Peach v2 i03 issuu

Keep It Up! Fitness: Make It Stick!

Get Your Skin in Shape

Trends for a NEW YOU Peach Reco: Angels in America

CONTENTS JANUARY 17, 2018

V2-03

PEACH ATL MEDIA, LLC 925B Peachtree St. NE, Suite 168 Atlanta, GA 30309 404.439.9838

OPERATIONS Jeff Anderson

Sales and Development Director

jeff@peachatl.com

16

8

EDITORIAL

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director mikkel@peachatl.com Rodney Belcher Graphic Designer

rodney@peachatl.com

SALES

32 From the Editor

Andrea Dwyer andrea@peachatl.com Steve Tyrrell steve@peachatl.com

CONTRIBUTORS

If you’re like the most of us, it’s right about now where your solemn new year’s resolution is starting to slip into the background and become less important as that high-held vow you promised yourself as part of your new and improved 2018 self.

So, we’ve called in the experts who will help you stick to it right now and for the rest of the year. Jamie Kirk, our resident health expert, will guide you to how you will get better at committing to your resolution, and personal trainer Darren Floro-Bryant, guides you to how you find the motivation and resolve to stay on track with your fitness goals.

We also guide you to how you whip your skin into even better shape after all that sweating, and we’re giving you three trends that will make your fashion game a winner.

James Hicks Gregg Shapiro Tony Kearney Casey Deynton Branden Lee

DISTRIBUTION Brian Harmon

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.202

Enjoy, Peaches!

Mikkel Hyldebrandt Editorial Director

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The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.

6 | 01.17.18

Angels in America, Part One & Two Presented by Actor’s Express Actor’s Express will produce the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prizewinning Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika Sex, religion, and politics collide with history in Tony Kushner’s sweeping epic, one of the landmark theatrical events of the twentieth century. Set at the onset of the AIDS epidemic, these masterworks changed the theatrical landscape forever when they premiered on Broadway twenty-five years ago. And now, they finally land on the Actor’s Express stage in one of the most ambitious productions they’ve ever taken on. Co-directed by Freddie Ashley and Martin Damien Wilkins, Angels in America will run in rep, allowing audiences a few opportunities to see both plays in one day.

Artistic Director Freddie Ashley says, “As we continue our thirtieth anniversary season, we are excited to dive into this marvelous play, one of the great modern classics of the American theatre. Kushner’s brilliant writing brings to life a story of thirty years ago that feels urgent, immediate and absolutely reflective of the current moment. Not since its premiere in the early 90s has this play been more relevant in its unflinching examination of what it means to be American.”

When: Performances are January 12 through February 17. There are five days when you can see both parts of Angels in America on the same day: January 20, February 3, 10, 11, and 17.

Where: Actor’s Express, the King Plow Arts Center at 887 W. Marietta Street, Suite J-107, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.

Tickets: actors-express. com or call 404-6077469. For group pricing e-mail tickets@actorsexpress.com.

8 | 01.17.18

NEW GAY IN TOWN: Love In a Hopeless Place Even before I moved to Atlanta, all I ever heard about is how terrible men in Atlanta are. Atlanta is the city of so many DL repressed gay men living a lie. Atlanta is full of sexually deviant men that have no desire to settle down in relationships. Atlanta is a city full of fuckboys, and if you want to find a relationship, you better move somewhere else.

By Branden Lee

T R O B I S

&

B A R

ECLECTIC

V O T E D “ Midt o w n At lan t a’ s be s t n e igh bo rh o o d ge m ” “ At lan t a’ s be s t Am e ric an C o n t e m po rary f o o d”

TUE - SUN D INNE R S U N D AY BRUNC H H A P PY HO UR PR I V AT E P ART I E S C A T ERI NG

404-426-7728 www.eclecticbistroatlanta.com 1425 PIEDMONT AVE. NE, ATLANTA, GA, 30309

LOCATED BETWEEN THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS & BOY NEXT DOOR 10 | 01.17.18

I moved to Atlanta six months ago, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made regarding my love life. I’ve been in a tumultuous, off-and-on relationship with Zimbabwe five of the six months I’ve lived in Atlanta, but I wouldn’t trade my relationship for anything.

I’ve found a love that is more real, deeper, longer, and more meaningful than I was ever able to find anywhere else I’ve lived.

I never was in a relationship until I moved to Atlanta. I never had a boyfriend or even really came close to finding one before I moved to Atlanta.

Atlanta is not a hopeless place. I do know I may have ‘fresh meat privilege.’ Whenever someone is new in an area, they’re always in demand. They don’t come with the baggage of having lived in the city for a long time. Living in the same place means everyone will know your business. They know who you’ve slept with and what went wrong in all your past relationships. New people are pure. So it’s natural to want to snatch them up before they are used, and abused, by everyone else in the city, and become another bitter, jaded, lonely, guy wishing for love.

I found love in Atlanta. I was fresh meat.

I’ve still had my share of fuckboys, disappointments, heartbreak, feeling lied to,

cheated on, and betrayed. These aren’t symptoms of just dating in Atlanta; it’s dating everywhere.

No matter how big of a city or metropolitan area, the gay world is always super tiny. Gays do only make up a fraction of the population. It’s easy to mistake the world for being more gay-populated than it really is when we spend most of our lives in a bubble of only gay men. Having mostly gay friends, meeting mostly only gay people, and consuming GLBT oriented things. In reality, there’s only a limited number of us. Things are also limited when we break it down into our types.

There’s only so many twinks, bears, daddies, bottoms, tops, guys over 6 ft and so on. No one has an endless supply of options in their city. There are always new people coming and going, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll be your type or you’ll be theirs.

I have noticed that I rarely meet gay men that are in a relationship in Atlanta. Most of my friends are single, and jaded about finding love in Atlanta. I understand their frustration. I felt that way after spending the majority of my life in Philadelphia and never finding a boyfriend there. It felt hopeless. I felt that way after living five years in Boston going to college, and never found a boyfriend there either.

If you’ve lived in Atlanta for a long time and never found a meaningful relationship, it’s probably going to feel hopeless as well.

It’s important to never lose that hope. If you emit bitterness and jadedness and never take anyone seriously because you keep expecting to be disappointed, you’ll end up disappointed. If you expect to find a perfect, baggage-free man, you’ll only end up alone because no one is perfect, and we’re all damaged and scarred from past relationships. Some of us are more damaged, scarred, and skeptical than others, but we all have our crosses to bear.

It’s not where you meet that matters, but who you meet. Options may seem limited or hopeless at times, but that can mean it’s time to start opening up and expanding our interests. Try new nightclubs, dating apps, meetup groups, social events, or explore new parts of the city. If I could find love in a hopeless place like Atlanta, I know others can too.

Branden Lee is a writer and actor now living in Atlanta. Follow Branden on Twitter and Instagram @Brandeness. and watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

peachATL.com | 11

Cowtippers regrets to confirm that we will be closing our doors later this month after more than 20 years in business. We are extremely thankful for the thousands of patrons who have dined with us over the years and been so supportive of our restaurant.

As we near our closure, we hope you can join us one last time before January 28th!

January 28th @1pm The Final Herd: Songs of 1993 Hosted by Ruby Redd Performances by queens of the past and present

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Trends for a New You

Looking to update your wardrobe in the new year but your budget doesn’t quite aspire to how you want to look?

These three trends will make you look and feel all new without breaking the bank.

By Mik Hyldebrandt

The Man Purse is Back

.. or was it ever gone? This year, smaller bags to be worn on your body are the thing.

And yes, that includes fanny packs that can be worn across your body instead of around your waist.

Nike Hoops Elite Basketball Gym Sack, $25

Coach Campus Pack, $350

Herschel Tour Hip Pack, $45

ASDS Canvas Shoulder Sling Bag, $18

Stussy Stock Side Bag, $65 H&M Small Shoulder Bag, $25 14 | 01.17.18

Wear It Sporty

Athletic wear is making its way into high fashion, so go with a full-on track or jogger suit or pair your fitted joggers with a shirt and some dressy sneakers. Sports team apparel is also a way to show your style and your support of a team.

Puma Archive T7 Track Pants, $60 Adidas FC Bayern Munich Track Jacket, $75

Fila Courto Jacket, $80

Atlanta Falcons Men’s Julio Jones Nike Black Game Jersey, $100

Pink is Here to Stay

The color pink is branching out from that warm, blush-colored rose to other hues that are a little more playful but no less stylish.

H&M Cotton T-Shirt Regular Fit, $7 Noose & Monkey Pink Skinny Fit Jacket, $120

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Tops Barely Rose,

Abercrombie Athletic Slim Chinos Burgundy, $68

$65

peachATL.com | 15

Put Some WEIGHT Behind Your Resolution

By Darren Floro-Bryant

What’s your new year’s resolution for 2018?

I’m going to lose weight in 2018!

I’m going to eat healthy in 2018!

I’m going to exercise more in 2018!

While these are great resolutions to have, when it comes to health and fitness goals, many people put so much weight into these aspirations that any perceived failure can break their resolve. The equally important question is, how do you make your resolution stick?

So many of us make these broad resolutions with the best of intentions, yet we find ourselves giving up at the first set-back. It’s now three weeks into 2018; the perfect time to ask: Are you having challenges keeping on track?

First and foremost, you need to remember that no one is going to do it for you, and you are only accountable to yourself. Make yourself a priority! Next, if you stray from the path, forgive yourself and rather than abandon your goal, permit yourself to start again. Once you accept these philosophies, your resolutions will be easier to stick with, and you’ll be closer to achieving your goals.

16 | 01.17.18

Now, if you’ve made any of the broad resolutions listed above, keep them, but break them down into smaller, more achievable mini-goals that build on each other toward your ultimate resolution. Let’s take “I’m going to lose weight in 2018!” as an example. Don’t start with a broad ‘lose weight’ goal or even a sizable weight loss goal. Instead, set mini-goals of losing 2-3 lbs. per week that will build toward your ultimate resolution.

Or, if your goal is “I’m going to exercise more in 2018!”, figure out what motivates you. What will you enjoy doing? And then build a more specific exercise resolution around it. Exercise means something different to every individual. If running is not your thing but yoga is, develop your resolution around that. If you decide you want to do yoga but don’t like being in groups, either find an individual instructor or maybe an online source. On the other hand, don’t rely on an online site if you know you will find a way out of it because it is easy to put off. Ultimately, understand and accept what works for you rather than against you, and personalize your exercise resolution so that it will keep you motivated. These resolutions need to be as individual as you are.

Staying on Track Once you have broken down your resolution into mini-goals and made them more specific and achievable, you can now seek out tips and tricks from friends, family members, magazines, or online resources to find what will work for YOU! Just remember, there is no one formula that will work for every individual.

Below are a few tips that may help you stay focused, motivated, and on track: Find a friend who shares this resolution, someone you can depend on and who will depend on you to keep each other motivated.

Hire a professional; a financial commitment may keep you on track.

Lay out your exercise clothes or gear the night before, you will have already done half the work and set your intentions for the next day.

Set an appointment in your calendar and set up reminders on your phone or computer (creating a routine will help make it a habit).

Celebrate your success! Share your achievements with others, giving yourself a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Reward yourself as you achieve each mini-goal, just be sure it’s not a reward that risks setting you back.

Create a grocery list before shopping and don’t go shopping while hungry!

Prepare snacks and meals in advance; it will help you to avoid cravings or temptations.

One thing we all need to understand is that sometimes life happens, and it might interrupt your progress, but it does not mean you should abandon your resolution. It is your resolution, forgive yourself if you slip-up and get right back in stride with your goal.

In conclusion, create for yourself a focused, measured, and achievable resolution that will be true to your goals. Remember, you are only accountable to yourself so be sure to take a light-hearted approach to it, giving yourself a break when needed.

Create your resolutions and remember the quicker you achieve your goals, the sooner you can celebrate your success! Have a great 2018!

Darren Floro-Bryant is originally from Ontario, Canada, but now lives and works in Atlanta, GA. Darren has worked as a certified Group Fitness Instructor, Fitness Coach, and Personal Trainer for more than 25 Years. Currently, he owns DFB Fitness and Foundation Fitness, operating out of Gravity Fitness.

DFBFitness.com / FoundationFitness.co.

peachATL.com | 17

GET YOUR SKIN IN SHAPE

By Mik Hyldebrandt

Wash Your Face It is especially beneficial for your face to be cleansed after a workout. The skin on your face produces more natural oils that can make you look shiny, and pave the way for spots.

Maybe your new year’s resolution is about hitting the gym on a more regular basis, and after a sweatdripping workout, skincare is probably not the first thing on your mind. But even with a quick shower, you can do wonders for your skin and make you look as good as you feel after a workout.

Ole Henriksen Find Your Balance Oil Control Cleanser, $25

Shower (Almost) Right After

A Light Moisturizer Efter working out and showering the skin is still warm and open, so use a light moisturizer – like a gel or lotion – so your skin can breathe and cool down.

A good workout means you broke a sweat. On the surface of the skin it can lead to B.O. but the excess oils that comes with the sweat can clog pores. A quick shower relatively close to your workout will remedy that.

Gentlemen’s Tonic Gentle Body Wash, $14

Anthony High Performance Vitamin A Hydrating Facial Lotion, $49

Fragrance An antiperspirant deodorant and a touch of cologne will keep you fresh and smelling nice even after the hardest of workouts.

Voyage D’Hermès Eau De Toilette, $98

18 | 01.17.18

Clean Your Hair (and Scalp) A good rinse can clear sweat and dirt from your hair, but if you’ve been sweating excessively, nothing beats a good cleaning of your hair and scalp.

A moisturizing but mild shampoo is best – no harsh anti-dandruff stuff here!

D.R. Harris Coconut Oil Shampoo, $21

HEALTH

AND

SEX BELONG TOGETHER

Healthysexuals

CONNECT

Know your status. And be ready for what’s ahead.

VISIT AND TALK TO A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

HEALTHYSEXUAL, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC3911 01/17

KEEPING WARM ON A NIGHT OUT IN MIDTOWN PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

20 | 01.17.18

peachATL.com | 21

OSCARS PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

22 | 01.17.18

SmartCare Welcomes Dr. John Destito as Our New Medical Director.

www.smartcareuc.com peachATL.com | 23

HAPPY HOUR AT TACOS & TEQUILA ON PONCE PHOTOS:Sher Pruitt

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS 24 | 01.17.18

WHISKEY & WIENERS

wednesdays

Growing up in Venezuela, Tecnomerengue awakened Brian’s love and fascination for dance music. Today, he is learning the ropes of event promotion and DJing from nightlife veteran Vicki Powell. In fact, Brian Rojas is the latest member of the Deep South DJ collaborative, so we’re excited that we will hear much more from the handsome DJ in 2018.

Check out his mixing style on Soundcloud (search brianrojasatlanta), and IG follow him @shadyempanada – and catch Brian at the Deep South Horse Meat Disco in February.

Brian Rojas

Towns at Druid Hills Townhomes from the low $500s

GATE D C O M M U NIT Y

Sign a purchase contract on a select Quick Move-in Home between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018 and receive:

Up To

Towards $5,000 Closing Costs*

When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

– PLUS – For Quick Move-in Homes with unfinished basements:

Half Price Off,

Up To

$25,000 Value**

For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Available only when you close on the purchase of a quick move-in home in the Towns at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Receipt of up to 50% off discount (up to $25,000 value) the costs of unfinished basements is applicable only to quick move-in homes that have unfinished basements. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Completion and/or move-in dates are estimated. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278.

Jan 18 – Jan 24

Dine Out for AV200

Mall Grab at the Music Room

Dine and drink for a good cause. Drinks specials along with the usual, delicious menu items – 10% of all Thursday and Sunday sales go to AV200.

23-year-old Jordon Alexander, aka Mall Grab, is one of the most exciting young DJs and production talents in house music today.

Thursday, January 18

Friday, January 19

F.R.O.G.S

The Music Room

STAFF PICK!

Sweet Tea: A Queer Variety Show Atlanta’s longest-running queer variety show is BACK, highly sweetened, and ready to quench your thirst and to debut their rebranded show.

Saturday, January 20 The Mammal Gallery

Shaun T transforms America

The Killers Tour

The hot fitness expert will give you tips to take your fitness journey to the next level during this immersive 4-hour event.

Headed by the charismatic Brandon Flowers, the Las Vegas-based rock band will take the stage to perform songs from their latest album Wonderful Wonderful.

Saturday, January 20, 11 am

Sunday, January 21

Georgia Freight Depot

v

30 | 01.17.18

Enclave at Druid Hills Townhomes from the upper $500s Sign a purchase contract on a quick move-in home between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018 to receive:

Up To

Towards $5,000 Closing Costs*

When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

– PLUS –

Up To

in Flex $25,000 Credits**

Towards Design Center options and upgrades, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs.

For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Available only when you close on the purchase of a select quick move-in home in the Enclave at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between December 18, 2017 and January 7, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Up to $25,000 Seller provided Flex Credits may be applied to available upgrades and options at Seller’s Design Center, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs. Availability of items may vary. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Seller does not represent/guarantee that the project will be serviced by any particular public school/school district or, once serviced by a particular school/school district, that the same school/school district will service the project for any particular period of time. Eligibility requirements (including geographical) may change over time. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278.

peachATL.com | 31

I Kinda, Sorta, Maybe Commit?

By Jamie Kirk

N

ow is the time of year that most folks are very focused, disciplined and intentional about their behavior. The time by which we grab the fat-free stuff, the gluten-free crap, and the almond milk. We also have our alarms set with the label ‘go to gym.’ Each day for about the first 14 days of the year, we are deliberate in announcing our resolutions, how many times we “got it in” at the gym or maybe even made a good decision like only four drinks on Saturday night instead of our regular six. We act like there is a medal or a t-shirt for our disclosure of our plans.

A few things to keep in mind and help you along the way....

1. Absolutely get an accountability partner. Not a workout partner, not a business partner, not a mentor or a mentee. Choose someone that will give you grief when you slack, but not make you feel guilty.

2. Make yourself uncomfortable but not miserable.

Make sure that your goals/resolutions will stretch you beyond your comfort zone, but not so much that you feel resentment and back-slide.

3. Don’t eat the elephant all in one bite. Avoid making more than three goal-orientated resolutions.

Making more will be too overwhelming and might cause you to get depressed or moody because you are overextending yourself and lacking focus.

4. Keep quiet. There is no need to announce your plans to the world. Telling a few chosen folks that could turn out to be an accountability partner, your significant other, etc. is wise. These people will support you and encourage you when you need it most.

5. Be kind to yourself. If you have a slip-up, it’s okay.

If you fall off a bit mid-year, it’s okay. If you change the course or need to adjust the resolution, it’s okay.

As long as you keep the goal in mind, you can adjust 32 | 01.17.18

how and when you get there.

6. Assign a date. Give your goals/resolutions a specific (hopefully unmovable) date. Not tied to a holiday or a trip, but a date and time. This is when you will evaluate the good, the bad and the ugly of your efforts. A goal/resolution without a date is a waste of time.

Make sure you surround yourself with people that are encouraging you to be a better you. Sometimes, we have to leave people behind; we can pick them back up after we collect our 200 bucks and pass go. But we can’t do both, we can’t move forward, with people in our lives that are envious or jealous of our wanting to be better and do better. The right relationships will make all the difference in the world in our efforts to succeed or fail. Having people that will offer to be your accountability partner is an essential key to a positive outcome. Our ability to commit and be intentional to what we “say” is important BUT can only be believed and celebrated by our actions.

Don’t waiver. Don’t second guess. Stop putting it off.

Don’t avoid. Don’t delay. Just do it. Make a plan, work the plan, plan the outcome and plan to celebrate your success. Everyone has different levels of “stick-toit-ness” and comparing yourself to someone else’s level of effort is a very good way to become frustrated. And eventually give up. The goals/resolutions have to be about you and for you ONLY. We have to continue living and looking forward by being as committed as we can. Living as purposefully as we can.

Being as authentic as we can. And remembering to forgive ourselves when we don’t live up to this fantasy in our heads of a perfectly normal life.

Jamie Kirk works for a software company and is a certified spinning instructor. He also enjoys yoga, swimming, bicycling and running. He aspires to start a blog about what we put in our bodies not only fuels our body but our mind and spirit as well. Follow Jamie on IG @tysonsdad

peachATL.com | 33

Screen Savor From Akron to Detroit

By Gregg Shapiro

Co-directed by Sasha King and Brian O’Donnell (with a screenplay

by O’Donnell), Akron (Wolfe/Towpath) is a well-made indie feature with strong and memorable performances. The film is a recipient of numerous awards and nominations on the film festival circuit.

Akron opens with a tragedy in a supermarket parking lot. Carol (Amy da Luz) accidentally hits and kills Davy, the eldest of Lorena’s (Andréa Burns) two young sons, with her minivan. Fast forward to the present day, Benny (Matthew Frias), the younger brother of Davy, is a college freshman, majoring in biomedical engineering. Not only is Benny smart, but he’s also incredibly hot and athletic. His best friend Julie (Cailan Rose), invites him to take a break from studying and play a game of mudball. Benny’s glad that he does because that’s where he meets equally hot fellow freshman Christopher (Edmund Donovan). Their attraction is immediate. Benny, who lives off-campus, at home with his mother Lorena, father David (Joseph Melendez) and younger sister Becca (Isabel Machado), shares the news about meeting Christopher with his family, all of whom are unconditionally supportive. Christopher’s divorced mother Carol, who moved away from Akron and lives in Florida, is also a loving and encouraging parent.

After dating for a few months, Benny and Christopher take a Spring Break road-trip together to see Carol. On the day they are hitting the road, Benny brings Christopher home to meet his parents. Everything goes well until Christopher mistakes a framed photo of a boy for Benny. Lenora corrects him, saying it’s a picture of Davy, who died young.

In a subtle way, you can see from the expression on Christopher’s face that he quickly put the pieces together. You see, Christopher was in the backseat of the minivan on the day of the accident that took Davy’s life.

Christopher, unsure of how to proceed, whether or not he should say something to Benny or to Carol before she meets Benny, remains tight-lipped. However, we can see the turmoil he’s experiencing. Not long after Benny and Christopher arrive at Carol’s, after they’ve had dinner and retired for a soak in the hot-tub, Carol is also able to make the connection. Naturally, the revelation has an overwhelming impact on Benny, as well.

At this point, Akron becomes a film about forgiveness, while asking and answering the age-old question about if it’s possible to choose with whom you fall in love. The lead actors, aside from being incredibly nice to look at, give knockout performances bringing the film and the relationship, with all of its complexities to vivid life.

Akron is strongly recommended.

Detroit (20th Century Fox), constructed and dramatized, based on the recollections of those involved in the violent incident that occurred at the Algiers Motel in Detroit during a 1967 riot in that long-troubled city, is Oscar-winning Kathryn Bigelow’s first film since 2012’s Zero Dark Thirty. The cinematic style that served

34 | 01.17.18

Bigelow so well in her Academy Award-winning feature The Hurt Locker and the Oscar-nominated Zero Dark Thirtyactually works against her here in this more intimate setting. While Detroit couldn’t be released at a more opportune time, it’s self-indulgent and much too long, not to mention treading in the rapids of cultural appropriation.

Detroit opens with a little historical background about how factory jobs in the north drew African-Americans who were leaving the South.

In some places, including Detroit, this led to both white flight to the suburbs and segregated neighborhoods in urban areas. Combined with the rising racial tensions in the ‘60s and the illusion of equal opportunity, rebellions and riots were commonplace. With Detroit’s overcrowded black neighborhood aggressively patrolled by a mostly white, racist police force, it was only a matter of time before the powder keg blew.

According to Detroit, everything came to a head in July of 1967.

Unwarranted police raids led to arrests and a confrontation with the police. The situation escalated. Store windows were broken, there was looting and fires were set. In spite of pleas for the angry mobs not to mess up their own neighborhood, there was rampant devastation.

On the third day we witness young, out-of-control police officer Krauss (Will Poulter) shoot and kill a looter. This is the first of what will be several of Krauss’ racially motivated acts of violence. When the guests staying at the annex of The Algiers Motel innocently fire a starter gun out a window, they are met by gunfire from police and soldiers. When the police, including Krauss, enter the motel, they round up guests and the long night of torture and terror begins. One moment of potential hope is dashed when the Michigan State Police decide not to get involved in what they see as a civil rights situation.

Interwoven into the plot is the story of rising soul group The Dramatics. The band’s lead singer Larry (Algee Smith) and manager Fred (Jacob Lattimore), trying to avoid being swept up in the street melee, end up at The Algiers shortly before the police raid and subsequent night of terror and mounting body count.

Just as that July 1967 night became chaotic, so does Detroit itself, spinning off into an unsuccessful courtroom drama. Bigelow bit off more than she could chew with this movie, which is unfortunate because it’s a story worth telling, just not in this way.

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MIDTOWN 1

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NE ve . tA

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Juniper St. NE

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BARS Amsterdam Blake's Bulldogs Friends The Model T My Sister’s Room Ten Atlanta

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Dining 502 Amsterdam Ave NE 227 10th St NE 893 Peachtree St NE 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 699 Ponce De Leon Ave NE 66 12th St NE 990 Piedmont Ave NE

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10 th & Piedmont Campagnolo Einstein's F.R.O.G.S

clubs 13 Atlanta Eagle

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retail 8 Barking Leather

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Spring St. NW

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G’s Midtown Henry’s Joe's on Juniper La Hacienda

219 10th St NE 132 10th St NE 1049 Juniper St NE 900 Monroe Dr NE

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BARS 2043 Cheshire Bridge Rd 1086 Alco St NE 1931 Piedmont Cir NE 2425 Piedmont Rd NE

Dining 24 Las Margaritas 25 Roxx

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clubs 28 Heretic 29 Jungle

2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd 2115 Faulkner Rd NE

Fitness 30 Gravitee Fitness

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Spa / bath 31 Manifest 4 U 42 The Den

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Dining 37 Cowtippers 38 Eclectic Bistro

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Text your Peach Pits to 256-60-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com Illustrations by: Jerel Ely

Describe yourself using three Venmo donations to me.

Asking for a friend: Is being tanned all year round too much to ask for?

Me: We need to stop electing TV stars and celebrities!

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Also me: Oprah for President!

I think I may have fallen in love with this guy because he started his sentence: ’As an avid crock pot user ….’

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Surround yourself with people who talk about visions and ideas. Not about people.

48 | 01.17.18

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50 | 01.17.18

ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

You’ll need to come up with unique ways to approach a hectic workday. Drinking plenty of coffee is one solution, as is exercising before heading to work. But your best tactic could be staying in bed, and leaving the mountain of headaches for your coworkers to deal with.

Repeatedly striking out with men recently may have you feeling depressed. Cheer up mate, because it’s the dawning of a whole new day. If you act like a desperate jerk, you’re only going to attract desperate jerks, so accentuate the positive and see what happens.

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

You will be turtle-like today, slow moving and meticulous. Too bad the day will start in overdrive and only get faster from there. You’ll have to ramp up as quickly as possible. You know what happens when the turtle tries to move into the fast lane.

The boss will be in a good mood today, an opportune time to sell him some of your ideas. You’ll be amazed at how easy that will be, and he’ll give you the green light on all of them. But hopefully it wasn’t the Prozac speaking, and he remembers it tomorrow.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Curb your enthusiasm if a friend approaches you with an interesting business proposition today.

Look at his plans from all angles, but remember that business can be like dating. You may find someone who looks attractive, but you’ll only wind up getting screwed, and not in a way you’d like.

Recent overspending may have left your finances in a weakened and pitiful state. Tighten that belt strap today, and get frugal. You may have to return some favors if you want people to help you out, and hopefully some of them won’t involve taking off your pants.

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Difficulties will arise at work today, but you’ll handle them with the poise of a miracle worker. It’ll be like you have a magic wand and those problems will instantly disappear. Now where was that wand when you needed it last week?

The high energy with which you’ll greet the day will be countered by slow moving coworkers. You won’t have the patience for their sluggishness, and you’ll tell them so. This won’t make them work any faster, and will cast you as the office pariah for the remainder of the day, if not the week.

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

You’ll try to make a good impression with a new acquaintance today. But your massive ego may have him running in the other direction. Toning it down a bit could have you figuring out how to lure him back, and why it is you have so few friends.

Despite your best laid plans, today will be one disaster after another. You won’t be able to figure out why that is, but don’t try to fight it. Go with the flow and you’ll get though this difficult day, but expect frustration and a headache that will feel like your brain is caught in a vice.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

The dating game can be played anywhere, even at work. Fix your eyes on coworkers who may be looking at you. Hopefully those colleagues will be guys who play for the same team. Otherwise you may have some ‘splainin’ to do.

You may have to rely on favors from friends in high places today. Being beholden to others is not a comfortable place for you, because there’s no telling what they’ll expect in return. So keep your integrity intact, and don’t do anything that involves farm animals, a leather thong and a blender.

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was...

Trouble in the love department? With sex? Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and we’ll give you the answers served straight up and with a little ice.

I got back together with my ex recently, because, after a good break, we realized we were still in love with each other. We have both made some changes in our lives, and things have been going really great, but lately, I can see him starting to slip into some of his old patterns. He is moody, gets annoyed with me, and will dramatically cut down on our communication (calls and texts), which he used to do as a ‘punishment.’ I’ve already let him know that I see this, but he doesn’t seem to care. What do I do?

Sincerely the Ex-Now-Boyfriend Dear Ex-Now-Boyfriend Getting back together with an ex after a breakup can be very difficult for the very reason, you mention: people tend to slip into old habits which include the same feelings and emotions that may have led to the relationship’s initial demise. You recognize these things in your boyfriend, but are you noticing any ‘slips’ with yourself? Because you are already familiar with each other these transitions into old and destructive patterns can happen seamlessly, and before you know it, you’re on the path to another disaster. You also need to ask yourself if your boyfriend really did make those changes with himself and if he is holding himself accountable to what he promised you when you decided to give it another try. And do you really want to stay with him if he remains borderline abusive to you? You know that the relationship has flaws, so the question is really if you want to attempt to communicate better or if you are really not meant for each other.

I was at my sister’s house playing video games with her husband which we have done hundreds of times. I admit, he is very attractive and I have had my fair share of sexual fantasies about him, so when he stretched, and his shirt pulled up and revealed his trimmed abs, I got an erection.

I was wearing gym shorts, so it was quite noticeable, and when he got back to sitting, he definitely noticed my bulge and kind of smiled to himself. That made me even more embarrassed, so I got up to get out of the room, which is when he asked where I was going, and I told him restroom, and then he jokingly said: ‘to take care of that?’ and then he actually touched my penis! I went upstairs and then told my sister I had to go and left. I’m openly gay to my family, but this threw me off completely. Was he trying to come on to me? Was he just being a ‘bro’? I’m so confused about this.

Please, help me.

Sincerely Mixed Signals 52 | 01.17.18

Dear Mixed Signals Yeah, that’s a tough one. Your own secret desire coupled with a sudden (sexual or non-sexual) advance is quite confusing.

First, let’s establish one thing: your brother-in-law touching you like that, even though he was just kidding, is totally inappropriate. Especially, considering how you reacted to the whole thing. Sure, this scenario is the stuff that porn is made of, but in real life, these kinds of situations are boundarybreaking and not in a good way. If you feel the need, you can definitely talk to him about it, but you can also wait and see how other or similar scenarios play out. Is he more mindful of creating a physical barrier between you or is he trying more of the same kind of ‘familiarity’ with you? This is very dangerous territory that could potentially be very damaging if he is indeed coming onto you. Your job is to signal that you need different boundaries that are non-physical to some extent. Hopefully, this will not ruin the relationship between the two of you in the long run.

I have been out for a few years, and my dating game is terrible.

I’m so bad at telling guys no even though I experience several red flags on the first date. I often end up in situations way beyond my comfort zone with guys I don’t like because I’m so easy and I don’t assert myself that well. Or not at all actually.

How do I get better at these situations?

Sincerely Pushover Dear Pushover Assuming that you are on the younger side, it is easy to let experience and maturity overrule your own instincts and actions. Maybe you subconsciously seek out more dominant types who like to take the lead because of your own inexperience and insecurity? Either way, you need to be careful and work on removing yourself from situations that make you feel uncomfortable. It is really quite ok to say no, and if the guy doesn’t understand that, he is definitely not worth your time. Talk to your friends about how they deal with this type of situation, and maybe even engage in a little bit of role-playing with them, so you get a sense of how you should say no in a situation where you feel in over your head. You have a good sensor that picks up on warning signs, so use that actively to gauge when you’re not ok with something – once you fine-tune your assertive self, your dating game will undoubtedly improve.

NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS VIA OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.