LOOK OUT

by Tim Brookover

FULL CIRCLE.

The creator of "Slinky Porcupine," Ann McBride is one of 60 talents who have made one-of-a-kind holiday decorations for the November 23 DIFFA Wreath Collection event. Proceeds will benefit the local chapter of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, which has returned $2.7 million to service providers since 1987. Guests at the Decorative Center Houston silent auction (info: www.diffa.org/houston) can on wreaths that range from traditional to outlandish and fabulously gay.

SALUTE!

Popularly known as EPAH, the Executive Profession Association of Houston snaps to attention on November 10 with the annual Military Ball. Proceeds from the event, at 1415 Bar & Grille, will benefit the local chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER). Guests should don military or tropical gear in keeping with the "South Pacific" theme. Lauren Taylor, Miss Gay USA 1999, will headline with her "Rum & Coca-Cola" show. EPAH community affairs co-chairs Ernie Edge and Don Hauboldt helm the Military Ball this year.

Speaking of veterans, the Human Rights Campaign will post personal stories from former GLBT military at www.hrc.org on Veterans Day, November 11. AVER and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network partnered with HRC on this effort, "Documenting Courage: Veterans Speak Out." Of course, with Don't Ask, Don't Tell in force, active-duty personnel must still keep silent.

GOOD WORKS.

Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP), a stalwart supporter of the community, will mark 25 years of dedication to independent film with a November 1-3 tribute to co-founder and filmmaker James Blue. Organized by SWAMP executive director Mary Lampe with Rice University art department chair Hamid Naficy, the weekend at Rice Media Center will feature screenings of documentaries made by Blue (1930-1980), including The March, Who Killed the Fourth Ward?, and Invisible City: The Houston Housing Crisis. A Friday reception and silent auction will benefit SWAMP, which has worked with the Houston Lesbian & Gay Film Festival since its inception.

Unpack those togas. Roman Empire-inspired attire is required at Caligula 02, the November 9 bash at Mo Mong. Dennis Beedon, one of the organizers, explains that the long-term plan is to make this new theme event a fundraiser for community groups. DJ Rick Taconi will supply the music. More info: 713/410-5960

PAWS Houston (Pets Are Wonderful Support), which has helped carry on the work of the late, great Pet Patrol, launches its holiday food drive on November 22 at Rover Oaks Pet Resort. On November 24, human and animal companions can support PAWS Houston by having snapshots taken with Santa at Three Dog Bakery. Donna Dishman and Laura Welch lead PAWS Houston.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD.

For the fourth year, the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community will host a Thanksgiving potluck dinner at 803 Hawthorne. Noshing will begin about noon on Thursday, November 28, and continue until the food is gone. Cooks who want to contribute to the feast can alert center volunteer coordinator Shawn McDermott or fellow volunteer GreenWitch by calling 713/524-3818.

The over-indulgent among us can work off some holiday weight on November 30 at Rich's Houston, when Jeff Jonas, a.k.a. D.J. Escape, comes to town. Though nongay, the native New Yorker figures that 90 percent of the time he performs for gay crowds. In September, Jonas-who has worked with Junior Vasquez and CeCe Peniston-released his fourth DJ-mix disc, Party Time 2003.

WHAT'S IN STORE.

Gay owned for 20 years, Basic Brothers marks two decades in business with celebrations this month. On Friday, November 22, low-key chief Cody Holt will host a 4-7 p.m. open house at the store. On Saturday, the clothier will throw a noon-5 p.m. parking-lot party, with hot dogs, beer, music, and go-go boys. Diva Kelly Lauren will perform during a by-invitation Saturday-night party at Rich's Houston, followed at midnight by a fashion show on the main stage.