MIRRORBALLS - June 2009

www.mirrorballs.info June 2009

Muscle Men Unsung Heroes Vienna’s Life Ball Inside Martin Mazza Mr. SAleathermen 2009 Kelly Rowland Rocks London

MIRRORBALLS June 2009 Publisher: Nhamo Editor: TheCygnet South African Correspondent: Exit Newspaper Cover Photo & Design: JamTrash (www.jamtrash.com) Contributors: Richard, Philip Rham, Colin Swan, Philip Tsaras. Les Pratt, Colin Richards, John Rushton, Jeffrey Kagan-McCann, James Myhre, Oscar Broekhoff and Diederik Wismeijer

Š Copyright, MIRRORBALLS 2009. No Part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrievable system, or transmitted by any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Advertisers are reminded of their obligations under the 1984 Trade Protection Act. Advertisers are responsible for the content of their copy under the terms of the Act. The appearance or mention of any establishment, product, individual or organisation within this publication, should not be taken as an endorsement by the publishers of the same unless otherwise stated. The appearance, mention or likeness of any individual or organisation within this magazine should not be construed as an indication of either the sexual preference or political persuasion of the same, unless otherwise stated.

Contributions are welcomed on the understanding that any unsolicited manuscripts that they may be published without further correspondence, with a fee (if applicable) paid at standard rates as specified by MIRRORBALLS. Work cannot be returned to the author unless agreed by the publisher.

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Life Ball, Vienna 2009

AIDS fundraising at its most glamorous.

Words: TheCygnet

Life Ball is Europe's largest and most spectacular annual charity event dedicated to raising support for the worldwide fight against HIV and AIDS. Celebrating the beauty of life and the diversity of world cultures, Life Ball reinvents the great Viennese Ball tradition with glamorous, outlandish performances and inspirational speeches. It attracts huge interest in the media and is broadcast live on Austrian National TV prime time, with delayed airing in Germany.

appearances, personal impulses and involvement, Sharon Stone, Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Catherine Deneuve, Liza Minnelli, Kim Cattrall, Linda Evangelista, Heidi Klum, Dennis Rodman, Naomi Campbell and Randy Crawford and many more have inspired courage and promoted the joyful aspects of life and given a clear sign against discrimination and ignorance.

Life Ball follows what has now become a successful format. A sparkling show with a series of music and dance The Life Ball is organized by AIDS LIFE, an performances opens the event on the independent non-profit organization, square in front of the picturesque Vienna created with the objective to raise City Hall. Each year, some 40,000 money to support people in areas of the Viennese, the international media and world most affected by HIV and AIDS. In the city's guests from around the world 2008, a record result of 1.4 million USgather on the square to experience this Dollars was raised. In 2007 an additional glittering spectacle close-up. Live 1 million US-Dollars was generated at the performances by international artists Dinner Gala with Bill Clinton the night such as Anastacia, Scissor Sisters, Kool & before Life Ball 2007. Half of the raised The Gang, Julian Rachlin, INXS, Cyndie funds go to national relief projects and Lauper, Simply Red, Grace Jones, the half go to international organizations in Vienna Symphony Orchestra and the support of HIV/AIDS treatment.

Vienna Boys' Choir have raptured the To date the Life Ball has raised over € 11 crowds in years past. million. It is the only AIDS charity event to The opening ceremony features take place in a government building. In thoughtful moments with speeches by 2008, the event raised € 1.4 million in the Life Ball's international partners, one night. such as Sharon Stone representing Since 1993, world famous personalities amfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research) and Sir Elton John. and artists have lent their voices and support to Life Ball, giving their time and Furthermore, a world-renowned celebrity presents the €100,000 effort to make the charitable event "Crystal of Hope" donated by Swarovski successful every year. With their

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Photo: Fritz Novopacky

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to honor the engagement of a pioneer in the field of HIV/AIDS. The opening's grand finale is a glittering fashion show - so far Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, Gianfranco FerrĂŠ, Missoni, Moschino, Agent Provocateur among others have presented their creations at the Life Ball.

Both top models and dazzling celebrities can be seen on the catwalk. The involvement of the artists, models and hundreds of volunteers serves as a statement of humanity, tolerance and understanding.

edition, the jubilee ball in 2012. In the centre of the artistic implementation are the four elements; water, earth, air and fire.

The symbolism was chosen as it is these four elements that feed the world, back the ecological balance, take a vital role for health and serve the economic development, or simply make life possible.

Water - the element of 2009 - is the start of all life and the evolution. The Earth feeds us. Air lets us breath and carries us over the continents. And the discovery of fire even was the start of civilization.

After the festive opening, the opulent Life Ball night starts inside the Vienna City Hall. Open exclusively to 4,000 holders of Life Ball tickets, all halls and courtyards of the building are transformed into richly decorated ballrooms and dance floors. A versatile show and entertainment program with live performances by international stars, various music styles and many other entertainment facilities await the audience throughout the night. With their performances, participating artists make a strong statement for life and against ignorance and prejudice.

The element water marks the started this cycle last month - as a central symbol of life. Clean water is the base for all human existence. It regulates the circle of nature is the central need of economical progressing. The scarcity of water brings hunger, illness and misery. Especially in countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, in countries where the Life Ball acts within international projects, severe scarcity of water prevails.

In the previous years each Life Ball has been thematically very different. This year though the team surrounding Gery Keszler decided to develop a concept which would run for the next four years starting with the 17th Life Ball an 16th May 2009 and concluding with the 20th

This year’s glittering spectacular featured Katy Perry dressed in mermaid, Pamela Anderson, Eva Longoria, Amanda Lepore, Ivana Trump, Roisin Murphy of pop duo Moloko , Fran Drescher, Vivienne Westwood and former U.S. President Bill Clinton were at the event.

However when water is available in abundance it can even bring deserts to life. The Life Ball 2009 especially focused its attention to this distinctive allegory of extremes in our world.

Jump In MIRRORBALLS is so much more than just a magazine, i t is an attitude, a way of life, its also a rich and growing online community.

Sign up on our website to gain access to photo galleries, event guides, behind-the-scenes video and much, much more.

We think you’ll get a kick out of it!

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MIRRORBALLS - June 2009

Unsung Heroes Words: John Rushton, The Life Alchemist / MB1

We don’t have to be spread across the centre pages of a glossy magazine, nor followed by paparazzi to be noticed in life, many work diligently under their own steam and in their own right become real stars in the eyes of millions of people around them. What gives us our calling in life and why we suddenly change tack and embark on a career to help those less well off is something that one has to feel within, it’s almost an inner calling or spiritual awakening.

all leave a lasting mark on life of gratitude and respect. The base for human existence is “love” for without it no one has purpose, we just exist to exist, and if we just exist to exist life becomes both hollow and shallow and we don’t have any fulfillment, and without fulfillment we tend to ‘lose the plot’.

What motivates us to go forward, what fuels our drive is what we have within, it’s a self belief that we can achieve over and above what others Life is full of Super Hero’s, more than determine on our behalf, it’s taking we can possibly imagine, those that control of who we are. We live our own have the courage, determination and lives no one else does, ever, so it’s single mindedness to forge ahead and imperative that we take on board all challenge the odds, brave the aspects of our self and what we want conditions and in the process give to do and why. We should never fail back to humanity instead of just because of others reasoning or input, taking. They create and develop for we are experts of our own making, we the sake of others benefit’s and above know exactly what makes us tick and

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what we need to motivate us to spur us on and we should not be a party to others insecurities or inner failings, which is what you get if you ever ask anyone their opinion. Those that succeed in life do so because of their dream, their goal and belief in themselves and then aim towards it.

Of course “attitude” is paramount to going forward, attitude is everything in that it’s a culmination of who you are, what you know and how you view life. If you have a bad attitude no one wants to know you, if you have a good attitude then you’ll get help because human beings actually like to help other human beings. Help and assistance is imperative to going forward, a good attitude instils confidence and credibility to all around you and gives gravitas for others to share your dream and desires, it gives stance, credence and purpose and with this your goals can often be realised not only for your own benefit but for the benefit of others too. Life is holistic in nature, there’s always more than one element in the equation that needs to be there to fulfil the result.

Like owning an expensive sports car, without the key it stays put on the drive.

where we need to be. They are life’s catalysts, they are all over the place just seeking us out, unfortunately for most people personal arrogance and narrow vision makes them illusive and they just pass by seeking others who are only too happy to meet up and greet them with a smile and gratitude.

Every success story has a “catalyst or two” somewhere down the line, it comes with the territory, if you are missing out, maybe, just maybe the biggest problem you have in going forward is yourself.

Our self motivation and success is very personal, how it’s marketed can make a world of difference whether it’s political, media driven or just a status of grand achievement of its own standing, it matters not. What is important is how you deal with it and importantly too those around you, for those that uphold you in your value can equally devalue you almost overnight. There is nothing as great as a reward for the sake of mankind as it is at the essence of what man is all about and how our achievements and evolution to date have come about.

We all have the potential to be heroes in some area of our lives, whether we Often in our quest to move forward we get to billboard status is another come across people who actually matter, but in the grand order of life share our dreams and goals, and whilst that’s not important, it’s who we are in they may not wish to embark upon ourselves and what have done, is what them personally are more than happy we will be remembered for. to lend their abilities to get us right

MIRRORBALLS - June 2009 As a gay man, I am constantly bombarded by posters, magazine articles and other constant prompts to practise safe sex; barely a day goes by when my senses are not assaulted by a new reminder to use condoms. Maybe it’s because the gay scene still actively educates and reminds its dependents of the risks of unprotected sex, that people outside the gay community continue to associate the virus with those who actually know how to protect themselves. The question is how do we as a nation correlate that with the AIDS epidemic which is sweeping through Africa

MAN WITH A MISSION

and other parts of the world? HIV/AIDS is a very different problem in sub-Saharan Africa from the one we face here in the UK.

In 2003, I happened to see some harrowing television footage which outlined the HIV crisis in Malawi - a small country in southeast Africa, which is already crippled by chronic food shortages, and struggles to provide even basic health care for its population of nearly thirteen million people. Add to that a disease which is claiming lives at a rate of over 100,000 people every a year and you’ve got a very troubled nation. I’d seen

plenty of pictures and read plenty of newspaper articles before about the African AIDS pandemic, so I don’t know what it was that flicked the switch in my brain, but something told me to get off my fat arse, and inspired me enough to set up a fundraising expedition to Malawi. The aim was to encourage a small group of people to cycle 300 miles through Malawi to raise money for HIV/Aids projects run by the UKbased charity ActionAid.

That first event took place in March 2004, and since then, Mission Malawi has grown to involve more than 50 people, and the three expeditions have raised more than £250,000.

Our next journey takes place in May 2010, and will involve a gruelling cycle ride through south-central

Malawi and northern Mozambique, hugging the shores of Lake Malawi for ten days - each event seems to get more difficult in terms of fundraising and physical strain, but I'm looking forward to the challenge once again, and I'm sure we'll have some fun along the way!

Find out more and get involved at: www.missionmalawi.co.uk

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Body Power Expo Muscle and Strength On Show If you are a fitness freak or lover of muscle and strength, and you weren’t at the BodyPower Expo, where the hell were you?!

The BodyPower Expo muscled its way into the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK for the weekend of the 9th and 10th May – and was a showcase for all that is BIG in UK strength and muscle.

Many of the stands had fitness and bodybuilding experts present to offer advice, although I don’t believe for a second that all of them took the powders and potions that they were promoting.

However, the muscle on display at the USN stand was suitably impressive. Dave Titterson from Sheffield, was just oozing muscle. At 6ft 2 and currently weighing in at 18 stone 7 – he was in competition shape and will be competing at both the British Nationals and the World Championships, and is bound to do well!

I had never heard of Boditronics www.boditronics.co.uk before, but they are an up and coming supplements company,

with an impressive array of sponsored athletes including London Irish rugby player James Buckland, Olympic Weightlifter and strength athlete Chet Morjaria and bodybuilders Luke Bartram, Wayne Robinson and Martin Stevenson. From what I tasted on the stand, their products are pretty good, and MIRRORBALLS have a goody bag of their products to give away so you have the chance to find out for yourself!

I also spotted the huge Lukas Gabris taking a shot at the Trec Nutrition www.trecnutrition.co.uk punch ball. After a few tips from the guys, he really managed to nail it, which is unsurprising considering his powerful 106kg frame By far the biggest crowd of the day was drawn by the living legend, walking man mountain and five times worlds strongest man Mariusz Pudzianowski www.pudzian.pl The crowd waited patiently for over 20 minutes for the legend to arrive, but once on stage we weren’t disappointed. The massive Mariusz was joined on stage by two of the luckiest guys in the crowd, who joined the big man in completing some exercises on stage.

Mariusz also attempted The Dragan Challenge – he was toying with the Dragan Master himself, and I think he could have taken the record with ease. See What he got upto in this short clip

http://bit.ly/pudzenowski

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‘Relentless’ Taylor from Birmingham and Nottingham’s Dan ’The Outlaw’ Hardy There was also some serious action in the cage with the Bodypower Amateur MMA tournament. The skill levels that some of the competitors showed were inspirational considering it was many fighters first time competing in any MMA competition. The winners of the Bodypower 2009 amateur MMA tournament champions were: Under 66kg (Featherweight) Brad Gallagher, Under 70kg (Lightweight) Kieran Beastie, Under 77kg (Welterweight) Leon Edwards, Under 84kg (Middleweight) Ross Dulloston.

The feats of strength at the strong man competition were equalled at the Bench press competition where some big guys lifted some equally big numbers! Biggest bench of the day was Jim Nuttal 330kg, new What’s the Dragan Challenge?…..Ever tried 140kg+ British record as well as the biggest Curling and Pressing two 20kg dumbbells as bench press in British history, a totally many times as you can? No resting - just one awesome achievement. Craig Coombes did almighty session of heavy lifting where you 310kg and just missed 325kg, Danny don’t stop till you drop!? A simple yet brutal Mehmet did 300kg. Good lifting and a very test of strength and endurance – you need to well run competition which provided top be getting to around 80 or more reps to have entertainment all day. any change of beating the Dragan Master himself!

I had a fabulous day at the BodyPower Expo Also on show was one of the UK’s biggest bodies – James “Flex” Lewis. James is a very personable guy, giving his fans the time to ask him plenty of questions about his training and life as a professional bodybuilder.

Originally from South Wales, Flex has been living and training in the USA, where his physique has really matured – as you can see from this clip: http://bit.ly/jameslewis Mixed martial arts also featured heavily at the show, with appearances by Paul

and am counting down the days to next years event!

Want to win the Boditronics goody back with samples and a T shirt? Answer this simple question.

For which team does James Buckland play Rugby?

A) Sale Sharks B) Gloucester C) London Irish Answers via email to info@mirrorballs.info

Now available from the MIRRORBALLS shop. www.mirrorballs.info

MIRRORBALLS - June 2009

The Care Factor

By Jeffrey Kagan McCann

Hey Everyone!

I took sometime off from the Magazine, but now I’m back!

I receive a few emails from you, but I wanted to share this one email…it was longer and I tried to pare it down to the major points.

Dear Jeff, Well.... I met these two guys, one on Facebook and the other from a gay dating website. One of the guys was from the Caribbean and other from the United States...they were both coming to London on vacation and we all arranged to meet up.

I was supposed to be working so I put them on the guest list for a club and arranged to meet them for drinks before going to the club. Well, the Caribbean guy stood me up and the American didn’t show up either, so I went to a club by myself.

cordial to me though and we seemed to get along famously and until things started to get a bit personal. That’s when he started to say how he only fancied his black brothers and so on...so we decided to part ways as on a cordial basis.

The whole thing was a waste of my time...I felt stupid! What should I do the next time to avoid this from happening again?

Finally the American showed up at the Martin from Brighton club. He didn’t seem too impressed with me and for the rest of the evening he avoided me. I didn’t see him for the rest of the night. Then eventually the Caribbean guy showed up. He was

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Hey Martin!

Okay, here’s my advice: Don’t schedule two dates on the same Well, when meeting new people it’s evening. It’s like if the first guy doesn’t like doing the 400 Meter Olympic work out, then I have a back up date.

Hurdle. First thing you scheduled two And for those guys who blew you off. dates on the same evening. That in my They were skanky! They did what you opinion is disrespectful to the other did pretty much. They checked you guys. If the other guys knew that this out and didn’t like what they saw and was to made up meet each excuses to other as check out what friends else is in the hanging Candy Shop… out over These guys drinks then were on I could see vacation and it. I do they were not believe looking for that you anything had all good serious but to intentions. get laid. So, But take time sometimes getting to things like this happen, especially know someone online if that what you when you are meeting someone from want to do. But someone is out there online. for you and you’ll meet him or her when you least expected it. (I hate People have high expectations when hearing that line…but it’s true!) you meet from a dating website and once you meet in person, you’ll know See ya! right from the first glance if this Jeff x person might be right for you. If there is chemistry! I never heard of anyone Send those emails to who said to me they fell in love with a person from across a crowded room pearwater88@hotmail.com for their brain.

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Ms.

Kelly For one night only, Kelly Rowland made a very special appearance at Salvation much to the delight of the assembled masses.

Singing a medley of her hits and songs from th e most recent album, Ms. Kelly, the American singer-songwriter, danced, twirled and held hands with her fans.

Then, in a swirl of confetti and lasers she was gone. The sound of her voice ringing in our ears.....

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The QZ ™ line distinguishes itself from other major underwear brands by its use of colour which men’s underwear virtually has not seen.

The QZ ™ line also appeals to the female consumer as the majority of men’s underwear is purchased by women. The incorporation of precision and high quality silver crystals from the Austrian company Swarovski is unheard of on men’s underwear.

QZ - Quadrigae Zeus' fresh new look for men's undergarments, featuring the highest quality fabrics and detailing for the man who wants more than just a pair of plain, traditional and lifeless underwear.

QZ offer a wide range of interesting underwear consisting of Classic, Couture, Club, Fashion and Swimwear which have been designed with any type of man in mind as men should have the same choice as women have.

The basic principles of the couture where craftsmanship is paramount combined with a new and fresh approach to men’s underwear has not been seen since men’s underwear hit the billboards in the 1980’s. This characterizes the QZ lines especially with a couple of new styles - ½ boxer, the QZ Wrap which can be worn as a pair of shorts and with the use of sensual velvet from the same supplier who supplies Christian Dior with velvets The luxury element is carried on to the accessories where you among other articles can find pure silk and cashmere socks which is the ultimate a man can have for his personal apparel.

Jan Bertelsen, having completed his degree at a leading college in London and the prestigious couture college Hochschule für Angwante Kunst in Vienna. He started his career as a couturier creating evening dresses for state occasions at the English and Danish courts. His experience working with Bruce Oldfield, couturier to Princess Diana, Philip Hockley and Jean Charles de Castelbajac in Paris have given him a firm foundation for a highly developed design profile not only in ladies evening wear and luxurious home ware but also in men’s underwear.

Jan Bertelsen is now taking his family’s long tradition of making men’s underwear into the 4th consecutive generation.

His great grand father established his company in 1916 in Denmark. His father, Leo Bertelsen still lends his expertise along with the chief executive Claudio Del Duca.

The QZ lines consist of different collections are all based on quality and craftsmanship to provide the best possible comfort.

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Coming soon......... to MIRRORBALLS

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Scent of an Icon

Etienne de Swardt and his his Tom of Finland® cologne Words: James Myhre

Lewis Carroll once wrote: “When caught between two worlds, create one of your own. Others will invariably follow.” In many ways, this describes the life’s journey of Etienne de Swardt, the South African-born style-meister who was raised on a South Pacific island and today heads one of the most cutting-edge fragrance houses in Paris.

As founder and president of Etat Libre d’Orange Parfums, he has drawn upon his life’s experiences—some might say contradictions—to create some of the most trend-setting and sexually suggestive fragrances imaginable, reenvisioning the very concept of what colognes and perfumes are meant to be.

His is a visionary world, merging fantasy with history, film with fashion, eroticism with wit. And with his latest creation, Tom of Finland® Eau de Parfum, De Swardt has taken what is one of the most revered homoerotic icons and turned the very nature of gay sexuality on its ear.

In many ways, it was an impossible task capturing the essence of what a “Tomman” should smell like. As rendered by artist Touko Laaksonen (who published under the name “Tom of Finland” from the 1950s to the early-1990s), the “Tom-man” was primarily rendered a world of black-and-white, possessed of exaggerated musculature and bulging, outsized genitalia. By parts hardcore and humorous, the images gave rise to the popularization of the gay leather

subculture, which continues to flourish today in pornography, fashion, and international Leather Pride events like San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair and Chicago’s International Mr. Leather competition.

So what is the scent of an icon? How do you put into a bottle all the facets and contradictions of what Tom truly represents?

In order to answer that, one has to first go back and trace the path from which De Swardt began this less-thanconventional journey. Born in the Free State to a South African father and French mother, De Swardt spent only part of his early childhood here before his family decided to immigrate to the idyllic island of New Caledonia. But it was those early years—or as De Swardt himself admits, the “romantic ideal” of those early years—that grounded his otherwise expansive world-view; so much so, in fact, that the company’s name translates from the French to no less than the “Orange Free State.”

After studying economics at Institut ESSEC, one of the most prestigious business schools in France, De Swardt spent seven years with Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) in marketing and conceptual development, where he honed his talents for identifying market trends. It was during this time that De Swardt began work on a dog fragrance

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for LVMH, an idea that was eventually dropped as being too risky for the parent brand. But for De Swardt, who considered himself a bit of a risk-taker, it was the ideal vehicle from which to launch his own entrepreneurial concerns.

even to a dilettante like me, are both elegant and evocative.

It was ultimately Sécrétions Magnifiques that caught the attention of Durk Dehner, the president and co-founder of the not-for-profit Tom of Finland In 2000 Oh My Dog! fragrance debuted to Foundation in Los Angeles. Intrigued by much fanfare and market interest, with the non-conformist sensibilities of De high-end retail distribution throughout Swardt and his colleagues, Dehner soon much of Europe, North America, and Asia. agreed to commission a fragrance that But the company’s fortunes soon hit a would encapsulate the Tom ideal. wall after the 9/11 attacks, whereby No brief was given and, at first glance, the interest in luxury pet goods quickly team assembled was no less diminished. unconventional than the concept itself: Undeterred and armed with an almost De Swardt, a heterosexual parfumier indefatigable optimism, De Swardt (Antoine Lie), and an Old Guard gay decided to launch a line of meticulously leathermen. crafted human fragrances (utilizing the “Particularly with (Antoine) Lie, the idea talents of such world-class parfumiers as of a straight man creating a Tom Antoine Lie and Antoine Maisondieu) fragrance was perfect,” recalls De that, in De Swardt’s own words, are “free Swardt. “We didn’t want to restrict the from every taboo, where insubordination creativity or keep to the Tom lore of the and olfactory eroticism reign supreme.”

‘70s and ‘80s.”

Before long, De Swardt and his team In doing so, Lie created a strangely would begin capturing the very essence identifiable yet elusive fragrance that of that ideal in a number of boldly layers saffron, mint, and pepper atop conceived fragrances, sporting such aging irises. Elements, that at least on titles as Sécrétions Magnifiques paper, reflect little of the imagery we (Magnificent Secretions), Putain des associate with Tom. Sure, the hints of Palaces (Hotel Slut), or the Marlene musk and suede are there, but are Tom Dietrich-inspired Jasmin et Cigarette, purists truly ready to trade in their “no which is, unsurprisingly, redolent of cologne” ethos for a fragrance with notes jasmine in a smoke-filled boîte. And while of vanilla and tonka beans? (What the the accompanying package labels are no hell are tonka beans?!) less provocative - a cartoonish ejaculating penis for Sécrétions “We created the fragrance for the ‘sons Magnifique, bottle-blonde pubic hairs on of Tom,’” asserts De Swardt. “Perhaps a brunette model for Vraie Blonde (True it’s more Fifth Avenue than Priape (the Blonde) - the fragrances themselves, North American fetish retailer), but it’s

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true to what Touko Laaksonen’s art was all about. Playful, beautiful, daring.”

icons we embrace. With Tom of Finland®, De Swardt may not have discovered the vehicle by which to transcend sexual In the end, Dehner was clearly sold, giving orientation (imagine your sister giving his full endorsement to the creation. And her boyfriend a bottle, complete with a when listening to De Swardt, who speaks free dirty drawing inside), but perhaps in with the animation of a first-year art his own small way, he’s led us toward student, one can’t help but be similarly opening our minds just that little more sold. Declarations that might seem and finding that elusive “common otherwise flamboyant or whimsical are ground.” underpinned by De Swardt’s unforced sincerity and thoughtfulness. While he And while some of us may not follow— often proclaims himself as a “faker” or god knows, old habits are hard to break, “bullshitter,” you quickly realize that he’s especially for us leathermen—we can still anything but. He’s simply a guy with an appreciate the whiff of the new. instinctively disarming nature, readily searching for hints of common ground.

James Myhre is a Johannesburg-based And perhaps that is what’s at the heart of screenwriter and a founding member of Etat Libre d’Orange’s success. The SALeathermen knowledge that, as people, we often “bullshit” ourselves with our own www.saleathermen.org.za inflexibilities, straitjacketed by the very

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starting a guesthouse in South Africa Life starts at forty they say and nothing can be more true than that for both of us!

In July 2008 we moved from the Netherlands all the way to South Africa.

After having looked at several other English speaking countries in the last few years, we first visited South Africa in December 2007. We landed in Cape Town and as soon as we got off the plane, we both knew that this was the place for us to go to.

We decided we wanted to move to an English speaking country, because we knew that to master again another language would be too difficult at the age of 40. We looked up friends in New Zealand and although it is a beautiful country, it felt like the end of the world to us. We also visited family in Alberta, Canada, but Canada is way too cold.

South Africa proved an ideal candidate for us and we first went on holiday there to see if we would like it.

new farmhouse in Limburg. We desperately needed a new challenge and started day dreaming about starting our own guesthouse. This dream came true much sooner than we thought and we are now the proud owners of Lemon3lodge.

In March 2008 we returned to South Africa to look at several properties in the Western Cape. We saw many guesthouses for sale on the internet and only one of them was located in the Eastern Cape.

The guesthouse in the Eastern Cape turned out to be the only one we really liked, so we did not buy anything in the Western Cape. The guesthouse is near the world famous Addo Elephant Park and close to Port Elizabeth. We bought the place and took over on the first of August 2008. Lemon3lodge was only build 4 years ago and is set on a small citrus farm, overlooking the Rietberg mountains.

It is a very modern and trendy looking We drove around the Western Cape for a venue and that really appealed to us. month, absorbing all the breathtaking Both of us were used living in old houses sceneries and hospitality of the people. and always thought that modern The Western Cape would definitely be the buildings were not for us. However, the place for us, so we thought! Returning to design and the indigenous architecturally the Netherlands in January 2008, we designed garden were just awesome and immediately decided to sell our farm in won us over. the province of Limburg and started to After first having been dairy farmers and browse the internet for suitable then horse farmers, we were now citrus properties in South Africa. farmers, besides being the owners of the A few years ago, we sold our horse farm guesthouse! All three buildings are near the city of Utrecht and we found designed in a ‘minimalist’ way. One of the ourselves more or less semi retired in our buildings is now our home. In the other

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two building you will find the rooms, the restaurant and lounge. Lemon3lodge is designed in a ‘U’ shape. In the courtyard you will find our symmetrically organized garden and salt water pool. At the back of the pool there is a delightful sundeck, from where you can see the mountains.

All rooms have an ‘open plan’ bathroom and beautifully decorated in African earthy colors. Being in a hot country, all rooms have air-conditioning of course. In the lounge you will find comfortable chairs, satellite TV, a DVD player, books and a small bar. Every morning you can enjoy a full English breakfast in our restaurant or on the terrace of the restaurant. Our Chef, Shawn Knowls, can also cook you a delicious dinner, if you want. On Sundays our restaurant is open to the public for lunch. Every week we have a (rotating) theme for our Sunday lunches.

Lemon3lodge offers their guests all the modern comforts and we and our staff will do anything to make our guests feel welcome. We are very happy to tell our guests about the many things there are to do in this beautiful citrus valley. The lodge is situated just outside Kirkwood, a charming little country town, only 20 minutes away from the main gate of the Addo Elephant Park. We like to think, that our place is the ideal beginning or end of the famous ‘Garden Route’ The Garden Route begins, or ends, in Port Elizabeth and takes you along some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.

Our citrus farm is not yet in full operation, but you can take a stroll through our orchards or visit one of the many citrus

farms in the area. Around the corner you can go and see a Cheetah Breeding Farm, where they do their best to save this wonderful specie for the future. In the town of Kirkwood you can find all sorts of shops and a few nice restaurants. Just across the road, the mountains are part of Addo Elephant Park and you can go there and do a 4 x 4 drive.

Port Elizabeth is a fast developing city and you can visit this city to go shopping or to go on a boat trip and see the dolphins and the whales.

Lemon3lodge has much to offer and so does the whole area. Please feel free to contact us for more information and find out, that Cape Town is not the only GAY place to be!

We hope to welcome you in the near future.

Oscar Broekhoff and Diederik Wismeijer www.lemon3lodge.co.za info@lemon3lodge.co.za Telephone: 00 27 42 230 1653

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Under The Covers Words and Images: Richard

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show is probably the most prestigious horticultural event on the planet, bringing 400 exhibitors and 160000 plant enthusiasts together in Central London for a week of greenfingered fun.

Most exhibitors take around 12 months from having their plans accepted to the opening day of the show.

Its about 4 weeks before the show opens that those mad enough to build a show garden arrive on site and start tearing up the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea.

I joined a friend of mine who had planned and was building a stand as part of the continuous learning section of the show, and was able to experience some of the behind the scenes madness both before the show opened and after the public had been let in.

Nothing could have prepared me for the organised madness that greeted us upon our arrival into the grounds of the Chelsea hospital. Lorries delivering plants, forklifts moving huge sacks of compost (peat free of course), cranes erecting sculptures and hundreds of vans (like ours) crammed with all the necessary ephemera to build the greatest flower show on earth.

The dust and noise was incredible and the parking of all these vehicles would have put a Parisian to shame! But some how it

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was all very good natured, everyone seemed to understand that with 5 days to go we all had a huge mountain to climb to be ready.

Our first job was to unload the van and lay carpet…. it’s amazing what you can do in a few short hours with a bit of planning and a bit of muscle. No forklift trucks for us, unloading everything by hand! I definitely didn’t need to go to the gym that evening!

Within 30 minutes of laying the carpet, we had had a steady stream of visitors asking to use our off cuts. We were more than happy to oblige and I am happy to report that the tranquillity of the Canary Island Spa Garden was due largely to the huge pump that kept its water features moving being cushioned and muffled by the bits of carpet we didn’t need.

Around the Chelsea hospital grounds, and within the huge Great Pavilion, which

must be one of the worlds largest “tents” covering nearly 20,000 sq meters, there was feverish activity everywhere with people shouting instructions and putting the final touches to their gardens.

I felt some satisfaction on my first wander around, that many stands were still empty. Even the placsticine garden, which was created by a James May from the BBC’s Top Gear programme, wasn’t much more than a blank canvas. Over the next few days, despite being on hand for interviews, drinking tea and smoking cigarettes, I didn’t actually see Mr May do much in his garden, but I guess he was more of the ideas man, rather than much of a do-er.

In the Great Pavilion, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism with Newington Nurseries were creating an underwater display to represent the marine life of the Caymanian waters. Its stunning use of plants to represent coral and the unusual addition of a roof to give the sensation of the plants being underwater made it my instant favourite.

Outside my favourites were Ulf Nordfjell’s stylish and elegant garden for the Daily Telegraph and the Leeds City Council’s Rain Garden. The planting in the rain garden bucked the trend of the simple, and some might say bland colour palettes of greens and white, by introducing hot reds and oranges with cool blues. I think that it’s the garden I could most easily live with!

My other favourite was in the Urban Gardens section and was Nicholas Dexter’s Witan Investment Trust garden.

To me this gardens planting was not terribly exciting, but the landscaping was inspired. A wonderful water feature that bounced water up a curved concave wall to then flow in a naturalistic stream under the “deck” which was made from sheets of toughened blue glass….relaxing, elegant, sublime for me one of the most inspiring gardens in the show.

perhaps we shouldn’t take it all so seriously.

Finally, my friends garden, well it win a silver medal, and he was thrilled. All that hard work and months of planning was worth it (in the end!).

As in so many things its not the winning that counts, it’s the taking part and that’s why I hope that my friend gets to go back and exhibit again next year, so that I can sneak in and in my own way look When you are privileged to get in to see under the covers and behind the scenes these gardens being built, it’s a great at this most amazing and theatrical game to pit your wits against those of the event.

RHS judges. Although only an enthusiastic amateur, I think my selection of favourites showed great All the details of the gardens mentioned taste. The Daily Telegraph Garden won can be found at http://www.rhs.org.uk/ best in Show and the Cayman Islands won whatson/shows/chelsea2009/ a gold medal and the president’s award for creativity.

The placticine garden was the shows least horticultural garden, but it put a huge smile on peoples faces reminding them of their childhoods and that Chelsea can be a bit full if itself and

O

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The Benefits of PsychoSensual Massage A Genuine Therapeutic Treatment

By Colin Richards, qualified Therapeutic and Sports masseur.

Last month I wrote about the importance of touch in culture, this time I am going to look at the importance of touch.

The operative word is "feeling". Though touch is not in itself an emotion, its sensory elements induce those feelings we describe as emotions. A comforting hand on the shoulder of someone who is distressed produces a very different How important is touch? emotional reaction to an apprehending The words that spring to mind are - crucial, touch on the shoulder of a miscreant. The critical and vital. Literally vital, as without touch of someone's hand, the closeness appropriate touch, people cannot grow of an embrace, and the connection of and develop. Touch is powerful personal contact signify caring and "The greatest sense in our body is our comforting. Feelings of security, safety, touch sense. it’s probably the chief sense and easiness are amplified. Touching in processes of sleeping and waking; it builds closeness, fosters communication, gives us our knowledge of depth or and nurtures intimacy. Touching gives a thickness and form; we feel, we love and person sense of being cared about and hate, are touchy and are touched, cared for. Being touched or held makes a through ... our skin" person psychologically feel worthy and (J Lionel Tayler "The Stages of Human Life" 1921) physically feel soothed.

Touch is instinct. When a baby cries, its instinct to pick up, rock, pat and soothe.

When you bang your elbow, its instinct to grab it and rub it. Touch is an unthinking part of our everyday language, We say rub up the wrong way out of touch/lost their grip thick skinned or thin skinned the personal touch when something's exactly right, we've "put a finger on it" maybe most telling of all, when someone's moving away, we say "keep in touch", even when what we mean is write or phone.

Dictionary definition of "Touch" is "the action or an act of feeling something with the hand etc"

What is touch?

Touch is contact, a relationship with that which lies outside our own periphery. It tells us we're not alone. As infants, it’s primarily through touch that we explore and make sense of world; the loving touch of our carers is essential to growth. The cuddling and stroking received in infancy helps build a healthy self image and nurtures the feeling of being accepted and loved. Psychologists have demonstrated that our perception of how much and how we are touched relates to how we value ourselves, it’s the essential nourishment for self-esteem.

Touch is much more than a physical interaction. It has to do with the

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acknowledgement of our shared humanness and mutual recognition of the inherent vulnerability and intense wish for contact that is present in each of us. When we feel loved as a result of an abundance of appropriate touch and affection in our lives, we have an inbuilt sense of safety and inner stability that does not depend upon how other people respond to us. We wake up feeling loved, and go to sleep feeling loved - no matter what slings and arrows get hurled at us in any given day.

Skin How it is possible that touch can be one of most effective means to influence the structures and functions of body and mind? The answer lies in the skin. Skin is the largest sensory organ of the body, arising in a human embryo from the same ectodermic cell layers as the nervous system. In the evolution of the senses, touch is earliest to develop.

Skin Statistics In an adult male there are 19 square feet of skin which contains 5 million sensory cells and represents 12 % of total body weight Skin is softer in summer - the pores are wider and there is greater lubrication. In winter it's more compact and firm, the pores are closer together and hair sheds less. A piece of skin the size of a 5p has: more than 3 million cells, 100-340 sweat glands, 50 nerve endings and three feet of blood vessels Skin contains hundreds of thousands of sensory receptors, which are triggered by skin stimuli. Skin, so closely tied to the nervous system, sends messages to our

brain via the spinal cord - heart rate and blood pressure react. Appropriate touch can prompt the brain to produce endorphins, the body's natural pain suppressers, which are considered more powerful than morphine. This is why massage can help ease pain.

Touch deprivation - what happens if we’re not touched?

The 13th century historian Salimbene described an experiment made by the German Emperor Frederick II, who wanted to know what language children would speak if raised without hearing any words at all. Babies were taken from their mothers and raised in isolation. The result was that they all died. Salimbene wrote in 1248, "They could not live without petting." Nor can anyone else. Untouched

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adults may not die physically, but life will not be experienced to the full.

Touch deprivation is also harmful because it severely affects sleep, which is necessary for the conservation of energy.

In all studies on separations of very young children from their mothers, sleep was always affected. The time children required to fall asleep was longer, and night waking was more frequent.

In several studies a suppressed immune response was noted following the separation of monkeys from their mothers. Less antibody production and less natural killer cell activity resulted.

After reunion with their mothers, immune function returned to normal. Studies on touch deprivation among pre-school children who were separated from their mothers also noted more frequent illnesses, particularly upper respiratory infections, diarrhoea and constipation.

This is the same for adults. 26 adults with migraine headaches randomly assigned to a massage therapy group, received twiceweekly 30-minute massages for 5 consecutive weeks, they reported fewer distress symptoms, less pain, more headache free days, fewer sleep disturbances, taking fewer analgesics and also increased serotonin levels.

About Colin Richards: Colin qualified as a Therapeutic and Sports masseur in 1995, having trained under the Association of Natural Medicines. He worked for several years as resident masseur at The Eldon Osteopathic Clinic in Devon. It was in 2005 that he moved to London to establish Massage 33. His aim was to put into practice his personal philosophy and belief that sensual (tantric) massage, if given as a professional therapeutic treatment, could be proved to be beneficial for those experiencing lack of intimacy or sexual challenges in their personal lives and not just regarded as a pseudo spiritual sexual massage. Soon his philosophy was proven right as increasingly clients who came to him with a variety of needs found the treatment not only very fulfilling but also beneficial and often acted as a catalyst to make change in their personal lives. Consequently and to enhance his skills and provide a more professional and informed support, in 2006 Colin trained as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist.

Since then he has continued to develop his philosophy by combining his body work skills with established and proven psychosexual techniques. With this further knowledge and the invaluable experience of seeing more than 2500 clients over the past 3 years, he developed the massage and in 2008 rebranded Massage 33 to M33 offering a new style of massage; PsychoSensual massage to help men, women and couples of all sexualities with physiological or psychological issues that challenge their intimate lives.

Colin is now training others the principals and techniques of PsychoSensual Massage and his vision for the future is to create an “Intimacy Centre� A clinic for Psychosexual and Relationship therapy with integrating Sensual Treatments with Psychosexual Counselling.

Bari Goddard Art & Photography

www.barigoddard.co.uk +44 7907 998418

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Martin Mazza came to London to perform in SupermartXe Peepshow. We managed to catch this very busy man for just a few minutes before the show to ask him what he would be doing and find out what else he is upto?

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MIRRORBALLS: Where are you from ?

Martin Mazza: I am from Madrid, but I was actually born in Pamplona.

MB: Why did you become an actor ?

MM: I just wanted to change something about my life, and I wrote to ChiChi La Rue who asked me to do a movie MB: What sort of films do you like to act in?

MM: I like it when the sex is energetic, when the other guy is nice, you know when the guy is sexy.

I like lots of kissing an sensuality - but I love dirty sex too! LOL MB: With which other films companies have you worked?

MM: I’ve worked for quite a few - Falcon, ChiChi laue, Hothouse, Raging Stallion, Alphamale, Lucas Entertainment, Triga Films, Jalif Studio, etc...

MB: What will you be doing at Supermartxe ?

MM: I am putting on a show, is very hot show with Marco Blaze and my dancers from Spain MB: You are a dancer, yes?

MM: I was a gogo dancer, but now I am a singer. For now I finish in porn, to concentrate on singing what are your future plans with your career? I have many projects on the go. I am putting on my own club night, I work as a model for two companies and I also write books. Now is my second book has been published in Spain; the first one was a top seller. I also want to study English.

MB: Thanks for your time.

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spirit energie conviction

www.verve-london.com

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London Ni gh t s Its been a busy month in London so we put together a selection of the best pictures from the London clubbing scene.

On the following pages are photos from Salvation and SuperMartXe parties during May. There are lots more photos from these and other events in the galleries on the MIRRORBALLS website.

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CONGRATULATIONS TO

Mr. SAleathermen 2009 JACO

LOURENS

First runner-up Second runner-up RICHARD TASKER TERTIUS VAN NIEKERK

Edinburgh www.21stcenturykilts.com