Gia Gunn Talks ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ All-Stars Season 4

Episode three of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars Season 4 brought the much loved Snatch Game, but this time there was a twist: it was called Snatch Game of Love, and two teams of four would be competing for a bachelor ala the Dating Game style.

The first group, who were competing for Olympic athlete Gus Kentworthy, included

Trinity – Caitlyn Jenner

Monet – Whitney Houston

Naomi – Wendy Williams

Valentina – Eartha Kitt

The second bachelor was actor Keiynan Lonsdale and the group competing were:

Latrice – Della Reese

Gia – Jenny Bui (Cardi B’s nail technician)

Monique – Tiffany Haddish

Manilla – Barbra Streisand

The runway look was Boots the House Down. In the end the top two were Trinity and Manilla and the bottom two were Valentina and Gia. Manilla won the Lip Synch for Your Legacy and sent Gia home.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Gia for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

How has your life changed since you were on Drag Race?

It has allowed me to go on this huge journey of self-discovery and blossom in to the Trans woman I am today, and live my truth. I am also happy to inspire people to be who they are. 

Where have been some of your favorite places to visit as a RuPaul Alumni? 

I love Australia, South America, Tokyo Japan, and Mexico. The truth is anywhere international I loved, because I love experiencing different cultures. 

How exciting was it to get called back for All-Stars? Did you consider not coming back, and if so what made you come back?   

When I first got the call I was very unsure—it’s not an easy decision to make. When I realized it was not so much about me, but instead giving back to the Trans community by giving them visibility, I realized it was my duty to fulfill this role.

I was super honored to be the first Trans woman invited to be on Drag Race. I never expected it, but I felt blessed. 

How did you prepare differently for All-Stars than you did the first time you were on the show? 

Well the budget has definitely increased, so I was able to prepare more especially with the clothing. Mentally, I was much more prepared since I knew what to expect. 

You were accused of stirring the pot by a few of the girls. Was that true? 

I went there to create good reality television and that’s what I did. I fulfilled my duty as a TV personality.

Now that you have been eliminated, who do you want to win? 

I would love to see Trinity the Tuck win because she is a very strong well rounded queen. Not only in her talent, but her looks as well. I can honor any queen that is fierce and speaks their truth. 

What’s ahead for Gia? 

In 2019 I plan on capitalizing on my fame by diving into more activism and collaborating with brands that support transgender individuals. I am also going on a one woman tour called the “This Is Me Tour,” so check it out when it gets to your city.

For more information on Gia Gunn, go to her website: Giagunnonline.com.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/31/gia-gunn-talks-rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-season-4/

What’s Hot Central Florida: January 2019

Welcome to the What’s Hot Column, where we feature countless events in the Greater Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding areas. This is also your connection to activities and events by local LGBT+ Organizations. Continue reading on to learn What’s Hot this New Year, well at least in January!

Tuesday, January 1

Disney Springs Town Center presents Kingdom Hearts III Experience – A one-of-a-kind, limited-edition experience featuring the chance to be one of the first to play a demo of the new game, a special Keyblade exhibit featuring life-size replicas directly from the upcoming game, larger-than-life art inspired by characters and worlds from the game, and more. Now through January 29, admission is free.

Join Stonewall Orlando as they welcome 2019 with their Inaugural Guilty Pleasures New Year’s Day Party. Taylor B. & James C will be behind the bar for this special occasion serving up cocktails. Tommy Mot will be bringing in some friends and new Stonewall DJS rocking the day away along with surprise guest DJ’s.  Tako Cheena will be serving up the food so come hungry. Free admission, and free parking, It all starts at 11am!

Saturday, January 5

The Parliament House proudly presents New Years REHAB as their first party of 2019. Footlight Players at 10pm & 12am along with DJ Brianna in the Disco till 3am.

Monday, January 7

Wilde Lexus Sarasota & ABC 7 in association with the Van Wezel present Something Rotten, “Broadway’s big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first Musical! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is “The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. Squared!” (New York Magazine). Show runs till January 8. For Tickets and Information at: Vanwezel.org.

Wednesday, January 9

Dr. Phillips Center in association with AEG present Diana Ross. In a remarkable career spanning over 50 years, Diana Ross has proven herself the consummate music artist as well as one of the most iconic female singers of all time. For Additional information and Tickets Drphillipscenter.org.

Friday, January 11

Southern Nights Orlando Welcomes Bob The Drag Queen, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 (18+ Welcome) with drag shows at 11pm & 12:30am featuring Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Tasha Long, & Sassy Devine! (Don’t worry if you can’t make the show, she will also be at Southern Nights Tampa the following day Saturday, January 12)

Amor & Southern Nights Tampa present international Dj Nina Flowers, as they take you on a Journey! Doors open at 9pm with admission $10 before 10pm, and $15 after. 18yr+ welcome.

The Amway Center proudly presents Billy Joel. A Songwriters Hall of Famer, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Tony Award-winner (“Movin’ Out”), and six-time Grammy Award-winner (“Just the Way You Are” – Record of the Year and Song of the Year, “52nd Street” – Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance and “Glass Houses” – Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance) including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award. For additional information and tickets gp to: amwaycenter.com.

98.1 Salsa y Más, DJ Frankie G Productions and Fuego Night Club present Freestyle meets Salsa. Performing live all their Freestyle and Salsa hits are George Lamond & Brenda K Starr backed by Orquesta Mambo Lebron. Featuring DJ sets by Frankie G, Baron Lopez, Blazer One, Baby D & Benny Velez. Doors open at 9:30pm with show time 11:30pm sharp. This is an 18+ event, and for additional information and tickets go to: Fuegonightclub.net.

The Annual Orlando Home and Garden Show returns to I-Drive for its 11th year at the Orange County Convention Center . This is a premier show talking about things that are related to home accessories, kitchenware and bathroom ware. This international expo will facilitate the home owners and buyers by giving them an opportunity to have a direct conversation with the landscapers and gardeners of the contemporary times. Orlando Home & Garden Show will bring into lime light the importance and value of various kinds of home improvement ideas and techniques. By attending this expo the home owners and buyers can also understand the significance of all kinds of home accessories and kitchens and bathroom accessories, architecture & designing, and hand, machine & garden tools. For tickets, which start at $9, or additional info go to: Showtechnology.com.

Saturday, January 12

Crawl With Us in association with the Bars and Nightclubs of Ybor City present the “Onesie Bar Crawl” featuring Kelly Days Firehouse Tavern, Flynns Retro Bar, Bad Monkey, Big Easy, Boneyard, Dirty Shame, Southern Nights Tampa, Bradleys on 7th, Honey Pot, Coyote Ugly Saloon, The Bricks, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Brass Tap, Double Decker Pub, First Chance Last Chance, Gaspars Grotto, James Joyce, Reservoir Bar, Tequilas and many more. Presales are only $10 till day of the event, and $25 day of. 

Sunday, January 13

The Van Wezel Foundation presents Air Supply. Graham Russell & Russell Hitchcock have been singing together for over 40 years and this season they return to the Van Wezel to share some of their famous hits including “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All,” “Goodbye,” “It’s Never Too Late” and “Dance With Me.” Showtime at 7pm. For additional information or tickets go to: vanwezel.org.

Tuesday, January 15

The Tampa Bay Times in association with The Straz Center present Les Misérables, which is Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion and the resilience of the human spirit. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. Show runs till January 20th. For additional Information or tickets go to: Strazcenter.org.

Thursday, January 17

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando & AGoldPhoto Pet Photography along with Orlando Brewing present their annual Pet Photo Shoot Fundraiser. Adam from AGoldPhoto uses photography to tell stories of adoption, rescue and highlight various animal welfare issues. The goal of the photos is to bring traffic to his website, but once you are there, you’ll learn something too. His unique approach to working with animals allows him to showcase the pet’s personality in ways most people haven’t seen. Event runs from 5-7pm and shoot start at $50 per pet with $35 of that going to the Shelter. For additional information and to schedule your timeslot go to: Agoldphoto.com.

The Van Wezel presents Linda Eder, one of the original stars of Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde, Linda has one of the greatest voices of our time, and her diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz, making her one of America’s most beloved singers and dynamic live performers. Showtime at 8pm, with tickets and more info available at: vanwezel.org.

Friday, January 18

Southern Nights Tampa presents “Surge Fridays” with International DJ Sensation Kidd Madonny, spectacular décor, sexy Go-Go dancers and much more. This is an 18 event with doors opening at 9pm and no cover till 10pm.

Saturday, January 19

The Parliament House presents RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10 alum Blair St Clair with shows at 10pm & 12am with the Footlight Players. This is an 18+ event with general admission $10, and VIP admission $25, which includes reserved theatre seating for the midnight show and photo opportunity after the show. DJ Brianna spins till 3am. 

Join Friends, family and your four-legged companions at the 3rd annual St. Pete Beer and Bacon benefiting Pet Pal Shelter from 12pm – 8pm at Vinoy Park. This event will feature 100+ craft beers (3-7pm), option to sample from 15+ Craft Spirits & Cocktails, 60+ bacon dishes from 15+ food vendors, live music from 4 bands, games, prizes & tons of fun. Sample & vote for your favorite brewery.  For more information & to purchase tickets, go to StPeteBeerandBacon.com.

Monday, January 21

Join Orlando Downtown Recreation Center and GayDodgeBall.com as they host their first welcome all $5 pick-up game. All skill levels are welcome and everyone is encouraged to make new friends and have fun playing dodgeball. GayDoodgeBall.com has the largest Gay Dodgeball League in Florida. This is an 8 week league, with 8 Teams Maximum, with 13-20 Players a team. For additional information go to: GayDodgeball.com/orlando.html.

Tuesday, January 22

Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando presents Hamilton, which is the story of America’s founding father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first treasury secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now.  Show runs till February 10, in the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. For additional information and tickets go to: Drphillipscenter.org.

Friday, January 25

Southern Nights Tampa presents “Surge Fridays” with DJ Twisted Dee, sexy Go-Go dancers and much more. This is an 18 event with doors opening at 9pm and no cover till 10pm.

Orlando’s Hard Rock Live presents TLC in concert. They scored nine top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including four number-one singles “Creep“, “Waterfalls“, “No Scrubs“, and “Unpretty“. The group also recorded four multi-platinum albums, including CrazySexyCool (1994) which still remains the only album by a female group to receive a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. The Ultimate Flashback Friday starts at 8pm. For tickets which start at $33 or more info go to: hardrock.com/live/locations/Orlando.

Sunset Events & Disco Donnie present Steve Aoki at the Ritz Ybor. After years of relentless touring, EDM producer, promoter and label owner Steve Aoki is now recognized as one of the most exciting live performers in the world. Doors Open at 10pm for this 18+ event. For tickets or more info go to: Theritzybor.com.

Saturday, January 26

The world famous Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is today and tomorrow. For the full line up go to: Gasparillapiratefest.com.

The VanWezel Foundation & Hyatt Regency Sarasota present “The Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performances. Hits include: ”You and I Ain’t Nothin’ No More”, “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”, “If I Were Your Woman,” and “That’s What Friends are For.” Show time is at 8pm. For additional information and tickets go to: Vanwezel.org.

Amor & Stonewall Orlando present: The Miss Orlando Universo Latina USA Reunion with show time at 12am starring: Chris Sant Lorans featuring Sasha Fiercee (Miss Orlando Universo Latina USA 2017) Rakell Riviera (Miss Orlando Universo Latina Usa Plus 2018) & Gucci Michelle Reyes (Miss Universo Latina USA Plus 2018) alongside the Dynasty Girls Norma Fis-Vernaza , Bella Fis & Spiidey Montalvo. With sounds by Johan Mateo Quintero, Kraig Matthews & Franklin Cruel, the doors open at 9pm.

Sunday, January 27

The Amway Center presents Marc Anthony in his Legacy Tour. Anthony is one of the most influential artists of his time and a true ambassador of Latin music and culture. He has had 25 Billboard chart hits, sold over 12 million albums worldwide and has been recognized with countless standard gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America.  Doors open at 7pm. For additional information and tickets go to: Amywaycenter.com.

Tuesday, January 29

Bank of America Broadway at The Straz and Tampa Bay Times present A Bronx Tale. Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family. Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical – based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.” Show runs till February 3rd. For Additional Information and Tickets go to: Strazcenter.org.

Thursday, January 31

IMG Artists present We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. In this thrilling, emotional tribute inspired by the words of Dr. King, producer and musical director Damien Sneed showcases repertoire from across the African-American music traditions that have electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders. Pulling together a concert of works by Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis and more including traditional gospel, modern gospel, jazz and Broadway tunes, Sneed interweaves these musical flashpoints with King’s impassioned oratory from recorded historic speeches. The end result is a stand-up-and-cheer celebration of one of America’s greatest heroes. This event takes place at the Straz Center, Tampa.  Show starts at 8pm, with tickets starting at $25 at Strazcenter.org.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/whats-hot-central-florida-january-2019/

Q&A: ‘Les Miserables’ Returns to Central Florida

The 102nd Gasparilla Invasion & Parade Hits Tampa

The 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate Fest is scheduled for 9am to 9pm on Saturday, January 26, in Tampa and will feature the 102nd Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of the Pirates presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch at the Tampa Convention Center provides the best view in town of the historic Gasparilla Invasion, as the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla sail up Seddon Channel aboard the Jose Gasparilla accompanied by a majestic flotilla, docking tableside at 1 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center.

The Gasparilla Invasion Brunch includes a buffet brunch with cash bar and reserved table seating for one of the most unique and colorful spectacles found anywhere in the world. Gasparilla Invasion Brunch (Adults: $115 plus tax, Child: $85 plus tax) and Brunch/Parade COMBO tickets (Adult COMBO $130 plus tax, Child COMBO $95 plus tax).

Following another successful invasion by the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the focus shifts to beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and South Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa. After successfully capturing the Key to the City (once again), the pirates of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla celebrate with a victory parade that begins at 2 pm at Bay to Bay and Bayshore. The 4.5 mile Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates, which has been presented by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla annually winds its way along Hillsboro Bay into downtown Tampa, with over 140 units – featuring one-hundred three floats, three marching bands and over fifty  participating social organizations (i.e. krewes).

The Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates will travel from Bayshore into downtown Tampa. The Parade will cross into downtown over the Brorein Street bridge, turn north on Ashley Drive, and end at Cass Street and Ashley Drive in the heart of the Cultural Arts District in downtown Tampa.

Reserved Gasparilla bleacher seating tickets are $45 in advance, (plus tax). For additional information or to purchase Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, Reserved Gasparilla Parade tickets and/or officially licensed Gasparilla merchandise, please log onto GasparillaTreasures.com. Tickets can also be ordered over the phone by calling EventFest’s Gasparilla Ticket Line at (813) 251-8844. A ticket representative will be available between 9 am and 5 p.m, Monday – Friday.

HOT TICKET EXPANDED IN 2019! Our Extremely Limited First Mate reserved chair seating has been expanded in 2019 to include the FIRST MATE SOUTH – located on the water side of Bayshore Boulevard, between Ardson and Carolina, and FIRST MATE NORTH – located on the land side of the parade route on Bayshore Boulevard, between Beach and Platt Street. This single row, chair seating provides guaranteed front-row fun at Tampa`s historic Gasparilla Parade of the Pirates. First Mate Seating Tickets are $60 per person (plus tax) in advance, and are expected to sell out well in advance of the parades again this year.

Reserved Seating for the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch and Parade of the Pirates is limited and available on a first ordered, first reserved basis. All reserved tickets are assigned in the order they are received, therefore guests should order their reserved tickets early to best accommodate any seating preference they may request.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/the-102nd-gasparilla-invasion-parade-hits-tampa/

PHOTOS: Southern Nights Orlando’s 11th Annual Broadway Christmas

Check out our featured photos from Southern Nights Orlando’s 11th Annual Broadway Christmas:

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/photos-southern-nights-orlandos-11th-annual-broadway-christmas/

PHOTOS: Cristoph’s Tampa’s Sticky & Sweet Party

Check out our featured photos from Cristoph’s Tampa’s Sticky & Sweet Party:

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/photos-cristophs-tampas-sticky-sweet-party/

PHOTOS: Southern Nights Tampa – Toys for Tots

Check out our featured photos from Southern Nights Tampa’s Toys for Tots:

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/photos-southern-nights-tampa-toys-for-tots/

PHOTOS: Around Tampa Bay with Amy Demilo

Check out our featured photos from Around Tampa Bay with Amy Demilo from December 2018:

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/photos-around-tampa-bay-with-amy-demilo-4/

Don’t Commit These Six New Year’s Eve No-Nos

New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect, cleanse and get pumped for starting anew, but that happy train could crash and burn if you don’t avoid these countdown-to-disaster no-nos.

1. Drunk texting your exes

Nothing good will come from this. Best-case scenario, you bump uglies after the ball drops, but then you’re starting the New Year in a state of regression instead of progression. Worst case, he ignores you, leaves you on “Read”, and you keep texting him like the psychopath you might be until you pass out in a puddle of your own piss and self-pity. Do yourself a favor and resolve to leave the past in the past this time around. Block and delete all the former lovers that have the uncanny ability to turn you into a lunatic after a few ounces of liquor hit your system. There are plenty of fish in the sea, remember, but you won’t find new ones if you keep dipping your dick in the same shallow pond.

2. Booking a harbor cruise

After spending a couple New Year’s Eves teetering on the brink of frostbite in Times Square, I booked a cruise around the New York Harbor for a change of pace. Big mistake. What started out as a benign evening of dining, dancing and open bar gradually digressed into a nightmare scenario on the USS Get Me Off This F**king Boat. That’s what happens when you pump a hundred 20-somethings full of booze, run out of alcohol mid-cruise, and offer no reasonable escape. Bottles were broken, punches were thrown, mascara-filled tears drenched sparkly party blouses. It was like that cafeteria jungle scene in Mean Girls, but with actual bloodshed. Stick to a house or ballroom party – and identify all exits in the event of an emergency.

3. Making last-minute plans

You really ought to have your NYE plans locked down by now lest you want to be left out in the cold (literally) or spend more than you should on price-hiked tickets to blowout club and hotel extravaganzas. The best events sell out quickly, and you won’t have the luxury of choosing wisely by delaying your decision on how to ring in the New Year. Wait too long and you may have no choice but to improvise on December 31, which is the first ingredient in a recipe for year-end disaster. During a year filled with notable lows, the last thing you need is to start Jan. 1 at rock bottom. Then again, the only way to go is up – right?

4. Making no plans

I used to put a lot of emphasis on having the BEST time on NYE, but after several memorable fiascos (I’m still traumatized by the cruise, and that was a decade ago), I decided to play NYE by ear on a holiday vacation to Hawaii – because it was Hawaii, and who needs anything else to do but Hawaii all night? Turns out Hawaii is just like every other place on the planet during the year’s last hurrah: a cesspool of drunken assholes, long lines, huge covers and cheap champagne (if you can even get a drink). With that, I discovered that NYE plans are important (as is making them early), whatever they may be. I much prefer lower-key New Year’s Eves with my boyfriend these days, but having something on the books is required. I’ve been without plans in the past, and all that did was distract from the good time we could have had because we ended up bickering about where to go and what to do before giving up, slamming doors to separate rooms, and drunk texting exes – a great lesson in itself on learning how to take my own advice.

5. Hooking up with a rando

For many of us – OK, most of us – a night out, especially on an important occasion like NYE, isn’t successful unless we’ve bagged someone to bang. While that’s fine any other day of the year, there’s way too much significance attached to this holiday to kick off the New Year with kicking someone out of your bed. Do yourself a favor and be content with your own company on NYE. Beat your dick before you go out, delete Grindr from your phone, and stay present in the moment for once. Celebrate with your friends then go home satisfied with yourself that you don’t need a fuccboi to validate your contentment or attractiveness. Sure, it’s probably a change of pace from how you normally treat yourself, but isn’t it about time?

6. Drinking and driving

You know better. And there’s no reason you should be behind the wheel intoxicated when ride-sharing and taxi services are available in abundance (and sometimes free or discounted on New Year’s Eve) and family or friends are willing to pick you up and deliver you home safely. Keep the car parked and enjoy your night. Happy New Year!

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/dont-commit-these-six-new-years-eve-no-nos/

What Will 2019 Bring?

We made it, 2018 has come to an end and a new year is upon us.  What a year it has been, with so much turmoil in Tallahassee and Washington it is hard to imagine what other shoes will drop in 2019.  One thing is almost certain, the Muller investigation will come to an end (at least in part) and several people in the current administration who shouted “Lock Her Up” will likely be wearing orange jump suits, ironically behind bars themselves.

If nothing else, I have been glued to the cable news networks like I was suffering an addiction to a real-life telenovela.  But here is the scary part, this is real, and people’s lives are being impacted by an erratic, egomaniac who sits in the oval office.  NBC should let our President know that The Apprentice reality show was canceled years ago. His actions have consequences and people are literally dying at our borders trying to escape tyranny and corruption in their native lands.  When they finally make it to the promised land, we call America. Many are shocked to find a new brand of discrimination and chaos as they stand in line for days if not weeks, clutching their children as they are ushered off to holding areas if, and only if, they are lucky enough to get past the ‘metering system’ to claim refugee status.

The Administration is apparently coming apart at the seams with more senior members of the Trump administration jumping ship as our international allies scratch their heads as insults are hurled at them.  So, what does the Trump score card look like halfway though his first term? Let’s look at his accomplishments as reported in the Wall Street Journal:

• Withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
• Reversal of a rule that would mandate that oil and gas companies report payments to foreign governments.
• Revoked an executive order that mandated compliance by contractors with laws protecting women in the workplace.
• Canceled a phaseout of the use of private prisons.
• Overhauled and scaled down the Department of Justice and the State Department.
• Withdrew from the Paris climate agreement.
• Erased net neutrality rules established by the FCC under Obama.
• Withdrew troops from Syria effectively leaving it up to the Russians and Turks to wrap it up.
• Reversed an Obama ban on drilling for oil in the Arctic.
• Withdrew a rule regulating fracking on public land.
• Repealed a rule allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military.
• Withdrew federal protections for transgender students in schools.
• Ended the declaration of June as Pride Month

What will 2019 bring?  Who knows, but one thing is certain, America is resilient.  We have been tested like never before and we are still going strong.  I like to say, “we are shaken but not stirred”. The rule of law will prevail, and justice will be served (eventually).  We will emerge stronger and wiser as a nation with checks and balances being restored in congress. So, chin up, it was a bumpy ride, but 2019 looks promising if we all stick together and do what’s right!

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/what-will-2019-bring/

Ellen Page Talks LGBTQ Fundraising, Not Watching Movies

Actress and social activist Ellen Page recently witnessed history repeating itself while revisiting acclaimed classic Casablanca. Page noted the 1942 film’s eerie modern-day relevance, “the Nazi presence, but the sort of neutrality of people,” while watching the fraught and tense events – as well as “the romanticism of sacrifice” – unfold as Humphrey Bogart’s Rick Blaine, former freedom fighter and nightclub owner in Casablanca, protects his old flame, Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa, and her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) from Nazis. What stood out after taking another look at director Michael Curtiz’s WWII-set romantic drama: “You have these scenes in this cafe where they’re being shown respect because there’s these officials, even though, needless to say, they’re completely disagreeing.”

Page and writer-filmmaker Jason Reitman, who directed the actress in her Oscar-nominated breakout role in 2007’s Juno, set out to reimagine Casablanca for our Trump-led times, which are similarly fraught and tense for those desperately seeking life in America – and for disenfranchised groups already there. Simply titled Live Read of Casablanca and part of the Live Read Series, this is what Casablanca looks like in 2018 thanks to the diversified scope of Page and Reitman’s Dec. 13 live-read of the classic film at Los Angeles’s Ace Theater: female-led, and very queer. Before the event, a benefit for Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, a philanthropic organization working exclusively to advance LGBTQ human rights around the globe, Page was eager to perform with an “inclusive” cast who are “fucking awesome.”

“It’s one of the most iconic love stories with some of the most memorable lines of any film ever,” says the 31-year-old actress by phone. “It just seems perfect to sort of recreate it in the way that we are.”

Live-streaming future reads to reach a larger audience is a “good suggestion,” she acknowledged, but for now, “I really encourage people to go to (Astraea’s) website and learn more about their work and what they do, and if they’re able to support in any way at all that would obviously be really amazing.”

Page’s queering and feminizing of Casablanca marches in line with a Hollywood movement bending to minorities as they occupy the narratives of famed and noteworthy but classically cisgender, straight, white works, from the all-black cast remake of Lifetime’s Steel Magnolias to the Latinx-led One Day at a Time, on Netflix, and women taking on roles first depicted by men in Ocean’s 8 and Ghostbusters. “In some ways, people are almost just realizing it,” Page remarks on efforts to portray underrepresented minorities on screen. She says, until recently, the “privileged” American public (see: white people) “haven’t been cognizant” of giving every kind a seat at the table.

Page, who came out in 2014 and married professional dancer and fellow Canadian Emma Portner in 2018, is forthright about the lack of diversity in some of her own films.

“A movie like Whip It, you know, should be more queer,” she says, blatantly. “It’s just that simple.”

Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It featured Page as Bliss Cavendar, a Texan teenager living in a fictional town called Bodeen and joining a roller derby team, which includes derby girls played by Barrymore, Kristen Wiig, Eve and Juliette Lewis. “It wasn’t a realistic reflection of the derby world, and I wish that was different,” the actress says. “I love that film, just wanna be clear. Love that film, had a fucking blast, met two of my best friends in the universe on the film. But yeah, of course looking back on that, that’s a bummer.”

Released in 2009 by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Page adds, “It’s a reflection of the time. I’d like to think that it would be different now, and I think it actually does show not much has changed, but some things have.”

As demonstrated in recent years, it’s not too late for past works on the wrong side of diversity, so perhaps the unrealistically heterosexual-laden Whip It could be remedied: “If you made a sequel, I would love it,” Page enthuses. “I wish there was a Whip It 2, and she was lesbian.” She giggles, delighted by the thought. “And living in Austin.”

Cut on roles in 2005’s Hard Candy and Juno, Page’s career has dipped into multiple genres: high-budget thrill rides (two X-Men films, Inception), zombie dramas heavy on queer subtext (The Cured), and gay-themed true stories. In the 2015 lesbian biopic Freeheld, Page portrayed Stacie Andree, the partner of Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a gay police officer who fought to have her pension benefits transferred to Andree after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Early the following year, the actress’ collaboration with gay friend and co-host Ian Daniel, Viceland’s Gaycation, aired. The show had the activists traveling to countries like Japan, Brazil and Jamaica to investigate the horrific challenges and distinct cultural characteristics of being LGBTQ abroad.

After two seasons, the show returned in April 2017 for a special presentation that examined LGBTQ life in America post Trump. No more episodes are planned, Page apologetically reveals, but she and Daniel are in the early development stages of “a different project that’s similar,” but “less in terms of a travel show, more focused stories.” She adds, “Not that they’ll be in America, by any means.”

Looking back on Gaycation, Page was humbled by the experience, which she says “changed me.” “I mean, you’re meeting people who, every day, are risking their lives, are activists spending their lives doing that, and sacrifice so much to do that. That’s a level of bravery and courage that I’d like to think I’m capable of, but I’m probably not.”

Meeting transgender activist and famed Stonewall rioter Miss Major for the first season’s finale was an unforgettable moment for the actress when thinking of “a force and a person who is someone who’s ultimately been responsible for so much change for the community.”

After Gaycation, Page has continued to tackle projects that are extensions of her own lesbian identity, such as this year’s The Cured, an allegorically queer zombie film from out filmmaker David Freyne. Recent LGBTQ films evade her simply because “I’ve, like, literally barely watched movies. It’s been a problem.” She immediately retracts: “Not a problem – but the last year or two, quite frankly, I don’t know, but just for some reason I haven’t really watched movies.” Apologizing for missing this year’s impressive slate of LGBTQ films (she did ask for recommendations), Page says she thoroughly enjoyed the “stunning” Tomboy, a 2011 French drama she says is still fresh on her mind.

Seemingly more queer-content creator than consumer, she just wrapped shooting the revival of Armistead Maupin’s 1993 TV adaptation of his Tales of the City books, where she joins original cast members Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis in the 10-part Netflix series, due in 2019. Page refrained from sharing specific details as requested by showrunners, but Netflix’s contemporary Tales is set 20 years later, as Mary Ann (Linney) returns to San Francisco to her ex-husband Brian (Paul Gross) and daughter Shawna (Page), as well as Anna Madrigal (Dukakis) and a motley crew of other 28 Barbary Lane residents.

“I have a love interest, played by Zosia Mamet,” Page says of her co-star, best known for her role on HBO’s Girls. “Zosia’s amazing. She absolutely blew me away. I had such a wonderful time working with her. She is such a phenomenal actor, so yeah, that was awesome.”

And acting alongside Dukakis and Linney: “It’s crazy, right? Yeah, walking in and working with someone like Laura Linney, who is absolutely one of my favorites of all time – and, of course, Olympia – I felt so welcomed,” she says. “You couldn’t be working with more lovely, sincere, they-do-this-job-because-they-just-fucking-love-it (people).”

Says Page, “It’s about connecting with another actor, not to sound all actor-y and cheesy, but that is such a joy, to be in an environment like that. So to have the opportunity to be able to work with someone like Laura, and to be a part of this in terms of the stories and the narratives and the representation, yeah, I feel very lucky that I was included.”

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/ellen-page-talks-lgbtq-fundraising-not-watching-movies/

Q&A: Drag Icon Varla Jean Merman

Hear Me Out: Best Albums of 2018

10. Jussie Smollett, Sum of My Music  

No way Empire star Jussie Smollett was about to let a label – in his case, not just any label but Sony – stifle his musical ambitions. So he walked. Then he independently produced a stunning soul album called Sum of My Music. Smollett’s buttery croon and barefaced vulnerability are served on a smoldering bed of R&B grooves that bend contemporary urban trends in exciting and sincere ways. Same-sex love is a liberating act of defiance on the intimate organ-droned “Freedom,” the precursor to “I Know My Name,” a spirited self-determination chant and proof that going his own way was, clearly, the way to go.

9. Santigold, I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions

Pure, unencumbered joy on a Santigold album? Yes, she was looking out for your darkened post-Obama spirit, recording a much-needed but little-heard antidote for 2018. For it, the dancehall queen opened the blinds and let the light in on I Don’t Want: The Gold Fire Sessions. Deploying an intoxicating rush of reggae-tinged bliss on playful escapade “Crashing Your Party” and cosmic bop “Valley of the Dolls,” Santigold’s hallucinogen medicine goes down so easy you just might forget the sting of this last year.

8. Christine and the Queens, Chris

Gender constructs bend and break in the glistening queer-pop heaven of French artist Hélöise Letissier’s Chris. Rich in the singer-songwriter’s sense of self, the result of her own exploration of gender and its place in society, the subversive and complex Chris flexes a fully formed and thriving persona, where ambition, sexuality and electric pop-funk sizzlers are well within her spectacular reach.  

7. Sugarland, Bigger

“So cut the cake, and let us eat,” country artist and queer ally Jennifer Nettles sasses on Sugarland’s first album in eight years. Given the surprising sociopolitical weight of the rest of her reunion with Sugarland bandmate Kristian Bush, it makes perfect sense that the duo’s call-for-cake is a call-for-equality: “Mother” conveys the pro-LGBTQ stance of its, yes, country music creators, while the wrenchingly too-real “Tuesday’s Broken” makes a case for stronger gun laws. It ends on “Not the Only,” leading us into a new year with a needed dose of unity and light.

6. Robyn, Honey

This isn’t the Robyn album we asked for. You wanted to dance more, and for that, dear queers, you have a trilogy of Body Talk bangers. Though lead single “Missing You” is the kind of Robyn song you’ll be happy to know will leave you feeling sad on the dancefloor, generally, Honey doesn’t bang; the Swedish pop star’s art changed because her life changed – a breakup, a death. Thusly, Robyn let Body Talk be Body Talk, and because she’s an artist she sculpted a new sound for a new era that forgoes the immediacy and lingering pop thunder of “Dancing on My Own.” Honey, then, with its 90s-era R&B vibe and low-key house throwbacks and wonky detours (“Beach2k20” anyone?), is its own sweet, weird and wonderful thing.

5. Pistol Annies, Interstate Gospel

Country artists Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley have been here before, narrating cheeky and earnest parables of love, life and other woes set to the Americana backdrop they’ve all independently pursued. But with Interstate Gospel, their collective supergroup is fine-tuned as they breathe new life into the road-less-traveled aphorism on “Milkman” and uncover the grimiest of family traditions in “5 Acres of Turnips,” as Lambert’s lament teems with aching regret: “generations of shame, in my granddaddy’s name.” Beauty ultimately triumphs, as does Pistol Annies on this, their most moving album.

4. Janelle Monae, Dirty Computer

In 2018, Janelle Monae came out and declared herself human. Her other reveal – that she is pansexual – is no footnote on a year that needed all the queer visibility it could get, but her latest finds Monae shedding the metal components of her android alter ego. For Dirty Computer, she came down to earth with bold, timely and lyrically charged assertions of being black, female and queer in an America where all the above is shunned. Her remedy for Trump’s America: a vagina monologue (“Pynk”) and a restorative message for the disenfranchised (“Americans”). Dirty Computer is an artist taking full advantage of her role as an activist.  

3. Mariah Carey, Caution

Living tea-drinking legend Mariah Carey came to Caution without the world’s expectations on her shoulders, resulting in her most cohesive and self-assured set since 1997’s Butterfly. On “GTFO,” she kisses off the hims and hers she does not know in a composed and blasé purr, the whole low-key affair setting the stage for the diva’s chill defiance. This is Mariah emancipated from caring. This is Mariah in a negligee on a chaise lounge sipping her hot tea (and on “A No No,” spilling some too). This is Carey turning in one of the most experimental tracks of her enduring career, “Giving Me Life,” as elusive as ever during the song’s hypnotically eerie final stretch. This is what happens when you’re Mariah Carey on your own terms. To that I say, resoundingly: a YES YES.

2. Brandi Carlile, By the Way, I Forgive You

Veteran singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile came at us hard with the pen on By the Way, I Forgive You. Not a word was wasted, and the Grammys took notice, nominating Carlile – the most nominated female artist this year – for six awards, including Album of the Year, as well as Record of the Year and Song of the Year for her soul-reviving queer anthem, “The Joke.” Notably, the set lives in the space Carlile is most comfortable: the intimacy of a theater, where her towering rough-hewn howl has room to embellish and warm instrumentation emanates like a front-row seat at a Carlile concert. Lyrically, world injustices are brought to the fore with personal urgency and dramatic flare; the album is sad and dark and heavy. But it will heal you too.

1. Kacey Musgraves, Golden Hour

On Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves follows her own arrow again, thank you very much, as she evokes a world so serene it’s hard to believe we’re living in it. Flowers grow and so does love. Rainbows break through the sky and so does hope. Musgraves’ Golden Hour reminds you of the here-and-now, her voice as sweet as the pretty things – and the pretty hard things (letting someone go on “Space Cowboy,” the year’s best breakup song) – she brings to life simply by reminding you they exist. That’s the point, of course: to turn an eye to the unseen, clouded by a volatile political and social state. But Musgraves’ majestic spin on simple pleasures is like returning to a place you love, where just the thought is comforting – a balm, a breather. The sound of a new day.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/hear-me-out-best-albums-of-2018/

WATCH: New Year’s 2019, Tiffany Haddish Live & More!

On this special New Year’s 2019 Edition of Hotspots Live, host Shawn Palacious dishes on the hottest cultural events, appearances and live performances in South Florida, including the Top 3 picks of the week.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/watch-new-years-2019-tiffany-haddish-live-more/

Hunters’ 5th Anniversary Party Photos

Hunters Nightclub in Wilton Manors hosted a party for their 5th Anniversary and a DILF Party the following Saturday. View the full gallery: Hunters’ 5th Anniversary Party Photos

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/27/hunters-5th-anniversary-party-photos/

What’s Hot South Florida Dec. 27 – Jan. 1

Viola Davis Gloves up for ‘The Fighting Shirley Chisholm’

Sometimes non-queer people earn the right to call themselves more than allies; they get to be honorary members of the LGBTQ community. If anyone deserves that it’s the late Shirley Chisholm. She was the first African-American woman elected to Congress in the House of Representatives in 1968. And she was “intersectional” before the internet decided on a concise word for caring about the rights and dignity of all people. She stood up for poor and working class people, she was for LGBTQ rights when it was politically poisonous to take that stand, and she generally gave a damn when others didn’t.

Now Academy Award winner Viola Davis will portray her for Amazon Studios feature, The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, written by Adam Countee (Silicon Valley) and directed by Maggie Betts (Novitiate). Davis is a perfect choice. She’s the one you call when you want it knocked out of the park, and she’ll return Chisholm to the public consciousness, letting a new generation know why the words “Unbought and Unbossed” are engraved on her headstone. Look for this one sometime in 2019.

Trans filmmaker Rhys Ernst hits Sundance with Adam

Transgender filmmaker Rhys Ernst, whose TV miniseries documentary This Is Me led to directing an episode of Transparent, has stepped into features, helming his first full-length, Adam. Taking its initial bow at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival in January, and based on the novel by queer cartoonist and author Ariel Schrag, Adam is the story of a teenage boy who spends his last summer of high school with his older sister in New York City among her lesbian and trans activist circle of friends. What he encounters there challenges his ideas, identity and integrity.

The film stars Nicholas Alexander (Good Girls), Margaret Qualley (The Leftovers) and legendary Pose house mother MJ Rodriguez, which is also great news. More trans filmmakers at Sundance, please, and more Pose ladies in everything, please. And by everything we mean Elektra Abundance working with Scorsese and Soderbergh, thank you. See you at Sundance.

Romeo San Vicente loves the Pose ladies and Viola Davis

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/25/viola-davis-gloves-up-for-the-fighting-shirley-chisholm/

Las Isla Galapagos

Las Hermosas  y majestuosas islas Galápagos   del Ecuador también islas de los Galápagos y oficialmente conocida como el archipiélago de Colón  o archipiélago de Galápagos  constituyen un archipiélago del océano Pacífico ubicado a 972 km de la costa de Ecuador. Está conformado por trece islas grandes con una superficie mayor a 10 km, seis islas medianas con una superficie de 1 km a 10 km y otros 215 islotes de tamaño pequeño, además de promontorios rocosos de pocos metros cuadrados, distribuidos alrededor de la línea del ecuador terrestre, que conjuntamente con el Archipiélago Malayo, son los únicos archipiélagos del planeta que tienen tierras tanto en el hemisferio norte como en el hemisferio sur.

Las islas Galápagos  fueron declaradas Patrimonio de la Humanidad en 1978 por la Unesco. El archipiélago tiene como mayor fuente de ingresos el turismo y recibe 200 000 turistas al año.   También se ha desarrollado el turismo ecológico con el fin de preservar las especies. La región fue el hábitat del Solitario George, el último espécimen de la especie tortuga gigante de Pinta, extinta el 24 de junio del 2012. Las islas también son hábitat de especies como tortugas marinas, delfines, tiburones, tiburones martillo, ballenas, arrecifes de coral, fragatas, iguanas, lagartos, cormoranes, albatros, leones marinos y pingüinos. Al igual que la masa continental de Ecuador, el archipiélago es atravesado por la línea ecuatorial, en su mayor parte por el norte de la isla Isabela. Galápagos es el segundo archipiélago con mayor actividad volcánica del planeta, superado únicamente por Hawái.  Entra en la categoría de los puntos calientes; los volcanes más activos son Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Marchena y volcán La Cumbre en la Isla Fernandina, que es el más activo del archipiélago y uno de los más activos del mundo.

Las Galápagos son conocidas por sus numerosas especies endémicas y por los estudios de Charles Darwin que le llevaron a establecer su teoría de la evolución por la selección natural. Son llamadas, turísticamente, las Islas Encantadas, denominación que se ganó el archipiélago en el siglo XVI por su grandiosa biodiversidad de flora y fauna, heredando el nombre por generaciones.

Se estima que la formación de la primera isla tuvo lugar hace más de cinco millones de años,  como resultado de la actividad tectónica. Las islas más recientes, llamadas Isabela y Fernandina, están todavía en proceso de formación, habiéndose registrado la erupción volcánica más reciente en 2009.

Administrativamente, Galápagos constituye una de las provincias de Ecuador, conformada por tres cantones que a su vez son islas, a saber: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz e Isabela. El 12 de febrero de 1832, bajo la presidencia de Juan José Flores, las islas Galápagos fueron anexadas a Ecuador. Desde el 18 de febrero de 1973 constituyen una provincia de este país.

No podemos concluir sin antes remarcar la rica y deliciosa Gastronomia de Las islas Galapagos La gastronomía de las islas puede definirse como variada, si bien predomina un amplio abanico de recetas cuyos ingredientes principales proceden del mar. El modo más habitual de preparar la mayoría de recetas de pescado es al estilo ceviche, es decir, marinado con limón. A continuación te mostramos los platos más importantes de la gastronomía galapagueña.

Entre esos platos ricos y esquicitos se encuentran:
Arroz marinero, también conocido como arroz con mariscos, es un plato muy popular no solo en las islas Galápagos y Ecuador, sino en toda América Latina. Es un plato tradicional de las zonas costeras y, por este motivo, se encuentra entre los principales de Galápagos.

Tal y como su propio nombre indica, el principal ingrediente es el arroz, al cual se le añaden camarones, conchas, calamares, mejillones… en definitiva, todo tipo de mariscos y pescados. También suele llevar ajo, cebolla, pimiento, un toque de cilantro y especias variadas.

Y por último pero no menos delicioso  El bacalao con papas es una receta sencilla, descrita como “humilde” por muchos nativos de las islas Galápagos, en la que una vez más el pescado (bacalao) es el ingrediente estrella, tal y como sucede en la mayoría de platos típicos de la costa peruana.

El secreto para que este plato nos quede acorde a como se describe en la receta tradicional son las patatas. Lo ideal sería dejarlas para lo último, una vez hayamos cocinado el bacalao y le hayamos añadido un delicioso sofrito a base de pimiento verde y/o rojo, cebolleta, ajo y tomate.The beautiful and majestic Galápagos Islands of Ecuador also islands of the Galápagos and officially known as the archipelago of Colón or archipelago of Galápagos constitute an archipelago of the Pacific Ocean located to 972 km of the coast of Ecuador. It is made up of thirteen large islands with an area greater than 10 km, six medium islands with a surface of 1 km to 10 km and another 215 small-sized islets, in addition to rocky promontories of a few square meters, distributed around the equator terrestrial, which together with the Malay Archipelago, are the only archipelagos on the planet that have lands in both the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere.

The Galapagos Islands were declared a World Heritage Site in 1978 by Unesco. The archipelago has tourism as the main source of income and receives 200,000 tourists a year. Ecological tourism has also been developed in order to preserve the species. The region was the habitat of Solitaire George, the last specimen of the giant tortoise species of Pinta, extinct on June 24, 2012. The islands are also habitat for species such as sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, hammerhead sharks, whales, reefs. coral, frigates, iguanas, lizards, cormorants, albatrosses, sea lions and penguins. Like the continental mass of Ecuador, the archipelago is crossed by the equatorial line, mostly by the north of Isabela Island. Galapagos is the second largest volcanic archipelago on the planet, surpassed only by Hawaii. Enter the category of hot spots; The most active volcanoes are Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, Marchena and La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island, which is the most active in the archipelago and one of the most active in the world.

The Galapagos are known for their numerous endemic species and for the studies of Charles Darwin that led him to establish his theory of evolution by natural selection. They are called, touristy, the Enchanted Islands, denomination that the archipelago was won in the sixteenth century for its great biodiversity of flora and fauna, inheriting the name for generations.

It is estimated that the formation of the first island took place more than five million years ago, as a result of tectonic activity. The most recent islands, called Isabela and Fernandina, are still in the process of formation, having recorded the most recent volcanic eruption in 2009.

Administratively, Galápagos constitutes one of the provinces of Ecuador, conformed by three cantons that in turn are islands, namely: San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Isabela. On February 12, 1832, under the presidency of Juan José Flores, the Galapagos Islands were annexed to Ecuador. Since February 18, 1973, they constitute a province of this country.

We can not conclude without first highlighting the rich and delicious Gastronomy of the Galapagos Islands. The gastronomy of the islands can be defined as varied, although a wide range of recipes whose main ingredients come from the sea predominates. The most usual way of preparing most fish recipes is the ceviche style, that is, marinated with lemon. Below we show you the most important dishes of the galapagueña gastronomy.

Among those rich and exquisite dishes are:

Arroz marinero, also known as arroz con mariscos, is a very popular dish not only in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador, but throughout Latin America. It is a traditional dish from the coastal areas and, for this reason, it is among the main ones in the Galapagos.

As its name suggests, the main ingredient is rice, to which are added shrimp, shells, squid, mussels … in short, all kinds of seafood and fish. Also it usually takes garlic, onion, pepper, a touch of cilantro and varied spices.

And last but not least, cod with potatoes is a simple recipe, described as “humble” by many natives of the Galapagos Islands, where fish (cod) is once again the star ingredient, as is the case with most typical dishes of the Peruvian coast.

The secret for this dish to suit us as described in the traditional recipe are potatoes. The ideal would be to leave them for the last, once we have cooked the cod and we have added a delicious sofrito based on green pepper and / or red, chives, garlic and tomato.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/21/las-isla-galapagos/

Is it Too Soon to Start Dating?

Dear Andreus,
I lost my partner to cancer about a year ago. It’s safe to say that I have been incredibly lonely since, especially after 10 years together. I am in my mid 40’s now, and my friends are telling me that I deserve to get back out there. I don’t even know where to begin. Is it too soon? Should I be downloading Grindr? Please help!
Sincerely,

Ready Again

Dear Ready Again,

Losing a partner is difficult, especially if there was true love. I can relate, as it has happened to me twice. Getting back into the dating arena is a frightening thing, especially since we have moved away from the charm of old-fashioned, face to face meetings. Grindr and a lot of other apps and websites have taken away the flirting and pursuit of earlier times and replaced it with instant gratification. Finding a date rather than a hookup, is hit or miss. However, don’t be afraid to get back out there. There are always the bars, but there are other ways to meet someone. Community events, involvement in activities at places such as The Pride Center, and a few dating sites (not hookup sites). Take baby steps, see what’s out there, socialize and remind yourself that you are still alive, and your partner would want you to be happy.

Dear Andreus,

I have been on a series of dates over the last year. Probably with at least 20 different guys. It always starts out great, but never seems to turn into anything. We talk on Grindr, then meet up. Usually it starts out with fun, and I am always hoping that it will turn into something more, but it doesn’t. Am I doing something wrong? I would love to find someone and start something real.
Sincerely,

LookingForLove

Dear LookingForLove,

Seems like you might be looking for love in all the wrong places…no pun intended. But seriously, you cannot rely on Grindr to find Prince Charming or your happily ever after. This is not to say that it doesn’t happen, but we all know what most people are there for. If you want to find something real, start by going to places where your type of guy is. Ask yourself a series of questions – What kind of guy do I want to date? Where would I find him? Also, be upfront. If a relationship is what you are looking for, make your intentions known from the start. That way you don’t build up expectations, and end up getting let down when you later find out that you and the person you are talking to are not on the same page. It will save you time, spare your emotions, and a bunch of one-nighters.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/24/is-it-too-soon-to-start-dating/

Top 10 of the Week

HOST – Jay Leno

The Late-night TV legend will be revving up fans with his automotive exploits, and continues to deliver material that remains relevant, family friendly and full throttle funny. From best-selling author to corporate speaker and philanthropist, this beloved funnyman, who hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for over 20 years, keeps comedy fans clamoring for more.

Wed, January 2; 8pm; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach); Tix: Start at $29; Kravis.org.

DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS – The Naughty Tour

Murray & Peter Present a hilarious evening of holiday performances featuring contestants from Ru Paul’s Drag Race on VH1 including: Aja, Monet, Thorgy, Shea, Raja, Latrice and hosted by Miz Cracker.  All ages welcome, but performance includes Adult comedy.

Sat, December 29; 8pm; The Parker Playhouse (707 Northeast 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale) Tix: $24-$57 (GA), with VIP available for meet and greet.

ICONIC – Forbidden Broadway

New Season — New Victims — New Laughs! The fall-down funny musical roast of Broadway that has picked up 9 Drama Desk Awards, a Special Tony, an Obie, a Lucille Lortel and Drama League Award, returns with a blast featuring outrageous costumes, hilarious rewrites of the songs you know, and dead-on impressions by a stellar cast! Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or new to Broadway, this show is your one-stop ticket to non-stop laughs.

2 South Florida stops: Dec 27-31; Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach); Tix: $35; Kravis.org, and Jan 3 & 4; Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura); Tix: $40-$45; aventuracenter.org.

COMEDIAN – Fortune Feimster New Year’s Eve

Fortune made her national TV debut in 2010 on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where she finished as a semi-finalist. Fortune was a full-time writer and roundtable regular on the E! Network’s popular late night talk show, “Chelsea Lately,” with Chelsea Handler. She’s was also a cast member on the second season of Handler’s scripted series, “She is also a highly accomplished sketch comedian and improv artist, and is an alumna of the prestigious Groundlings Sunday Company.

Mon, December 31; 7pm; Palm Beach Improv (550 S Rosemary Ave. Suite 250, West Palm Beach); Tix: $30-$65; PalmBeachImprov.com.

COMEDIAN – Tiffany Haddish

The stand-up and comedic actress broke through with a star-making turn in last year’s “Girls Trip” film. Ring in the new year with her unflinching candor, disarming authenticity and no-holds-barred comedy.

Mon, December 31; 9pm; James L. Knight Center (400 SE Second Ave. Miami); Tix: $47.50; jlkc.com.

CIRQUE – Dreams Holidaze

The international cast of theatrical artists, singers and dancers perform original music and seasonal favorites in a holiday-themed wonderland set. Experience elaborate costumed characters, including snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, Santa Claus and ornaments creating illusions and gravity-defying feats.

Fri, December 28; 7:30 pm; James L. Knight Center (400 SE Second Ave., Miami); Tix: $33-$97; jlkc.com.

AZUCAR – Celia Cruz All Stars

The ensemble celebrates the Queen of Salsa’s repertory with reinterpretations of the icon’s influential hits. Expect to hear “La Negra Tiene Tumbao,” “Quimbara,” “Usted Abusó,” “La Vida Es un Carnaval” and “Bemba Colorá.”

Fri, December 28; 8pm; Miramar Cultural Center (2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar); Tix: $35-$60; Miramarculturalcenter.org.

IMPERSONATION – Simply Streisand

“The next best thing to seeing Streisand herself” is how the New York Post described Carla DelVillaggio. She is a multiple-award winning tribute artist, who has entertained across the country from Miami to Las Vegas to New York City. Described as “funny,” “charismatic,” “can improvise on the spot,” “creates the perfect illusion as Streisand,” “has Streisand’s signature phrasing, timing and vocal mannerisms”… critics continue to rave about DelVillaggio’s performances.

Sat & Sun, December 29 & 30; Delray Beach Playhouse (950 Lake Shore Drive, Delray Beach); Tix: $35; delraybeachplayhouse.com.

GIRL GROUP – Sister Sledge

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the iconic female group that broke through with the 1979 album “We Are Family.” The Grammy-nominated act has since performed at the White House, the U.K.’s Glastonbury music festival and for Pope Francis in Philadelphia. Their hits include “We are Family,” “He’s the Greatest Dancer,” “Lost in Music” and “Thinking of You.” Miami-based DJ Katrella gets the party started, with a champagne toast following the concert.

Mon, December 31; 10pm; Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (5550 NW 40th St., Coconut Creek); Tix: $95; seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.

MOVIE – Holmes & Watson

This is a humorous take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic mysteries featuring Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. This adventure/comedy/crime/mystery is 89 minutes in length and stars Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Ralph Fiennes, and Lauren Lapkus.

Premieres Dec 28, rated PG-13.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/12/21/top-10-of-the-week-18/