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#interior design companies los angeles
sumerinnovations01 · 19 days
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MEP Engineering California - Sumer Innovations
Are you trying to find MEP Engineering California? Sumer Innovations is the platform of choice for connecting with top MEP engineering firms in the state. Comprehensive MEP solutions, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, that are tailored to the needs of your project are the area of expertise for our network of engineering experts. Sumer Innovations will connect you with the right MEP engineering business in California, whether you're planning residential, commercial, or industrial development. Our platform puts quality, efficiency, and innovation first to make sure your project receives the support and information it need. Stop worrying about finding MEP engineering services; Sumer Innovations will take care of it all and guarantee that your California project receives the best MEP solutions out there.
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structuraremodeling · 23 days
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LA's Skilled Interior Designers Will Help You Upgrade Your House
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Are you envisioning a new home, but the interior needs a complete remodel? Look no further than Structura Remodeling, your trusted partner in transforming your living space into a masterpiece. Our team of expert interior remodeling designers in LA is here to bring your dream home to life, from start to finish.
At Structura Remodeling, we understand that every homeowner has unique needs and preferences. Whether you're looking to update a single room or undergo a full home renovation, our team has the expertise and experience to handle projects of any size or complexity. From room additions, including second-story additions, to creating your dream kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, home office, or converting a garage, we've got you covered.
Our interior remodeling designers in Los Angeles are committed to delivering the highest quality end-to-end renovation solutions for busy homeowners. As a full-service interior designer, builder, and contractor, we offer comprehensive services that encompass every aspect of your project. From initial design concepts and demolition to full construction and finishes, we provide seamless project management and exceptional craftsmanship every step of the way.
With Structura Remodeling, you can trust that your home renovation project is in good hands. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to bringing your vision to life while ensuring that every detail is meticulously executed. We work closely with you throughout the entire process, listening to your needs and preferences to create a customized design that reflects your unique style and enhances the functionality of your space.
As LA's expert interior remodeling designers, we take pride in delivering optimum value to our clients. We understand the importance of making your dream home a reality while staying within budget and timeline constraints. With Structura Remodeling, you can rest assured that your project will be completed efficiently, on time, and to your utmost satisfaction.
In conclusion, if you're looking for an established local interior designer in Los Angeles and a trusted partner to make your home look better, Structura Remodeling is the name to trust. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards transforming your living space into the home of your dreams.
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mdmcustom-remodeling · 3 months
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Home Sweet Home: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Home Renovation
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Embarking on a home renovation journey is not just about revamping your living space; it's about unlocking a treasure trove of benefits that go beyond the surface. Here are five surprising advantages of home renovations, offering more than just aesthetic upgrades:
Economic Efficiency:
Renovating your home, particularly using high-quality materials, is a long-term economic investment. Upgrading to durable carpets or superior paint not only enhances the look and feel but also decreases the frequency of future renovations. This approach embodies the essence of the adage, "If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well," ensuring you save money over time.
Enhanced Comfort and Peace:
A renovation can transform your home into a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. Redesigning spaces to be more spacious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing eliminates the subconscious stress of an outdated or cramped environment, making your home a true haven for relaxation.
Increased Property Value:
Every renovation, big or small, contributes to increasing your home's resale value. Whether it’s a modern bathroom refresh or a full kitchen overhaul, these improvements can significantly boost your property's market appeal. Consulting with real estate experts can help prioritize renovations that yield the highest returns.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:
Home renovations present an excellent opportunity to adopt energy-efficient practices. Upgrading to energy-saving appliances, enhancing insulation, and installing efficient windows not only reduce your carbon footprint but also lower utility bills, leading to substantial savings in the long run.
Community Contribution:
A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing home contributes positively to your neighborhood's overall appeal. It reflects well on you as a homeowner and can elevate property values in the area, making you an admired and responsible neighbor.
Making improvements is a journey best undertaken with strategy, so don't let it overwhelm you. Make a careful plan first, taking on tasks one at a time. It's not necessary to completely remodel everything at once; even small improvements, like a new window or appliance, can have a big impact. Tailor your renovation plan to meet your needs in terms of time, money, and lifestyle to make the process enjoyable and easy. Prioritize knowledge and dependability while looking for an ADU contractor in Los Angeles; these are traits that our staff at MDM Custom Remodeling exemplifies.
As you progress through your renovations, the immediate benefits become apparent, and the satisfaction of ticking items off your to-do list is immensely gratifying. Embrace each step of the renovation journey, knowing that with every improvement, you're enhancing not just your living space but your overall quality of life. Your home will not only look better, but it will also offer a more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable living experience for everyone under its roof.
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rochadesignstudio · 7 months
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Choosing the right interior design company in Los Angeles involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure that the company aligns with your style preferences, budget, and project requirements. Here are some steps to help you make an informed decision:
Define Your Needs and Preferences:
Clearly outline your goals, expectations, and preferences for the interior design project. This includes the style, color scheme, functionality, and any specific requirements you may have.
Research and Shortlist:
Conduct online research to identify potential interior design companies in Los Angeles. Look at their portfolios, client testimonials, and reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, or Houzz.
Check Credentials:
Verify the credentials of the interior design companies on your shortlist. Ensure they have the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance to operate in Los Angeles.
Review Portfolios:
Examine the portfolios of the interior design firms. This will give you an idea of their design style and whether it aligns with your taste. Pay attention to the diversity of their projects and their ability to handle various design aesthetics.
Read Client Testimonials:
Look for client testimonials or reviews on their website or third-party review sites. This can provide insights into the client experience, communication skills, and the overall satisfaction of previous clients.
Budget Considerations:
Clearly define your budget for the project and inquire about the pricing structure of the interior design company. Ensure that they can work within your budget constraints and provide transparency about costs.
Interview Potential Firms:
Schedule meetings or interviews with the shortlisted interior design companies. Discuss your project in detail, ask about their design process, timeline, and how they handle potential challenges.
Communication and Collaboration:
Assess the communication style of the interior designers. A successful project requires good communication and collaboration. Ensure that you feel comfortable discussing your ideas and concerns with the design team.
Visit Completed Projects:
If possible, visit some of the completed projects of the interior design company. This will give you a firsthand look at the quality of their work and attention to detail.
Contracts and Agreements:
Carefully review any contracts or agreements before signing. Ensure that all aspects of the project, including scope, timeline, and payment terms, are clearly outlined.
Trust Your Instincts:
Trust your instincts and choose a company that not only meets your practical criteria but also feels like the right fit for your personality and style.
By taking these steps, you can make a more informed decision when selecting an interior design company in Los Angeles. Remember to communicate openly and establish a good working relationship with the chosen firm to ensure a successful and enjoyable design experience.
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eversenseinteriors · 10 months
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Best Interior Design Company in  Los Angeles - Eversense Interiors
Are you looking to transform your space into a beautiful and functional space? Look no further than Eversense Interiors, the best interior design company in Los Angeles. With our expertise and attention to detail, we can turn any ordinary room into a stunning masterpiece. At Eversense Interiors, we understand that every client has unique tastes and preferences. That's why our team of talented designers works closely with you to create a personalized design plan that reflects your individual style. When it comes to customer satisfaction, Eversense Interiors goes above and beyond. Our friendly and professional team is dedicated to providing exceptional service from start to finish. We guide you through every step of the process, ensuring clear communication and collaboration throughout the project. If you're searching for an interior design company that delivers outstanding results while prioritizing your needs as a client, look no further than Eversense Interiors.
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revolution3d · 1 year
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3D Interior Rendering Services in Los Angeles | Contact Us Today
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3D Revolution in Los Angeles specialize in 3D Interior Photo Realistic Rendering, Residential And Commercial. Take a look at your new home or building project through our beautiful interior 3D photo realistic renders from single spaces to multi space views we can help you visualise how your project is going to look. To Know more, Please Contact Us:-https://www.3drevolutionusa.com/3d-interior-rendering
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visionify · 1 year
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Formal Living Room in San Luis Obispo
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Hire the best  general contractor in Los Angeles, CA, for affordable home remodeling and renovation and construction service. Refinedhomeconstruction.com is one of the leading general contractor in LA, offer construction, remodeling and renovation services at affordable price. Their experts will assist you in development of your design or construction before and during the project. Visit them online today or you can also call them at +1 (310) 773 6450
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Find the best general contractor in Los Angeles, CA, for remodeling, renovation and construction service. kbsdesignandbuild.com is one of the most famous general contractor in Los Angeles, offer cost effective home, bathroom and kitchen remodeling & renovation solution. Their team is very experience and they offer wide range of service according to the need of their clients. Visit them online today!
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octuscle · 8 months
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I need some help! I spent most of my life in the UK, but I'm living in the States. I miss it. And I may have keyed in a few changes to make me feel at home. But, I dunno, I feel different, mate. What do you fink is happen'?
Mate, you've made a few adjustments to get back to living life as a chav like you did in Newcastle. But "Young", "Stupid", "Lazy" and "Constantly Horny" admittedly leads straight to a cheap haircut, tracksuit and fake Louis Vuitton hip bag at the bus stop in the UK. But you're in Los Angeles… The clocks tick differently there. You won't be a scally. You become more of a muscle bro. No interest in soccer, just football. No beer drinking and no chain smoking. American jocks are so boring. I'm glad you contacted me.
You're standing in front of the mirror. Flawless white teeth, buzzcut, toned and tanned muscles. Ey, not everything is bad. But that has nothing to do with homesickness. And the constant "bruh" and "dude" also annoys you… One of your gym bruhs calls and asks what's up. You ask "Mate, what dee ya say to a pint in the pub?" Your bruh asks if everything is okay with you. Alcohol? And at this time of day? He wanted to go to the gym and then to the beach. "Nah, mate! i was goin' to break for lunch na n' then i havta get 'ack to work here." Back to work? You're in college. And it's Spring Break…. Fuck, of course not. You're a carpenter. Interning at an interior design company here in the US. Fuck, the quality here really sucks. You should have tried to get an internship in Scandinavia. Or even better in Germany. There you can already drink beer for breakfast. And not some light stuff like here…
You have to burp. You made yourself a great English breakfast this morning in your dorm. None of that high-protein low-carb crap. Eggs, bacon, beans. Whatever a real man needs in the morning. Shit, beans always make you fart…
Your basketball shorts become work pants. Your tank top becomes a t-shirt. Your cool Apple Watch becomes a cheap almost real gold swank watch. On the other wrist you wear a matching bracelet. Your cell phone vibrates. "Mate, us're meetin' for a booze-up at the bus stop na. Are ya comin'?" You reply that the bloody pigs should fuck off, you're in fucking America and you still have work to do. You take a selfie and send it to your mates.
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"mate, hav ya bin under the tannin' 'ed?" "you look like a 'each propa lad!" "come 'ack soon, ya're nit gettin' enough weed!"
You just answer with "I miss ya fuckers". It's time to go home. A chav like you just doesn't fit in California.
Ya alway find propa lads @toughukladz
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1963 AC SHELBY COBRA
1963 AC SHELBY COBRA 4.7-LITRE MARK II ROADSTER  REGISTRATION NO. OYM 28A CHASSIS NO. CSK2116 ENGINE NO. CSX2116
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Rightly regarded as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the muscular, fire-breathing Cobra succeeded in capturing the hearts of enthusiasts like few of its contemporaries. Only 1,000-or-so Cobras of all types were built between 1962 and 1967, but such was the model's enduring popularity that production was resumed in 1982 under the auspices of Brooklands-based Autokraft. 
Convinced that a market existed for an inexpensive sports car combining European chassis engineering and American V8 power, Le Mans-winning Texan racing driver Carroll Shelby concocted an unlikely alliance between AC Cars and the Ford Motor Company. The former's Ace provided the simple twin-tube chassis frame - designed by John Tojeiro - into which was persuaded one of Ford's lightweight, small-block V8s. It was discovered that the latter was lighter than the six-cylinder Ford Zephyr unit that AC was using, yet with vastly greater potential. To cope with the projected power increase, the Ace chassis was strengthened with heavier gauge tubing and supplied fitted with four-wheel disc brakes. Weighing a mere 1.5cwt more than a Bristol-engined Ace yet endowed with double the power and torque, the Cobra turned in a breathtaking performance, racing to 60mph in 4.4 seconds and reaching the 'ton' in under 12, exceptional figures by early 1960s standards and none too shabby even today.
The 260ci (4.2-litre) prototype first ran in January 1962, with production commencing later that year. Exclusively for the USA initially, Cobras - minus engines - were sent from England to be finished off by Shelby in California, and it was not until late in 1963 that AC Cars in Thames Ditton got around to building the first fully finished cars to European specification. 
After 75 Cobras had been built with the 260ci engine, the more powerful 289ci (4.7-litre) unit was standardised in 1963. Rack-and-pinion steering was the major MkII up-date; then in 1965 a new, stronger, coil-suspended MkIII chassis was introduced to accommodate Ford's 427ci (7.0-litre) V8, an engine that in race trim was capable of producing well in excess of 400bhp. Wider bodywork, extended wheelarch flares and a bigger radiator intake combined to create the definitive - and much copied - Cobra MkIII look. Keeping ahead of the competition on the racetrack had been the spur behind Shelby's adoption of the 427 engine, but some MkIIIs to 'street' specification came with Ford's less powerful 428ci hydraulic-lifter V8. 
But for Brian Angliss, the Cobra story would have ended in 1967. The Autokraft boss had built up a business restoring Cobras and supplying parts, and in the early 1980s acquired the rights to the AC name plus a quantity of jigs and tooling from the old Thames Ditton factory. Keeping the overall style of the MkIII, Autokraft produced the MkIV, which was appropriately updated to meet current legislation and powered by a 'Federalised' Ford 5.0-litre V8 engine. Around 480 were built. 
Chassis number 'CSX2116' was invoiced to Shelby American on 16th April 1963 and shipped to Los Angeles three days later aboard the 'SS Loch Gowan'. Invoiced on 18th June 1963 to Burton Motors of Sacramento, California, the Cobra was sold new to a local doctor who used it for a few years before giving it to his daughter. She used the car as daily transport for several years before the clutch failed, at which time it was sold to Steve Dangremond of Santa Rosa, California. The Cobra was advertised for sale by Mr Dangremond in late 1977 and bought by Dr Grant Hill of Chotoka, Alberta. Dr Hill fitted Weber carburettors and raced 'CSX2116', eventually trading it to Fred Yule in Portland, Oregon. At that time, the car was still finished in its original colour scheme of dark blue and retained its original black leather interior. 
'CSX2116' returned to the UK in the late 1980s and was advertised through Hampson's Ltd, by which time it had been refinished in red and fitted with a full-width roll bar. Subsequent owners in England were Dr Carlos Barbot, Trojan boss Peter Agg and Formula 1 racing driver Rupert Keegan. 'CSX2116' was last restored in 1988, records on file indicating that an extensive mechanical restoration was undertaken at this time. The car still retains its original black leather interior though the Weber carburettors have gone, replaced by an easier to maintain four-barrel Holley. There is considerable additional accompanying documentation including correspondence between previous owners, a copy of the original bill of sale, Shelby American Automobile Club letter of authentication, FIA papers and Swansea V5 registration document. The car has belonged to the current owner since 2006.  Early Cobras are offered for sale only rarely and this example represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a fine example of this classic of Anglo-American sports car design. 
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sumerinnovations01 · 19 days
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Interior Designer in Los Angeles - Sumer Innovations
Sumer Innovations is the main site for linking individuals around the United States with top-tier interior designers, architects, and engineers. Whether you want to build a sleek modern apartment or a luxury estate in the center of Los Angeles, California, our platform encourages seamless collaborations with talented specialists that offer unique creativity and knowledge to every project. From the first consultation to the final implementation, we ensure that each project is precisely constructed to represent your vision and improve your living environment. Explore the possibilities with our carefully chosen network of specialists, including specialized services like an Interior Designer in Los Angeles who can boost your interior design with creative thoughts and bespoke solutions tailored to your specific likes and preferences.
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structuraremodeling · 5 months
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Retro Revival: Brighten Up Your Bathroom
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Revive the heart of your home with a nod to classic charm. Picture your bathroom adopting the elegance of yesteryear infused with today's comfort. Crisp, clean lines frame a serene palette. Time-honored patterns dance across the floor, while fixtures gleam with a hint of nostalgia. Our approach to design marries simplicity with sophistication, creating a bathroom that's a haven of calm. Ready to refresh your space? Let's craft a timeless retreat together.
Our custom bathroom remodeling in Los Angeles will revitalize your living areas with a touch of vintage elegance. Imagine a tranquil refuge where old-world grandeur meets modern comfort. Crisp lines, timeless patterns, and nostalgic fixtures create a relaxing environment. If you're ready to change your bathroom into a timeless masterpiece, let's go on this trip together to create a space that perfectly blends simplicity and sophistication.
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mdmcustom-remodeling · 5 months
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Finding the Best Home Renovation Contractor in Los Angeles
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Selecting a home renovation contractor in Los Angeles means looking for a licensed professional with a solid reputation in the local area. Start with contractors who come recommended through reviews and showcase a portfolio that resonates with your style. Prioritize clear communicators who offer detailed bids and transparent contracts to avoid any surprises. Make sure they're well-versed in L.A.'s building codes and can handle all necessary permits. Don't just settle for the lowest quote; consider the value of quality workmanship and post-completion warranties. The right L.A. contractor will deliver your renovation with skill, ensuring your home not only looks great but is built to last.
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rochadesignstudio · 7 months
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homomenhommes · 5 months
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THIS DAY IN GAY HISTORY
based on: The White Crane Institute's 'Gay Wisdom', Gay Birthdays, Gay For Today, Famous GLBT, glbt-Gay Encylopedia, Today in GGay History, Wikipedia, and more … January 2
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1806 – Ohio repeals its common-law reception statute. Since it has no sodomy law, sodomy becomes legal and remains so for nearly eighty years.
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1900 – (Charles William) Billy Haines (d.1973) was an American film actor and interior designer. He was a star of the silent era until the 1930s, when Haines' career was cut short by MGM Studios due to his refusal to deny his homosexuality. Haines never returned to film and instead started a successful interior design business with his life partner and was supported by friends in Hollywood.
Billy Haines was born in Staunton, Virginia. Haines ran away from home at the age of 14, accompanied by another unidentified young man whom Haines referred to as his "boyfriend". The pair went to Hopewell, which had a reputation for immorality. Haines and his boyfriend got jobs working at the local DuPont factory for $50 a week. To supplement their income, the couple opened a dance hall, which may have also served as a brothel. His parents, frantic over his disappearance, tracked him through the police to Hopewell. Haines did not return home with them, remaining instead in Hopewell and sending money back home to help support the family. The couple remained in Hopewell until most of the town was destroyed by fire in 1915. Haines moved to New York City settling into the burgeoning gay community of Greenwich Village. It is unclear whether his boyfriend accompanied him.
He worked a variety of jobs before becoming a model. Talent scout Bijou Fernandez discovered Haines as part of the Samuel Goldwyn Company's "New Faces of 1922" contest and the studio signed him to a $40 a week contract.
Haines's career began slowly, as he appeared in extra and bit parts, mostly uncredited. His first significant role was in Three Wise Fools (1923). However, he continued to play small, unimportant parts at Goldwyn. It was not until they loaned him to Fox in 1923 for The Desert Outlaw that he got the opportunity to play a significant role. In 1924, MGM lent Haines to Columbia Pictures for a five-picture deal. The first of these, The Midnight Express (1924), received excellent reviews and Columbia offered to buy his contract. The offer was refused and Haines continued in bit roles for Goldwyn.
On a trip to New York in 1926, Haines met James "Jimmie" Shields, probably as a pick-up on the street . Haines convinced Shields to move to Los Angeles, promising to get him work as an extra - some sources say Shields worked as Haines' "double' in his films. The pair were soon living together and viewed themselves as a committed couple.
In 1933, Haines was arrested in a YMCA with a sailor he had picked up in Los Angeles' Pershing Square. Louis B. Mayer, the studio head at MGM, delivered an ultimatum to Haines: choose between a sham marriage (also known as a "lavender marriage") or his relationship with Shields. Haines chose Shields and they remained together for almost 50 years. Mayer subsequently fired Haines and terminated his contract, quickly recasting Robert Montgomery in roles that had been planned for Haines. Haines did make a few minor films then retired from film.
Haines and Shields began a successful dual career as interior designers and antique dealers. Among their early clients were friends such as Joan Crawford, Gloria Swanson, Carole Lombard, Marion Davies and George Cukor. Their lives were disrupted in 1936 when members of the Ku Klux Klan dragged the two men from their home and beat them, because a neighbor had accused the two of propositioning his son. Crawford, along with other stars such as Claudette Colbert, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Kay Francis, and Charles Boyer urged the men to report this to the police. Marion Davies asked her lover William Randolph Hearst to use his influence to ensure the neighbors were prosecuted to the full extent of the law, but ultimately Haines and Shields chose not to report the incident.
Haines and Shields remained together for the rest of their lives. Joan Crawford described them as "the happiest married couple in Hollywood."
Haines died from lung cancer in Santa Monica, California at the age of 73, a week short of his 74th birthday, which was on the new year of 1974. Soon afterward, Shields, who suffered from what many believe to be Alzheimer's Disease, put on Haines' pajamas, took an overdose of pills, and crawled into their bed to die. They were interred side by side in Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery.
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1905 – Over the twentieth century, Sir Michael Tippett, (d.1998) a most unlikely composer and musician, progressed from being the great enigma of British classical music to being one of its most respected and influential figures. His visionary, idealistic humanism, which, while firmly grounded in the traditional, embraced contemporary and popular forms as well. Tippett was, in the words of his partner Meirion Bowen, an "unabashed homosexual," and he defied the social taboos of his time by incorporating homoerotic themes in his operas.
Michael Kemp Tippett was born in London, and raised in Surrey, where he lived most of his life. Unlike many composers, he was not a child prodigy, and, aside from piano lessons, he had little early involvement with music. In his teens, however, he attended concert performances of Beethoven's symphonies, and as a result of this experience he realized his desire to become a composer.
Consequently, he persuaded his parents to support his studies at the Royal College of Music, from which he graduated in 1928. For several years, he taught French in a preparatory school and conducted local musical ensembles. In 1940, he was appointed Director of Music at Morley College in London, a post he retained until 1951.
Although Tippett's early compositions had their first public performance in 1930, the work that brought him widespread recognition came a decade later. The oratorio A Child of Our Time (1939-1941) was inspired by Tippett's concern for the oppressed and his outrage over Nazi persecution of the Jews. The work is dedicated to Hershel Grynzpan, a gay Jewish youth who, in 1937, assassinated a Nazi official in a Paris club frequented by homosexuals, an act that the Nazis used as a pretext for the acts of anti-Semitic terror known as Kristallnacht. Tippett also wrote the libretto for this oratorio, as he would subsequently do for all his vocal compositions.
Aside from A Child of Our Time, he is perhaps best known, for his operas. Tippett's first opera, The Midsummer Marriage (1955), was first staged at Covent Garden with a young Joan Sutherland, then beginning her stellar career, in the lead role. Although the opera has endured the test of time, the plot at first bewildered audiences used to more traditional opera fare.
King Priam (1962) retells the ancient story of the siege of Troy and, in one scene, presents the homoerotic attachment between Achilles and Patroclus. More daring is The Knot Garden (1970), an examination of the dynamics of contemporary relationships. Among the main characters are Mel and Dov, an unambiguously gay, mixed-race couple.
Tippett's final major work was the opera New Year (1989), written by the octogenarian composer as a sort of postscript to his long career. In keeping with Tippett's ongoing interest in contemporary currents in music and culture, this late piece is perhaps the first opera to include a "rap" vocal.
Tippett was a lifelong humanist and pacifist who stood by his beliefs, even when they were out of step with the rest of society. In 1943, he was incarcerated for three months in London's notorious Wormwood Scrubs prison for refusing to do the civil defense duty expected of conscientious objectors; he responded to his conditions by organizing and conducting the prison orchestra.
Tippett was, moreover, openly gay at a time when male homosexual acts were criminal in Britain. Yet despite his "outlaw" history, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1966, made a Companion of Honour in 1979, and granted the Order of Merit in 1983. Tippett remained active through his eighties, and only declined at the very end of his life.
His autobiography, Those Twentieth Century Blues, was published in 1991. In November, 1997, while attending a retrospective celebration of his music in Stockholm, he was stricken with pneumonia. He died of the illness in his London home on January 8, 1998, days after his ninety-third birthday.
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1918 – Clyde E. Martin (d.2014) was an American sexologist. He was an assistant to Alfred Kinsey on the Kinsey Reports and served as a co-author on Sexual Behavior in the Human Male and Sexual Behavior in the Human Female.
Martin commenced study in economics at Indiana University in 1937. Soon after in December 1938 Martin actively sought out Kinsey and gave Kinsey his sexual history. The pair formed a bond, and Kinsey offered the cash-strapped Martin work in his garden. From spring 1939, he was assisting Kinsey with tabulation of his sexual history surveys. In 1941 when funding for the project was received from the National Research Council, Martin became the first researcher hired by the project. In 1960 he resigned from the Institute for Sex Research to pursue his doctoral degree, receiving his Ph.D. (in social relations) from Johns Hopkins University in 1966. From 1966 until 1989, he conducted research, specializing in gerontology and sociology at the Francis Scott Key Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. He retired in 1989, and died on 5 December 2014, aged 96.
In May 1942, Martin married his girlfriend, Alice, in the garden of the Kinseys' house. Before marrying, he had a sexual relationship with Alfred Kinsey.
The 2003 musical Dr. Sex focuses on the relationship between Martin, Kinsey and his wife, with the character of Wally Matthews being based
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1928 – Ray Kassar was president, and later CEO, of Atari Inc. from 1978 to 1983. He had previously been executive vice-president of Burlington Industries, the world's largest textile company at the time, and president of its Burlington House division. A member of the Board of Directors, Kassar had spent over thirty years at Burlington.
Ray Kassar was hired in February 1978 as president of Atari Inc.'s consumer division by Warner Communications, which at the time owned Atari. By this time, rifts had begun to develop between the original Atari Inc. staff (most of whom had engineering backgrounds) and the new hires brought in by Warner (who, like Kassar, mostly had business backgrounds).
In November 1978, when Atari Inc. co-founder Nolan Bushnell left the company after a dispute with Warner over the future of Atari Inc., Kassar became CEO. Under his leadership, sweeping changes were made at Atari and the laid-back atmosphere that had existed under Bushnell's leadership all but disappeared. Kassar's twenty-five years at Burlington Industries had given him a taste for order, organization, and efficiency and his efforts to revamp Atari along similar lines provoked substantial animosity. Kassar shifted the focus away from game development and more toward marketing and sales. Atari Inc. began to promote games all year around instead of just at the Christmas season. R&D also suffered deep cuts and the discipline and security at Atari Inc. became strict.
In a sense he also helped create the video game maker Activision. While Kassar was at Atari he angered a large number of the game developers by not crediting them in any way to the point where they walked out of Atari. He told them that they were no more important to the games then the people that worked on the assembly line. They started their own company and called it Activision.
Ray Kassar is the namesake the widely popular game “ Yar’s Revenge.” The creator of the game was a former employee at Atari “Yar” is Ray spelled backwards. The title is a deliberate jab at Kassar, mocking his dictator-like work ethic as well as his flamboyant manner. Ray Kassar was known by the employees at Atari to be an extremely flamboyant homosexual outside the work place. Employees didn't care what his sexual preferences were, but they were irked by his daily habit of being chauffeured to work in a limo and then proceeding to make grand entrances into the office.
Kassar built Atari into a video game giant that it was, before he was forced to resign because of allegations of insider trading in 1983. He sold all of his shares in Atari just hours before a report was published that Atari had suffered monetary loses in the millions.
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1929  – Charles Beaumont (d.1967) is born Charles Leroy Nutt. He was an American author of speculative fiction, including short stories in the horror and science fiction subgenres. He is remembered as a writer of classic Twilight Zone episodes, such as "The Howling Man", "Miniature", "Printer's Devil", and "Number Twelve Looks Just Like You", but also penned the screenplays for several films, among them 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, The Intruder, and The Masque of the Red Death.
In 1954, Playboy magazine selected his story “Black Country.” Playboy has been loved by straight men for decades but it was this gay short story that built its reputation. Hugh Hefner was the only one to accept a science fiction story about heterosexuals being the minority against homosexuals. When letters poured in, he said: 'If it was wrong to persecute heterosexuals in a homosexual society, then the reverse was wrong too.'
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1961 – Todd Haynes is an American independent film director and screenwriter. He is best known for his feature films Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, Poison, Velvet Goldmine, Safe, and the Academy Award-nominated Far from Heaven and I'm Not There.
In 1987, while an MFA student at Bard College, Haynes made a short, Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story, which chronicles the life of American pop singer Karen Carpenter, using Barbie dolls as actors. The film presents Carpenter's struggle with anorexia and bulimia, featuring several close-ups of Ipecac (the prescription drug Carpenter was reputed to have used to make herself vomit during her illness). Carpenter's chronic weight loss was portrayed by using a "Karen" Barbie doll with the face and body whittled away with a knife, leaving the doll looking skeletonized. The film is also notable for staged dream sequences in which Karen, in a state of deteriorating mental health, imagines being spanked by her father.
Superstar featured extensive use of Carpenter songs, showcasing Haynes' love of popular music (which would be a recurring feature of later films). Haynes failed to obtain proper licensing to use the music, prompting a lawsuit from Karen's brother Richard Carpenter for copyright infringement. Carpenter was reportedly also offended by Haynes' unflattering portrayal of him as a narcissistic bully, along with several broadly dropped suggestions that he was gay and in the closet. Carpenter won his lawsuit, and Superstar was removed from public distribution; to date, it may not be viewed publicly. Bootlegged versions of the film are still circulated, and the film is sporadically made available on YouTube.
Haynes' 1991 feature film debut, Poison, garnered Haynes further acclaim and controversy. Drawing on the writings of "transgressive" gay writer Jean Genet, the film is a triptych of queer-themed narratives, each adopting a different cinematic genre: vox-pop documentary ("Hero"), 50s sci-fi horror ("Horror") and gay prisoner love story ("Homo"). The film explores traditional perceptions of homosexuality as an unnatural and deviant social force, and presents Genet's vision of sado-masochistic gay love as a subversion of heterosexual norms, culminating with a marriage ceremony between two gay male convicts. Poison marked Haynes' first collaboration with producer Christine Vachon, who has since produced all of Haynes' feature films.
Poison was partially funded with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The film subsequently became the center of a public attack by Reverend Donald Wildmon, head of the American Family Association, who criticized the NEA for funding Poison and other works by gay and lesbian artists and filmmakers. Wildmon, who had not viewed the film before making his comments publicly, condemned the film's "explicit porno scenes of homosexuals involved in anal sex", despite no such scenes appearing in the film.
Poison went on to win the 1991 Sundance Film Festival's Grand Jury Prize, establishing Haynes as an emerging talent and the voice of a new transgressive generation. The film writer B. Ruby Rich cited Poison as one of the defining films of the emerging New Queer Cinema movement, with its focus on maverick sexuality as an anti-establishment social force.
Haynes achieved his greatest critical and commercial success to date with Far From Heaven (2002), a 1950s-set melodrama inspired by the films of Douglas Sirk about a Connecticut housewife Cathy Whittaker (Julianne Moore) who discovers that her husband (Dennis Quaid) is secretly gay, and subsequently falls in love with Raymond, her African-American gardener (Dennis Haysbert).
Haynes is openly gay. He currently lives in Portland, Oregon.
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2005 – Bonnie Bleskachek became the first openly lesbian fire chief of a major city, Minneapolis. She was demoted two years later amid claims of harassment and discrimination, but return to the department as a staff captain. She co-founded the Minnesota Women Fire Fighters Association.
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