Liz Langley  Flirty, Dirty, Wordy and Nerdy-

Funny how the arts evolve, isn’t it? Mimes are barely tolerated in their old format, but put the word “air” in front of an activity and it truly becomes a fun, innovative, crowd-pleaser, as far “mime” as you can get. Replace the tired activities of mimes and replace it with something everyone wants to do and mime has undergone an evolution very like the Pony Express turning into Twitter.

If you thought air guitar was brilliant you owe it to yourself to check out the Air Sex World Championships . The idea originated in Japan, but Tim League of the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX, brought the concept to Austin and is about to turn it loose on the rest of America. Tour dates of 15 cities are scheduled to determine the next Air Sex Champion.

Those who are interested in competing should note – this is not just writhing around on the ground or pumping your pelvis into the universal void. Some of the contenders have stories, costumes, serious mime narrative (well, maybe not serious) and thought-out concepts, so creativity, as well as sexiness and a certain amount of athleticism is a must. Just like the real thing – you gotta put some style into it.

May is Masturbation month, and though Air Sex is not exactly masturbation it’s certainly about the safest sex you can have - you’re not even touching yourself, fergodssake. With that and the entertainment value in mind we’re encouraging it and hope a lot of you will get to practicing. Though, come to think of it, there’s probably plenty of practice going on – even among people who have no idea there’s even a competition.