Next 081116 issue 351 by Multi-Media Platforms

CONTENTS AUGUST 11, 2016 | VOL 351

16. LIP SERVICE

50 of pop culture's most memorable mustaches, past and present

THE NEXUS

10. Gay D.D. 12. What's Next | 7 LGBT Athletes To Look For in Rio

FEATURES 26. Spotlight: A Bubbly Summer, Hard Core Sodas

NEXT STEPS 29. Travel: Romantic Experiences in Yaeyama Islands 36. Fitness: The Ideal Body

NEXT WEEK

39. Calendar of Events

ON THE COVER:

Colton Ford

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inside. 08-11-2016 Issue 351 PUBLISHER

Kevin Hopper EDITORIAL

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THE

GAY D D Â· WHAT'S NEXT

LGBT

ATHLETES TO LOOK FOR IN

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COMMENT OF THE WEEK:

“This study showed that no matter what the color of your skin or where you were born, our genetic makeup is 99.9% identical to every person on the face of the earth. The other 0.1% is Donald Trump.” - Barbra Streisand

AUGUST 11, 2016

GOT GAY-TENTION DEFICIT DISORDER?

From the hot topics to the hot messes, here’s what you may have missed last week.

BRITNEY IN BED Jimmy Kimmel loves a good prank. Remember when Rihanna woke him up in the middle of the night with a sexy dance? Well this time, it was Britney’s turn when she showed up with a bevy of sexy, half naked male dancers in Kimmel’s boudoir. Watch the hilarious video on nextmagazine.com. GET BETTER SOON, BIANCA! One of our favorite queens, Bianca del Rio, posted a heartbreaking note today on her Instragram. Her post read, “Just wanted to let everyone know that this week, I am undergoing 10

vocal surgery. I will be out of commission for a few weeks. Sadly, I had to cancel several upcoming events,(which I never do).” Get better soon, Bianca! GAY LEADING MAN During an interview with GQ Style, Jared Leto talked about the conservative business Hollywood still is today. “I think a gay leading man would have the same opportunities as a straight leading man? I don’t think that,” he said. “Not for a single second. I don’t know if that’s offensive or not, but that’s my thought right now. It shouldn’t be that way.

I don’t think you’ll have as many opportunities.” CLOSET CASE In her new book, The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo, Amy Schumer talks about dating a closeted gay man and how it adversely affected her. “I recently learned that a guy I’d been in love with and had dated in the past was gay,” she writes. “Even though it had been a while since we had dated, it still broke my heart when he came out to me. And it made me begin to question myself. This person who made me feel beautiful and sexy for so long was attracted to men.”

SPORTS

RIO OLYMPICS

2016

LGBT

ATHLETES

TO LOOK FOR BY STEPHAN HORBELT & DOMINIC PRESTON

The 2014 Sochi games saw half a dozen gay athletes compete, and Rio is guaranteed to trump that number.

WHAT’S MARIE-EVE NAULT Soccer The Canadian soccer defender plays for the women’s national soccer team. She was initially selected as an alternate, excluding her from the 18-woman squad. However, after two teammates were injured in the group stage, Nault was selected as a replacement. TOM BOSWORTH Race-Walk This UK athlete, 26, also came out late last month, only the second British track and field star to do so (after hurdler Robert Newton in ‘04). He’s said his fellow athletes have been supportive: “They soon realized there was nothing to be concerned about and all was perfectly normal.” TOM DALEY Diving Daley, 22—famously engaged to Hollywood screenwriter Dustin Lance Black last October—has qualified to compete in multiple events at this year’s Olympics. At London in 2012, he walked away with a bronze medal in the 10-meter platform. MAARTJE PAUMEN Field Hockey Dutch field hockey player, who plays as midfielder for Dutch club HC Den Bosch. She also plays for the Netherlands national team and she was part of the Dutch squad that became World Champions in 2006. She is openly lesbian. Paumen was selected as FIH Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012. ROBBIE MANSON Rowing This kiwi athlete, who has been out since ‘14, qualified for Rio when he and doubles partner Chris Harris won bronze at the World Rowing Championships in France. Rio will be Manson’s second Olympics. “I hope that my story can add something to what is already out there,” he says. MEGAN RAPINOE Soccer Despite tearing an ACL last December, this star of our women’s soccer team says her dreams of Rio are far from dead, insisting, “This blonde ain’t gone!” Time will tell whether Rapinoe finds herself on the team’s finalized roster. SAM SENDEL Trampoline When this 24-year-old came out in 2014, she set out to inspire other LGBT athletes, and has since worked with the Canadian Olympic Committee and other north-of-our-border organizations to increase gay-inclusive efforts. “I’m hoping it will help prevent the younger generations from feeling like they need to hide who they are,” she says. “That was a big issue for me. N

Lip Service 50 of pop cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most memorable Mustaches, past and present

By Mikey Rox

ustache culture has lost its edge over the past few years, thanks to the peak-and-valley trend taking on a new identity as a marketing gimmick. (Thanks a lot, hipsters!) What was once a symbol of masculinity and maturity—growing in your upper lip like you made puberty your bitch—is today plastered in cartoonish design across coffee mugs, shower curtains and ironic T-shirts. You can even make mustache-shaped ice cubes using pricey silicone trays—and that just makes us side-eye. Yet the real offense is that nowadays every 20-something vegan penny-farthing-rider who hand-dips his own beeswax votives and reads the newspaper on a stick sports one of our favorite facial hair styles—without giving an iota of props to those who blazed the bushy trail before them. So we’ll do it instead. 17

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50. Billy Dee Williams Not only did he portray Lando Calrissian in two Star Wars films, but he endorsed Colt 45 in the ‘80s. BDW, you’re cool in our book. 49. Kurt Russell Goldie Hawn’s live-in lover since 1983 gives damn good Wyatt Earp.

his identity that he was barely recognizable after fellow Bravo star Bethenny Frankel took an electric razor to it in December 2013. 44. Colton Ford When you finally old enough to appreciate manon-man vids it was this hirsute hottie’s mustache that made your daddy issues feel as fresh as the wong is long.

48. Yosemite Sam The only proper ginger on our list, Bugs Bunny’s gun-slingin’ archnemesis made his first official appearance—walrus ’stache and hair-trigger temper to boot—in May 1945.

43. Cary Elwes The actor’s first big Hollywood movie was none other than The Princess Bride, in which he sported the most dainty of upper-lip warmers.

47. Seth Bogart He has one foot in the audio world, having released music with Gravy Train!!!! and Hunx and his Punx; the other sits in the fashion world, defined by his work with local pop-up Wacky Wacko. Both feet support a perfectly shellacked ‘do and pencil ‘stache.

42. Damon Wayans Jr. The eldest son of comedy royalty Damon Wayans, DWJ—who models his grin after dear ol’ dad’s— has forged his own Hollywood path with starring roles in ABC’s Happy Endings and Fox’s New Girl, plus next year he’ll provide the voice to Wasabi in Disney XD’s Big Hero 6: The Series.

46. JD Samson She’s best known as a member of the bands Le Tigre and MEN, as an internationally booked DJ, and as a general badass of the modern queer community.

41. Adam Lambert Lambert’s no Freddie Mercury—in sound or ‘stache—but he has become a solid frontman for Queen, with whom he’s been collaborating since 2011.

45. Reza Farahan This Shahs of Sunset cast member’s substantial black-as-tar face fuzz has become such a part of

40. John Oates Half of the duo behind such ‘80s hits as “Maneater”

38 29

34 and “Private Eyes,” Oates was always cooler than Daryl Hall. We’re pretty sure he has the mustache to thank for it. 39. Tom Hardy Four words: Tom Hardy as Bronson. 38. James Franco The “is he or isn’t he?” actor/filmmaker likes to keep us on our toes regarding his sexuality, recently telling New York magazine that he’s “a little gay” (*eyeroll*), but there’s one thing we’re sure of: this King Cobra producer and star’s ‘stache can experiment all over our face whenever it wants. 37. Michael B. Jordan We’ll totally forgive you for Fantastic Four, Michael, if you promise to deliver more KOs like Creed. 36. Cheech Marin As one-half of America’s beloved stoner duo Cheech and Chong, Marin’s bushy upper-lip caterpillar surely smells of the good stuff. 35. Josh Hartnett At 37, Hartnett’s ‘stache has finally evolved from barely there to don’t mind if we stare. It’s just too bad his acting career isn’t on pace; his most recent gig—Showtime’s Penny Dreadful—just ended its run with a third-season series finale that no one expected.

33 34. Colin Farrell A proponent of same-sex marriage equality in his native Ireland—at one point penning an open letter supporting his gay brother, Eamon—Farrell proved he’s a pro at giving mustache rides in his sex tape with model Nicole Narain. 33. Borat There are two things we remember about Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat character: his Selleck-ian ’stache and that traffic-stopping chartreuse mankini. 32. Albert Einstein The German-born physicist whose name is synonymous with science gave grandpas everywhere license to live facially untamed with his own wild and unruly mustache. 31. Fu Manchu An archetype of the evil genius, this character of film, TV, comics and radio actually has his very particular style of ‘stache named after him. 30. Rollie Fingers You’d be hard-pressed to find a sturdier handlebar than the one this National Baseball Hall of Famer waxes nostalgic to this day. 29. Zorro Created in 1919 by Johnston McCulley, this masked (and mustachioed) crusader was the secret identity

LIP

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22 26 28 21 of Don Diego de la Vega, portrayed by more than a dozen Hollywood greats, including Douglas Fairbanks, George Hamilton and Antonio Banderas. 28. Ron Jeremy Before the internet introduced us to gay porn, you likely beat off to your dad’s old VHS tapes starring this guy, the portly adult film star (nicknamed “The Hedgehog”—don’t ask!) whose orchestrated bedroom styling’s have claimed the dignity of more than 4,000 women. 27. Gomez Addams This ghoulish patriarch—originally a cartoon character for The New Yorker in the 1930s—didn’t sport a ‘stache until he made the leap to television, where he was embodied by John Astin. Later, in the films, the late Raúl Julia kept the fuzz. 26. Mark Twain He’s the literary world’s most famous salt-andpepper stache, still responsible for forcing high schoolers to crack open the classics. 25. Sammy Davis Jr. Affectionately known as Mister Show Business, he came into his own as a member of the famous Rat Pack before going on to host his eponymous variety show and recording the number one hit “The Candy Man.”

24. Sean Penn With or without a crumb-catcher, the Milk star has always looked a little weathered, though we prefer him as a death-row inmate to a surfer-dude doobie lover. 23. Johnny Depp Clean-shaven for much of the 1980s, Depp tested the whiskery waters throughout the ’90s before going full bro-stache in the aughts. Today, the only time you’ll see him without one is when he’s in character, as with the Mad Hatter in Disney’s Alice franchise. 22. Sam Elliott It’s no wonder this actor’s four-decade-plus acting career has seen its fair share of frontiersman roles. Elliott’s horseshoe mustache and family heritage— one of his relatives apparently fought in the Battle of the Alamo—make him well-suited for Hollywood Westerns. 21. Steve Harvey The man, the myth, the mustache. This “Original King of Comedy” is a 13-time NAACP Image Award winner, and his stint as the host of Family Feud has raised the on-again/off-again game show to the third most watched on television behind Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! (That flub while hosting the Miss Universe pageant notwithstanding.)

15 19 14 17

20. The Beatles If you can believe it, there’s a Beatles Moustache Index online—however unrefined—chronicling the band’s foray into facial fur, starting with Ringo in 1962. The other three Beatles didn’t don theirs ‘til late 1966. 19. Alex Trebek Fun fact: There’s now an entire generation who will never know Alex Trebek with hair on his lip. The veteran Jeopardy! host wore his signature lower brow for 30 years before shaving it off in 2001. 18. Lionel Richie Did you know: While much of the Middle East has an awkward relationship with the U.S., Arab states like Iraq hold a torch for Richie and his long-tenured lip décor. In 2006, ABC News’ John Berman reported that “Grown Iraqi men get mistyeyed by the mere mention of his name. ‘I love Lionel Richie,’ they say.” 17. “Got Milk?” Campaign The campaign ran for 21 years starting in 1993 (discontinued in 2014 in favor of the forgettable “Milk Life” ads) and featured a diverse roster of popular celebs wearing chalky cookie-dusters, including David Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Suze Orman, to name a few.

16. Nick Offerman Offerman stole our hearts as Parks and Recreation’s sometimes-sentimental everyman Ron Swanson—whose lip toupée is among the best we’ve ever seen—but it was only when we discovered he’s a teddy bear in real life (married to gaycon Megan Mullally) that he earned our five-star rainbow rating. 15. Little Richard Here’s a guy who has done more than shake, rattle and roll the foundation of rock music; he’s also inspired every pencil mustache to come thereafter. Good golly, Miss Molly, indeed. 14. Groucho Marx Known for his quick wit and innuendo-laced patter, Groucho—one-fifth of the successful family comedy act the Marx Brothers—established his signature mustachioed character with greasepaint in the early 1920s before growing the real deal in his later career. 13. Ned Flanders Homer Simpson’s overly religious neighbor, with chipper catchphrases like “Okilly dokilly!” and “HeyDiddly-Ho!” has only parted with his push broom a few times in the show’s 27-year history, once when Homer implied that people were mocking his ‘stache behind his back.

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10 12. Hulk Hogan He’s more recently known as the guy whose sex tape took down media giant Gawker, but Hogan’s famous blonde horseshoe ‘stache makes him one of professional wrestling’s most iconic characters. 11. Teddy Roosevelt The former president and current guardian of New York’s Museum of Natural History (in statue form) has the dubious distinction of having the largest mustache on the planet: Its carved-granite depiction on Mount Rushmore is 20 feet wide and about five feet tall. 10. Tom of Finland’s Kake The world’s most famous gay erotica artist, born Touko Laaksonen, basically crafted the template of the gay man of the ‘70s when in 1968 he created Kake, a dark-haired leatherman sporting a mustache, a tight white tee and his trusty motorcycle. 9. Lyft OK, so it’s not a legitimate mustache—in fact, it’s called a Glowstache by Lyft insiders—but you’ve got to hand it to the ride-sharing service on its clever branding. The company has made it easy to spot its vehicles in a sea of taxis when your vision is less 20/20 and more 20-proof.

8. Charlie Chaplin His toothbrush mustache—that today is practically synonymous with his name—came in handy during the rise of Hitler (who sported a similar style), which the silent-era star used to his advantage to parody the world’s biggest asshole in the 1940 film The Great Dictator. 7. Burt Reynolds Sometimes the man makes the mustache, and sometimes the mustache makes the man. The verdict’s still out in this case, since you can’t have one without the other. Few men had bigger star power in the ‘70s than Reynolds, star of Smokey and the Bandit, Cannonball Run and Boogie Nights, and who can forget that notorious Cosmopolitan spread, where he was decked out in nothing but a mustache … and a smile. 6. Frida Kahlo Kahlo, whose revealing self-portraits effectively capture her physical and psychological suffering, had affairs with both men and women—and she didn’t shave for any of them. 5. Clark Gable Often referred to as the King of Hollywood, Gable is the epitome of what a leading man is supposed to be—complete with a smoldering gaze, come-hither smirk and tightly trimmed tickler that frankly doesn’t give a damn.

3 1 4. Salvador Dalí Indicative of his flamboyant personality and grandiose behavior, Dalí’s mustache manipulations (he once fashioned it into an infinity symbol for a photo shoot) became a trademark of his appearance beginning in the 1920s. Influenced by 17th century Spanish master painter Diego Velázquez, the surrealist’s mustache was voted in a British Movember poll as the most famous of all time, edging out Hulk Hogan’s handlebar by 6%.

rently plays on the CBS series Blue Bloods), Selleck has spent three decades redefining how to rock a serious ‘stache with class and panache. In fact, one of the only times you’ll see this sex symbol without his legendary mouth mirkin is in In & Out, still one of mainstream Hollywood’s few attempts at a comedic “gay movie,” which in its day (the not-so-distant 1997) was widely noted for its 10-second kiss between the former California Army National Guard sergeant and co-star Kevin Kline.

3. Freddie Mercury There’s a laundry list of reasons to appreciate the genius that was Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, starting with any one of his band’s 15 albums, but not least of which was the time he told an audience full of admiring, screaming fans that a lot of people hated his mustache—but he didn’t give a fuck. “It’s my mustache, and I’m gonna keep it!” he exclaimed before a crowd that only went wilder for the posthumous Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer.

1. John Waters Yeah, we’re totally biased; we admit it. But even the best argument against gay filmmaking and fashion icon John Waters reigning supreme, as pop culture’s most memorable mustache is about as thin as his own renowned pencil-thin facial hair. The Polyester director brought his suave style to the forefront in the early 1970s as a young auteur in Baltimore. That ‘stache isn’t all God’s work, however. Waters relies on a little (perhaps Divine) intervention, filling in his closely clipped mouth coif with Maybelline Velvet Black eyeliner. Totally mondo trasho. N

2. Tom Selleck As private investigator Thomas Magnum on Magnum, P.I. in the 1980s; as Dr. Richard Burke on position enjoy working out certain parts Friends inWhatever the ’90s; as casino owner you A.J. Cooper on Las Vegas the late 2000s; andenhance as police yours and your partner’s of inyour body can commissioner Frank Reagan (the role he cur-

sexual pleasure.

A Bubbly Summer We’ve peeled back the caps and tabs on six brands of popular hard sodas to uncover the cream of the pop-tops BY MIKEY ROX

ard sodas—that is, fizzy beverages with an alcohol content, for the yet unfamiliar—are having something of a moment. In the past 18 months, brands like Not Your Father’s, Henry’s Hard Soda and Best Damn have infiltrated bars and home fridges, stealing market share from traditional beers and those still-trendy hard ciders that rose to prominence just a few years back. And it’s easy to see why: they’re fun, tasty and even a bit nostalgic. “While hard sodas may have initially hit the scene in spring last year, they have recently gained major traction,” says Trisha Antonsen, chief cocktail officer at Drizly. com, a packaged-alcohol delivery service that serves Los Angeles. “At about 5% ABV, flavors such as root beer, ginger ale and orange soda promise more than just a sugary buzz.” While that sounds good on paper, we had to put it to the test. So we guzzled down eight different hard soda brands to present you with the best of the best. Only six made the cut, and these are our stickysweet standout faves.

SPOTLIGHT

Best Damn Root Beer Among the relative abundance of adult root beers available—the most common flavor in hard sodas—Best Damn reigns supreme. Where others were too sweet, too syrupy or missed the mark on genuine root beer flavor because of overpowering alcohol, this aged-on-vanilla-beans ale satisfies fresh from the can or paired with ice cream in a grown-up float. 5.5% ABV Not Your Father’s Vanilla Cream Ale Smooth, creamy and made with Madagascar vanilla, Not Your Father’s reimagines cream soda inventor Alexander C. Howell’s effervescent concoction as a 21-and-older nod to a bygone era that can now only be experienced through your taste buds. 4.1% ABV Farmer Willie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer Cold-pressed ginger and lemon converge in harmony in this spicy rendition of a home remedy stomach-settler. Farmer Willie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer tickles the tongue while the complex composition of its formula—at least it tastes that way—suggests a sophistication wise beyond the years of its makers, a Cape Cod goat farmer and two enterprising college kids. 4.5% ABV

Hard Frescos Juicy Jamaica One of the most adventurous flavors in the test group, Hard Frescos Juicy Jamaica is brewed with real hibiscus and is a welcome departure from the more conventional options. This “malt beverage” is interesting, light and a bona fide pick-me-up when served ice cold on a sun-scorched lanai. 5% ABV Henry’s Hard Orange Soda Henry’s nails the orange part of the equation—if you’re a fan of Sunkist, Fanta or Crush sodas, you’ll like this—but the citrus notes seem secondary as the alcohol is equally present. It’s still a great throwback pop for a new generation, mind you, but it’s a little too reminiscent of a Mike’s Hard Lemonade. They could be cousins, in fact. 4.2% ABV Crabbie’s Fruits Cloudy Alcoholic Lemonade Surprisingly lemony without an alcohol aftertaste, Crabbie’s—which glides across the tongue much easier than its name—is ripe for added punch. Kick it up a notch in a glass of ice with a shot of your favorite liquor—perhaps with a berry twist alongside Absolut Raspberri—to realize this crowdpleaser’s full party potential. 4.8% ABV. N

TRAVEL â&#x20AC;¢ FITNESS

ROMANTIC EXPERIENCES IN YAEYAMA ISLANDS BY NOMADIC BOYS

Gay couple and travel bloggers Stefan and Sebastien from London visited the Yaeyama islands and tell us their five favorite romantic experiences over in tropical Japan.

he Yaeyama islands make up the southernmost inhabited archipelago of Japan, located around 1,242 miles south from Tokyo. They are offer a total change of scenery in a subtropical climate in contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main land, particularly the hectic capital city. This is the ideal destination to unwind and experience the natural beauty of the Japanese jungle, unspoiled beaches and pristine reefs.

1. DIVING AND SNORKELLING TOGETHER. The scuba diving in the Yaeyama islands is the best in the entire country. We were so blown away by our diving in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, we were itching to get back into the deep waters here. Some highlights from snorkeling and scuba diving in the Yaeyama islands include: - Manta Rays Scramble: a cleaning station near Kabira Beach on Ishigaki island. You’re almost guaranteed to spot Manta Rays from

Spring to Autumn, particularly June to September. - Hammerhead sharks: Yonaguni also attracts its share of Hammerhead sharks, which can be spotted throughout the year, particularly between December to February. - Yonaguni Monument: a submerged rock formation, off the coast of Yonaguni island and considered Japan’s underwater “Pyramid”. Since its discovery in 1980s, it’s caused so much controversy because experts cannot determine whether it is natural or man-made. Recent research suggests it could be the remains of an underwater city called Mu, dating back at least 5,000 years. - Baras Island: the coral around Baras island is ideal for diving and snorkeling. It’s worth spending at least a day just to explore the tropical life here. You can go on a day trip from either Ishigaki or Iriomote.

TRAVEL

2.ROMANTIC VITAMIN SEA MOMENTS WITH YOUR BEAU. There’s plenty of beaches on each of the Yaeyama islands and being so remote, you’re likely to have it all to yourself. Kabira Bay on Ishigaki island and Kondoi beach on Taketomi island are stand out must not miss favorites. Kabira Bay on Ishigaki island attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to this spot simply to marvel at the turquoise waters promised by the guide books. Come here to hear cries of sugoi (amazing!) or kirei (beautiful!) by the many Japanese tourists admiring the views. Taketomi is a tiny inhabited island, just a few miles southwest of Ishigaki. There’s frequent ferries from Ishigaki, which only take 10-15 minutes so perfect for a fun day trip. The village of the island is crying out to be featured in your Instagram gallery. Kondoi Beach steals the show – a large stretch of sand to hang out and lounge all day in the sun. Normally we’re not very docile with each other in public and not overtly gay acting. But we felt totally comfortable to be tender with each other at the beaches of the Yaeyama islands.

3. DRESSING UP IN RYUKYU TRADITIONAL KIMONOS AT THE YAIMA CULTURAL VILLAGE. The Yaima Cultural Village on Ishigaki islands is the perfect place to hang out for a day to truly soak up the local Ryukyu culture. They have dances and performances showcasing the music as well as a group of super cute and playful squirrel monkeys, which are completely safe to interact with. But the real highlight here is you can try on the Ryukyu traditional dress, particularly the bright and colorful kimonos.

4. JUNGLE ADVENTURES TOGETHER ON IRIOMOTE ISLAND. Iriomote is Japan’s jungle island and the place to come for those seeking adventure. There’s more nature than people spread across this large island as well as an abundance of wildlife ranging from wild boars to the elusive Iriomote cat. Adventure highlights to enjoy with your lover include: - Beach time in some of the many coves and inlets, each hiding a deserted beach. - Snorkeling and diving in the beautiful coral reef surrounding the island. - Jungle trekking through the thick, dense jungle. - Kayaking in the tropical rivers, surrounded by mangroves. - Aharing a romantic moment at the base of a mighty waterfall.

5. DRINKING THE NIGHT AWAY TOGETHER WITH THE LOCAL AWAMORI SAKE. Sake is Japanese rice wine with a high alcohol content of around 15-20%. It can be served chilled or hot, in a small porcelain bottle (called a tokkuri) and sipped from a small porcelain cup called a sakazuki. Awamori is the unique type of sake (Japanese rice wine) from Okinawa. It’s strong! Think around 30% alcoholic content, sometimes a lot more. Unlike traditional sake from mainland Japan, awamori is distilled not brewed. You can get it in most restaurants here, served neat with ice and a glass of water to mix. Or start the day as you mean to go on – try it during a morning tour at a sake factory. No harm in replacing the morning coffee with several shots of awamori right? To read more, check out the Nomadic Boys’ 10 days Japan itinerary at nomadicboys.com. N

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STEPS

YOUR IDEAL BODY Nine important questions to ask yourself before you start this journey.

LD N WE BY DA

FITNESS

ou see those ripped up muscle gods every time you enter the gym, go to a circuit party, or tan at the pool. They have muscle upon muscle and all you think about is how badly you want a body like that. You then go home, look in the mirror with a self deprecating mindset judging every inch of your body more harshly than ever before.

What you don’t realize is many of those muscle gods spend a bulk of their time in the gym and and most of their money on supplements. You might also be surprised to learn that many of them suffer from body dysmorphia which drives them to take extreme measures to achieve the body they so desperately think they need. They sacrifice time with friends and family and are often a very lonely individual. Don’t get me wrong, there are some that are not like this but for a lot of them, fitness is all they can think and care about.

5. Are you healthy enough to workout? Do you have any pre-existing health issues that could hinder your workouts? Check with your doctor before you begin training.

Next time you look in the mirror wishing you had the body of a god, understand that won’t necessarily make you a happier person. To discover your ideal body type, here are some questions to ask yourself:

8. What kind of body do you really want? Many think they want a bodybuilder build. However, many are not attracted to a massive build. I’ve discovered that most are attracted to a healthy, middle of the road kind of build. The guy who looks like he works out but isn’t obsessed.

1. What is wrong with your body now? Are you too thin, too fat, too weak, etc.

9. Most importantly, are you happy with yourself as a person?

2. Are you doing this for yourself or for people to like you? Do you think by changing your body more people will like you?

Even if you can obtain a god like body, that will still eventually fade. You need to be happy with who you are.

3. How many sacrifices are you willing to make? Give up free time, give up foods you may like, cut back/stop drinking, stop staying out late? 4. Is your body genetically capable of obtaining your ideal body? What’s you body type (ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph)? Take the quiz here: bodybuilding.com/fun/becker3.htm

6. How much time do you realistically have per day to work out? 7. Are you currently motivated enough to truly commit? If you want to see change, you have to be committed.

Answer these questions thoughtfully and then internally reflect on what you look like and who you are. You may not find happiness in what you think you want. Understand what you can realistically obtain and make that your goal body. Also know, change takes time. Be willing to celebrate small changes and always be happy with who you are as a person and not what you look like. You are beautiful and should never try to change yourself out of vanity. N

WEEK

WHAT TO SEE & WHERE TO BE AUGUST 12 THROUGH AUGUST 18

Season 8: THE QUEENS Parker Playhouse August 14

FRIDAY AUGUST 12 ALICE COOPER IN CONCERT. Broward Center for the Performing Arts 201 SW Fifth Ave Fort Lauderdale FL 33312; 954462-0222, browardcenter.org. The godfather of shock rock continues to rattle the cages and challenge the status quo, while surprising fans and exuding danger at every turn. Expect to see Cooper in all his ghoulish glory. Theatrics aside Cooper earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Come rock out with this infamous living legend. Show time 8:30 pm.

BUBBLE GUM FRIDAYS. The Manor Complex 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-626-0082, themanorcomplex.com. Frat House Toga Party with Djs JPS and Miik in the Ultra Lounge. The largest Friday party in South Florida. Under 21, $12. All night, over 21, no cover before 11 pm. LATIN NIGHT. Wolf Bar 2203 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-306-2510, wolfbar.club. Latina noche with dj Nina and MC Natasha with, $3. Cuba libre and $3. Coronas.

WEEK THE BEARS OF SOUTH FLORIDA. Island City Stage 2304 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-5192533, islandcitystage.com Yes, it’s that time of year again, City Theatre and Island City Stage present Shorts Gone Wild 4 – DECISION ’16. This year we have 8 brand new edgy and funny politically themed 10-minute plays guaranteed to Make America Great Again! Tickets at bosfl. org/theatre.

SATURDAY AUGUST 13 D R AG YO U R S E L F TO BRUNCH. Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954565-2526, alibiwiltonmanors. com. It is a weekend brunch special with your local entertainers that know how to give a show, like wig maker extraordinaire Carmen Adore. Enjoy the fantastic shows at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. WHERE THE BOYS ARE. LeBoy 1243 NE 11 Ave Fort Lauderdale FL 33304; 954368-8786, leboytonight.com.

This upscale gay strip club is were the hot dancers take to the stage at 7 pm with NonStop Shows all night. Special guest appearances by adult film stars, drag performances and themed nights. There’s even a delicious gourmet BBQ on the outdoor patio. BEN HUR THEME PARTY. The Manor Complex 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-626-0082, themanorcomplex.com. Featuring superstar, Dj Deanne spinning the beats from 11 pm to close. Get out your harness and loincloth

and show your roman spirit. $3. Well drinks from 11 pm to midnight. CHRIS MCDONALD REMEMBERS ELVIS IN CONCERT. Parker Playhouse 707 NE 8th St Fort Lauderdale FL 33304; 954-4620222, parkerplayhouse. com. This is MacDonald's only South Florida appearance for his summer concert tour. Don't miss this loving tribute to the story of the shy humble country boy who became the King of Rock-n-Roll! Show time 8:00 pm.

SUNDAY AUGUST 14 SEASON 8: THE QUEENS. Parker Playhouse 707 NE 8th St Fort Lauderdale FL 33304; 954462-0222, parkerplayhouse.com. Get ready for the contestants of Season 8 performing live on stage starring this seasons winner Bob The Drag Queen, along with runners up Kim Chi & Naomi Smalls, plus Chi Chi DeVayne, Thorgy Thor and hosted by Miss Congeniality from

Season 7, Katya. The queens are ready to rock the catwalk. Doors at 7pm show at 8pm. ROSIE’S FABULOUS SUNDAY BRUNCH. Rosie’s Bar and Grill 2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-563-0123, rosiebarandgrill.com. Enjoy their Sunday brunch starting at 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Featuring great drink prices, bloody

mary’s, mimosa’s and fabulous food. CLASSIC 54 T-DANCE. Hunters Nightclub 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-630-3556, huntersftlauderdale.com. Dj Richie Rich spins the beats with low “T” at 7 pm and high “T” from 9 pm to 2 am. One of Fort Lauderdale's hottest nightclubs.

MONDAY AUGUST 15 THE WORLD GOES ROUND MUSICAL REVIEW. Kravis Center 701 Okeechobee Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33401; 561-832-7469, kravis.com. A Musical Revue Showcasing the Songs of Broadway Legends John Kander & Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman & more), with some of musical theatre's best-known and beloved songs, like Cabaret, Maybe

This Time, All That Jazz, and anything Liza Minnelli has ever sung. Show time 7:30 pm. MUSICAL MONDAYS. Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar 2266 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-565-2526, alibiwiltonmanors.com. Join celebrity impersonator Michael l Walter as Dame Edna for laughter and live show tunes in the all-new Man-

WEEK chester Room starting at 8:00 pm until 10:30 pm. N.E.R.D. GYM Sportsbar 2287 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-3685318, gymsportsbar.com. Plug in and hangout for nocturnal electronic recreational devices. As you play and throw a few back with friends. $2 Rolling Rock and $5 Tito’s vodka.

TUESDAY AUGUST 16 INDUSTRY NIGHT. Progress Bar Wilton Manors 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-5334916, progressbarsouthflorida. com. This fun and trendy bar is paying respect to the hard workers of our community with 50 percent off all drinks for those of you who are in the biz. For everyone else enjoy 2-4-1 drinks.

GET YOUR GAME ON. Rumors Bar & Grill 2426 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-565-8851, rumorsbarwiltonmanors.com. Try your luck, or skill, with poker in the red room from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. While your're there, enjoy some discounted beverages from 9:00 pm to close: $2 domestic, $2.50 imports and $5 Absolut.

BEEFCAKE’S GRILL. 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale FL 33311; 954-463-6969, boardwalkbar.com. 69-cent Jumbo Chicken Wings all night long along with Hot Days of Summer frozen drink specials. House specialty, cool and refreshing frozen lemonade just $8, all others $10.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17 KARAOKE NIGHT. Wolf Bar 2203 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-306-2510, wolfbar.club. Come howl like a wolf with new karaoke host Freddy from 9:00 pm to close. $3. Draft beers and fireball shots, never a cover.

33305; 954-533-4916, progressbarsouthflorida.com. Gets a nothing put sweet lips all night long with Amanda Austin and her special guest entertainers. She likes to include the audience too with their own lip-sync contest at 11:30 pm.

LIP SERVICE WEDNESDAY. Progress Bar Wilton Manors 2440 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL

NEW MEAT CONTEST. Boardwalk Bar 1721 N Andrews Ave Fort Lauderdale FL 33311; 954-463-

6969, boardwalkbar.com. Contestants compete for cash and prizes as the audience selects the next Mr. Boardwalk of the week winner. Hosted by drag legend Daisy Deadpetals. Special drink prices all night long and 75 cent drinks from 9 pm to midnight.

THURSDAY AUGUST 18 ANYTHING GOES THURSDAYS. Village Pub 2283 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 754-200-5244, villagepubwm. com. Start your weekend off early with drag shows, live entertainment and dance music by Vj Marky Mark. Lots of drink specials all night long.

Ave Miami FL 33166; 786766-0778, floppyrooster.com. Experience the company of men in an all-nude male strip club. All night happy hour drink prices of 2 for 1 domestic beers and well cocktails with discounted private rooms for your pleasure.

ALL NUDE THURSDAYS. Floppy Roosters 7020 NW 72nd

LIT THURSDAYS! Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar 2266 Wil-

ton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-565-2526, alibiwiltonmanors.com. This night belongs to none other than $5 long Island Ice Teas. There’s no better place to start your pre-game for the weekend. The music is great, the crowd is chilled and the drink jogs are huge.