Monday Cover Men

Gay or Celebrity Baby Daddy?

Details asks the question that Anna Nicole Smith never bothered didn't live to.

Where Are They Now?

I couldn't believe my eyes the first time I saw sexy Scott Gurney as the gay-for-pay porn star Johnny Rebel in "The Fluffer." Talk about perfection! But since that sexually charged leading role back in late 2001, Gurney has all but disappeared from the landscape, with just one acting credit to his name (as a college recruiter on "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch"!) Oh, well. I'll always have the magazine covers to remember him by ...

Ciao! Manhattan

By the time you read this Michael and I will be all settled in at our hotel near the Spanish Steps in Rome. It's a much-needed romantic getaway -- and our first "real" vacation in quite some time. You see, Michael doesn't count the trips out West that include stops to see my family. He loves my family, but a vacation to him means going away where we know no one, hence our trip to the Eternal City, a place neither of us has been before.

As I was preparing for the trip I ended up digging through piles and piles of old magazines that I had kept for one reason or another. As I flipped through the pages, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite photos before (finally) tossing them into the garbage. I've put together a few posts to last the week so my blog will not be lifeless while I'm away. Enjoy and I will return to action soon ...

Sunday Morning

French model/fitness trainer Gregory Capra, above, as seen in photographer Fred Goudon's new book, "Sunday Morning."

Vespa Bound ...

All's Well That Ends Well

In what must have felt like an eternity, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, once considered a No. 1 draft pick, waited on the sidelines for hours until being selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns during first round of the NFL Draft Saturday, April 28, 2007, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (Is it me, or did the A&F model in the making look like he started breaking out right before our eyes?!) Although it may have been a minor blow to his ego, Quinn had wanted to play for Cleveland (his hometown), so I'm sure he's thrilled with the way things turned out. Based on how he looked at the Combine, though, it's hard to imagine anyone passing on this bod.

Is There a Draft in Here?

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson of Georgia Tech University, quarterback Brady Quinn of Notre Dame University, running back Adrian Peterson of Oklahoma University, quarterback JaMarcus Russell of Louisiana State University and defensive end Gaines Adams of Clemson University pose on the Radio City Music Hall Marquee during the NFL Draft photo call held at Radio City Music Hall on April 26, 2007 in New York City. (NFL.com)

Even I'm surprised I'm not in Midtown lurking around trying to catch a glimpse of my boy ... and that JaMarcus guy looks awfully good too ...

Ex-Gay Movement Comes to Life

(via Jimmi Chronicles)

Sporting Goods: Pat Burrell

Even Mets fans will have to forgive me for this one. Besides, it was a reader's special request. Although Pat Burrell's chest sure is nice to look at, it's the rear view that he's most famous for.

See for yourself after the jump. ----->

Page 1 Consider (04/27)

Fishy Spice: Wait. Scary Spice is a lesbian? But I thought Eddie Murphy only had sex with tranny hookers. (Source)

Old Mike, New Christine: It's not every day that you read a column in the sports section and the guy who's been writing it for 20some years announces he's undergoing a sex change. But that's just what Mike Penner did this week. Unlike Steve Stanton, the former city manager in Largo, Florida, though, Mike's alter ego, Christine Daniels, is still gainfully employed. (LAT)

Actor Is Toast: I wonder if baked beans were involved when Hugh Grant was arrested with hooker Divine Brown, too. (AP)

Little by Little: New Hampshire lawmakers voted Thursday to authorize civil unions and sent the measure to Gov. John Lynch, who announced last week that he would sign it. It's a nice step in the right direction, although I was recently reading about the (was it) 1,000 things that marriage entitles you to that civil unions do not. Still separate. Still unequal, folks. (AP)

Students' Privacy: Kudos to the federal judge who on Thursday issued an order to lawyers battling to prevent a Gay-Straight Organization from forming at an Okeechobee, Florida, from questioning student witnesses about their sexuality. (Source)

Shifting Geres: I don't know if Richard Gere should be arrested for his public display of affection with Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty -- a major no-no in India. But based on the footage I've seen, Shetty might want to consider sexual assault charges against this maniac. (AP)

Mask: If Laura Dern wants to believe the reason she couldn't get a job for a year after after appearing on "Ellen" was because she played a lesbian then let her think that. I'm sure that's why Billy Bob Thornton ran off with Angelina Jolie without even notifying her too. (Source)

Chris Evans in INTERVIEW Magazine

(Photos by Emily Shur)

Hunky Chris Evans is featured in the new issue of INTERVIEW magazine. Unfortunately, he seems to really be following that advice he got about not taking his shirt off to avoid being "pigeonholed as a beefcake." Such a shame given the magazine Andy built's track record with sexy photos shoots, like this one of Notre Dame hunk Brady Quinn you may recall and so many others...

Jake Gyllenhaal Wallpaper

Here's another wallpaper by Greg Jelinek, who got the new job (congrats!). (Part 7 of a 10-part series.)

TRANARAMA: 'Visa for Love'

Venus Flytrap - Visa For Love
Uploaded by Transsmusic

Here's the new video by everyone's favorite all-tranny band, Venus Flytrap.

Trump on O'Donnell: "She's Got Mental Problems'

Wait'll you hear Donald Trump's take on Rosie O'Donnell's exit from "The View":

"Look, Rosie is very -- in my opinion, she's ill, you know, she's got some mental -- serious mental problems. And you know, more importantly, she's very self-destructive, which is a part of that mental problem." (Read)

GENRE Preview

(Photos by Kevin McDermott)
Here's a sneak peek at Genre magazine's red-hot new Sports & Fitness Issue (hello, Kevin Gould!).

A couple more pics after the jump. ----->

Page 1 Consider (04/26)

My 'View': Everyone's got a theory about Rosie O'Donnell's announcement that she's leaving "The View." But it's pretty obvious to me that Rosie wanted out and the "contract negotiations didn't work out" high road is what she agreed to say with Barbara Walters. ABC would have done anything to keep this ratings goldmine on the set. (AP)

Two Becomes One: Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown sure could use a visit from Self-Respect Spice. (AP)

Thanks for the Vote: MySpace and reality TV producer Mark Burnett are teaming to launch the search for an independent presidential candidate. (AP)

Is There No End to This? President Bush's "brain" Karl Rove is finally under investigation for illegal political activity. Too bad the man leading the inquiry is a Bush appointee -- Special Counsel Scott Bloch -- who is already under investigation for allegations of homophobia, illegal gag orders, cronyism, and retaliation. (Source)

As If: People magazine says Drew Barrymore is the No. 1 Most Beautiful Person. Are crooked mouths and speech impediments "hot" in Hollywood these days? (People)

Reality Check: How's this for a new reality show: "Is Your Husband Gay?" (ABC)

Anything but Ratings: In the wake of the Voicemailgate scandal, NBC denied Alec Baldwin's request to get out of his contract for "30 Rock" so he could devote all of his time to the cause of "parental alienation." Given the sitcom's so-called ratings, however, I have a feeling he'll have plenty of time for all sorts of causes in the near future. (AP)

HotJobs: If I were Steve Stanton, I'd head to West Palm Beach faster than you can see Adam's apple reduction. (Source)

DVR Worthy: This Friday on 20/20, Barbara Walters sits down with children who are struggling with gender identity and their families. (Advocate)

Linger: Singer Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries says that a "reunion is possible." Did they break up? (AP)

Thursday Ad Watch

Robby Ginepri's tennis career appears to be over. Lucky for him, modeling seems to suit him well.

(For the NSFW version of the condom "ad," click here.)

This week's eye-catching advertisements.

'Makes Me Wonder' by Maroon 5

The new Maroon 5 single is kinda catchy, and singer Adam Levine is looking sexy as ever in high-style video.

Franco American

James Franco was looking fit at the "Spider-Man 3" photocall at the Westin Excelsior Grand Hotel in Rome. It's hard to believe Michael and I will be there on Sunday.

Previously:

James Franco Gets a 'Complex'

Hot Stuff: Andrew Stetson

Another helping of sexy Andrew Stetson because I just can't get enough. How about you?

The first batch can be seen here.

Page 1 Consider (04/25)

Match Point: Another trip to rehab for Irish star Jonathan Rhys Meyers. (Source)

Cruel and Unusual: A two-disc DVD of Ben Stiller's "Night at the Museum"? Wouldn't sitting through one be punishment enough? (BC)

The Double Standard: A New York radio station that ignored criticism after two of its morning show stars called a musician a "fag" on air has suspended the shock jocks following prank phone call to a local Chinese restaurant that was filled with ethnic slurs. In the call, a woman employee at the Chinese restaurant was told by the caller that he would like to "come to your restaurant" to see her naked, especially the body part he referred to as "hot, Asian, spicy." He then attempt to order "flied lice," and uses a series of racial slurs and four-lettered words. I guess they couldn't just fire JV and Elvis for not being the least bit funny as that would mean all morning DJs would be out of work. (Source)

Welcome to the Dollhouse: How sad when one repressed group decides it's OK to then try to hold another one down. (Source)

Shattered Faith: Messy George Michael must appear in court on drug charges a day before a sellout concert at London's new Wembley Stadium, a district judge ruled Tuesday. The 43-year-old singer, whose real name is George Panayiotou, was arrested in October. He faces charges of driving under the influence of drugs, an activity he seems to fancy doing on a weekly basis. (AP)

All Out of Pride: Faced with a mountain of debt Seattle's Out and Proud, the volunteer group that puts on the city's annual gay pride parade and festival, decided Tuesday to disband and file for bankruptcy. (Source)

Tears of a Clown: What's up with that "Girls Gone Wild" guy crying like a baby in court yesterday? I guess he knows what it feels like now to be one of those teenage girls who sobers up after she's already signed a release form. (AP)

Roger That

Roger Federer looks rather dashing on the cover of Men's Vogue. Even better are the inside photos (see 'em here) with his girlfriend/manager, Mirka Vavrinec, who looks like she's lost a few. (Article)

DNA Gets Hot Down Under

(Via OhLaLaParis)

I Know You Wanna Get Up (Yeah)

(Bye-bye, Bruce. It's been fun ... )

Frying an Egg on Madonna's Stomach

Madonna was 15 or 16 when this film was shot, yet she looks 30.

Question

Is Carlos Mencia the most unfunny, fucking retard, douche-bag to ever walk the earth?

The Coolest Guy Ever

DEAR AMY: My 37-year-old stepson has moved in with his father and me.
His life as an up-and-coming rap star has not worked out, and he has no
place left to go. He has never worked a real job. He is heavily tattooed and
pierced, and he weighs 350 pounds, so it’s not as if he can work just
anywhere. His father and I are both working minimum-wage jobs and
can’t afford counseling or therapy for him. I would be depressed if I were
he, but he seems perfectly happy to sleep until noon, eat and play video
games all day. Any advice? -- LK in Oregon

DEAR LK: Your husband is the best (really the only) person to address
this. He could have prevented this in the first place by insisting that his
son find other housing. (It's much harder to get a carbuncle off the
couch once he has established himself.) You could help by doing some
research on job-training programs in your community. Your stepson should
demonstrate the ability to get off the couch.

Your husband should make his expectations clear, and give his son a
deadline to get it together and start contributing to the household -- or move
on. As a last resort, you could try "torture by soft rock." Playing
Captain and Tennille recordings at home might hasten his departure.

Morning Glory: Anderson Davis

Meet model/actor/heartbreaker Anderson Davis ... anyone know any more?

Page 1 Consider (04/24)

Wet Dreams: I love this blogger for remembering how hot Daniel Lapaine was in "Muriel's Wedding." (MyNewPlaidPants)

Foul Play: In his new autobiography, Chevy Chase says he will never forgive his mother and step-dad for the tortuous beatings he received as a child, a time he said he lived in "deathly fear" of his mentally-ill mother, Cathalene (who deserves to be beaten herself for spelling her name that way), and stepfather because they subjected him to regular psychological torture: "I'll never forgive them. At their graves I didn't. It was too hard for me. You would think a grown man could shake it off, as the coffin was being lowered, to say, 'I forgive you.' I don't forgive." I know how he feels. I still haven't forgiven him for his 1993 talk show, "The Chevy Chase Show." (Reuters)

One for the Ages: Two of the oldest people in the United States met Saturday. A relative drove 113-year-old Bertha Fry of Muncie to a Shelbyville nursing home to visit Edna Parker, who celebrated her 114th birthday Friday. The conversation went something like this: "Happy birthday!" Fry said. "WHAT????" Parker replied. "Happy birthday, dear!" "HUH?????" a confused Parker screamed back. (AP)

Every Day Is a Whining Rove: Eco-queen Laurie David claims Karl Rove freaked out when she tried to talk to him about global warming at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and when Sheryl Crow tried to calm him down by touching him on the arm he screamed, "Don't touch me!" Mrs. Larry David explains: "I went over to him and said, I urge you to take a new look at global warming. He went zero to 100 with me," David said. "I've never had anyone be so rude." Rove's view was: "She came over to insult me and she succeeded." Things got so hot, according to the Washington Post, that Crow tried to defuse the situation but wound up laying into Rove. "You work for me," she told the presidential adviser, according to bystanders. "No," was his response. "I work for the American people." To which Crow replied: "Yes, and I'm an American citizen." (Reuters)/li>

L.A. Confidential: Actress Kim Basinger has hired a bodyguard for her 11-year-old daughter after a voice-mail tirade by her father, actor Alec Baldwin, was made public last week. Wouldn't it be cheaper to just get her daughter a new cell phone? (Reuters)

Trimming the Fat: Overweight workers cost their bosses more in injury claims than their lean colleagues, suggests a study that found the heaviest employees had twice the rate of workers' compensation claims as their fit co-workers. (AP)

Dolce & Gabbana Work It Out

Baby Love

I got some very sad news about Troy this afternoon. He has a huge tumor in his belly and some pancreas problems, so treatment isn't much of an option for the little guy.

He's in the hospital right now and discharge hours are over for the day, so I'm hoping to go get him when I wake up tomorrow and have him spend the night (or two) with me before they put my baby down. He has not eaten in weeks and is probably not in a good way, but he's still affectionate as ever and I think I still want to be with him a little more, even if it's selfish. He's a very sweet boy.

Thanks to all of you who have sent your well-wishes. They're greatly appreciated. I love that while humans seem to disagree on so many topics, when it comes to pets it's unanimously unconditional love.

Read: LOVE ALLERGY / The Boyfriend or the Cat: Which Would You Choose?

Sporting Goods: Chase Wright

I was searching the Web for some pictures of the Yankees' cute rookie pitcher Chase Wright when suddenly he allowed four homeruns in a row against the Boston Red Sox (only the second pitcher in major league history to do so), and my crush quickly began to wane. Luckily, this cute football/baseball-playing model/law student from Orlando who shares the same name came up in my results ...

More pics after the jump. ----->

Page 1 Consider (04/23)

Jake Gets Around: My lucky bitch of a friend Keith had a Jake Gyllenhaal sighting in the lobby of the San Jose Hotel down in Austin, Texas. Might Jakey be cheating on his BFF Austin Nichols with another Austin pal, Lance Armstrong? (KneeDeepInMud)

I HEART N.Y.: Gov. Eliot Spitzer will introduce a bill in the coming weeks to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, his spokeswoman said Friday, a move that would propel New York to the forefront of one of the most contentious issues in politics. Although gay advocates realize the fight is an uphill battle as the measure is unlikely to pass both chambers of the Legislature this year, everyone agrees that the governor’s proposal would give the heated topic strategic and symbolic weight. (NYT)

"Freedom" of the Press: A high school journalism adviser in Indiana has been suspended for "allowing" a sophomore to write a column in the student newspaper that dared to advocate tolerance for people "different than you." But since sophomore Megan Chase's words appeared Jan. 19 in The Tomahawk, the newspaper at Woodlan Junior-Senior High School, Amy Sorrell has been suspended and is fighting for her job, and charges of censorship and First Amendment violations are clouding this conservative northeastern Indiana community. What a sad story this is. (AP)

Dina-Oh! The sex was good. But that's the only nice thing Dina Matos McGreevey has to say about her sham of a marriage to gay former Gov. Jim McGreevey."You have to pull yourself together," he sternly told her before the 2004 announcement that shocked the nation. "You have to be Jackie Kennedy today." I guess telling her he was gay wasn't enough for him. He had to repeatedly rub her face in it by obsessing about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis every step of the way afterward: Dina says he also demanded she move out of Drumthwacket before his official resignation date because staying until the last minute would make her "look like white trash." "Don't you have any dignity or self-respect?" he reportedly said. "Jackie Kennedy wouldn't do that." (NYDN)

TransGeneration: A transgender candidate for prom king made an "elegant" appearance at the Fresno High School dance in (what else?) a tux, but missed winning the title, school officials said. Cinthia Covarrubias, 17, identifies as transgender (time to work on that name, Mr. Thing!). Gay youth advocates believe it was the first time in the U.S. that an openly transgender student had run for prom royalty. (AP)

Terrorist's Remorse: Remember John Walker Lindh, aka The American Taliban? When he struck a "deal" back in the post-9/11 hysteria days that got him 20 years in prison instead of life, it was considered a real break. But is it time for buyer's remorse? (NYT)

I Did It

So right after I blogged about Troy a few hours ago Michael happened to call to see if I'd gotten home from work safely and to check in on our baby. I told him what I was thinking and although he was half-asleep and has to be up for work in the early a.m. hours, he jumped out of bed and headed uptown with me to the Animal Medical Center. I won't know which way this whole thing is going to turn out for another day or two (there are a lot of variables and exploratory surgery could be in the cards), but I can go to sleep knowing that Troy's in the best hands the city has to offer and that he is finally getting some long-delayed nourishment. I just couldn't wait another second and even though it will be hard not having Troy home tonight, I think I will sleep better knowing a plan is in motion.

Does this look like the face of a kitty who is on his way out? I think not :-)

Earful

New Songs This Week (5)

I Will Be Lyrics Avril Lavigne	The Realest Lyrics Usher
4 In The Morning Lyrics Gwen Stefani	Second Chance Lyrics Faber Drive
I Don't Need A Man Lyrics Pussycat Dolls

8 1/2 Lives?

I'm sitting here with my kitty -- who (but for a few nibbles last Monday after a steroid shot) hasn't even in two weeks -- not knowing what to do. My vet thinks the end is near so I have an appointment for a 2nd opinion at a new vet this afternoon at 3 but part of me wants to jump in a cab right now (around midnight in the 212) and go to the 24-hour animal hospital on the Upper East Side, even though his condition is no better or worse (seemingly) than it was all week. The not-eating thing is undoubtedly very serious. But everyone says cats stop grooming when they're near death yet, as you can see, Troy is as fastidious as ever. My heart is broken and I'm so not sure what to do. How can people be parents of little human beings?

Gay Al Isn't Feeling It ...

The Great Clay Divide

It's pretty amazing how sure the experts are that Roger Federer is the greatest player of all time, yet the clay court dilemma haunts him just as it did his closest competitor, Mr. Pete Sampras. Martina Navratilova, a serve and volleyer, was able to win the French Open, twice, but the women's game doesn't have the same depth as the men's (it was much more that way when she won in the '80s), so there is still hope. And truthfully, Roger's situation is about the only thing that makes men's tennis somewhat compelling anymore -- will Roger ever get this monkey off his back? -- and even this isn't enough to sustain interest year-round. (AP)

Developments

The New York Post has admitted altering the photo I blogged about the other day, but won't say in what way. Although many question my assertion that they Photoshopped out the victim's penis, the Post's statement all but admits that's what they thought they were doing, rendering my correctness a mute point: "We decided to make a very minor alteration to the photograph of Kevin Sterne being carried out of Norris Hall to protect the wounded student's dignity but in no way change the news impact of the picture." (I didn't realize having a penis was something to be ashamed of, but OK.) Whether I'm "right" or not isn't really the point here (pardon the pun). The Post did shamelessly lie to its readers and don't seem to have any remorse about it whatsoever.

The Poynter Institute tries to sort things out here.

Eric Dane Does Men's Health

I don't think they make 'em any hotter than Eric Dane.

Previously:

Morning Glory

Wedding Wars

Sexiest Man Alive

The Great Dane

Scans via BoyCulture

Page 1 Consider (04/20)

The Wedding Report: Ever wonder what it's like to attend a Colbert family event? (PinkNest)

Remembering the Dead: Instead of reading about the Virginia Tech killer, here's a chance to read about the lives that were so senselessly taken. (NYT)

M4M: Former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley is using leftover campaign cash to pay for the huge legal bills he's racking up defending himself in the congressional page scandal that led to his resignation. (AP)

City Managers: I wonder if Sarasota likes trannies any better than Largo does. (Source)

The Baldwin Truth: If I were Alec Baldwin's 11-year-old daughter, Ireland, I'd get the new asshole he ripped me repaired and keep my phone turned on in the future. (TMZ)

Justice for Jesus? A preacher's wife who claimed her husband abused her was convicted of voluntary manslaughter Thursday for killing him with a shotgun she said fired accidentally as she aimed at him. Mary Winkler faces a mere three to six years in prison. How is it possible that she she will be out in a few years but the boy who got a consensual blowjob in Georgia must serve 10? (AP) Meanwhile, a deaf lesbian gets life for killing in South Dakota. (AP)

He Doesn't Recall: How does Alberto Gonzales even remember how to get home from work each night? (WP)

Valley of the Sinner Son: Totally heterosexual Ted Haggard is moving to Phoenix. See you at Brazil's Wednesday 2-for-1 night, Teddy! (AP)

Convenience Store: I'm just running to the little botox shop around the corner. (NYT)

Gaybors: An international study of attitudes towards gays shows large number of people still do not want gay neighbors. (Source)

Murder in the Heartland: A Villa Park, Ill., woman formally pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that she smothered her live-in lover, then hid the body in the trunk of their car. Nicole Abusharif, 23, is charged with first-degree murder and concealing a homicide in the March 15 suffocation of 32-year-old Rebecca Klein. (NBC5)

Friday Photologue

It finally dawned on me yesterday that the Starbucks I frequent in Chelsea is adjacent to a flophouse on 22nd Street. I always wondered why there were always so many people in there who were doing everything but drinking coffee. This charming couple decided to sit down next to Michael and me last night and watch a little boob tube, which just happened to be stored in their Hefty bag. When the woman's ass nearly knocked our coffees off the table, Michael politely asked her to be mindful of what she was doing. But moments later she announced to her paramour that she wanted to "get out of this place 'cause I don't care for the company." Well la-di-da. I hear the electrical outlet at Jamba Juice is in a way better location anyway.

I'm willing to learn any language this guy speaks.

I always started laughing when I saw someone wearing pants that were hanging around their knees, but it's 2007, kids. Enough already.

Nothing sets me off more than the gluttonous American obsession with "free food." It doesn't matter what it is -- week-old sandwiches at work, stale coffee, muffins from last week's meeting? -- if it's free, people will eat it. I'm no snob -- and I sure as hell am not rich -- but given the vast wealth and amount of food available in this country I just find it ridiculous that people act like a free meal is what will separate them from starvation. Free Ice Cream Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's takes this whole issue to another level. It's one thing to have "free food" handed to you. But for the life of me I don't understand why so many people are willing to wait in line for 60 minutes for a lousy $3 ice cream cone that they could easily buy for themselves any time they want. It started to rain cats and dogs and the line near work did not die down one bit. Grown men in business suits -- who probably make six- or seven-figure incomes willing to do whatever it takes for "free food." Honest to God -- what is wrong with people?

Page 1 Consider (04/19)

It Ought to Be Illegal: These photos of model Flynn Walker by Pedro Virgil are probably the hottest thing I've ever seen in my life. (OhLaLaParis)

Homo Baby Daddy: On top of everything else Anna Nicole Smith was f**king the gays? Those highlights told the story no one else dare tell, but please tell me Bobby Trendy wasn't in on the action, too. (Towleroad)

They Be Illin': Lawmakers in Illinois reportedly mocked sex changes while debating a bill that would have made it easier to get a new birth certificate after switching genders in another country. I wish an F-to-M would walk over to the Statehouse and deck these assholes. (AP)

David Beckham: Uncut and Uncensored? Is this really full-on naked photo of David Beckham? While other people were busy Photoshopping penises off, I think others were putting them ... but you can see the NSFW version and decide for yourself here. ----> (Photo)

Freedom of Choice: The Supreme Court has upheld the Federal Abortion Ban, an extremely controversial piece of legislation that an anti-choice controlled Congress passed in 2003. To be honest, the news doesn't look good. Here's what the National Sexuality Resource Center suggest you can do now to fight back: 1. Sign NARAL Pro-Choice America's petition to support the Freedom of Choice Act, which would restore the reproductive rights under the vision expressed in Roe v. Wade and prevent the Supreme Court from overturning a woman's right to choose. 2. Sign the Planned Parenthood petition to express your outrage at the recent decision. 3. Discuss the decision on the American Sexuality Blog and get your anger out with like-minded folks! (WP)

Young at Hate: Three teens -- two of them 15 and one 16 -- have been charged with hate crimes, vandalism and delinquency following a series of incidents involving an Irving College, Tenn., gay man. Police say that in one incident the historic home belonging to Neal Anthony was hit by about 80 paintballs fired by a group of people all terrain vehicles. The young men were yelling gay slurs and shooting at the house. (Source)

No Bermuda (Pink) Triangle: A summer cruise for gay and lesbian families organized by Rosie O'Donnell's R Family Vacations has cut Bermuda from its planned itinerary because of possible protests by church groups in the British island territory. O'Donnell's charter company said it wanted to avoid the type of protests that greeted passengers when one of its cruises stopped in Nassau, Bahamas, in 2004, which I hear from friends was a very sad and depressing moment in the HBO documentary about the otherwise wonderful experience. (AP)

RIP: I grew up with her on "To Tell the Truth," and now we bid adieu to the great Kitty Carlisle Hart, who delighted us and supported us all these years. May she rest in peace. (NYT)

Photo Developments

In the aftermath of yesterday's post about the New York Post's digital doctoring of a photo from the Virginia Tech massacre, a number of things have come to my attention.

First of all, it turns out an award-winning photographer at the Toledo Blade, Allan Detrich, resigned from the staff earlier this month after admitting he did the exact same thing, digitally altering the content of a photograph that was published on The Blade's front page. A subsequent investigation found he'd altered 79 photos since January '07. The Blade's executive editor, Ron Royhab, took a strong stance on what Detrich did, even while many saw no problem with it:

Royhab wrote: Readers have asked us why this was such a big deal. What's wrong with changing the content of a photograph that is published in a newspaper? The answer is simple: It is dishonest. Journalism, whether by using words or pictures, must be an accurate representation of the truth. ... Honesty is the fundamental value in journalism. When a Blade reporter or photographer covers a news event, the newspaper and its readers expect an accurate record of the event. Reporters and editors are not allowed to change quotes or alter events to make them more dramatic. Photographers and photo editors cannot digitally alter the content in the frame of a photograph to make the image more powerful or artistic. ... This principle is widely recognized. In 1991, at the dawn of the digital age, the National Press Photographers Association adopted a "Digital Manipulation Code of Ethics," which all members are required to sign. ... It's impossible to make sense of why this happened, and we are embarrassed by it. But it is important that we are up front and honest with our readers.

(See examples of the digital alterations here.)

Next, I saw the mother of the young man in the now-famous photograph and learned that he is Kevin Sterne, 21, who is scheduled to graduate next month. Kevin is credited with saving his own life by employing his Eagle Scout skills to fashion a tourniquet on his twice-shot leg. Here's wishing him a speedy recovery. His remarkable story was detailed in an Associated Press article that ran in the Times Reporter yesterday (read here), which carried a big editor's note regarding public outcry over that photo of Kevin being carried away to safety. Ironically, the complaints had nothing to do with his exposed bits:

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some Times-Reporter readers complained about the use of the Kevin Sterne photo in Tuesday’s paper, believing that it was too graphic, or that the victim was dead, or that it was simply not in good taste. The photo, used on front pages around the world, also sparked reader concerns at other newspapers. The photo was examined carefully by editors at the Roanoke (Va.) Times and the Associated Press before it was cleared for use nationally and internationally to help tell the story of tragedy at Virginia Tech.

I wonder what the New York Post has to say about that.

Thursday Ad Watch

This week's eye-catching advertisements.

Emotional Roller Coaster

These last few weeks have included a number of extreme highs and lows. My friend Mary, along with her great sister Kristin, are in town and yesterday we all finally got together for lunch and an afternoon of shopping. We all met in college while working in the circulation department at the Arizona Republic/Phoenix Gazette back in the 1980s. They both wound up snagging and marrying the two hottest guys in the department (Rob and Rob) and have both gone on to have successful professional and family lives. (Oh, and they're both as gorgeous as ever.) It was so fun catching up with them. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. They're the kind of friends you don't see for years and the second you're together you pick right up where you left off.

Spending time with them was a welcome relief to the heartbreaking scene back on the homefront. As regular readers know, my kitty, Troy, has not been well for quite some time. Just when I wondered what could be worse than his vomiting after every meal along came his abrupt refusal to eat or drink at all. On Monday I took him to the vet only to have them run yet another set of costly tests that still revealed no explanation for Troy's condition. Troy's dropped nearly 5 pounds in recent weeks (a huge percentage of his total body weight) and I've just been beside myself as he has become increasingly lethargic and withdrawn. Despite the grim-sounding situation, the vet swore up and down that by looking at and examining Troy he would say nothing was wrong with him at all. (He even went so far to say the 13-year-old critter didn't look a day over 8, which made me smile.) The not-eating part is a very bad sign, but the vet said Troy's continuing to groom himself was a positive sign. He then suggested a two- to three-day hospitalization so they could observe Troy, but when I told him I was reluctant to go down that route again he said we could try a steroid shot, something that usually has a positive effect even if it's only short-term. Later that day Troy ate/drank again and just as my optimism was lifting, these past 48 hours he's gotten worse than ever. Michael was stunned last night seeing the vacant look on Troy's face and how completely changed he was. I was beginning to think he might die right then and there and we considered taking him to the emergency room on the Upper East Side. He'd smack his lips together like he was thirsty, yet he'd go nowhere near his water bowl. As the night wore on I continued trying every trick in the book (treats, turkey, tuna, baby food), when a bowl full of tuna water (his favorite) suddenly got him excited again. A second bowl got him going a little later, then I even noticed him drinking regular water and nibbling on his food. It was a sight for sore eyes, for sure, and I'm just praying it's the beginning of another turnaround. I know he's used a good 7 or 8 of his lives by now, but I'm just praying for a little more time with my baby.

The Devil in Disguise

Here's a look at one of the photographs the gunman responsible for the shootings at Virginia Tech mailed to NBC News, along with other pictures, video and writings. Cho Seung Hui apparently took this photo that showed him preparing for the shootings, displaying his pistols, ammunition clips, a hunting knife, a hammer, and the clothing that he was to wear a couple weeks before the attack. The items were apparently sent between the two attacks on campus that killed 33 people, including himself. Truly disgusting. (WP)

Jake Gyllenhaal Wallpaper

Here's another wallpaper by Greg Jelinek, for whom I rooting. (Part 6 of a 10-part series.)

We Can't Handle the Truth?

BEFORE (N.Y. Daily News)

AFTER (N.Y. Post)

NOTE TO RUPERT MURDOCH & CO.: You CAN'T go around Photoshopping news photos -- even of a crime victim's penis. Do you not understand how wrong this is?

If you're unclear (hint: it's dishonest), continue reading after the jump. ---->

Read my newest post on this topic here.

UPDATE: Here's an interesting bit of news that I'm just now hearing about. Allan Detrich, an award-winning Toledo Blade photographer, resigned from the staff April 7 after admitting he digitally altered the content of a photograph that was published on The Blade's front page. A subsequent investigation has found he's altered 79 photos since January '07 (see examples). (Romenesko)

(Photo by Alan Kim/Roanoke Times)

Who's That Guy?

Was that "Real World" cutie Danny Roberts at the L.A. GLAAD awards over the weekend? I thought he was a New Yorker these days.

UPDATE: My trusty readers tell me this Shawn Pyfrom, who plays Andrew Van de Kamp on "Desperate Housewives" (I don't watch that show!). Thanks for straightening me out. This kid is cute, huh?

The Day After

The Virginia Tech student identified as the assailant in Monday's deadly gun rampage was a South Korean immigrant who had been in the United States since 1992 and who held a green card signifying his status as a legal permanent U.S. resident, federal officials said Tuesday.
Cho Seung-Hui, a 23-year-old English major, was listed with a home address in Centreville, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C., not far from Dulles International Airport.

Despite identifying the killer, little else is known about him. University officials said he lived in a dormitory on the Virginia Tech campus, but could shed no light on a motive for the shooting spree that left 33 dead. "He was a loner, and we're having difficulty finding information about him," said Virginia Tech spokesman Larry Hincker.

A long note found in his dorm room reportedly said, "You caused me to do this." I'm not sure who "you" refers to.

Latest information and updates available here. Story: (AP)

Barry Zito On Top

After an uncomfortably slow start this season, pitcher Barry Zito -- aka the 126-million dollar man -- finally got his first win as a Giant. Truth be told, I'd have loved him winless, but that's just me ... (SFC)

Related:

Sporting Wood

The 126 Million Dollar Man

A Barry Bad Influence

Major League Ho

Page 1 Consider (04/17)

Virginia Tech Massacre: Just unbelievably horrible news out of Blacksburg, Virginia, yesterday. We were working on the story all night at work and it was shocking how slow the details are in coming. One student described the gunman as "just a normal looking kid, Asian, but he had on a Boy Scout type outfit. He wore a tan button-up vest and this black vest -- maybe it was for ammo or something." A guy in a Boy Scout outfit wandering around around a sprawling college campus shooting people at random? This whole thing sounds like a bad horror movie. I hope the police can sort this out soon so the victims' families can get some answers. My thoughts are with all of those affected. (NYT)

Who's Sari Now? Angry crowds in several Indian cities burned effigies of Richard Gere on Monday after he swept a popular Bollywood actress into his arms and kissed her several times during an AIDS-awareness event. Photographs of the 57-year-old actor embracing Shilpa Shetty and kissing her on the cheek at an HIV/AIDS awareness event in New Delhi were splashed across Monday's front pages in India, a country where sex and public displays of affection are largely taboo but leaving your wife back home to have sex with eunuchs at the annual festival at Koovagama is considered customary by some heterosexual men. (AP)

American Idiots: Confirming what we've long known to be Americans' highest priority, presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton was asked on a campaign stop what she thought of undertalented American Idol contestant Sanjaya Malakar. (AP)

Meter Running Into the Sunset: That wacky New York couple who hailed a taxi for their 2,500-mile move to Sedona, Arizona, arrived with their two cats at their destination on Monday. I feel sorry for the cabbie though. You know how stingy those retirees are with the tips. (AP)

Parenting Skillis: Call it a reward, or just "bribery." Whichever it is, many parents today readily admit to buying off their children, who get goodies for anything from behaving in a restaurant to sleeping all night in their own beds. I remember when I was a kid my mom used to bribe me all the time. She'd tell me she wouldn't beat me senseless if I did what she said. It always worked. (AP)

Spider-men: James Franco was looking good at the Tokyo premiere of "Spiderman 3," but did you know Thomas Haden Church (Lowell on "Wings") is in it too? (AP)

Broken Promises: Students who participated in sexual-abstinence programs were just as likely to have sex a few years later as those who did not, according to a long-awaited study mandated by Congress. Also, those who attended one of the four abstinence classes reviewed reported having similar numbers of sexual partners as those who did not attend the classes, and they first had sex at about the same age as their control-group counterparts: 14 years and nine months. The federal government now spends about $176 million annually on abstinence-until-marriage education. Critics have repeatedly said they don't believe the programs are working, and the study will give them reinforcement. (AP)

Afternoon Delight

Hugh Jackman looking extra hunky on his high horse.

Related:

Jacked Up

Queen for a Day

The Scoop

En (Men's) Vogue

And a little beach action, via JustJared.

David Wright Gets Sweaty

A big thanks to Joey for sending me these photos of David Wright I'd never seen before. Still waiting for someone to get the first shirtless pic of the boy with the tongue ...

Previously:

Sunday Worship

David Wright Fuels Up

Take Me Out

The Wright Stuff

All-Star Hotness

Straighten Up and Fly Wright

Page 1 Consider (04/16)

'F for Fake': Michael and I saw "The Hoax" over the weekend. What a complex and well-made film. For those unfamiliar with this one, it's the story of Clifford Irving, a failed novelist who in 1971 decided to pretend that he'd been commissioned by the reclusive Howard Hughes to help him write his memoirs. Even though I'm too young to fully understand how colossal a figure Hughes was (for lack of a better comparison, I guess you could say he was a brand-name businessman like Donald Trump is for today's generation, only interesting), the story of Irving's obsession for fame and fortune and the lengths he had to go to nearly pull this scheme off entirely is fascinating in and of itself. Gere is great as Irving, and Alfred Molina deserves a Best Supporting Oscar for his portrayal of his squeamish researcher, Dick Suskind. (AP)

You Can't Handle the Truthiness: A new poll shows that Americans who know the most about what’s going on in the world -- who were able to identify major public figures, for example -- were likely to be viewers of fake news programs like Jon Stewart’s "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report," while those who knew the least watched network morning news programs, Fox News or local television news. (NYT)

Better Late Than Never: 81-year-old actor Farley Granger has just come out as being "bi" in a new book. Mark my words: by the time he's 90 he'll be totally gay. (AP)

Gay Fat: A new study says gay men may be at far higher risk for eating disorders than heterosexual men. I hope they didn't spend too much time and money researching this overly obvious one. Wasn't Jack McFarland's calling Will "fat" for eight years enough proof? (Source)

Duckie Dale: Wait, you mean to tell me Jon Cryer is straight? (Source)

Graf in Stitches: It's no laughing matter when Andre Agassi has to play with someone who has more than twice as many Grand Slam titles. Just ask Steffi Graf. (AP)

Getting Off Easy: Even before having his sex change, the fired city manager of Largo, Florida, proved he already doesn't have a set of balls by announcing he will not sue the city for its illegal and disgraceful actions against him. Steve Stanton, 48, said Friday during the taped segment on CNN's "Larry King Live," that he will be living as Susan within the next two months. He said he and his wife will separate. (AP)

Rudy/Ruda: Might former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani be our first transvestite president? He's sure never seen a pair of pumps he didn't wanna try on ... (AP)

Bad Hed? Whistle-blowing Women's Basketball Coach Leaves LSU. Is that what they call those people these days? (AP)

Poor Guy: Isn't being gay-bashed enough, but to have it done by girls? (Advocate)

RIP: Legendary crooner Don Ho is dead at 76. When I was a kid, growing up in Madison Heights, Michigan, a summer day wasn't complete without watching "The Don Ho Show" -- along with "The Gong Show" and reruns of "Sanford and Son" (Don was even on there once, along with a great guest role on "The Brady Bunch") -- before heading out to the pool for the afternoon. Thanks for the memories. (AP)

More to Be GLAAD About

While the New York GLAAD Awards were a "star"-studded event featuring, well, the Queer Eye guys, it seems the Los Angeles version was packed with real stars (sorry, boys).

The Vanguard Award went to Jennifer Aniston for her efforts to increase visibility and understanding of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community (translation: partaking in a lezzie kiss on "Dirt" with that anorexic former co-star of hers, Courteney Cox). Not only did the former Mrs. Pitt take home a top honor, she also got a serious smooch from her "Good Girl" leading man, Jake Gyllenhaal , fresh off the gay rumor circuit (lucky bitch). Things stayed equally friendly afterward (see below).


"Grey's Anatomy" took home a writing award (I think Best On-Set Drama would have been more fitting) and tennis great Martina Navratilova was given the Stephen F. Kolzak Award (presumably for being a lesbian).


Other stars on hand at the Kodak Theatre included a dreamy Ben Affleck, Eva Mendes, Rachel Griffiths, America Ferrera, Rebecca Romijn, Matthew Rhys and Kate Walsh.(Story)

Earful

New Songs This Week (8)

Me And My Imagination Lyrics Sophie Ellis Bextor	I Wonder Lyrics Kellie Pickler
Impacto Lyrics Daddy Yankee	Do You Know (Ping Pong Song) Lyrics Enrique Iglesias
Hate That I Love You Lyrics Rihanna	In It For The Money Lyrics Lumidee
Still There For Me Lyrics Corbin Bleu	Make Some Noise Lyrics Hannah Montana

Capturing the Spirit of John-John Kennedy

More photos after the jump. ----->

Nearly everyone born in the post-Kennedy assassination generation agrees that the death of John F. Kennedy Jr. was our first brush with a national tragedy, one that felt like the loss of a family member. I'll bet you can remember where you were that fateful Friday afternoon, back in 1999, when you heard John-John's plane had gone missing, with his wife, Carolyn, and her sister Lauren Bessette on board. My friends Jay and Ed and I had just pulled up to their summer rental in Amagansett when we sensed something horrible was going on. The house, normally loud and rambunctuous on a sunny July afternoon in the Hamptons, was quiet as a funeral home. As we approached the sliding glass door, we could see a group of people glued to the television in silence. Never one to shy away from putting my foot in my mouth, I tried to liven things up a bit with a silly, "Are we at war or something?" (The irony of that seemingly over-the-top statement is not lost on me now.) No one said a word, much less a courtesy laugh. I don't think we left the house -- or the TV area -- that sad weekend.

The stylist Emmanuelle Alt along with photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin have captured the casual style that defined John-John in the new Vogue Hommes International, and the results are at times eerie and, of course, like the man who inspired the look, very sexy. Both John and his mother were like New York institutions, and their presence is greatly missed.

More photos after the jump. ----->

Page 1 Consider (04/13)

Don't It Make Her Brown Eyes Blue? How ironic that I -- a vehement critic of the Durham district attorney's office -- would be having ambivalent feelings about the lynching the Duke rape accuser is getting the media now. She was named -- Crystal Gail Mangum -- and pictured on the cover of all the tabloids yesterday and the cable news networks were having at her). John Podhoretz wrote a provocative piece in the NY Post saying because the attorney general has chosen not to press charges against the woman -- the reasonable punishment in my opinion -- she must be named (Crystal Gail Mangum) and shamed as often and as loudly as possible because "people who are tempted to do the monstrous things Mangum did should fear public exposure. They should be terrified of it. They should have nightmares about it. They should be given no encouragement whatsoever to believe they can launch a nuclear weapon at someone's reputation and escape unscathed." I know he's right, but I guess I've never been a big believer in the whole "An Eye for An Eye" mentality, and something tells me some pretty rotten things happened at that party to provoke this vindictive reaction from her -- not that it justifies what she did in any way. Still, I'm glad it's "over." (NYP) Meanwhile, Mike Nifong issued an "apology" to the players he charged with rape. But as my mother would say to me when I was a child, "It sure doesn't sound like you're sorry." (AP)

Judging Lezzy: The Arkansas court of appeals ruled Wednesday that a child should be transferred from his lesbian mother's custody to his father's -- but the majority opinion insisted the change had nothing to do with the mom's sexuality. I don't know the details of this case, but it did strike me as odd that this gem was included in the records: The courts "have never condoned a parent's promiscuous conduct or lifestyle when such lifestyle has been in the presence of a child." All right, then. (Advocate)

Don't Dream, It's Over: Radio freak Don Imus was a jerk, is a jerk, and will always be a jerk. Could he and his bad wig please crawl into a hole and disappear? (WP)

One Man, One Woman, Two Criminal Charges: Nothing defends the sanctity of marriage like an assault with civil rights violation chaser. (Source)

Gays and Hate: Legislation to included crimes against gays and lesbians in federal hate crime laws was reintroduced in the Senate Thursday. A similar bill was reintroduced in the House last month. (Source)

Burning Desire: Button your flies, people: The Centers for Disease Control says the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea is now among the "superbugs" resistant to common antibiotics. (WP)

The Truth Hurts: I don't get these ads for True dating service. Is there something sexy about a guy with a mediocre body queening out while playing with a garden hose in his saggy jockey shorts? (True)

Justin Chambers: 'Anatomy' of an Average Joe

You know you're in Hollywood when a man like Justin Chambers isn't even "the hot one" at his place of work. Maybe I need to rethink this not watching "Grey's Anatomy" thing ...

Previously:

Morning Wood: Justin Chambers

Afternoon Delight: Justin Chambers

Justin Chambers Suits Up

Driving Miss Thing

My friend Leah wrote me this:
I can't decide. Is the Styles section running out of things to write about, or is this really not so completely absurd? Gay cars? Is this something that has ever entered a conversation you had with someone? Just wondering.
lz

To which I promptly replied:
Let me put it to you this way: (see attached)

(Yes, that's me in my dream car circa 1989.)

'Everything's Gone Green' Premiere

I hear that tonight's New York City premiere of "Everything's Gone Green" at Landmark's Sunshine Cinema will feature a Q&A with the writer Douglas Coupland ("Generation X"), the director and the film's cast. I'm working late so I can't join the fun, but wanted to let other moviegoers in the (212) know so they can let me know what I missed.

Daddy Is a Lesbian

I understood perfectly when I received this press release letting me know that Steven Stanton, the Largo, Fla., city manager who was fired because he announced he was having a sex change, was going to be on "Larry King Live" tonight on CNN. I've been blogging about the married father of a teenage boy's ordeal for the past month, so I figured I'd been added to their "list." The confusion started when I realized the list to which I'd been added belonged to The National Center for Lesbian Rights. (Huh?) I want my mommy.

When Lesbians Attack

I certainly hope Quentin Tarantino has bought to rights to this one by now. (NYP)

James Franco Gets a 'Complex'

James Franco heats up the cover of the April/May issue of Complex magazine.

See lots more of a young, G-string wearing, tied-to-the-bed James after the jump. ----->

For hard core Francophiles only.

Page 1 Consider (04/12)

No Pain, No Gain? If The Moose needs someone to massage his groin leg, just call me. (NYT)

Rocky Mountain Sigh: Legislation that would allow Colorado same-sex couples to adopt passed in the Senate Wednesday despite a flurry of attacks by Republicans. "This is a remake of the homosexual agenda," warned Sen. Scott Renfroe. I'll say it is, Scott. It's getting to the point where you can't find any homosexuals around to have an orgy with anymore. Too many toys in all the bedrooms and on the floor -- where's a fag supposed to f**k? (365Gay)

Pretty Boys Club: John Edwards likes us, he really likes us! (AP)

Twist of Fate: If it's possible for the Duke lacrosse players accused of rape to get their reputations back it's all because the North Carolina attorney general is doing everything in his power to see that it happens. Who'd have thunk it? (Newsweek)

Hairy Situation: It turns out David Beckham's hair was nothing a little gel couldn't fix. (People)

Paging Sean Fitzpatrick! Crystal methamphetamine use by gay men in Los Angeles is increasing at an alarming rate according to a new study that also shows gay meth users are five times more likely to test positive for HIV. I'm so sure. Crystal is so 1990. (Source)

Pretty Man: Relive Richard Gere's life in photos. This one's my favorite, above, for obvious reasons. (People)

I (Essentially) Do: Washington state has passed its same-sex partnership law. "It is an important step, I believe, for turning back the horrendous law that this legislature passed in 1998, to deny gay and lesbian families the right to marry," said state Sen. Ed Murray, who is one of five openly gay members of the legislature. (AP)

Auto Erotica: Is your car gay by design, or is it a lifestyle choice? (NYT)

Desperate, But Not Serious? It's been revealed that Madonna is working on her latest album with pop-tart Justin Timberlake. This doesn't sound good. (IE) (Is this another attempt at a "Comeback"?)

Bad Idea, Dumbf**K!!! The proposed "Blogging Code of Conduct" to impose civility on the Internet is not going over very well in the blogosphere. Time to turn on your comment moderation! (AFP)

Financial AIDS: How did death-walker Marc Anthony get enough money to owe $2.5 million in the first place? (AP)

Changing Lanes: The nation’s only 24-hour suicide prevention hotline for gay and questioning youth announced Wednesday that the actor Nathan Lane and television network Bravo are the recipients of honorary awards. I thought this was great until the article referred to Lane's nuanced portrayals of gay characters in such films as "The Birdcage," at which point they completely lost me. (Source)

RIP: Kurt Vonnegut, the satirical novelist who captured the absurdity of war and questioned the advances of science in darkly humorous works such as "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Cat's Cradle," died Wednesday. He was 84. (AP)

RIP: The wonderful actor Roscoe Lee Browne has died in Los Angeles at 81. I didn't know him by name, but he was one of those character actors who always brought so much to every role he played, my favorite being the snobbish black lawyer who got trapped in an elevator with Archie Bunker on the classic sitcom "All in the Family." Although he was robbed of an Emmy for that one, they made it up to him years later when he got one for "The Cosby Show." He will be missed. (AP)

Fight Club

More men after the jump. ----->

(Photos by Mark Segal; styling by Carine Roitfeld, as seen in Vogue Hommes Int'l)

Get a Room

When I read a gay rumor about Jake Gyllenhaal in the Daily News' gossip section yesterday I kind of rolled my eyes and thought, here we go again, back to the land of Tom Cruise ...

Sure, he was just linked with Reese Witherspoon, but that hasn't stopped speculation about Jake Gyllenhaal and his good buddy Austin Nichols. The "Brokeback Mountain" star last week visited the set of Nichols' HBO series, "John From Cincinnati," according to TMZ.com, which says that the two guys spent most of the day in Nichols' trailer. The site also says they had a quiet dinner at Jar in L.A., escaping paparazzi through the back door. Last April, wishful thinkers made much of photos of an animated-looking Jake and Austin at a Lakers game. Jake's rep says they're "just friends."

Then I saw a photo of the boys in action and, well, I'm starting to think this Top Bottom Gun may have All the Right Moves after all ...

Remembering Rashawn Brazell

On my way home from work the other day I noticed an NYPD poster about Rashawn Brazell outside the subway station. I was sad to realize the authorities were no closer to finding the sicko who murdered and dismembered the young fashion student, but I was pleased that the police have no given up on this soon-to-be-labeled cold case. It's now been two years since the 19-year-old's body parts were found on subway tracks in NYC (Rashawn's head has never been found), so please, if you know something about this case, contact the NYPD at 1-800-577-TIPS (anonymous tipped are completely acceptable).

Last year I reported about his distraught mother, Desire Brazell-Jones, who said at the time: "I want who did this off the street, and I want the rest of my child. That's the bottom line." Please help her.

Information about a memorial fund for Rashawn is available here.

Nappily Ever After

Living well truly is the best revenge: MSNBC has dropped its Imus simulcast while the Rutgers hos are heading to Oprah!

Thursday Ad Watch

Chanel channels Drew Barrymore in "Poison Ivy"; Florentino is ready for summer, right.

K-Swiss is sporty and studly; Simon Carter for Pepe Jeans, right.

Dolce & Gabbana in shades; 55dsl gets some love in the afternoon, right.


This week's eye-catching advertisements.

Afternoon Headlines

Unentertainment Tonight: Someone needs to tell that old broad Leeza Gibbons to put some clothes on, learn to spell her name and go home. (AP)

Foot in Mouth Disease: As expected, Roseanne Barr has gotten some serious mileage out of putting her foot in her mouth (did YOU know she has a standing engagement at New York New York in Vegas?) but has now apologized for her "gays are narcissistic" remark. What is she going to do now? She's returning to talking about herself nonstop: "I'm just a big idiot with a big mouth." (Source)

Spanish Fly: Carlos Moya is one of the ATP Tour's elder statesmen, but he's still rocking that Chelsea Boy body like it's nobody's business -- oh, and he can still beat the likes of Russian Nicolai Davydenko. (Yahoo)

Just What We Don't Need: Willa Ford will play Anna Nicole Smith in an independent movie that begins shooting next week, Daily Variety reported Wednesday. The story says Ford, 26, is best known for her hit single "I Wanna Be Bad" (she is?). Like Smith, she was a Playboy model. When will producers realize that making biopic films about people whose career was to live nonstop in front of the camera doesn't work? (AP)

'Imus' Be Missing Something: Radio dick Don Imus is getting exactly what he deserves for his misogynistic/racist comments about the Rutgers basketball team, but since when did he become some kind of an elder statesman? Hasn't he long been known to be a potty-mouthed shock jock idiot of no substance? Why is everyone acting like this is at all surprising? I've never listened to this guy's show before, but this sounds like exactly the kind of thing I would imagine him doing/saying -- and about as stunning as a professional basketball player saying he doesn't like gay people. The sooner he's fired the better. (WP)

Do the Right Thing: The attorney general in North Carolina has dropped the remaining charges against three Duke lacrosse players once accused of rape, saying the athletes were innocent victims of a "tragic rush to accuse" by an overreaching district attorney (Mike Nifong). Now can you give them their reputations back, while you're at it? (WP)

David Wright Gets Waxed

A nice reader tipped me off that Mets slugger and (212) favorite David Wright was going to be at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Times Square yesterday for an appearance with his recently unveiled wax likeness. David is the first Mets player to ever be immortalized this way, a step in the right direction considering there are five Yankee figures already on display (Derek Jeter, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, who is under repair, and George Steinbrenner). I got there a little bit late, but I did manage to get my hands on these photos, as well as a few more after the jump. --->

Page 1 Consider (04/11)

Stamping His Success: Further proving that he is no ordinary man, world number one tennis player Roger Federer became the first living Swiss to have his picture on a postage stamp. To commemorate Federer’s record-breaking streak at the top of the ATP world rankings for 161 consecutive weeks -- not to mention those 10 Grand Slam championships -- the Swiss Post issued a one Swiss franc stamp to honor the 25-year-old living legend. (Source)

Ruthless Melody: Lawyers for nutjob musical genius Phil Spector have stooped as low as possible in their opening statements to defend the Wall of Soundman: "Lana Clarkson was depressed over her failed movie career and killed herself." How truly shameless and disgusting to bash a dead woman that way, but I guess Los Angeles has lots of experience in this department having lived through the character assassination of Nicole Brown Simpson a decade ago. (LAT)

Reality Bites: A friend of mine told me I should give Bravo's lezzie-heavy gym reality show, "Workout," another chance. I have to admit that I watched one last night and am starting to get pulled in, although seeing the death of cutie trainer Doug Blasdell may be too much to handle. The reason we watch "reality TV" is because there's nothing real on it, until now. (AP)

An End in Sight? The three men indicted in the Duke lacrosse sexual assault case could learn this week whether state prosecutors plan to bring them to trial or drop the remaining (non-rape) assault charges, a person close to the case said Tuesday. Only those involved will ever truly know what happened in that house, so I would not even begin to "defend" the athletes. That said, we have a system of justice in this country that generally works well, and requires evidence and a burden of proof. For this case to have dragged on as long as it did when every single detail has shown there was no reasonable basis for the charges that were filed is a truly shocking miscarriage of justice, even if the men did commit a crime. Why? Because you have to have proof. Without it, any of us could find ourselves in jail at any moment. (AP)

DVR Alert: LOGO's new "Big Gay Sketch Show" premieres Tuesday, April 24, at 10 p.m. The Web site has some preview clips from it here ---> (LOGO)

Making John Waters Proud: The Maryland House of Delegates has passed legislation requiring health insurance companies to write policies inclusive of domestic partners and children up to the age of 25, at the request of an employer. The bill has already been approved by the Senate and now goes to the governor for signing. (365Gay)

They'll Be Back: California forges ahead with same-sex marriage bill despite Arnold veto threats. (Source)

Motor City Madness: The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, hoping to prod Detroit police into reopening the case, posted a $25,000 reward Tuesday for information on the circumstances surrounding the death of gay senior citizen Andrew Anthos, whom the authorities now say died of natural causes. One minute there was a composite sketch of Anthos' alleged attacker floating around, and now this. It just doesn't add up. (Advocate)

(Near) Tragedy: The lakefront home that Johnny and June Carter Cash lived in until their deaths in 2003 burned to the ground yesterday. Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, the current owner, was not hurt in the blaze. (Reuters)

Unfancy Feasts: Still more brands have been added to the list of contaminated pet foods. (AP)

Advertisement

'Red Without Blue'

Move over, Arnold and Danny: Identical twins Mark and Alexander Farley are the subjects of "Red Without Blue," a new documentary that chronicles Alexander's transsexualism and its effects on the twins' relationship with each other and their family. The boys, now 23, led seemingly charmed lives until puberty saw their parents split and both boys come out of the closet, which did not exactly go over well in their native Montana. Drugs and sexual experimentation "spiraled out of control," and a joint suicide attempt led to a two and a half year forced separation of the brothers.

These days Mark is an art student in San Francisco and Alex lives as Clair in New York, although Mark certainly gives his sister a run for her money in the Big Lady competition.

The video below is the film's intriguing trailer, but it looks like I've missed all of the local screenings. I'm really hoping for a DVD release -- anyone know if this is going to happen? (Official Site) (MySpace)

Red Without Blue Trailer

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The Simpleton Life

It's gotta be a tossup as to who is more retarded: Paris Hilton or the person who came up with this catchphrase T-shirt.

Mystery Wood

A few more after the jump. --->

UPDATE: It seems this handsome fella is Israel from BET's reality television hit "College Hill"? He was featured on season two, is from Pawnee, Okla., and is a fan of wearing thongs .... (profile)

Page 1 Consider (04/10)

A&F T&A: Surely these in-store models at London's Abercrombie & Fitch are American imports: no one in the U.K. has a body like this. (DM via Towleroad)

NYMayor4UC: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg likes his men uncut. (365Gay)

Laguna Bitch: Former "Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County" and "Hill" retard Jason Wahler was arrested for the fourth time in the past nine months in Seattle early Sunday, this time tagged with criminal trespassing and assault after allegedly launching into a racist and homophobic tirade against a police officer. I'm sure Jessica came rushing to his aid though, once she got released from the holding cell after getting arrested for DUI. (EOnline)

I(RS) Do: Nothing "defends" marriage more than having same-sex couples pay higher taxes. (365Gay)

Two Wrongs Don't Make a Whiteboy: New York (nee Tiffany Patterson) may have chosen Tango to be the love of her life on the season finale of the VH1 reality game show "I Love New York" but it looks like her mother, Sister Patterson, ended up with a prize of her own -- Whiteboy. (Source)

Hey, Cabbie! Like many New Yorkers, Betty and Bob Matas don't drive. So when they decided to retire in Sedona, Arizona, they decided there was only way to get them and their cats there in one piece: hail a cab. (AP)

Travel Delays: A small white mouse running around a Boeing 777 delayed a Vietnam Airlines flight to Tokyo for more than fours, newspapers reported Monday. Apparently he'd misplaced his boarding pass. (Reuters)

Wes Craven Presents: Def Deaf Black Lesbian Accused of Chainsaw Murder (SMH

Pot, Meet Kettle: Comedy genius Roseanne Barr is under attack for comments she made regarding gay activists: "Never once in my 54 years have I ever once heard a gay or lesbian person who's politically active say one thing about anything that was not about them. They don't care about minimum wage, they don't care about any other group other than their own self because you know, some people say being gay and lesbian is a totally narcissistic thing and sometimes I wonder. I've never heard any of them say anything except for 'accept me 'cause I'm gay.' It's just, it's screwed. It's no different than the evangelicals, it's the same mindset. They want you to accept Jesus and you guys want us to all believe it's OK to be gay. And a lot of us, a lot of them, I do, I don't give a damn who anybody has sex with, as long as they're not underage and an animal. I don't give a damn, it's none of my damn business. I'm just sick of all the divisiveness, it's not getting any of us anywhere." In her defense, I can see what Roseanne is getting at -- and she did make the comments on her radio program (and all of us nappy-hair hos know how necessary it is to be controversial there to keep listeners). But Roseanne might want to flip through her own press clippings before she starts throwing stones, because apparently from 1988-1997 the only person in the world she was concerned about was Roseanne, who was busy fighting the conspiracy of television producers (and the rest of the world) who were against her having control of her (famed) sitcom. (BGay)

My Heart (Occasionally) Belongs to Daddy

While COLT men aren't exactly my type, like most guys I can be in the mood for a daddy once in awhile. Somehow, though, I ended up on the COLT Studio mailing list -- and let me tell you they are very generous with what they show you in their mailings (forgive me for only posting the PG-13 shots). Perhaps they added me because of this posting ...

Hot Bod

This isn't the first time NASCAR star Carl Edwards has caught my eye with that body on the cover of a magazine. I'm still reeling from this, about which "Late Late Show" host Craig Ferguson suggested Edwards' nipples were so far apart due to the high rates of speed at which Edwards often traveled.

Page 1 Consider (04/09)

Lost in Translation: Is "Entourage" for straight men what "Sex and the City" was for straight women gay men? When I first heard about it I was totally on board. Then I watched a few episodes and just didn't buy that Adrian Grenier could be a movie star -- much less a heartthrob -- and I completely lost interest. Meanwhile I hear the straight guys at work talk about this show for hours on end, raving about it. Am I missing something? (WP)

Majorhomo Hater: The Army recruiter who sent anti-gay and racist rants to a Jersey City, N.J., job seeker via e-mail has been suspended from recruiting and is under investigation by the military. (Advocate)

Out Fox? Don't naughty girls need love too? (AHN)

Taking My Reality TV Addiction, One Day at a Time: Every time I swear I will never sit through another episode of "Celebrity Fit Club" they suck me back in again! This time it's my '70s sitcom fave Valerie Bertinelli, who wants to lose 30 pounds off of her 5'2" frame. Bertinelli, who turns 47 this month, vows to go from a size 14 to a size 8, by September. Going public with her goal "is the motivation I need," Bertinelli says. "I need to do this in front of millions of people so I can't mess up." I'll be there watching, Miss Cooper. (People)

Disney Dreams: You can't exactly have a fairy tale wedding without the fairies, can you? (AP)

Growing Pains: A tug-of-war is emerging at some black colleges, where students say outdated rules and homophobia block them from forming the gay campus voice common at majority white institutions. At Hampton University, in Virginia, where rules govern everything from overnight guests to student dress, officials insist they don't discriminate against gays. They say they're simply enforcing the regulations on student groups, and there just isn't space for another one. (AP)

Gary Glitter: Lock this predator up and throw away the key. (Reuters)

Bases Loaded: Fatherhood must be agreeing with Oakland A's designated (hottie) hitter Mike Piazza. He's looking awful fit in his this season, probably from all of the extra running around taking care of newborn daughter Nicoletta Veronica Piazza, who was born on Feb. 5 in New York City. Piazza's wife is former "Baywatch" star Alicia Rickter. (People)

Just for Lesbians

A funny skit from "Mad TV."

Earful

New Songs This Week (10)

Stranger Hilary Duff	Wonder Woman Trey Songz
I'm Throwed Paul Wall	Long Way To Go Cassie Steele
Sober Kelly Clarkson	Never Again Kelly Clarkson
Tambourine Eve	Earth Intruders Bjork
What I've Done Linkin Park	Steam Nicole Scherzinger

Happy Easter!

FROM GRANNY AND THE EASTER BUNNY!

Let's Hear It for the 'Boy'

Earlier this week I blogged about seeing the great new film "Boy Culture," directed by Q. Allan Brocka of "Eating Out" fame. Today I had the pleasure of having lunch with Matthew Rettenmund, who is the author of the book on which the movie is based. Matt -- who is a fellow Michigander and is hilarious -- proudly boasts that he "might be the only author in history to be absolutely happy with a movie based on his work" and it's easy to see why. (BTW: Michael's losing patience with my busy dating schedule. Earlier this week I had a coffee date with yet another hilarious Michigander, Frank Anthony Polito, the author of the upcoming "Band Fags!")

First off, though, let me say that I am very wary of gay cinema. Let's face it, it's not every day that we go to the local art house theater and end up walking away having seen another "Parting Glances." The majority of gay flicks are pretty awful, more along the lines of the unwatchable "Testosterone" or "HellBent," and for this reason I've begun to have a gaping hole in my gay movie viewing resume after getting burned a number of times in the '90s. ("Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" was a bright exception from 1998.)

The author Matthew Rettenmund, right, with newcomer George Jonson, who plays Blondie.

But I'm warming up to them again. Matt's modern spin on the world's oldest profession is just the right kind of material for Brocka, who was equally able to make the well-worn love triangle seem fresh again in "Eating Out." Brocka (along with Philip Pierce) adapted the book with believable dialogue, and he elicits strong performances from his principals. Derek Magyar is excellent as the cool as ice hustler X, who despite his no-nonsense approach to human contact finds that he can't stop himself from falling in love. Darryl Stephens is great as the roommate/object of X's affections, Andrew. In the book Andrew was not black and Matt told me that he was concerned when the producers went from keeping him very much in the loop to making this huge change to a main character without consulting him. Matt's concern was that the change would be "color blind" -- meaning just adding diversity for the sake of diversity. But when he saw that Andrew's being black actually became part of the story, he thought it really worked well. (Andrew's wisecracking little sister is reason enough to be OK with the shift if you asked me!) The only character that is miscast is Jonathon Trent as the trouble boy Joey. Trent is a great-looking guy, but his campy, over-the-top, bitchy queen ways do not jibe with who Joey is supposed to be -- a hot twink. It's kind of hard to imagine that X is doing everything in his power not to have sex with Joey. If anything you might think he'd want to deck him. That said, the Joey character does remind me of people I've known and in and of itself -- not comparing him to the one Matt wrote in the book -- is quite funny. (Look for Jonathan Trent next as Andrew Cunanan in "Fashion Victim.")

Despite this minor hiccup, the three roommates have great chemistry together that duplicates the familial relationship many gay men have with their friends, and you do find yourself pulling for each of them. Instead of walking out of this "gay flick" just happy that I didn't feel completely ripped off, I walked out really glad I'd gone. And if you've been around these types of movies for any length of time then you know what high praise that is.

For your convenience:
"Boy Culture" official MySpace page here (features cities and showtimes).
Writer Matthew Rettenmund's "Boy Culture" blog post here.
Buy the newly released movie tie-in version of the book here. (Sorry, despite the cover, the character Andrew is still not black in the text!)

Morning Glory: Dominic Figlio

"Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency" superstar Dominic Figlio struts his stuff.

Many more photos after the jump. --->

Page 1 Consider (04/06)

Switch-Pitcher: They're calling Pat Venditte, a junior at Creighton University (my grandmother's alma mater), the only ambidextrous pitcher in NCAA Division I college baseball. But does it really count if left-handed he throws like a girl? (NYT)

Urine Trouble Now: A British dentist was found guilty Thursday of urinating in his surgery sink and using dental tools meant for patients to clean his fingernails and ears. And I thought it was bad that people clipped their nails on the subway. (Reuters)

Church of Self-Loathing: A lesbian couple who married in Canada are upset because their local Catholic church is refusing to give them communion. I'd like to side with these women, but I can't get past one thing -- and, no, it's not the cross-dressing and the haircuts (Blondie's even got a receding hairline going on!): WHY ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A CHURCH THAT CONDEMNS YOU TO HELL IN THE FIRST PLACE???? I realize you may have roots in this church from your childhood, but they didn't want you then, and they certainly don't want you now. Move on! (AP)

Where's the Beef? A 14-year-old girl who had a one-year intimate relationship a 30-year-old woman who posed as a teenage boy said she didn't know about the ruse but eventually suspected it. "I kind of, like, guessed, but then every time I questioned her, she would get really mad," the remarkably blase girl explained, "so I just stopped caring." Prosecutors allege that Lorelei Corpuz posed as a 17-year-old orphan to gain the trust of the girl's family, then beat and molested her. She was charged this week with two counts of third-degree child rape and one count of third-degree child molestation and was being held in lieu of $150,000 bail. The girl said that she had been lonely before the yearlong relationship began. Corpuz, who called herself Mark, met the girl at a mall and moved in with her. (Source)

No Victims, Only Volunteers: Steven Cole, a 46-year-old volunteer firefighter, has been charged with taking a bikini-clad drunken afternoon romp through a park in Ohio. The DA's office is still considering further charges regarding Cole's decision not to wear a one-piece. (AP)

Tranny Settlements 101: A transgender professor who was fired by a Christian school has reached a settlement in her sex discrimination complaint. Julie Nemecek and Spring Arbor University agreed to the settlement after mediation talks with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Terms of the deal were not released, but Nemecek said that she will no longer be employed by the school outside Jackson, about 75 miles west of Detroit. "I'm looking for other employment," said Nemecek, who recently changed her name from John. "I may do some consulting work. I'm definitely going to do advocacy for transgender issues." (AP)

Promise Keeper: "Desperate Housewives" hunk Jesse Metcalfe takes a break from the Promises Rehab facility in Malibu to walk around looking hot. (Sun)

Get Well Soon: Wishing the gracious former first lady Betty Ford a speedy recovery from surgery in the Palm Springs area. (AP)

Friday Photologue

With as many reality shows there are in the world I'm surprised I don't walk past "dates" with a camera crew more often. This shot was taken on Gansevoort en route to the delish (212) fave diner Florent. I swear there was a mini-blizzard yesterday afternoon, yet you'd never know it by this photo taken in the midst of it all.

I did not need to see this.

It's not just my hallway, now the Cotton Swab Brigade has moved its forces to the Metropolitan Transit Authority system.

Us Weekly Wrong? Get Out of Here!

Word has it that "The Hills" has been picked up by MTV for a third season, but don't expect the "huge Lauren-Heidi" feud that Us Weekly reported recently to keep Heidi off the show. According to Heidi's mom, Darlene Egelhoff, the whole article was made up.

As for Malibu's least wanted, Spencer Pratt: "Heidi and Spencer are all about the show. Spencer has given quite a lot of himself to MTV, and they aren't afraid to put themselves out there. But he's not a bad guy at all—that's all in the magic of editing. In fact, he adores Heidi and waits on her hand and foot, and she'd be with nothing less. Of course now it looks like, ew, why would you pick a slime bag over [Conrad], America's sweetheart? But it's not the reality. If things were the way they looked on TV, I would come to L.A. and take Spencer out myself."

(Read the full Radar interview here.)

Jake Gyllenhaal Wallpaper

Here's another wallpaper by Greg Jelinek. (Part 5 of a 10-part series.)

Cold as Ice Cream ...

... but still as sweet ...

More photos of the Ice Cream Man after the jump. --->

Page 1 Consider (04/05)

Hoosier Daddy? Indiana voters refused to take the hate bait and rejected a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage Tuesday. (AP) Meanwhile, the former governor of the more "liberal" state of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, has decided to pander to the lowest common (GOP) denominator by throwing the federal constitutional amendment against gay marriage into the presidential debate. With so many real issues facing this country it's shocking that someone could stoop so low. and (365 Gay)

The D Word: Those lezzies sure love the drama! (AP)

Bag Ladies: If you were ever thinking of having a sex change, now's the time: Marc Jacobs has just released new hand bags inspired by Debbie Harry and Siouxsie Sioux. But before you go blowing all of your cash on facial feminization surgery, hold on to your change purse: they go for about two grand each. (Source)

Deadly Crash: A tragic ending for the man who should have been killed for bringing us the Sylvester Stallone-Dolly Patron vehicle, "Rhinestone." (AP)

It's Not Right (But It's OK): Pity the judge who had to decide between Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston for custody of their one daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Hope there was a coin handy. (AP)

She's the Saleswoman: I've always had a thing for Suzanne Somers (remember?), but I didn't realize she was such a gay icon whose products are now sold in Tupperware Party style get-togethers for the gays en masse. (Advocate)

Be My Victim: But who hasn't Phil Spector threatened? (AP)

All Grown Up

Former world No. 1 tennis player Monica Seles sure looks good at the Laureus Sports Awards at the Palau Sant Jordi on April 2, 2007 in Barcelona, Spain. They grow up so fast!

Thursday Ad Watch

Cesare Paciotti's lap dance, left; JustCavalli in B&W, right.

Handsome in Givenchy, left; pretty boy Jamie Dornan for Dior, right. Jamie's a (212) fave, previously seen here, here and here.

Hugo Boss channels a young Matt Dillon/James Dean, left; the actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers for Versace, right.

This week's eye-catching advertisements.

Sex Ed

In rural Louisiana, two 11-year-old girls, a 12-year-old boy and a 13-year old boy have been charged with obscenity for allegedly having sex in an unsupervised classroom in front of other students. An 11-year-old boy, the alleged lookout, was charged with being an accessory.

I love that they have to say that it was an unsupervised classroom. I guess these two 11-year-olds bring new meaning to the big easy. (AP)

Morning Glory: Benjamin

More photos after the jump. --->

Page 1 Consider (04/04)

Scared (From Being) Straight: I knew about the big serve, but who knew former German tennis star Michael Stich had such a dirty provocative mind? Since his retirement in 1997, the '91 Wimbledon champ has devoted much of his time to his AIDS foundation. I'd never heard of it -- until word spread about his new advertising campaign intended to prevent children from contracting the HIV virus that features explicit photographs of simulated sexual acts. (DW)

He's So Vain: "Shampoo" boy Warren Beatty probably thinks that song is about him. (M&C)

Blow Hard: It's not enough that Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards admits to snorting his dad's ashes along with some cocaine, he's bragging about it. (MSNBC)

Mr. Clean: New York magazine profile Mets baseball cutie David Wright this week, claiming that the rich, young and handsome slugger is the perfect New York sports star -- almost too perfect. Funny, though. His teammate Paul Lo Duca -- a catcher -- doesn't agree at all, saying all his teammates wives want to marry Wright: "Hell, I want to marry the kid," said Lo Duca, "I said to my wife -- I said, 'Honey, if I don’t come back, it means I ran away with David Wright.' He’s helped bring the fun back to this team, OK? Which, believe you me, was missing for a long, long time." (Funny thing, though. Didn't Lo Duca already run away from his wife, but not with Davey?) (NYM)

Strife of the Party GOP darling and former gay porn star Matt Sanchez -- aka Rod Majors -- is kind of like yesterday's news, but it's still fun to watch Jack E. Jett toy with the helpless 36-year-old college sophomore. (Radar)

The Blogger Crack'd: After refusing to turn over his video footage of an anarchist protest to a grand jury and subsequently spending more than seven months in the slammer, blogger Josh Wolf has turned over video footage to prosecutors and is scheduled to be released today. Wolf says the 226 days he's spent in prison "was worth every second to get what I wanted from day one, which is that I will not have to testify before the grand jury about the events at the protest or the identities of participants." Seven and a half months in prison? If jail time were on the line I'd have given them anything they wanted in about seven and a half seconds. I'm no Judy Miller Mary Richards. (Romenesko)

Run for From 'The Hills': I haven't even gotten around to watching this week's episode yet, but the ever-reliable Us Weekly is reporting that Lauren "LC" Conrad and her best friend/roommate Heidi Montag of "The Hills" fame are no longer speaking. "Lauren and Heidi are no longer friends," a Hills source tells Us. "They never talk or hang out. Spencer achieved his goal and broke them apart." Time to call Audrina. (Us)

Pale Male: Newswoman Paula Zahn (finally) trades up -- and no, she isn't leaving CNN. (Radar)

New York Spoiler: Newport-smoker-extraordinaire Tiffany Pollard has tasted the flavor of love twice, but now she's dancing to her own tune. (ASL)

My Mama Told Me Not to Use It: Who knew movies had their own blogs? (HairsprayBlog)

David Beckham: When bad haircuts happen to hot men. (OhLaLaParis)

Out Ranks Gays in Order of Gayness

Want to know who the 50 "top gays" in America are? I'll give you a hint: you don't need to be out to be on Out magazine's nifty little to-do list. (NewYork)

The Glass Closet by Michael Musto (Out)

I HEART My Friends

From: Alisa Gumbs
To: Kenneth Walsh
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 13:46:14 -0400
Subject: this is SO kenneth in the 212

i don't even have to say anything ...

Hede: First woman faces death penalty in S.D. (AP)

Followed by:

From: Alisa Gumbs
To: Kenneth Walsh
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2007 14:18:01 -0400
Subject: RE: this is SO kenneth in the 212

It wasn't until i clicked on the story that i found out this is not the person facing the death penalty -- but she is a woman (or so they say). then i kept reading and out came the lesbian love triangle, the fact that they're all deaf, the chainsaw receipt. you couldn't have written a better story.

Gay or 'The Bachelor'?

Details tackles the question that needed to be asked here.

Nut Wood: KC Armstrong

Before he vanished into a Newport Beach, Calif., rehab facility after having some sort of breakdown, KC Armstrong was the highlight of "The Howard Stern Show." These days, the hunky former college football player turned gay icon is doing stand-up comedy. Check out his MySpace profile for details here.

More photos after the jump. ---->

Among the Crazies, an Officer and a Gentleman

So I happened to get off work early last night and caught most of "The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentlemen." I hadn't set my DVR to record it, but I'm certainly reconsidering a season pass after last night's painstakingly wonderful premiere.

Seemingly out of nowhere Token Asian Tina decided the surest way into her military man's heart was to serenade him with an a Capella version of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Michael and I thought Bobby Andy was covering his eyes out of shear embarrassment (I know we both were), but it turned out "as a military man" he as so moved he was tearing up. (Talk about embarrassing.)

Then this old hag freak named Linda started making her move, convinced after three minutes in a room with 24 other women that Andy and her were each other's opposite sex "mirror image." She challenged him to a push-up contest and displayed this scary man back. More frightening, however, was the fact that you could see the white part of her eyes in 360 degrees at all times. Isn't one nutcase runaway bride enough?

And finally we met Lindsay. A tad chubby with some jacked-up teeth, Lindsay was in no mood for anything. First she was pissed that Andy gave Stephanie T. his first rose, calling her "kind of heinous." Then when Blakeny fell off her bar stool, Lindsay laughed at her, prompting a full-on bitchfest. In the end, though, Andy didn't give Lindsay a rose and that sent her running out of the house without waiting for the official sendoff. With her heels in her hands she announced to the camera crew that she was "through." "There's nothing left for me here." (No shit.) Then she started crying and screaming that Andy obviously wanted fake chicks with blond hair and fake boobs. When the other rejected girls finally made it outside to the Island of Misfit Reality Stars, Lindsay went from sad to angry, screaming: "And you know what? Truth be told, he’s short, and his head is big, and his teeth look fake." Girl may be ugly but she isn't stupid.

In Full Swing

The much-maligned Major League hottie Carl Pavano is looking good in the Yankees' opening game today ...

Blue Gremlin

Around the newsroom where I work they're known as "Kenneth stories." If someone's been murdered, molested or victimized in some horrible way, I'm the go-to person. Although normally you would think people would be a little creeped out by someone who "likes" to edit these things, most seem to accept that I possess nothing more than a hyperactive sense of morbid curiosity, so they find my interest in the criminal mind more amusing than anything else.

Lucky for me one of my favorite co-workers is a fellow crime junkie. We can talk for hours on end about unsolved mysteries, serial killers and infamous murder cases. With "Zodiac" month behind us, recently we got going again when Mike told me he'd seen a rerun of Stone Phillips' prison interview with Jeffrey Dahmer back in the day. Later he asked me if I was familiar with the Loeb and Leopold case. He described how when he was quite young he became completely intrigued with the tale of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold Jr., the gay lovers who kidnapped and murdered a child in the early 1920s for kicks. (I had actually heard of the movie about these men, "Swoon," but didn't even realize it was a true story.) Later, Jack the Ripper interested him and he's never looked back.

Then he asked me if I had any idea where my fascination came from.

Indeed, I explained, I did:

When I was in little boy growing up in the Detroit suburb of Madison Heights, Michigan, there was a serial child killer on the loose. Known as the Oakland County Child Killer (and sometimes Oakland County Child Molester), all of Hiller Elementary lived in absolute terror for years as this lunatic managed to lure kids into his grip, seemingly in broad daylight in crowded areas. Was he a clergyman? A police officer? Everyone wondered how he could abduct so many children without anyone noticing. Each week we'd have a new DON'T GO WITH STRANGERS seminar, with filmstrips and corresponding badges and handouts. While most of the kids trembled at the mere mention of the subject, I found myself completely intrigued, often engaging my teachers in lengthy discussions about the case. Not a lot happened in my neck of the woods, so a real-life serial killer felt more like watching a scary than something to be really afraid of.

It didn't help calm my imagination much that the killer reportedly drove a blue AMC Gremlin with a white racing stripe -- exactly like my former second-grade teacher's car. Miss Blackburn was kind of a man -- what else might she be hiding? I can still remember cutting out all of the articles from the Oakland Tribune and the Detroit Free Press, and studying the profiles of the killer's numerous victims, kids whose lives appeared to be just like mine. Even while relaying this story to my co-worker, I could still readily recall some 30 years later several of the children's names -- like Timothy King, Kristine Mihelich, Jill Robinson and Mark Stebbins -- who seemed like they could have been my friends.

The Oakland County Child Killer was known for meticulously "caring" for his victims, whom the police believe were alive with their abductor for a few days before the end. When Timothy King's mom went on television and mentioned that she looked forward to his safe return so she could get him his favorite dinner, Kentucky Fried Chicken, the medical examiner later determined that Timmy had chicken in his stomach at the time of his death. His victims were always bathed and dressed, with manicured fingernails. For this reason he was sometimes called The Babysitter, although having cared for children in my early teens this name seemed rather odd as I doubt killing the children – although frequently tempting given how bratty most of my “clients” were -- would have been acceptable to anyone.

So while all the normal kids were busy being afraid of the killer, with the mere sight of a blue Gremlin driving past the playground sending children running and screaming in a panic, I spent a huge part of my time fantasizing that he would abduct me. Having seen Linda Blair's tour de force performance in the classic made-for-television movie "Sweet Hostage" a couple years earlier, I knew that the best way to deal with a deranged kidnapper was to befriend him. (Admittedly she f**ked her way into the good graces of her abductor, played by a young Martin Sheen, but you get the idea.) And then once I had the Oakland County Child Killer’s trust, I would be shrewd and clever enough to escape and then quickly race to the authorities to get him arrested, putting an end to this monster's reign of terror. Talk about glamorous! I couldn't wait to be on the news -- or maybe even "Good Morning America" with Nancy Dussault and David Hartman -- and be lauded as a hero. I used to practice what I'd say talking into my mom's Goody hair brush, always giving answers that made me seem brave but never cocky about my actions. (Why did you do it, Kenny? "It was just something I felt I had to do." Were you scared at all, Kenny? I was only scared that this monster would remain free to harm other children.")
Despite my hours of planning, though, there was still one thing standing in the way of me and my heroic effort. Although the killer was definitely in the area, he never bothered to venture into Madison Heights to find his victims. All of that changed one night in 1977 when my mom and stepdad happened to ask me if I wanted to go to the movies with them. At first when they said they were headed to see the remake of "King Kong" I wasn't very excited, until they mentioned that they were seeing it at the Berkley Theatre. In an instant a plan was hatched in my mind: The Berkley was on 12 Mile and Robina -- just a few blocks from the 7-11 on 12 Mile and Oakshire where Kristine Mihelich had been abducted earlier that month. If the killer wouldn't come to me, I thought, I'll go to him. My stomach was filled with butterflies as we drove to the theater in my stepdad's black Malibu Classic, my anticipation nearly unbearable. As we approached the theater I quickly scoured the parking lot and adjoining streets looking for his blue Gremlin, but saw nothing. Inside the show I panned the crowd looking for anyone suspicious. I was 9 years old, but I felt like I was a mature 12 and I knew what needed to be done. During the film I discreetly excused myself to use the bathroom -- alone -- in the hope that I would find him and he would make his move. Those other kids may not have known what was going on, but I did. And now it was time for him to pay for his crimes. Outside the auditorium, the bathroom and lobby were empty but for an usher or two, and much to my dismay getting abducted was not in the cards that night -- or any other. Instead I watched a crappy movie with my parents, which in turn led to the beginning of my long-term love affair with Jessica Lange. (Three years later I would notice her again in "How to Beat the High Cost of Living" at Universal City with my best friend, Mark.)

By the end of 1977 four kids were thought to be definite victims of the Oakland County Child Killer, and at least four others were strongly suspected. But by the time my family moved to Phoenix in early 1979 the killings had long since stopped, and no arrests were ever made. So here I was with my co-worker pal the other day telling him this story when naturally I Googled the topic to see if anything had happened since I'd last looked at some microfiche while working at The Orange County Register in the early 1990s. Suddenly, there it was: to my complete and utter shock an arrest had been made in Ohio and that very week a guy named Ted Lamborgine opted to plead guilty to 15 sex-related charges involving boys during the 1970s instead of accepting a plea bargain that would have allowed him to only plead guilty to just two charges -- on the condition that he agree to take a polygraph test regarding the unsolved Oakland County Child Killer cases. (I got chills when I read this.) When Lamborgine chose a guaranteed life in prison over this sweetheart-if-you’re-innocent deal, the prosecutor Robert Moran was quoted as saying, "I can’t in my wildest dreams imagine why he wouldn't cooperate."
Although it's unlikely anyone will ever be tried for the heinous crimes that brought my old neighborhood to its knees, it appears that we may finally know who the Oakland County Child Killer is, and that he is where he belongs, safely behind bars for life. While I don’t really believe in the supernatural or anything like that, I also don’t believe it was a coincidence that I happened to revisit this case the same week Lamborgine was in court on charges related to these crimes. I'm very happy for the victims' families that this day has finally come, although I would be lying if I didn't say that I wish he had been caught back in his heyday, and in a high-profile way. The monster in the blue Gremlin didn't deserve to live freely for another 30 years, and for that the junior detective in me will never forgive myself. I feel like I’ve spent the last three decades keeping an eye on sickening cases like this, subconsciously waiting just in case he finally slipped up. I only hope that now when I hear about “Kenneth stories” I will be able to realize they’re not really Kenneth stories anymore at all. (Detnews)


*(I was so obsessed with "Sweet Hostage," in fact, that I had written a similar treatment of my own that my Jody doll used to act out: sadly, the cleverly titled "Let Me Go" starring Jennifer Michaels never even made it into pre-production.)

'Bachelor' Party Tonight

My friend Jay has great taste in men, so when he sent me this e-mail about the newest incarnation of "The Bachelor," I was excited, although I thought the details sounded very familiar:

"Did you see the new bachelor? He's a navy doctor and kind of hot although he's young and blonde. Kennedy-esque looks and a bit of an overachiever."

Turns out ABC released information on Bachelor No. 10 -- Andy Baldwin -- last year, and I blogged about it then, but the show actually starts tonight (Monday) at 9:30 ET.

While I agree with Jay that our new hero is kinda hot, regrettably I do have to say that in some photos Andy looks a tad bit more Bobby Kennedy than John-John. I guess we'll just have to tune in to be sure.

Separated at Birth?

More photos after the jump. --->

Previously:

Bachelor No. 10: Andy Baldwin

Page 1 Consider (04/02)

'Boy' Crazy: I saw the new film "Boy Culture" over the weekend and really loved it. More on that later in the week, but go see it if you haven't already. Cities and showtimes here ---> (BC MySpace)

Oh, Henry! Period pieces generally bore me to tears, but with Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Henry Cavill running around half-naked in "The Tudors," might I have to succumb? (NYT)

The $26 Million Woman: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton shatters the record for fundraising. (WP)

R-Delusionville: Arizona senator John McCain got to see firsthand how "safe" Baghdad is these days. (AP)

Take Me Out: The 2007 baseball season is officially in swing, and the Mets got revenge on the St. Louis Cardinals in their opening game. Winning was nice, but it was seeing my boy David Wright in action again that reminded me why I've taken an interest in America's sport so late in life. (Reuters)

How Embarrassing: Former child star Brian Bonsall, who played Andy Keaton in "Family Ties," was arrested on charges of assaulting his girlfriend. (AP)

It Runs in the Family: Comedic actress Molly Shannon is starring in dramatic new film called "Year of the Dog," but the last time she put on a show that wasn't for laughs was when her dad dared her and her best friend to be stowaways on a People Express flight to New York City from Cleveland. She was 12. Just before takeoff, the young girls dashed aboard wearing pink leotards and tights, assuring a stewardess that they were just saying goodbye to their sister. "I tried my best to come off as sweet and innocent," she said. "But my heart was pounding so loud I could hardly hear." Shannon and her pal ducked into a seat. Waved off the plane on arrival, they took a subway to Rockefeller Center, where Shannon would one day make her name as a geek goddess on "Saturday Night Live." (NYT)

Anti-Bully Pulpit: There's just got to be something that can do to curb the never-ending torment that bullies inflict on schoolmates. Here are some kids who are trying. (AP)

Date Repellent: Did you catch the Times article about the guys who think it's their apartments that are repelling potential love interests? The headline should have been: It's Not You, It's Your Apartment (No, It's You) (There is one notable exception, however, which I'm sure you will figure out.) (NYT)

Serbian Idol

Novak Djokovic succeeded where Roger Federer failed, beating Argentine qualifier Guillermo Canas 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 on Sunday to win the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Florida. With his first ATP Masters Series title, the slender Serb became the youngest men's champion in the tournament's 23-year history. The 19-year-old celebrated his victory with a trip to the stands to hug his parents, followed by a mini-striptease on court. Djokovic will improve to a career-high No. 7 in the rankings today and is clearly letting it be known that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Edie Sedgwick: Girl on Fire

The Museum of the Moving Image has an Edie Sedgwick film festival of sorts going on right now, featuring "Poor Little Rich Girl," "Restaurant," "Vinyl," "Space," "Outer and Inner Space," "Kitchen," "Afternoon," "Beauty No.2," "Horse" and what would be her final work, "Ciao! Manhattan" (finished posthumously). As Andy Warhol's muse and New York's "It girl" of 1965, Sedgwick appeared in nearly all of Warhol’s films that year. "Edie was incredible on camera -- just the way she moved," said Warhol. "She was all energy. She didn't know what to do with it when it came to living her life, but it was wonderful to film."

The venue being in Queens coupled with all of the screenings being held on the weekend (when I work) means it's unlikely I will get to see any of these, although I'd kill to finally see "Beauty No. 2." The Web site calls says: "In her most complex, playful performance, Sedgwick flirts in bed with Gino Piserchio -- and the camera -- while responding to jealous insults from an off-screen Chuck Wein; Gerard Malanga looms by the bed, watching." But my understanding is that Warhol goaded Edie's art-school pal Wein into asking her about the sexual abuse she was subjected to by her father, which elicits a raw response that makes today's "reality" television look like a well-oiled Broadway show. (Official site)

The Poor Little Rich Girl in Leopard Skin Who Was Warhol’s Muse (NYT)

Earful

New Songs This Week (10)

Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal) Fergie	Arms of my Baby Joss Stone
When You're Gone Avril Lavigne	Me Katharine McPhee
Lil' Love Bone Thugs N Harmony	Freakum Dress Beyonce Knowles
Makes Me Wonder Maroon 5	Like This Kelly Rowland
(You Want To) Make a Memory Bon Jovi	Make It Rain Usher