for her time and generosity in granting us an interview for our cover. This past year has been a long and somewhat winding road. But we made it through stronger than ever, and we intend on continued success in 2012. This past year has been a long, and
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 21
TRAVEL By Joey Amato and Alexis Lords
MIAMI
M
iami has always been one of the one of the best destinations for LGBT travel. From the vibrant nightlife to the sun-soaked beaches, the city attracts millions of visitors each year, operates one of the only LGBT visitor centers in the country and hosts one of the best gay pride festivals in Florida. Although hotel options are abundant in Miami, especially in South Beach, we opted to highlight two distinct properties that will give visitors a unique feel for the city. Begin your stay by checking into to the ultra-chic Gansevoort Miami Beach, one of the most luxurious hotels on the beach. Located between 23rd and 24th streets, the Gansevoort is the hotel to see and be seen. You will quickly take note of the hotel’s minimalist, but sophisticated design. Upon entering through an unmarked door, guests are welcomed by a breathtaking fish tank spanning the entire length of the lobby, boasting 27 different species of fish.
22 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
The hospitality at the Gansevoort is first-class, offering a 24-hour concierge catering to your ever need and desire. Everyone from Miami socialites to A-list celebrities have visited this property, which boasts one of the most unbelievable rooftop pools in the entire city. Listen to the sounds of the ocean as you sip a martini and gaze at the beautiful guests that frequent the establishment. Additional amenities include Miami’s largest beach club, complete with cabanas, intimate seating areas and fire pits. The Gansevoort contains 340 guest rooms including 86 suites with spectacular views of the ocean, bay and city skyline. The guest rooms offer style and comfort with state-of-theart technology and oversized bathrooms with large showers, soaking tubs and double vanities. In addition, they feature luxurious mattresses topped with feather beds and 400 thread count Egyptian cotton linens, Sony Dream stereos and 40-inch HD LCD TVs. For business-savvy visitors, Gansevoort offers 100,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space with catering provided by The ONE Group, which also owns the hotels STK Restaurant, a great place to dine during your stay.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 23
TRAVEL
TRAVEL ISSUE
If you prefer a boutique-style accommodation, visit the Lords South Beach Hotel and you can clearly see why it has opted to lavish all its attention upon the gay traveler in order to fill their South Beach coffers. Lord’s Hotel founder Brian Gorman’s concept for his hotel was that he always wanted a place where you walk in and it feels like walking in the door of your home. Gorman found inspiration for the hotel's style based on the mood he wanted to create - “fun, free and feeling at home.” With that notion in mind you can clearly see as you enter the Lords Hotel, a handful of magic dust over the 53 room boutique property, which was formerly known as the Nash, and see the transformation into a bright yellow happy hideaway. The focal point of the lobby space is a gigantic polar bear, holding a giant beach ball while perched on a round white pedestal. Entering the lobby you can clearly tell that you have arrived at a unique South Beach hotel. Lords Hotel joins a host of international hoteliers who actively pursue the $63 billion dollar gay travel market with a design-driven property where staff members dress in uniforms of yellow polo shirts and jeans. In addition to the beautiful people-watching front terrace, there’s also Sunday’s Cabana Boy party at the pool deck where the bartenders pour Absolut Vodka cocktails to suit your every mood. Sundays’ events are already racing to the top of the gay social calendar where Punch Bowls are a favorite and you can have them full of sweet boozy nectar starting at 3 p.m. at one of two plunge pools and a giant hot tub with music by top local DJ Juan E. Cha Cha Rooster, The hotel’s restaurant encompasses an 85-seat dining room. Ask for either Valierie or Olivier, the restaurant’s owners, and you will be
24 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
greeted by either one with a big smile on their faces. Their inside space is like a bonfire disco party or you can eat outside at The Porch, a unique gathering spot perfect for casual socializing. With a prime view of the passing scene, The Porch is where Miami’s gay elite meet to witness the comings and goings, and enjoy cocktails or light bites. With the taste of the cha cha and the attitude of the rooster, there’s something for everyone. Starting in November, the hotel offers an all-youcan-eat Sunday brunch buffet for only $25; you can include unlimited mimosas or house champagne for only $49. Their daily menu is an amazing mouthwatering selection where you can start off with either a Lobster Bisque garnished with lobster meat and crème fraiche, or a Chilled Gazpacho mixed vegetable purée, with fresh tomato and bread crustini. For the next course, choose between either Tuna Tartar Tacos with guacamole and Pico de Gallo, Crispy or Grilled Calamari with spicy tomato sauce, Peruvian Ceviche with citrus lime, red onion, green pepper, cilantro, jalapeno or Spinach Rock Shrimp and Artichoke Dip served with blue and white corn chips. For the health conscious diner, the salads are plentiful with choices like Arugula Salad made with fresh arugula, goat cheese, candied pecans, tomatoes, bacon and balsamic vinaigrette or Mozzarella Caprese made with fresh mozzarella, beef steak tomatoes, fresh basil vinaigrette and balsamic reduction. Pasta lovers can choose from Linguini with shrimp scampi, garlic, cherry tomatoes in a white wine herb broth or Seafood Linguini with lots of fresh mussels, clams, shrimp, and scallops in a white wine tomato sauce. My favorite was the Penne Pasta Alfredo cooked al dente with chicken or shrimp in a creamy alfredo sauce.
Their specialties are delightfully delicious with choices like Pan Seared Chicken Breast with fruit gastric and rutabaga mash, Black Grouper with crabmeat crust lemongrass coconut water broth or Pan Seared Duck Breast with berry Pinot Noir sauce. The Cha Cha Rooster Bar is another incredible place to have a drink or 2 or 3. Let your foot start tapping to the beats as you take in the glamour of South Beach, mingle with friends, and realize the possibilities for the evening are endless. For a taste of additional South Beach nightlife, head to MOVA, one of my favorite martini lounges. Here, you will find a friendly bar staff serving up some of the best cocktails in Miami. The bar is chic and intimate and is always a great way to begin your evening. Most of Miami’s LGBT nightlife is within walking distance. For a wild party, head to Twist, where the fun doesn’t begin until around midnight. Twist offers a variety of bar areas, providing something for everyone. The outdoor patio is always a great place to make new friends, but if dancing is what you are looking for, then head upstairs to the clubs popular dance room. Another option, located on Lincoln Road is Score. The bartenders here pour great cocktails, and both the music and crowd are vibrant. One final option is Discotekka, downtown Miami’s place to party. This enormous venue contains multiple dance floors and remains crowded until the wee hours of the morning. So if you are looking to relax, party or indulge in great cuisine, Miami is a place to travel to on your next vacation. For more information on the properties featured in this article visit www.gansevoortmiamibeach.com www.lordssouthbeach.com
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 25
26 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 27
FEATURE By Joey Amato
28 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
C yndi
Lauper Reveals Her Memphis Blues
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 29
C
yndi Lauper burst onto the world stage as the quintessential girl who wants to have fun. After more than 25 years in the business and global record sales in excess of 30 million, she has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move.
The beauty of Cyndi Lauper is that she has evolved into a richly multi-faceted renaissance woman who strikes a resonant chord with each project. This June, she released her 11th studio album, the Grammy nominated "Memphis Blues", which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 26, becoming the third highest charting album and the fifth top 40 album of her career. "Memphis Blues" also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart, ruling atop the chart for 14 consecutive weeks. With this collection of blues cover songs, she is once again reinventing herself by putting her unique twist on one of music’s most beloved genres. “I wanted to do a blues album when I was still at Sony back in 2004. I have always been a fan of blues since I was a kid,” Lauper said. I first heard about the blues from reading articles about Janis Joplin and the Stones. First time I heard about Muddy Waters was from reading an article about Keith Richards. And as Muddy Waters is quoted “If blues gave birth to a child, that child would be rock and roll." The feel of "Memphis Blues" is gritty and full of life. Recorded this March at Electraphonic Studios in Memphis, Tenn., the album features appearances by such great artists as B.B. King, Jonny Lang, Allen Toussaint, Ann Peebles and Charlie Musselwhite. “I loved Muddy and then I bought records by Robert Johnson, discovered all the great blues female singers like Big Momma Thornton and Big Maybelle. They really influenced me as a singer, so I always had this project in the back of my mind, wanting to do this record.” An Emmy Award winner, Lauper describes "Memphis Blues" as the album she’s been waiting to record for years. “All of these beautiful songs, and all of the great
30 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
FEATURE
players on the album were carefully chosen because I’ve admired them my entire life. I knew from the moment Alan Toussaint hit the keys in ‘Shattered Dreams’ that we were creating something really special,” she says. Although successful in past projects, it wasn’t a guaranteed smash as the album was vastly different than anything else Lauper has ever done. “I was very proud that it was well received around the world. Very happy and proud and then to be nominated for a Grammy alongside Pinetop Perkins and Wille Smith, Mr Charlie Musselwhite, James Cotton and Jimmy Vaughn, I mean wow!” The songs on "Memphis Blues" are like children, she loves them all. “I worked for a long time to come up with the songs I decided to record,” Lauper states. “I was looking for songs that told stories and that also were uplifting because for me the greatest blues songs are the ones that are about perseverance.” Songs that Lauper really holds closer to her heart are “Down So Low" and "Don’t Cry No More." However, she makes it clear that all the tracks are “really all amazing songs written by amazing artists.” The new songs fit seamlessly into Lauper’s current setlist of old and new favorites. “We've been out on road for over a year and it really has worked great. That's what having a great band will do for ya!” Lauper is also quick to acknowledge her loving and devoted fans. “They always support me and they walk and dance with me on the paths I've taken.”
In addition to touring, Lauper will also release an autobiography in the coming months. "I still have so much to say and share," she says. "I'm grateful for each and everyday that I get to make music. As long as there's a corner of the world where people want to hear me, I'll be there… singing and acting and writing my heart out."
We've had a long and enduring love affair.” Lauper is also a tireless participant in the struggle to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Most recently, she has joined with Lady Gaga to be the spokespeople for the 2010 MAC Viva Glam Campaign and to educate woman about HIV/AIDS around the world.
An unwavering advocate for LGBT equality since the start of her career, Lauper created the True Colors Tour in 2007. The Tour has brought together artists like Erasure, The B-52s, the Indigo Girls, Deborah Harry and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts for shows that successfully merge great music and public awareness about the issues facing the LGBT community.
She also continues to participate in efforts and events for organizations like AMFAR, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in order to speak out about the need for education and greater resources to fight this disease.
To further her role as an activist, Lauper founded the True Colors Fund in 2008. The non-profit seeks to inspire and engage everyone, particularly the straight community, to become involved in the advancement of LGBT equality. The fund recently launched the Give a Damn Campaign, an extensive and innovative online public education and awareness initiative.
For more information about Cyndi Lauper and her career, please visit her website at www.cyndilauper.com
In addition, Lauper is the Honorary Chairperson of the True Colors Residence, the first project of its kind to provide a permanent, supportive and secure home to formerly homeless LGBT youth in New York City. In appreciation for her work, Lauper has been honored by many organizations including the Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN and PFLAG. "It's an honor to always have the genuine affection of the gay community,” she states. “They have never turned their back on me. I will never turn my back on them.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 31
32 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 33
CELEB
D
iane Warren has written some of the best-selling songs in pop music history, including Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart.” Being hailed as “The Queen of the Ballad,” you’d assume she’d be delicate and all loveydovey. She’s not. She’s a fierce and protective business savvy woman who has been in demand since she wrote her first hit 28 years ago.
learn shorthand and typing so she could land a job as a secretary. Warren didn’t think twice about a plan B—she didn’t need to.
While having our friendly chat, I tell her that the song she wrote for Whitney Houston, “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength,” meant so much to me that I used it on my Facebook page. She’s touched.
Warren says the key to her success is just showing up to her office every day. That approximately 8 x 10 office, located in the grittier section of Hollywood, is called “The Cave.” It’s been Warren’s writing room since 1985. Being the meticulous, self-professed control freak she is, it’s surprising that “The Cave” hasn’t been cleaned in over two decades. In fact, she’s looking around the room as we speak.
She’s also recently worked with Kristin Chenoweth on her latest album, Some Lessons Learned, which brought out the singer’s Oklahoma roots.
“It’s disgusting,” she says.
Next on the agenda is a song for Jennifer Hudson’s new movie Winnie, based on the life of Winnie Mandela and a few songs for A Star is Born, starring Beyonce. And then there is Cher’s upcoming album. Last year Warren wrote “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” for the diva’s film Burlesque. It won the Golden Globe for best original song. However, when it came time for the Oscars, it wasn’t even nominated; something that I learned was a sensitive subject for Warren.
“Awe, that’s so nice,” she says. Then, without the slightest bit of hesitation, she adds, “Pay me, Bitch!”
By Dustin Fitzharris
We both laugh, but she’s serious. She knows she’s good. When I ask if she is aware when she’s written a hit song she replies, “I think I write them all the time—she said modestly—but there is so much that goes into it. The label has to get behind it. Radio has to get behind it, and people have to buy it. None of that is in my control. I can just write the best songs I can write.” Warren’s confidence isn’t something that’s come with being nominated for five Golden Globes, six Academy Awards and nine Grammys. She’s always had it. “I was an arrogant little bitch,” Warren says about her early days as a songwriter. “I thought I was good before I had any right to.”
Diane Warren
Born in Van Nuys, Calif., she started writing songs at 11 years old, but became really obsessed with the craft at 14. At the time she would go into her family’s woodshed in the backyard and create songs she hoped would be heard on the radio. Her love for songwriting started when she was a little girl and would study records to see who wrote the songs. She admired Burt Bacharach, Carole King and John Lennon and Paul McCartney. She never studied music. Although, once in college she took a creative writing class, but says that didn’t teach her how to write a hit song. Her father, David, an insurance salesman, believed in her talent and took her to see publishers. Her song “Because You Loved Me” recorded by Celine Dion, was written has a tribute to him. When meeting with publishers as a teenager they acknowledged her gift, but would pass on her songs. She took it in stride. “I would be like, ‘You’re going to be sorry because I’m going to make it!’” Warren recalls. Her stay-at-home mother, Flora, had other thoughts. Unlike her father, Flora advised her to
In 1983 she scored her first hit with Laura Branigan’s “Solitaire.” Two years later her song “Rhythm of the Night” landed DeBarge at the top of the R&B charts. Songs like the Academy Award-nominated song by Starship, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” Taylor Dayne’s “Love Will Lead You Back,” and the theme to the 1996 Olympics by Gloria Estefan, “Reach,” followed.
One side of the room is record bins and hundreds of lyrics from hand-written notebooks scattered across the floor. The cabinets that contained them fell in Los Angeles’s 1994 earthquake and haven’t been touched since. The curtains were once paper pull downs, but are now just shreds of paper that would turn to dust if you touch them. The walls are covered in old articles, gold records, framed Billboard charts of her number one songs, a “Rhythm of the Night” El Debarge poster and tiger pictures. All of her songs are kept on cassettes, which are piled high anywhere she can find space. Her publicist says a small breeze would be enough to wreck havoc. In the cave she tends to work over 12 hours a day and writes an average of one song a week. She particularly spends a lot of time on the lyrics. It’s more than just her passion; it’s big business. Since 1986 Warren has had exclusive rights to all of the songs she writes through her publishing company, Realsongs, which is the most successful female-owned and operated business in the music industry. And at 55, she shows no signs of slowing down. Earlier this year she wrote “I Was Here,” and immediately thought of Beyonce as the voice for the song. The inspiration for the song came while she was waiting for someone to arrive at her home. He was very late and to kill time Warren pulled out her acoustic guitar. The words, “I want to leave my footprints on the hands of time” came to mind. “I was like, ‘Whoa, shit ! That may be the best opening line I’ve ever written in my life,’” she says. She had met Jay-Z and Beyonce a few times and figured she’d just call Jay-Z directly instead of going through all the formalities and tell him about
the song. He didn’t return her call. “Being the persistent slash stalker that I am, I called him again. I told him I had just written one of my best and wanted to play it for him,” she says. Jay-Z wanted to hear that instant. Warren sang it, and he agreed that his wife must hear it. A few hours later Beyonce called to listen and fell in love. She dropped everything to record Warren’s song.
“I heard her singing on Glee and went, ‘Oh, my God, she’s a country singer! She’s like a little Dolly Parton. I wanted to make her Carrie Underwood’s little-big sister,’” Warren says.
“Don’t’ even get me started! Fucking Oscars! I’m still pissed!” But don’t confuse her brashness for being ungrateful. She’s living her dream and still finds it a privilege to write songs that mean something to people; especially to her gay fans. “I think every man should be gay, okay?” she says. I think there should be a law that every man should be gay.” Needless to say, she’s not looking for a relationship. In fact, she admits to never being in love. Her song “I Belong to Me,” recorded by Jessica Simpson, sums up her thoughts on love: “I belong to me. I’m one, not half of two … I don’t need somebody to complete me. I complete myself.” As long as she has her music, she never feels lonely or yearns to have someone so that she can stay awake just to hear him breathing, as her song “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” implies. She’s doing just fine alone. “I’m in the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame,” she says. “I mean, that is pretty fucking cool!” Spoken like a true, prolific songwriter who called me a bitch.
Photo by Emily Shur
34 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 35
36 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 37
Giving the gift of
HOPE this Holiday Season.
More than 1,000 people in Nashville and 30,000 around the world have volunteered for an HIV vaccine study.
HOPE
This Holiday Season, join us in giving and help end HIV. Volunteers will be compensated for their time. You cannot contract HIV from the vaccine.
Call: 615 • 322 • HOPE 4 6 7 3 www.hivvaccineresearch.com
38 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 39
CELEB By Troy Ordami
MIKE RUIZ IS PRETTY MASCULINE
F
ew do cool as hot as high-octane celebrity-fashion photographer and star of "A List: New York," Mike Ruiz. With a unique approach to the exploration of visceral brilliance, his finely crafted celebrity images have appeared in "Vanity Fair," "Italian Elle," and "Spanish Vogue." He has shot some of the hottest in Hollywood from Kim Kardashian to Adam Lambert and the girls of "Jersey Shore." However, even he’ll say that none shined as brightly as beloved Golden Girl turned rapper, Betty White – she actually raps on the new club track, “I’m Still Hot." Savvy reality fans know Mike’s career on the tube started long before "A List: New York." In fact, he has appeared on several shows including "America’s Next Top Model," "RuPaul’s Drag Race," and "Kathy Griffin’s My Life on the D-List." But A List was different. It was the first time cameras documented Mike’s every move and even more significant, it was the first time he gave up creative control. That’s a big deal for a man who is used to calling all the shots behind the lens. It was a professional risk, too, but one Mike doesn’t regret as the show introduced him and his work to a whole new set of adoring fans. In his latest production, Mike Ruiz turns his attention to his first photo book, Pretty Masculine, featuring a hunky gang of male models in various forms of undress. It’s pages and pages of eye candy and all for a good cause, too. Proceeds benefit GMHC. How do you define beauty? Beauty is very individual and personal. However, I consider beauty to be represented in everything that denotes balance in our world and is in harmony with our environment. True beauty gratifies the senses, which in my case, inspires me to delve deeper into my creative psyche. Isn’t masculinity the opposite of beauty?
40 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
The opposite of beauty is ugliness. So, to define masculinity as ugly is nothing but a limitation and inherent misunderstanding of what masculinity represents. Masculinity, irrespective of how it is portrayed, is yet another facet of beauty. Traditionally, men have been taught that beauty is a girl thing and that they shouldn’t concern themselves with how they look. Yes, western culture certainly has imposed its belief that the idea of beauty is relegated predominantly to the female gender. However, this preconception is very limited and I hope that, along with continued changes in our cultural behaviors and values, so too will we notice a shift in accepting that beauty is not “a girl thing”. I, for one, extrapolate what I find to be beautiful and interpret it accordingly. In my mind, there are no limitations to what is to be deemed as beautiful. What is the main message of Pretty Masculine? Beauty is whatever we want it to be. Just be open to new ideas and to the possibility of breaking down inflexible ideological barriers. How do the men in your book represent male beauty? “Pretty Masculine” depicts just one of many facets of beauty. In this case, the subjects in my book are simply a study of male muscularity—captured through hyper-stylized imagery. The juxtaposition of accessories and materials commonly depicted in our society as being inherently feminine is meant to demonstrate that beauty is all-inclusive and not meant to be segregated. Are they the male equivalent to a Barbie doll? Are they placing the beauty bar for men at an impossibly high mark? There isn’t or at least there shouldn’t be any bar to define male beauty. Moreover, it is important to remember that the models in my book are real people. They come from many different walks of life and have many different interests and are of many different persuasions. They are all beautiful
individuals with equally beautiful souls. To objectify, plasticize or minimize them by comparing them to Barbie dolls would be nothing more than a perpetuation of short-sighted stereotypical limitations. Isn’t true beauty really on the inside? If you look closely enough, you’ll realize that beauty is all around us—inside, outside and everywhere in between. What are some things you do to be the most beautiful person you can be? I live in my truth, openly and with joy. Of course we have to ask about recent news that you will not be part of next season’s "A List: New York." Is that true? Yes, it is true. I won’t be returning for a third season. I am most grateful to the producers of the show for having given me the opportunity to be a part of the cast. I have met many people and made many friends in the course of the last two seasons. The show gave me an awesome platform to discuss my general philosophy on life and share what’s important to me. That said, I feel that my participation on the show has run its course and that I need to tend to other projects that are pending and continue focusing on my career as a photographer. What is your parting advice to the guys of A List? Love yourselves and remember that you are the masters of your own destiny. For more information, visit http://www.mikeruiz.com
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 41
42 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 43
CELEB By Rick Desmond
Glenn Douglas Packard All You Need Is Love (Dance)!
W
hen you look up the word driven in the dictionary, you may just see a picture of Glenn Douglas Packard. Glenn has conquered it all. The New York Times dubbed him a ‘Dancing Entrepreneur’ having choreographed for some of the biggest stars in music including Ricky Martin, Pink, and Usher. Glenn even danced and choreographed for Michael Jackson, a gig that earned him an Emmy Nomination. Glenn has also created an instructional dance video for kids called “Everybody Moves” and Is featured in the highly anticipated documentary “MOVE: the film.” He has starred in VH-1 hit reality show Brooke Knows Best and has become a role model for the gay community by coming out on the show. And think he is a small town farm boy from Clare, Michigan. OMG - How did you get to this point in your career? GLENN - I slept my way to the top….NOT! Ok let’s see if I can answer this quickly. I almost had my leg amputated in an accident when I was young. God saved it, and I thanked him by going after my passion – dance. I met a dance teacher that later became my 1st gay experience that lasted for 5 years. I relocated to NYC, the city of dreams, worked my ass off to be the best, climbed my way high-kicking and stretching to the top of the choreography world.
44 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
along with the entertainment business like sex, drugs and parties. I think I may have been successful a lot earlier in my career if I would have taken people up some of those temptations, but at what cost would it have been to me. I knew who I was at a young age and I knew I would get there one way or another by my talent and persistency. OMG - What is your take on gay bullying? GLENN - It breaks my heart to think of young teens and the families that go through this. I was there too. Growing up in a small town the kids all picked on me, calling me every slang word there was for gay. I guess they all knew before I did! I felt very alone and even though I had such a close and loving family, I was not able to go to them because I always heard their outtake on homosexuality. To think I thought about suicide a lot. To think I may have let those people change my destiny, don’t give people that power. They will go on with their lives so don’t let them end yours. The future is yours to make of it nobody elses. I have gotten to travel the world, be around people who love and have the same interest as me. That all may have never of happened if I had given into the bullying. Cheers to other celebrities coming out like Zach Quinto and Ricky Martin. We need role models in the spotlight to show a young generation that we are here.
After being asked to be in a boy band, I moved to Orlando, which is where I met the Hogan’s. Brooke and I quickly became great friends. While shooting Brooke Knows Best, VH1 asked if I was comfortable enough with my sexuality to come out on the show and I did.
I want so badly to connect with these teens by going to their schools and letting them know we are real. That’s why I have been talking with organizations like the Trevor Project and Student in the Know to make that happen. Like my song “Love Dance” says “find your voice, it’s a choice.” You choose your destiny nobody else!
OMG – Were there a lot of temptations and/or pressure along the way?
OMG - You just shot your music video for “Love Dance.” How was that experience?
GLENN - Along the journey there was a lot of offers at a young age and a lot of other stuff that came
GLENN - A dream come true. I have done music videos for other artists and worked on a lot of stage
performances. I am always thinking in the back of my head, ‘how did you get here.’ I just want to get in front of the camera and show them how it should be done. And with “Love Dance,” I’m the center guy! Don’t get me wrong I am no Christina Aguilera, so move over KE$HA, there’s a new boy in auto-tuneville. I was born to entertain people and make them smile. OMG - We hear the video is a horror video. Is this because of your relationship with Michael Jackson? GLENN - Don’t make me break out those “Thriller” moves! Actually, I had a location picked out where Jennifer Lopez was coincidentally filming her new movie, but the studio on the lot I was looking to shoot had been turned into a haunted house. I was like what am I going to do now. But me being the type of person to turn something bad into positive, thought to myself I’ve loved horror films all my life so why not do a horror music video and with pop culture celebrating shows like True Blood, The Walking Dead and American Horror Story, I thought it was perfect. OMG - Is your fruit fly Brooke singing on “Love Dance” with you? GLENN - Well it’s the Beu Sisters singing on the track with me. They also make an appearance in the video along with my sex symbol boyfriend of three years, Daniel Miagany, Celina Beach, my Miami leading lady, 25 of the hottest dancers, and my dog Brooklyn. Actually I got a phone call from Brooke, who is now living in LA. She was like ‘why didn’t you ask me to do the single with you and if you are doing another song, you better let me do it with you!’ So be listening for Brooke and Glenn singing a cover of ‘Endless Love’ in the next month. Just Kidding! For more info on Glenn go to www.GlennDouglasPackard.com. “Love Dance” is now available on iTunes.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 45
LOOK BOOK
Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus
One of the world’s longest-running all-male choruses, the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus is wellknown and respected for entertaining, educating and connecting audiences through music that is distinguished for its creativity, diversity and artistic excellence. For its 2011-12 season, the 100-voice AGMC launches its fourth decade of exceptional performances and community service. The season will also mark the chorus’ latest appearance as Atlanta-area goodwill ambassadors at the 2012 GALA Choruses Festival, to be held next July in Denver. Kevin Robison, now in his fifth season as the chorus’ artistic director, has states, “I am constantly amazed at the hard work and amazing performances produced by this group of talented volunteers. They consistently demonstrate why the AGMC has endured as one of the world’s longest-running and most respected gay choruses. They always do our gay community — and, indeed the entire metro Atlanta community — proud.” For more details on how to join or otherwise support the ongoing mission of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus, visit www.agmchorus.org.
The Arts
46 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 47
LOOK BOOK
Cheekwood In a landmark collaboration, Cheekwood and the Buffalo Bill Historical Center (BBHC) bring the epic romance and adventure of the American West to Nashville in Visions of the American West: Masterworks from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The 200-piece exhibition, which will inhabit every gallery space at Cheekwood. Its residence at Cheekwood marks the exhibition’s inaugural venture away from its home in Cody, Wyoming. The original Buffalo Bill Wild West Show captivated audiences in Nashville on many occasions, performing here seven times between 1884 and 1909. With this new exhibition, the spirit of Buffalo Bill and the Wild West are returning to Nashville. The exhibit runs through March 4, 2012. For more information, visit www.cheekwood.org.
48 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 49
LOOK BOOK
Miami City Ballet presents its 2011-2012 season:
A celebration of dance by the world’s greatest choreographers. The new season brings to South Florida audiences Viscera, a World Premiere ballet by 25-year-old Liam Scarlett, the talented young choreographer from London’s The Royal Ballet, and the return of two audience favorites, the full-length productions of Giselle and Coppélia. The holiday season will find George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ on stage in Miami and Fort Lauderdale this December. The Opus One Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Gary Sheldon, will play for all repertory programs, supported by a grant from the James S. and John L. Knight Foundation, as part of its Knight Arts Challenge. The season runs through April 2012 at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami, Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale and Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.
Critically acclaimed by The New York Times, MCB was founded in 1985 by Artistic Director Edward Villella. The Company has more than 40 dancers, and a repertoire of over 90 ballets. For more information, visit www.miamicityballet.org.
50 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 51
1
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts 1
Block Statue of a High Official. From Karnak, Egypt. Ptolemaic Period, 305–30 BCE. Diorite, 15 3/8 x 6 9/16 x 7 7/8 in. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 69.115.1
6
2
Female Figurine. From el-Ma'mariya, Egypt. Predynastic Period, Naqada II Period, ca. 3650–3300 BCE. Painted terracotta, 13 3/8 x 5 x 2 1/2 in. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.502
LOOK BOOK
5
3
Anthropoid Coffin of the Servant of the Great Place, Teti. From Thebes, Egypt. New Kingdom, mid- to late Dynasty 18, ca. 1339–1307 BCE. Painted wood, 33 7/16 x 26 3/16 x 83 1/2 in. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.14E
4
Standing Figure of Bes. From Deir el-Bahri, Egypt. Late Dynastic to Ptolemaic Period, 664–30 BCE. Gold, 1 9/16 x 9/16 x 3/16 in. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 08.480.208
5
Mummy and Portrait of Demetrios. From Hawara, Egypt. Roman Period, 50–100 CE. Painted cloth, gold, human remains, and encaustic on wood panel, a: 13 3/8 x 15 3/8 x 74 13/16 in.; b (portrait): 14 11/16 x 8 1/16 x 1/16 in. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 11.600 a–b
6
Coffin of the Lady of the House, Weretwahset, Reinscribed for Bensuipet, Containing Face Mask and Openwork Body Covering. From Deir el-medina, Egypt. New Kingdom, early Dynasty 19, ca. 1292–1190 BCE. Painted wood (fragments a, b); Cartonnage and wood (fragment c); cartonnage (fragment d), 25 3/8 x 19 11/16 x 76 3/16 in. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.47Ea–b
4 2
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, located in the city’s historic Art-Deco post office is known as Nashville’s cultural hub. With ever-changing schedule art exhibitions, a full schedule of lectures, films, gallery talks, activities for families, and free music every week, it’s no wonder visitors from around the region and around the country make the Frist a must-see stop on any visit to Middle Tennessee. The Frist Center is open seven days a week, and visitors 18 and younger are always free.
To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum Through January 8, 2012
3
To Live Forever explores the ancient Egyptian belief that proper preparation could enable a person to overcome the finality of death. The objects on display, including coffins, jewels and statuary from the Brooklyn Museum’s extensive, world-renowned collection, introduce visitors to the mysteries of mummification, the funeral procession and rituals that prepared the entombed deceased for passage to the underworld, the final judgment of the gods in determining the disposition of the soul and the idealized afterlife. The objects in the exhibition were created over a period of more than 4,000 years. For more information, visit www.fristcenter.org
52 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 53
A Look Inside the Rymer Gallery By Sharon Hels
Natalie Dunham Andrews, a sculptor and rising star on the art scene, is the gallery director. In addition to exhibits in Washington DC, Baltimore, Birmingham, and Nashville, her work was featured at the Grand Rapids Art Museum ArtPrize competition this year.
F
irst Saturday Art Crawl, Nashville: over a thousand guests, great art, free drinks, and loose talk. The Rymer Gallery is at the center of this monthly event, and the welcome here is warm and genuine. Or there is Collectors Art Night on the last Friday of the month, with valet parking, cocktails, and talks with the artists themselves.
Or you can stop in at a quieter time. The Rymer Gallery on Fifth Avenue of the Arts is one of the largest contemporary galleries in downtown Nashville. Every month, the gallery hosts a new exhibit of work from carefully selected emerging, mid-career and established, museum quality artists, including Hunt Slonem, Vadis Turner, Luke Hillestad, and Whitney Wood Bailey.
Contemporary art can be almost anything. New media and new ideas are constantly challenging traditional genres, and pushing boundaries of all kinds. We love the energy in the best public art, Internet art, installation, performance art, and sound/video art. But the art we encounter on the street, on a computer or in a museum may be a far cry from what we would choose for our own homes or offices. The Rymer Gallery specializes in bridging that gap. As Jeff Rymer puts it, “We are dedicated to representing artists who are building a body of work whose significance will outlast their lifetime. The Rymer Gallery offers our clients the guidance they want to build a collection that will be treasured for generations.”
Owned by Jeff Rymer, the Rymer Gallery is named for his mother, Betty Rymer. The original Betty Rymer Gallery, named in her memory, is a permanently designated space for exhibiting current student and alumni at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The Rymer Gallery in Nashville continues that legacy by supporting the best of the contemporary art world. The gallery is curated by Herb Williams, an award-winning sculptor best known for his playful and ingenious work using thousands of Crayola crayons. Herb’s work is found in prominent corporate collections nationwide, including Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Tennessee State Museum, and numerous important private collections nationwide.
54 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 55
VIP By Steven Binko
Interview with an Angel Every so often a prodigy is born that breaks the mold. This generation, the world was introduced to celebrity psychic Michelle Whitedove. Michelle is internationally recognized for her supernatural abilities. Challenged on dozens of TV and radio shows, Michelle has publicly proven her talents; her level of accuracy comes in historic proportions. Working hard to fight the Hollywood stereotype of the "crystal ball psychic", she brings credibility to a field frequently associated with scam-artists. Michelle 's insight on the LGBT community has also made her one of the most controversial psychics of our time.
56 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
I had the privilege to experience some quality conversation with this wonder woman. Celebrity predictions aside, Michelle attacked some heavy issues. Steven: Why interview with OMG Magazine? Michelle : LGBT prejudice needs to end. So many people don't have courage to come out because they fear being disowned, judged and condemned. People need to be their authentic self. I'm very selective with the media that I've done and I use it to raise awareness. My life goal is to educate people and wake them up.
Steven: When did you realize the gifts you had? Michelle : It's something I've had since birth, but it wasn't until I was 8 that I realized not everybody's doing this; nor is it fully accepted by any measure. Steven: How did you decide what to do with your abilities? Michelle : At the age of 18 I had a near death experience where I crossed over and came back. I didn't return with more gifts, but instead I had a great profound clarity and body of wisdom of precisely what my mission statement really is. Steven: How did you make your message public?
Michelle : I was already doing readings when a psychic referred me to a local TV channel for an opportunity she declined. I was thrown onto live TV where they brought on guests and I took live calls. That evolved into later appearances on channels like PAX, HBO and Lifetime. Steven: What's your defining moment or something you're proud of? Michelle : My biggest passion is working with (and helping) children. As a health intuitive I've been able to save lives. I also help to solve cold cases which brings a lot of closure to families. Steven: Are you religious? Michelle : I'm not into any manmade religion; that's why I always say I'm a spiritual medium. I find religion to be dogmatic and it comes with segregation. If God doesn't judge, what gives you the right to judge? Steven: When you say "God", what do you mean? Michelle : God's not a bearded man sitting on a cloud playing a harp (laughs). It's a collective consciousness and energy that we're all part of; our creator - what I call "spirit". Steven: What does spirit say about being gay? Michelle : Before you come to this world, we are given previews of different lives where we choose what purpose to fulfill. When we select a contract, some have predetermined sexualities. For most of us, we are born bi-sexual and the "choice" is determined by what you connect with; it goes beyond anatomical connection. But really, why do people have to be categorized? We need to get out of that box. Steven: Is being gay a sin that sends you to hell?
Michelle : No. We're all connected by something bigger than this world. As far as sexuality goes, it's nothing more than a preference. Hell is here on Earth and it’s an idea that man created to scare the hell out of you! Steven: You seem pretty gay friendly? Michelle : I have a rather large gay following! I don't know if they like my shoes or something (laughs) but I take it as one hell of a complement. Gay people don't do things based on what society, government or religion thinks. They have so much love to give and I admire their strength. Steven: Any LGBT predictions for 2012? Michelle : Gay marriage will become widely accepted and people are going to expand their belief systems. Steven: What are three common topics people ask about? Michelle : The three most popular questions are about love, money and most recently what's going to happen in 2012. Steven: How can I tell real and fake psychics apart? Michelle : A real psychic wont ask questions like a fishing expedition and shouldn't give generalities or ask for more money than was agreed upon. Unfortunately in my field there are more fakes than there are psychics that are legit. Steven: What do you say to skeptics? Michelle : Everyone is intuitive; some more than others. You see things now; I can just see further down the road. Steven: As a fan, I have to ask about Britney Spears! Michelle : Britney's surrounded with a bunch of
people that are just telling her what to do; she's on automatic pilot. I would love (free of charge) to sit down and do a reading for her to give clarity and answers to make her life easier than it is. She's become everybody's cash cow and it's not fair. It saddens me because I see it in her eyes. She's just a woman that wants to be a young woman and have her life. Steven: Do you see things getting better for her in the future? Michelle : I see her married again (within 2012) and I see her having more children. She'll come out with another CD and tour, but then I see her getting reclusive and making a family for herself. Steven: Do you ever filter information when you give readings? Michelle : Never. That's my rule. I'm known for telling it like it is. On the other hand, I'm not going to make anything up either. Sometimes I don't get a message and I let people know that. People think that means I'm not legit, but if I put fake information out there, it would damage my credibility, and there’s no integrity in that. Steven: Is there anything about you that's been misunderstood or misrepresented? Michelle : People think I'm a diva and assume I think I'm better than anyone else, but that's far from the truth. I love keeping it real and I'm very down to earth. I wish more people had a chance to sit down and talk to me to see that I'm not a form of entertainment. Steven: If you had one thing to say to the gay community, what would it be? Michelle : I love you unconditionally; God loves you unconditionally. Be your authentic self. Walk proudly with your chin up and never let anyone limit you or categorize yourself (including yourself ). If you're interested in finding out more about Michelle, you can add her on facebook, visit her official website: www.michellewhitedove.com or join her for this Special Event: Napa Valley, March 16-18, 2012 : Life Balancing Journey with Celebrity Psychic Michelle Whitedove - Fabulous retreat weekend to rejuvenate all of your senses; Body, Mind and Spirit. A culinary adventure, exclusive Winery experiences along with Engaging sessions with Whitedove. Details at Michelle Whitedove.com or call Vin Dame Tours & Events at 818-282-2207.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 57
58 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 59
VIP By Lucas Mariano
day and night
Vince Foster's mom and dad wonder how he has the energy to do all the things he loves. On any given day you can find Foster, 47, running a race, taking in an opera, working on his new book or tending to his clients at Sir Speedy – Berry Hill marketing service. And by night, you can find him slinging drinks to some of the trendiest members of Nashville's gay community. The twenty-five-year marketing professional makes it all work, no matter how raucous the previous night was tending bar at Canvas Lounge. “I'm very
60 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
VIP
Vince Foster: Doing it all by
dedicated to working out everyday at 5 a.m.,” Foster said. “It's cool because I'm in the office by seven, going to social events then maybe back at the gym for Pilates or that damn abs class.” Foster fits it all in because he considers himself energetic and a people person who just happens to need supplemental income in this economic landscape. “Everything's changed, but I'm changing with it,” he said. “I've seen the times of no computers to an age of digital change,” Foster said.
“I've seen the industry vibrant to where everyone's butt is tight.” It is, however, balancing out for Foster. In fact, his job at Canvas has become a way to network in the gay community. After simply serving drinks and chatting with patrons like any other night, next thing Foster knows, he's netted a client from the Verizon Wireless corporate office. His other clients include the Hilton in Downtown Nashville and Union Station hotels, Capital Records, Curb Records and the Vanderbilt Medical Center. Each
business can expect one simple thing from Foster. “All I can do is try to open doors that will help clients grow and help their business grow,” he said.
clients,” Foster said. “I'm old fashioned, I want to talk to you – not email you – just to see how you are doing.”
One way that Foster is growing within the industry is through his upcoming book, “I Will Pull My Hair Out So You Don't Have To.” Set for a springtime release, he is aiming to break down marketing and advertising into its simplest principles.
Foster's personal approach has allowed his family within the industry to grow over the years. It's also given him the opportunity to form families outside of the Industry. “I have my 5k family and we get together online and chat about what kind of running shoes we are using,” he said.
“You have to work beyond that pesky sales person and form relationships with
Not only does Foster have an opera family from going to shows, but his
opera family has grown from appearing in a performance of “Aida.” He said, “I found myself in a skirt and body paint surrounded by a really talented and really cool bunch of people.” But Foster's response to his immediate family, his mom and dad, who wonder how he fits so much activity into a day – into a life – is a simple one. “I love making new friends and getting new ideas. I love what I do.”
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 61
62 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 63
VIP By Michael Goodman
VIP
J
ust watch network and cable television these days and it’s clear that the LGBT community has come a long way with lead characters on just about every popular show. But the reality is that we still have more to do to gain acceptance and equality; so groups like Florida Together Federation are a great help behind the scenes.
UNITED WE STAND FLORIDA TOGETHER FEDERATION OFFERS SOLID SUPPORT 64 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
Across the nation, there are now a plethora of LGBT organizations. But Florida Together Federation stands out as one which is committed to empower Florida organizations so they can share resources, skills and information in order to forge statewide strength in pursuit of equality and justice for LGBT Floridians. Florida organizations such as Safe Schools South Florida, Pridelines, Orlando Gay and
Lesbian Community Center, Tampa Metropolitan Community Church and more are already embracing this opportunity. “We don’t look to the organizations as a resource for us, but rather we focus on how we can help them to enrich our community,” said Michael Kenny, executive director. “If we can lift them up so they do what they do best, we can at the same time strengthen the LGBT community, which must be united to gain greater acceptance and equality.” Juan Ahonen-Jover, an LGBT activist, donor and co-founder of Equality Giving said, “We needed something in which all groups were united to work together. Getting FTF off the ground was one important step to get us closer to legal equality.” It’s this way of thinking that brought Kenny to Florida Together Federation. Kenny, who had a history of civic and political activism, had been a Florida resident for many years, but then he and his partner of 30 years found a great escape in Lancaster, Pa. But then he heard the call to further support LGBT issues loud and clear and Kenny seized the moment to lead FTF in Florida. Now, in almost two years,
he has made a name for FTF and just celebrated a very successful conference with a host of impressive speakers and guests. He has accepted significant donations from generous contributors like the Gill Foundation, John Stryker Foundation and State Equality Fund. And he added new board members who are truly committed to the organization’s vision, which is a Florida free of prejudice and discrimination; where all people have full legal, political and social equality. “I am thrilled to now serve on the Board to further my belief in equal rights for everyone,” says new board member and mother of five Janyce Baker. “I have seen the gay community come a long way and if I can be part of the changing political landscape and do my part to change people’s perceptions to know that gay people are just like anyone else, then I am proud to be part of Florida Together.” Kenny shares that part of the vision of FTF is to identify and groom potential open LGBT candidates so we have more of a political voice. The reality is that in states which have open LGBT state officials, there are equality laws, but Florida still needs a strong voice to create
more change. “The sky is wide open for LGBT issues as we are closer to another presidential election and more congressional seats are open and up for election. We have a great opportunity to further advance what’s important to us as equal members of society,” Kenny added. The good news is that FTF is financially sound now to stand on its own two feet. Until recently, Kenny held the only paid position, but now he has one paid associate to pursue more opportunities. But the challenge remains to keep the funds coming, especially when some research indicates that LGBT donors only give a small percentage of their dollars to LGBT organizations. Kenny passionately concluded, “FTF definitely serves a great purpose and its potential is far greater as more and more people rely on its support. Let’s face it, in today’s economy every group needs to have a competitive edge to be able to fulfill its mission and FTF is a great resource to help organizations stay ahead of the curve.”
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 65
GAY GAYIN IN AMERICA AMERICA
From Gay in America by Scott Pasfield, published by Welcome Books. © 2011 Scott Pasfield. www.gayinamerica.us The only exception is the photo of Scott Pasfield, to be credited as: Photo courtesy of Platon
66 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
1.
2. 1. Bruce, San Angelo, TX
2
PT.
I have the usual stories of growing up closeted gay in West Texas in the fifties and sixties—from the elastic-strapped, plastic high heels at the five and dime, to the troll dolls with their fabulous hair. By the time I was in high school, I saw graduation as the pinnacle of one’s youth, followed by reality. My father told me on graduation night, “Son, you’re leaving for college, and I think you should search the campus for a little lady to marry and settle down with.” That was when I told them I was gay. My mother shook her head, “No, don’t say it,” while my father sat there in his chair. It was not pretty. I left
that evening for Houston where I was pre-paid for one semester at the University of St. Thomas. Hello city, hello sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. I worked and finished three semesters, shocking the priests and staff with my colorful costumes and behavior. I played poker with Alice Cooper and drank with Bonnie Raitt at Liberty Hall. A housemate purchased 350 acres in Northern Oregon, so I dropped out and moved with him to the farm. It was totally raw, never a dull moment."
2. William, Gulf Shores, AL I grew up in a very straight world. I had straight friends, played sports, had girlfriends.
I was an Eagle Scout and was involved in all sorts of outdoor activities. Growing up gay in my Alabama town wasn’t an option."
3. JT, Lexington, KY
I just came out of the womb looking feminine. I don’t have any facial hair and I have the most beautiful skin in the world. People mistake me for a woman even when I have a baseball cap on. I come from a line of beauty queens. There are hardly any men in the family – just tall, blond glamazons."
4. David, Snellville, GA
read lips and speak fairly well. I have two kids—my ex-partner, who is also deaf, is their biological father. They are both hearing. When we were together, we decided to call my ex-partner “Daddy” and me “Daddie.” But our children said that wouldn’t work because the words “Daddy” and “Daddie” sounded exactly the same. Since we’re both deaf, we didn’t know that. So we decided to let the kids choose what to call me. They discussed it with each other and settled on “Mommy with a beard,” because I stayed home and took care of them."
"I’m profoundly deaf, but I can
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 67
4. 3.
68 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
4.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 69
VIP
VIP
Photo by Karl Grant
En route on a two week tour of Europe, Nashville’s DJ Ron talks travel, music, and Christian Slater’s mind control.
By Ben Rock
S
oaring over the Atlantic, Ron Slomowicz is looking forward to his two-week stay in Europe. A mix of business and pleasure, the trip will include stops in Paris, London, and Amsterdam.
“My main reason for going is the Amsterdam Dance Event,” Slomowicz says. “It’s the ultimate conference for electronic music industry people which also has an amazing nighttime program. Where else can you meet Armin van Buuren, Benny Benassi, David Guetta, Boy George, and Paul van Dyk on the same day and in the same building?” A trip he’s taken every year since 2005, the conference held at the Felix Meritus building is always the highlight of Slomowicz’s year. This time, however, he is starting in Paris to explore his secret obsession with fragrance, planning to hit a lot of boutiques to try scents that do not make it to the United States. Then, he will make stop in London to visit with some British producers and management before partying at G-A-Y, Vauxhall Tavern, and Horsemeat Disco. Finally, he wraps everything up with the main event in Amsterdam. The youngest of three boys born in Long Island, New York, Slomowicz always envisioned himself a successful DJ when he grew up. “I started going to teen clubs in Orlando when I was thirteen,” he says, of the time after the family’s relocation when he was five. He frequented the all-age Goth, industrial, alternative nights at Visage on Fridays, before attending the Saturday night showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show; both formed his love of dance music. “The movie Pump Up the Volume with Christian Slater inspired me to get into radio with its idea of a voice infiltrating the minds of others,” he adds. Slo70 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
mowicz remained in Orlando until his acceptance to Nashville’s Vanderbilt University. “When I got to Vanderbilt I, I signed up to be on WRVU my first semester,” he says. “I went to Queer Student Conference in Delaware, and it inspired the LGBT radio show. The dance show naturally followed.” Slomowicz’s show was Nashville’s first exposure to the rave scene and with styles ranging from euro and happy house to trance and electro, it is no wonder he has been on the air for nineteen years and has added dual residencies at Nashville’s Tribe and Play. “I learned to mix while spinning on the radio and that led to my first club gigs, parties and charity events,” he says. From there, he began spinning first in after-hours clubs Ohm, Zone, eXceSs, and Velvet, in 1996, before landing the primetime spots at Tribe and Play where he was been voted Best Club DJ for three years and has secured a nomination as Best Resident VJ in the Club World Awards. “I’ve always harnessed technology to put on a unique show,” he says of his CWA nomination. “Currently, I use two laptops to mix music, video, visuals and effects. On the first laptop, I beat music and video into a seamless journey. I export the video stream to a second laptop where I use the visual program GrandVJ to add layers of effects and visuals on top. It’s not just playing videos - its a multidimensional experience that adds a lot to an evening.” The depth of Slomowicz’s VJing knowledge feeds heavily into his work as the guide for dancemusic.about. com and a panelist for Billboard Magazine’s Club Chart. Both of which have brought him opportunities to work with some of the biggest names in the business. “I’ve interviewed Katherine Ellis twice for dancemusic.about.com, and we’ve hung out and partied several times,” he says. “She is a natural energy
source. From her incredibly powerful voice to her insatiable personality, there is no one in the world quite like her. “Kristine W. is a friend and probably the first clubland celebrity that I met. She often calls and asks for advice on remixers and producers, and it’s an incredible honor that she respects my opinion so much. Both Kristine and Katherine performed with me at my Winter Music Conference debut at Mova in 2011, and it was easily one of the best nights of my life.” Having that amazing club life also provides its own challenges, however, Slomowicz says, as he has often had to balance it with his personal ethics. “I worked at after-hours clubs for many years,” he explains, “and was often exposed to massive drug use. I personally choose not to do drugs and that worked against me in the beginning as many thought I wouldn’t be able to feel the music unless I was on something. Being clean, I’ve managed to blend a style that appeals to everyone: programming aggression and edge for those who like things harder, balanced by accessible music that everyone enjoys.” That is what he advises those aspiring to be a DJ like himself: do it for the love of the music. “Embrace a variety of electronic dance music,” he says, “and don’t limit yourself to one genre. Learn the difference between playing to your crowd and playing for your crowd. Lead to the future and learn from the past. For you to understand the music that is coming out now, delve into the legacy of dance music. “If you want to be a superstar, study the big names and see how they got there,” he concludes, “but do what you love and love what you do.”
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 71
FITNESS By Jake Hammond
Booty Pop
Scott Herman Explains How to Get Booty Poppin’ Jaw Droppin’ Glutes
72 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
Want those tight and toned glutes that make people stop and stare? You’re going to have to work for them. Buns of steel don’t come easily and there are no shortcuts here. That’s the bad news. The good news is you don’t need to leave home to get them. All you need is a wide open area and a soft mat.
1
2
3
4
5
6
For this routine you will be performing: 3 exercises 5 sets per exercise 20 reps per set 30-60 second rest between sets
1 Glute Salute
Begin by placing your hands, knees, and feet on the ground. While keeping your toes and hands in the same spot, elevate your hips until your feet are flat on the ground. Next, while keeping your core tight, raise your right leg as high as you can and flex your glutes as hard as you can at the same time. Lower your right leg and then lift your left leg in the air keeping your core and glutes as tight as possible. Once you lower your left leg back to the ground, return back to the starting position and repeat. Breathe out as you raise each leg.
1
2 Lateral Jump Squat
Start off by first finding a place where you have enough room to jump up as high as you can and side-to-side as far as you can. Next start off by standing straight-up with your feet a bit wider than shoulder-width apart. Go down into the squatting position and as you stand back up, explode and jump as high as you can and leap to the left. Land as soft as you can with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your body in the squat position. Once landed, stand straight-up and relax to complete the first rep. Repeat the same steps for rep two except that now you will be leaping to the right. Breathe out as you explode and leap!
2
4
5
3
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
3 Lungilation
For this exercise you will need enough room to be able to lunge to the left and right as far as you can. Begin by placing your hands fingerlocked together behind your head and keep your core as tight as possible. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart and facing forward. Once in place, lunge to the right as far as you can with your right leg. Both feet should still be facing forward along with your core tight and hands behind your head. Return to the middle and then lunge forward with your right leg, again keeping core tight and hands behind your head. Return to the middle and now lunge forward with your left leg and then once again return to the middle and lunge to the left with your left leg to complete your first rep. Be sure to breathe out each time you push off your foot to return to the middle.
7
8
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 73
ART
ART SEE THE WORLD
THROUGH URIBE’S EYES
By Ben Rock
Miami-based artist Federico Uribe turns everyday objects into things of extraordinary beauty. With this imposed shyness as a driving factor behind his childhood creativity, Uribe spent his time collecting paper candy wrappers and creating flower arrangements with them. “I liked changing things,” he says, “changing the way things were made to make them something else, something beautiful. I didn’t know that was art until I grew up.” Federico Uribe isn’t a gay artist. He is an artist who happens to be gay. “I don’t make statements about being gay through my work,” says the Miami-based artist. He chooses, instead, to see beauty in everything and find ways to turn everyday objects into something extraordinary. That is not to say, however, that he didn’t have his own battles growing up. As he says, he had a hell of a childhood and has sort of a peaceful adulthood now. Born in Bogota, Colombia, in 1962, Uribe not only struggled with the omnipresent oppressiveness of the country’s social atmosphere and the fear of violence and kidnapping prevalent at the time, but he was also burdened with the same insecurities of every child who is a little different. “I was bullied a lot as a boy,” he says, “so I spent a lot of time alone changing reality in my head. I would wonder what I would see if this table was lying down or what that window would look like if it wasn’t a window.”
74 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
Now, Uribe takes ordinary objects, such as nails, screws, pencils and shoes, and creates sculptures that are more constructed that sculpted. “It’s like children playing with clouds,” he says. “Every object, I look and see something different. The object is not what it is meant to be. There is always another way to see it.”
In his latest exhibition “The World According to Federico Uribe” at Florida’s Boca Raton Museum of Art, Uribe invites his patrons to see a bull transformed from a shoe sole, a flock of birds made of pliers and a life-sized farmer family made of colored pencils. In an environment created specifically to fill one of the museum’s 5000-square-foot galleries, the exhibit features his reminiscences of his family farm featured in 2008’s Animal Farm and highlights from 2006’s PUMA-filled Human Nature. The exhibition also debuts some of Uribe’s latest works - several life-sized palm trees made from the spines and fanned pages of books and gardens constructed from gardening tools.
“I’m not a sculptor by training,” Uribe says of his craft. “I made things up, learning as I went.” After studying art at the University of Los Andes in Bogota, Uribe left Colombia in 1988 to pursue a master of fine arts degree in New York. From there he ventured to Cuba, Russia, England and Mexico before finally settling in Miami, Fla.; however, it was in Mexico he learned the most about his craft and began to deal with his inner turmoil. “I received grants from each country,” he says. “Toward the end of one grant, I applied for another and moved there. I kept moving until I got to Mexico where I met my boyfriend and stayed with him.” A painter for almost the first ten years of his career, Uribe focused on the subjects of religion and sex and the darkness and pain often associated with them. Then he fell in love, came out of the closet, and lost his reasons to complain. Wanting to do something different, he started collected objects from the markets in Mexico and began practicing handicraft with the local artisans. “Handicraft is incorporated into everything in Mexico,” Uribe said of the more traditional method of making everyday, useful items by hand or with simple tools. I trained in sculpture by working with all these craftsmen.”
Uribe re-envisions the world around us by assembling his collection of objects, carefully setting them next to each other, creating new and artificial surfaces. The new objects then take on a different appearance, significance, and texture, like his upcoming series of landscapes “painted” with wire and cables in a way similar to his Shoe Laces series. His is a labor-intensive work that is both repetitive and compulsive, but Uribe feels lucky that he can spend most of his time in his studio doing what he loves most.
“I don’t have to come back down to Earth,” he says. “I have a small and friendly staff who handle everything for me while I live in the studio and work a lot of hours. I do my work and listen to books all day while working.”
When he does need to escape, Uribe still surrounds himself with art and creativity, attending movies, the theater and the ballet. He also returns to Colombia once a year to visit his brothers and sisters. Uribe has come a long way as an artist hailing from a country that has been at war for almost half a century. “I have very much moved on from struggling with myself, and now I am who I am,” he says. “I find beauty in things that are not meant to be beautiful.”
“The World According to Federico Uribe” is on display at the Boca Raton Museum of Art now through December 3. For more on Federico Uribe, check out www.federicouribe.com.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 75
Miami Beach Community Health Center presents
THROUGH THE EYES OF LOVE IN HONOR OF WORLD AIDS DAY
Magic Johnson Joins ‘Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS’
Join Miami Beach Community Health Center as they recognize World AIDS Day with creative expression and heartfelt compassion.
ART EXHIBITION
November 29 - December 3 Tuesday, 6pm - 8pm (Opening Reception) Wednesday - Friday, 7:30am - 7 pm Saturday, 9am - 3:30pm Miami International University of Art & Design 1501 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami (Free admission)
By Rick Desmond
A
IDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is honored to announce that business mogul and basketball legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Jr. and actor and AIDS advocate Blair Underwood have each signed on to individually endorse the ‘Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS’ March. Set to take place in Washington D.C., Sunday, July 22, 2012 the march will occur immediately before the opening ceremonies of the International AIDS Society’s XIX International AIDS Conference. The ‘Keep the Promise’ rally and march—which organizers anticipate will draw thousands of participants— will serve as a clarion call for universal access to AIDS care and treatment; for more efficient use of the limited funding from sources including the Global Fund and PEPFAR; for big world economies and the G20 to fully fund the Global Fund as well as for the lowering of AIDS drug prices by pharmaceutical companies to allow for the treatment of more patients with the same amount of money. Johnson and Underwood join over 2,000 other individuals and 1,088 organizations from 78 countries— including the Magic Johnson Foundation—that have signed on to the ‘Keep the Promise’ Declaration. “We are honored to announce that Magic Johnson and Blair Underwood are among our first individual celebrity endorsers of the 2012 ‘Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS’ declaration, march and rally in Washington,” said Terri Ford, Senior Director of Global Advocacy and Policy for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and who has
76 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
A collection of paintings, sculptures and fashion designs, created by featured presenter Barry Gross and other fine artists, express how HIV/AIDS has affected the lives of so many.
spearheaded similar AIDS treatment advocacy marches in conjunction with the opening of three previous International AIDS Conferences. “Mr. Johnson and Mr. Underwood—both respected longtime HIV/AIDS advocates in their own right—join over 1,000 organizations from around the world and more than 2,000 individuals who have endorsed the ‘Keep the Promise’ Declaration and march and rally,” says Ford.
AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT CEREMONY
“The ‘AIDS 2012 Declaration,’—a key component of this current advocacy effort—outlines domestic and global concerns of many AIDS advocates and offers a collective commitment to specific actions and solutions to help address these concerns so that we may all truly ‘keep the promise on HIV/AIDS’,” Ford states.
December 1 at 9am
Miami Beach Community Health Center 710 Alton Road, Miami Beach (Free to the public)
“For the first time in over 20 years, the International AIDS Conference takes place in the United States—in Washington—and just a few months before the 2012 presidential election,” said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “ The ‘Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS’ March presents an ideal opportunity for AIDS advocates and organizations the world over to join together and have our collective voices heard to press US and world leaders to do the right thing on AIDS funding, care and treatment,” says Weinstein. The 2012 ‘Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS’ March includes a global coalition of founding supporters that have signed on and endorsed the ‘Keep the Promise’ Declaration.
“Eternal Energy” by Barry Gross
Pay tribute to those who have lost the battle to AIDS over the years and celebrate life with care providers, friends and family.
For more details, please visit www.miamibeachhealth.org or call 305-538-8835 www.omgmag.com | OMG! 77
Q&A
Tell us about yourself: I was born and raised in sunny South Florida, in a little beach town called Delray Beach. My childhood revolved around horse back riding, volunteering at my local veterinarian’s office (I love all animals), and hanging out with friends. I have always loved shopping and jewelry though my Grandmother who probably inspired this passion would bring me along for hunting (or finding treasure) at flea markets, little antique shops, and malls all over Florida. I was always digging through her chests of jewelry; I loved how she had a story and moment for every piece she owned. I think that’s where I get my romanticism for jewelry and overall outlook on life. Currently, I attend Parsons, The New School for Design for my “college experience.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
My life is just one big continuous shopping trip, I love to go out and browse the markets, shops, department stores, thrift stores, etc. Anywhere I feel like I can find a treasure or deal, so it was only a matter of time before I started to want to create for my own sake. I got tired of finding treasures I’d love but wish I could modify or make minor edits in some way. Designing is addictive in that it becomes your art, and is so therapeutic. It’s a great way be innovative in today’s world, but best of all is when you finally show your ideas and designs to others and they love them as much as you.
Who are some of your fashion icons?
Picking some fashion “icons” would be hard for me; I definitely have “A List” people who I look up to in the fashion world, but inspiration can come from anything and anyone. I live in New York City, so I am lucky enough to see people from all walks of life on the daily. Inspiration can come from anybody, from bums on the street frequently in NYC and students around my school, I love the punk scene and kids who really don’t give a f*ck about what they wear or who likes it or not, because really that’s what fashion is all about. One should always dress for themselves and nobody else. If I had to choose some famous fashion icons however, obviously Kate Moss can pull off just about anything and everything and make it her own. She is the perfect combination of glamour and grunge and I’ll always love her. I also love Olivia Palermo’s style. It’s very distinct and she is such a classic, she could wear whatever she wants and look polished and look like a doll. She is a modern day Audrey Hepburn. Then there’s super model Agyness Deyn, she has a great face, punky style, and I’m drawn to that androgynous aesthetic, and obviously the king of pop, Michael Jackson had the best outfits - rock-
Jake Stein ing studs, loafers, and skinny trousers through most of his shows. If anything, he was definitely one who knew how to accessorize.
When did you create Shop Boy?
BoyNYC came into being summer of 2010. I realized I could start my own company to sell pieces I would want to wear. I love fashion so much I knew I’d figure out a way to pursue some career in it.
How do you perceive the brand is progressing?
Not even a year in and Boy was covered in magazines like, Marie Claire, InStyle, Lucky, Paper Mag, Essence, and even Ladies Home Journal! The pieces are like wearable art and extremely editorial. I hope magazines/editors have as much fun with the pieces as the customers who get to wear them. Boy started with just seven different styled cuffs and slowly evolved to full collection, which today includes necklaces, rings, bracelets and cuffs, and now even jackets, bags, and sweaters!
What celebrities have been seen wearing your brand?
Beyonce Knowles, Ally Michalka, Greta Gerwig, Taylor Armstrong, and most recently Hayden Panettier got one of the brand new pieces from this year’s collection - my personal favorite, lux pawclaw cuff - and loves it!
What are you most proud of so far?
Just balancing school, and a company, and enjoying life while trying to be a decent human being through it all.
What do you like to do in your spare time when you aren't designing?
Shop. Always. I consider it to not only be my only form of exercise (its cardio right?), and therapy, but also my job. I need to see what’s out there. It keeps me inspired and also I love the hunt. Apart from that, it’s home time with my dog, trips to the park, and a good movie, preferably a romcom.
What is your biggest dream?
78 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
To keep designing and maybe some major collaborations with the ultimate fashion brands in the world such as Prada, Burberry, etc. I’d like to be guest editor for some top magazines as well, but I’m definitely most comfortable filling my dream job of creative director.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 79
Bib Lettuce with Horseradish French Dressing Serves 6
For the Rouille • • • • • • • • •
½ cup canned pimiento pieces ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ¼ cup broth from soup pot 8 garlic cloves 1 egg yolk ½ cup cooked potato 1 slice firm white bread ½ tsp salt teaspoon, 1/8 tsp black pepper 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Puree everything except for the olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Slowly add the olive oil while processing to form a paste.
By Mike Trost
TASTE
TASTE
Make these dis hes at home
Ingredients •
6 heads bib lettuce
•
1 hard-boiled egg
•
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
•
½ cup horseradish
•
1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard
•
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
•
1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 black pepper
•
¾ cup chopped parsley
Wash, dry and quarter bib lettuce. Mix horseradish, oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Chill for at least 2 hours. Spoon dressing over lettuce. Top with chopped parsley and sieved egg.
Bouillabaisse with Rouille Serves 6 Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
3 Tbs olive oil 1 1/2 cup each chopped onion 4 large scallions, white and green parts 1 cup fennel 4 cloves chopped garlic 2 cans diced tomatoes 4 cups fish stock 1 cup white wine 1 cup water 1 tsp saffron 1 ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme 1 ½ chopped fresh tarragon leaves 1 1/2 pounds peeled shrimp 1 ½ lbs halibut cut into chunks 1 lb scrubbed mussels, rinsed and debearded 1 ½ lbs littleneck clams ½ lb scallops 24 slices of baguette, cut on diagonal ¼ inch thick
Rouille sauce (recipe next page)
80 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
Heat the oil in a tall pot (I used an 8 quart stockpot) over medium heat; add the onion, scallions, and fennel and cook over medium heat until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant, then add the can tomatoes, water, wine and fish stock and then the thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat so that the broth bubbles slowly without boiling. Cook 15 minutes. Bring to a boil. Add the claims, mussels, and saffron, cook 2 minutes, add fish and scallops cook 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, a minute or two. Cover and simmer until the mussels and clams open (discard any mussels and clams that don’t open). Stir in chopped tarragon. Serve the bouillabaisse with toasted bread and rouille.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 81
SOUND
David Paul
Green David Paul Green is one of Nashville’s youngest and brightest stars. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Green moved to Music City at the age of 17.
By Joey Amato
Photo by Paige Nicole
Growing up, Green knew music would always be a part of his life. He learned how to play piano at age 8 and he wrote his first song while still in high school. “I actually wrote a really cheesy love song for the American Idol auditions,” states Green, whose tells us his music has evolved tremendously in recent years. Drawing from influences including The Killers, Katy Perry and Coldplay, Green has created a unique sound that he is proud of. “I also listened to a lot of Queen and Billy Joel growing up and attended Christian concerts with my dad.” Green has played a few shows recently in Nashville and Mississippi and hopes to add more in the upcoming months. In addition to writing his own music, Green, who recorded his first EP when he was 16, also enjoys writing for other artists. But even though he loves Nashville, it hasn’t always been his home. A few years ago, Green
82 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
moved to Los Angeles briefly to try to network with industry execs, but quickly found out that Hollywood is a difficult town to survive in. “I lived in my car and out on the beach for two months before I found a place I could afford to live.” Not discouraged, Green says he may give Los Angeles another shot. “I feel like a still have some more growing to do and get my sound where it needs to be.” He is now recording with Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Nick Chahwala, whose credits include Mariah Carey, Elton John, Jessica Simpson and Katy Perry. “I want people to know that I’m more than just a 19-year-old; that my songs have depth and meaning. I like giving the world music.” When he is not recording, Green is actively looking for “the one.” Humor and sarcasm are two of the biggest things he looks for in a relationship. “I also like the thrill of the chase.” To listen to Green’s newest songs, go to Myspace.com/davidpaulgreen.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 83
SOUND By DJ Maximus 3000
ALBUM REVIEW:
David Guetta Nothing But the Beat
The Parisian magician known as David Guetta has now become as common a household name as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Michael Jackson, or Madonna. He is a whole new breed of DJ/ Producer who has crossed over to the mainstream and who is dead center in the primordial muck of a whole new hybrid genre musical movement: A cross between Electronica and RNB/Hip Hop. More and more R&B, Rock and Pop singers are collaborating with the world's best Electronic DJ/Producers and releasing 130 bpm dance floor scorchers complete with techno synths, vocoders, epic sweeps and crescendos that rival the most epic 12" trance records of the late 90's. David Guetta is a veteran DJ, and a legend among many circles, with a rich successful career on his own. In March of 2011 a precursor to the 5th full-length studio album
from Guetta was released as a bonus track on Snoop Dogg's 11th Studio album 'Doggumentary' with the track "Sweat". Music buzz and speculation swirled the Internet and blogospheres, while remix promos circulated amongst the taste making society of DJs and the Dance music industry. May of 2011 "Where Them Girls At," feat. Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida was the first release of what I'm calling "a one man hit factory of awesomeness". The album is a non-stop party, with the potential for each track on this album to be released independently and take the club scene by storm. The tracks poignantly balance between anthem-esque progressive house, Electronic French house, 8bit synth pop, and scorching high octane epic techno club bangers all deliciously wrapped up in the American RNB & Hip hop world's Biggest and brightest stars, and more importantly, their talent.
Melissa Gorga - On Display
Rida, Nicki Minaj, Taio Cruz, ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Will.I.Am, Chris Brown, Lil' Wayne, Akon, Timbaland, Dev, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, and Sia. Stand out Tracks include "Little Bad Girl feat. Taio Cruz & Ludacris" and "Turn me on feat. Nicky Minaj" which features Nicky's SELDOM heard diva singing voice. I play at least 2/3 tracks off this album in most of my sets straight from the box. I give this album 5 out of 5 stars. (Added Bonus Digital Release features a second set of instrumental tracks for the hardcore Pre-'One Love' Guetta, with collaborations with Aviccii, Afrojack and more.)
Guetta collaborates with a whopping 15 member lineup of all-stars including: Flo
HOT SINGLES: Jei - “Show me the Money” VHI Reality Star (Tough Love Miami) Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Sketch Comediane. Is what I like to call a quadruple threat. A new Breed of reality stars born from being artists who were already doing their thing before being on TV. The singer/songwriter already has several club hits under her belt with collaborations with Murk (aka Funky Green Dogs) and DJ Christian Falero and her catchy glitterpop dance debut solo single is like the perfect storm of collaborations, with a stellar production team including. Keep on eye on Jei (Jane Castro) as she rises to the top to become the first Ms. 305. (Available now on iTunes)
Alex Ferbeyre Aka DJ Maximus 3000, is a chart topping producer, remixer, DJ, and founder/owner of the record label 8025 Alliance Music Group. DJ Maximus 3000 is also an experimental artist who has been working in the music industry since 1995. He has a background in music theory, journalism, and marketing and is the music editor of OMG! Magazine. Follow Ferbeyre on Twitter.com/DJMaximus3000
84 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
Björk - Biophilia
(iPhone/iPad App, Digital Booklet, Music Video and Album release combo) It’s Here! Finally the princess of techno is back with an all-new concept release. I have been a fan of Björk since she was with the Sugarcubes and have watched her career evolve and break ground with each turn. 'Biophilia' is no exception. The Album is best approached as a work of art, or interactive art installation. A statement (in content) on the relationship between music, technology and nature and how they are all interconnected. 'Biophilia' is not only a studio album but a multi-media project, comprising of interactive apps, a new website, custom-made musical instruments, live shows and educational workshops. In addition to the physical album, the songs are also featured within the accompanying 'Biophilia App'. Björk echoes the concept of the album by taking the release from musical body of work to an emerged world of sound, visuals and technology with the 'Biophilia iPad/iPhone APP'. The APP features an elegantly rendered 3D cosmos, with highlighted points in space as supernova's. Each track from the 'Biophilia' album, has its own APP with its own set of rules. Every APP has its own theme (in connection with its corresponding song) and combines a natural element with musicological features. Once you navigate these planets and enter a world (track), each of these planets has a whole new set laws and physics, as if Björk herself has created an alternate reality.
The layers of content in each app include: an interactive game based on the song’s scientific and musical subject matter, a musical animation of the song, an animated score, lyrics, and an academic essay. Björk is no stranger to experimental music and instrumentation. She was one of the first artists to incorporate the reactable (touch screen table with modular instruments made of preprogrammed cubes synths) in her live shows, and now she has allowed her fans to traverse this experiment as a fully executed statement on the state of how we experience music in today's market. The Internet is clamoring to get the first word of The 'Biophilia' live show, which will run as a three-year world tour of six-week residencies in eight different cities. In each city Björk will perform 'Biophilia' twice a week, using the apps to play live a set of custom built musical instruments and evoking an atmosphere similar to being inside the app itself. From a musical point of view, the album sounds like the lost symphony that was slated to debut on the 5th element's Fhlosten Paradise cruise ship the same night with the Diva Plavalaguna as the opening act, (too bad the shapeshifting Mangalores interrupted Björks scheduled performance with their terrorist attack). It is literally out of this world, and i'm sure as all her albums, is way ahead of its time in essence.
features Björks signature techno flare that could double over as a boss level for masterblaster or an 8bit RPG game in some instances. The Debut Single "Crystaline" is an even more impressive animated piece and stand alone work of art with her long time music video collaborator Michel Gondry featuring stop motion animation, LED technology, Lasers and vibrant use of color and hand drawn animation. At 45, the diva looks and sounds amazing! Stand out tracks are "Crystaline", "Thunderbolt" and "Mutual Core". However a forewarning, I give this album (stress on the ALBUM part of it) 4 3/4 stars out of 5 for the lack of a good pop/dance track or two along the same lineage of "Post" or "Debut" to re-ignite interest from an overly Gaga-saturated market. You really have to be a fan of Björk to enjoy the album through and through without stopping ever so often to say "wtf? where's the beat?" , however the iPhone/iPad App , Music Video and Concept of 'Biophilia' as a whole concept gets 6 out of 5 stars for being out of this world and combining so many mediums in one movement.
Love it or hate it, the Real Housewives series has changed the scope of reality TV. Furthermore, the 'wives have made it an art at parlaying thier newfound success to other ventures. From books, to clothing lines to cutting singles the ladies are even pre-planning it. However, this doesn’t mean that the underlying talent was not there, or was later fabricated. Take Melissa Gorga's latest single. Catchy, infectious and with a set of killer remixes, a pleasant and satisfying pop-track spawned from a person who actually has talent, who also just happens to also be a mega reality star with a die hard fan base of followers. "On Display" delivers pop at its core with a hook that you cant help but sing along with!
Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris We Found Love
Like I said above, more and more contemporary pop stars are releasing full on club bangers as their album cuts, this time Rihanna teams up with Scottish singer/songwriter/ Producer Calvin Harris to create her most juicy dance hit to date, an indication that the album slated to be released November 21, is going to take the American charts by storm (my prediction). I hope there are more tracks like this on the album. Remix packages floating around are incredible and as a whole the single kicks dance floor booty.
The album appeals to the Nintendo generation with off tempo esoteric ambient beats, new age instrumentation and frigid use of strings, brass and the Icelandic Philharmonic Orchestra, yet
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 85
Winter scents
Winter scents
As we look forward to the holiday season, the temperatures are cooling and we can seek comfort and warmth in deeper and heavier scents. Whether you reach for a warm spicy oriental or an edible gourmand, it's time to put away the citrusy eau de colognes of summer. With the flood of fragrances hitting the market for the gift-giving season, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle. Just like music and wardrobe, your fragrance is a personal expression of who you are; finding the right scent is a personal choice, the right blend of notes that compliment you. Be sure to test a new fragrance before wearing it, and make sure that it is suitable to your environment. Some of the heavier scents that are perfect for a night out aren't exactly office appropriate. With this roundup there are natural, microbatch, niche, and mainstream fragrances to explore as you search for a winter fragrance that is uniquely you.
Absolue Pour le Soir
Vamp A NY
Santal Blush
A*Men The Taste of Fragrance
0 Cologne
CK One Shock
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Honore des Pres
Tom Ford Private Blends
Thierry Mugler
J05EPH K
Calvin Klein
• If you are looking for a powerhouse that will make a statement, the brusque animallike top notes are bold and masculine.
• Perfect for those with sensitive skin, Honore des Pres fragrances are 100% natural and organic.
• The newest addition to Tom Ford's Private Blend line comes in a clear bottle - a stark contrast to the other dark black bottles.
• Released in 1996, A*Men packs a punch as an intense gourmand with the trio of cocoa, caramel, and chocolate.
• The name is accurate as CK One Shock is unlike anything else in their fragrance line.
• Francis Kurkdjian's first fragrance was Le Male for Jean Paul Gautier. He won the Prix François Coty in 2001.
• While it kicks off with a strong white flower note of tuberose and candy sweetness, don't let this scare you away as it is not a feminine fragrance.
• The top note of Sandalwood is strong and peppered with spices, cinnamon, and cumin. This will definitely warm you up.
• The new Taste of Fragrance adds chili pepper to the mix, which increases the heat.
• Imagine cologne to be like wine: this one is produced in micro batches and allowed to age for 60 days before bottling to insure complete development.
• The animalic notes continue through development, leading to a smoky incense and dry rose in the middle notes.
• The florals are balanced by strong liquor notes of rum and bourbon vanilla.
• This fragrance will keep you warm all night and even last through a shower definitely not one to wear in an office.
• With an eau de parfum concentration, the fragrance starts bold and has a long life on skin.
• The base of sandalwood and cedar ends on a warm note with a bit of the honey and resin still present.
• The balsams in the base notes - perou and tolu - are warm and spicy, continuing the syrupy feel of the top notes.
• If the strength of the Absolue is too much for you, try the lighter cologne version.
• As a tribute to NY, the bottle comes packaged in a Starbucks-like cup, which is odd since Starbucks is based in Seattle
By Ron Slomowicz
86 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
• As an Eau de Parfum concentration, Santal Blush is strong but not overbearing. It is office-friendly. • Rose and jasmine in the midnotes soften things up but the wood stays dominant. • The fragrance calms down after the first thirty minutes and becomes a skin scent. • The musk in the base is sheer and you will get a little bit of oud (agar wood), but it's the sandalwood that is definitely the star.
• Not the first remix of A*Men, previous Pure incarnations have featured coffee, tobacco, and malt. • The Taste of Fragrance is quite linear - what you get on top is what you get throughout the journey - strong brisk coffee with chili in the forefront and cocoa underneath. • Quite long-lasting, this will last through a shower and wake you up again in the morning. • The other Thierry Mugler fragrances Angel, Womanity, and Alien are all updated with a new Taste of Fragrance as well this season. The fig chutney of Womanity is especially unique.
• Top notes of bergamot and white pepper blend to zesty yet slightly sweet opening. • Slight projection but stays close to the skin, so its an office-friendly scent. • The ozone note in mid-development, popular in many fragrances, is reminiscent of the smell of air after a thunderstorm. • With a very modern luxury feel, violet and cashmere also appear during the middle. • Lasting more than eight hours on the skin, the dry down is a very clean musk with a subtle flavor of wood and oak moss. • Go to the website http://www.jo5ephk. com/ to sample and purchase 0 cologne as it is not widely available in retail stores
• An initial blast of cucumber, red bull, and clementine will wake you up. • Imagine a more mature version of Joop with the same amount of spunk and you get the idea of Shock.. • Peppery spices and cardamom are in the heart and last for several hours - though the fruit stays present throughout. • Stick with the male version as the female version is a complete bore. • A very clean patchouli is in the base but it's the amber and musk that really stand out. • As an aromatic oriental, this is easily wearable for anyone from teenage to middle age. So if you have a young friend who is wearing Axe, gift them with this for the holidays.
• Apply lightly, A*men fragrances are strong and project greatly. You will definitely be making a statement.
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 87
88 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 89
WHY STEVEN Y
Steven: It seems like no matter where I live or who I am friends with -I am always the friend who does it all. I always seem to have to drop whatever I am doing and serve their needs. In college it was the same way. I try to prove my point to others in the group, but it just gets dismissed and I am told that I am being paranoid! I feel so used! Help! Rob Rob: This repeated pattern says that you may be trying too hard to be liked. Roles in social circles are established quickly. Make your needs heard early on. Once a role is set, it is difficult to change it. If your friends do not recognize your needs, then it may be time to move on. I sense resentment building which will eventually kill the friendship. Making yourself too available gives those around you the sense that they can use you when they need you.
stion e u Q a e v a h U O Y O D for steven? Email him at:
asksteven@omgm
ag.com
r@ Steven on Twitte ow ll Fo ? W NO lp ok! Need he ike" him on Facebo WhySTEVENy or "L 90 OMG! | volume 3 | issue 9
This is obviously the opposite of what you want. Take some needed time and space by respectfully declining an invitation or get-together or both. Create a new sense of who you are. When you are ready, this will help reestablish that you are not a push over. If this patterned behavior has carried over into other aspects of your life, such as career and family, then it may be best to seek professional counseling to deal with more underlying issues. Steven: I don’t make as much money as some of my friends do. I often live paycheck to paycheck
and I can’t afford to go out to eat or drink as often as they do. I am embarrassed that when I do go, I often pass on the entrée or stick with the diet soda instead of the Grey Goose Martini. I want to socialize but can’t afford to. Help! Josh Josh: The best way to deal with this is to be honest. Don’t say: “I gave up drinking!” This will catch up with you at the next get-together where you don’t have to pay for your drinks. Don’t say: “I’m on a diet!” Did you forget that you just checked in at Burger Palace for lunch? Say things without actually saying them. Don’t say: “I only have $27 till Friday and can’t afford to go drinking tonight.” Instead say: “I have myself on a strict budget. Sure, I will join you and enjoy a Diet Soda on the rocks.” If you are met with scoffs or unsympathetic views; perhaps it’s best to stay in tonight. We can’t always do everything our friends’ do. As responsibilities pile up there is a different set of rules for everyone. Some people choose to spend all of their disposable income while others save it. There is nothing lame about not wanting to spend $20 for a Grey Goose Martini. Offer to host a night in or propose the idea to a friend if you don’t have a place suitable for hosting. You can have a great night without breaking the bank. Need help NOW? Follow Steven on Twitter @ WhySTEVENy or Join the discussion at facebook. com/whysteveny
www.omgmag.com | OMG! 91