06.15 Spring Fashion by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

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 Levi Smith

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

boiMAG

By Anita Taylor

The one item everyone has in their closet is a pair of jeans. They are available at all price points, are hard-wearing, look good worn as well as new, and don't have to be ironed. As they are washed, each pair becomes unique. The indigo dye used doesn't penetrate the cotton yarn like other dyes, but sits on the outside of each thread. These molecules chip off over time, causing the fabric to fade and wear in a unique manner. In doing so they conform to the body in a way that matched even the most finely tailored clothes. So, how do you find the perfect pair of jeans? Follow these five steps and you'll have no problem.

Use Your Eyes First-

Look for a clean thread pattern on pockets. Also make sure they aren’t too large or too long-if they are, it will make your ass look saggy. Turn the jeans inside out, and inspect the seams. The cleaner the seam work, the smoother it’ll feel against your skin.”

differently. Start with your size and try a size larger and a size smaller. You should be able to fit one finger in the waistband comfortably. More than that and the jeans will stretch too much or look baggy. Less than that, you'll look like a sausage.

Pay Attention to Proportion - If

you're tall and thin a skinny jean may accentuate that giving you a "string bean" appearance. Tall thin men should wear slightly fuller jeans, shorter men slimmer fits. A cuffed jean will make your legs appear shorter. Darker jeans will make a heavier man look slimmer.

Mind the Details

- Too much embroidery (especially on the back pockets) can distract from a nice ass and make a large derriere look bigger.

Other Dos and Don'ts

DO wear dark, newer jeans with sport coats for a dressed up look. Pair them with more formal shoes, a sport coat and buttondown shirt for a casual Friday looks that still Forget Trends, Dress for Your Body means business. - It doesn't matter if skinny jeans are the DON'T wear boot-cut jeans unless you plan trend, if your body type isn't slim, don't go on riding a horse. there. That doesn't mean you have to wear DON'T be afraid to experiment with bright saggy jeans, just not skin tight. colors DO know when it's time to toss and old Ignore Your Size - Instead use your pair. If you truly can't bear to part with measurements as a guideline. Jeans them, keep them for dirty jobs around the from different manufacturers are sized house. boiMAG

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1870

By Anita Taylor

Tailor Jacob Davis of Reno, Nevada came up with pants that could withstand the abuse of mminers. He came up with the riveted trousers made of brown duck cloth. Lacking the money to file patent documents, he turned to Levi Strauss, a German immigrant who had recently opened a dry-goods store in San Francisco, and the two took out a patent on a pair of pants strengthened with rivets.

1890

Levi Strauss & Co. introduces a new, more flexible fabric; blue denim.

1915

Henry David H. D. Lee Mercantile Company produces overalls, jackets and dungarees.

1920s

Lee introduces the first zipper fly.

1930s

Dungarees and jeans become the standard item of clothing for lower class laborers.

1940s

Blue jeans become popular in Europe and Japan after locals see G.I.s relaxing in jeans when out of uniform. The clothing becomes a symbol of the American way of life.

1950s

1980s

1960s

1990s

The blue jean is adopted by rebel and outlaw film stars, such as Marlon Brando and James Dean. Manufacturers adjust designs for women’. Folk singers, seeking to identify with the “working man” wear blue jeans. They are subsequently adopted by hippies. Bell Bottoms, worn jeans and patches become popular. Designers adapt denim to haute couture.

1970s

Designers (some real, some created by marketing departments) start releasing lines of jeans including Calvin Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, Sergio Valenti, Jordache and Sasson, among others. Catherine Bach debuts the ultra-short blue jean short on the television show, “The Dukes of Hazard” still referred to by her character’s name, Daisy Duke.

Distressed acid washed and ripped jeans become by Marithé + François Girbaud and Baby Phat popular in the Black and hip-hop communities. Elastic waist, “comfort fit” jeans are introduced and are almost immediately dubbed “Mom Jeans”.

2000s

Skinny jeans, which fit tightly and feature a waist line that rides low across the hips, take over the market. “Time magazine names Levi’s 501s the “Fashion Item of the 20th Century.”

2014

Levi’s Stadium opens as the new home of the San Francisco 49ers. Blue jeans come full circle, from gold rush to passing rush. boiMAG

By Anita Taylor

Although the calendar may say it’s spring, in Chicago you never can tell when the weather will warm up and stay that way. The good news is the fashion trends for spring and summer lend themselves to our unpredictable weather. Maybe global climate change is affecting the fashion industry.

The most popular look at the shows was the short sleeved button down dress shirt. Not the Jackets are like your highgoing to be school science big, literally, teacher, but this season. a tailored Play with fit, with the proportions, sleeves rolled a la up to show off Alexander those guns. McQueen Speaking of shirts, the other trend and pair an is leaving enough buttons open to oversized show off those pecs and a peek at the top with slim washboard abs. This look dominated fit jeans or at Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten shorts. Or a and Versace. Note: this only works crisp tailored if you actually have pecs and jacket with washboard abs and only if you are Bermuda not sprouting a forest of chest hair. shorts and knee socks as Dunhill did in Otherwise you just look like a refugee its show. DKNY also showed big boxy from a 1970s disco. tops, while Oliver Spencer matched a slim fitting jackets with baggie trousers. Bermuda shorts are back, paired with Proportion is key, if you wearing fuller a short sleeve dress shirt as described pants, make sure things are trimmer up above, or possibly with a blazer and top, or vice versa. polo shirt. While military influence never leaves men’s fashions, this year’s hot ticket at the Tommy Ton show was a bomber jacket in a deeply saturated shade of the military green. Speaking of color, solid colors and color blocking are big for casual wear, while patterns are hot for suits, both of the office variety and beach wear.

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Hair styles will continue to be chopped-up (and with a section of it dyed, as at the DKNY show) and combed down to the brows, as shown at Alexander McQueen. This look only works up to about the age of 30, once the crow’s feet enter the picture; it’s time to go to a more standard hair style.

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By Anita Taylor

It’s All About Prints Charming

From broad slashes of color to subtle florals, prints are everywhere in menswear for spring and swimwear is no exception. Alexander McQueen featured color-blocked swirls, while Hardy Amies showcased intricate mosaic tile prints. Op-Art, geometric-abstracts and photo-kitsch predominated, with Hawaiiantiki themes especially popular. Think Elvis Presley or “Magnum P.I.”. Cuts varied from '60s shorts to board shorts, but all were slim and form-fitting, the big baggy look is out.

Everyone Likes A Good Top

Coordinating tops were especially popular. In addition to the classic polo shirt, we saw the resurgence of guayaberas (a button front shirt typically distinguished by two vertical rows of closely sewn pleats that run the length of the front and back of the shirt), perhaps as a nod to opening relations with Cuba.

Let the Sun Shine In

Another trend was the extensive use of of “tanthrough” shirts and swim suits. These items of clothing, shown by Kiniki allow UV rays through for an even tan. The clothing is typically not see-through, a mesh lining keeps the family jewels from view, tends to fit snugly and dry quickly, making it a great choice for sunbathing and swimming. Just remember to apply sun block everywhere. boiMAG 13

A Pair of Queens Vs. A Knight

Does D&G Mean Dead & Gone?

By Anita Taylor

Fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana started a firestorm last month, when in an interview stated, in part: “We oppose gay adoptions. The only family is the traditional one….No chemical offsprings and rented uterus: life has a natural flow, there are things that should not be changed. Reactions have been overwhelmingly in favor of Elton John’s comments. Ricky Martin, Victoria Beckham, and Courtney Love Cobain blasted the Italian billionaires on twitter.

Elsewhere in the interview Domenico Dolce added that procreation “must be an act of love”, saying: “You are born to a mother and a father, or at least that’s how it should be. “I call children of chemistry, synthetic children. Uteri [for] rent, semen chosen from a catalog.”

In an attempt to backpedal and do damage control, Dolce and Gabanna later released a statement in which the designer stated, “We talked about our way of seeing reality, but it was never our intention to judge other people’s choices. We do believe in freedom and love.”

Stefano Gabbana added: “The family is not a fad. In it there is a supernatural sense of belonging.” Elton John, who with his husband David Furnish, has two sons conceived in vitro; “How dare you refer to my beautiful children as ‘synthetic’. And shame on you for wagging your judgmental little fingers at IVF, a miracle that has allowed legions of loving people, both straight and gay, to fulfill their dream of having children… Your archaic thinking is out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again.”

Ruth Hunt, the chief executive of the LGBT equality group Stonewall, added: “We strongly dispute the comments made by Dolce and Gabbana. Being a good parent has nothing to do with sexual orientation or whether a child has two mums or two dads. The important thing is a loving family, whatever its make up.” boiMAG 15

Sidetrack owners Art Johnston and Pepin Pena have seen firsthand what life is like in Cuba, Pepin’s homeland. They will transform their corner of Chicago into a slice of Havana to host “Havana in Chicago” , a benefit for First Hand Aid on Saturday, Apr. 25, from 4-8 p.m. Entrance to this event includes a Cuban buffet by Siboney Cuban Restaurant, Cuban music by Angel D’Cuba and guests and a Cuban inspired cocktail. There will also be a silent auction with artwork, artifacts, gift certificates. Valet Parking will be available. Cuba is a vibrant country with a rich heritage that has been frozen in time. Hospitals often lack modern technology and medication, and families struggle to make ends meet and put food on their tables. To the Cuban people, it can seem like the world has moved on without them. FirstHand Aid reaches out and lends them a helping hand. The group provides much needed humanitarian aid to the children, families, and health care professionals in Cuba. First-Hand Aid volunteers travel to Cuba and deliver medical supplies and support in person through four programs. Serving Families: First Hand Aid delivers financial assistance to struggling families Havana supplementing their meager incomes with financial assistance. It is a small dollar-amount by U. S. standards, but it provides significant assistance to families where individuals typically only earn $50 per month. Providing Medical Supplies: First Hand Aid supports multiple hospitals in Cuba, both in the capital city of Havana and in the rural setting of Güines. They deliver aid such as: equipment, supplies, and medication – everything from over-the-counter fever reducers to expensive antibiotics, in person to make certain that the needed supplies are reaching the right people. Supplying Day-to-Day Products: Many Cubans do not have access to basic daily products that we take for granted in the U.S., such as deodorant, toothpaste and soap. First Hand Aid delivers personal hygiene products and other supplies to families and clinics in Cuba. Feeding Seniors: by working with the Iglesia Rosario church in Cuba, First Hand Aide provides funding and organizational support for a seniors' meal program. Due to support from sponsors, all the money raised during this event, from ticket sales, silent auction and drink sales will all go directly to First Hand Aid. Tickets are $50 per person and are available at www.firsthandaid. org/purchase-tickets and tickets will also be available at the door.

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SCREEN SAVOR: SCI-FI HIGH "Coherence" is a different kind of sci-fi flick. Set on the night that Miller’s comet is supposed to be passing over Southern In 2014, Scarlett Johansson appeared California, and coming close to, earth; determined to get science fiction out of eight friends – dating couple Kevin) and her system. In Jonathan Glazer’s "Under unemployed dancer Em, married couple The Skin", Johansson played an alien Hugh and woo-woo Beth, Amir (and feasting on lonely men. For Luc Besson’s Kevin’s ex Laurie and the hosts Lee and "Lucy", now out on Blu-ray/DVD/Digital actor-in-recovery Mike – gather for a HD, Johansson plays the titular character, dinner party. a woman who unwittingly becomes a drug mule for Asian crime kingpin Jangå, Things go wrong right from the start. leading to a terrifying metamorphosis. Em’s cellphone screen shatters while she’s talking to Kevin on her way to Following surgery to insert a bag of the party. In fact, the comet causes all the lethal and illegal drug CPH4 into sorts of cellular interference, preventing her body for transport, Lucy is brutally reception, as well as loss of internet. beaten and some of the drug leaks into Lights flicker, dim and go out. Things her system. The alteration that occurs at randomly break. Lucy’s cellular level transforms her into a super-human being who, as the movie Hugh’s scientist brother warned him progresses, is able to access 100% of her about the possible effects the comet brain capacity. might have, which leads Em to mention things she’d read about a 1923 comet in Combining science fiction and action/ Finland, as well as other comet stories. thriller violence (you may be watching What started out as an already awkward more than a few scenes through your gathering rapidly goes downhill. fingers covering your eyes), Lucy aims to cover three main bases. First, it’s a When the lights go out, some of the full-throttle revenge picture with goons friends venture out into the dark, armed getting their just desserts as the body with flashlights and blue glowsticks. Of count mounts. Second, it’s a crime story course, going outside was the first in a as Lucy and police in Berlin, Paris and series of bad decisions. The discovery that Rome race to prevent the other human the comet is creating multiple realities drug transporters from reaching their existing simultaneously, including one final destinations. Third, and here’s where in which they come face to face another Lucy gets loosey goosey, it’s a movie group of people who turn out to be that messes with science, represented themselves . by evolution expert Professor Norman (Morgan Freeman). Writer/director James Ward ß occasionally veers into incoherence, but he maintains Lucy is a rip-roaring high that, like most control. The subtly played last scene drugs, will leave viewers crashed and makes it all worthwhile. "Coherence" burned, and potentially craving more. doesn’t need to rely on over-the-top Extras include the Blu-ray exclusive special effects to elicit an audience featurette The Evolution of Lucy featuring response. DVD special features include Besson, Johansson and Freeman, as well audio commentary, original camera as Cerebral Capacity: The True Science of test footage and a behind the scenes Lucy. featurette. boiMAG 21

By Gregg Shapiro

QMUSIC

IT'S THE WOMEN By Gregg Shapiro

Bette Midler is no stranger to girl-group songs. Beginning with “Leader of the Pack,” “Chapel of Love” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” from her first album, 1972’s The Divine Miss M, Midler has been mining the girl-group genus, either in cover versions or in tribute to the style, on practically every one of her studio albums. So, it makes sense that she would commit an entire disc, It’s The Girls to the genre. The results are classic Midler, combining her camp sensibility with dignity and respect. Some versions honor the originals by staying close to the bone, as in the case of “Be My Baby,” “Bei Mir Bust Du Schön” and “Mr. Sandman.” In the case of “He’s Sure The Boy I Love,” Midler raises the bar on the tribute spectrum by teaming up with legendary girl-group-era diva Darlene Love. As is often the case, It’s The Girls is most interesting when Midler takes risks, all of which pay off handsomely. Her dramatic readings of “Baby It’s You” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” rank among her best. Her stellar rendition of TLC’s “Waterfalls” may reveal the song’s weaknesses (it’s a song that was clearly not meant to be covered by anyone else), but Midler triumphs and makes the song her own. Live albums are often a mixed blessing and that includes Coming Home by diminutive diva Kristen Chenoweth. One way of looking at it is, why would you want to listen to a recording of a concert that you didn’t attend? Also, live albums have a tendency of bringing out the worst (read: hammiest) in a performer. Recorded live in Oklahoma at the Broken Arrow Arts Center (they have an arts center!?), Chenoweth

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makes a genuine homecoming, returning to her motherland for the concert. Show-tunes abound, including “Popular” and “For Good” from Wicked (well, duh!), as well as “Bring Him Home” from Les Miz, “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from Phantom, “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret (which she also performed on Glee) and “I Could Have Danced All Night” from The King & I, although nothing from Oklahoma! (wait, what?). She balances the gospel (“Upon This Rock”) with the gay-friendly (“Over The Rainbow” and “No More Tears”), so she deserves props for that. One of the best (and most enduring) albums of 2014, The Voyager, the second solo record by Jenny Lewis finds the Rilo Kiley leader abandoning the blues that weighed down her 2008 solo debut Acid Tongue. Produced by Ryan Adams and Mike Viola, The Voyager is about as perfect as pop music gets. Gently queer centerpiece “Late Bloomer” is the kind of eternal tune you hope all of your favorite straight singer/songwriters write at least once in their career. Want to get a sense of the swift passage of time? It’s been almost 25 years since Ani DiFranco released her first fulllength on her own record label. That’s right, 25 years since you first heard her sing “Both Hands.” Since that time she has released 18 studio albums, including her latest Allergic To Water, some live recordings, signed some big names to her label (hello, Nona Hendryx!), released some collaboration albums and generally become one of the most famous feminists, activists and entrepreneurs in the music world. Allergic To Water continues in the same mood and style of her previous New Orleans-era recordings such as Reprieve, Red Letter Day and Whose Side Are You On?, and features standout tracks such as “Careless Words,” “Yeah Yr Right,” “Still My Heart” and “Rainy Parade.”

Rick Karlin's Easter/Passover Celebrate Easter Sunday on April 5, by enjoying a special brunch or dinner. Reservations are recommended. Pinstripes, 435 E. Illinois, 312.527.3140, has a day full of activities. An egg hunt and an Easter basket sale ($3 apiece, which benefits No Kid Hungry) leads up to a brunch buffet. The Easter Bunny is visiting, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It all begins at 9:30 and runs $15-$30.

The Bodhi Center, 2750 N. Magnolia, 773.248.5683, holds its 3rd annual second night Seder on Apr. 4, which will be a professionally catered, vegetarian meal with plenty of options for gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free folks. There will also be kosher for Passover wine. Costs varies, contact the Center for more information. The Lettuce Entertain You restaurant chain has always been in the forefront of serving Passover Seders and this year is no exception. Unless noted otherwise, dinners will be offered for both Seder nights, Apr. 3 and 4. Reservations and/or pre-orders are suggested.

Di Pescara 847.498.4321 Inclusive meal complete with a Seder plate, dine-in $39.95 per person/carry-out for $34.95. Frankie’s Scaloppine 312.266.2500, Menu of traditional dishes; $39.95 per Las Tablas holds its Easter brunch person, dine-in or take-out. celebration at 11:30 a.m. at both locations, Joe’s Stone Crab 312.379.5637 2942 N. Lincoln 773.871.2414 or 4920 W. $45.95 per guest, carry-out and delivery Irving Park Rd. 773.202.0999. available. Kit Kat, 3700 N. Halsted, 773-525-1111, L. Woods Tap 847.677.3350 holds a special four-course brunch, with Enjoy signature holiday items including Diva Madam X performing. The meal price honey glazed carrots and potato kugel, includes mimosas, bloody Marys and matzo-crusted whitefish and flourless sangria, cheddar biscuits with whipped chocolate cake for $39.95 per guest. honey butter, ravioli and carrot cake for Mity Nice 312.335.4745 menu. Signature favorites include matzo ball soup, roast chicken, carrot tzimmes, potato Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. pancakes and flourless chocolate cake. Lincoln, 773.248.3905, dishes up an Irish bistro Easter brunch buffet with lots of Irish $36.95, $16.95 for kids 12 and under. Mon Ami Gabi 773.348.8886 breakfast and kid favorites. It’s $25.95 per Passover celebration menu includes a adult, $9.95 for kids. traditional Seder plate, matzo ball soup, gefilte fish, vegetarian chopped liver, beef brisket, The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, latkes, and flourless chocolate cake. $39.95 per 630.968.0074, offers a buffet brunch complete with a visit from the Easter Bunny person, $17.95 for children under 12. for $39-$59. Choose from seatings at 9 a.m., Osteria Via Stato 312.642.8450 noon and 3 p.m. A multi-course meal includes antipasti, entrée, sides and dessert for $39.95 per person. Of course we can’t forget Passover and the Saranello’s 847.498.4321 traditional Seder. In addition to synagogues Dinner comes complete with a Seder plate hosting Seders, a number of restaurants are and matzo ball soup, salad, Lake Superior serving traditional Seder dinner favorites. whitefish, macaroons, jelly candies. Dine in $39.95 per person, carry-out for $34.95 per Pavilion, 577 Waukegan in Northbrook, guest. 847.715.9440, offers a family style dinner for $32.95 (kids 10 & under $14.95) on Wildfire, all locations Apr. 3 and 4, and they’ll even provide the Serving family style for groups of six or Seder plate. The meal includes gefilte fish, more for $39.95 per guest, $16.95 for chopped liver stuffed eggs, beet salad, children. Gluten-free menu options also latkes and matzo ball soup. Entrée options available. Passover party platters will also include salmon, roast chicken or short ribs. be available. boiMAG 25

Motor Mouth

Some people choose to avoid red cars because of the urban myth that red cars tend to receive more speeding tickets THE COLOR WHEEL than do cars of other colors. According to Carolyn Gorman, Vice President of By Parker Carr the Insurance Information Institute and Insurance Trade Association, "There is For many of us our cars are reflections no data to support the assertion that of ourselves. Those who care about the red cars receive more traffic tickets than environment might drive a hybrid, while someone for whom status is important would cars of any other color." drive a luxury car. With my colleague, Anita Taylor, focusing on fashion and color this issue, I decided to take a break from the inner workings of vehicles and focus on aesthetics. The most popular car color is white, followed by black, silver and red. What does the color of your car say about you? Let’s start with the colors of the rainbow flag

RED

Environmental psychologists have found that those who prefer red cars tend to be go-getters, interested in projecting power, action, and confidence. A red sports car is an attention seeker. The driver might as well scream, "Look at me!"

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ORANGE

Orange indicates a sense of value and saving money. Think about it, the discount stores such as Big Lots and Home Depot both have orange logos. However, wanting to save money

doesn’t mean you’re cheap. If you see someone driving an orange BMW, you can bet they got a good price on it (or at least think they did).

YELLOW

A yellow car might as well be a "don't worry, be happy" smiley face button. Yellow exudes joy and a positive attitude and is especially popular

among people in their early 20s. Driving a yellow vehicle means that you are a happy person in general and perhaps a bit more willing that the average person to take risks.

GREEN

Whether or not your car is fuel efficient, if it’s green that means you are influenced by nature. Maybe you’re the outdoorsy type, or feel at home in a pine forest. Green car are not very popular and if you’ve selected a green car, it means that you’re not afraid to buck trends and stick to your own beliefs.

BLUE

People often describe blue as the color of stability and safety. It projects an aura of dependability and trustworthiness. You’ll also tend not to sing the blues. Those who drive blue vehicles tend to be practical and happy.

PURPLE

Perhaps the least popular car color. Purple, from the deep eggplant of royalty to the mysticism associated with lilac, tends to indicate nobility, dignity, integrity, creativity and inspiration. Those who choose to drive a purple car are often creative individuals who are intuitive, but can are sometimes eccentric.

or Southern California prefer white cars which don’t absorb heat.

BLACK

This color portrays power. Which might account for the fact that black is the most popular color for luxury vehicles. Black is the sophisticate's color, Augustin says, “Just think of the little black dress and black-tie dinners”. Black declares itself as important, classic and in control.

SILVER

The third most popular color for vehicles indicates a sense of innovation and modernity. Think stainless steel appliances and silver technology. A silver car may also indicate a desire to project an upscale image, Augustin says. Don’t confuse silver with gray. Gray is for someone who doesn't need (or want) to be as flashy as silver and is less about status and more about the status quo, they don't want to stand out, preferring something a bit more subtle.

Now that we’ve covered the colors of the rainbow flag, what about the most popular colors for cars; white, black and silver?

WHITE

White “presents a fresh, young, modern face to the outside world," according to a recent Fox Business feature (and they’d know since most of their newscasters are white). Environmental psychologist Sally Augustin points out that many contemporary brands such as Apple are drawn to white, which is also associated with honesty and purity. Of course, it could be for practical reasons, as well. Those who live in warm climates, such as South Florida

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Chicago's

in the know ... ON THE GO!

By Sue Deaunym

BAR BANTER

When there were numerous lesbian bars in the city, way back in the '80s and '90s , The Lady Bug was one of the most popular. Plans are afoot for a Lady Bug reunion. All that's set so far is the date, Saturday, June 6. More on this when it's available... They're holding Cupcake Wars on Sunday Apr. 12 at Touche, no that’s not a euphemism, they really are judging actual cupcakes and selecting the best. It’s a benefit for Broadway Youth Center... Sidetrack is double dipping! On Wednesday, Apr. 15 at they're hosting the Chicago competition for the Key west Stoli Cocktail Competition at 7 p.m. I guess that means we’re not boycotting Stoli anymore. (Norbert, you can enter my ginger martini if you'd like. Just have one waiting for me next time I'm at the bar if you win. ) Then later that night they kick off Latin Divas Night celebrating the music of JLo, Gloria Estafan , Shakira and their sisters with performances by local queens.

Community Chatter

Was your prom experience awful? If you're like most of us, it probably was. Now here's your chance to relive it in all your wonderful queerness. The 10th Annual Queer Prom will be held on Friday, May 15 the National Museum of Mexican Art , 1852 W. 19th St. There will be dancing, food and information for LGBTQA youth & adult allies. Tickets are available at the door... Chicago House holds its Spring Brunch and Fashion Show on Sunday, May 3 at the Harold Washington Library... The GLAAD

Hatter Brunch, Saturday, Apr. 4, at Pasteur will feature prizes for "Best Hat" as well as a "People's Choice" award. Enter a raffle for prizes from great companies throughout the Chicago area... Moonlight Studios hosts the Wonka Ball: “Warhol” benefit for About Face Theatre on Friday, Apr. 10, and the Chicago Red Dress Party on Saturday, Apr.11, raising funds and awareness for the HIV/AIDS movement… On Saturday, Apr. 4 Or Chadash will host a Passover Seder with a choice of chicken or vegetarian meal. Members and their guests $60; non-members $70, children $30 at The East Bank Club… Sunday, May 3, "Music for Matthew" at Southport and Irving, will benefit The Matthew Shepard Foundation. Two live bands, raffles, food and drink from 6-11 p.m.

STAGE BUSINESS

Hell in a Handbag is celebrating its 13th year, kicking off this summer with the Midwest premiere of “Miracle!” on May 14, a parody of “The Miracle Worker” as re-imagined by Dan Savage. … Monday, Apr 6 would have been Billie Holiday's centennial birthday. Daryl Nitz and other jazz, blues and cabaret performers present a 90-minute career-spanning concert at Davenports on Monday and Tuesday.

OOOPS!

Sidetrack’s Outspoken is a monthly event, not annual as reported in our last issue. I must have had a memory lapse, how else could you explain the idea that I thought we only had enough stories for an annual event. boiMAG 29

FIT TIPS

OVERHEAD ROPE EXTENSION

By Michael Elder

While many people tend to focus more on biceps training, it is actually the triceps that make up the bulk of the arm musculature. Biceps and triceps training must be evenly balanced to build an effectively solid arm. One of my all- time favorite exercises for the triceps is the Overhead Rope Extension. When performed properly, this exercise effectively targets all three heads of the triceps while putting emphasis on the lateral head of the triceps which, is commonly referred to as “the pretty one”.

Throughout this movement, it is important to keep the elbows close to your head and to not allow them to veer outward. This will limit your range of motion and not allow for an adequate pre- stretch on the triceps. During the “pressing” portion of this exercise, it is important to also turn your hands outward; this is actually the main reason for using the rope as it allows for mobility. By tweaking the movement in this way, the lateral head of the triceps will be emphasized which can greatly add to a nicely shaped arm. You will definitely feel a strong burn on this one. But as my gymnastics coaches used to say, “We love pain!”

AN ARM TRAING MUST

To perform this exercise: 1 Facing away from the pulley, grab the rope behind your neck with a neutral grip (palms facing in) keeping your hands close together. 2. Bend over at the waist until your torso is almost parallel to the floor. This will lift the weight slightly from the stack. 3. You can stagger your feet and bend slightly at the knees to help with balance.

4. Your upper arms should be parallel to the floor at this point and you should be grasping the rope behind your head. You are now in the starting position. 5. Moving only at your elbow joints slowly push the rope out in from of your body until your arms are fully extended. As you push, spread the rope until your hands are around shoulder width apart at the peak of the movement. 6 Pause, and then slowly bring the rope back to the starting position allowing your hands to reunite. 7. Repeat this movement for desired reps.

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. 30 boiMAG