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AT THE ARTMORE
Historic Charm combined with artful hospitality.
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DOVER
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Cohen Chiropractic Centre
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2140 Peachtree RD NW Suite 203 Atlanta, GA 30309
“If you want to improve your health and have fun doing it, then definitely go here!” -Jessica C
Office: 404.355.5499
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Providing the Attention You Deserve We treat individuals of all ages using both conservative methods & Surgery Visit us at either one of our locations for all your foot and ankle care.
Dr. Vivian C. Iwu & Dr. Jonnica Dozier 2450 Atlanta Highway Suite 402 Cumming, GA 30040 678-807-8320 Specializing in: Foot & Ankle Disorders & Surgery Diabetic Foot Care Complex Wound Care
3280 Howell Mill Rd. NW Suite 326 Atlanta, GA 30327 440-355-3788
www.ChoicePodiatryCenter.com Call either numbers today, Same day appointments available We accept major credit cards & checks
Most major insurance plans are accepted and we are accepting new patients. Appointments are available to you with little to no waiting.
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EDITOR’SNOTE
Hello Atlanta! Often the last thing on everyone’s mind is working out or maintaining healthy habits. Poor habits compounded with unnecessary stress create a perfect storm for your body. We’ve been known to make excuses, avoid the gym or eat poorly. Well SPRING is in the air and everywhere you look we see things are shaping up. It’s time for us to shape up as well! It’s more than just lifting weights or dieting. Maintaining an active lifestyle will make you feel great! This issue explores activity and healthy habits. We at Fenuxe pledge to devote more time each day to what’s most important – our health. We hope that you’ll join us. So turn the page, hop on the elliptical, and discover new ways to acquire the health you deserve. See you in two weeks!
William
William Duffee-Braun Editor-In-Chief
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Published by TW MEDIA GROUP ©2010 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1123 Zonolite Road, Suite 7B, Atlanta, GA 30306 Phone: 404.835.2016 Fax: 404.835.2356 Opinions and claims made by advertisers are those of the advertisers only. Fenuxe accepts no liability for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed in this issue are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency of TW Media Group, LLC.
Publisher TW Media Group, LLC Editor-In-Chief William Duffee-Braun Graphic Art Director Christopher Barker Senior Writer Patrick Saunders Contributing Photographer Louis Lindic Fashion Photographer Steve Thackston (stevethackston.com) Digital Editing Josh Rud (www.lunarimaging.net) Contributing Writers/Editors Jack Mauro, Kelley Pounders, Ernesto Francisco, David Kinney, Adam Morrison, Lucy Dixon
To Advertise, please call 404.835.2016 or visit www.fenuxe.com Any photographs of persons are the responsibility of the submitter who expressly indemnifies Fenuxe Magazine (henceforth “Fenuxe”) and its affiliates against claims for any unauthorized use thereof. In conjunction with this indemnity, the submitter expressly warrants that use of any photos submitted is fully authorized by the subject and photographer. Fenuxe reserves the right to publish submissions of photographs or other images without providing credit for images. Fenuxe does not guarantee that credit will be provided for any material. The appearance of subjects and contributors in photographs or editorial matter in Fenuxe is not to be construed as indicative of the sexual orientation or personal practices of any individual. No implication with respect thereto is intended, and none should be inferred.
David Morris, MD Amy Swartz, MD Rodney Fox, APRN
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FeatureContents 2010.6.5
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David Buer: The Fenuxe Interview
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Tyler Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrity trainer discusses fitness tips and myths
Earbud Breakdown
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Hottest headphones on the market
F.E.N.U.X.E
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Fashion Workout Wardobe Events Playing The Field Nightlife Drink To Your Health Urban Culture Rails & Trails X-plore Living the Life: Costa Rica Eats Kyma
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Gay Atlanta Smoke Out
The rising non-smoking trend
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The Agenda
A complete list of happenings in Atlanta
Midtown Atlanta Directory
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Full feature map of Bars, Clubs, Restaurants, Attractions, etc.
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7 Ways to Live Longer Doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orders
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Fit Fashion
Active and Attractive
Weighty Issues:
Those Boys at The Gym
41
Flashing Lights
40 Crossword Puzzle
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44 Ask Mary In The Stars 46 Humorous advice from Mary Makers-McMark
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C
elebrity trainer David Buer has worked with Tyler Perry, local news anchors, professional athletes and LL Cool J, so you’d never figure he was the fat kid who got picked on at the playground. After surviving the torments of youth as well as a horrific car accident, he rose to national prominence. And now, the gay-friendly fitness guru has an immaculate 4,700 square foot studio in the heart of Buckhead, is a contributing writer to LL Cool J’s upcoming book “Platinum 360 Diet & Lifestyle” and is working on a fitness book with “Blossom” and “Dancing With The Stars” actor Joey Lawrence. Fenuxe talks to Buer about his celebrity clients, fitness tips and myths, working with gay clients, overcoming adversity and making the most out of life. Fenuxe: How did you reach this point in your career as a celebrity trainer? Buer: I was the fattest kid in school growing up and English was my second language, so I was the subject of many jokes.
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I began to find comfort in food, until one day finding my Dad watch Mike Tyson fights on HBO. I started imitating what Mike would do. I started getting into a little bit of trouble so my Dad decided to channel that into boxing. But my Mom said that I could do anything I want in this world---except for fighting. So I gave up boxing for my Mom and my Grandma and moved onto other sports.
achieve their goals regardless of whatever their situation is.
I was fortunate to work alongside some of the top strength and conditioning coaches in the country. I would intern with them and they would give me the perper spective of being an athlete and a trainer at the same time.
Buer: It was my 20th birthday and I was on my way to school and I got into a collision which was quite severe. The car was totaled and whoever had seen the vehicle thought that whoever was driving it didn’t make it. I ended up going through the windshield partially and had lots of scarring and almost lost my left eye.
My first high profile client was Rick Roufus, the 7-time world kickboxing champion. He’s a legend in kickboxkickbox ing. After the success that I had with him, the word got out and I ended up hooking up with Dave “Scooter” Honig, who was best known for his work with LL Cool J. He and I partnered up and started networking together and that allowed me to gain more notoriety and go from there. Fenuxe: Who was your first celebrity client from the enen tertainment world? Buer: Tyler Perry. I helped him prepare for Madea’s Family Reunion and we ended up dropping about 80 pounds for that role. Fenuxe: Which celebrity client stood out or surprised you based on what you had heard about them before actually meeting? Buer: I was surprised with Tyler Perry given that he’s a man that wears many hats and is involved in so many different projects and endeavors. At that time he was writing a book and he had a movie and he was working on TV shows and building a studio. It blew my mind that he was able to juggle all of that and still be successful at what we were trying to achieve. Fenuxe: You’ve got two local news anchors from rival stations on your client list in 11 Alive’s Paul Ossmann and Fox 5’s Amanda Davis. What kind of students are they? Buer: They’re completely different, both are great. Paul has been working with me quite awhile. Since Paul has been working with me, he was the first man to win the U.S. Indoor and Outdoor Masters Track and Field shot put championship in the same year. He’s a character. During his workouts he refers to himself as “The Big Sexy” or “The Big Swole.” And Amanda Davis, she juggles an incredible schedule, being that she’s a Fox 5 news anchor and does a lot of community work. She’s so dedicated and involved with the Atlanta community that for her to be able to wake up every morning and be motivated and dedicated to traintrain ing and to live a healthy lifestyle and be a great example is tremendous. Fenuxe: Do you have any openly gay celebrity clients? Buer: Not openly gay celebrities, no. But I have several gay and lesbian non-celebrity clients. I will help anyone
Fenuxe: You got into a serious car accident several years ago, can you tell me what haphap pened and how you were able to come back from that and prosper?
But worse than the physical scarring, it was emotionally and mentally traumatizing because it had held me up in my training and pursuit of trying to compete for the U.S. Olympic team as a sprinter. So dusting myself off and kind of having to rebuild and restart from that was quite a journey. Fenuxe: What are some of the biggest myths about diet or nutrition? Buer: The most common thing people feel is that you need to eat less in order to lose weight, or they believe that drinking too much water is going to make them gain weight and get fat, or they believe that healthy fats will make them be fat. I understand that the things that life throws at you can cause you to get stressed out and emotional, and sometimes you make bad decisions as far as your eating and other things. But if you slip up, have a short-term memory. Move on from it, don’t try to make up for it. Fenuxe: What are some of the biggest excuses about exercising? Buer: “I don’t have time.” That’s the biggest one. Everybody has time. If you’ve got four minutes, you’ve got time. There’s a million ways to get creative around the house, there’s various forms of training. If you have time to sit down and watch TV or pull into the Starbucks drive-through, you have time to get a quick workout in. People are so quantity-driven as opposed to quality. Make the most out of every moment in life and life will make the most out of you. Same thing applies to exercising: make the most out of every rep and your body and your physical appearance will be where you want it to be.
For more information on David Buer visit www.davidbuerfitness.com
FENUXEMAGAZINE
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Philips Surround Sound Black Earbuds
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Nike Flow Earhook Headphones
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Y
Functionality
Personality
Sound
Philips Surround Sound Black Earbuds $21.99
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Rankings on a scale of 1 = POOR 5 = EXCELLENT
Price
Durability
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TURNON TUNE IN WORKOUT 1
Bose In-Ear Headphones
ou’re on the last three minutes on the treadmill or that one final rep in your set, completely in the zone and the music is pumping. Until it stops.
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Nike Flow Earhook Headphones
$34.95
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5
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Bose In-Ear Headphones
$99.95
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An earbud pops out or the music starts skipping every other word or the cord is so short it keeps popping out of your iPod. Fenuxe thinks you should be rewarded for getting to the gym. Don’t let your headphones catch you by surprise. Here are our selections to keep the music and the workout alive!
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$199.00
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Shure Sound-Isolating $549.99 Earphones
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Philips Active Crystals Amazone Earphones Swarovski Crystal Accents
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Philips Active Crystals Amazone Earphones $149.99 Swarovski Crystal Accents
Bang & Olufsen Earset 3
Push-to-Hear Control
Shure Sound-Isolating Earphones Push-to-Hear Control
Bang & Olufsen Earset 3
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FITFACT
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n addition to headphones, pay attention to what your body needs for a great workout. Did you know a lack of glutathione may be a huge contributor to lack of energy, mental focus, and sleep deprivation? Be healthy. Do your research to find out what is needed to live a better life.
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The exclusive health patented product for energy and protection the key to good health.
David L. Fritsch Metro Atlanta Independent Associate
david.maxgxl.com 404.819.0061 david@max4u.com
We believe you should have more good days than bad days! The world’s most powerful antioxidant is not in a berry, a fruit, or a drink… It’s in your Body!!! Glutathione: The Body’s Master Antioxidant.
F OK, FASHION
so sometimes it takes a ton of motivation to get to the gym. We all know it’s great for our bodies, mind, spirit and so on. Some days, though, it’s a task to get the inspiration. But not if you have a great outfit! One thing we’ve llearned earned is by planning a great outfit, the gym seems totally “do-able”... today at least.
TURNHEADS,BURNCALORIES
So what’s a great wardrobe? How do you turn heads while still getting in a productive workout? Try a few of these:
THEBASICS
1 3 5
$40.00 Puma Shirt Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
THEESSENTIALS THE $13.95 Salomon Socks 1800 Northeast Expy. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
THEACCESSORIES
$149.00 Apple Nano Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
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2 4 6 $29.89 Abercrombie & Fitch Shorts Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
$65.00 Puma Shoes Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
$195.00 RLX Bag Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
E S EVENTS
pringtime in Atlanta teems with wonderful scenes: patio season, shirtless runners on Piedmont and more gay sports leagues than there are group sings on “Glee.”
No matter if you were captain of the football team or lastpicked in dodgeball, there is an LGBT sports league for you. And if you're not ready to jump in or the season has already started, there's a packed schedule through the spring for those who like to watch. You'll find the men and women of the aptlynamed Atlanta Rainbow Trout [see “Flashing Lights” on page 42] at the GA Tech Aquatic Center putting in a swim, a dive or battling it out in water polo. And who doesn't want to find their own little Michael Phelps or Dara Torres? Practices and meets run practically year-round. If nets and rackets are your forte, head to the Glenlake Tennis Center where the Atlanta Team Tennis Association holds open play every Saturday. There are opportunities aplenty to join or form a team and compete against others, straight and gay, throughout the city.
PLAYING
THE FIELD
And speaking of those shirtless runners, Front Runners Atlanta has got you covered with group runs on Saturday mornings and Monday and Wednesday nights. The group gathers after each trek for a postrun meal at an area restaurant so there ARE opportunities to get to know someone after you catch your breath. The hotspot for many reasons this season though is Candler Park on Saturdays. The QB's are tossing bombs, the wide receivers are diving for catches and the all-gay National Flag Football League of Atlanta [see “Flashing Lights on page 43] is bringing the heat through the end of May. If it's fútbol and not football you prefer, the Hotlanta Soccer Association has got you covered. Teams are competing against others (gay and straight alike) in leagues throughout the city. And the spring season might be over for the Hotlanta Volleyball Association but the bumping, setting and spiking continues with open play at Agnes Scott on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Softball might be the ultimate spring sport though if the teams formed by Woofs, BJ Roosters and Crimpers hair salon are any indication. The Hotlanta Softball League battles it out through July before starting up again for “fall ball” in September. Just watch out for the lethal ladies who call themselves the Violent Femmes. Now those are Fenuxe Women! And the scrums are nowhere to be seen till next season for the Atlanta Bucks rugby team, but we've obviously got no shortage of alternatives to get out, get fit and meet a friend or two. A lot of us grew up dreading gym class---now we've got the chance to make up for it and get our game on! Please visit atlantagaysports.com for more information about all these teams. FENUXEMAGAZINE
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N NIGHTLIFE
DRINK TOYOUR
HEALTH
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he Fenuxe Man and Woman can party all night and still maintain a badass figure. Here’s how they do it:
FACT: Often it’s not the choice of alcohol but the mixer that pops the buttons off your Diesels. That means no strawberry daiquiris, no lime mojitos, no sour apple martinis and---though it pains us greatly to say this---no margaritas. Tonic water is a safer bet but soda water is the king of the mixer: 0 calories. FACT: Red wine: Yes, red wine can
be high in calories, but don’t forget those lovely antioxidants! And “they” say red wine can make for a healthy heart in the right doses. So nix the sweet wines if you want to keep the waistline. Stick with a dry red like a Cab or Merlot.
FACT: The Proof is in the Padding. The higher proof the liquor, the more calories. Think you’re tough drinking Bacardi 151, Everclear or Golden Grain? You’re just being tough on your body. And you’re throwing up on my shoes.
SIPTIP Set a drinking budget for the night... and please keep it in the double digits. This will help both your bottom lines look good. A slightly better-for-you drink recipe:
The Fenuxe Fizzy 1 part 3 Vodka 3 parts soda water Splash of cranberry juice Serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice. (ok – if you need something sweeter, try Sprite Zero instead of soda water.) Why do we choose 3 Vodka? This zero carb, zero sugar, zero gluten, zero fat, soy-distilled vodka is the first ever to receive a perfect 100 score taste rating from IBAT (International Beverage Alcohol Testing).
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รท =+ รท + SCHLOEMER BOOKKEEPING x = SERVICES
+
Pam Schloemer, President www.schloemerbookkeeping.com pam@schloemerbookeeping.com p am@schloemerbookeeping.com 770.237.9173
let US do the math
81 Peachtree Place, #4 - Midtown The Palmer House $445,000 2 bedroom/1.5 bath Intown living - almost 2000sf
Glass sunroom off living room & dining room offers stunning Midtown views Original 14' ceilings, mouldings, hardwood floors, butler's pantry & fireplace New kitchen with granite counters & stainless steel appliances Gated/garaged parking & elevator Walk to MARTA & Piedmont Park
215 Mitchell St, #10 Atlanta Historic Gordon Lofts $675,000 2 bedroom/2.5 bath
Luxurious loft style living - almost 4000 sf
Original hardwood floors, 14' ceilings & exposed brick walls throughout Living area & dining on main. Chef's kitchen with Viking & SubZero appliances. Upper level features: library area with fireplace, wet bar, den + media area. Huge master suite with separate study, whirlpool tub & separate shower. Rooftop deck with grill area & downtown city views
Bo Kersey, Realtor Keller Williams Realty, Peachtree Road
www.bosellshouses.com
Direct.404.493.1551 Fax.404.329.2084 *All information deemed accurate, but not guaranteed
U URBAN CULTURE
RAILS + TRAILS The Fenuxe Man and Woman know how to roam. Yes friends, there are better, and often healthier, ways to get around our fair city than by car. The options grow more attractive every day. The amount of trail options has exploded in the last 15 years, thanks primarily to the non-profit PATH Foundation. Want a straight shot from downtown Atlanta to Decatur and back? Hit up the Freedom Park trail for a beautiful 3-mile trek and visit the Decatur Farmer’s Market while you’re at it. Still up for more? Make a beeline eastward down the trail for Stone Mountain Park. You’ll find 12 unforgettable miles full of greenery and scenery. Also, with so many regulars, keep an eye out because you might just make a new friend! Don’t neglect the west though. The Silver Comet Trail kicks off in Smyrna and shoots 60 miles out ALLLL the way to Alabama. Campground and hotel accommodations abound along the way if you want to make a night of it. Otherwise make it a day trip, play as long as you’d like, and you’ll be back on the patio at Joe’s just in time for happy hour. Shifting gears from trails to rails, why not take advantage of MARTA for a change? Midtown station has a new train coming through every 15 minutes to get you where you’re going. Switch trains at Five Points and head eastward to Decatur to try the grilled lollipop lamb chops at the super gay-friendly Parker’s on Ponce. Don’t miss the bus either! A fleet of MARTA buses rumble through nearly 150 routes throughout the city. Whether it’s by bus or rails, using public transportation really makes Atlanta feel like city-living. Plus think of all the calories burned hopping from one point to the next. And nothing has people talking about the future of our city more than the spectacular Beltline project. The 22-mile line is currently under construction and will include a transit system, footpaths and 2,500 acres of redeveloped land and green space. Word has it that a streetcar system is in the works, which would give us a little bit of that San Fran feel, suitable for the NEW gayest city in the nation. It’s about experiencing our beautiful city in alternate ways that could also be beneficial to your health. So whether by foot, bike, bus or train, the B-52’s were right---we really can roam if we want to. But we don’t recommend roller-skating down 10th Street---leave that to the professionals at Blake’s. Additional information available at www.pathfoundation.org www.itsmarta.com www.beltline.org
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X-PLORE
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”
ura vida” is not just a Costa Rican phrase, it’s a philosophy. It’s about perseverance, appreciating life, celebrating the good times and resilience in the face of difficult times. All are qualities that could be attributed to our community.
Costa Rica offers more than just a philosophy: white sand beaches, virgin forests and abundant wildlife both lush and tropical. Muy gay-friendly with great opportunities to hike, swim, surf and mountain climb. This is Rich Coast. This is Costa Rica. Call 1-800-221-1212 to book your Delta flight to Juan Santamaria International Airport just outside of San Jose. It’s such a short flight that you can grab breakfast at the Flying Biscuit and be tipping back a Corona in San Jose by lunchtime. Make your stay in San Jose at Hotel Kekoldi (786-221-9011, Avenida 9, between Calle 5 and 7).
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COSTA RICA
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The Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcรกno Hike is a mystical and enchanting journey with fantastic views near Volcan Arenal. FENUXEMAGAZINE
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Kekoldi is gay-owned and located in a historic Art Deco building which offers a secluded diversion from the hectic streets of San Jose.
TRIPHIGHLIGHTS
For dinner, hit up Cafe Mundo (2222-6190, Calle 15 y Avenida 9, 200m este y 100m norte del INS), a favorite for those looking for a taste of Italian as well as classic Costa Rican dishes. Dinner is done so let’s explore! There’s a gay area of town just south of Central Park that caters to locals and foreigners alike---and it turns more gay as the night wears on! You’ll run into any number of men at La Avispa (506-2223-5343, 250 m. sur de Banco Popular) or El Bochinche (506-221-0500, Calle 11, Ave. 10 y 12) so take your pick of bars, and your time. While you’re in Costa Rica, you have to see the gorgeous Manuel Antonio National Park and an even better-looking gay community. The beach scene is immaculate in Manuel Antonio and neighboring Quepos. You’re walking through the finest white sand by the clearest blue water in all of Costa Rica. And it’s packed with eye candy! The four-hour drive from San Jose is rocky so we suggest the smooth one-hour flight. Fenuxe’s first choice for hotel accommodations is the gay-owned Hotel Villa Roca (506-27771349, Carretera hacia al Parque Nacional, Quepos 6350), a uniquely exotic oasis with generous views of Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific. There are many nearby trails that wind delicately around Punta Catedral offering unforgettable views of the tropical forest that just kisses the high tide line. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, would a view of the sprawling rainforest and the Pacific suit you? Take a seat upstairs at Gato Negro (506-2777-1728). This black cat is definitely good luck. Then it’s on to sunset drinks at the quiet, colorful Salsipuedes (2777-5019, Main road, north of Barba Roja) before stopping by the lively little second floor bar/disco Tutu (506-777-0408, Above Gato Negro, Casitas Eclipse). This is the ultimate Costa Rican night for the gay traveler. Give gay-owned Gecko Trail Adventures a shout. Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, sailing and snorkeling in the cool Pacific, ziplining through the jungle canopy of Cahuita National Park, relaxing in the hot springs while watching volcanoes erupt. Whatever your flavor, the adventure awaits. Embrace all you can in Costa Rica. You’ve got easy travel options, places to stay, fresh cuisine to sample, drinks to finish and beaches, lakes and volcanoes to explore. All in a gay-friendly, hearthealthy way. Embrace pura vida.
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TRAVEL Four hours on a smooth Delta flight and you touch down in San Jose ready to explore.
ACCOMMODATIONS Trust us with Hotel Kekoldi in San Jose and Hotel Villa Roca in Manuel Antonio. Support gayowned businesses!
RESTAURANTS You’ll find exquisite Italian food at Cafe Mundo in San Jose or take in the rainforest and the Pacific views at Gato Negro in Manuel Antonio.
ATTRACTIONS Visit Manuel Antonio National Park then head north to Lake Arenal and Arenal Volcano for the hike of a lifetime!
NIGHTLIFE There’s a gay area just south of Central Park in San Jose where you’ll see locals and foreigners alike at La Avispa or El Bochinche.
TRAVELTIP ATMs are plentiful in Costa Rica and they typically dispense both U.S. dollars and colones. Visa will get you money at almost all ATMs and if you use Mastercard, try the ATMs in the AM/PM supermarkets.
E EATS
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rasping your partner’s hand while dining under a blanket of stars surrounded by crisp whites and blues. Massive pillars of white marble stationed throughout that perfectly frame a gargantuan ice chest full of the reason for your visit: fresh fish. It’s an upscale Greek classic and a welcome atmosphere for our community. It’s Kyma.
F E AT U R I N G
And it’s entirely possible to enjoy all the splendors while watching your waistline. Fenuxe has the agenda.
INSIDEDISH INSIDE DISH Horiatiki Salata 7 oz. Tomato, cut in a large dice 6.5 oz. Cucumber, cut in a large dice 1.5 oz. Green Bell Pepper, sliced 1 oz. Red Onion, sliced 2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 oz. Imported Feta Cheese, ½’’ thick, triangle ¾ tsp. Kosher Salt ½ tsp. Black Pepper, freshly ground ¾ tsp. Red Wine Vinegar Assorted Greek Olives
1. 2. 3. 4.
Slice and dice all vegetables. Place vegetables in a mixing bowl. Season with spices and dress with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Place in a serving dish and top with feta cheese.
Go with a pita spread for starters. Our choice is melitzanosalata, a smooth soiree of eggplant caviar and crumbled walnuts. A tasty, healthier alternative to the other spreads. Now apps, apps, apps---or “meze” if you want to stay in character. Expand your mind and your palette with the wood-grilled octopus, which arrives tenderly with a pickled red onion salad in a red wine vinaigrette. Entree? Simple: love the lavraki. This flaky Greek fish is filleted to fruition giving it a clean, mild flavor dabbed carefully with lemon and olive oil. If firm not flaky is your aim, go with the New Zealand treat the St. Pierre---rich, full-flavored and protein for days. Cap the evening with the homemade yogurt with Greek mountain honey, a tantalizing topping you won’t find anytime soon in the grocery aisle. We’re all set then. Make your reservation, sit amongst the stars, eat well without regret and nod hello to the other gay couples you’re sure to see taking in the spectacle of the contemporarily traditional Greek grandeur of Kyma on Piedmont. For more information on Kyma visit 3085 Piedmont Rd., Atlanta, GA 30305 or you can visit www.kyma.com
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t’s expensive. It’s nasty. It turns your teeth yellow. And no, we’re not talking about Red Bull and vodka.
It’s smoking. Like AIDS, it affects our community much more than others---except smoking has killed 50 times as many people worldwide. Notable gay community center The D.C. Center for the LGBT Community estimates that we smoke at a rate anywhere bebe tween 50% and 200% higher than the straight community. They say this is due in part to tobacco companies aggressively advertising to our community as well as the social stress of living in a society that can be hostile to gay people.
GAY ATLANTA SMOKE
?
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Dr. Jason Schneider is one man that’s not happy about the numnum bers. “It’s really frustrating to me as a physician in the community to see so many young people espeespe cially, smoking,” says Schneider, Immediate Past President of the Gay & Lesbian Medical AssociaAssocia tion and current assistant profesprofes sor at Emory University School of Medicine. Everyone has heard the dangers their entire lives. Smoking has been linked to a variety of lifethreatening medical conditions and numerous forms of cancer. If the obvious health risks don’t sway you, consider this: erectile dysfunction. Schneider counsels a lot of his male patients on quitting smoking as a means of curing E.D. How is that for motivation?! “Quitting smoking is probably the single most important thing you can do for your health,” Schneider says. Luckily, some local LGBT bar owners are trying to do something about it.
First up was Bellissima. Owner Anna Ragghianti bartended at Blake’s for 10 years and inhaled her fair share of second-hand smoke. So she set heads turning when she decided to open up her own place in the old Miss Q’s spot in Amsterdam Walk in May 2008--- making it completely non-smoking. But first they had to get the stench out of Miss Q’s. They pulled out a dirty, smoky, beer-stained carpet, grinded down and polished the concrete floors and cleaned the walls. “When we took pictures down, there were yellow rings on the walls,” says Ragghianti. “There was so much smoke.” With that, the alluring ladies bar opened and Bellissima was in-busiin-busi ness and smoke-free. You’d have to step outside on the tiny walkwalk way outside the bar if you wanted to sneak that cancer stick.. And that was just fine for most customers! The tiny grumbles were drowned out by the cheers from the masses, and Atlanta had its first non-smoking LGBT bar. Business is good, the venue is becoming an attractive event space, customers walk out the door smelling as they did when they walked in and Ragghianti has no regrets. “Even the smokers say they’re glad it’s no smoking,” she says. Regardless, the evidence hasn’t swayed everyevery body. Word has it that a new gay bar is openopen ing up in the old Oscar’s space and smoking will be allowed inside. The space is right across from Mixx, the only other gay bar besides Bellissima to go smoke-free. Mixx opened in June 2009 and not only adopted the non-smoking policy, they used it as a central part of their advertising campaign. Naysayers were quick to cast doubt but the Mixx men weren’t listening. “Since we’ve opened it’s been a very positive impact,” says SeSe nior Manager Ron Haller. The venue has been a favorite destination for gay sports clubs [see “Playing the Field” on page 15] to hold their events, and they’ve heard compliments on karaoke night from singers who say it’s easier on their voices. Mixx is quick to point out that they do not alienate their smoking customers though. For those that can’t go without, there is a sizable smoking patio including space heaters for the cold months. So everyone stays happy and as healthy as they choose at Mixx. They’ll be celebrating their one-year anniversary next month in that clean, fresh environment they created. It’s achievements like these that can create immense changes in our health, says Schneider. “There’s just as much a risk hanging out in bars where people can smoke even if you’re not a smoker,” he says. If more bars would adopt non-smoking policies, Schneider believes it “would have such a huge impact in a positive way in the health of our community.” Hopefully more bars will join Bellissima and Mixx’s initiative. But the bars can only do so much. It’s up to smokers to help themthem selves, and therefore all of us, live longer healthier lives. We all want to be around to witness the victories in our struggle for equality. FENUXEMAGAZINE
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Thursday, May 6 Rialto Center for the Arts, First Thursdays Downtown Artswalk, 5PM Atlanta Botanical Garden, Cocktails in the Garden, 6PM Alan Avery Art Company, Buckhead Art Walk, 7PM Bellissima, Open Mic Thursday, 7:30PM The W Midtown, Indulge, 9PM Burkhart’s, Princess Charles’ Fashionistas, 11:30PM Friday, May 7 Metro Market Atlanta, Artist & Farmers Market Opening Day, 10AM Virginia-Highlands, Va-Hi Spring Tree Walk, 1PM Fernbank Museum, Martinis & IMAX, 6:30PM Historic West End, Atlanta West Fest, 7PM Onstage Atlanta, “Christina Darling,” 8PM The Tabernacle, Comedians of Chelsea Lately, 8PM The Gold Room, Kaskade, 10PM Straits, First Fridays Cabaret with Princess Charles, 10:30PM Saturday, May 8 Theaters Nationwide, “Mother and Child” starring Annette Bening John Howell Park, Saturday Run with Front Runners Atlanta, 8AM Glenlake Tennis Center, Open Play with Atlanta Team Tennis Association, 1PM Mary’s, Hot Mess! Party, 9PM My Sisters Room, Girl Kraze Saturdays, 10PM Blake’s, Jealouse’s Daring Divas, 11PM Sunday, May 9 Las Margaritas, Papi’s Brunch, 11AM Woofs, Game Day, 12PM Joia, Charlie Brown’s Sunday Brunch, 12PM Friends on Ponce, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, 4PM Blake’s, The Armorettes, 8PM Burkhart’s, Mary Edith Pitts’ Sunday Spectacular, 9PM Monday, May 10 YouthPride, Empowered Forum, 6:30PM John Howell Park, Monday 28
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Run with Front Runners Atlanta, 7:15PM Woofs, Texas Hold ‘Em, 7:30PM Nickiemoto’s, Dragamaki, 8:30PM The Heretic, Service Industry Night, 10PM Tuesday, May 11 Vinocity, AGLCC Business Builder Luncheon, 11:55AM The New Order, Free Pool, 12PM Positive Impact, Free STD Screenings, 2PM CNN Center, Nutrition & Health Conference & Public Forum, 7PM Center Stage, Corinne Bailey Rae, 7PM Cowtippers, Ultimate Music Challenge, 8PM Shout, The Sophisticated Ladies of Atlanta Cabaret Show, 10:30PM Wednesday, May 12 SOHO, AGLCC Business Builder Luncheon, 11:45AM Virginia-Highlands, Cotillion Dineout, 4PM Jungle, PALS “Sex & The City” Bingo, 6:30PM Charis, Exploring Genders Through Reading, 7PM My Sisters Room, Spotlight Karaoke, 10PM Thursday, May 13 The Loft, OK Go, 7:30PM Center Stage, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, 8:30PM The W Midtown, Indulge, 9PM Burkhart’s, Princess Charles’ Fashionistas, 11:30PM Friday, May 14 Bellissima, Friday Happy Hour, 6PM Fernbank Museum, Martinis & IMAX, 6:30PM Castleberry Hill Neighborhood, Second Friday Art Stroll, 7PM Ten Pin Alley, Synchronicity! Feat. DJ Francisco, 9PM Club Miami, Friday Night Live with Traxx, 10PM Blake’s, Kitty LeClaw’s Meow Mix, 11PM Saturday, May 15 Candler Park, Flag Football with NFFLA, 9:45AM Bessie Branham Park, Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes, 10AM Browns Mill Golf Course,
Atlanta Harlequins 10th Annual Golf Classic, 1PM FROGS, Save the Boobies breast cancer fundraiser, 4PM Variety Playhouse, Shelby Lynne, 7PM Aaron’s Ampitheatre at Lakewood, Tim McGraw & Lady Antebellum, 7PM Frederick Brown Ampitheatre, Village People & Gloria Gaynor, 8PM Opera, DJ Martin Page, 10PM Sunday, May 16 Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, “Substitute Teacher” exhibit ends, 12PM Woofs, Game Day, 12PM Joia, Charlie Brown’s Sunday Brunch, 12PM Philips Arena, Atlanta Dream Home Opener, 7PM Monday, May 17 LeBuzz, Margarita Mondays, 5PM YouthPride, Trans and Friends, 6:30PM Nickiemoto’s, Dragamaki, 8:30PM Jungle, Stars of the Century, 10:30PM Tuesday, May 18 Cowtippers, AGLCC Business Builder Luncheon, 11:55AM FROGS, My Big Fat Gay Bingo, 7PM Nonna Mia, 2 For 1 Tuesdays, 7PM Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, Author K.M. Soehnlein, 7:30PM Cowtippers, Ultimate Music Challenge, 8PM Mary’s, Mary-oke, 9PM Wednesday, May 19 Doubletree Hotel Northlake, AGLCC Business Builder Luncheon, 11:55AM Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Indulgence 2010: A Global Taste, 6PM John Howell Park, Wednesday Run with Front Runners Atlanta, 6:30PM Mixx, Comedy Video Night, 9PM The Glenn, Girls on Top female DJs, 9PM My Sisters Room, Spotlight Karaoke, 10PM Please contact the organizations directly for more information.
t. hS
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MIDTOWN ATLANTA
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1. Amsterdam- 502 Amsterdam Avenue 2. Bellissima- 560 Amsterdam Avenue 3. Blake’s On The Park- 227 10th Street NE 4. Brushstroke’s- 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE 5. Bulldog’s- 893 Peachtree St NE 6. Burkhart’s-1492 Piedmont Avenue NE 7. Eagle Atlanta- 308 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE 8. Einstein’s- 1077 Juniper St. NE 9. Felix’s- 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE 10. F.R.O.G.S.- 931 Monroe Dr. 11. Hobnob- 1551 Piedmont Ave. NE 12. Joe’s On Juniper- 1049 Juniper Street NE 13. Mixx- 1492 Piedmont Ave. NE 14. 3 Legged Cowboy- 931 Monroe Drive 15. Outwrite Bookstore- 1510 Piedmont Ave. NE
Not Shown On Map: BJ Roosters- 2345 Cheshire Bridge Road Chaparral- 2715 Buford Highway Cowtipper’s- 1600 Piedmont Ave. NE Friends on Ponce- 736 Ponce De Leon Ave. The Heretic- 2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Jungle- 2115 Faulkner Road Las Margaritas-1842 Cheshire Bridge Road NE LeBuzz- 585 Franklin Road Mary’s- 1287 Glenwood Ave. Model-T- 699 Ponce De Leon Ave. My Sister’s Room- 1271 Glenwood Ave. Opus One- 1086 Alco Street Tripps- 1931 Piedmont Circle Woofs- 2425 Piedmont Ave. NE
FENUXEMAGAZINE
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Stop smoking. Now. Cigarette smoking is known to contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, vascular disease, emphysema, lung cancer and premature skin aging. If you are a smoker, quitting is the single most important thing you can do to affect your health in the future. There are prescription and over-thecounter medications available to assist you. Do it today. [see “Gay Atlanta Smoke Out?” on page 31] Take a vacation. Chronic stress is bad for your health. Stress decreases your immunity, impedes your brain function and causes long term changes in your body that lead to premature aging. Long term stress can also cause hormone and vitamin deficiencies, sleep disturbances and depression. You’ll work better and smarter after you have rested and restored your body. Also remember that exercise is the best medicine for stress and can help you decrease the harmful effects of stress. Avoid manufactured foods. Man-made and modified substances such as hydrogenated oils (trans fats), aspartame (NutraSweet) or other artificial sweeteners and refined sugars can all contribute to poor health, less energy and weight gain. Take a fish oil supplement. There is good medical evidence to support that fish oil supplementation in dosages of at least 4 grams a day can help lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, protect against heart disease and help prevent type 2 diabetes. I recommend a pharmaceutical grade fish oil that is mercury free. The oil is available in capsule form and is usually well tolerated. Get enough sleep. Sleep is when your body heals itself and when your mind integrates long term memories. You need at least 8 hours of good quality sleep each night to restore your body. Sleep deficits are cumulative and contribute to chronic stress, memory loss, accidents and poor job performance.
Get a physical. You take your car in for scheduled maintenance, why not yourself? If you only had your car serviced when something went wrong, how long will it last? And you can’t trade your body for a new model. See a doctor familiar with functional and regenerative (“antiaging”) medicine to maximize the information available to you to maintain your health.
7 DOCTOR’S ORDERS
WAYS TO LIVE
LONGER Dr. Paul E. Cox, MD Board certified physician Paramount Family Medicine Medical Director of Blue MedSpa. www.paulcoxmd.com www.bluemedspa.com
Take Vitamin D3 supplements. Vitamin D3 is necessary for your body to absorb calcium for strong bones and has also been shown to decrease your risk of cancer, respiratory infections, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Your physician can check your vitamin D3 level at your next yearly physical. FENUXEMAGAZINE
31
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W
alking into a gym after a lengthy absence is akin to going to the dentist. You know you have to do it. You know it’s for the best. But honestly, wouldn’t you rather not have to go? If only we all had perfect teeth. And perfect abs. Well, as the saying goes, none of us is perfect so you tighten your grip on your gym bag and head to the counter to face the young, lean hottie receptionist.
I spent my first several days at the gym solely on the treadmill. Why? Because I didn’t understand the complexity of the other machines, like how to make them start. And don’t even talk to me about the weight machines with all their gadgets, gears, and cables. So I trekked along on the treadmill like a gerbil in a wheel. Only I kept my eyes to the floor. I was sure that everyone else in the place had the same lean beautifully cut muscles as the attendant at the counter. I believed that if I didn’t ask any questions or make eye contact with anyone, I would be invisible. No one would notice me trod trod trodding away. One day a friend mentioned that she was thinking of joining a gym. I grasped her arm and said, “It’s great! It’s done wonders for me. Join my gym and we can go together.” Yes! A workout friend. Never mind that they are a few pounds lighter and a year or so younger. I recommend everyone get a gym buddy. The day we both went together for the first time, I was pleased that I could introduce my friend to the various opportunities afforded the gym. “Here’s the counter where you sign in and there are the treadmills.” My outgoing friend immediately struck up a conversation with the attendant who eagerly handed us lists of classes, training sessions, and lessons on how to use the machines. Classes? I signed up immediately.
BE NOT AFRAID:
GYM MYTHS
REVEALED
First of all let me say that the machines are not rocket science. They have simple quick start or more customized options for setting your workout goals. The weight machines are a little more complex but once you get an idea of how much you’re comfortable working, it becomes second nature to make simple adjustments quickly.
After taking a few lessons, I began to notice that not everyone had legs like Beyoncé. In fact, most of the folks were just plain…well regular folks. Taking the lessons also gave me the confidence I needed to expand my workout repertoire. Changing things up made the routines more enjoyable. I looked forward to a different program each visit. My favorite machine is the elliptical but some days I am just happy to trod along on the treadmill watching Oprah and listening to Lady Gaga on my iPod. As my comfort level increased at the gym, one area I never moved beyond was the changing room. Even though my body is morphing into a newer tighter form, I am still not one of those who chats with strangers while stripping down to my personals. I’ve always been amazed at the nonchalance displayed by people as they peel off layer after layer until they are totally nude. Unlacing my shoes is about as far as I can go in public. I always change clothes in the private little changing rooms. Alone. Thank you very much. Now don’t think for a minute that I’ve gone to the gym religiously or even daily without missing a few days. In fact I went for a few of weeks without circling the gym parking lot looking for a coveted space. (Don’t you just love the people who park as close as possible to the door and then run 8 miles on the treadmill?) When I returned to the gym after the hiatus, I have to admit I did so at a bit of a crawl. I knew I’d slacked off and was going to have to pay with fresh aches and pains. But to my surprise my body sprang back into the saddle. It felt gooood to use those muscles again. I am not saying that everyone should take a break once in a while but it allowed my body to recharge and I left the gym that day feeling stronger than ever. There is a lot of research about endorphins relieving stressors, lower blood pressure, higher mood elevations, and many other benefits of physical exercise. The main payback for me is a blending of mental and physical strength. I have taken charge of my body. This has resulted in a tremendous feeling of empowerment and self assurance. And the flatter tummy is mighty fine too. FENUXEMAGAZINE
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PERSPECTIVES
WEIGHTY I S S U E S:
Those Boys at The Gym BY JACK MAURO
C
hoosing a gym in Atlanta? Here’s what your sensible friends will tell you: it’s about the gym, not the men who use it. Don’t be swayed by the sensationally hot guys you see entering and exiting the gyms on your list. Don’t consider how the LA Fitness at Ansley Mall draws enough onlookers to fill a set of bleachers. Don’t give a thought to that amazing jock at the Gym of Buckhead or the swimmers bodies gracing Gravity Fitness with their presence. Your gym membership should be determined by your fitness goals, right? It should be about what each site offers in the way of equipment and training, affordability and – this is crucial – location, location, location. You will want to get there on a regular basis and with minimal effort. These are the factors the smart gay man shuffles as he weighs his gym options. Sexier men here than at that other place? No. Let’s be clear-headed about this. Don’t let the joys of checking out superior specimens distract you. This is about your health, your ideal workout regimen, your life!
But then again... There’s a strong argument to be made for working out in a space where your fellow men are easy on the eyes. Simply put, you’ll try harder. You’ll want to be more like them, or you’ll want them seeing you in the same, complimentary light. Yes, following your routine and doing the right number of sets and lifts in an isolated environment is certainly possible. For some, it’s even more desirable. But that fortunate crowd is blessed with a degree of concentration and a fixity of purpose many of us lack. For this activity and in this venue, being one of the herd can be an encouraging and constructive thing. Keep your eye on the noble reasons to select your gym, but don’t erase the name of that place boasting the incredible men. Like the equipment, like the location, it’s a viable asset. Because, gay or straight, we like to hold our own in front of our fellow men. If we’re noticing how great that guy by the lat pull looks, we want the man doing the bicep curls to think we look pretty good, too. And the best means to that end is doing the solid workout you came there for in the first place. Checking out hot jocks as inspiration? Absolutely. It’s good to be gay.
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Dear Mary, I’m a smoker. I’ve been trying to quit but I really enjoy it. I met this great guy at a bar, and before I could light up he made a comment about the guy smoking next to us and how gross it was. Somehow I made it through the rest of the night without lighting up. We’ve been out several times since then and I really like him, but it’s killing me not to smoke when we’re spending hours (and sometimes nights) together. I’m not ready to quit, but I can’t quit him. What should I do? Sincerely, Burning Love
Dear Burning Love, First, if your love is burning, it’s time to have that looked at. Second, and I hate to say this, but this guy has a really good point. Have you ever gone a few hours without smoking and then kissed a smoker? It’s like licking an ashtray. I won’t lecture you on the health issues here because you already know them. The whole crux of your problem involves the simple truth of how selfish smoking is---it’s an unhealthy habit that we force others to suffer through every time we light up. The answer is simple and clear: he has to start smoking, too. Two smokers can kiss without issue because they both have soggy cigarette breath already, and therefore won’t notice it in their partner. If this turns into a long-term relationship, the two of you can share oxygen canisters and buy matching voice boxes. I think your best bet is a two-phased approach. One, get him hooked; two, talk it up. Phase one involves the subtle application of nicotine patches all over his body when he isn’t looking. During an intimate moment, feign a spanking fetish (or just indulge yours) and, with every pat on his behind, plant the seeds of his addiction. Phase two, and this is crucial, you need to present smoking for what it is: something that makes you instantly cooler. This is a proven fact, and one in which any boy between 12 and 15 will confirm. Show him the Marlboro Man ads--that guy seems sexy and hip, and he’s always got a cigarette.
If you’ve got a problem for Mary to solve, e-mail her at mary@fenuxe.com. Mary is in no way qualified to give advice to others, and that is why we love her.
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FENUXEMAGAZINE
All of this should work on a small scale for you, but the real issue is that there will always be someone around who discriminates against smokers. Due to the pervasive smear campaigns against tobacco companies in the late 20th Century, smoking has gotten an unfair rap. It’s time to turn the tides. Nicotine for all! Viva la cigarette!
Love, Mary Makers-McMark
PhD Gay Male/Straight Female Relationships and HBIC
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