RunningBicycling

Exercise Myths Busted

� boiMAG

boiMAG ONLINEboiMAGazineChicago.com

BOI Magazine, Inc. ©2000−2013All rights reserved

3700 N. Halsted St. #2-SChicago, IL 60613773.975.0264

Editorial: boieditorial@aol.comAdvertising: boiads@aol.com

EDITORIALMike Macharello: ProductionRick Karlin: Editor

LAyOuT & DEsIGNTitanium Graphics, Inc.

ADvERTIsINGFreddie: freddie@boiMAGazineChicago.comDave: dave@boiMAGazineChicago.comNational, Rivendell Media: sales@rivendellmedia.com

PhOTOGRAPhERs Oliver AguilarEamonn sextonKen Brown, KAB Photography

COvERModel: Fitness Trainer, Calvin MarshallPhotographer: Adam stevens

EDITORIAL CONTRIBuTORs Gregg shapiro, Ace Magyar,Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Ilye Costalis

vIEW boiMAG ONLINE AT:www.boiMagazineChicago.comBOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2014All rights reserved

For our online readers, blue underline text are active links

� boiMAG

RunningHaven’t run since middle school gym? No sweat. This six-week workout plan will help you build from a walk to a run. You start with only 20 minutes a day and then build up from there. By the end of the six week training period, you’ll be able to run 30 minutes without stopping and you’ll be showing off a rock hard body under your running shorts. Of course, if you’ve got excess weight to lose, it may take a few extra weeks to get you in prime shape, but if you eat sensibly and follow this routine, you should be dropping a few pounds of fat and water a week, while building lean muscle mass.

Do all walking and running at an intensity level that feels challenging but comfortable. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to talk, but not sing. Since I can’t sing when standing still, this never made sense to me, until someone explained it was all about having the breath to sustain notes.

This program includes one day of no exercise at all. Feel free to switch the rest day, but make sure you rest one day each week, it is essential to allow your body time to repair and rejuvenate. And don’t forget to do a cool-down walk of at least three minutes after each run, longer when you get up to running 30 minutes at a time. Of course, always stretch after each run and workout. Simple stretch routines can be found on-line

For this program you will be running four days a week, doing strength training (see sidebar) for two. It is important to have at least one day between the strength training days. I suggest running Monday, Wednesday, Friday and either Saturday or Sunday and doing the strength training on Tuesday and Thursday.

By Ilye Costalis

� boiMAG

Running SchEdulE

WEEk OnEDay 1 Walk 10 minutes then six minutes alternate running one minute and walking one minute. Walk four additional minutes. Stretch. That’s it for your first day.

Day 2 Walk 10 minutes, then for the next eight minutes alternate running for one minute and walking for one minute. Then walk 2 minutes. Stretch.Day 3 Walk for eight minutes, then the next 10 minutes alternate running one minute and walking one minute. Walk for two more minutes. Stretch. Sunday Walk for six minutes, then the next 12 minutes alternate running two minutes and walking two minutes. Walk two minutes more. Stretch.

WEEk TWODay 1 Walk 10 minutes, then the next 10 minutes alternate running two minutes and walking two minutes. Walk five minutes as a cool-down. StretchDay 2 Walk 10 minutes, then the next 12 minutes alternate running two minutes and walking two minutes. Walk five minutes as a cool down. Stretch.

Day 3 Walk 10 minutes, then the next 12 minutes alternate running three minutes and walking two minutes. Walk three minutes. Stretch.Day 4 Walk nine minutes, then the next 15 minutes alternate running two minutes and walking one minute. Walk three minutes as a cool down. Stretch.

WEEk ThREEDay 1 Walk 10 minutes, then the next 10 minutes alternate running for two minutes and walking for two minute, Cool-down walk for eight minutes. Stretch.

Day 2 Walk 10 minutes, then the next 15 minutes, alternate running for one minute and walking for one minute. Walk 5 minutes as a cool down. Stretch.Day 3 Walk 10 minutes, then the next 15 minutes alternate running two minutes with walking one minute. Five minute cool-down walk. Stretch

Day 4 Walk 5 minutes, then the next 21 minutes, alternate running for two minutes and walking for one minute. Walk 4 minutes as a cool-down. Stretch.

WEEk FOuRDay 1 Walk four minutes, the next 25 minutes alternate running for four minutes and walking for one minute. Walk 5 minutes. Stretch.

Day 2 Walk three minutes, then run for the next 26 minutes, alternate running for five minutes and walking for one minute. Walk two minutes. Stretch.Day 3 Walk three minutes, then for the next 27 minutes alternate running six minutes with walking one minute. Walk two minutes. Stretch.

Day 4 Walk five minutes, then the next 28 minutes, alternate running for ten minutes and walking for one minute. Walk three minutes. Stretch.

WEEkS FivE & SixOn running days, add two minutes more to the running to the run/walk combination, with a one minute walk between the runs. Always walk two to four minutes

as a cool down and stretch. On the last day of week six, you should be up to a three minute warm-up walk, a 30 minutes continuous run, three-five minute cool-down walk and stretching.

Run FOR YOuR liFE (And ThE livES OF OThERS)

The Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) has a charity runner training and membership program that will allow you to work your way up to a marathon, or keep it at a stroll and still raise money for charity.

Marathon partners for CARA include the American Cancer Society, PAWS Chicago, Anti-cruelty Society, Autism Speaks, Girls in the Game, Run for ALS, Greyhound rescue, American Heart Association, Red Cross and Down Syndrome Support, among dozens of others. For more information, go to www.cararuns.org.

Four Step Strength Training Routine (Use dumbbells that you can hold for two minutes with your arms extended, work up to more weight as you feel comfortable, each week. Always rest 30 seconds between sets.

Hold dumbbells and stand on a 1-2-foot-high step or bench with your feet together and your arms at your sides with palms facing forward. Step with your right foot off the bench and squat down a few inches. Press back up and, keeping your elbows against your torso, curl the dumbbells up to your shoulders. Repeat with left foot. Do 3 sets of 12 to 15.

Hold dumbbells and stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Take a giant step back with your right leg, landing with your toes turned out. Sink into a lunge until your left thigh is parallel to the floor. Lower the dumbbells and your torso until the weights are on either side of your left ankle. Straighten

your left leg without locking your knee and stand up, bringing your right leg forward so your legs are together. Press the dumbbells overhead with palms facing each other. Do 12 to 15 reps, repeat on the other side.

Stand with your arms at your sides holding dumbbells. Place your right toe on the floor about two feet behind you and bend forward from the hips. Keeping your right leg straight, raise it off the floor until your body forms a T and your arms hang straight down from your shoulders . Row the dumbbells toward your ribs until your elbows pass your torso. Lower the dumbbells and return to start. Do 12 to 15 reps, then repeat on the other side.

Holding dumbbells, get in the plank position (like you are starting a push up) keep your back and legs in a straight line. With your hands on the weights directly below your shoulders and your palms facing each other. Holding in your abs, keep your left arm straight and raise it in front of you to shoulder height. Return to plank, then repeat with your right arm. Do 12 to 15. Complete three sets

boiMAG �

10 boiMAG

boiMAG 11

You’ve promised yourself that this year you’d get in better shape, save money, volunteer in the community and be more environmentally responsible. Well, here we are a few weeks into the new year, and you haven’t done any of the above. How about an activity that can take care of all of your resolutions at once?

Bicycling has all sorts of health benefits, burning calories and building muscle while being easy on the joints and, if you bike to work, you’re helping the environment and saving money. How to work in the community involvement, though? Train for the Ride for AIDS Chicago. Not only will you be helping your community, you will have an incentive to train on a regular basis. If you’ve already got a bike, most cycling and sports equipment stores sell a simple stand that will turn your bike into a stationary exercise cycle. Then, when the weather finally warms up, you’ll be ready to go.

If you’re still hesitant, think about how fit you’ll be after a winter of training sessions. You’ll look great just in time for swim suit weather and, maybe this year, you’ll even take off your shirt at Pridefest and Market Days!

If you don’t have a bike, stop in at a bike shop, such as Village Cyclery, to find a bike that fits your body. It is important that the seat, the handle bars and the pedals are all at the right length and levels for your body. Your knee should bend just slightly (about 25 degrees) on the down pedal stroke. Still need some convincing?

Top Ten Reasons To sTaRT CyClingit Burns calories A 160 pound man pedaling 12 to 14 miles an hour blasts more than 600 calories in 60 minutes.

You can do it At home An inexpensive stand turns your outdoor bike into an indoor one. Pedal it while you’re watching your favorite show daily and you won’t even realize that you’re working out. Start with a half hour sit-com and work your way up to a full episode of Scandal. That’s all it takes each day to lose 2-5 pounds a week. Up the ante by pedaling faster and binge watching Downton Abbey and you’ll lose even faster.

Save Money on Your ventra card Half of American workers live within five miles of their workplace, according to the most recent National Household Transportation Survey. That’s a totally doable 20-minute ride each way. If you live close to your office, you can pedal to work twice a week and burn up to 3,000 extra calories (close to one pound of fat) every month.

it gives You A great Butt The glutes, along with the quads and calves, are propelling the bike.

it Boosts Energy A resent study found that bike riding improved energy levels by 20 percent and decreased fatigue by 65 percent. Cycling triggers your brain to release dopamine, which is linked to energy and you don’t even have to try that hard harness the perk. People in the study who pedaled at a low to moderate pace at least three times a week fought fatigue best.

it Saves Your Joints You’ll put a lot less stress on your knees, ankles, and spine than walking or running.

Every Muscle Feels it If you stand while you’re pedaling, you’ll engage your core muscles, which sculpts your upper body too, giving you balanced tone.

it’s heart healthy Heart disease is the number-one killer in this country, and two top risk factors are high blood pressure and high LDL cholesterol. In one study, researchers had people ride at a moderate to high intensity three times a week for at least half an hour. After a year, they’d lowered their blood pressure and LDL, as well as significantly increased their aerobic fitness.

BicyclingBy Ilye Costalis

12 boiMAG

it’s Easy Being green Chicago has a great system of on and off-road bike paths, with more being added every year. Add a basket, or saddlebags to your bike to make it easier to use when you run errands. With all the bike racks around the city, you’ll also save money by not having to feed the meter. And, if the weather changes or you’re too pooped to complete the trip, all forms of public transportation now accommodate bikes.

You’ll Meet cool People Let’s face it commuting to work in the car, what are your chances of meeting anyone? On a bike, you’ll start to chat with people as you wait for the light to change, or while stopping for a drink. Think I’m kidding? That’s exactly how I met my husband 11 years ago!

Need more convincing? How about working up to the 2-day “Ride for AIDS Chicago? TPAN will even help train you for the event. See the sidebar for more information.

Ride foR AidS ChiCAgo

The two-day, 200-mile bicycling event produced by Tpan is designed to raise needed monies for Tpan and its community partner agencies. The folks at Ride for aiDs Chicago will provide training advice and have a structured six-month indoor training program at lakeshore sport & Fitness.

The ride leaves on saturday morning, July 12, beginning the journey into Wisconsin, from the city onto a route of shaded bike paths and country roads along the shores of lake geneva with a lunch stop along the way. as evening falls you’ll ride into a camp on green lake, part of the lauderdale lakes chain. The support crew will have transported your luggage to and from the overnight stop.

after arriving at camp, you may opt for a refreshing hot shower or a cool dip in the lake. later, you’ll enjoy a delicious hot meal. This will be followed by an evening of star-gazing or making s’mores at the campfire. you’ll sleep in one of the many cabins, waking up to a crisp Wisconsin morning while a hot breakfast awaits you in the dining hall.

Riders will return to Chicago on sunday following the winding roads of southeast Wisconsin and shaded bicycle paths of northeast illinois and then into the city. after a lunch stop, you’ll return to Chicago where your family and friends can join you at the joyous closing ceremony.

Riders are required to raise a minimum of $1,000 and Crew Members are encouraged to raise $500, but they are not required to.

Unlike other rides of this kind, Ride for aiDs Chicago is committed to returning 100% of your pledges to the beneficiaries. it is a grass roots event, committed to keeping costs as low as possible. your registration fee, along with corporate sponsorship dollars help offset the cost of producing the ride. For more information, go to www.rideforaids.org.

boiMAG 13

Exercise Myths Busted By Ilye Costalis

“No pain, no gain!” “You’ll never bulk up without supplements.” “Crunches are the key to six-pack abs!” These are three of the most popular phrases when it comes to working out. However, each of these is a myth, as are many other ideas you have about exercise. There’s no denying that exercise is good for you, but just don’t buy into the half-truths, slogans and out and out untrue statements. Let’s look at some of those exercise myths.

no Pain, no gainWhile you should push yourself and try to extend the limits of your endurance when you exercise, you should not do anything that causes you pain. A bit of soreness the next day is normal and is caused by microscopic tears in the muscle. This sounds bad, but the muscle damage is an important step in getting bigger and stronger muscles. Your muscles are made up of protein filaments that shorten, leading to a contraction. As your body repairs those microscopic tears, you’re building new, healthy, and strong muscle tissue. The key here is the intensity. It’s all right to feel discomfort, but not horribly sore and beat up.

Exercise Takes long hoursGetting in shape should not take up your whole day. There’s no magic method to get in shape quickly, but there’s a great deal of new research that shows a healthy exercise regimen doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym every single day. Recent studies have shown that even 20 minutes per day can be all you need. If your goal in exercise is weight-loss or building up muscle mass, you may need to devote a bit more time, but for general health, 20-30 minutes a day is plenty for the average person.

Sports drinks Replenish Your Body’s Electrolytes and MineralsSports drinks are important for improving performance in high-intensity exercise that lasts longer than an hour, such as running a marathon or triathlon, or college level or professional athletes playing a long game. If you’re doing low-intensity exercises (such as hitting the treadmill for a half-hour every night after work, or biking around town on the weekends) sports drinks are not needed. In fact, if you are exercising with the goal of losing weight, the calories in the sports drink you consume might offset the calories you burned during exercise! Drink water instead.

Stretching Before ExerciseA growing number of studies challenge the entrenched assumption that stretching helps prevent injuries. Many confuse “stretching” with “warming up.” It’s very important to warm up before strenuous exercise. Warming up can prevent injury but stretching has little benefit, if any. However, stretching after exercise is still a good idea as part of a cool-down program.

Working Out = Weight lossSimply put, in order to lose weight, you must expend more calories than you take in. So you can’t run 20 minutes and then have a cheeseburger and fries and think they balance out. People who try to lose weight by exercise only lose less weight that people who do diet only or a combination of diet and exercise. The reason for this is that it is relatively easier to cut back on the calories you eat, than it is to burn the same number of calories through exercise. Those who lose weight through dieting only lose both fat and muscle. Exercise combined with reduced calorie consumption helps maintain muscle and promote fat loss.

it’s dangerous to Start Exercising When You’re OlderIt’s never too late to start a workout regimen and improve your overall health; you just have to be cautious and aware of how you go about it. A 2009 study concluded that seniors who just started to exercise were likely to live longer than those who didn’t.

Supplements Build MuscleSupplements can help, especially if you’re a bodybuilder or strength trainer, but the typical person who does some weight training two or three times a week to stay fit and build a little muscle mass doesn’t need to chug creatine or protein shakes in order to build muscle. In fact, drinking one of those shakes is the equivalent of eating another meal. If you’re working out, you do need additional protein, but it is just as efficient and healthy to get that protein from real food. The protein in most supplements is derived from milk or soy, so you are paying for the manufacturer to extract the protein from food and sell it back to you.

Just because there are myths doesn’t mean that exercise in general isn’t a good idea, but keep your expectations realistic, and remember slow and steady wins the race.

boiMAG 15

“Ditching cigarettes is not just a health or money issue, it’s a social justice issue, an HIV/AIDS issue, a youth issue, and definitely an LGBT issue”, stated Bitch to Quit Program Coordinator, Karen Haney. “Sometimes you just have to take the first step and the rest will follow. We don’t judge and we are here to support the decision to make 2014 smoke free!”

It’s a Bitch to Quit group meetings are held at Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan Road. Space is limited, those interested in attending can call 773.388.8868 or go to www.bitchtoquit.org.

Butt OutBy Rick Karlin

Did you resolve to quit smoking in 2014 and find that your ashtray is still overflowing with cigarette butts? Howard Brown Health Center offers Chicago’s only GLBT smoking cessation program, with evening and weekend group sessions.

The professionally led, program is free of charge, and provides the necessary tools and support to help participants. Group participants will receive seven weeks of the smoking cessation program, free nicotine replacement patches and $25 for completing the program survey at the end of the seven week session. With the support of fellow LGBT group members and a trained smoking cessation counselor, individuals will be able to finally quit smoking.

1� boiMAG

boiMAG 1�

By Gregg Shapiro

Shortly before Tears For Fears’ massive commercial breakthrough with its second album in 1985 and not too far into the 1980s (1983, to be precise), the UK synth duo released its debut album The Hurting. Now available in a two-disc deluxe edition, The Hurting (was an auspicious debut in its own right. Singles such as “Pale Shelter,” “Change” and especially “Mad World” (which has taken on a life of its own), made a powerful impression on listeners due to a combination of the painful subject matter (surviving difficult childhoods) and being remarkably catchy pop songs. On the whole, the album still sounds fresh 30 years later, and the second disc of bonus material (including b-sides, remixes, extended and instrumental versions) makes for a pleasant addition to the existing work. Highly recommended.

The Clash belongs to the eighties (when its biggest commercial success occurred) as much as it does the late 1970s (when its first acclaimed albums were released). The subject of a handful of compilations and box sets, The Clash is feted again with the double disc Hits Back containing 32 essential tracks including “London Calling,” “Train In Vain,” “The Magnificent Seven,” “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” “Rock The Casbah,” “Complete Control” and “Hitsville UK” (featuring Ellen Foley).

Often unjustly stuck in the one-hit-wonder column, feminist Ohio new wavers (with a downtown NYC attitude) The Waitresses finally get the comp it justly deserves with Just Desserts: The Complete Waitresses. The two-disc set features the singles “I Know What Boys Like” and “No Guilt,” “Christmas

Wrapping” and the theme song to the early Sarah Jessica Parker sitcom “Square Pegs”) on the first disc. The other disc has the band’s second (and final album ) Bruiseology and a couple other versions of “Bread and Butter.” The Waitresses serve up essential listening.

One of the most influential record labels of the 1980s, Trevor Horn’s ZTT was home to a brilliant roster of artists including Grace Jones, gay band Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Propaganda (later Act), Art of Noise, The Buggles, 808 State, and even Shane MacGowan (of The Pogues fame) and The Frames (featuring Tony Award winner Glen Hansard). The splendid double disc anthology The Organization of Pop opens, fittingly, with Jones’ “Slave To The Rhythm,” and includes FGTH’s “Relax” and “Two Tribes,” Art of Noise’s “Beat Box” and “Moments In Love” (but where is “Close to the Edit”?), Propaganda’s “Dr. Mabuse” and “Sorry For Laughing,” 808 State’s “Cubik” and “Pacific” and so much more.

It’s apropos that for Under The Covers, Vol. 3, Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs’ series of cover collaborations, that they would turn their attention to the 1980s. Both Sweet and Hoffs got their starts in the `80s; Hoffs as the lead vocalist of the Bangles and Sweet as a solo artist who released a pair of undistinguished albums (before achieving an artistic and commercial breakthrough in the 1990s). Of the three Under The Covers discs, the third time is the charm simply for the inclusion of a Go-Go’s (!) tune (“Our Lips Are Sealed”) sung by a Bangle. Equally inspired choices include The Bongos’ “The Bulrushes” (written by out songwriter Richard Barone), Kirsty MacColl’s “They Don’t Know,” The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now,” The English Beat’s “Save It For Later” and Lindsay Buckingham’s “Trouble,” among others.

iMUSiC80’s Strike Back

boiMAG 21

22 boiMAG

By: Victor Barreiro

Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez is what you’d find her listed as on her birth certificate, but music lovers around the globe know her as Ivy Queen. This multi Latin Grammy nominee is responsible for such chart-topping songs as “Quiero Bailar, Te He Querido”, “Te He Llorado” and “La Vida Es Asi” and those are just to name a few. Ivy will soon grace the stage as she travels across the United States for her first ever gay tour. The Queen of Reggaeton tells us about the upcoming tour and what the gay community really means to her.

What can we expect when you kick off your gay club tour?This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for so long. I want to do something for the gay community. They always support me. All of my best friends are gay. This is a tribute for the love that they have shown me. I am going to make sure that the guys have fun and that they sing along with me. I am trying to incorporate different drag queens from the U.S. I am a huge fan of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and basically I want to have a drag queen at every city that I will be visiting.

You’ve performed at gay Pride in los Angeles and long beach. What is it about the gay community that strikes a chord with you?They feel free…that freedom that allows you to say what you feel, even though if it hurts somebody, you’re telling the truth. Another thing is that they are so brilliant. They are so talented. I know a lot of make-up artists, painters, stylists that are so creative. I have friends that do clothing. They are happy and are celebrating life. That is what I love about them. That is

what I love about them, the freedom of being who you are. That is why I love them so much.

What would you like to say to your gay fans?Thank you for all of the love that they have shown me through Facebook, Twitter everywhere they send me love. They congratulated me about my daughter’s birth. Of course, I want them to be there with me in every city and in every club that I’ll be visiting. So, basically I just want them to be free that night that I’ll be performing in the club.

You are one to always watch on the red carpet, as you know how to make a fashion statement. Where does your fashion sense come from?I am all about mood. Sometimes I change my hair color and people don’t understand it, but as long as I feel good with myself and I stand in front of the mirror and I love it, I go with it. I just died my hair back to blonde, but I loved the burgundy that I had for my photo shoot.

And what about the outfits that we will see you wearing on stage?I still haven’t chosen which pieces, but I will be hitting up my closet and hitting up my stylists. I will definitely be bringing shoes, honey because I am all about shoes.

You’ve released so many popular songs. Which one would you say always gets the crowd moving?It depends on the city. I think it has to be “Te He Querido, Te He Llorado.” Everywhere I go, when they hear the beat, it’s on. People start to scream and say, “This song is for you…whatever you did to me.” Revenge.

Ivy QueenINTERvIEW

continued on next page >> boiMAG 23

You’re known as the Queen of Reggaeton. What does that mean to you?It’s a huge title, but it’s a title that I have worked so hard for. It’s a hardcore business because it’s ruled by guys. I had to think like a man to survive in this industry. The title doesn’t go to my head. I am honored and so proud with what has happened. I’m still going to work hard.

last year you made your acting debut in “The vagina Monologues.” is there talk about returning to acting, perhaps in a film or on a television series?That’s not my main focus, but when “The Vagina Monologue” producers came to me, I loved the idea because it was talking about all types of females and trying to make it fun, but at the same time empowering women. I loved it and the other actors were so supportive. It was a beautiful experience. Everybody was laughing. You could feel the vibe. The truth is that women go through so much shit.

how is your book “detras del glamour” going?I have so many books with notes around my house. I have always been honest and I try to focus on honesty and what it means when they call you “Diva” or when the call you “Queen.” They think about money and not what you go through. That’s why I used the title “Detras Del Glamour” because it’s not all glam. I want my story to be out because when every artist dies people write books from their perspective. Sometimes they alter half of the story. I want to be able, that when I am alive, to write the truth

about what I have gone through in music, in love, being a woman, what I have gone through. I want to be able to say it…to say what I feel about it…to say the truth. When I die anybody can write anything about me. It will be a great book. It’s all about motivation. Where I come from I didn’t have luxuries, this great life or Louboutin shoes. I have them now because I worked hard.

You are very open about struggles from your past and about the struggles you face today. What is something that helps get you through those moments?I read a lot. It’s about being honest to yourself. I always talk to my husband about things. We are friends. I always give people advice. Silence is important to me. It’s important to have silence either in your house for one hour or half-an hour. You need to go through the process of silence because that’s’ when you have time to let your mind go. It’s important to control your mind. The mind is so powerful that it will let it happen. If you say. “I’m broke and the money is not going to show up.” that’s exactly what is going to happen. That’s why I believe in energy. The energy that you put in your mind, you put it in your heart and for some reason the universe will make it happen.

Where do you hope to be in 5 years?I just want to be alive, involved in music. Music is my life. Without fans I would not have oxygen. I will be working hard. God has the time of everybody in his hands. I’ll be the queen that I am, doing music.

For tickets and VIP meet and greet packages for Ivy’s Chicago appearance, go to www.clubpapi.com or www.circuitnightclub.com.

Ivy QueenCONTINUED . . . . . .

2� boiMAG

boiMAG 25

...ON THE GO!in the knowBy Sue Deaunym

ch-ch-ch-changesQueens love chandeliers so hydrate owner Mark Liberson is installing two from the grand ballroom of the former Ambassador West Hotel in Hydrate as part of the extensive renovation being done. You can see a sample rendering of the front bar on the following page…cream chicago is adding Friday night performances by its male strippers and they’re doing it with an ‘80s theme. Starting on Jan. 31 anyone who wears ‘80s apparel for “Flashdance” gets in for half-price… The revolving door at Howard Brown continues to spin. Among the latest to be ousted is Amy Miller, associate director of Broadway Youth Center.

We’re having A heat WaveScrew the polar vortex (hey there’s a drag queen name; Paula Vortex), Sidetrack is holding a tropical themed party on Jan. 31. They’re turning up the heat, playing tropical tunes and featuring Bacardi drinks. Play your cards right and you might even get lei’d… Mark Hunter saw the signs of the polar apocalypse coming and sold his suburban bar, Hunters (now Phoenix Bar.) So what did he do? Headed down to sunny Wilton Manors, Florida and opened a second Hunters, to join the location in Palm Springs. That way, whether his clientele escapes the cold by moving either south or west, he’s still got them. Speaking of Phoenix, they just celebrated their grand opening.

cures for cabin FeverWe know the cold weather and snow has got you all bundled up and binge watching all those shows you have on your DVR. But you know, sitting

there in your Snuggie isn’t gonna get you laid. For that you have to go out (or at least order in). If you crave real human contact, head over to Man’s country and ask for a “Frequent Fucker” card… If you just crave a little socializing (with the possibility of sex) check out “Mary-Oke” on Sundays in Mary’s Attic. … Or dance the night away at Alegria’s chicago “Freedom” party on Sunday, Feb. 16. The night will feature the DJ talents of ROSABEL (that’s the combination of Ralphi Rosario and Abel). It’s going to be at castle. Advance tickets are $50 Jan. 25, $60 after. Tickets are available online at www.alegriaevents.com and Egoist… How about snuggling with a hot jock? Stop by Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association’s annual membership party at Joe’s on Weed Street on Saturday, Jan 25, and you might meet one. $10 for non-members and that includes two drink tickets, nibbles and performances by Devin from American Idol.

culture dishStop by the center on halsted on Wednesday, Jan. 29 for another in its series of, fireside chats. This time it is Joey McDonald being interviewed about his community history, life history, and his work in the leather community. I swear, it will be as if Miss Maya Angelou was in leather drag!... The chicago history Museum’s “Out at CHM” kicks off its 11th season with “The House that Chicago Built” on Jan. 30 The event begins with an open bar cocktail reception and live DJ set by Alan King. Then King and special guests Robert Williams, founder of The Warehouse, and Derrick Carter discuss house music and diversity in house music spaces, the progression and impact of house music, and the music community in Chicago. The event is $20 and $15 for CHM members.

boiMAG 27

2�

boiMAG 2�

... ADVICE, rINGING IN A NEw yEArASk ACe

Ace Magyar has a BA in communications, a MA in sex therapy and a PHD in zoology. He is a registered couple’s counselor specializing in the GLBT community. Send your questions to ASK ACE at boieditorial@aol.com

dEPRESSEd in dEPAulI hate myself. I made all these resolutions for the new year; I was going to lose weight, I was going to work out and I was going to be more outgoing. I haven’t done any of them. All I do when I come home from work is sit on my couch, watch television and eat. I bought a stationary bike and all I’ve done is use it for a clothes rack. I’m such a failure.

dEAR did,You’re not a failure, and you’re not alone. With this polar vortex that came upon us, many people have gotten a late start on their resolutions. Dealing with trudging through snow and sub-zero temperatures can be exhausting. Rather than view yourself as a failure, see yourself as getting a late start. It’s never too late to start a new routine. Many times we set ourselves up for failure with New Year’s resolutions. Rather than trying to accomplish all of them, focus on one and set up a new routine. We are all creatures of habit, so start a new one. Take the clothes off that exercise bike and move it out of your bedroom. Put it in front of the television and make yourself ride it for an hour. Even if you get tired of pedaling, stay on it for the full hour. If you establish this as a habit, you can then add new components. Work up to pedaling for the full hour, then up the intensity level for five minutes, then add another five, etc. Force yourself to do this even on days when you don’t feel like it. Eventually you won’t want to miss a day. After you’ve established that routine, start working on improving your diet. By then the weather will have improved enough that you’ll feel like going out more and with your weight loss you’ll feel more self-confident. Remember, you’re never a failure until you give up. Editor’s note: see the article on biking on page 12.

OvERWhElMEd On hAlSTEdI just made a career change and for the first time I’m working in the corporate world. My new job has a lot of responsibilities that I’ve never had before. It also requires going out and recruiting clients for our company. I am outgoing and have always been a natural-born leader. When I took this job, I thought I could do it, but now I’m not so sure, I have no experience in anything like this. This could be a big opportunity or I could fail and look like an idiot. I’ve never failed at anything before, but my fear has kept me from doing anything and if I don’t start to produce results, I don’t know what I’ll do.

dEAR OOh,Making a change to a new career is always difficult. Is there someone you know, either in the company or in your circle of friends that you could approach and seek out some advice? Perhaps talking things out with a mentor would make you feel more comfortable. Once you get one new client, you will begin to gain more confidence. Give yourself a finite amount of time to succeed at this and if you don’t, chalk it up to a learning experience and move on. If it happens to be that you don’t do well at this doesn’t mean you’re a failure, it just means that the job wasn’t right for you.

WEEPY On WillOWMy dog had cancer and I had to put her down two months ago. She was a very special dog, a sweet soul and a clown, and I loved her very much and I still cry every day. I wish I could move on, but I can’t, I miss her all the time and feel guilty for having her put down. Is it all right to grieve for such a long time?

dEAR WOW,There is no timeline or deadline on grief. It takes as long as it takes. That being said, it wouldn’t hurt to seek help to get you through this difficult time. Check with your local ASPCA chapter and see if they offer a grief support group. You may also want to see a therapist. A loss of a loved one is traumatic and it doesn’t matter if that loved one was a person or a pet.

30 boiMAG

boiMAG 31