Ambush magazine volume 27 issue 02

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the "official" dish

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain RipandMarsha.COM E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Obama Poised to Fill 54 Federal Bench Vacancies: Lambda Legal Urges Unbiased Nominees

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ew York - With inauguration day here, Lambda Legal sent a letter to President Obama and the leadership of the Senate Judiciary Committee, explaining the monumental need for fair and impartial nominees to the federal bench who will address issues facing the gay community without bias.

“In the coming years, a number of key issues that significantly impact the gay community are likely to arise in the federal courts,” said Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart, “The foremost THE OFFICIAL MAG consideration in nominating federal judges should be their commitment to rendering decisions impartially.”

During his two terms, President GulfSouthEntertainment/TravelGuideSince Bush appointed 326 judges to the fed1982 • Texas-Florida eral bench.

Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide “It is no secret that the Bush Official Gay New Orleans Guide Administration’s goal was to pack the OfficialSouthernDecadenceGuide federal courts at all levels with archOFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: conservative judges who would be un828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA friendly to the vigorous protection of civil OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm rights — not only for gay people, but for Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] everyone,” said Cathcart.

E-mail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 • 1.504.522.8047 “To start, President-Elect Obama will have 54 vacancies to fill and we ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line hope that those nominees can provide NATIONAL CIRCULATION: balance to what has become a federal USA... Alabama-Birmingham, Mobile Florida - Pensacola system that is often hostile the gay Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake community,” added Cathcart.

Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, Slidell The letter is a follow-up to a memo Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg, Jackson Texas - Austin, Dallas, Houston Lambda Legal provided to the Obama Transition Team. It urged PresidentSTAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR Elect Obama to nominate federal jusR. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans tices who adhere to precedents estabPRODUCTION DIRECTOR lished in cases of importance to the gay M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES community- including the right to priRip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 vacy, protection against laws based on LESBIAN/POLITICAL ISSUES antigay bias, the right to sue in state Toni J.P. Pizanie, New Orleans THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC courts under the Americans with DisBrian Sands, Patrick Shannon abilities Act (ADA) and protections AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS against HIV discrimination, among othBrad Benedict-Baton Rouge, LA Patrick Clinton-Lafayette, LA ers.

Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, Finally, the letter seeked to proDonnie Jay-New Orleans mote judicial integrity through nominaDJ Chromatic, David Long, Craig Powell, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL tion of jurists who represent the nation’s Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL diversity including people who identify NATIONAL ADVERTISING REP as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Rivendell Media~212.242.6863 people of color, women, and those with AMBUSH Mag is published on alternate public defender and public interest legal Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2009, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation

inside

President Barack Obama Real Change for America

backgrounds.

To read the full text of the letter submitted, please visit Lambda Legal’s website www.lambdalegal.org.

New Orleans' Margaret Coble To Participate In Inaugural Art Show Manifest Hope: DC

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mong the throngs of Barack Obama supporters making the trek to Washington D.C. for the President-Elect’s inauguration is local artist and crafter, Margaret Coble.

The Mid-City resident was invited to participate in a high profile pre-inauguration show of what has become known as “Obama Art,” artwork inspired by and made in support of Barack Obama’s campaign for president over the past two years.

The Manifest Hope:DC show similar to the first Manifest Hope show that was showcased in Denver for the Democratic National Convention last August - takes the Obama art phenomenon one step further now that Obama is the President-Elect, challenging artists around the country to create and submit artwork on themes of health care reform, workers’ rights, and the green economy, in a nationwide contest. The winners - five from each category - will also be included in the Manifest Hope:DC gallery, alongside

Valentine's/Pre-Mardi Gras Edition due out Tues., Feb. 3

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one last song 23 classifieds 26 hot tails of red stick 30 mobile paparazzi 30 red stick paparazzi/baton rouge 32 news 34 allons acadiana/lafayette 35 acadiana paparazzi/lafayette 36 king cake queen of gay mardi gras 38 snap paparazzi/new orleans 39

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 info@ambushmag.com

artists whose work has come to define the Obama Art movement.

Coble was asked to participate based on her “Believe” stencil design, which she created last February while still displaced by the levee failures of Katrina in Louisville, KY. “I was originally inspired by Shepard Fairey’s now iconic “Hope” and “Progress” posters of Obama, which spread like wildfire through the underground street art community and then eventually hit mainstream pop culture and were embraced by the campaign itself. I felt like this was the most important election of my adult life, so I wanted to do my part, as an artist - however small - to help his campaign.”

Being an independent, self-supporting artist/crafter and part-time music journalist, Coble couldn’t really afford to make donations to Obama’s campaign outright. But, inspired by many other grassroots artists creating for the campaign, she made her “Believe” stencil design and quickly started selling prints and t-shirts online and at local art markets, setting aside $5 from each sale for the campaign. All told, she was able to raise over $600 to donate to the campaign from the sales of her wares. “I would have never been able to come up with that kind of donation out of my own pocket.”

Through exposure via her Flickr.com web page, www.flickr.com/photos/ artbymags, she was asked to donate her design to the production of 20,000 bicycle spoke cards, an idea hatched

by California PR whiz and Obama campaign volunteer Yosi Sergant. An avid cycling advocate, Sergant wanted to target the biking community, specifically in Portland, OR, ahead of the Oregon primary last May, highlighting Obama’s pro-biking and sustainablecommunity platforms. With Shepard Fairey’s help, the spoke cards were made using Coble’s design, and distributed via bike shops, volunteers, and the website Obamaspoke.com throughout Oregon and around the country.

Coble was finally able to move back to the Crescent City this past summer, and found the New Orleans community

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the "official" dish ...from 4 very receptive to her design. In the months just prior to the election, Coble teamed with Stickerobot.com to distribute 1000 stickers utilizing her design, which she gave out for free at local markets and Obama rallies at Tulane University and downtown. Her stickers were also included in Stickerobot’s highly collectible, limited edition “Election Collection” sticker packs, which are now sold out.

Between the prints, t-shirts, spoke cards and stickers, Coble has amassed quite a bit of national and international publicity, including mentions in LA Weekly, Paper Magazine, Business Week, HuffingtonPost.com, and Politico.com. Her design even appeared on the cover of Norway’s largest news-magazine, Aftenposten Innsikt, as well as one of Berlin, Germany’s daily newspapers, Der Freitag.

In addition, her prints will also be showcased this month in two additional “Obama art” gallery shows - one in the Dominican Republic, and another in Bethesda, Maryland.

For the Manifest Hope: DC show, she chose to send two 18"x24" stencil paintings on canvas, which feature a larger version of her “Believe” stencil with folk-art style writing around the edges. “I missed out on the Manifest Hope show in August due to being out of town, so I really wanted to have the chance to show my ‘Believe” design off to a larger audience,” Coble says. “The words around the edges drive home the intent of the design, which hasn’t really changed now that Obama has won the election: Believe in Obama, as a leader and a man of integrity and honesty, but more importantly, believe in us, the people, in our collective ability to work together, with Obama at the helm, to put this country back together again and fix the messes left behind by the Bush administration. Believe in hope, in unity, and in our future together.”

More information about Margaret Coble and her artwork can be found at: www.artbymags.com. More background about the “Believe” design can be found through her blog: http:// blogbymags.blogspot.com.

Art plays a pivotal role in creating cultural momentum. The Manifest Hope: DC Gallery celebrates that role and shines a spotlight on artists who use their voices to amplify and motivate the grassroots movement that carried President-Elect Barack Obama to victory.

More information about the show and nationwide art contest can be found at: www.manifesthope.com.

Get a Peek at Larry Graham's Nudes at GL

C

elebrate Mardi Gras early this year with a peek at Larry Graham's new photographic exhibit at Tubby's Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street, New Orleans.

His work runs the gamut from whimsical parodies, beautiful and sensitive portraits, to the unbelievably funny.

Included in this new, revolving permanent exhibit, is a new category called, Nude-New Orleans, Volume One, featuring some of New Orleans most beautiful men baring it all.

Lance Pippin

Graham has been hanging his work in the Lantern for the past fifteen years including mostly local men and women who have been studio clients or have been hand picked by him to pose.

Exposed in this newest exhibit is Playgirl's Sexiest Man of the Year 2009, Dominick Moncada; Tim Angle, Angle Custom Frame; Matt, formerly from Cafe Lafitte in Exile; Rikki Redd; and Byron Craig. “Lantern bartender” Lance Pippin is included in all his “glory”.

“I treasure the beautiful people who pose for me”, Graham says, “I could never imagine doing anything other than photography.”

For more on Graham, visit GrahamStudioOne.COM.

NO/AIDS Task Force 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner Set

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s you may know, this past year, NO/AIDS Task Force has been acknowledging it's 25th Anniversary with an awareness campaign demonstrating the countless lives that NO/AIDS has touched over the years.

On Saturday, January 24, the organization will culminate it's 25th anniversary with a gala dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans. Please consider joining in celebrating the past successes at this milestone event featuring dinner, dancing, awards and a keynote address by Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White. Ryan White was a teenager who tragically and famously

lost his battle with AIDS in 1990. The Federal program that provides funding for HIV/AIDS services is named in his honor because of the awareness that his life brought to this disease.

Over the past 25 years NO/AIDS Task Force has grown from little more then an answering machine in someone’s living room to the thriving organization that it is today, with six locations and over 30 programs that serve Southeast Louisiana. The impact this agency has had on the community is due to the combined efforts of thousands of volunteers, supporters, staff and organizations.

Your participation in the 25th anniversary gala dinner demonstrates your continued commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Tickets are available for purchase at $150 per person. Additionally tables of 10 are available for $1500. Tickets include complimentary cocktails from 6 to 7pm, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony, and dancing till 11pm. For more information or to purchase tickets to the event, please contact Heidi E. Chapman at 504.821.2601, ext. 203, or by e-mail at heidin@noaidstf.org.

NO/AIDS Task Force is one of the oldest and largest HIV/AIDS service organizations in the Gulf South and was founded in response to the early divesting effects of the AIDS epidemic in the New Orleans area. Today, the agency offers a continuum of services, including prevention education, HIV antibody testing and counseling, case management, case finding, housing coordination, early intervention/primary medical care, behavioral health, support groups, home delivered meals, food bank, peer support services, housing case management, and medication disbursement.

Recovery Corps Issues Request for Qualifications for HEF Program

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aton Rouge – The Louisiana Family Recovery Corps is issuing a Request for Qualifications for the next iteration of its Household Establishment Funds (HEF) program. The Recovery Corps is seeking proposals from qualified entities, including faith-based and communitybased organizations, to provide HEF benefits to clients currently residing in St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. The Recovery Corps anticipates funding $1,510,875 in total and to be contracted with one entity.

The deadline for the Recovery Corps to receive completed applications is January 28, 2009.

It is anticipated that approximately 800 households will receive HEF ben-

efits of up to $1,500 through this initiative. These funds will provide household furnishings (including beds, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, and dryers), rent payments and deposits, and utility payments and deposits to clients who have been affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Awarded funds are not grant funds, but rather funds provided through a cost reimbursement contract. The term of the contract is expected to begin no later than February 7, 2009 and cease on May 12, 2009.

“We are very excited to bring this extremely effective and much-needed program to the people of St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes,” said Dr. Monteic A. Sizer, President and CEO of the Recovery Corps. “Too often they have been overlooked, but we realize our friends in that part of the state have also suffered tremendously in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Our hope is that by providing these resources to this area, we can enhance the long-term recovery process.”

Applying agencies must demonstrate an ability to work efficiently and effectively within the parishes mentioned. The selected applicant shall partner with all appropriate vendors, select community sites prior to all appointments, conduct intake, confirm client need, and collect supporting documentation for each eligible household before any HEF benefits are issued.

Minimum qualifications for partner agencies include: • Not-for-profit organizations including community-based and faith-based organizations, for profit entities, quasigovernmental entities, entities of parish or local government; • Entities that have a demonstrated and recent history of administering payments or third party payments to individuals; • Entities with demonstrated capacity and experience to deliver quality programming and fiscal accountability; and • Entities with the fiscal capacity to manage cash flow related to immediate payments for eligible households; and the fiscal capacity to administer the program without service interruption under a scenario where reimbursement may not occur for up to 30 days.

“Our goal is to partner with a strong agency that demonstrates many of the same core values as the Recovery Corps – namely accountability, transparency, and efficiency,” added Sizer. “By doing so we are helping to build the capacity of non-profits in the state and strengthening the non-profit sector so that it can continue to increase its role as part of the solution to the state’s long-term recovery needs.”

The Recovery Corps has provided direct services to thousands of Louisiana families and individuals impacted by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike. A proprietary program of the

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the "official" dish ...from 6 Recovery Corps, HEF has provided over $12 million in direct assistance to nearly 10,000 families and individuals across the state. The latest iteration of the HEF program is currently ongoing in the Acadiana region, where approximately 1,700 families are expected to receive assistance totaling more than $3 million.

Additionally, the Recovery Corps’ Homeowner Repair Grant Program and Housing Repair Assistance Program provide housing repairs to those affected by the storms who were ineligible to receive benefits from FEMA or have faced barriers in obtaining federal, state, or insurance assistance. The Homeowner Repair Grant Program is currently providing housing repairs to families in St. Tammany parish, while the Housing Repair Assistance Program is just beginning in Lafourche and

Terrebonne parishes.

To learn more about the Recovery Corps and the HEF program, log onto www.RecoveryCorps.org.

Major Disney Exhibition Coming to NOMA in November

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rom November 15, 2009 to March 14, 2010, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) will present Dreams Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy Tales from the Walt Disney Studio, a major exhibition featuring more than 600 original artworks that shaped legendary animated features including Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Dreams Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy Tales from the Walt Disney Studio also will include artwork from the upcoming Walt Disney Anima-

tion Studios musical, The Princess and The Frog, an animated comedy from the creators of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, set in New Orleans and due for release at Christmas 2009.

“We are delighted to present this magical exhibition in New Orleans,” said NOMA director E. John Bullard.

“Children will love seeing their favorite Disney characters in a museum setting and adults will be taken by the technical skill and emotional depth reflected in these works. It was Disney animators who really led the way in the 20th century toward establishing animation as a serious art form.” Visitors to the exhibition will encounter themed rooms showcasing artwork related to specific animated features. Arranged chronologically by year of release, the rooms will feature, in order: Silly Symphonies, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and The Prin-

cess and The Frog. Film clips will accompany the artwork to demonstrate how individual sketches and paintings lead to a finished celluloid masterpiece.

An adjacent Education Area will highlight Disney’s long association with music and also will serve as a mini library for animation research and storytelling programs.

The Princess and The Frog is an animated comedy set against the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin comes a modern twist on a classic tale.

When the free-spirited, jazz-loving Prince Naveen of Maldonia comes to town a deal with a shady voodoo doctor goes bad and the once suave royal is turned into a frog. In a desperate attempt to be human again, a favor in exchange for a fateful kiss on the lips from the beautiful girl, Tiana, takes an unexpected turn and leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana to the banks of the almighty Mississippi and back in time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. An unforgettable tale filled with music, humor and heart where two frogs—along with the help of a 200-year-old voodoo priestess, a love-sick Cajun firefly, and a trumpet-playing alligator—discover that what they want isn’t as important as what they need.

The Princess and The Frog will feature Disney’s first African American princess, Tiana, who lives in New Orleans during the Jazz Age. Other characters include Louis, a trumpet-playing alligator, and Ray, a love-sick Cajun firefly. The Princess and The Frog marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements with music

by Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman (Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story).

Museum hours are Wednesday, noon to 8pm, and Thursday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4:45pm.

The New Orleans Museum of Art, founded in 1910 by Isaac Delgado, houses more than 30,000 art objects encompassing 4,000 years of world art.

Works from the permanent collection, along with continuously changing temporary exhibitions, are on view in the Museum’s 46 galleries.

Admission to the Museum is free to Louisiana residents through the generosity of The Helis Foundation. Admission to the adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring work by 58 artists, including several of the 20th century’s great master sculptors, is always free during regular hours.

The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden are fully accessible to handicapped visitors and wheelchairs are available from the front desk. For more information, call 504.659.4100 or visit www.noma.org.

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cookin' with auntie dee

by Donnie Jay E-mail: auntiedeej@hotmail.com Photo©GrahamStudioOne.COM

Healthy Favorites

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t’s no secret; not many of us really watch our diets to see if we are eating healthy. Unfortunately I am one of quite a few who for health reasons have to pay attention. I am diabetic and have high blood pressure, so a lot of the foods I use to enjoy are taboo for me now. However, by using low-fat dairy and salt-free products I have found a lot of recipes that are really good and healthy for me at the same time. I’d like to share a few with you this week.

CREAM OF CILANTRO SOUP 1 bunch fresh cilantro 1 (32-ounce) container low-sodium fat-free chicken broth, divided 2 tablespoons salt-free butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 (8-ounce) package fat-free cream cheese 1 (8-ounce) container light sour cream 1 garlic clove, minced ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon ground cumin Garnishes: Fresh cilantro sprigs, light sour cream Remove stems from cilantro, and coarsely chop leaves. Process cilantro with one cup of chicken broth in a food processor until blended, scraping down sides. Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat; whisk in flour. Gradually add remaining three cups chicken broth whisking constantly until mixture is smooth. Boil for one minute. Stir in cilantro mixture, cream cheese and next five ingredients, simmer soup for fifteen minutes. Yield: six cups. Garnish when serving.

SOUTHWESTERN TABBOULEH SALAD This nutrient-packed salad has both great texture and taste.

1 cup uncooked bulgur wheat 1 cup boiling water 2 tomatoes, chopped 4 green onions, chopped 1 (15 ½-ounce) can black beans,

drained ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ¼ teaspoon grated lime rind ¼ cup fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon ground cayenne 1 (8 3/4 –ounce) can no-salt-added corn kernel, drained ¼ teaspoon sea salt Place bulgur in a large bowl, and add one cup boiling water. Cover and let stand thirty minutes. Add chopped tomatoes and next ten ingredients to bulgur. Toss gently and chill. Yield: eight cups.

SAVORY SPINACH GORGONZOLA CUSTARDS ½ cup frozen chopped spinach, drained 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced 2 teaspoons olive oil 2 teaspoons brown sugar Vegetable cooking spray 3 ounces crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 4 ounces fat-free cream cheese, softened 1 large egg 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk ½ cup egg substitute ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon black pepper Drain spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels, set aside.

Sauté onion in hot oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for five minute.

Stir in brown sugar; cook, stirring occasionally, twenty minutes or until onion is caramel-colored. Reserve ¼ cup onion. Spoon remaining onion evenly into six (6-ounce) custard cups that have been coated with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with Gorgonzola cheese. Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add egg and next five ingredients, beating just until blended, stir in spinach. Spoon evenly over cheese in custard cups. Place cups in a 13 x 9 inch pan. Add hot water to pan

to a depth of one inch. Bake at 350 degrees for thirty-five minutes or until almost set. Remove from oven. Remove cups from pan. Let stand ten minutes; unmold and top each custard with reserved onions. Yield: six servings.

GLAZED SALMON WITH STIR-FRY VEGETABLES 2 carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips 1 parsnip, cut into thin strips 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 8 green onions, cut into thin strips 4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets 1 ¼ teaspoon sea salt Vegetable cooking spray ¼ cup sugar free apple jelly 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon lite soy sauce 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill 2 teaspoons vegetable oil Sprinkle salmon fillets evenly with salt. Place on a rack in a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Broil 5 ½ inches from heat ten to thirteen minutes or until fish flakes with a fork. Whisk together the jelly and the next five ingredients. Cook carrots and parsnips in hot oil in large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, two to three minutes. Add bell pepper and onions; cook one or two minutes or until crisp tender.

Remove from skillet, and keep warm.

Add jelly mixture o skillet, and cook, stirring constantly, three or four minutes or until thickened. Spoon vegetables onto four serving plates. Drizzle with half of sauce. Top with the salmon fillets and drizzle with the remaining

BANANA- BERRY SMOOTHIE 1 cup low-fat yogurt 3 cups sliced strawberries 2 bananas sliced ¾ cup fat-free milk ¼ cup crushed ice ¼ cup honey Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve immediately. Yield: five cups.

Calories 168, Carbs 38 SPICED PINK GRAPEFRUIT 2 large pink grapefruits 1 large lemon 2/3 cup water ¼ cup Splenda 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken 4 whole cloves Cut 2 (3 x 4-inch) strips of rind from each grapefruit and lemon. Peel grapefruit, and cut into 2-inch-thick slices.

Discard seeds, and place slices in an 8 inch square dish; set aside. Squeeze 2 tablespoons juice from lemon: set aside.

Scrape white pith from rind strip. Combine rind strips, water, and remaining three ingredients in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer.

Cook three minutes. Stir in lemon juice; pour mixture over grapefruit slices in dish. Cover and chill 4 hours. To serve remove cinnamon sticks, cloves and rind. Yield: two servings.

Till the next go around, happy healthy eating.

You may contact me at donniejay@hotmail.com.

obituary Joseph Brooks

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oseph Brooks, age 53, passed away on Monday, January 5 at his newly rebuilt Lakeview home. After joining the Krewe of Petronius in 1998, he became one of

Joseph Brooks

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sauce. Yield: four servings.

Queen Satyricon V

the founding members of the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon for which he served as President from the krewe’s creation in 2001 until his death. He was also Queen Satyricon V in the krewe’s 2006 Mardi Gras ball. His devotion and generosity to the krewe had no limits.

He will be greatly missed by his fellow krewe members and everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.

He was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Rene Garcia.

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sappho psalm

by Toni J.P. Pizanie E-mail: Psalmwrite@aol.com

Starting Anew

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eah, yeah – don’t remind me again that I missed the first issue of the year. I guess I just got lazy or had brain fade. I have no real excuse, and I do thank you for the few calls I received asking why I didn’t have an article in the last issue. Let’s blame it on the New Year and my busy schedule.

The new year started with Julie Thompson and me going to the movies that I didn’t review but wanted to see.

Marley and Me was great and not for children. It is about love, loyalty and commitment. Marley, the dog, was just frosting on the cake. There was nothing curious about Benjamin Button. It was almost three hours of lovely New Orleans scenes with a boring and predictable story. We were disappointed but only in the story not the acting. The supporting actors were terrific and their roles were spicy.

Julie was back on the job at Delgado when I went to see Last Chance Harvey.

Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson

are seasoned actors that never fail to entertain. It’s an old story that was predictable yet enjoyable, touching and funny. When did Hoffman get that old?

Guess I need to take a look in the mirror.

Another over done boy meets girl, boy hates girl, boy falls in love with girl story was well done by Harry Connick, Jr. and Rene Zellweger in New in Town.

It was not sophisticated as was Last Chance Harvey but just as sweet, and it was also entertaining.

Sometime soon I go to see Notorious, the story of Notorious B.I.G. It should be an interesting lesson in HipHop, murder and mayhem. I’ve asked a few friends to go and was turned down each time. Guess I’m asking the wrong friends. Most of my 9th Ward friends are now living in Atlanta.

In-between all these films, I had the delightful experience of attending the 12th Night Party given by Forum for Equality at the beautiful home of Jimmy Farenholtz and Pam Butler. And I do mean beautiful – antiques on the main floor while the party space is in the huge basement that flows out to a covered

patio with fish pond and fountains and a grassy lawn beyond. There was lots of room for a full compliment of politicos.

The bartenders were serving individually made vodka and fresh fruit cocktails that made us all a little happier. The beer drinkers didn’t seem as joyful. A state map of Illinois showed us where we could purchase a Senate seat.

Times-Picayune photojournalist Steven Forester was there to snap shots of our jolly activities.

The food was plentiful and varied just to keep us drivers a little safer for the trip home. Now I always tell people that I don’t eat fowl – I hate the smell of chicken and turkey. However when it comes to crispy chicken strips, I do make allowances. Especially when a yummy sauce is provided, I find the foul fowl eatable and enjoyable.

Since this was the beginning of Mardi Gras, a delicious King Cake was provided. Brian Sands got the baby and is holding a party in New York City for anyone interested. Yes, he will be home with Mom and Dad doing some dutiful son stuff that centers on a knee replacement for Mother Sands. Best wishes for her full recovery, his Dad’s sanity and his quick return to St. Philip Street. He has no idea what he is getting into. If my recuperation is any indication, Brian will hire a nurse and run southward.

Julie and I found ourselves trapped in the back of the basement with Pas-

tors Clinton and Lee working on ways to get an audience for the January 24th showing of Prayers for Bobby, a Lifetime network film about PFLAG and MCC. Julie says it’s a good flick and real tear jerker. She saw it in D.C. at a National PFLAG meeting. I am going to opt for the NO/AIDS Anniversary dinner that night. I’ve cried enough about murder and suicide of young gay people.

The more work I do with PLAG, the more pain I see in the youth of the gay community. I also see a lot of strength from these young people so that keeps me going.

Then we found ourselves trapped with Ryan trying to find a solution to Bobby Jindal’s hate legislation. Of course it is necessary to continue the fight for equality and freedom against the Commission for Marriage & Family, headed by Tony Perkins of the Family Research group. To those who have fought for same-sex marriage and adoption, we know that Perkins has been an evil force against our civil rights. Right now Forum and PFLAG are watching and waiting before taking action. But when the time comes, we will need everyone to take part.

Now the best part of 2009 – Ray is back from Mesa, AZ where he spent the month of December with Father Nicholas and Rex Romans. Nicholas and Rex are well and very happy with their

12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

[continued on 14]

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13

the pink pastor

by Rev. Clinton Crawshaw, 504.214.4340 E-mail: pastor@bigeasymcc.com www.bigeasymcc.com www.thebigeasymccblog.blogspot.com

Taking the Good with the Bad

I

don’t think I am giving away any secrets when I say I was thrilled to bits when Barack Obama was elected. It reminded me of the feeling when Tony Blair was elected in 1997 – great optimism, and openness to change. The big difference is that Barack Obama has already changed a great deal just by being elected – he doesn’t have to lift a finger in order to transform the perception of America around the world; just being there does that. Tony Blair ushered in ten years of prosperity and law reform that changed Britain forever, and left LGBT people with equal rights after a long struggle – it is my prayer that Barack Obama has at least as good a run (well, eight years, not ten).

It therefore came as a nasty shock to many people when Mr. Obama decided upon Rick Warren as the pastor to give the benediction at his inauguration. When I first heard this I rolled my eyes but figured that he had to include as wide a range of people as possible in ‘the project’. Indeed, I attended an HIV/ AIDS conference at Rick Warren’s church a couple of years back, and was struck by his sincerity, and what I took to be a genuine wish to do the right thing. I put his homophobia down to ignorance and misinformation. I still do, but the difference is that when ignorance is faced with truth it should give way – I cannot believe that in the last few years nobody has ever gone to Rick Warren and told him the truth of our lives, and yet he appeared on national television and spouted embarrassing lunacy about ‘choosing’ homosexuality being no different to him having a desire for ten wives. Please Rick, I mean… please!!

If he, coming from a conservative tradition, had said that all homosexuals should restrict their sexual behavior to within covenanted relationships (marriages) I could have at least respected his position and argued from a position of equality, but no, he has not applied any empathy, or indeed reason to the issue, and instead has draped the whole subject in an easy ‘one size fits all’ set of solutions he received mail-order from the Southern Baptist Convention. This is not good enough. Rick Warren is obviously a very bright man – he could never had built a vast church and outreach network without some serious smarts; it is however equally obvious that he has put his reason and intelligence to bed when it comes to human sexuality - evidently the answers his

reason gave him were just too troubling for his black and white faith, and therefore they had to be silenced.

Many people of apparently good intelligence do the same thing; treating God as if God is some deluded old lady that has fallen on hard times, and the truth of her reduced circumstances must be hidden from her. This God is also very frail, and cannot stand loud noises or bright lights! It is as if the truth is something that she must be sheltered from or she will shatter into a million pieces like glass. Well, what they have is a fragile construction, it is a religion based upon fond inventions and comfortable certainties, not upon the God of Truth or The God of Love – it is instead a collection of traditions and social conventions that are treated as law.

This is much the same as the code of the Pharisees that Jesus railed against; it is a religion, not Christianity – it is a set of rules that have become more important that either the intent of the heart or the example of Christ.

Rick Warren’s silliness could be laughed off if it didn’t result in increased hatred, bible abuse and prejudice – if it didn’t lead to beaten children and murdered LGBT teens. Rick Warren needs to wise up and understand that words have consequences and he is a man of some considerable power. If he has a personal conservatism all well and good – but that has nothing to do with sexual orientation! It may inform what he teaches about marriage, raising children or fidelity, but such teachings affect gay folk and straight equally. A conservative may argue that gay people need marriage, stability and the church, but it must be same-sex marriage (or it is meaningless and dishonest), it must be a church that celebrates them and it must be a stability that we have sought, not a prison cell of social convention.

Sexual orientation is morally neutral. We start, ethically, from the same point as straight people in that it is the free-will decisions in our lives that carry moral consequences, not the God-given traits that we are born with, things that we have no control over. It is no more sensible to say that being gay is immoral than it is to suggest that being left handed is immoral. It is no more sensible to suggest that gay sex is intrinsically immoral than to say that writing with your left hand is immoral – it is merely the natural outworking of the inborn trait. It is sensible to say that murdering someone with your left hand is immoral, just as it is sensible to say that raping someone of the same sex is immoral – but those are the only informed guidelines for making parallels.

sappho psalm ...from 12 new lives. Nicholas’ congregation loves him and accepts his union with Rex without a problem. I am so happy that they have finally found what they could not here in Louisiana.

Ray arrived on a Friday night and I was already in bed. His key didn’t want to work so he rang the bell until I got up and went to the door in my tee shirt. My mom would have been horrified. Ray took care of me after my last surgery – remember – so he’s seen more than that tee showed even with the holes.

Aren’t old tees with holes the most comfortable? That could be why I don’t have a partner.

Anyway – we talked for a long time.

When my eyes started to close, Ray insisted that I go back to bed. The next day he checked out the back yard to see how much work he had to do to get it back into the shape he had it before going away. It wasn’t too bad.

He hauled my Christmas stuff upstairs into the storage area. He vacuumed the living room and his bedroom and then brought me fresh coffee so we could watch What Not to Wear together. Guilt consumed me so I cooked lunch – scallops in butter with shell noodles and lots of onions. We both love onions.

Not to be out done, Ray washed the dishes. Guess I’ll have to cook again sooner rather than later, I told myself – rats. Still the New Year looks good to me. I’ll be busy and have help getting my heavy schedule completed.

There is one sad or bad note for 2009. There is talk of closing the Lesbian and Gay Community Center of New Orleans. The problem is money.

There isn’t enough money to pay the bills and also not enough volunteers to Mr. Warren, to suggest that falling in love with someone of the same sex to whom you are by nature designed to be attracted, and then committing to them and devoting your life to them in mutual love and compassion is the same as choosing to have ten wives, or worse, that it somehow has parallels with pedophilia is deeply demeaning. It deprives you of the respect owing you as a major figure in the Christian sphere, and someone who has on occasion written with great wisdom. You can do better than that, and what is more, so can Barack Obama!

Rev. Clinton Crawshaw is the Pastor of The Big Easy Metropolitan Community Church. The Big Easy MCC is a Christian church dedicated to celebrating all its members, with a special outreach to the LGBT community and meets at 5pm every Sunday at 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue (St Matthew’s church). For details of bible study, choir practice, classes, volunteer opportunities and for information about Holy Unions call Rev Clinton on 504.214.4340, e-mail to pastor@bigeasymcc.com or visit www.bigeasymcc.com.

keep the Center open.

How did this happen? Do not get upset by my personal opinion. Don’t we all have one?

The blame falls directly on the Center Board, and the non-business like or non-organized attitude that has caused the Center to fail. I applaud the people who are willing to try. I thank the people who give their time and energy to try.

But they have been unwilling to take advice or direction from anyone.

Being hardheaded is not getting the job done. The Board needs to be open-minded and willing to learn. The job isn’t getting done because no one outside the Center knows what is happening at the Center. The Center needs a publicist. The Center needs to advertise what they are doing. I have spoken with Center Board members for several years about doing articles on their activities but the Center doesn’t come through for themselves.

Board Members need to be known in the community-at-large in a positive way. Other than perhaps Crystal Little, can you name another board member?

And even though I wrote about the film festival, can you name who was in charge? Who organized the Transgender Day of Remembrance?

There are some very talented people on the Board but they take a quiet, back seat at events. If you want the Center to grow, you need to put yourselves out in the public eye and let people know who you are and what you do. Events need to be advertised well in advance – at least a month.

Did you know that the Center is planning a fund-raiser this month? I heard about it in passing but don’t know the date or what they are planning. Why didn’t someone call Ambush and ask to have the event covered? Rip runs from event to event trying to get pictures of the community in each issue. He cannot plan to attend if he doesn’t know about the event or doesn’t have time to put it into his schedule.

All this information has been given to the board members before. They will not take advice and act as if they don’t need help until they have to ask for money. So they fail the community and then have the nerve to ask other organizations to save them with the money others have worked for. This is annoying.

I served on the Center Board for many years. When Rip Naquin and Rene Parks were Chairs, they helped the Center raise $30,000. Many of us just refuse to go back because no current officers will listen or act.

I’m excited to announce that attitude is changing. Officers are having a meeting soon to ask the community what they want and what can be done to interest them in taking a more active part in the Center’s organization. With minds and hearts open, I know we can save the Center. I hope you will want to be a part of the new Community Center.

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

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Lord King & Consort XXV Michael & Doug

King Cake Queen XV Marsha & XVI-Elect Tami flank Lord King XXV Michael, Lords Capt. David & Lord Consort XXV Doug

T

he Lords of Leather presented it's Royal Leather Tea honoring Lord King and Consort XXV Michael Ducote and Doug Minich at an afternoon affair in the Victorian Galleries above JohnPaul's in New Orleans. In addition to the Lords Royalty, the reigning monarchs of fellow clubs were also honored including Amon Ra, Armeinius, Mwindo, Petronius, Queenateenas, Satyricon, and Apollo's Baton Rouge, Birmingham and Shreveport. La Madeleine catered the tea. The Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXVI is Sunday, February 22 at the Alario Center. Visit LordsOfLeather.COM for more information. (Photo: Lord King XXV Michael Ducote, Lords Captain David Boyd, Lord Consort XXV Doug Minich and Lords President Gary Vandeventer)

V

olleyball New Orleans Treasurer Jerry Traigle and Mardi Gras Classic Tournament Director Kevin Wiemken welcome teams and players from across North America to the 26th annual Mardi Gras Classic registration at Napoleon's Itch on the Bourbon Street Strip in New Orleans.

The North American Gay Volleyball Association (NAGVA) tournament took place on MLK weekend culminating with the Awards Presentation at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville Cafe. For more on the tournament visit VolleyballNewOrleans.COM.

Auctioneer Kasey presents David with his own creation honoring David’s work as Captain

Lord King & Consort XXIV Danny & Danny (aka Princesse Stephaney)

Queen & King Amon Ra XLIII Opal & Paul flank Lord King XXV Michael, Lords Capt. David & Lord Consort XXV Doug

Armeinius’ Ricky & Tim

Lord King XXV, Queen Petronius XLVII Dawn, Lords Capt. David & Lord Consort XXV Doug

Satyricon Queen & King XI Carl & Scott flank Lord King XXV Michael, Lords Capt. David & Lord Consort XXV Doug

T

he Krewe of Petronius, the oldest GLBT carnival organization in New Orleans, presented it's Gathering of Grand Dames: The Society of Petronius Kings and Queens in the upstairs Victorian Galleries at JohnPaul's. Here Petronius Captain Bill McCarthy (center) presents King and Queen Petronius XLVIII-Elect Arthur Alarcon and Freddie Guess with a little bling for the upcoming bal masque on Sunday, February 1 at the Laborer's Union Hall.

The upscale bash was catered by Bywater Restaurant.

Amon Ra’s Gizelle Bouvier

King Cake Queen’s XVI-Elect Tami, XV Marsha & XIV Princesse

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Lords of Leather’s Royal Leather Tea in the Victorian Galleries at JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17

King & Queen Petronius XLVII Charles & Dawn

King Petronius XXIX & Queen Petronius XXXIV Dick and King Petronius XXXI & Queen Petronius XL Robert Petronius Capt. Bill and Queen Petronius XXXII & Satyricon Capt. Mickey

Toebe emceed her Draggin’ for Pussy Suicide Drag Show benefiting the LASPCA at Starlight

Tony joins Princesse for Dingo at Oz

Starr Daniels does “Proud Mary” in the Draggin’ for Pussy benefit at Starlight Paul & John welcome you to JohnPaul’s

King & Queen Petronius XLIV Craig & Romnie

The Draggin’ for Pussy show brought Trudy DeMille to the stage at Starlight Mother & King Petronius XLV Mae and Daughter & Queen Petronius XLVII Dawn Rusty gettin’ ready for The Zoo Revue at Big Daddy’s

King Petronius XLV Mae and King Petronius XXXVIII & Queen Petronius XLV Wally

Zsa Zsa DeLahore hit the Starlight stage for Draggin’ for Pussy Bywater Restaurant’s Craig & Mike catered the upscale affair Buffy & Queenie pose at their home on Bourbon Street

snap paparazzi

King Cake Queen XV Marsha and Queen Petronius XXX & King Petronius XXXV Hoyle

JohnPaul’s DB served cocktails for the group

Silky Fountaine lent her talents to Draggin’ for Pussy

Buffy ready for her nap in her New Year’s Eve hat

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Highlights in The Crescent City ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Petronius’ Gathering of the Grand Dames in the Victorian Galleries upstairs at JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans~ Photos by Ambush

King & Queen Petronius XLVIII-Elect Arthur & Freddie flank Petronius Capt. Bill

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e-mail, letters Dear Ambush Magazine, I went down to the quarter for New Years with friends who flew in from out of state. What should have been a really fun evening for all of us, sadly, was spoiled by the incredibly smoky atmosphere in the bars. While we certainly can understand the correlation between drinking and smoking, those who in live in states with smoke-free bars just step outside for a minute when they need a puff. In New Orleans it’s no big deal, you can still take your drink with you outside and most of the bars also have balconies. The heavy smoke bothered my eyes, and all of us stank of stale smoke when we finally left for the evening.

The following morning, my lungs felt raw from breathing in other people’s smoke.

When is our city finally going to get with the times and provide a smoke-free scene that we can all enjoy every night?

--Eric M. K., New Orleans

Subject: THE SHOWGIRL MUST GO ON SHE DID, AND I WAS THERE TO SEE IT. BETTE MIDLERS SHOW IN VEGAS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER. SHE IS A NONE

STOP BALL OF FIRE. SHE SINGS, DANCES, TELLS DIRTY JOKES AND BRINGS THE HOUSE DOWN WITH HER “BIG” VOICE THAT HAS NOT GOTTEN ANY WEAKER OVER THE YEARS. SHE BOWLED EVERYONE OVER IN THE AUDIENCE. SHE HAS A CHORUS LINE OF 20 GIRLS, CALLED THE “CEASAR SALAD GIRLS”, WHOM SHE SAYS “ARE A BUNCH OF TOMATOES WITH VERY LITTLE DRESSING”, AND HER BACKUP SINGERS “THE HARLETTES”.

SHE ALTERNATES CAMP AND SCHTICK WITH SERIOUSAND MOOD MUSIC. AND IT KEEPS THE WHOLE THING VERY MEZMERIZING AND KEEPS A NICE FLOW TO THE WHOLE SHOW. (YOU DON’T GET STUCK IN A RUT AND KEEPS EVERYONE HAPPY).

SHE DOES ALL THE “BITS” THAT MADE HER FAMOUS. THE “SHOWGIRL SOPH” WITH HER SOPH AND ERNIE JOKES. AND “DELORES DELAGO”, THE MERMAID IN THE ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR, AND EVEN HER CHORUS LINE CAME OUT IN MERMAID OUTFITS AND ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIRSAND THEY DID ACANCAN LINE IN THE CHAIRS WITH THEIR

FLIPPERS. WHAT A HOOT!!!!!

IF ANYONE WANTS TO SEE WHAT A SHOW SHOULD BE LIKE, THAT IS THE ONE TO GO SEE. BETWEEN HER AND CHER, I’M SURE THAT THEY MUST BE MAKING SOME SERIOUS MONEY. (SHE IS THERE FOR 6 WKS AND CHER IS THERE FOR 6WKS AND THEY ALTERNATE WITH ELTON JOHN)( THE “3 QUEENS” AS SHE SAID) HA HA !!!!!

BETWEEN NOW AND MAY IS A GOOD TIME TO GO TO VEGAS AS THEYARE HAVING “BIG” DISCOUNTS ON MOST OF THE HOTELS, AS MUCH AS 30% OFF, IF YOU STAY 3 DAYS OR MORE. GO TO www.i4vegas.com

AND CHECK IT OUT. SEE YOU THERE. --GARY GLITTER, New Orleans Counseling and Psychotherapy Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.

We care. We understand.

A Counseling Cooperative

504.836.0000 3001 Fifth St. Metairie, LA 70002

David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19

20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

Catch Danny, aka Amanda Straddle, slingin’ cocktails Sun. & Mon. 7pm til, and Tues. & Wed. noon-7pm at JohnPaul’s

Bruce celebrates his 12th Night b-day at The Friendly Bar

New bartender Terri hails from The Always Lounge (formerly Cowpokes)

Catch muscle boy Matt behind the bar at Dance Club of the Year, Oz

Stephen, Calvin & Brandon pop in to see Matt at Oz

Don, JohnPaul’s John, Lauren, Joseph, JohnPaul’s Paul (above), Tommy (Mother) & Jack (Father) cocktailin’ at JohnPaul’s

Legendary Donnie Jay still slingin’ 'em at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Jimmy & Dudley hosting Bean Night at Cutter’s

Rusty entertains Lucille & Miss Verona at Big Daddy’s New Lafitte's manager Sammy & Aletha workin’ the Bourbon Street Bailout

snap paparazzi

Wayne welcomes you to Leather Bar of the Year, the Phoenix

Hot & handsome Philip servin’ it up at Napoleon’s Itch Blake & Spencer slingin’ for the Bourbon Street Bailout at Good Friends Bar

Josh is happy to serve you at The Corner Pocket

The soon to be Always Lounge (formerly Cowpokes) bar baron Timm & new manager Dennis

Bar baron Mike gettin’ ready for 700 Club’s Super “Boil” Sunday, Feb. 1st

SDGM Tittie Toulouse pops in to see JR at Cutter’s

New bartender Jude joins bartender Blake at Good Friends

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Catch Us If You Can ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Glenn & Marleeka cocktailin’ at Tubby’s Golden Lantern

C&B Enterprises' John hanging with Double Play bartender Mike at Cafe Lafitte in Exile

chop chop

one last song

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain www.ripandmarsha.com E-mail: info@ambushmag.com

Wood Fired Delicious at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen

W

e ventured out on one of those extremely cold evenings of late in the French Quarter and decided on dinner at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen. Located at the end of the French Market near the Old US Mint at 95 French Market Place, we walked into a cozy and warm eatery.

The smells drifting through the place were enticing. Ordering two glasses of white zin (5), we looked over the extensive menu and the board specials.

Our server recommended we begin with the evening's special appetizer roasted eggplant spread topped with calamata olives and diced tomatoes served on homemade pocket bread (8).

Roasted Eggplant Spread It was an excellent choice since the on Pocket Bread tasty spread was laced with garlic and

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

calamatives is one of our favorites. It was just what the evening ordered.

The extensive menu includes gourmet salads, wood fired pizza, pastas, wraps and calzones.

Marsha chose Garlic Shrimp Pasta (15). The jumbo shrimp were succulent and sauteed in garlic butter topSalsiccia Marinara Pizza ping a mound of angel hair pasta tossed in the same sauce. And did we say garlic! Yes, if you're a garlic lover, this dish is for you.

Rip chose the Salsiccia Marinara whole wheat pizza (12.50). The wood burning oven left it's distinctive smoky taste to the light and crisp dough topped with marinara, sliced Italian sausage, alligator sausage and smoked andouille sausage, somewhat spicy with fresh mozzarella. It was indeed wood fired gourmet delicious.

Unfortunately we were too full to try any of the featured desserts. The restaurant is open 11am till 7 days a week. For more info visit

by Donnie "Jager" Jay, SDGM XXXII E-mail: donniejay@hotmail.com

Going Home: Part Three

T

hat first night was more than likely the best experience either one had ever had. For both of them, Sam and Kirk, it seemed to just fly by and neither one of them ever wanted it to end. But just as all good things must, it did. The next morning after Sam had gotten up and showLouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM or call 504.522.9500.

New Orleans Restaurant Guide Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hours are 9am-9pm Mon.Fri., and Sat. & Sun. Closed Wed. Call 944.4445 for additional info. MasterCard/ Visa accepted.

Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and drinks. Serving lunch and dinner, Wed.-Sun. 11am-9pm, and Sun., brunch 10am-3pm. Call 412.8965 for reservations or additional information.

Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Call 598.1010 or visit CloverGrill.COM. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St. Under the new direction of Chef Sam Allen, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! As always, the specials are available online, as is the entire menu.

Serving 7 days 11am-10pm 7 days and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Visit TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM or call 945.0742 for more information.

Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Call 523.4030 for more info.

Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm, call 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM.

ered, he prepared some breakfast for the two of them. As they sat on the rooftop just outside Sam’s bedroom, he had described it for Kirk is such detail that for the first time in many years Kirk had wished he could see it for himself.

It sounded beautiful and it was indeed.

First of all Sam let him know that they were fifteen stories up above the [continued on 24]

Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pastries, danish and cakes. Open 7 days 7am-10pm. Call 899.2911 or visit MagazinePerks.COM. Mardi Gras Zone Grocery & Deli, 2706 Royal St., is open for for full service catering and delivery not to mention everyday breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Call 947.8787 for information. Open 48 hours a day, 8 days a week, Sunrise to Sunset.

Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy, serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches, pastries, danish and cakes. Open 7 days 7am-10pm. Call 948.7401 or visit www.marignyperks.com.

Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees.

Lunch 11am-5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Call 522.6746 for info.

Orleans Grapevine, 720 Orleans, is located in a beautifully renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with over 350 selections and delicious food including prime steaks, lobster tails and rack of lamb. Serving dinner 5-11pm daily. Call 523.1930 for additional information.

Petunias, A Restaurant, 817 St. Louis, is open daily 8am-10pm serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, crepes, poboys, salads, gumbo, Cajun/Creole specialties and dinner. Call 522.6440 for more info.

Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., was voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year once again and is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the deli offers free delivery. Call 529.1416 to order.

Tomatillo’s Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave., is open Tues., Wed. 11am10pm; Thurs.-Sun. 11am-11pm. The restaurant refers to itself as “A Mexican Joint” featuring appetizers, soups, salads, make your own combination plates, house specialties, burritos, desserts, and of course, specialty margaritas.

Call 945.9997 for reservations.

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23

one last song ...from 23 city and the entire rooftop belonged to him as a perk for the penthouse condo. He also let him know that it was surrounded by a fourteen foot high fence and that he could feel very comfortable to wander around it in the complete nude if he so desired, as a matter of fact he often sunbathed with any clothing at all. To the right as they exited the master bedroom was three steps leading up to where they were sitting to eat, it also had a railing around the sixteen foot deck, directly behind them in the corner was a hot tub. To the left of the doorway was what Kirk had really wanted his sight so he could see. As Sam described it to him he could hear and feel it all. Coming from the roof of the condo was a waterfall ending in a rooftop pool. The entire area was surrounded by lush tropical flora. Tall palms, citrus trees, ferns of many varieties and hundreds of blooming plants, it was almost as dense as a natural rain forest, but laid out in such a way that plants that required sun got it while those that thrived in the shade were greatly protected. For the first time in the past twenty-four hours, Sam was speaking with unabashed pride about himself and the haven he created up here on the roof and it pleased Kirk to no end.

He wondered to himself how someone could afford such lavishness at such a young age, and wondered to himself just how Sam made his money, but decorum prevailing he didn’t ask, in due time if this incredible man wanted him to have this knowledge he would bestow it on him he was sure of that. God, listen to him talking to himself as if there would be a future with this man, indeed the thought of it. He had explored Sam last night from head to toe and knew just what a first rate specimen he was. They had withheld nothing from one and another in the sexual department either, and to say he was unbelievable would really be under rating the man, perhaps he was a professional? A porn star, perhaps? He heard that some of those guys made as much as legitimate actors. No he could not picture Sam as that, there was a kind of shyness about him that he was sure would prevent him from that sort of exposure.

He was confident if indeed there was to be a future with this man he would eventually reveal everything to him.

They really didn’t converse much as they ate their morning meal but just sat content to be in each other’s company. Sam poured Kirk another cup of coffee and fixed for him just as he had seen him do it for himself.

Kirk sipped it, it was perfect. “You're very observant?" he smiled.

“So I‘ve been told.”

“Really the coffee is perfect.”

“As it should be, I made it for a perfect man.” Kirk blushed. “I didn’t say that to make you blush” “I’m far from perfect. You are the very model of perfection and I’m afraid I don’t hold a candle to you, my dear, and before you even open your mouth to deny that, just let me say I’ve been to every part of your physical body and there is not a flaw anywhere and I also have been exploring your inner self and thus far it’s scoring a hundred percent.”

“How kind of you, but do you really think you're getting the whole picture?”

“More than likely, not yet, but I really like what I’m feeling.”

“Want to jump in the hot tub?”

“I ought to shower first, don’t you think?”

“Let me lead you to the waterfall then.”

“This robe is all that I have on.”

“You're overdressed, I have not put a stitch on my body as of yet.” He laughed and taking Kirks hand stood him up, stripped him of the terrycloth robe and guided him lovingly to the waterfall. Kirk was amazed at the warmth of the waterfall as Kirk led him beneath it, he was expecting a rather simple chill; from it coldness that never came.

“It feels like bath water.”

“That’s so that even on cold days you can use the pool, it’s kept at a constant temperature.”

“You seem to think of every little thing.”

“I guess I was just getting it ready for someone.”

“Must be someone very special.”

Sam didn’t reply to this but stepped behind Kirk, biting the back on his neck gently.

“You aren’t a vampire are you?” No answer to that question either. “A blood sucker?” He felt Sam’s hand slip between his legs and grab hold of him.

“Not exactly a blood sucker, maybe in a way, you could say that and make a case for it.” They both laughed. Suddenly he was swept off his feet and all at once he was flying through the air, he yelled, but suddenly he landed in the pool and went under drowning his yell with a mouth full of water. He surfaced at once gasping for air paddling frantically to stay afloat. All at once he felt strong arms circling him and dragging him to where he could stand. “Christ forgive me, I thought for sure you would be able to swim.”

“I never bothered to learn. I only ever waded in the shallow end of pools and walked along the shoreline at the beach. You scared the hell out of me.”

“I can’t apologize enough to you, I meant no harm.”

“I know that, it’s my fault for not learning. I should have at least mentioned it when we came poolside. Besides I should have learned years ago.”

“If you would like, I could teach you. That’s part of what I do for a living."

“Part of what you do?" Sam had opened the doorway and Kirk was about to learn just what all he did to maintain a place like this.

He could stop wondering now about where the money was coming from at such a young age.

“Well basically, I’m a personal trainer.”

“It sure must pay well.”

“I have a lot of wealthy clients and I’ve written a few well received books on the subject.” He laughed out loud.

“What’s so funny.”

“You were wondering how in the hell I could afford this place?”

“Okay, I confess it was going through my mind.”

“Well that’s how I keep it up, but I was able to purchase it with the insurance my father left me when he passed on, along with some rather healthy bank accounts. What did you think I did to get it?”

“I had no clue, I thought maybe you may have worked in adult films.” There was silence and Kirk was sure he offended him.

“Then I thought no, you seem to have a rather shy streak in you,

not that you don’t have the talent for it, and I might add, in abundance.”

This did make Sam laugh. “Thanks for the left handed compliment, I guess.

Come on lets get a little relaxation in the hot tub before I have to drop you off. I have several clients to take care of this morning.” Sam led Kirk to the hot tub and lifted him into it. The warm water swirled around him, soothing every part of his body. It ran up and down his legs, around his hips and chest and caressed his privates causing him to come to life. He couldn’t believe it after all the sex they had the night before. Sam leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek, his hardness brushed against him side. “Wow, looks like you need a little morning attention from daddy.”

When they had finished, they dried off and both got dressed.

“Should I call myself a taxi?” Kirk inquired.

“Don’t be smart I’ll drop you off, if you don’t mind me knowing where you live.”

“You drive, I mean everywhere we went last night we cabbed it.”

“I never drive when I go to the bars, don’t want to take a chance.”

On the way to the garage they exchanged phone numbers and Sam told him he would call later. They drove to the Quarter without as much as saying a word to one and another.

“Later.” Was all Sam said as Kirk got out of the car.

“Later.” He answered. He literally floated into his courtyard and towards his small apartment humming the ONE LAST SONG he remembered from the night before.

To be continued.

You may contact donniejay@hotmil.com.

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

me

at

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

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autos New Orleans, LA [504] ORLEANS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP, 13000 I-10 Service Rd., Sales Mgr. Bob Miller, 207.3000

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900, gabrielsdowntown.com VISION'S TWIST, 266 Dauphin St., 431.9002, visions-mobile.com Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 706 E. Gregory St., 433.8482 Alexandria, LA [318] UNIQUE, 3217 Industrial St., 448.0555 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, GeorgesPlaceBR.COM HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Road, 242.9491, splashbr.com Lafayette, LA [337] BACK SIDE, 209 Jefferson St., 269.0430 THE SOUND FACTORY, 209 Jefferson St., 269.6011

Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, www.4seasonsno.com CLUB TRIBUTE, 3202 N. Arnoult Rd., 455.1311, myspace.com/clubtribute New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 COWPOKES, 2240 St. Claude, 947.0505 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450, NapoleonsItch.COM OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields,

Shreveport, LA [318] CENTRA STATION, 1025 Marshall St., 222.2216 KORNER LOUNGE, 800 Louisiana, 71101; 222.9796 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921

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including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2009, Halloween 26, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 3, 2010, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM

construction New Orleans, LA [504] HISTORIC RENOVATIONS, 432.3786, Jim 344.4664

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New Orleans, LA [504] HOT, MASCULINE STUD FOR SENSATIONAL BODY RUBS & MORE 24/7, 6'0, 182#, hard gun & magic hands. Four hands available.

In/Out/Hotel appointments. Call Charlie 504.430.7413 [is209]

DAVID WAGNER, M.Ed., Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000 WILLIAM C. AUSTIN, LCSW, Individual & Family Therapy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LA Lic # 8042, 1532 Ursulines Ave., 504.586.7400, 225.571.5964

bookstores

florists

Birmingham, AL [205] ALABAMA BOOKS, 801 Third Ave., 322.7823 BIRMINGHAM ADULT BOOKS, 7610 First Ave. North, 836.1580

Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

framing

Baton Rouge, LA [225] CITY NEWS STAND & VIDEO, North Blvd., 343.2606; Jones Creek, 751.7494

New Orleans, LA [504] AIRLINE ADULT BOOKS, 1404 26th St., Kenner, LA 70062; 468.2931 CHARTRES ST. CONXXXION, 107 Chartres St., 586.8006 FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S OF KENNER, 96 West 26th St., 466.1870 PARADISE ADULT VIDEO, 41 W. 24th St., Kenner, LA 70065; 461.0000 PARADISE #2 IN ELMWOOD, 5608 Heebe, Harahan, LA, 733.7780 SLIDELL ADULT SUPERSTORE, Slidell, LA, 985.646.2616

New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAME, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

galleries New Orleans, LA [504] ARTICHOKE GALLERY, 912 Decatur St., 636.2004, www.ArtichokeGallery.COM FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

gardening/landscaping New Orleans, LA [504] AMERICAN AQUATIC GARDENS, 621 Elysian Fields, 944.0410

cable shows

guides

New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 78

America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: info@ ambushmag.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, webmaster@gaybars.com United States/Canada GAYELLOW PAGES: Informing the US/ Canada LGBTG Community since 1973. Separate sections for Women and Ethnic/Multicultural focus. PO Box 533, NY, NY 10014-0533; 212.674.0120, http://gayellowpages.com gayellowpages@earthlink.net. Sold at Alternatives/New Orleans, LA

casinos New Orleans, LA [504] HARRAHS NEW ORLEANS, Canal at the River, 800.HARRAHS

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is2708]

circuit/events Feb. 19-24, 2009, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush & Queen Fashions, GayEasterParade.COM May 22-25, 2009, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM June 4-7, 2009, One Mighty Weekend, Gay Day Weekend at Disney sponsored by Ambush, OneMightyWeekend.COM Sept. 2-7, 2008, 38th Official Southern Decadence-A Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] MARDI GRAS ZONE GROCERY, 2706 Royal St., 947.8787, MardiGrasZone.COM QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416 VERTI MART, 1201 Royal St., 525.4767

hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Dau-

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

phine St., 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur St., 565.5555

AmbushMag.COM; email: info@ ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8047, ambushonline.com, email: info@ambushonline.com

laundries

models/escorts

New Orleans, LA [504] RALPH'S QUARTER LAUNDERETTE & DRY CLEANING, 1101 Bourbon St., 522.9274 WASHING WELL LaunDRYteria since 1949, City Wide Pick-up, Fluff Dry or Finished, 1 Hour Service, 841 Bourbon St., 523.9955 or 525.3983 [is2708]

New Orleans, LA [504] MIKEY-HOT, HANDSOME, HARD-BODIED MUSCLE STUD very friendly. 35, 5'10", 175#, USDA Prime! In/out/hotels, 6am-12midnight.

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lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/ FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, Email us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double.

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CRESCENT PALMS MOTEL, 3923 Martin Luther King Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70125; PHONE: 504.821.7773, FAX: 504.267.7366, CrescentPalmsMotel.COM, E-mail us at crescentpalmsmotel@yahoo.com. The Crescent Palms Motel is located in the heart of New Orleans, minutes from the French Quarter and other famous attractions. Our newly renovated, vintage motel offers 24 spacious guest rooms, large bathrooms, ample closet space, a cocktail lounge and complimentary off-street parking. Each room features two brand new double beds, complimentary high-speed wireless internet, a refrigerator and more. Please come visit soon!

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BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

massage New Orleans, LA [504] 4 HAND MASSAGE, Butch/Kevin, Nat’l Board Certified, 908.2069, License #LA 3355, #LA 4230 [is209]

media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049,

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANAARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATEARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINEWELLSMARDIGRASMUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEECONTIHISTORICALWAXMUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27

Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERNART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St.

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc.

Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org LEWIS HUMPHREY’S FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 387.9798

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org MYSTIC KREWE OF ROYALTY, PO Box 66571, 70896; 926.1698 PFLAG Baton Rouge, Harold L. Truax, 33370 Percy Young Rd., Walker, LA 70785; 225.218.8320, 225.288.2522

Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 828.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday Worship at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, p a s t o r @ b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , www.bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CAVALIERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB: Gay motocycle group sponsors monthly day rides and other riding events in New Orleans area.

Visit www.cavaliersmc.comc or call 782.5625 or e-mail info@cavaliersmc.com.

CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMING OUT SUPPORT GROUP, meets 1st Wed. of each month, 7:30-9pm, Info: Liz 482.4012; Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 2114 Decatur St., 70116; 945.1103 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org DRAMA! [A Gay & Lesbian Arts Organization], PO Box 52565, 70152; 948.9924, DramaNO.org, DRAMA@DramaNO.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality@aol.com FOUNDATION FOR MACRO BIOTIC WAY, enjoy-life.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, E-mail:

glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons.

Monthly meetings, socials and political activism.

Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 70156-6836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131.

The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation.

IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 1661 Canal Street, Suite 3107, 70112; 962.3245, is www.inthistogetherinc.org, itt@accesscom.net KOCKTAIL BUNCH BOWLING LEAGUE, Contact Glenn Culp, 504.861.0233 KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, cetubby@cox.net, KreweOfArmeinius.ORG KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, Sec. Mae Falgout 484.6045, http://kreweofpetronius.tripod.com KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/ KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70071-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS, Sunday Friendship Hour 4:15pm, Worship/Celebration, 5pm at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 Carrollton Ave. at Willow; Mailing Address: PO Box 71024, 70172; 945.5390, www.mccgno.com MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 1021 Gov. Nicholls St., 70116, 525.4498, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS BEAR & BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, PO Box 740894, 70174-0894; 529.6975, www.neworleansbears.com NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 948.6884, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NEW ORLEANS WOMEN’S MUSIC COLLECTIVE, 2903 Jefferson Ave., 70115; Ann 838.7918, Sydney 833.2834 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 MOC/NO [Men of Color/New Orleans], 482.5341 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM

OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 TAU HOUSE MINISTRIES, 1029 Governor Nicholls, 70116, roddyssnd@aol.com, 529.3569. Mass on Sunday 4:15pm; Vespers on Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6pm. Everyone is welcome!

TO DO PRODUCTIONS, 948.9608, www.todoproductions.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717

pets CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 37 French Market Place, 70116; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 510 Dumaine St., 274.0810

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

printers New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812

real estate New Orleans, LA [504] GREEN FIELDS REAL ESTATE, Agent Mary Lind, 874.4905, 598.1700 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 861.6400, brettinla@aol.com PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Cathy Espenan, Cell: 344.2116, Office: 861.7575

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 La Peniche, 1940 Dauphine St., 943.1460 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Magazine Perks, 4332 Magazine, 899.2911, MagazinePerks.COM Marigny Perks, 2401 Burgundy,

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948.7401, MarignyPerks.COM Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746

hot tails of red stick

Orleans Grapevine, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Petunias, A Restaurant, Cajun, Creole, Crepes, Cocktails, 817 St. Louis, 70112; 522.6440

retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] ALTERNATIVES, 907 Bourbon St., 70116; 524.5222 BEAR NECESSITIES, 940 Decatur, 598.2134, BearsAndHares.COM BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com ESTATE TREASURES CONSIGNMENT SHOP, 2014 Magazine, 679.6600 THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [in French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [near City Park Ave.], 488.4889 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QUEEN FASHIONS.COM, queenfashions.com, exoticfashionmall.com RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SERENDIPITOUS MASKS, 831 Decatur St., 522.9158 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip St., 561.8167 TOP DRAWER ANTIQUES, 4310/18 Magazine St., TopDrawerAntiques.NET WICKED ORLEANS, 1201 Decatur, 529.4384, WickedOrleans.COM

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com FLEX NEW ORLEANS, 700 Baronne St., 598.FLEX [3539] SPA ATLANTIS PROFESSIONAL SPA & SALON, 740 Gravier St., 566.8088, SpaAtlantis.NET

tattoos/piercings New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT TATTOO & PIERCING, 1041 N. Rampart in French Quarter, 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARE, 616 St. Peter, 522.2081 MARIGNY THEATRE, 1030 Marigny St., 947.0505

websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY AUSTIN, GayAustin.NET GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 828

All Hail Mardi Gras 2009

H

ere are the Mardi Gras Parade schedules for Red Stick and the surrounding

area: Saturday, February 7 at 6:30pm The Baton Rouge Krewe Of Jupiter parade is in Downtown Baton Rouge. www.kreweofjupiter.com Sunday, February 8 at 11am - The Addis Volunteer Fire Department Mardi Gras parade is in Addis (across the river from Baton Rouge). www.westbatonrouge.net Friday, February 13 at 7pm - The Baton Rouge Krewe of Artemis parade is in Downtown Baton Rouge. kreweofartemis.net Saturday, February 14 at 8:30am The Baton Rouge Amedisys Mardi Gras Mambo 10K and 1 mile Fun Run (this is not a parade, but it is a jogging and running event) is in Downtown Baton Rouge. The Amedisys Mardi Gras Mambo 10k and 1 mile fun run will give every participant an interesting and exciting tour of scenic downtown Baton Rouge and the campus of Louisiana State University. Come experience authentic Louisiana at every turn! Both races begin at the Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium. Early packet pickup will take place on Friday, February 13th from 11am – 7pm in the Iberville A room at the Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium. Race day check-in, and registration will be held at the Atrium beginning at 7:30am. Race Start: 1-Mile: 8:30am. start, 10k: 9am start. For more information www.brasf.com or e-mail: mambo@brasf.com Saturday, February 14 at 12:30pm - The Krewe of St. Amant Boat Parade is just south of Baton Rouge. www.kreweofstamant.com Saturday, February 14 at 2pm - The Baton Rouge Krewe Mystique de la Capitale parade is in Downtown Baton Rouge. www.krewemystique.com Saturday, February 14 at 3pm. The Krewe of Denham Springs Mardi Gras parade is in Denham Springs (which is just east of Baton Rouge).

There is no website. The parade route starts at Denham Springs High School on North Range Avenue and works its way south to Veterans Boulevard.

Saturday, February 14 at 6:30pm The Baton Rouge Krewe of Orion Mardi Gras parade is in Downtown Baton Rouge. www.kreweoforion.com Sunday, February 15 - The Baton Rouge CAAWS Mystic Krewe of Mutts Mardi Gras Dog Parade is in Downtown Baton Rouge. “Bark in the Park,” Down-

town Baton Rouge along North Blvd.

10am – 4pm www.caaws.org Sunday, February 15 at 1pm - The Port Allen Krewe of the Good Friends of the Oaks Mardi Gras Parade is in Port Allen (across the river from Baton Rouge). www.westbatonrouge.net Friday, February 20 at 7pm - The Baton Rouge Krewe of Southdowns Mardi Gras parade is in Baton Rouge in the Southdowns neighborhood. www.southdowns.org Saturday, February 21, 2009 at noon - The Baton Rouge Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade is in Downtown Baton Rouge. www.spanishtownmardigras.com

Pepper Mashay live at B-Bob’s

Only In Spanish Town

DJ Chromatic & Emerald City’s Lauren Mitchell

S

panish Town is historic, and it is the oldest neighborhood in Baton Rouge. It was founded in 1805, two years after the Louisiana Purchase took place. Baton Rouge wasn’t part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Instead, it was part of the “Province of West Florida.” West Florida included East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, and East and West Feliciana parishes.

Today, we call these the “Florida Parishes” because they have a different history from the rest of the state. The rest of Louisiana was purchased by the American government, but West Florida was owned by Spain. Many of the people in West Florida were Anglo. In other words, they had English ancestry, and they disliked having Spanish rule. They really wanted to be part of America rather than Spain. So they started a rebellion, which lasted until 1810, when they finally became part of the United States.

During these years of unrest, people from the Canary Islands settled along what is now called Spanish Town Road in 1805. The Canary Islands are located off the coast of Spain, near North Africa.

Unlike Anglo residents of Baton Rouge, Canary Islanders enjoyed being part of Spain, since they had Spanish heritage. By living in “Spanish Town,” the residents could keep their own identity, their Spanish language, and togetherness as a community.

Today, the neighborhood still has a unique sense of community and is definitely different from other parts of the city. Spanish Town is to Baton Rouge (although vastly different) like the French Quarter is to New Orleans. To symbolize the difference from the rest of Baton Rouge, the pink flamingo has been [continued on 33]

mobile

paparazzi

Heather & Michelle partyin’ at Gabriel’s

Mega star Pepper Mashay celebrate’s with B-Bob’s bar baron Jerry

DJ Chromatic & Mobile’s legendary Miss Cie

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Ready for My Closeup ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by DJ Chromatic, Leon Weekley

Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416 Tomatillo's Restaurant, 437 Esplanade Ave., 945.9997

by Brad Benedict E-mail: bradhottails@hotmail.com

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

red stick paparazzi

Cute & adorable Ross Love birds Katie & Joy

Sexy studs out having fun

Blair relaxing at George’s

Quentin at Splash

Little Corey & Chris

Sexy bartender Andy

Hanging out at George’s

Cory & Quentin with friends

Happy time at George’s

Rocky & Luther

Quentin & Chris at Splash Richard & Trixxie

Happy couple at George’s Brandon shows his wonderful smile

Having a good time at George’s

Sexy David loves a party

Jeanne & Johnny at Hound Dogs

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Todd & friends

George’s, Hound Dogs, Splash ~ Baton Rouge, Louisiana ~ Photos by Brad Benedict

Luther & Richard

hot tails of red stick ...from 30 adopted as the official mascot. You may wonder why this is the chosen mascot. Look at it this way - because of the way the rest of the world is viewed, poor taste is considered to be better than no taste at all.

The first parade is rarely mentioned now because it just isn’t politically correct to think of the history as being started by a bunch of fun-loving gay guys. However, if you put them in a convertible and experience the sight of them driving all around the neighborhood, unauthorized, of course, you realize that this could be fun. The reaction was “let’s do it again.” That’s when things got more organized, and parade history was started. Many of these early parades featured floats sponsored by the gay bars and krewes. Lafayette krewes or groups also participated, and one of the outstanding events from the past was the convertible entry containing Miss Gay America 1996 Brandi Alexander. The straight guys were all going ga-ga over her beauty as her pictures were being handed out, not realizing she was of the same sex. I found it to be hilarious, but I also think she added a little bit of class to this event. After all, this parade is not supposed to be classy, just funny, and it definitely is just that. Brandi was classy.

The very first parade theme in 1982 is especially important. You might re-

member that “Every man a King” was Huey P. Long’s slogan when he was governor in the 1930s. During these hard times of The Great Depression, Long claimed that all Louisiana citizens, no matter how rich or how poor, should have “a chicken in every pot.” In 1982, when the parade organizers used “Every man a King” for their theme, they were putting important political ideals in a different and impolite context. That theme was especially meaningful because Mardi Gras is a time when ordinary people dress up as kings and queens—pretending to be “powerful people.” Every Spanish Town Mardi Gras parade has a king and queen. In 1996, a dog was the king. Now that is a little different!

The more traditional Mardi Gras krewes of New Orleans have classical names, such as Krewe of Rex, Krewe of Endymion, Krewe of Orpheus, Krewe of Atlas, Krewe of Bacchus, and all those others too many to mention here. However, Spanish Town krewes have more playful, even impolite, names. The founding krewe’s name is “Mystic Krewe for the Preservation of Lagniappe,” and they are in charge of collecting the floats’ entry fees. These fees are donated to the Louisiana Food Bank. This krewe originally adopted the pink flamingo as its symbol, which later became the symbol of the entire neighbor[continued on 34]

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hot tail of red stick ...from 33 hood.

Other groups are called “Wasted Krewe,” “Krewe of Roadkill,” “Krewe of Krime,” “Krewe of Le Mouk,” and “Krewe of Moulah,” to name a few. At one time, the Morning Advocate/State Times had a float, and the Krewe of Heden is noted to always have a great, fun-filled float, compliments of our most sexy and gorgeous lawyer, the Possa stud.

Awards are given out for such honors as “Deepest Concept,” “Best Ethnic Float,” “Best Pleasing of Judges,” and the “Best Bribe of Judges.” Indeed, the bribing of judges is not only accepted but encouraged. There are also more typical awards of “Best Float” or “Best Music.” Sometimes the judges are punished by krewes for their decisions.

One year, a float threw water balloons at the judges’ stand. However, the next year, the judges got revenge by throwing cream pies at that float.

The “Best Marching Group” award typically goes to the best known krewe of the Spanish Town Parade: The Krewe of Yazoo. This krewe is also known as “The Lawnmower Brigade.” Each member of the dancing krewe pushes a lawnmower. Before the parade, each krewe member is required to decorate his or her lawnmower—a personal float— to reflect the krewe’s theme. The marchers perform several complicated dance routines with their lawnmowers (which are not running, of course). They have, in the past, dressed up as “Cosmownots” and as roaches of a “Roach Mowtel.” In 2004, they were dressed as trees, and their theme was “Krewe of Mow Return.” The theme for the 2009 parade is Buy Yeaux Bailout.

And now, there is an annual Spanish Town Mardi Gras Ball too. The opening band this year is the Bucktown Allstars.

Headliner is Louisiana’s LeRoux, including Luther Kent, Jimmy Hall from Wet Willie and Steve Cropper from Booker T & the MG’s, Fame, The Great Stax Label, and The Blues Brothers. It’s always a blast!

Many of the homes display not only the pink flamingos but also Mardi Gras trees. It is actually the holdover Christmas trees which have been re-dressed in the colors of the season. Windows and porches have strings of lights, and parties are the order of the day. And like in New Orleans, you have the huge mess to clean up, and I’ve actually seen people steal decorations from lawns. I know this happens elsewhere, but it is such a cheap maneuver to see these outsiders actually destroying the property of local homeowners. The smells of the French Quarter masses are not as offensive here, but they were prior to the time when those portable potties made the scene. There were no tits and dicks on the floats, but there certainly were large amounts of indecent exposures behind cars and bushes.

The corner of 7th Street and Spanish

Town Road is probably the biggest gay hangout. The Capitol Grocery is located here, and Splash Bar sets up a stage on 7th Street and welcomes everyone with music and drinks. It’s a fun place to be, and my first picture for Ambush is usually of a certain policeman and a hot little Splash stud hanging onto the street sign. Over at the corner of Main and 7th Streets , many gays pop into Hound Dogs where all Mardi Gras parades downtown roll right at their front doors.

One thing that has become necessary now is to keep someone on hand to watch the near-by homes. Strangers have a tendency to crash parties, enter when no one is watching, and make themselves at home – like they were personally invited. I suppose this is to be expected, but it’s very rude, and, personally speaking, it just isn’t acceptable. I’m for telling these drunk asses to get a life – elsewhere. Enough is enough!

The sounds of the day go on into the night. Home owners are usually working late just to clean up their lawns, and many have wanted the parade moved to a different route, one that would not take away from the meaning of the event, but one that might be a little safer and onto wider streets. Spanish Town Road is perhaps the one that is the most narrow, and the trees are sometimes butchered to accommodate the floats, which are getting bigger each year.

Wherever you choose to watch this parade, you can probably catch it at different locations by zig-zagging through the crowds. If you want to get out at any time, it is best to park under the interstate or across on the side streets or up around the State Capitol so you can get out by way of the interstate entrance at the Governor’s Mansion or on up towards the Exxon complex. On the opposite side of downtown, you can get on I-10 heading west or go on out toward LSU. Otherwise, you could be stuck for hours trying to maneuver through the crowds, and for a few hours, this is just not possible. Like the people who celebrate LSU games with tailgate parties, streets and parking lots start filling up the night before.

Camping out has really caught on, and trailers can be seen everywhere. Once the party is over, they never seem to pick up. Their litter is their gift to the city.

If you do come early, you can park away from the Spanish Town section and walk into the neighborhood and enjoy all the decorations. It is a gay old time with friends meeting up for their annual shootout at the “7th Street Corral.” I do have to brag on Splash. They really do it up right, and it is always a pleasure to join them in all their merriment.

If you are going to night parties or parades in New Orleans, you have to wait until the crowds clear out. Sometimes, it’s just best to stay put. After-

news Second Federal Court In Two Weeks Halts Suspicionless Drug Testing of Teachers

B

aton Rouge, LA - A federal court in Louisiana halted an unconstitutional teacher drug testing policy instituted by the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, subjecting any teacher who suffers an injury while on the job to a drug test without any suspicion of drug use. The American Civil Liberties Union and the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit last month seeking an immediate halt to the policy in order to protect teachers’ constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches.

“This is the second federal court in two weeks to put the brakes on wards, we look back at all the fun that has taken place, and it always seems that the good outweighs the bad. It’s Mardi Gras, and that’s what people do.

They make merry!

Spanish Town In A Nutshell

T

here has been a substantial improvement in Spanish Town since artistic and creative gay people have purchased homes here. Of course, there are some of the old families still in the area, but many of the homes became run down and in need of repair. Thankfully, new homeowners, both straight and gay, have done their best to preserve the history of this section of town. Thankfully, it is now a historic district.

A book is being written on the history of all the homes here – by a gay writer and local homeowner. All the homes have a colorful history, but it is usually the larger ones that come to mind first. The Potts House at the corner of North Street and 9th Street is for sale now, and the most beautiful of all in the area is the Stewart Dougherty House on North Street, which was used as a hospital during the Civil War. Adjacent to it is the Pino House – and the list goes on.

We can’t really match the French Quarter (and don’t care to), but with the new revived downtown area within a few blocks, it’s getting to be a rather lively place to live and work and play. With Splash, George’s, and Hound Dogs providing great entertainment venues, as well as the new wine bars, luxury apartment, state office buildings, coffee shops, historic buildings, restaurants, and the Shaw Center for the Arts, the place is really hopping. No wonder we are known as Hot Tails of Red Stick.

Laissez bon temps roullez!

suspicionless drug testing of public school teachers,” said Adam Wolf, an attorney with the ACLU. “Public servants can breathe a sigh of relief today knowing that their constitutional rights remain firmly intact.”

Katie Schwartzmann, an attorney with the ACLU of Louisiana added, “The Bill of Rights protects people from invasive government searches without suspicion - teachers are no exception.”

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana issued the order after the parties reached agreement that the drug-testing policy would halt pending final resolution of the case.

The order comes on the heels of an even more sweeping ruling in late-December by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. That court held that the constitutional right to privacy outweighed the government’s interest in drug testing virtually all public school employees without cause.

The drug test of two-time East Baton Rouge Teacher of the Year Peggy Reno illustrates how the School Board’s suspicionless drug-testing policy is implemented. Ms. Reno, a veteran and respected teacher, has never in her life used an illegal, and her school has never suspected otherwise.

A student punched Ms. Reno on September 24, 2008. Although there was no suspicion that she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Ms. Reno was forced by a School Board official to submit to an invasive drug test. Countless other teachers who have never used drugs - and who have never been suspected of using drugs have been subjected to similar unconstitutional searches.

The East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers, a local affiliate of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and the national American Federation of Teachers that represents over 1,600 local members, opposes the drug testing of teachers absent suspicion.

Through a urine analysis, a drug test can reveal teachers’ most sensitive medical information, such as whether they have certain diseases, whether they take prescription medication, and whether they are pregnant. Initial drug tests also have an unacceptably high rate of false positives, which can be triggered by a wide array common products and over-the-counter drugs, resulting in an indelible stigma cast on entirely innocent teachers.

Yigal Bander, an attorney with the firm Kleinpeter & Schwartzberg, LLC is co-counsel in the case and also represents the East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers. The case, East Baton Rouge Federation of Teachers v. East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, is before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.

For more information, visit http:// www.aclu.org/drugpolicy/testing/ 38355lgl20090115.html.

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

[continued on 35]

allons acadiana

by Patrick Clinton Email: BlondAtULL@aol.com

I

t seems like the breaks keep getting shorter and shorter, but on the bright side, now that school is back in session, we are that much closer to Mardi Gras. And who wants to complain? It’s a new year, and we have a lot to look forward to. The Bush Era is over; Lafayette has one of the wildest night club scenes in Louisiana, and it is officially Carnival Season.

For now until Mardi Gras day, Acadiana

will progressively build to the wildest time of the year. There’ll be concerts and shows and balls, not to mention the regular nights of fun and festivities.

Sound Factory and Back Side are kicking off the new year in a big way. On Saturday, January 24, they’ll begin the celebrations with one of the most fabulous musicians to ever grace downtown. Laurel, for one night only, will be live and performing at Sound Factory;

news ...from 34

Recent Works Continues through Feb. 15

B

aton Rouge, LA - Don’t miss the exhibition of LSU School of Art Faculty: Recent Works at the Glassell Exhibition Gallery in the Shaw Center for the Arts - new work from the fine artists that teach new artists continues through February 15.

Participating artists include: Jeremiah Ariaz, Kimberly Arp, Lynne Joddrell Baggett, Gerald Bower, Denyce Celentano, Michael Crespo, Paul Dean, Robert Hausey, Wei He, Christopher Hentz, Chris Johns, Kelli Scott Kelley, Leslie Koptcho, John A. Malveto, Malcolm McClay, Thomas Neff, Frederick Ortner, Rod Parker, Andy Shaw, Ed Smith, Michaelene Walsh and Professor Emeriti: James Burke, Melody Guichet, AJ Meek, and Edward Pramuk. This beautiful exhibition features examples of contemporary art in all medias; ceramics, design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

R

achel Hayes: Patient Persistence will open February 28 and run through March 29. "We rush around our environment every day, driving to work, running errands, and trying to manage our lives. The concrete buildings and wire fences of our cityscape barely register; we are so used to the sights of the city. What if something wonderful is waiting out there amidst the construction and dust? What if someone can find something new in our forgotten and dis-

so go ahead and mark your calendars for a night of entertainment and fun. And make sure you get there early, because this is a concert you definitely don’t want to miss.

Just two weeks later, Sound Factory and Back Side will be hosting another event you really don’t want to miss. On Saturday, February 7, they will be hosting the Official Before and After Party for the 2009 Royal Order of Unicorn Bal Masque. The R.O.U. Ball in Acadiana is well known as the gay ball. It’s relaxed, yet elegant, atmosphere has made it a favorite. And part of that tradition is having food and cocktails at Back Side before heading to the incredible event. Afterward, the ball simply wouldn’t be complete without

carded remnants?" This is what sculptor and fiber artist Rachel Hayes does. She uses innocuous and readily available media such as fabric to create spectacular experiences of color and motion in an otherwise unappreciated setting. She has successfully turned narrow hallways, city walk ways and grassy hills into vital and vibrant art installations which cause the viewer to step back and reassess their familiarity with the environment. The Louisiana State University School of Art has invited Ms. Hayes to come to Baton Rouge and create a unique, new, installation in their downtown exhibition space. It gives the community an opportunity to discover something fresh about Baton Rouge as seen through the eyes of this accomplished artist.

Rachel Hayes is an artist who has been steadily garnering accolades and awards and gaining recognition in the contemporary art world for her fresh, innovative works. For this art exhibition, Rachel Hayes will work with LSU Sculpture students to create a site specific installation in the Glassell Gallery. Ms. Hayes will be a visiting artist at LSU for two weeks in February, during which time the artist will meet with students and delegate installation tasks, work in studios with the students, install the exhibition and meet with the public during a gallery talk and opening reception on March 7th from 5-8pm in the Glassell Gallery. This interactive approach will be a rare opportunity for the students to experience the process from beginning to end of a large scale installation project. It will be an invaluable experience for the whole community.

meeting up with all your friends at Sound Factory. It’ll be a night of formal fun, second only to the celebrations that take place on Mardi Gras day.

Besides hosting special events, don’t forget Sound Factory and Back Side have a weekly lineup that is second to none. With their daily Happy Hour Specials, they always make sure that every night of the week is its own special party. And since they are open seven days a week, they always have something incredible planned. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink after work or a wild night on the town, their separate weekly lineups make even the most uneventful night fresh and new.

From Show Night every Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesday to their unforgettable Dance Parties every Friday and Saturday, when you plan a night out at Sound Factory and Back Side, you know it’s going to be an adventure.

And with ever changing drink specials, you’re sure to get a great deal.

What more can you ask for? It’s two bars in one, and it won’t break you’re pocket book. So this Carnival season, make sure you remember your friends at Sound Factory and Back Side. Mardi Gras in Acadiana wouldn’ t be the same without its only Gay owned and operated bar.

With so much planned over the next month or so, it’s no wonder Downtown Lafayette has become one of the hottest night spots in Louisiana. One reason is because the Cajun culture really embraces diversity, which makes the Gay community a welcome addition. If you haven’t been out in Lafayette lately, now is the best time of year to hit downtown. Come find out for yourself why Acadiana is so unique.

Until next time, have fun and be safe. I’ll see you around town.

GayNewOrleans.COM • GayEasterParade.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

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Monty, back bartending at Sound Factory

Rocky partying at Sound Factory

Ross having a smoke at Sound Factory

Chris, always at Sound Factory

Mark from Lake Charles at Sound Factory

John & Joe at Sound Factory Grant is all smiles at Sound Factory

Erin bartending at Sound Factory Brian out at Sound Factory

Rodney getting wild at Sound Factory

Jennifer looking fabulous at Sound Factory

Jebby at Sound Factory

Jason visiting Sound Factory

Devin sparkling at Sound Factory

Darius looking happy as ever at Sound Factory

Jeremy & Jeremy at Sound Factory

Matt hanging out at Sound Factory

Chad, a new face at Sound Factory

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

Hanging, Sparkling, Visiting ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Patrick Clinton

Mark reading Ambush at Sound Factory

Brandon & Jeff relaxing at Sound Factory

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38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM

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Close-ups in The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Mr. January Josh on the bar at the 2009 Corner Pocket Calendar Release Party

Mr. LSGRA 2009 Candidate Denny Summors slings cocktails at Rawhide Vic, Kalvin, Taiwain & Drew ready to serve you at World famous Clover Grill

Blake & Andrew sling cocktails for Dingo Fridays at Oz

Manager Joe servin’ Bailout Burgers Fridays at Rawhide Paul & Conan help with Mardi Gras Classic XXVI Registration at Napoleon’s Itch

Jordan, Scott & Chase welcome you to Bobby Blue Contemporary Barber & Beauty Parlor

New dancer Will dances at the 2009 Corner Pocket Calendar Release Party

You can catch Ron behind the bar at Rawhide

Mr. June Mitch joins the 2009 Corner Pocket Calendar Release Party Napoleon’s Itch bartenders Buttercup & Ryan do the honors at Mardi Gras Classic XXVI Registration

Pride Specialties’ Chris & New Orleans Bears’ Danny catch the Bourbon Street Bailout at Lafitte’s

Ramsey grabbin’ a cocktail at 700 Club

Calendar Boy hostess Electra City unveils the 2009 Corner Pocket Calendar

Signing the 2009 Calendar at Corner Pocket’s Calendar Release Party

Mickey & Yvonne welcomes you to Mickey Nolan Salon

Ann, Jason, CJ & Craig join the MGC XXVI Registration at Napoleon’s Itch

Frankie, Aletha & Jeff behind the bar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Friday Hostess Princesse Stephaney & some of Oz’s Dingo fans

Darwin, Queen Amon Ra Opal, David & Ronnie join the Lords' Royal Leather Tea at JohnPaul’s

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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • January 20-February 2, 2009 • GayMardiGras.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM