January 15, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

JUDY GOLD

From fielding queries about raising her sons as homosexuals, to making sure that all of her cash faces in the same direction, to being a piano in a gay bar, it’s all in a day’s work for comic Judy Gold.

Where did you grow up? In Clark, New Jersey. What do miss about it there? What do I miss? Nothing. Where do you live now? I live on the Upper West Side of New York City. What’s special about it there that isn’t common knowledge? The Upper West Side is home to the city’s four remaining phone booths. What’s the strangest thing that even happened to you on stage? I was performing on a RSVP cruise in the main theatre, when the captain came on to say that there was a small fire on board and that everyone should remain in place. While he was talking about how minor the fire was, he kept having to interrupt himself so he could cough. Then the electricity went out, the generators went on, and I just kept on going and finished the show. People still stop me to this day to tell me they were there. It ended up being a great and memorable show!

Can comics go too far, or does it only come down to if the material is funny or not? It’s 100 percent about “the funny.” You can talk about any subversive topic, but it better be funny. What comic do you admire? Joan Rivers. What’s one of the funniest TV shows ever? The Office. What’s harder to handle—an audience member who gets offended and visibly walks out, or one who stares at you with no reaction? They both suck. But often times the starer is deaf. What audience member was the worst so far? There’s not enough space or time. What’s your dream role? Maude. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I’ve been doing stand-up since I was 19-years-old, so I haven’t had that many “job” jobs. Although, I was a toll collector on the New Jersey Turnpike the summer in between my freshman and sophomore years in college. I still make sure that all of my cash faces the same direction.

If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a good mother, kind, funny and honest. Oh, and really thin. Will you ever retire? Absolutely not. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? Whether or not I’ll be raising my kids as homosexuals. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Michelle Obama. What do you want to live long enough to see? Trump in handcuffs. Oh, and my grandchildren. What’s your favorite drink? Strong black coffee. What’s your most treasured possession? Memories. Do you believe in ghosts? Sometimes. Either living or dead, who would you love to have lunch with? My father. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? How many phone booths there are on the upper west side. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Israel.

What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To trust your gut. What did you learn from your parents? That just because someone has a big house, nice car, and lots of jewelry, doesn’t mean that they have money. Who’s your favorite performer? Really…? Okay, Barbra… Young, raw, ambitious Barbra. What’s your best characteristic? My sense of humor. What politician don’t you like? I can’t believe that you’re even asking me this question. If that person was drowning, would you save them? Probably, out of guilt. How do you enjoy spending your time? Watching my younger son play basketball, eating, reading, eating, tennis, eating, swimming in the ocean, eating, listening to music, eating, and hanging out with my girlfriend and my kids. Did I mention dining out? What celebrity do you have a crush on? You have no idea how jealous my girlfriend can be.

Who do you admire? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Only one…? I can’t pick. But I’d love to see my parents. Where would you go in a time machine? To 1920s Berlin. What would your last meal be? My mother’s stuffed red cabbage, egg noodles and challah. What do you worry about? Everything. What are you afraid of? Not being able to speak. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? An upright piano in a gay piano bar. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a sheep in wolf’s clothing. Who depends on you, and for what? My sons do, for unconditional love. Who are you closest with? My iPhone. But we spend way too much time together. What would your autobiography be called? The Jewish Book of “Why Me?”. What’s on your bucket list? To act on Broadway. Where can we see you? On tour or on my website. I’ll be in Aventura on January 18, and at the Boca Black Box on January 19!

January 8, 2019January 8, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

ADAM BARTA

The world is on fire listening to the single and watching the video for Adam Barta’s smash hit with Tan Mom, “Free 2 Be Me.” But stars must also keep up their appearances. You’ll never guess who Barta wants to get lipo from.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In the Bronx. I’m New York born and raised! What do you miss about it there? I have so many wonderful memories with my mom there. So, more than anything, I miss our Sunday brunches and shopping trips. How long have you lived in South Florida? About two and a half years. Why did you move here? Because I have tons of family here, for the warm weather, and for the more relaxed lifestyle. I’m a senior citizen at heart (laughs). What part of South Florida do you live in? Port St. Lucie. What do you like most about living here? The fact that I can swim in my pool in the middle of January! What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Saint! That probably dates me (laughs), but it’s where I had my first gay kiss. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I love Rosie’s—the “Big Helga” is my favorite appetizer of all time. Wilton in general is a ton of fun. Clematis for dinner, or even Jensen Beach in Port St. Lucie.

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What’s your claim-to-fame? That depends on who you ask, but it could be as a Billboard chart-topping musician, or as a reality star, or as a guest on the Howard Stern Show! Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Doing proposals at IBM. Who’s your favorite pop star? Lady Gaga. Who’s your favorite songwriter? That’s also Gaga. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? I would like to tell them I was more than just a great set of boobs. I was also an incredible pair of legs. What do you want to live long enough to see? Myself on my own reality TV franchise. Will you ever retire? Yeah, when I’m dead! What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? What my biggest fetish was. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Traci Lords. Even though we’re friends, she’s an icon! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Tumblr, but not for long. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? I love Chicago. Who would play you in a movie? Zac Efron, or Fred from Nickelodeon.

What are you superstitious about? Nothing, really. I believe in actions more than superstitions. Do you believe in aliens? Yes! And if they ever abduct me, all I ask is that they just give me some lipo before they return me. What’s the gayest concert that you ever went to? The Night of a 1,000 Queens. What’s the most times that you watched a movie or read a book? I’ve seen the movie Clue probably easily over 100 times. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Patience. What did you learn from your parents? The value of hard work, and to never give up. Who’s your favorite performer? RuPaul. What’s your best characteristic? My work ethic, my loyalty, and my perseverance. How do you enjoy spending your time? With my family, with my boyfriend, and with my friends. Oh, and eating. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Ryan Phillippe. Who do you admire? Marti Gould Cummings. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My mom.

Where would you go in a time machine? To see my mom on a Christmas past. What would your last meal be? Ravioli a la vodka. What do you worry about? Falling short, and not making money. What are you afraid of? Death. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A rock guitar. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Who depends on you? My family and boyfriend. Who are you closest with? My boyfriend, my aunts, and my best friends. What would your autobiography be called? To Vodka, Thanks For Everything—Adam Barta. What’s on your bucket list? Scuba diving. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not meeting Gaga when I had the opportunity. And I had it three times. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? It wouldn’t be a secret then if I told you! Where can we see you? You can follow me on Instagram, or you can see me on my website!

January 8, 2019January 8, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

FLIP FLOPS MONTHLY TEA DANCE 2019

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By Mike Jeknavorian

Flip Flops Dockside Eatery hosted their monthly intercostal drag tea dance, with your MC, Amanda Austin, and featuring long-time South Florida drag performer, Cathy Craig. The popular event, which features a rotating cast, was also attended by the South-Florida-founded all-male boating club, Boys With Boats.

January 6, 2019January 6, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Beyond 120 Seconds

TERRY FATOR

January 2, 2019January 3, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN National Interviews

LADY BUNNY

By all accounts, Lady Bunny is probably the most important living contributor to the art of irreverent drag in the USA. But despite that, her serious side is less known. Take a peek at Bunny’s deeper thoughts before her two shows in Wilton Manors this weekend.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In Chattanooga, Tennessee. What do you miss about it there? Grits…? My mom’s cooking…? I don’t miss much, and I haven’t been back in a decade. It was a stable environment to grow up in, but a little dull for a thrill seeker like me. Where can you get the best southern food? You can get it many places here in New York, but they never get the coleslaw right. I like it with sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise and grated carrots. Since you’ve been in New York City since 1984, do you consider yourself more a southerner or a New Yorker? My mom claims that she must be very approachable, since strangers often stop her for directions. I’m awful with directions, but I must be approachable like mom. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In fact, Southerners are a lot of fun to be with. Until they get into the voting booth! I haven’t left New York City since I moved here in 1983, so I’m definitely a New Yorker—but with a Southern twang.

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Although New York has changed a lot since the 1980s and 1990s, what’s still unique about it that most don’t realize? It’s one of America’s few walking cities, with an outrageous street scene, and great people-watching. I’ve always had a theory that passing by all kinds of people is very humanizing. Every day I pass Muslims, Jews, trans people, handicapped people, straight jocks, homeless and tourists from all over. Down South, we would get bottles thrown at us from cars as the drivers yelled anti-gay slurs. Seeing people face-to-face opens your eyes and you realize things like, “Well, she has on a hijab, which I may not fully understand, but she is snatching that video game out of her kid’s hands just like any other mother would.” What New York venue do you miss that’s gone? Palladium, The World, Tunnel, Splash, Mars, Building, Limelight, BoyBar, Sound Factory Bar, Sally’s Hideaway and Jackie 60. There are so many! When you’re out of drag, where do you hang out in New York to unwind? At a massage parlor! Carrying those big wigs on your head, twisted up in girdles, and prancing in heels can really work up some kinks which need to be released regularly. And no, I’m not talking about a massage with a “happy ending” (laughs).

Either living or dead, who’s your favorite New York queen? Ethyl Eichelberger took her own life decades ago, but she was always so nurturing to others. She taught me how to put on lashes and was a terrific performer. She go-go danced on the bar at The Pyramid with the rest of us, but she would also put on original plays which the NY Times would review. So she also taught us the possibilities of drag outside of nightclubs. Who’s the most underrated drag performer? In New York City? Sugga Pie Koko. She’s absolutely hysterical, but is sometimes overlooked because she’s not the prettiest. But in my view, variety is key. You can have ten glamazons in your cast who look astounding, but the comedy booger-queen can bring the house down in a $10 dress and sneakers. Other than yourself, who do you think has made the biggest contribution to the art of drag? Definitely Divine. RuPaul is certainly up there. And Bianca Del Rio is taking things to a whole new level with her sheer talent. As long as the material is scripted, and not some Michael Richards-type rant, do you think that a comic can go too far? I like it when comics go far, or I wouldn’t like Bianca! And my own comedy is very raunchy and not suited for everyone. But my attitude is that if you don’t like something, don’t watch it. But don’t try to shut it down. There’s such a thing as freedom of speech, so we can say whatever we like. But there may be repercussions.

Should Kevin Hart have quit the Oscars? I’m not a fan of Kevin or the Oscars, so I could care less. Do I wish Kevin hadn’t made anti-gay slurs? Sure. But do I believe in his freedom of speech? Sure. The issue with him is that you can’t cross the line and get the big jobs. Do you think that social media is doing more harm than good? It’s lovely to share photos with your friends all over the world with a click, and it has many other benefits, like instant marketing. But social media is like the new nightclub, and now clubs have closed because we keep in touch online. I do think it’s important to see people face-to-face. For those who refuse to even speak on the phone, all of their contact is electronic. I don’t think that that’s healthy. Who’s your favorite comic? George Carlin, because he spoke hard truths and somehow made them funny. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I worked at various fast food places and ice cream counters, so none of them were too big a help! If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who was honest and loved to laugh and dance.

What do you want to live long enough to see? Medicare for all. Will you ever retire? It’s doubtful. I can’t do anything else. And with my limited skills, the tech world certainly won’t be calling. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? Someone once asked me if I wanted to “hump his stump.” I asked, “With my pump?” What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Patti Labelle! I couldn’t help it. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Tickets to Puerto Rico, where I’ll vacation after my two gigs at The Pub. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? I love Amsterdam. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? TCM. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Got drunk, lost my keys, and barreled through my window! I woke up covered in blood. What’s your favorite book? Little Me. What’s the best concert that you ever went to? My first Patti Labelle concert in New York City. She was wearing that hairdo ironed up into a crown shape. Do you still have your childhood blanket or stuffed animal? No, just some comic books, which my mom is dying to throw away. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That high heels screw up your feet, knees, back, and sometimes hips (laughs). What did you learn from your parents? That war was usually wrong.

Who’s your favorite performer? Still Patti! What’s your best characteristic? I’m very loyal to friends. How do you enjoy spending your time? I’m a news junkie who also loves sex! What celebrity do you have a crush on? Colin Kaepernick! Who do you admire? Charo. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? I really don’t think in those terms, because I don’t and won’t ever have that ability. I loved Penny Marshall, though! Where would you go in a time machine? To London’s Carnaby Street in the swinging 60s. What would your last meal be? Probably fried shrimp! What do you worry about? The ignorance that our schools and news are feeding us. What are you afraid of? The actions of those who buy whatever they’re sold. Critical thinking is dying. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? The drums! Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m definitely not meek or a follower like a sheep, but I hope that I’m not as aggressive and frightening as a wolf. Who are you closest with? My mom. What would your autobiography be called? The Lady is a Tramp. What’s on your bucket list? I’d love to see the pyramids of Egypt before I’m in a diaper. Where can we see you? On my website, or live and in person at The Pub on January 4 and January 6. I can’t wait to be back there!

January 2, 2019December 7, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN WILTON MANORS 2019

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By Mike Jeknavorian

New Year’s Eve in Wilton Manors saw many options, including the soft opening of a new piano bar, Club Silver, at the old space for Southern Nights, and $1,000 raffle at Scandals, where patrons got a raffle ticket for each drink that they bought. Because it was a soft opening, Club Silver didn’t open its doors until about 10:00 p.m., but patrons were waiting to get in an hour before the door opened.

December 22, 2018January 8, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

HAMILTON

As the heir-apparent to Les Miserables in tone, if not musical style, Hamilton is everything that you thought it would be, and more. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and then you’ll cry some more.

SHADE-O-METER RATING

5 OUTTA 5 WERKS: “10s ACROSS THE BOARD – LEGENDARY STATUS”

By Mike Jeknavorian

What’s Hamilton? It’s the smash Broadway musical that tells the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton. It swept the 2016 Tony Awards with 11 wins, including one for Best Musical. But really, who doesn’t know this show? What’s the Au-Rene Theater? It’s the main theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. It holds about 2,600 people, and it has three levels. How was the venue? Elegant. The foyer is spacious.

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How was the parking? They have valet, or you can park in the garage for $12. The garage is about a block away. We also found a parking lot for $10 that’s a couple blocks away. It’s across the street from the Museum of Discovery and Science. This parking lot is a hidden gem, as there’s no line to enter it—you just pull right in. Fabulous! Does the venue serve liquor? Yes. How were the drinks? They were fine. We got one each. They measure the pour with a jigger, though, so you don’t get a drop extra. A double costs about $20. Does the venue serve food? They have some finger food. How was the food? We didn’t get any.

Where were the seats? Row V in the orchestra. How much were the tickets? $272.75. And if you think that’s a lot, they’re even more on Broadway. As a comparison, in the 1970s the ticket price for the Liza Minnelli vehicle, The Act, caused a stir for being too high. And what was the top price for that show, you might ask? $25. Was the show sold out? Yes. And if you’re think about seeing it, I wouldn’t wait to get tickets. I looked, and even the last show only had about 10 tickets left that weren’t re-sale ones. And these unprecedented sales aren’t just happening in South Florida. The first stop of the first national tour—there are now two national tours running simultaneously—was in San Francisco, with a run of about five months. The entire run sold out in 24 hours after it went on sale.

How was the show? The show started with an un-egalitarian audio notice from King George III, with him telling you to enjoy “my” show. The show then began with the famous “Alexander Hamilton” number, which foreshadowed the events of the show and of Hamilton’s life (think the “Ballad of Sweeney Todd” from Sweeney Todd). From there, the show moved to the year 1776. But to get full enjoyment from the show’s first few numbers likely requires knowledge of the score. It’s when the Destiny’s Child-ish Schuyler sisters appeared that the show really picked up for the uninitiated. And it never let up until the end. The entirety of the show vacillated between Hamilton’s private and public life (although dramatic license was taken with both). Regarding his public life, one saw how Hamilton rose all the way from an orphaned immigrant with no money to become the first Secretary of Treasury, only to be killed in a duel by Vice President Aaron Burr. His private life saw equal tragedy with the death of his first child and first son in a duel defending Hamilton’s honor, and a period of estrangement from his wife because of a sex scandal. The acting and singing from the performers in this tour, monitored the “Phillip Tour,” was fine. But the original Broadway cast, they ain’t. A standout performance came from Jon Patrick Walker as King George III. And although his performance was in contrast to Jonathan Groff’s Broadway take of the king as icy and unhinged, nevertheless, Walker’s version was resplendent with pomp, circumstance and rolling r’s. And when the end of the show finally came (the running time is just short of three hours), it was not bombastic. To the contrary, it featured an economy of craft, as all good works of the stage or screen should have, and left the viewer wanting more. The curtain call consisted of one line of actors—including Mosieur Hamilton—instead of individual bows, which could be considered a nod to the democratic predilection of America’s Founding Fathers.

How was the crowd? They were into it, but their response did not equal the popularity of the show. It’s possible that some were emotionally overwhelmed at the end. It’s also possible that some of the audience consisted of season subscribers, who may not be familiar with the work. What could have improved the show? Some of the dialogue was inaudible during some of the parts, which can be a problem with large booking houses.

What was surprising about the show? Spoiler alert: If you want to be completed surprised by the show, don’t read any further. Oh, where to begin? One, I had no idea that the show utilized a double rotating stage—otherwise known as a concentric stage—with one stage rotating within another. The show’s choreography capitalized on these mechanics for maximum dramatic effect, probably even more so than with Les Miserables’ famous rotating stage. And two, it’s a requirement of both tours that they not only have the concentric stages, but they must be able to duplicate the original Broadway choreography and lighting design. Beyond the quality of the music and the lyrics, if there was one standout, it was the combination of the choreography, lighting and staging. I have never seen those theatrical elements used as effectively in the theater as they were in this show.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 S.W. 5^thAve., in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show runs through January 20. There are also a limited number of lottery tickets that are available online two days before each show for $10, in commemoration of the “ten-dollar Founding Father.”

December 18, 2018December 24, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

JERRY HALLIDAY AT THE PUB

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By Mike Jeknavorian

Puppeteer Jerry Halliday debuted his new gay puppet, Twinky Boy, at The Pub in Wilton Manors last night. After flirting on the fringes of gayness with his characters for many years, Halliday, who’s now a South Florida resident, decided to make the dive into full gayness with his latest creation. And a labor of love it was, as the puppet took over two years to make. Check out some pics of Halliday’s packed show, which was MC’d by local singer, Doug Blevins.

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December 18, 2018April 7, 2020 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Events

SCANDALS TURNABOUT 2018

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By Mike Jeknavorian

Scandal’s hosted their first turnabout, since re-opening last October under new owners. Bar manager Alex Amarosa emceed the event, which featured a mix of live singing and lip syncing. The turnabout, which saw perfect weather under the night sky of Fort Lauderdale, took place in the outdoor area of the venue. It went from 8:00 p.m. to approximately 10:30 p.m.

December 10, 2018December 18, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

JUSTIN FLIPPEN

With his landslide victory in Wilton Manors last month, Justin Flippen is now in the elite category as the mayor of the second city in the country to have an all-gay commission. Hear what’s on Flippen’s mind, in his first interview since his historic win.

Where did you grow up? I’m a proud Broward County native. I lived in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coconut Creek, and Wilton Manors all at different stages of my youth. If you had to narrow it down, what do you like most about living in Wilton Manors? The people and my neighbors. What’s something that’s special about Wilton Manors that’s not commonly known? We have foxes and bears. One, the four-legged mammal. The other, the two-legged people kind (laughs). What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Six Flags Atlantis. Other than Wilton Manors, where do you hang out in South Florida? I love nature, so I’m often in the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m not sure I have fame to claim, but I’m proud to be local born-and-raised and now the local mayor of the most progressive city around. Which political accomplishment is the most special to you? Besides being elected mayor by the people in one of the most decisive city elections in Wilton Manors’ history, officiating a group/mass-marriage ceremony of couples on Valentine’s Day at city hall when marriage equality was recognized was pretty special.

What was the most exciting event that you ever attended, and why? The first inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009. To attend it was an inspiring and a uniquely-American experience that I’ll never forget. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? My first job as a shipping clerk. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a man who did all the good he could for all the people he could, in all the ways that he could, and for as long as he could. What do you want to live long enough to see? Humanity no longer dependent upon non-renewable resources and brave enough to live cleaner and greener. Should “straight” conversion therapy be banned? As a survivor of such so-called conversion therapy, and based upon research and medical experts, yes. The practice has been banned on minors in Wilton Manors and all of Broward County. What’s the weirdest question that a constituent’s asked you? “What do you think about the ghost haunting our old city hall?”

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Leonard Nimoy. I got a picture doing the Vulcan salute with him! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I Googled the ancient pyramids of Caral, Peru. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Jerusalem. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? Madame Secretary or Murphy Brown. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Night snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii with giant manta rays. What’s your favorite book? The Bible, Living History by Hillary Clinton, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. What’s the best concert that you ever went to? Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Cher. Do you still have your childhood blanket or stuffed animal? Yes. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Basic learning alone is not what makes one wise. Rather, wisdom comes with the righteous application of the knowledge that one has gained. And, of course, mom was right on a lot more than I thought.

What did you learn from your parents? How to be self-reliant and independent. How to take responsibility in life, but also to not take life too seriously. Honorable mentions include how to iron, clean, rotate my own tires, and do laundry. Who’s your favorite performer? Hugh Jackman, Leonard Nimoy, and Zachary Quinto. What’s your best characteristic? I would hope my sincere desire to do right by others. How do you enjoy spending your time? For leisure, I love seeing and experiencing our country and world, especially our National Parks. This year, I completed a bucket-list item. I’ve now visited all 50 states. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Henry Cavill. Who do you admire? Jesus Christ, my grandmother, and Eleanor Roosevelt. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My younger brother, Nick. Where would you go in a time machine? Back to 2016 to warn people, to get more folks to vote, and to enjoy Obama as president one last time. What would your last meal be? Something Peruvian or Italian. What do you worry about? Not playing my lotto numbers the week they come in, and having Trump as President.

What are you afraid of? The rise of nationalism and the decline of patriotism. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A zampoña, which is a traditional Andean panpipe of Peru. There’s something mystical and spiritual for me whenever I hear it played. It speaks to my soul. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Neither. Can I be a bear or an elephant instead? Who depends on you, and for what? The people of my city depend on me to serve them with my best, and nothing less. Who are you closest with? God, and a very select group of family and friends. What would your autobiography be called? Oh, I don’t know. Maybe, Flippen: Beyond the Bear Minimum. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Inspirational, pop and country, but not just when I’m upset. Latin beats and rhythm usually raises my spirits too. What’s on your bucket list? To visit all of the National Park sites in America. Of the approximately 418 sites, I’ve visited 291 so far. I’m also working on visiting every state capitol building. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Many of the answers in this interview. Where can we see you? At Starbucks or at city hall. People can also follow me on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.