The Pride LA 11.29.19

11.29 – 12.12.2019 ISSUE NUMBER 26, VOLUME 3

| NOV. 29 – DEC. 12, 2019

LOS ANGELES

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City Chamber Brings Shop Small Saturday to West Hollywood More on page 4

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11.29 – 12.12.2019

LOS ANGELES

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. } BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x11-7_ThePrideLA_KeepPushing2_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

(bik-TAR-vee)

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. } The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION } This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. } Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP PUSHING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19

11.29 – 12.12.2019

LOS ANGELES

⚫ 3

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KEEP PUSHING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

5/8/19 10:45 AM

⚫ 4

COMMUNITY HOLIDAYS

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

11.29 – 12.12.2019

LOS ANGELES

>

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

WeHo Celebrates Shop Small Saturday Portion of proceeds to be donated to Los Angeles LGBT Center Culinary Arts Program.

As Thanksgiving slowly starts to recede into holidays’ past, it’s quickly becomes time to gear up for the next leg of the Holiday Season: Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, Cyber Monday, Freak Out Tuesday, Where Is All My Money Wednesday… you get the picture. Whichever day you choose to observe, it is go time people!

Mass holiday shopping has officially begun and we’re already tired! The most popularized discount day is Black Friday.A shopping spree on steroids, Black Friday brings out some of the worst holiday spirit in folks. I mean, have you ever tried going shopping on Black Friday? Just don’t.

Might we suggest the West Hollywood Chamber’s Small Business Saturday event taking place tomorrow, November 30 instead? Think about it, you don’t have to wait in line overnight, people are mellow and friendly rather than frantically calling dibs on the last TV. It just makes sense, really.

Shop Small Saturday is an initiative founded in 2010 to negate the ugliness that is Black Friday.

“Shop Small is more than just the act of shopping at small businesses,” Tracy Paaso, the Membership Director WeHo Chamber of Commerce, said. “It’s a cause – one that supports local economies and promotes vibrant, diverse communities. And it’s a movement – fueled by individual shoppers, business owners, and organizers who encourage shopping at small businesses all year long because they know it matters. When you

#shopsmall it makes a big impact, for every $1 spent at small businesses, 67 cents stays in the community.”

This year, a portion of the proceeds from participating retail stores and businesses will be donated to the Los Angeles LGBT Center Culinary Arts Program, an intergenerational training program for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness and low-income LGBT seniors.

“The LA LGBT Center has been a long time member of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber has a strong partnership in supporting their programs,” Paaso said.

“The Chamber has worked closely with the Culinary Arts program to work with our local West Hollywood restaurants and hotels to place highly skilled graduates of this 300 hour culinary training

program into the workforce.”

Shop Small Saturday will feature attendance by celebrities such was Wendy Burch from KTLA5, Robert Kovacik from NBC4, actor and writer Bruce Vilanch and Golden Globe-winning actress Elisabeth Rohm.

“West Hollywood is one of the most creative and innovative cities for business and every year we are excited to support our local businesses,” Paaso said. “This year we are highlighting several new businesses that have recently opened in the past year including Gelato Festival and Dogpound.”

For more info, visit wehochamber.com/shopsmall. html. Participating businesses include: Atacama Home

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11.29 – 12.12.2019

COMMUNITY HOLIDAYS

` ⚫ BY AMY PATTON

>

LOS ANGELES

⚫ 5

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Queer Mall is for All!

5.75 in.

Black Friday is upon us, but it is doubtful that Sears is going to have the perfect gift for your queer friends with niche interests. That’s where Queer Mall comes in. An LGBTQ+ safe space that promotes community over gluttony, this first annual event is one to add to the shopping schedule.

On Saturday, December 14, EVERYBODY Gym is hosting the Queer Mall to highlight diverse vendors that create locally-made and thoughtfully-produced goods.

“The name came from the idea of "queering" the mall - a space that typically connotes mass-produced goods and emotionally-void exchanges within the oppressive confines of capitalism.,” event coordinator Isabel Osgood-Roach said. “We wanted to create an intimate, thoughtful shopping environment that is accessible and affirming for both vendors and shoppers.”

Attendees will find a variety of vendors with a wide array of products - clothing, apothecary, wellness items and services, art, ceramics and food - with most items for sale

for under $100.

“Some vendors, such as Otherwild, are very well-known, while others haven't had the opportunity to sell their goods in public before.,” Osgood-Roach said. “Shoppers will be able to meet and connect with the makers of these products - a rare person-to-person exchange in the age of online selling!”

The entrance fee to Queer Mall is sliding scale $5-$15, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. The event will feature food, music, a dressing room and a bounce house for children.

“Community events are beautiful because they bring people with overlapping interests together and hold the potential of forging meaningful connections,” Osgood-Roach said.

“From my perspective, the LGBTQ+ community in LA can always use more events that aren't geared around alcohol consumption.

Meeting new people in person isn't easy, and events create physical space for that. I also 10.0 in. think the LGBTQ community appreciates the

ethics of shopping small. The emotional and material difference between buying something from a nameless Amazon vendor versus giving the money directly to the person who made the product is significant. I know I'm always excited to give money for goods and services to people who will circulate it thoughtfully in my local community!”

The event will be held at EVERYBODY’s recently-opened sister space, SIBLING. “The idea was threefold: I wanted to create a setting for queer, POC, or otherwise systemically marginalized vendors to sell their goods without a potentially prohibitive fee or an exclusive ‘invite-only’ framework,” Osgood-Roach said. “In addition, the EVERYBODY gym community is very creative, so I thought it would be great to highlight the amazing, thoughtfully-produced products that gym-goers are making. That said, not all vendors are EVERYBODY regulars. Our vendor call was open to the larger LA community and I received many inquiries via word-of-mouth

referrals. In fact, I had to put folks on a vendor waitlist because we got so much interest!”

For more information, visit the event page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ events/739771759858152/

Helping you take pride in your health You could get financial help even if you didn’t qualify before

Covered California is the only place to get financial help to pay for your health insurance. And this year, more help is available than ever. You could qualify for savings even if you haven’t in the past.

CoveredCA.com

Sign up by December 15 to have coverage starting January 1.

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11.29 – 12.12.2019

LOS ANGELES

6

COMMUNITY LONG BEACH

` ⚫ BY STAFF WRITER

>

GIVING THANKS

Q&A: Thanksgiving at Long Beach LGBTQ Center

For Long Beachers who celebrate Thanksgiving with their chosen family, the LGBTQ center of Long Beach is thankful for you.

Today, Friday November 29, the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach is hosting a Thanksgiving lunch at the Center on 4th street.

The Pride LA spoke with event coordinator Ismael Salamanca to se what attendees can expect. Check it out: Can you tell me a little bit about the annual thanksgiving meal?

The holidays are a huge time of year for families to meet and share your gratitude for the support they share for one another. For many in the LGBTQ community, specifically youth and older adults, families may have a different definition. For some youth, their family has rejected them and they depend on friendships and groups of peers to lean on for that support. For some older adults, there may be loss of loved ones, friends and other may not have families to call their own. Isolation for old-

er LGBTQ adults is a key focus for us at the LGBTQ Center Long Beach. That is why, since I started working here in 2008, we have Thanksgiving at The Center. We create a space for those who may not have a space to call their own and we become a family, if only for that one day. This means a lot to people and being able to host these events for over a decade now is proof that places like that Center are important to our community.

What can attendees expect?

Each year The Center gets support from local leaders to purchase food to distribute and each year Center volunteers sign up to help decorate and plate food for our community. This year, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, has donated funds to not only support Thanksgiving at The Center but also our Senior Programs, Coffee Talk Tuesday: Thanksgiving event this year.

Coffee Talk Tuesday is a weekly gathering for LGBTQ older adults to socialize and learn about new topics each week. For the holiday, participants will enjoy thanksgiving themed food and an overall family feel

to the event. Coffee Talk Tuesdays happen each Tuesday from 10am to 1pm here at The Center. For Thanksgiving at The Center, held on Friday November 29th, volunteers and staff will serve a traditional thanksgiving meal including turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and great company. We see anywhere from 20-30 people each year ranging from young adults to seniors.

Is it open to the public?

Yes, this and all of our events are open to the public. Our events are created by and for LGBTQ people who do not have other resources to go to. Many places that offer Thanksgiving meals are not affirming to our community, which is why the LGBTQ Center Long Beach exists. We will never turn anyone away and we hope that people who join us for the holidays are aware that this is one of the few spaces that is safe, welcoming and supportive of LGBTQ people who need that support during the holiday season.

Why is “Friendsgiving” or celebrating thanksgiving with friends an popular and important trend in

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the LGBTQ+ community?

Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving at The Center is not something I would consider a “trend” in our community. For some in our LGBTQ community, celebrating with friends is the only option.

Some LGBTQ folks may have been kicked out of their homes; others may not be welcomed at home with their partners or spouses. Some are also rejected simply for living their truth. Many transgender and non-binary people are not accepted at home every day of the year, making the holidays a harsh reminder of what they do not have. The LGBTQ community is a strong community and we support each other when no one else does. We are resilient, but still need a family to call our own. I don’t think this is a trend, I think it’s a result of ingenuity from a group of people who may have been rejected from their biological family and accepted by the community family.

What is the LGBTQ Center grateful for this year?

We are grateful for many things this year.

In a year where our government is constantly focused on removing our rights and services, we are also in a year where many have shown their support. We are grateful to our donors and funders from all levels for supporting our work and keeping our doors open. We are also grateful to our volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to connect people to the services they need. Lastly, we are grateful to our clients who trust us to serve them and are patient when times get tough.

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⚫ 8

ENTERTAINMENT ART/ CULTURE

` ⚫ BY HENRY GIARDINA

11.29 – 12.12.2019

LOS ANGELES

>

GAY LA

The Return of Killjoy’s Kastle The WeHo lesbian haunted house is back, this time in book form.

Back in the day, when LGBT+ folks had to contend with illegal identities, certain aspects of the community were a lot less complicated to hash out. Who could have predicted, back in the 1950s or even the 1970s, that a community that fought together to establish basic rights and freedoms would become so divided by the new Millenium?

Today, with so many different identities living under the same LGBTQ+ umbrella, the question we find ourselves asking isn’t “how do we make change happen?” More often, it’s “how much do we all really have in common?”

The LGBTQ+ community is not, and has never been, a monolith. But even within the tiny enclave of L.A. gays, there are enough seeds of dissent sewn around to create more than our fair share of tempests in teapots.The simple labels of “butch” and “femme” have made way for more complicated associations (see: soft butch, futch,

diesel dykes, bois, and sporty femmes) and as the generational gap grows, we’re seeing more and more dissidence within a community that used to find itself banning together against all odds.

Enter “Killjoy’s Kastle,” a 2015 performance art piece that came to West Hollywood’s ONE Archives in 2015. The experience--half haunted house, half immersive art piece--was a response to all the different ways in which queer women have been turned against each other over the years. From TERFs to gender-critical feminists, every type of assumption about lesbian identity was taken on, skewered, and dissected for a willing audience. Now a book of essays related to the installation, “Killjoy Kastle” takes on an even bigger variety of whipping girls (and bois) through essays. Like the original KillJoy’s Kastle: A Lesbian Feminist Haunted House, the book “is designed to pervert, not convert.”

Toronto based-artists Deirdre Logue and Allyson Mitchell advised viewers to “follow your demented women’s studies tour guide through the glorious and grisly KillJoy’s Kastle.” In essay form, all the same stereotypes, old tropes, and misguided assumptions about lesbian life come back to wreak intellectual havoc once again on readers. The

response, fittingly, hasn’t been unmixed.

“Killjoy’s Kastle was the subject of debate, derision, and disgust, both inside and outside of queer communities,” writes Alexis Clements for LARB. “Within queer communities, it was criticized by some for being too white, too cisgender, too demanding for those working on it, too scary, and too focused on genitalia and essentialist ideas about genitalia and gender.”

It makes sense that a potentially polarizing book based on a potentially polarizing art piece would still wield the power to polarize, especially in the current climate. Not everyone believes that staring down stereotypes and taking on harmful tropes is part of the work we need to be doing at this moment. As such, no one can quite agree on what’s “scary” about a lesbian feminist haunted house. Is it the fact that it seems like it’s making fun of past queer pain? The fact that it’s gleefully irreverent? Or perhaps the feeling that within this over-the-top world, someone might find the exact kind of twisted queer utopia we all see in our dreams: imperfect, yet beautiful.

Photos: YouTube.

RIGHT – WeHo installation “Killjoy’s

Kastle” is now a book of essays.

11.29 – 12.12.2019

LOS ANGELES

SPECIAL ISSUE: Westside Health and Beauty | Pages 9–12

⚫ 9

Holistic Rehabltion With Gyrotonic at Body Rythm Master Trainer Shevi Baruch helping patients with range of injuries

By Keldine Hull With more fitness programs and classes available than ever, it’s a challenge to decide which one to choose at the Santa Monica Based Body Rhythm Gyrotonic® studio. The Gyrotonic® method is an original and unique form of exercise that simultaneously stretches and strengthens the body with minimal effort, while increasing range of motion, creating space in the joints, and strengthening the muscles around the bones. While clients are drawn to Gyrotonic®, for different reasons, they Shevi Baruch.

all experience vast improvements to their overall physical abilities.

Body Rhythm studio offers numerous group-classes each week as well as private sessions. We sat down with Master Trainer Shevi Baruch and three of her clients to discuss the Gyrotonic method and how it helps with different body issues and injuries.

“The most important thing is for the teacher to be able to clearly and simply explain each of the movements in Gyrotonic and for the client to be aware of the difference and impression each has on their bodies ” says Baruch. Once this is accomplished, a client can quickly move from a one-on-one private session into group sessions.

Shevi and her team of teachers are known for their detailed teaching style.

Highly educated in rehabilitation, they emphasize both the physical and metaphysical aspects of the Gyrotonic method and how it addresses the entire person. Body Rhythm clients find and own the new discovery and are able to bring this knowledge outside of their workouts and into their daily activities.

“The beauty in teaching Gyrotonic is that I can teach with precision and still have a fluid motion, like dance, swimming or tai chi,” adds Baruch.

Anne, a costume designer, experienced unexplained sciatica and piriformis pain that would strike at any

moment before she began Gyrotonic nine years ago. She began taking private sessions and soon after started group classes. She immediately saw improvements in her everyday life, but specifically skiing.

“I let it go for a few years, did Gyrotonic, returned to skiing, and I am a better skier now in my 40’s than I was competing in my 20’s,” Anne continued. “I feel it has enabled me to age through my 40s with more discoveries, expansion, range and skills in my other sports than I never thought possible.” With a tight and ever changing schedule at work she is able to sign into a class a few hours before class begin.

“What I learn in my classes with Shevi goes on to life carrying my own power to heal and transform myself”.

Mariya, finds that small group classes that are of equal level makes the classes very efficient. She takes 3-4 classes a week. “The teachers are always tuned to direct and correct each one of us while we go through a whole body workout”. Mariya, who also suffered shoulder issues after years of tennis, began to see improvements with her yoga practice where she previously struggled with upside-down postures, strengthening exercises, planks and anything relating to shoulder mobility.

Longtime client, Karen, 70’s, began Gyrotonic over 10 years ago. She

Photos: Courtesy

“Reducing or eliminating pain changes the way we approach life,” says Shevi Baruch.

trains 4 days a week riding bicycle for 3 miles. After a knee injury, she continued her regular group classes and now she can practice as usual, with full range of motion and without any lingering pain. “Coming to Body Rhythm, where Shevi and her teachers are trained in rehabilitation, they are always able to make it better while doing a full body workout. And I found that it was wonderful for me to be able to

stretch and open out areas, not that I was having any major problems, but I could feel certain stiffness.”

Karen found the biggest change in her a posture. “It is so much better. I never thought that I would want to do any kind of exercise, and I look forward to coming in for this class.”

To learn more about Body Rhythm, visit: https://thebodyrhythm.com/

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SPECIAL ISSUE: Westside Health and Beauty | Pages 9–12

Lily the Pink founder Sandy Allbright applies permanent makeup on a client.

Photos: Courtesy.

New Permanent Makeup Studio on the Westside Sandy Allbright’s permanent makeup studio in Brentwood

By Staff Writer For women who want to look their best all the time, a brow artist’s boutique studio in Brentwood offers the perfect solution.

Lily The Pink, established by Sandy Allbright, a talented Los Angeles brow artist at the chic Sola Salon Studios on Wilshire Boulevard in Brentwood, creates, through permanent makeup and microblading, the ideal eyebrow that perfectly enhances her client's unique facial features.

“Permanent makeup is for women who want to look their best all the time. For women who struggle with traditional makeup. For working moms who would like to save time every day. For active people: swimmers, divers, tennis players, sailors, gym-goers, hikers etc. For women who like to travel, its such a hassle to lug around makeup and mirrors. For people who have lost eyebrow hair due to alopecia and chemotherapy,” Allbright, said. “Every client is a unique individual with different aesthetics, bone structure and skin. We custom design the permanent makeup to naturally beautify each face while collaborating very closely with the client to make sure she is 100 percent happy before we begin.”

According to Allbright, eyebrows are vitally important to the overall aesthetic of the face and can make or break a look. There is no need to appear tired or unpolished or spend hours trying to get brows even and symmetrical looking, permanent makeup is the perfect answer to this daily dilemma. Out of the many brow artists in the Los Angeles metro area, Allbright and Lily The Pink stands out for its attention to detail and professionalism at her sanitary and OSHA compliant studio.

“Lily the Pink is my passion. It merges my love of make-up and my love for helping people look and feel beautiful. As an eyebrow challenged individual, I found myself having to face the day with a startlingly bare forehead or spend hours (yes,

hours) getting my eyebrows to even look like actual eyebrows. I knew there had to be a better way,” Allbright said. “Enter the amazing world of permanent makeup and microblading. When I saw what could be done with this miraculous art form I was floored, I had to be a part of it, I had found my raison d’être.”

Permanent makeup is less invasive than traditional tattooing and lasts between 1-3 years and Allbright works with only the highest quality pigments especially formulated for the face.

“Permanent makeup has come a long way in the last five years, gone are the days of harsh and unnatural looking permanent makeup, we at Lily the Pink specialize in soft and natural-looking work that looks just like regular well-applied makeup except it does not smudge or smear or come off at the most inconvenient of times. It is a perfect marriage of art and science.”

Allbright, who has lived in Santa Monica for 16 years, needless to say, loves her work and also serving her own community.

“I am so glad to be able to serve the Westside with my talent in permanent makeup, I love this wonderful, active and engaged community and am excited to elevate their lives with my expertise.

My aesthetic is natural, I want my clients to feel beautiful and confident and for people to not even realize that they had anything done, Allbright said.

“So natural no-one will know but you.”

For more information about Lily the Pink, visit LilyThePink.com, call (310) 592-6337 and follow on Facebook @lilylovespink, Instagram @ lilythepinkla and at https://www.yelp.com/biz/lilythe-pink-permanent-makeup-la-los-angeles

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Preventing Sudden Hearing Loss at Alexander Audiology Santa Monica’s Dr. Melissa Alexander discusses sudden idiopathic hearing loss B y K ehinde H ull Sudden idiopathic hearing loss, or sudden deafness, is an unexplained and rapid loss of hearing in one ear. Cases of sudden deafness have increased within the last few years, leaving patients susceptible to permanent damage if left untreated.

Dr. Melissa Alexander, an audiologist based in Santa Monica, has worked with numerous patients who experienced sudden deafness. “I was working for one of the top hearing clinics in the world,” Alexander began. “We would see maybe one in a thousand cases where a patient would wake up or experience throughout the day that one ear suddenly decreased in hearing randomly and spontaneously. They would come in to have their hearing tested, and we found that it is a virus of unknown origin that attacks the ear.”

In some cases, the issue resolves itself spontaneously. “In most cases, they don’t,” Alexander continued. “It can cause permanent ringing in the ear called tinnitus, and it can also cause permanent hearing loss.”

Through her own private practice, Alexander noticed a startling increase in patients seeking treatment for sudden deafness. “For my ten years of practice in total, I might’ve seen maybe 20 cases. Now in three and a half years, I’ve seen 170 cases,” Alexander explained. “I talked to other audiologists and ear, nose and throat doctors who are also noting a high inci-

Photo: Courtesy Melissa Alexander.

dence of this happening. The unfortunate part is we don’t know why it’s happening.”

Despite its severity, most patients are unaware that sudden deafness is considered a medical emergency. “If you feel that randomly or spontaneously your hearing is down in one ear, or you have sudden ringing or tinnitus happening in one ear, that is an indication that you should be treated,” Alexander explained.

“Get to an audiologist that day and potentially get treated with steroids by an ear, nose and

throat doctor immediately.”

Patients diagnosed with sudden deafness either receive a high dose of oral steroids or a combination that includes a steroid injection past the eardrum into the middle ear space that absorbs into the blood stream. The window of treatment is 24 to 48 hours, and if that time frame passes, there’s an elevated chance that the damage is permanent.

If patients seek medical help immediately, they have a higher chance of preventing per-

manent hearing loss. “One patient was referred to me by his ear, nose and throat doctor. The patient in particular already had no hearing in one ear,” Alexander explained. “He was a veteran, and he had an acoustic blast trauma where it wiped out the hearing in one ear. The opposite ear now had potentially a sudden idiopathic hearing loss where we thought the hearing was down. We tested him, and the hearing was 60 percent down in the only ear he had remaining that was functional.”

By the time testing was completed, it was about 6:30 in the evening, and the ear, nose and throat doctor who referred the patient was gone for the day. Alexander continued, “I managed to page their service and get him to get a prescription right away. The patient didn’t really understand that he needed to be treated that moment. He said, ‘Well, I’ll wait til the morning when my pharmacy opens.’

And I said, ‘Sir, you cannot wait until the morning. You have to do this right now.’ He ended up following our directions. He got the steroid treatment and his hearing came back entirely. If he had waited until that morning, the likelihood is very little that he would have regained hearing.”

In cases where sudden deafness results in permanent hearing loss, patients still have options, including wearing a transmitter that looks like a hearing aid. “Let’s say your right ear is affected,” Alexander explains. “Somebody standing on your right side could speak to you and the left ear would pick it up because that transmitter on the poor ear routes the sound to the better ear.”

Above all else, Alexander recommends seeking medical attention as soon as possible. “Telling the doctor’s office that this is an emergency situation, my hearing is down and I suspect sudden deafness is a red flag that we know in the medical community to get that patient in immediately.”

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SPECIAL ISSUE: Westside Health and Beauty | Pages 9–12

11.29 – 12.12.2019 NEWS

HEALTH

` ⚫ BYSTAFF WRITER

>

LOS ANGELES

BIG QUEER CONVO

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TOBACCO AND CA AMONG SEXUAL AND GE

20%

42 Interview Participants (ages 18-29) PRELIMINARY DATA

LGBTQ+ Community’s Tobacco Smoking Plight 12% Gender Non-Binary Person

24% Cisgender Woman

12% Transgender Woman 12% Transgender Man

29% Cisgender Man

Community Factors

About 1 in 5 LGBTQ adults smoke ciga- The OUT Against BIG Tobacco Coalition, rettes, compared to 1 in 6 straight adults. are currently advocating for common It is estimated that LGBTQ+ people make sense policies that protect LGBTQ people up approximately 3 percent of the total U.S. – especially the most vulnerable members “I think it’s viewed asofaour normalized thing... population. community — from Big Tobacco's tactics.

Statewide and local initiatives, suchlooked as predatory I don’t think it’s down upon at all.

Minority Stress Factors

and health experts gathered at the Village at Ed Gould Plaza Courtyard at the Los Angeles LGBT Center to call out tobacco as the leading cause of preventable death in the LGBTQ+ Community at a Big Queer Convo community forum.

The event featured a panel discussion featuring: Adelina Anthony (Writer, Actor, Director, Producer); Leo Garcia (Curator, Producer, Playwright, Filmmaker, Actor); Alison De La Cruz (Vice President, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center); Michael A. Shepperd (Artistic Director, Celebration Theatre); Moderator: Jon Imparato (Director, Cultural Arts, Los Angeles LGBT Center).

Cigarette smoking among the LGBTQ community in the U.S. is higher than among straight individuals, according to the CDC.

Gender Identity

3% Gender-Fluid Person

I think if anything, everybody just expects other people in the community to smoke weed as well. Everybody accepts it as a very normal thing.”

-Gender Non-Binary Person Bisexual, Age 21

“A lot of [Queer] people smoke cigarettes and weed...because of stress or because of their personality and how they identify... and how people don't respect them.“

Community + Minority Stress ctors Combined

New findings from #Out4Mental Health Statewide Community Survey and UCLA's LGBTQ Tobacco Study interviews show how factors including homophobia and stigma influence tobacco use among LGBTQ Californians.

Even though tobacco use has drastically decreased among Americans over the past 50+ years, tobacco use and tobacco-related deaths are still disproportionately higher for LGBTQ+ identifying people.

Each year on every third Thursday in November, The American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout encourages tobacco users to quit for one day.

Last week for the Smokeout, advocates

-Trans Woman Straight, Age 18

“Just like bonding over smoking a cigarette.

It’s definitely been something. It’s like you’re stressed, I’m stressed. Let’s go bond over a cigarette real quick and talk about why our life sucks.“ -Gender Non-Binary Person Gay/Lesbian, Age 24

E

so

⚫ COMMUNITY MEMORIAL

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TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

` ⚫ BY STAFF WRITER

22 Trans Lives Lost to Violence This Year

On November 20, 1999, Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded Transgender Day of Remembrance to memorialize the vicious murder of Rita Hester. Since then, violence against the gender non-conforming community has only increased.

TDOR sets aside time to remember and reflect. So far in the U.S. this year, 22 trans or gender-nonconforming folks have been fatally shot or killed by other violent means, according to Human Rights Campaign. Sadly, this is a crime that often goes unreported – or misreported. Fatal violence against the trans community os largely disproportionate, affecting trans women of color the most.

Further, intersectional racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia compounds against the trans community, making access to employment, housing, healthcare and other necessities difficult or impossible to achieve. HRC reports that anti-transgender stigma is a snowball effect, making the trans community more vulnerable and susceptible to the violence.

On TDOR, we stop to reflect. Reflect on the lives lost, and those who are still with us fighting for equality. Below are the 22 lives lost so far this year, as reported by HRC:

• Dana Martin, 31, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Montgomery,Alabama, on January 6. Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, an Alabama-based trans advocate, said that “she was a person that was loved by many.”

• Jazzaline Ware, 34, a Black transgender woman, was found dead in her Memphis apartment in March. Her death is being investigated as a homicide, according to The Advocate. “Our community in Memphis is mourning the death of Jazzaline Ware, a Black trans woman and beloved friend,” said the Transgender Law Center in a press release. Further details are unknown as of May 31, 2019.

• Ashanti Carmon, 27, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Prince George's County, Maryland, on March 30.“Until I leave this Earth, I’m going to continue on loving her in my heart, body, and soul,” said Philip Williams, Carmon’s fiancé. “She did not deserve to leave this Earth so early, especially in the way that she went out.

• Claire Legato, 21, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Cleveland on April 15. Friends and family took to social media to mourn Legato’s death, remembering her as someone who was “full of life.”

• Muhlaysia Booker, 23, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Dallas on May 18.

Friends, family and advocates across the country took to social media to mourn Booker, sharing their shock and disbelief. “Such a beautiful spirit taken too soon,” wrote one person. “She lived her life and loved all of who she was.”

• Michelle 'Tamika' Washington, 40, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Philadelphia on May 19. Washington, who was also known by the name Tameka, is remembered by friends and loved ones as a beloved sister and “gay mother.”

• Paris Cameron, 20, a Black transgender woman, was among three people killed in a horrific anti-LGBTQ shooting in a home in Detroit on May 25, according to local reports. Alunte Davis, 21, and Timothy Blancher, 20, two gay men, were found dead at the scene and Cameron was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries. Two other victims were also shot but survived. “This case illustrates the mortal danger faced by members of Detroit’s LGBTQ community, including transgender women of color," Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire said.

• Chynal Lindsey, 26, a Black transgender woman, was found dead in White Rock Lake, Dallas, with signs of “homicidal violence” on June 1, according to police. Friends, family and community members took to social media to share their shock at her death, describing her as “smiling” and “a person I had never seen mad.”

• Chanel Scurlock, 23, a Black transgender woman, was found fatally shot in Lumberton, North Carolina, on June 6. “RIP baby,” wrote a friend on Facebook. “You [lived] your life as you wanted. I’m proud of you for being unapologetically correct about your feelings and expectations of YOU.” • Zoe Spears, 23, a Black transgender woman, was found with signs of trauma near Eastern Avenue in Fairmount Heights, Maryland, and later pronounced dead on June 13, according to local reports. “She was my daughter -- very bright and very full of life,” transgender advocate Ruby Corado, the founder and executive director of Casa Ruby, told HRC.“Casa Ruby was her home. Right now, we just want her and her friends and the people who knew her to know that she’s loved.”

• Brooklyn Lindsey, 32, a Black transgender woman, was found dead in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 25, according to local news reports. “I love you, Brooklyn Lindsey,” wrote a friend on Twitter. “I shall live on for you. Rest in power, sista.”

• Denali Berries Stuckey, 29, a Black transgender woman, was found fatally shot in North Charleston, South Carolina, on July 20. “I lost my best friend, first cousin,” wrote a family member on Facebook. “We were more than cousin. We were like brother and sisters. I love you so much, Pooh.”

• Tracy Single, 22, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Houston on July 30.“Rest in

power and peace Tracy,” wrote Monica Roberts, Houston-based transgender advocate.“You were taken away from us way too soon.”

• Bubba Walker, 55, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Charlotte, North Carolina, in late July. Walker was reported missing on July 26. She is remembered by friends and family as “one of those people who was really fun to be around. She was very kind and she loved helping people.”

• Kiki Fantroy, 21, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Miami on July 31. Fantroy’s mother remembered her as having “a heart of gold” and being “a very loving person.” She also pleaded for justice for her daughter, saying, “My baby, my baby. Please help bring justice to my baby.”

• Jordan Cofer, 22, was among the nine victims killed in a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio, on August 4.While Cofer was only out to a handful of close friends and used the pronouns he/him/his on his social media profiles, he is remembered by friends as “extremely bright” and “well-liked.” A friend told Splinter News that “Jordan was probably one of the sweetest people you would ever meet, a true saint, but he was also very scared constantly. He tried to give the best to everyone.”

• Pebbles LaDime “Dime” Doe, 24, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Allendale County, South Carolina, on August 4. Doe’s friends and family remembered her as having a “bright personality,” and being someone who “showed love” and who was “the best to be around.”

• Bailey Reeves, 17, a Black transgender teen, was fatally shot in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 2. She is remembered as "a person who lived her life to the fullest."

• Bee Love Slater, 23, was killed in Clewiston, Florida, on September 4. Slater is remembered by loved ones as someone "with a really, really sweet heart" who "never harmed anyone."

• Jamagio Jamar Berryman, 30, a Black gender non-conforming person, was killed in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 13. Local activists and community members joined family and friends at a vigil and took to social media to mourn Berryman’s loss.

• Itali Marlowe, 29, a Black transgender woman was found shot in Houston on September 20. She was transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead, as reported

by Monica Roberts of TransGriot. "You deserved to live a full and robust life surrounded by people who embraced and celebrated your real self," wrote Sue Kerr, an LGBTQ columnist.

• Brianna “BB” Hill, 30, was fatally shot in Kansas City on October 14. Kansas City Police Capt. Tim Hernandez told local press that the alleged shooter remained at the scene until they arrived. She was a beloved member of her community, a fan of the Kansas City football team and loved spreading joy by sharing funny videos on her Facebook page.

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⚫ ENTERTAINMENT FILM

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GIVE IT A WATCH

` ⚫ BY STAFF WRITER

‘Tis the “Season of Love” in Queer Holiday Rom-Com STREAMING WEEKLY TO ANY SCREAN NEAR YOU

MONDAYS: Local News Beat FRIDAYS: Westside Local

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Every holiday season traditional and streaming networks create a ton of holiday romantic comedies but they consistently fail to create meaningful stories from the queer perspective.

Written by Kathryn Trammell, directed by Christin Baker, “Season of Love” is a lighthearted rom-com featuring a large ensemble cast of diverse women and their connected love lives during the hectic holiday period just before Christmas through the New Year who discover love truly is the best gift of all.

The movie brings together some fan favorites including actresses from classic LGBTQ films and current television shows including Dominique Provost-Chalkley ("Wynonna Earp", "Avengers: Age of Ultron"), Jessica Clark ("True Blood", "A Perfect Ending"), Emily Goss (“Snapshots”), Laur Allen (“Young and the Restless”), Janelle Marie and Sandra Mae Frank ("Deaf West's Spring Awakening", "Daybreak”).

Decrying the lack of LGBTQ+ characters and more specifically LGBTQ+ female leads in holiday movies, Tello Films and DASH Productions are proud and excited to be breaking grounds and releasing the first

ever Holiday romantic comedy for LGBTQ+ women, Season of Love this December.

“We talk a lot today about diversity on screen but it’s also important to talk about diversity behind the camera. Season of Love has a queer female writer, director and producers that shape the voice of the film and it rings so true to a queer woman’s experience because we have queer women all over this cast and crew. It’s a delight to be part of that,” said Goss.

The Pride LA spoke with Baker about her experience creating the ultimate queer holiday movie. Check it out: In one sentence, what is Season of Love?

Season of Love is the holiday RomCom that you've been waiting for!

Can you elaborate more?

The producing team of Season of Love (Ashley Arnold and Danielle Jablonski) was inspired last holiday season because there wasn't one Holiday movie that had a queer lady storyline. Ashley said that it was time

FILM, see page 17

11.29 – 12.12.2019 ENTERTAINMENT FILM

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LOS ANGELES

⚫ 17

GIVE IT A WATCH

` ⚫ BY STAFF WRITER

PAUL GAUGUIN 2020 TAHITI CRUISES 50% OFF STANDARD CRUISE FARES PLUS AIRFARE INCLUDED1 from LAX

Photo: Courtesy.

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from page 16 that we did something about it and came up with the idea to do a call for holiday RomComs. We launched it during the holidays in 2018 and now here we are a year later releasing the first Queer Lady Holiday RomCom. Written by Katheryn Trammell it has a "Love Actually" vibe with 3 interconnected storylines with their own level of cuteness and all the holiday feels and magic.

What interested you in directing the film?

I love directing, I love working with actors so that is my happy place. It only added to the joy that this project was so well written and it was the chance to direct something that I knew I would want to watch and the community would want to watch.

What makes the movie unique?

Season of Love is the first specifically queer women-centric holiday feature.

Of course there have been plenty of others with main and supporting queer characters but never one film that had a 100% LGBTQ storyline.

There have been really great Queer Holiday movies but the different love stories in this one is one of the most fun and unique aspects of this movie. I think people will find a storyline that really speaks to them. A couple that they can relate to, which is so fun.

Can you comment on LGBTQ+ representation on screen?

LGBTQ+ representation is really improving a lot on screen which is fantastic. But despite there being over 40 holiday romantic comedies scheduled to come out this holiday season alone there has still never been one that focuses on LGBTQ+ women. So we decided to change that!

Our film features six diverse female characters. Many of the actors identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community as well as the

writer, director, producers and many others behind the camera identifying as queer women. We also believe that it’s important to have diversity in casting and are so proud that all three of our main couples are interracial and that one of our lead characters is also deaf. We’ve tried to make this film authentic to the queer experience, where the characters just are who they are and love who they love. While the majority of LGBTQ films feature coming out stories or stories of struggle or stories that rely on the stereotypes of their sexuality, this movie doesn’t. It’s not about coming out, or dealing with homophobia. It’s truly a fun, romantic comedy with a happy ending for our community. As one of our actors, Jessica Clark says, “This is our ‘Love Actually’.”

What was your favorite scene to direct? Why? Oh, that's such a tough question! I can't pick just one... I loved directing a scene where our character Iris is drunk after her husband leaves her at the alter. Emily Goss played it spot on and Jessica and Janelle were so fun watching and trying to help this train wreck friend. Anytime Jessica Clark had to drop something, she plays a clutz really well, which you'd NEVER guess but she's so good at it! I never had to say "that looked fake" because she sold it every time. There is an adorable scene where Janey sings to Sue and Janelle and Dominique was just so cute.

They played off of each other so well and it's a very sweet scene.

Why should people watch this?

Because Love. It's a feel-good, fun, love story and we can really use that right now, I think.

Our hope is that it becomes a classic holiday movie staple for our community.

The film is now available online for pre-sale and will be available for rent and/or purchase on December 1, 2019 at: https://www.seasonoflovemovie.com/

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Angel City Chorale’s Holiday Concert Returns Singalong and concert December 7 and 8

By Keldine Hull With over 180 members, the Angel City Chorale (ACC), founded by Artistic Director Sue Fink in 1993, is one of the most well- known and sought after singing groups in Southern California. Following their success on Season 13 of NBC’s “American’s Got Talent,” the Golden Buzzer winners remain hard at work, spreading their message with the world and “Building Community One Song at a Time.”

On December 7 and December 8, at 7:30 p.m., the ACC will host its popular annual holiday concert and singalong at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. “It’s our biggest concert of the year,” said Michael Lever, who volunteers and performs with the choir. “Some people have made it a tradition now for 26 years.”

“Angel City Chorale: Starry Starry Night” will feature music from big- screen holiday favorites including “Home Alone Suite” by John Williams, “Joy with Joy to the World” from “The Preacher’s Wife” and a medley of classic songs from “White Christmas,” “Holiday Inn” and “Meet Me in St. Louis.” ACC is also expected to per-

form the West Coast premiere of the new Swahili Christmas song “Njooni Waaminifu” by Grammy- winner Christopher Tin, collaborating once again with the mastermind behind the music that helped ACC get into the live shows of “America’s Got Talent.”

ACC’s growing outreach, the Angel City Youth Chorale (AGYC), will also perform.

“We have kids who participate from Boys and Girls Club Los Angeles over in Venice and now we have another outreach in Burbank. We’re expanding the group, getting

more kids involved in music,” explained Lever, who knows first-hand the importance of singing in a choir. “I grew up in a boys’ choir, and it defined my life in positive ways. It’s the perfect connection with the Boys and Girls Clubs, to give these kids something to do after school. It’s a positive influence in their lives that will remain throughout their lives.”

Lever continued, “That’s what we really love that we’re doing with these kids- giving them community, self-esteem, nurturing their talent, accepting them for who or what

they are, giving them pride in themselves.

All these positive, wonderful attributes are very evident when you hear them singing and see them.”

In addition to their holiday concert, ACC brings music to people who might not have the means to see choral groups on their own through the annual Holiday Tour of Hope.

ACC has also performed benefit concerts throughout the world, supporting organizations like the County Mayo Cancer Action Group and The Amy Foundation. “It’s been a wonderful experience,” Lever continued. “We continue to get requests for our presence and our music all over the world.

We’re certainly representing Los Angeles in the most wonderful way that we know how, through song.”

As their popularity and influence grow, ACC hopes to continue to have a positive impact on those in need by sharing their love of community and music. “We’re going to branch out throughout the year and get more active in the community, get our hands dirty, singing and not singing,” Lever explained. “When a group comes together like this with one purpose and goal in a positive way, there’s nothing we can’t do. We’re very excited to see our future.”

To learn more about ACC, including upcoming events, visit: https://angelcitychorale.org

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LOS ANGELES

NY TIMES CROSSWORD PUZZLE

89 Batman’s favorite rapper?

91 Revivalists, for short 1 Agcy. for Kennedy and Reagan 93 Not only that but also 4 Push 95 Singer Sumac 9 Positive quality 96 The Avalanche, on sports tickers 14 Provider of directions, for short 97 Make do with a lesser option 17 Penne ____ vodka 99 Thor’s favorite rapper?

19 Around 101 Actress Thurman 20 Claw 102 32° Fahrenheit, in Celsius 22 “Intriguing!”

23 Aquaman’s favorite singer? 103 Parisian street 25 The Human Torch’s favorite 104 ____ volente (God willing) band?

27 ____ Edberg, two-time U.S. 105 Old-fashioned provider of directions Open tennis champion 107 Completely set 28 With child, informally 109 Sir and madam 30 Nicely muscled 112 Electro’s favorite singer?

31 Canine warning 32 Feminine-hygiene product 114 What the musical artists in this puzzle would form 33 Seashore feature if they all performed 34 Oriental, e.g. together?

35 The Hulk’s favorite band?

116 Decompose 38 Does 110, say 117 Let breathe, as stinky 40 Sculptor/collagist Jean shoes 41 Staff 118 Tangent line?

42 Number between cinque 119 Princess Fiona, after and sette sunset 43 Mama ____ Elliot 120 One begins, “Thou still 44 Iceman’s favorite band? unravish’d bride of quietness” 48 Bermuda, e.g.

121_ ___-turvy 50 Sweetly sing 122 Chocolate cup inventor 52 14-pound unit H. B. ____ 54 Australian friend 123 Pained cry 55 The Flash’s favorite singer?

58 Adamant refusal DOWN 60 Animator’s frame 1 Things the police may keep 61 “Your” of yore on suspects 62 Bit of progress 2 Narrow cut 64 “Seriously?”

3 [legally covering our butts 66 Front of a vessel here] 68 Magneto’s favorite band?

4 Clickable item 70 Quaint agreement 5 Boom ____ 71 Comment advising you 6 Remit in advance to set your sights a little 7 Digital greeting lower?

8 “Stay in your ____!”

73 Low tie 9 Approximately 74 Response to “You have something on your face,” 10 Untroubled maybe 11 Divine bovine?

75 List-ending abbr.

12 Timeline sections 76 Gobbles (down) 13 Wee bit 78 Spider-Man’s favorite band? 14 Destined for greatness 83 Smell ____ (sense 15 Opening in cosmetology? something fishy) 16 Molt 85 Like Hägar the Horrible 18 Woodard with four Emmys 87 ____ Martin 21 Covalent bonds of a carbon atom, e.g.

88 “Enough already!”

ACROSS

2

3

17

4 18

23

5

37

55

50

33

34 39

84

52

53 58 64

101

80

87

110

111

88

92

93

98

94

99 104

108

113

109

114

117

115

118 121

95 100

103

107

24 Things sailors spin 26 Late afternoon hour 29 Some economic figs.

32 Tournament bridge players, typically 35 Stick-to-it-iveness 36 Santa ____, Calif.

37 Speak out against 38 City by the Bay, informally 39 “Why, you little …”

43 Several quarter turns?

45 Jay with jokes 46 Starting squad 47 Speak up, and then some 49 ____ Brand, two-time N.B.A. All-Star 51 Boo-boo 53 Good trait in a housemate 56 “Jeez, wasn’t expecting that!”

57 For rent 59 Test for fit

82

65

79

102

112

81

60

70

78 86

97

47

74

91

106

59

73 77

96

46 54

69

90

16

22

45

63

85

15

40

44

68

76

89

30

62

72

83

14

26

57

67

75

13

29

51

61

71

12

21

43

56

66

11

38

42 49

10

25

32

36

48

120

9 20

28

41

116

8

24

31

105

7

19

27

35

6

119

122

123

63 Song with the lyric “A loko e hana nei” 65 Things equestrians have on hand?

66 ____ dish 67 What 14-Across will do if you miss a turn 68 Fruit-salad ingredients 69 “____ bon” 71 Pup grown up 72 Uptown 74 “____, won’t you blow your horn?” (old lyric) 77 Cold summer treat 79 Puerto Rican city that shares its name with an explorer 80 System of roots?

81 Part of a so-called “grand tour” 82 Trade barbs or blows 84 Like some saws and bobsleds

86 Supplication 90 “What did Delaware?” “I don’t know, but ____” (classic joke) 92 University in North Carolina 94 “Feel me?”

98 “____ fugit” 99 Gooey chocolate treat 100 Public transit system 103 Be economical with 105 Lead-in to -centric 106 Stepped 107 Italian dear 108 Victim of a revolution 109 What the upright yoga pose vrikshasana simulates 110 It’s worth a little more than a dollar 111 Violently send out 113 Stridex target, informally 115 Mag personnel

Sudoku Puzzle T R O D

A F R O

P E T R I

S E A L G R I T T A B S

R E C A L C U L A T E

T W O M A N

S A L L A I L L T E F G R R E E O D S L E A Y L T O N

I M P E L C I R C A Y O C E A N A N P R E G R P A D D N D A Y S P S E I C A S C R O O N O R S W I F T H Y I N R O W M E T A L O T E O N E W O L F S T N O R S E A Y N E N E L S E T T L A Z E R O S C E M E N K Z A P P A A I R O U T T O P S Y

T S A R A L O H A O E

R E U S E

A S T E A R G E U N E E S S T I D I N E S S

M U D P I E C E S T S A C R E D C O W

E T R A T A D E S T R S A O L D N E O N T F O R A Y D O P I N O N N A Y C H A E D T I E R G D E S E

G O F I O N U G R P P L M A C R E E S I N E S T Y M O L O G Y

M E T R O

E U R O

S P E W S P A R

R O M E

Y E L L

A T E A M P O R E

S H E D

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STAR GAZING ARIES (March 21-April 19) The planets are in a position that encourages you to focus on mental health. Stretch your mind in a productive way. Don’t forget the importance of eating right for maintaining healthy emotional footings. Today is a five out of 10. Color gold plays a role.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Pay attention to your family, Taurus. You play bigger roles in their lives than you realize. Today might be a windy day where you are, but you can be someone’s steady oak tree. In the evening, especially, look to reconnect with someone you thought was lost.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) Gemini is feeling Mars in particular today. Wake up feeling refreshed and empowered. Today you have the heart of a lion if you're willing to roar. Overcome that mental obstacle that’s been holding you back lately. Something scandalous is around the corner at work; don't get pulled into the drama.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Cancers are feeling the chill of an icy relationship lately. How might you turn up the heat? Look to connect on a deeper level, and don’t be afraid to reveal your true feelings. Planetary transits are beneficial to you today, so accept the kindness of a stranger.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) There are some challenges awaiting you today, Leo, but if you stick it through, the day ends on an upswing. End your evening with self-affirmation. Your power spice today is celery seed, so try out a new recipe that uses it. Today is a six out of 10.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Virgo, you are living through an intense period of change right now. Health and beauty concerns are possibly creating a great upheaval in your mind lately.

They might even be interfering with your sleep.

Black and Gold are your power colors today.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Libras will benefit from finding someone to talk to today. Commit to making the best choices for your emotional well-being. A special movie might play a role in how the day progresses. Stand for something as opposed to falling for someone today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) How have you been feeling, Scorpio? Be honest when you answer. You can use some changes right now, and the position of Mars is a great inspiration for those changes. Reach a new height in personal development. Find a book that challenges you.

This is a great day to start a new fitness routine, and maybe find a friend along the way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a nicely harmonious day for you, Sagittarius.

Things are aligning well. Some of the stars’ positions point to the completion of tasks that have troubled you for a while. Enter into a new phase with your relationship, or seek to change the status of an old one.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Capricorns can expect a run of good luck in the near future. Don’t take it for granted or blow all the profits on some gaudy extravagance. Always set something aside for when the luck begins to fade. Today is a nine out of 10.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Aquarius, today is all yellow for you. Yellow is your power color, and lemons are a source of strength. Take strength in cheerfulness and humor. Offer it as much as you can. It’s a great day to do a kindness for a stranger!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Keep protecting the people you love, Pisces. You’re doing a fantastic job of being a positive influence on the people around you. Seek opportunity to be around the color white today, because it's a source of strength and power.

⚫ 20

LOS ANGELES

11.29 – 12.12.2019

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