08.15 Travel Issue

3700 N. Halsted St. #2-S Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 Editorial: boieditorial@aol.com Advertising: boiads@aol.com

EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Publisher Rick Karlin: Editor

layout & design Titanium Graphics, Inc.

advertising Freddie: freddie@boiMAG.com Dave: dave@boiMAG.com National, Rivendell Media: sales@rivendellmedia.com

photographerS Eamonn Sexton Ken Brown, KAB Photography

COVER The Travel Dog by TG

editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder

VIEW boiMAGazine ONLINE AT: www.boiMAG.com BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2015 All rights reserved For our online readers, blue and underline text are active links

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Top 5 Honeymoon Spots

For Gourmands: San Francisco, Napa & Sonoma

Napa Valley and Gay and lesbian couples are looking for the same Sonoma don’t thing as any other honeymoon couple; a romantic have get-away to celebrate their new life together much of (and having managed not to break up during an LGBT the wedding planning). Your interests will often party determine the destination for your honeymoon scene, sights. Anyplace can be romantic if you match but that’s not what you’re there for, is your interests to the locale. Contrary to what it? You’re there for the food and wine many think, the entire honeymoon is not spent in experience. For nightlife, head to San bed (or on the floor, in a tree or shower).

Francisco. It is the perfect honeymoon getaway if you want it to be just the two of you. Out In The Vineyard (707-495-9732 outinthevineyard.com) offers three and six day tours and its signature event, Big Gay Train takes participants to four LGBT-owned vineyards. The Fig Cafe and Wine Bar (13690 Arnold Dr., Glen Ellen, 707-938-2130, thefigcafe.com) is a wonderfully laid back café and they’ll serve some of the grape you’ve bought during vineyard tours without a corkage fee. Girl and the Fig (110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com) – do we see a theme here? – is a little more upscale. Churchill Manor (485 Brown St., Napa, 800-799-7733, churchillmanor.com) offers a honeymoon package priced from $750 to $1,200 per couple. The package includes; two nights lodging, champagne, souvenir flutes, Napa Valley sparkling wine, chocolate dipped strawberries, fresh flowers and a couple’s massage.

for Same Sex Couples

For Sun Worshippers: Caribbean

Many Caribbean islands are LGBT friendly, such as Puerto Rico and Aruba, and given their proximity to South Florida, an inexpensive and convenient option for a honeymoon. Puerto Rico’s Waldorf AstoriaEl Conquistador Resort, (elconresort. com, 787-863-1000), features a honeymoon package which includes; a champagne and chocolate covered strawberry welcome, daily breakfast at Las Brisas Restaurant, an intimate dinner for two at Chops Steakhouse and a 50-minute spa session. Nightly rates start at $199. Aruba’s Westin Resort & Casino (westinaruba.com, 866-716-8108) offers a Romance Package starting at $629. The package includes a champagne greeting, daily breakfast buffet, lunch at the Terrace, a choice of four restaurants for dinner, all-inclusive beverages and a room or suite.

Although not technically in the Caribbean, Key West has that same feel. Add in the advantage that you can drive there in a few hours, and it makes for a convenient honeymoon escape. The three hotels that make up the Southernmost Resorts (southernmostresorts.com, 800-354-4455) vary from a large hotel to a B&B. It offers a honeymoon package which includes; champagne & strawberries upon arrival, two signature bath robes and rose petals strewn on your bed.

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For Romantics: Paris

The city of romance is one of those spots that looks and feels exactly as you pictured it. If you think Parisians take food and wine seriously, you should see how they are about romance. If it’s culture you’re after there’s plenty of that. There’s a thriving nightlife if you are so inclined, and if you’re not, there are charming bistros and picturesque streets to roam. It’s also a shopping paradise. The main gay area in Paris is the southwest section of the neighborhood known as Le Marais. Although it is easily reachable from just about anywhere in Paris, with its three Metro stations, you might want to stay in the area. The best place to start is to search the comprehensive list of gay and gay-friendly hotels listed on www.parismarais.com,

While Paris is not a cheap city, you can economize on simple pleasures; pick up a bottle of wine, some cheese and bread for a picnic lunch and splurge on dinner, or hit the higher priced restaurants for lunch and dine at inexpensive neighborhood bistros at night, such as Pain Vin Fromage (3 Rue Geoffroy l'Angevin, 01 42 74 07 52). At Monjul (28, rue des Blancs Manteaux) each dish arrives looking like a work of art, and a prix fixe three-course dinner can be had at a very reasonable price (around 29€ or $35, and that includes tip! )

For Culture Vultures:

New York City

For Party Animals: Las Vegas,

Folks tend to think of Las Vegas for bachelor or bachelorette parties, but if you and your intended like to hit dance clubs, shows, gourmet restaurants and casinos, it could be perfect for you. In Vegas it is very easy to get your marriage license and ceremony all in one day, making it a onestop wedding/honeymoon destination.

Most of the major resorts are LGBT friendly and the city’s tourism department has been making a case for Vegas as a samesex wedding and honeymoon destination.

Traditionally Vegas’ LGBT nightlife has been on Paradise Rd. in an area affectionately called the "Fruit Loop". The Wynn (3131 South Las Vegas Blvd., 702-770-7000, wynnlasvegas.com) is so LGBT welcoming that all hotels have a Pride Concierge program (702-770-LGBT).

Grab a few shows, visit some museums, check out the city’s hottest restaurants, take a romantic carriage ride in Central Park, ride a ferry for spectacular views, there’s no limit to the romance and culture in the city that never sleeps. Located in the heart of the theater district, the New York Marriott Marquis (1535 Broadway, 800-843-4898, marriott. com/hotels/travel/nycmq) is also near Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and Fifth Avenue. Its “Romantic Getaway” includes; champagne and strawberries with chocolate sauce waiting in your room, a three-course dinner for two at New York's only revolving restaurant with skyline views, The View, and a daily breakfast buffet for two for $399 - $659 per night.

Use promotional code LVU. For something a little kinkier, The Kimpton Eventi in Chelsea (851 Avenue of the Americas, eventihotel.com, 866-996-8396) offers a “50 Shades of Grey” inspired package which includes; a deluxe suite with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot upon arrival, an amenity kit including a satin bondage kit, paddle, spanking powder and a necktie, a basket of aphrodisiac-inspired items, a 50 minute couples massage, $200 credit to La Perla or Agent Provacateur and two tickets to the Museum of Sex. The package starts at $659/night, book using the code GREY. boiMAG

Sensational Sand The folks at Destsetters.com, a site devoted to exploring LGBT travel trends have come up with their list of the “Top 8 Gay Beaches”. Our own Hollywood/ Osterman Beach didn’t make the list, but face it; we can only enjoy it about four months a year, so that understandable.

Here’s where they recommend you enjoy sun, sand and boys.

By Rick Karlin

3. Elia Beach/Mykonos

1. Hilton Beach/Tel Aviv

Mykonos is the most popular gay island in Greece, so it's only natural that it hosts one of the most known gay beaches in the world. Elia Beach is the meeting point for many gay travelers and locals, and flirting is quite common.

Tel Aviv is considered the gay capital of Israel by many people. Named after the hotel it resides in front of, Hilton beach is one of the most famous gay meeting points in Tel Aviv. Be ready to meet many Israeli guys, who tend to be pretty straight-forward about what they want.

4. Bondi Beach/Sydney

2. Es Cavallet Beach/Ibiza

Ibiza attracts thousands of gay travelers from around the world every year.

There are several gay beaches dispersed around the island but Es Cavallet is surely the most famous one.

Sydney has many excellent and beautiful gay beaches. The north side of Bondi Beach attracts the majority of LGBT tourism. The further north you go, the more gay people you will meet. It's more peaceful than the south side of the beach. FYI, alcohol is prohibited in both sides.

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7. South Beach/Miami

Miami is globally known for its amazing beaches and party atmosphere. It combines tropical weather with a big city vibe.

5. Pines Beach/Fire Island

As one of the most renowned gay island destinations in the world, Fire Island features a very organized gay life. Pines beach has been the most famous gay meeting point for years.

6. Playa Los Muertos/Puerto Vallarta

Located on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, Playa Los Muertos is one of PV’s most beautiful beaches and attracts large numbers of gay people from around the world annually.

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8. Will Rogers Beach/Santa Monica Will Rogers Beach with excellent crystal clear waters and golden sand has a small section, known as Ginger Rogers Beach visited mainly by gays and lesbians.

Hitting the Fashion Marc

By Anita Taylor

We asked Marc Engel, the owner of CRAM Fashion, a leading retailer of men’s swimwear about his business, fashion and the LGBT community.

How did you decide on the name CRAM for your business?

My name is Marc and when it is read backwards it is Cram.

Why did you choose to locate your store in Lakeview? Had you considered any other locations?

What is your background in After coming up with the idea retail and men’s fashion? of Cram Fashion, I started I come from a retail family who looking around Chicago in had stores in Europe where Andersonville, Lakeview, Logan I worked and my passion for Square, Lincoln Park, etc. When fashion started to bloom.

I was looking in Lakeview, Then, in Germany, I studied The Floral Dive short from Vera I extensively checked out Largo. A chino style swim short. the Boystown area and fashion. With this passion, I grew with my family’s realized that there was a business until I came to the US and need for a men’s clothing boutique. opened a store in the Gold Coast on Oak With my background and knowledge in Street in 1996. I was there for 14 years fashion and retail, I knew I could bring a then in 2008 retail started to change so boutique that would become a staple in I opened a new concept in Lakeview, the Boystown area.

Cram Fashion.

Any plans to expand to What made you decide to other locations? open CRAM? Expansion is always on The U.S. entered 2008 in the mind of a business a recession that caused owner. I am always a change in the market perfecting my Lakeview place. Consumers now location and searching wanted a good product for new opportunities for for a good price point so Cram Fashion. retail as a market needed to change.

How do shopping habits of gay men differ from What percentage of your straight men when it Sherwood Swim Trunk from Parke & comes to underwear sales is swimwear vs.

Ronen. (Sold exclusively at Cram Fashion.) and swimwear? underwear?

It depends on the season.

In my experience, During fall and winter we sell more straight men look for comfort and underwear. For spring and summer, we quality when shopping for swimwear sell more swimwear. and underwear while gay men focus on sexy cuts and styles. boiMAG 15

Motor Mouth

Baby, you can drive my car

By Parker Carr They say everybody has their price and I’ve just found mine. If there’s a sugar daddy out there who’s interested in a gear-head, slightly past twink age (okay, well past), I can be yours if you buy me the Mercedes-Benz F015. You’ll get a charming and attractive (I’ve been told) man who can hold his own in a conversation about cars and can down a corn dog without swallowing (I’ve got witnesses; I did it at the state fair).

You see, as much as I love cars, I hate driving them in cities and the Mercedes F015 is the first luxury car to feature advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Sure, we’ve got cars that can park themselves, and warn you if you get too close to the car in front of you or swerve too far over in your lane, but to actually drive? Yes, and they’ll be dominate the market in the near future.

Auto makers plan to make self advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) a standard in major markets in the next couple of years. Toyota has already announced that pretty much every car that they sell in the U.S. is going to have ADAS by 2017. Volkswagen made a similar announcement. Nissan has already made automatic breaking standard in Japan. Even the most conservative indicators predict that by 2020, 40% of the cars sold in the US, Europe and Japan will have ADAS options. That figure climbs to 70% by 2029.

Legislation has already been passed in four U.S. states (Nevada in 2011, Florida

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in 2012 and California and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho in 2014) as well as Washington, D.C., setting the stage for driverless cars.

Google unveiled a fully functioning prototype of their driverless car last Dec. It has begun road tests and so far only one accident has been reported, and that’s when the ADAS car was rearended by a human-driven car while stopped at a light.

Not only is the Mercedes-Benz F015 gorgeous to look at, the design has taken into account many different aspects of day-to-day mobility. Above and beyond its mobility function, it views the motor car as a private retreat.

The innovative four-seater considers an urban environment where space is at a premium and everything happens at a hectic pace, people have a growing desire for privacy and a place to retreat to. “Anyone who focuses solely on the technology has not yet grasped how autonomous driving will change our society,” emphasizes Dr Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The car

is growing beyond its role as a mere means of transport and will ultimately become a mobile living space.”

The passengers in the self-driving F 015 use their newly gained free time while travelling for relaxing or working as they please. The F015 has four swivel seats that can be turned to face each other. I can just imagine the cocktail parties while out clubhopping and the best part is that the car is your designated driver.

The car is a beauty all right, with open-pore walnut wood trim, white leather seats contrast with metal and glass surfaces. The side walls of the car will even be able to be fitted with touch screen technology.

The transitions between organic, metal and synthetic materials have been designed using matrix graphics delivering a feeling of more bounteous space. Like Dr. Who’s Tardis, the F015 looks bigger on the inside than the outside. The lightcolored fine wood used for the floor, flows almost imperceptibly into the cool Plexiglas of the side panels, making one area flow seamlessly into the next.

One core theme of the innovative interior concept is a continuous exchange of information between vehicle, passengers and the outside

world. Six displays are installed from the instrument panel and the rear and side walls. Large LED displays at the front and rear as well as a laser projection system directed toward the front are responsible for the visuals. The car has also been designed to take audio directions from the passenger (can we even call them drivers anymore?)

However, this car is not just pretty, it’s filled with advanced safety and operating features. A high-strength body shell structure provides the ideal basis for the electric hybrid system with a total range of 650 miles with zero local emissions

I know, the F015 isn’t market ready yet, but it’s going to happen soon and I want to have my applicants lined up, who should keep in mind that if the car drives itself, I can spend a great deal of time displaying my talent with corn dogs. Drop me a line a boieditorial@aol.com. boiMAG 19

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LGBT FILM FEST FAVES COME HOME

By Gregg Shapiro Like Ira Sachs’ “Love Is Strange”, the Brazilian film “The Way He Looks”, the full-length feature debut by writer/director Daniel Ribiero, wasn’t just one of the best gay movies of the 2014 LGBT film fest circuit, it’s one of the best gay movies ever. Period.

Blind teen Leo and best friend Giovana enjoy the last lazy days of summer lounging by the pool and talking about first kisses before school begins. Once classes start, it’s business as usual. The class bullies are mean to Leo. But things are about to change for Leo with the arrival of new kid Gabriel. Paired up to work on a class project together, there is electricity between the boys.

Leo, who only listens to classical music, is turned on to Scottish pop group Belle and Sebastian by Gabriel, who even gets Leo to dance with him in Leo’s room.

Gabriel becomes increasingly aware of and sensitive to Leo’s needs as a visually impaired person.

Meanwhile, Leo is doing everything he can to be more self-sufficient, something that doesn’t sit well with his over-protective parents. In fact, Leo is researching the possibility of studying abroad. This growing desire for independence also threatens Leo’s relationship with Giovana.

“The Way He Looks” is remarkably insightful in terms of the way small, but meaningful details, can eventually amount to something much greater. Leo sleeping in Gabriel’s sweatshirt, for instance, is one potent example. More than just a story of first gay love, it’s a perceptive portrait of friendship and the eclipses that can occur, whether you can see them or not. DVD bonus features include an interview with the cast and crew, deleted scenes, a look behind-the-scenes, the short film “I Don’t Want To Go Back Alone”.

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Stephan Haupt's film “The Circle/Der Kreis” takes an unusual approach to telling its story, combining dramatic narrative and documentary-style filmmaking. After seeing it, it's hard to imagine a better format for presenting both the history of the ground breaking gay Swiss publication Der Kreis (from which the film gets its title), as well as chronicling the almost 50 year relationship of teacher Ernst Ostertag and drag performer Röbi Rapp.

The documentary interview segments allow Ostertag and Rapp to relate their tale in their own words. The duo, who were the first same-sex couple to marry in Switzerland in 2003, are still in love with each other, sitting close together on the sofa, occasionally finishing each other's sentences. It's an endearing and enduring portrait of gay love.

The narrative portion, portrayed by actors, begins in 1956 with Ernst a teacher at a girls' school in Zurich awaiting his certification, who in spite of being closeted at work, becomes involved with the gay social organization that publishes the magazine Der Kreis. Through this activity, he meets Röbi, a popular drag performer.

At the time, Zurich was a liberal city (far more liberal than anywhere in the U.S. where the McCarthy era was in full swing) and gay men and lesbians were tolerated.

Following a series of murders, committed by a psychotic gay hustler, the authorities began to crack down on the community in Zurich, leading to arrests, public shaming and even suicide.

Even though it is set nearly 50 years in the past, The Circle/Der Kreis is a sad reminder that no matter how far the LGBT community has come (and what it has survived), there is still so far to go before our rights become universal. DVD bonus features are minimal, consisting mainly of the short film “Flying Solo”.

Rick Karlin's Mother's Day Dining Kick off Mother’s Day weekend by taking Mom to Green City Market.

Spend a beautiful morning strolling through Lincoln Park and enjoy purchasing delicious, sustainable foods from Green City Market farmers and vendors every Saturday in Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food Network stars The Hardy Boys Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh will do a cooking demo at 10:30 a.m.

Then on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10 stop in at Sidetrack from 3-9 p.m. for "Kisses From Mom" as PFLAG moms accept donations in exchange for a (chocolate) kiss.

Cry "Mamma Mia!" and treat mom to a Mother's Day Brunch at Kit Kat complete with mimosas and Madam X performing to music from the musical “Mamma Mia!” while the film version plays on Kit Kat's seven jumbo projection screens. (We suggest you stop eating whenever Pierce Brosnan attempts to sing). All martinis will be half-price ($7 each). Brunch will be served from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for $39.95 per person, call Kit Kat 773.525.1111.

On Mother's Day Tea at the Drake Hotel mothers can choose from a relaxing massage, express manicure or airbrush treatment with a makeup consultation as they dine on pastries and finger sandwiches. It’s $40 a person. Call 312.787.2200.

Go old school and take Mom to the legendary Pump Room for brunch or

Mommie Dearest in Booth One at the Pump Room dinner. They’ll be serving up Mother's Day specials and she can dine where such renowned mothers as Judy Garland, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis shared meals with their kids.

Call 312-.601.2970 for reservations.

Mother's Day Pop-up Brunch at Mott St., 1401 N. Ashland in Noble Square has a special menu that will include Thai style congee, steak and eggs of kalbi and kimchi potato hash and coconut French toast. Call 773.687.9977.

And, while it’s not strictly dining, Mom will love the “Funny Old Broads” special Mother's Day show at the Skokie Theatre. Call 847.677.7761 and tell the broads that Rick sent you.

Finally, if you blew it and forgot about Mother's Day convince her that you merely postponed it so you could take her to ChocolateFest in Long Grove, May 15-17. boiMAG 25

QMUSIC

FOR YOUR EARS

By Gregg Shapiro

The best part of Clint Eastwood’s unnecessary film adaptation of “Jersey Boys”? Adorable Mike Doyle’s flaming portrayal of queer songwriter and allaround music legend Bob Crewe. Crewe, who wrote hit songs for Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, in addition to others, and even had his own hit with the Herb Alpert rip-off instrumental “Music To Watch Girls Go By” in the mod mid-1960s. Neither of Crewe’s two albums from the 1970s, Street Talk (credited to The Bob Crewe Generation) and Motivation, did much for his cause. Newly reissued in the double disc set The Complete Elektra Recordings, both albums deserve another chance, especially Street Talk. An early disco affair (from 1976, just before disco broke), arriving on the glittery heels of Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” (co-written by Crewe), “Broadway-bound disco-rock ballet” Street Talk is one of the great underrated gay masterpieces of the disco era. A camp epic telling the story of fresh-off-the-bus-from-Nebraska “Cherry Boy,” whose ass is his “ticket to paradise,” featuring songs such as “Menage A Trois,” “Back Alley Boogie” and “Ah Men,” all to a vintage disco beat.

Speaking of reissues, queer twin sisters Tegan and Sara celebrate the 10th anniversary of their commercial

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breakthrough album So Jealous with the stunningly packaged So Jealous X, which includes the original album, a bonus disc of remixes, demos, B-side demos and covers of their songs performed by The White Stripes and others. There is also the concert DVD "It’s Not Fun. Don’t Do It", included in the package. The accompanying fullcolor book is full of illuminating text and photos. Even more importantly, songs such as “Walking With A Ghost,” “Where Does The Good Go,” the title cut and “Take Me Anywere,” hold up well 10 years later.

Exquisitely packaged, but in a different way, single gay dad Ricky Martin returns with A Quien Quiera Escuchar, a new album sung entirely in Spanish. You don’t have to speak a word of Español to get the feeling that Martin is attempting to get across on songs such as the (international) house of “Adios,” the ballad “Perdóname” and the rhythmic dance numbers including “Isla Bella” and “La Mordidita.” The bandeon on “Cuánto Me Acuerro De Ti” and the banjo on “Disparo Al Corazón are also not to be missed.

The deluxe edition includes three bonus versions of songs on the album.

Most people will recognize Kate Pierson’s face and voice from her role as one of the vocalists in the beloved pioneering new wave pop phenomenon known as the B52s. One of the five original members (four of whom identified as queer), Pierson’s dynamic vocal range helped to make songs such as “Roam,” “Love Shack” and others so unforgettable. Stepping out on her own for the first time on Guitars and Microphones, Pierson teams up with the ubiquitous Sia (Furler), who acted as executive producer, co-wrote all but one song on the album and performs alongside Pierson on some of the tracks. Stomping “show stopper” opener “Throwing Down The Roses” gets things started on an energetic note. Less about being a trans anthem than existing as a song for those who have been “betrayed by the mirror,” “Mister Sister” is sure to be embraced by LGBT folks nevertheless.

Other knockout tunes include “Bottoms Up,” “Time Wave Zero” and the ballad “Pulls You Under.”

Chicago's

in the know ... ON THE GO!

By Sue Deaunym

Mother’s Day Weekend & Sweaty Balls

In a show only a mother could love on Sunday, May 10, “Super Jocks in Super Jocks” at Hydrate, is billed as the First Annual Crochet Empire jockstrap fashion show. It’s a benefit for TPAN, Chicago House and The Ride for AIDS Chicago. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” winner Bianca del Rio is sure to entertain and scintillate as she hosts. 12 of Chicago's sexiest men will be strutting their stuff in super hero inspired jockstraps made by The Crochet Empire. It’s $20 general admission , $35 VIP (includes two drink tickets and a meet and greet with Ms. del Rio.) Buy mom a present as they auction off the jockstraps worn in the show by Falcon's Johnny V and Joey D, and TitanMen's Kevin Lee… On Saturday, May 9 the Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame Celebrity Bowl fund raiser at Waveland Bowl will include U.S. Rep Jan Schakowsky, Alderman James Cappleman, State Rep. Sara Feigenholz, Gary Chichester, and Mary Morten. It’s free to cheer them on (and you can also donate.) For more info., go to www.GLHallofFame.org.

Fill Your Basket

Easter may have come and gone, but you can still find full baskets on Saturday, May 2 for the first ever Sidetrack Market. They've invited a collection of vendors to present their local and artisanal products from noon-3 p.m… Touche hosts a send-off party for Mr. Chicago Leather 2015, Luis Timpantasig on Saturday, May 9, then on May 20 everything goes into high gear for IML… Crew Bar will host the “Out at Wrigley 2015” national anthem contest on Thursday, May 7 through Friday, May 8 and then SoFo takes over on Sunday, May 10… Leave it to Circuit to include a taco buffet in its Cinco de Mayo party. And to the silly queen who emailed me last year saying I forgot to include the date of Cinco de Mayo; "Uhm Duh!"

With a Wink & A Whisper

On Sunday, May 17 “Wink & Whisper, a 1920s LGBT Cabaret”, inspired by Sukie de la Croix’s book “Chicago Whispers” is at the Uptown Underground, in the basement of the Uptown Broadway Building, 4703 N. Broadway… On Monday, May 4 the Mr. and Miss Heart of America Continental

share the stage at The Baton, hosted by Tiffany T. Hunter. $20 for both pageants…

Sidetrack's holding a Beyonce lip-sync contest on Wednesday, May 5. No drag is required but what fun is it if you can't whip out the 'tard and pumps?. . . So, who's heading to Orlando for One Magical Weekend at Disney World June 5 through 7. I'm starting my diet now!

Leather & Pride

No that's not BBQ, it's a roast of IML 2014 Ramien Pierre and IMBB 2015 Scout on Thursday, May 21 at The Leather Archives & Museum. . . For the first time since the closing of Manhole a significant number of events are being held on Halsted St. during IML weekend. There's "Woof" on Saturday, May 23 from Skin Productions at Circuit Night Club, Sidetrack's unofficial leatherman show tune on Sunday (when the guys drop all pretences of macho and sing along with Sandy in "Grease!") and a Memorial Day evening "Rebel Leather" event hosted

by SCRUFF and CircuitMom (bringing the party back to boystown). . . Pride is going to rock with a new post parade party near Diversey Harbor. Oh yeah, there's some sort of run involved, too. I don't run, it spills my cocktails. . . Milwaukee's Pridefest, always a great party, will feature Ani DiFranco and Ty Herndon.

Stage Business

”We're Still Here: CGMC Celebrates Sondheim at 85” takes place at a variety of locations; Saturday, May 16 at North Shore Center in Skokie, Saturday, May 23 at The Harris Theater and Sunday, May 24 at Wentz Concert Hall, in Naperville. . .

“Queergasm! Performance Art” Saturday, May 2, at Center on Halsted. Northwestern University's Queer Pride Graduate Student Association presents the sixth annual interdisciplinary performance. . . Hell in a Handbag's done it again. Just when you thought the couldn't go any more over the top, they come up with "Miracle!" a wickedly funny parody of The Miracle Worker playing May 14 - July 10, at the newly-remodeled Mary’s Attic. boiMAG 29

FIT TIPS

By Michael Elder

OK, so did you all go out and try version 1 of the stability ball Push Up? If you did then you probably discovered that it is undoubtedly more challenging than the traditional push up. You probably noticed that your core was also getting a great workout at the same time as your pecs. Well, brace yourselves because version 2 is even more challenging.

If you are still relatively new to training, you may want to hold off on this one until you build up a base strength, both in your core as well as in your chest. This version involves placing your hands on the ball itself as opposed to on the floor.

This exercise as well as version 1 can also be performed one footed for an added challenge. Simply raise one foot off the floor while performing the movement. But be sure you have mastered the two footed versions first. Train hard, but honor your limits. Be healthy!

STABILITY BALL PUSH UP (Version 2) To perform this exercise, place both hands on a medium sized stability ball and assume a plan position. Your hands should be placed with your fingers pointing outward about, one quarter down the side of the ball. The bulk of the pressure should fall on the heel of your palm. Placing your hands with your fingers pointing straight forward can place too much stress on your wrists.

Inhale as you slowly descend toward the ball, leading with your chest. Make sure to not rest your chest on top of the ball at the bottom of the movement.

Exhale as you press yourself back to your starting position without locking your elbows.

Throughout the movement you should keep your abs tight and your belly button pulled inward toward your spine. Also be careful to not pike your hips upward. Your body should be in a straight line throughout the movement.

Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last fifteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be contacted directly through his website, www.MichaelElder.com.

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