Photographs by Reynaldo Rivera that document a vanished LA of cheap rent, house parties, subversive fashion, and underground bands, and long-closed gay and transvestite bars. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Reynaldo Rivera took personal photos of the Los Angeles that he lived in and knew: a world of cheap rent, house parties, subversive fashion, underground bands, and a handful of Latino gay and transvestite bars: Mugi's, The Silverlake Lounge, and La Plaza. Most of these bars are long closed and many of the performers have died. But in Rivera's photographs, these men and women live on in a silvery landscape of makeshift old-style cinematic glamour, a fabulous flight from unacceptable reality. As a teenager, Rivera took refuge in used bookstores and thrift stores, where he discovered old photo books of Mexican film stars and the work of Lisette Model, Brassai, and Bresson. Inspired, he bought a camera and began photographing people at his hotel. In 1981 he moved to Echo Park and began taking photos for the LA Weekly. This book is an ensemble of almost 200 images selected by Hedi El Kholti and Lauren Mackler spanning more than two decades in Los Angeles and Mexico. The book also includes Luis Bauz's story, "Tatiana," about one of the subjects of these photographs; a critical essay on Rivera's work by Chris Kraus; and a novella-length conversation between Rivera and his friend and contemporary Vaginal Davis about their lives, work, fantasies, and collective histories.

In Solemate, Lauren Mackler provides a groundbreaking road map to help people achieve mastery of their lives. Drawing from her own experiences; those of her clients; and the fields of psychology, physiology, sociology, holistic healing, and strategic business practices, Mackler provides the practical information, tools, and exercises to show you how to be independent and stand on your own two feet. Mastering the art of aloneness is about becoming the person you were meant to be, treating yourself well, and shedding the old beliefs and behaviors that limit your ability to live a healthy, happy, secure, and satisfying life.Quizzes and guided journaling help you identify the core limiting beliefs and fears that keep you from being whole and happy with yourself. Mackler teaches you to overcome these beliefs through deliberate living exercises that help align your actions with your desired results. She then helps you liberate your authentic self, so you know exactly who you are. Finally, she leads you through the process of creating a life vision to help you achieve any goal you set for yourself. Solemate is not about being alone, it is about developing the self-awareness, life skills, and emotional intelligence needed to live a full, happy, successful, and financially secure life.