22.12 by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

NEW WEB ADDRESS: boiMagazinePlus.com PLUS MORE TO COME! ISSUE 22.12 Thanksgiving

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CONTENTS

BLACK FRIDAY

WEIRD ASS GIFTS

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRENDS

DINNER & THEATER

INTERVIEW: MARC MORDER

BOI’S BEST RESTAURANTS

in the know, on the go!

CHICAGO bars & clubs directory

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Mike Macharello Rick Karlin

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freddie@boimagazine.com dave@boimagzine.com

photographer Oliver Aguilar editorial contributors Harry Taint Gregg Shapiro Rubberwilli Ace Magya

VIEW BOI ONLINE AT

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Black Friday - Cyber Monday by Rick Karlin The term “Black Friday” is now so widely used, it’s hard to believe that just a generation ago the use of the term would have produced a “Huh?”. Now we all know that Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, is traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, most major retailers open extremely early and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season. While not a legal holiday, most non-retail companies give their employees the day off, increasing the number of potential shoppers. It has routinely been the busiest shopping day of the year since 2005. An explanation often offered is that “Black Friday” indicates the point at which retailers begin to turn a profit, or are “in the black”. However, it has been documented that the day’s name originated in Philadelphia, where it originally was used as far back 1960 to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic, which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. Merchants felt that the term would not be good for business, and hired Abe S. Rosen, a retail PR expert to address the issue. He recommended adoption of a positive approach that would convert Black Friday and Black Saturday to Big Friday and Big Saturday That conversion never gained a foothold and the Black Friday term began to be used throughout the country around 1975. For many years, it was common for retailers to open an hour or two early, but by 2001 several retailers (including

Target, Kohls, Macy’s, and Best Buy) opened at midnight for the first time. The sales often resulted in negative consequences. In 2006, a man in Roanoke, Virginia shopping at Best Buy was recorded on video assaulting another shopper. Unruly Wal-Mart shoppers at a store outside Columbus, Ohio, quickly flooded in the doors at opening, pinning several employees against stacks of merchandise and in 2008 a crowd of approximately 2,000 shoppers in Valley Stream, New York, pushed forward, breaking the door down, and trampling a 34-year old employee to death. That the day after Thanksgiving is the “official” start of the holiday shopping season may be linked together with the idea of Santa Claus parades. Parades celebrating Thanksgiving often include an appearance by Santa at the end of the parade, with the idea that ‘Santa has arrived’ or ‘Santa is just around the corner’. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, department stores sponsored many Santa or Thanksgiving Day parades; the most famous of which is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The term Cyber Monday, a neologism invented in 2005 by the National Retail Federation’s division Shop.org, refers to the Monday immediately following Black Friday based on a trend that retailers began to recognize in 2003 and 2004. Retailers noticed that many consumers, who were too busy to shop over the Thanksgiving weekend or did not find what they were looking for, shopped for bargains online that Monday from home or work. boi

Holiday Shopping Trends by Anita Taylor It’s the most wonderful time of the year (especially for the retailers). The holiday shopping season is fast approaching, and whether brands are focusing on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or beyond, taking total advantage of the latest consumer behaviors and trends is essential. Americans are expected to spend more on gifts than last year as the economy slowly recovers. The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts the country’s holiday spending will rise 4.1%, to about $586 billion. Your about to see the shopping trend starting earlier than ever. It’s tough to say who’s behind the seemingly ever-earlier surge in shopping. While many consumers bemoan the ever-earlier decorations, surveys also show that more people than ever are shopping early this year, and retailers follow the money. Early shopping is also spreading online. Last week, the NRF released a survey showing that almost 6 % of retailers will start offering online holiday specials before Thanksgiving. A few years ago, layaway was effectively gone, replaced by credit cards as an effective way for people to purchase on credit. Between the recession and the credit crunch, layaway has made a comeback, with major retailers bringing it back. With layaway, the retailer holds your goods aside for you. You make payments every week for a set schedule, and get the item you purchased when you’ve paid if off. Gift cards are the single most popular item on people’s wish lists. In a survey, 60% said they want gift cards, followed by apparel at 49% and books, CDs, DVDs and video games at 46%. Recent legislation limiting the expiration period (five years) and how much retailers can take in hidden fees, they’re a safer option for consumers. A growing number of websites, such as PlasticJungle.com and GiftCards.com, allow people to sell gift cards they don’t want. 10 boi

Though there are many different trends forecasted to affect retail this season, technology and out-of-the-box concepts are definitely two of the biggest on the radar, ranging from designer pop-up boutiques on the streets of NYC to the most innovative and interactive shopping apps. Consumers today are going digital, impacting social media and the online world in a big way. Sales on the internet and mobile devices are still the fastest growing segment of holiday purchases. It’s estimated that this year online sales will grow 12% during the holidays. More than half of consumers surveyed, 52%, planned to shop for some gifts online this year. Consumers this season will be “shopping under the tech influence” more than ever before. Brick-and-mortars are sitting heavy under the influence of trends as they use interactive technology in-store to attract tech-savvy customers. For example, Macy’s “Magic Fitting Room” at the NYC Herald Square store offered shoppers the opportunity to create as many as 16 outfits, which could all be placed in a digital closet. They then had the option to share the “wish list” with friends on Facebook or by email. Consumers are also using their tablets and smart phones to receive “virtual coupons”, read product reviews. The majority of tablet users surveyed expect to use their tablets to research and/or purchase in 2012. French Connection, Zara, and Marks & Spencer are among the retailers allowing their Facebook fans to shop for products on their smart phones. Pop-Up boutiques continue to emerge and offer one-off items with less sticker shock for consumers while also providing outof-the-box ways for brands to co-produce and present an exciting new experience for consumers. NYC Mayor Bloomberg is embracing the trend by teaming up with Rachel Shechtman, founder of the Concept Shop, to host a pop-up shop competition for emerging local fashion retailers and tech companies.

Weird Ass Christmas Gifts Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all been there, trying to come up with a gift for a grab bag or for that someone who seems to have everything. Sure, you could resort to a gift card, yawn! Instead why not offer up some of these unusual gifts, which are certain to be the topic of conversation for years to come? The Original Beard Hat Many men grow a beard in the winter to help keep their face warm, but what about the follically challenged and the ladies on your list? Check out the original beard hat from Beardo. The cap comes with a detachable beard and in various color combinations, 34.99 from at19.com. 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die For the big drinker in your crowd, this fun and accessible guide to completing an education in hooch. $13.30 at Amazon.com

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Nose Shower Gel Dispenser This nose blows! Just squeeze or press it and green shower gel oozes out of the right nostril. Gross and funny at the same time! $16.99 at Amazon.com Monsieur Black Mustache Pint A classic pint glass cleverly disguised with a mustache for undercover work in the pub. $8 at Urban Outfitters Ticket Stub Diary The perfect gift for the theater queen/hoarder in your group. $11 at UncommonGoods.com Gummy Bears Earbud Blue Headphones Ear buds shaped like delicious gummy bears, complete with a yummy gummy scent!* $12 at Urban Outfitters.

HEADLINE

Dinner & Theater Rick Karlin’s Big Bite New & Fun Places In Town

Theater Scene by Gregg Shapiro

In all the holiday craziness don’t forget to stop in Hamburger Mary’s for Monday night’s Hambingo. Velicity Metropolis calls out numbers at this R-rated bingo night, which benefits a different charity each week.It all starts at 8, but early arrival is recommended.

Mary Zimmerman’s Tony Award-winning production of “Metamorphoses” returns to where it all began, at the Lookingglass Theatre Company inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works, for its 10th anniversary revival, extended through Dec. 16.

Weather Mark Tavern boasts an All-YouCan-Eat Fish and Chips on Fridays” and on Thursday Trivia Nights offers up half-priced appetizers and $15 select beer buckets. 1503 S. Michigan Ave., 773.588.0230 weathermarktavern.com There’s free pie tastings going on at Delightful Pastries in The French Market, 131 N. Clinton, through Nov. 17. Sample varieties including pumpkin, apple, pecan, apple caramel, cranberry fudge and key lime pies. Half Acre Beer Company, 4257 N. Lincoln, offers a tour on Saturday, Nov. 17, for $10. Learn about the company’s history and brewing process as you sip samples of seasonal and year-round beers. Ticket price includes a souvenir pint glass. Call 773.248.4038 to reserve a spot. Lulu Belles Pancake House, 3819 N. Southport, is trying to be a southern style diner, hipster coffeehouse and Gymboree all at once, none of which it accomplishes. The table service is snail’s pace slow, even when the place is nearly empty. When the place is filled with yuppie moms and their snot-nosed broods the sound level is deafening, 773.975.5858

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Next Theatre Company presents the Midwest premiere of “Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter,” described as “a darkly funny play about healing and the ways in which we as a nation ignore our returning veterans,” at Noyes Cultural Arts Center in Evanston, through Dec. 23. Profiles Theatre presents the 20th Anniversary production of “Hellcab” by playwright and former cab driver Will Kern, through Dec. 23 at The Main Stage in Uptown. Hell in a Handbag Productions remounts “Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer,” David Cerda’s parody of the classic Rankin/Bass holiday TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at Mary’s Attic, Nov. 29 through Dec.30 The Black Ship Co. presents the Chicago premiere of “Foreverendia” by Brian Tuttle, directed by Nicki Mazzocca, in the Athenaeum Theatre’s newly remodeled Studio 2, Nov. 28 through Dec. 23. About Face Theatre serves up its own special blend of classic Christmas and queer pop culture in the world premiere production “We Three Lizas,” by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley and Alan Schmuckler, through Dec. 23, in The Steppenwolf Garage.

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BOI’S BEST RESTAURANTS Andies 1467 W. Montrose 773.348.0654. 5253 N

Clark 773.784.8616. Specializing in Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine, specialties of the house include steak kabobs, gyros, and poultry dishes such as Greek Chicken and Lebanese Style Chicken Kefta Kabob. And as befits the cuisine, desserts include a very tasty baklava. The Sunday buffet brunch is extravagant and reasonably priced.

Anna Maria Pasteria 4400 N. Clark

773.506.2662. Owned by sisters who hail from the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this neighborhood gem creates homemade modern and traditional Italian dishes that are authentic, delicious & inexpensive.

Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont 773.348.2378.

5207 N Clark 773.271.6627 & 3411 N Broadway 773.305.0024. These bustling hot spots, serving traditional Swedish pancake house fare, are best known for hearty fare and delish cinnamon rolls.

Angelina Ristorante 3561 N. Broadway

773.935.5933. Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview, the menu includes Eggs Benedict, fritattas, Croque Monsieur and mufaletta sandwiches, almond-crusted stuffed French toast, and the free flow of Champagne mimosas. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN! Great for dinner, as well.

The Bagel 3107 N. Broadway 773.477.0300

The quintessential Jewish style deli is the perfect spot for a corned beef or pastrami sandwich, some chicken soup, lox and bagels or a full dinner that tastes as if someone’s Jewish momma made it.

Cesar’s 2924 N. Broadway 773.296.9097 and at

3166 N Clark 773.248.2835 This family-owned operation offers an enticing menu full of delicious Mexican recipes, popular house specialties, irresistible desserts, and their signature “Killer Margaritas.”

Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted 773.935.6696

This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available.

Clark Street Dog 3040 N. Clark 773.281-6690. Open until four in the morning and serving up all the deliciousness you can imagine after you leave the bar.

Club Lucky 1824 W. Wabansia Ave. 773.227.2300. Popular Bucktown/Wicker Pk. restaurant & unique cocktail lounge. Generous portions of traditional Italian specialties and daily specials. Outdoor patio.

Crew 4804 N. Broadway 773.784.2739. More than just a sports bar, the menu includes a variety of hamburgers, sandwiches, salads & comfort food.

Gyro-Mena 905 W. Belmont 773.935.2600.

Augments the Athenian Gyros by satisfying the American desire to pick our own toppings! True Athenian Gyros is a choice of all natural non-ground meat (pork or chicken) stacked and cooked on a rotisserie.

Dragon Lady Lounge 3188 N. Elston 773.267.1970 Serving Korean-Latin fusion dishes from delicious fresh Bi Bim Bop and Kim Chi Veggie burgers, to delicious tofu tacos and beef Kim Chi burgers. El Mariachi 3906 N. Broadway 773.549-2932

and at 3420 N. Broadway 773.549-7020. Quickly becoming one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the city, the focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its “south of the border” cuisine. Full bar featuring over 100 brands of tequila.

El Nuevo Mexicano 2914 N. Clark 773.528.2131. Cozy dining room along with authentic Mexican cuisine makes this a great place for delicious dining. Open for lunch & dinner, great patio for summer outdoor dining. Delivery available too!

Fiesta Mexicana 2423 N. Lincoln Ave

773.348.4144 (2nd Location) 4806 N. Broadway 773.769.4244. Traditional favorites along with great ambiance. Nice place to bring your family, friends or bring a date to. The Lincoln location has daily specials & live music.

Golden Nugget Family Restaurants

2406 W. Diversey 773.252.8903. 1765 W. Lawrence 773.769.6700. A great option for after bar dining as they are all open 24-7, and have free parking. The large menu is sure to please, especially the classic breakfast and hearty dinners. Everything is housemade, known for fluffy buttermilk pancakes.

The Gardens at Cocktail 3359 N. Halsted

-773.472.1420 The Gardens serves delicious homemade pizzas, at a great price, with drink specials to match!

Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N. Halsted 773.348.9696 This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Beers on tap are aplenty and the weekend brunch draws an attractive crowd.

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BOI’S BEST RESTAURANTS Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N. Clark

773.784.6969. “Eat, Drink and be... MARY” at this fun and popular Andersonville restaurant which features a wide array of burgers and sandwiches, along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers. Wash it all down with one of Mary’s home-brewed ales.

Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway

773.883.1565. This long-time popular Lakeview family restaurant serves up big portions of creative homestyle dishes as well as healthy fare at affordable prices. Breakfast served all day long. Delivery available.

IHOP 3760 N. Halsted 773.296.0048. More

Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted 773.248.9888 and Nookies Edgewater1100 W. Bryn

Mawr 773.516-4188. A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown (also Edgewater) and popular with hangover recoverees, the diner serves made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles and other brunch fare all day. And it’s open 24 hours on weekends.

Panino’s Pizzeria 3702 N. Broadway

773.472.6200. Panino’s has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees, and of course pizza. Delivery available.

Philly’s Best 907 W. Belmont 773.525.7900.

than a pancake house, this 24-hour Boystown institution serves up affordably priced appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees that are sure to satisfy varying after-bar wants and needs.

Authentic Philly cheese steak sandwich. Their meat is brought directly from Philadelphia. Also, medium crust pizza, oven baked grinders & fresh salads.

Jury’s 4337 N. Lincoln 773.935.2255. Watch all

Their “hole” is open Sunday-Thursday from 11amMidnight and Friday & Saturday until 3am. Grab it and go or have it delivered.. your pizza, that is!!

the poplular sports at this friendly neighborhood sports bar. Known for their killer burgers. They offer a late night menu along with daily specials and even brunch on Sundays.

Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted

Pie Hole Pizza 3477 N. Broadway 773.525.8888.

Rainbow Pizza 3450 N. Halsted . Serving up pizza by the slice. Open late nights Wed.-Sat. and cater to the hoards on Halsted looking for a quick bite to eat.

773.525.1111. Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu, they offer ½-price cocktails and Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree on Wednesdays.. On Monday nights get 50% off your entire bill.

Stella’s Diner 3042 N. Broadway 773.472.9040.

Las Mananitas 3523 N. Halsted St.

The Edge 2720 N. Clark St 773.929-7024. A bar

773.528.2109. Traditional & regional Mexican dishes along with freshly squeezed limes for margaritas. Nice place to eat, drink and window watch people on Halsted St. Has a full bar & plenty of hardy dishes to satisfy any appetite. Serving the community for over 28 years.

Mia Francesca 3311 N. Clark St. 773.281.3310.

Celebrating over 20 years in Lakeview. A zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. Encourages the lively art of dining with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, simple, rustic cooking, friendly service and fair prices. Beautiful private outdoor patio and weekend brunch.

Melrose 3233 N Broadway 773.327.2060. This Lakeview institution has been catering to the after-bar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours. 18 boi

Friendly staff serve up delicious diner fare, such as; fresh salads, a large selection of wraps, sandwiches, hearty entrees, pastas, and homemade desert and grill serving breakfast, steaks, seafood, ribs, with a full bar until 2am. Free parking lot and open 24hrs.

Viaggio at the Park 401 W. Fullerton 773.747.3333, and Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge 1330 W. Madison 312.829.3333

Both locations provide a unique, memorable, dining experience by satisfying three essential must-haves, superior food-quality, a beautiful, comforting ambiance, and a service-staff that makes you feel like family. What more could you ask for??

Wilde Bar & Restaurant 3130 N. Broadway 773.244.0404. This cozy upscale Irish pub offers a laid back and warm atmosphere and a wide ranging menu that is sure to please. Expect updated versions of pub favorites such as chicken pot pie, meatloaf, fish & chips, burgers and salads. Is your target market in our distribution area?? ADVERTISE YOUR RESTAURANT IN BOI MAGAZINE Call 773.975.0264 or email us at boiADS@aol.com More listings @ boimagazine.com, click on Dining link

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Marc Moder: In the Chicago Spotlight Interviews with leaders in Chicago’s GLBT community

by Gregg Shapiro Event promoter Marc “Moose” Moder has been in the biz since 1997. Since 2009, he’s been DJing, often with his DJ-business partner DJ VoxBox, under the Moosebox moniker. “Moose”’s current monthly gigs at Downtown Bar, The Glenwood and Sofo Tap (DILF), were preceded by ongoing nights at Hydrate and Wild Pug. He’s also proud to have spun at major events for The Point Foundation, TPAN and Howard Brown Health Center benefits. “Moose” DJs as part of The Flesh Hungry Dog Show at Jackhammer on December 7. When did you come out and what was the experience like for you? I came out to my straight best friend in high school, who then turned around and told my girlfriend. Not good. Came out to my family via my father first, who then came out to me at the same time. True story. Please name five of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them. Boy George, who was inspired by David Bowie for the same reason: just being a freak and not caring of how he came off. Some of my favorite heroes are huge, unabashed freaks. Matthew “Circuit Mom” Harvat for showing me you can be a very nice person and still do very well and be respected in the gay community. Jimmy Somerville and Marc Almond for never being in a closet to start with. Saves a lot of time in the coming out process, plus you never have to back track on those fake dates with girls. 22 boi

Keith Bolyn, my old boss and first gay mentor. He taught me all about men, camp, drag, Patsy Cline and the proper use of crinoline on the runway. My father, departed. He was a mediocre dad, but a great friend after he found his bliss and came out late in life. What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the GLBT community in Chicago and at large? I think I’ve probably yet to find that as a whole, but for now I’ve found my strength in bridging individuals. I’ve always loved bringing folks together whether it be fixups, friends or connecting folks who can help one another, especially when it comes to fund raising and events. My past as an event coordinator and my present as a DJ have really brought that out in recent years. What are your future goals and aspirations? To play every club in this town at some point, and to keep introducing our community to music that’s unexpected in a gay bar or hear good music in unexpected places. It’s happening. There’s more to life than Madonna and Rihanna. Any words of wisdom to the next GLBT generation. Be kind, and set a good example. Not just among our folks, but especially to our straight and even conservative counterparts. That’s the only way we’ll keep moving forward. My mom told me to kill them with kindness.

IN THE KNOW, ON THE GO Brace Yourself

Before we go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house for the holiday, let’s fortify ourselves The Lincoln Park Lagooners celebrate 35 years of having fun with an anniversary celebration on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Adriatic Restaurant, 5553 N. Clark. There’ll be an extensive hot and cold appetizer buffet, and a sweet table… Get a dose of well-acted drama before you head home for the family drama and see the original “Dream Girl”, Sheryl Lee Ralph, in her one-woman play “Sometimes I Cry” on Saturday, Nov. 17, at International House at the University of Chicago, 1414 E. 59th. The play is free and open to the public, but with limited seating... Get a jump start on holiday shopping and do some good for our four-legged friends at the Red Door Animal Shelter Holiday Bazaar on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Warren Park, 6601 N. Western, will host the event featuring hundreds of homemade delights, a fabulous gift selection and Santa will be available for photos with you and your pet. Photos are only $10 for a professionally photographed picture. Proceeds go to benefit the homeless cats, rabbits, and dogs at Red Door Animal Shelter.

pass on the turkey dinner, head over to DS Tequila on Thursday for $9.99 all you can eat tacos from 5 to 11p.m.

After a Day With The Family

You’ll no doubt need to relieve some tension. Check out Cocktail for “Spanksgiving” on- Thanksgiving night where guest DJ Freddie Bain will help you work off all those carbs and go go boys will be on hand to work as your muse… You’ll need laughs after a day with the family, so Sidetrack’s doing comedy clips on Thursday night and for a big dose of gay head back Friday for show tunes… Speaking of a big dose of gayness, Hamburger Mary’s has got a holiday shopping deal, buy $50 in gift certificates get $5 for yourself.

Looking Ahead

The Aids Foundation’s “World of Chocolate” on Thursday, Nov. 29 offers tasting from the area’s top chocolatiers and is the gay social event of the holiday season… Slightly less a social event than as extravaganza see what a party Outlines/Nightlines publisher Tracy Baim can throw for her second foray as a movie producer. It’s the world premiere of “Scrooge & Marley” a modern, and decidedly gay take on the Dickens classic on Thursday, Nov. Thanksgiving Alternatives 29, at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Let’s face it, not all of us spend the Southport. The premiere will feature holiday with friends. Why not take the cast, directors, writers, and others the place of the bird and let you behind this new independent movie be the one who gets stuffed on shot in Chicago. Meet actors David Thanksgiving? There’s a “Lights Out Pevsner, Rusty Schwimmer, Bruce Party at Steamworks on Thanksgiving Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, David night. BTW, if it’s time to update that Moretti, Ronnie Kroell, Becca Kaufman, profile pic, there’ll be a professional Richard Ganoung, and JoJo Baby. I’m photographer to snap some shots of almost damp with excitement. Catch it you on Friday night… Haul your can (of before it heads off to LA to open, in the gravy) over to The Ram where they’re words of the film’s publicist, “In time collecting canned good for Vital Bridges’ for Oscar consideration.” You may burst food pantry all month… If you’d rather out laughing now. boi 25

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ASK ACE by Ace Magyar It seems as if the upcoming holidays have stirred up a lot of emotions and questions in my readers. I have received numerous letters on how to deal with family issues in the past few weeks.

Weekend in the Closet

I’m going home with my boyfriend for Thanksgiving. We’ve been together almost a year. He’s not out to his family, and is going to introduce me as his roommate. I’ve been out since I was 14 and don’t feel right about this. We’re both out to everyone here in Chicago, so I don’t know what his problem is. Frankly, I don’t know how his family couldn’t know; he’s a bit effeminate and does drag on a regular basis. He says that his family is very conservative and he comes from a small town. I don’t know what to do.

Dear WITC,

Dear FF,

You have proved to yourself that you have the self-control and the skills to lose weight in the past, those skills and self –control are not going to disappear in the course of a weekend. Go home, be proud of what you’ve accomplished and enjoy yourself. As you know they key to losing weight is portion control. Have a bite or two of your favorite childhood dishes. If nothing healthy is going to be served (I know, my family doesn’t eat anything not fried or covered in butter or gravy), take it upon yourself to be prepared. Head to the market and buy something to make as a side dish that you can enjoy eating. When you get back in town, make it a point to get right back in your routine of eating and working out. One weekend will not undo all the changes you’ve made to your body.

Lonely on Thanksgiving

Normally, I’m all for being out and proud, but only your boyfriend has the right to decide when to tell his family. Of course, you also have the right not to go along with his charade, but that would mean not going home with him. How about a compromise, go home with him this weekend and play along, while you evaluate the situation? When you get back home, discuss how you feel and let him know whether you will continue to visit with him as a “friend”.

I am, I should say, was, an only child. My parents both died in the last year. Since then I’ve been battling depression and this will be my first holiday without being with my parents. I’m kind of a loner type, so I don’t have many friends. Normally this hasn’t been a big deal, but it’s really coming down hard on me this year. I don’t know what to do, I don’t want to be alone on Thanksgiving, but don’t feel comfortable asking anyone if I can join their family.

Former Fatty

Dear LOT,

I come from a very overweight family. My mother and father are both more than 100 pounds overweight and my sister is nearly 400 pounds. I used to be quite fat, but since I moved away from home, I’ve lost 200 pounds and been working out at the gym. I’m very proud of the changes I’ve made to my body. I’ve even worked as a swimsuit and underwear model. I’m afraid that when I go home, I will fall into the trap of eating like my family does and will continue to do so after I return home. I’m so worried that I may not even go home for Thanksgiving, but I really miss seeing my family. How can I make certain that a trip home won’t undo everything I worked so hard to achieve?

First, let me say how sorry I am for your loss. There are many people who find themselves alone during the holidays, you are not alone. If you don’t feel comfortable asking people you know, I suggest going to The Center on Halsted. Center patrons from the Senior and Youth programs gather in gratitude and friendship. The event is free. However, you must register. E-mail cbilbrey@centeronhalsted.org. While you’re there, pick up some information about The Center’s counseling options and other programs. You sound as if you need some help getting through this difficult time and that is why The Center was created. boi 29

CHICAGO BARS & CLUBS Boystown / Lakeview

3160 3160 N.Clark G&L, LM,DS Berlin 954 W. Belmont G&L, D, 4 Bobby Love’s 3729 N. Halsted G&L Cell Block 3702 N. Halsted G, LF Bonsai 3503 N. Halsted G&L Cell Block 3702 N. Halsted G, LF Charlie’s 3726 N. Broadway G, D, W Cocktail 3359 N. Halsted G, GB Elixir Lounge 3452 N. Halsted G, 4 Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted G, D, DS, 4 Kit Kat 3700 N. Halsted G&L, DS, R Little Jim’s 3501 N. Halsted G, V, 4 Lucky Horseshoe 3169 N. Halsted G, GB Manhandler 1948 N. Halsted G, W, 4 Minibar 3341 N. Halsted G, R North End 3733 N. Halsted G Roscoe’s 3356 N. Halsted G, D, V, DS Scarlet 3320 N. Halsted G Sidetrack 3349 N. Halsted G, V Smart Bar / Metro 3730 N. Clark MS, D, 4 Spin 800 W. Belmont G&L, V, 4 The Closet 3325 N. Broadway G&L, V, 4

773.327.5969 773.348.4975 773.525.1200 773.665.8064 773.248-0100 773.665.8064 773.871.8887 773.477.1420 773.477.1420 773.975.9244 773.525.1111 773.871.6116 773.404.3169 773.871.3339 773.871.6227 773.477.7999 773.281.3355 773.348.1053 773.477.9189 773.549.4140 773.327.7711 773.477.8533

Chicago Downtown-Near north

Baton Show Lounge 436 N. Clark DS Crimson Lounge 333 N. Dearborn MS, D, R Downtown Bar & Lounge 440 N. State G Dragon Lady Lounge 3188 N. Elston Excalibur/Vision 632 N. Dearborn MS, D, 4 House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn MS, LM, 4 Krush/Prop House 1657 N. Elston G&L, D, 4 Nikki 1543 N. Kingsbury St. MS, D, 4 Second Story Bar 157 E. Ohio G, V

Chicago Northside

The Anvil 1137 W. Granville G, V @mosphere 5355 N. Clark G&L, V, GB Big Chicks 5024 N. Sheridan G&L, D, R

312.644.5269 312.923.2473 312.464.1400 773.267.1970 312.266.1944 312.923.2000 773.486.2390 312.857.5009 312.923.9536 773.973.0006 773.784.1100 773.728.5511

G------------------------------------------------------------------Gay L---------------------------------------------------------------------Lesbian G&L---------------------------------------------------------Gay & Lesbian D-------------------------------------------------------------------Dancing V-----------------------------------------------------------------------Video GB-------------------------------------------------------------Go Go Boys DS--------------------------------------------------------------Drag Show R--------------------------------------------------------Restaurant, Food

30 boi

Chicago Northside CONTINUED

Crew 4804 N. Broadway G&L, V, R 773.784.2739 Davenport’s 1383 N. Milwaukee G&L, LM 773.278.1830 Fat Cat 4849 N. Broadway MS, R 773.506.3100 Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway MS, LM, 4 773.878.5552 Jackhammer 6406 N. Clark G, D, V, GB, LM, 4 773.743.5772 Joi de Vine 1744 W. Balmoral L, R 773.989.6846 Marty’s 1511 W. Balmoral G&L 773.561.6425 Mary’s Attic 5400 N. Clark G&L, D, V, R 773.784.6969 Parlour On Clark 6341 N. Clark 773.564.9274 Mary’s RecRoom 5402 N. Clark G&L, D, V, R 773.784.6969 Scot’s 1829 W. Montrose G&L 773.528.3253 Sidecar Bar 6920 N.. Glenwood 773.764.2826 T’s 5025 N. Clark G&L, R 773.784.6000 The Call 1547 W. Bryn Mawr G&L, D, DS, V, LM 773.334.2525 The Glenwood 6962 N. Glenwood G 773.764.7363 Touché 6412 N. Clark G, V, LF, 4 773.465.7400 Uptown Lounge 1136 W. Lawrence 773.878.1136

Chicago Southside

Inn Exile 5758 W. 65th G&L, D, V Jeffrey Pub 7041 S. Jeffrey G&L, D, V, 4

773.582.3510 773.363.8555

Chicago Suburbs Hideaway 7301 W. Roosevelt Forest Park G, D, V, DS, GB

708.771.4459

Club Krave 13126 S. Western Blue Island G&L, D, V, DS, GB, 4 708.597.8379 Hunters 1932 E. Higgins Elk Grove Village G, D, V, GB, 4

847.439.8840

Mission 209 E. Chicago Downtown Elgin G&L, D, V

847.488.0320

Adult Entertainment

Banana Video 4923 N. Clark G, BK Bijou Theater 1349 N. Wells G, GB, BK Man’s Country 5017 N. Clark G, GB, BH Steamworks 3246 N. Halsted G, BH, FC The Ram 35111/2 N. Halsted G, BK, D

773.561.8322 312.943.5397 773.878.2069 773.929.6080 773.525.9528

4-------------------------------------------------------------Open til 4am MS--------------------------------------------------------Mostly Straight LF---------------------------------------------------------Leather / Fetish W-------------------------------------------------------------------Western LM--------------------------------------------------Live Music / Cabaret BH--------------------------------------------------------------Bath House BK----------------------------------Adult Book, Booth & Video Store FC-------------------------------------------------------------Fitness Club