—MaestroShave Gentleman’s Barbershop (www.facebook.com/MaestroShaveBarberShop or www.maestroshave.com): Maestro (at 1500 N. Wells St.) certainly deserves his name, as he works wonders on the hair of men of every ethnicity. I’ve gone several times, and have received compliments after every cut. Also, people can reserve online at the latter website.
—All Natural Astroglide Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer (www.astroglide.com): With ingredients such as aloe vera, pectin and chamomile flower extract, one of Astroglide’s newest (latex-safe) offerings promises pleasure as users “go green.” Samples are available for those who, um, need convincing.
—Anthony Logistics for Men lip balm SPF 25 (AnthonyForMen.com): If you’ve tried a drugstore’s worth of lip balms, your search for the perfect product may have ended. Not only does it come in various flavors (such as natural, blood orange, and mint and white tea), but its does its job, thanks to components like shea butter and avocado oil
—The State Within: Jason Isaacs stars in the 2006 conspiracy thriller (out on DVD, thanks to BBC Video) that involves U.S.-British relations, relationships (gay and straight) and engrossing plot turns. For me, Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey; Hannah Free; Queer As Folk) commands the screen as a vitriolic secretary of defense who is one of the scariest people—man or woman—I’ve seen in quite some time.