kenneth in the (212)

Smells Like Team Spirit

2012-01-27T13:55:00.001-05:00

From my friend Marc in Newburgh, N.Y.: Go Giants, indeed. But remember to flush.

Tim Murray Would Give the Shirt Off His Back for a Slam

2012-01-27T13:29:00.005-05:00

Poor Andy Murray. He took Nole to 5-all in the fifth in the semifinals of the Australian Open, yet still couldn't come through in the end. A dream final versus Rafael Nadal is next!

Margaret Court disapproves of this man-on-man moment.

Fruits & Vegetables

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

I love you most of all, my favorite vege-table.

Hugh Jackman at JFK Airport

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

Sadly, I never see him on the AirTrain.

Suspicion of Love

2012-01-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

Nicely played, Wall Street Journal!

Friday Ad Watch: Looking Good!

2012-01-27T08:55:00.000-05:00

Dateline: BOLLYWOOD

Ad copy: Rohit Chauhan, famous singer-performer, got Hair Transplant done from Dr. A's Clinic, widely considered world's leading hair transplant centre.

(Mustache-removal sold separately.)

Morning Wood

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

Armie Hammer -- Hottest Mug Shot Ever!

2012-01-26T16:43:00.004-05:00

Now if only he were a sex offender instead of just a pot smoker. (Via TMZ)

'Real World' Hottie Danny Roberts Wants You to Come Downtown

2012-01-26T15:54:00.004-05:00

When I briefly lived in the Little Tokyo section of downtown Los Angeles in the early '90s, the idea of a television show being set there -- much less a gay one -- seemed impossible. A lot has changed in 20 years, and now "L Word" producer Larry Kennar is bringing us "DTLA," a new series that follows a group of friends in Downtown Los Angeles as they deal with the breakup of lovers Lenny (Darryl Stephens) and Bryan (Matthew Stephen Herrick). The show will begin airing on Canada’s OUTtv in late spring, but because it's a DIY project, it looks like there's a KickStarter page looking for donations for a second season.

What I find most interesting about the project, however, is the eclectic cast, which includes Danny Roberts ("The Real World"), Tiffany Pollard ("I Love New York"), William McNamara ("Doing Time on Maple Drive") and Leslie Jordan ("Will & Grace"). Guess which two starred in my '90s sexual fantasies -- hints HERE and HERE!

Popnography has the trailer and the full story HERE.

Shit Madonna Says

2012-01-26T15:33:00.004-05:00

Not hilarious, but it has its moments.

Two Guys for Every Guy

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Who says you can't go "surfing" in Manhattan?

Learn how to Hang 10 at Chelsea Piers HERE.

'Cayman My Ass!'

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Morning Wood

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Papers, Please

2012-01-25T22:46:00.004-05:00

Just reading about Gov. Jan Brewer's interactions with President Obama -- once in the Oval Office in 2010, and again today on the tarmac of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport -- makes me cringe. Not only has the woman embarrassed herself time and time again, she's embarrassed every person from the Grand Canyon state. Who points at the president of the United States like that???? I guess he's just lucky she didn't have him locked up for being an illegal immigrant. Read HERE.

From the Diaries of a Smutographer

2012-01-25T16:25:00.004-05:00

Photographer Elvis Di Fazio ought to be arrested for shooting such provocative pictures, don't you think? If you agree, don't even bother clicking HERE.

(H/T Gawker)

Music Box: Saint Etienne Returns With 'Tonight'

2012-01-25T13:51:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe it's been seven years since Saint Etienne released an album of all-new material -- 2005's Beach Boyish "Tales From the Turnpike House" -- given the number of compilations, reissues and one-offs that have trickled out in the ensuing time. (I'm a HUGE fan and my wallet says they've been very busy!) But a new single, "Tonight," is already available for download (free) HERE, and Pitchfork reports a new LP is imminent. Now how about a tour, guys?

Blockbuster Semifinals at the Aussie Open!

2012-01-25T13:19:00.003-05:00

Defending champion Novak Djokovic seemed a little out of sorts today, but held it together to defeat David Ferrer of Spain -- 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-1 -- to set up a dream semifinal lineup at the Australian Open. He'll now play against No. 4 Andy Murray, who won his quarterfinal match earlier Wednesday -- 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 over Kei Nishikori of Japan -- while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will do battle in the other half of the draw.

The women's draw is equally "dreamy" -- assuming more than two of the players don't lie down and lose 6-1, 6-1 -- with Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova (2) taking on Maria Sharapova (4) and Victoria Azarenka (3) versus defending champion Kim Clijsters (11).

Who do we like?

Double Your Pleasure

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

With thanks to Jimbo: No, it's not gross twin-on-twin sex. But Playgirl favorites John and Joe Benson do look like they'd be fun on a double date -- especially if you were the only other person along for the ride. See lots more HERE.

Sandra and the City

2012-01-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

James St. James nails it when he calls this clip from the Howard Stern show a "vaguely fascinating interview with Sandra Bernhard." Sure, Sandy's not the lightning rod she once was. But it is kind of interesting to hear her talk about turning down the role of Miranda on "Sex and the City." (And I think she did it when she was a fake lesbian, too!) A bad script, bad pay ($7,500/week -- chump change compared to what she was making on "Roseanne") and playing "third fiddle to Sarah Jessica Parker" were her objections, but it's her elaboration on SJP that makes this worth listening to at all!

Sandra waived her Miranda rights.

Morning Wood

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Michael Ontkean

2012-01-24T23:40:00.004-05:00

It's hard to say with certitude, but Michael Ontkean may very well have been my first TV crush, as I do recall being oddly fascinated with "The Rookies" as a very young boy. One thing's for sure, though, he certainly was the first married man I had an "affair" with, courtesy of "Making Love," a film I must have secretly watched on HBO at 3 in the morning a dozen times when no one was around. (How I envied Harry Hamlin!!!) Crazy to think he's 66 today -- almost as old as my mom -- as he'll always be that naked stud in "Slapshot" (I wish!) to me. Hadn't seen him in years, but then my guy pointed him out to me as Cousin Milo in "The Descendants." Great to see him again -- happy birthday, Michael!

Aurora Borealis Comes in View

2012-01-24T19:40:00.003-05:00

A stunning picture of the northern lights as seen near the city of Tromsoe in northern Norway, late Tuesday. The Seattle Times reports: The most powerful solar storm in six years created a spectacular showing of the northern lights. There's a fair chance the lights could be seen from Seattle if skies clear.

Get ready, A Flock of Seagulls!

Romney Still in the Doghouse!

2012-01-24T18:11:00.001-05:00

Via @LizzWinstead.

Nixon Embroiled in Choice-gate Scandal

2012-01-24T14:57:00.013-05:00

A dark cloud over little miss Sunshine

I have repeatedly read Cynthia Nixon's "controversial" comments about her sexuality and it's still completely baffling to me that someone seemingly so smart and so articulate doesn't realize what she's saying is not only counterproductive, it's simply incorrect. ACTING ON any sexual desire is -- OF COURSE -- a "choice." Nuns choose not to have sex with anyone. I choose to have sex with men. What is NOT a choice is what causes us to innately have these feelings and desires to begin with, whether they are straight, gay or bisexual (yes, Cynthia, bisexuals are included too). She's either conflating things, is trying to be "her own person" or is just plain stupid. (You're ADMITTING you were born bisexual, yet have some hangup with the term so you're insisting on calling it a choice! Who knew Miranda and Marcus Bachmann were kindred spirits?) But whatever the case, she's really making a fool out of herself and doing all of us a huge disservice, and not for "I'm the victim here" reasons she thinks.

This Guy's Full of Mitt

2012-01-24T14:30:00.002-05:00

Joe McCutchen adores all of the Republican presidential candidates -- especially Mitt Romney -- but he sure is hard to dislike! See for yourself:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Indecision 2012 - Full of Mitt

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Caption Me

2012-01-24T13:23:00.001-05:00

2012 Oscar Nominees: 'The Artist' and 'Hugo' Lead the Pack

2012-01-24T10:01:00.003-05:00

Well, this isn't looking good. Way too much praise for "The Descendants" and "Midnight in Paris" -- two films I' didn't exactly dislike -- and are there nine best picture nominees instead of ten?Also wasn't expecting so much "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." Had no idea Glenn Close was in an Oscar-caliber film this year, but wouldn't it be something if Viola Davis and Meryl Streep split the vote and Glenn finally took home the gold?!! (Michelle Williams is more likely to benefit in that scenario, however.) Although I think Charlize Theron deserved a nod for "Young Adult," I didn't expect her to get it. Costar Patton Oswalt, however, was completely robbed. I don't see a lot of excitement for any of these films -- there's not even a "Slumdog Millionaire" or "King's Speech" in the bunch -- and predict this will be one of the lowest-rated telecasts in recent years. Thoughts?

Here are the main categories:

Best Picture

The Artist

The Descendants

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

The Help

Hugo

Midnight in Paris

Moneyball

The Tree of Life

War Horse

Best Supporting Actor

Kenneth Branagh, My Week with Marilyn

Jonah Hill, Moneyball

Nick Nolte, Warrior

Christopher Plummer, Beginners

Max Von Sydow, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Best Supporting Actress

Berenice Bejo, The Artist

Jessica Chastain, The Help

Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids

Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs

Octavia Spencer, The Help

Best Actress

Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs

Viola Davis, The Help

Rooney Mara, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady

Michelle Williams, My Week with Marilyn

Best Actor

Demian Bichir, A Better Life

George Clooney, The Descendants

Jean Dujardin, The Artist

Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Best Director

Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris

Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist

Alexander Payne, The Descendants

Martin Scorsese, Hugo

Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life

Best Adapted Screenplay

The Descendants, Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash

Hugo, John Logan

The Ides of March, George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon

Moneyball, Steve Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Story by Stan Chervin.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Bridget O' Connor and Peter Straughan

Best Original Screenplay

The Artist, Michael Hazanavicius

Bridesmaids, Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig

Margin Call, J.C. Chandor

Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen

A Separation, Asghar Farhadi

Best Animated Feature

A Cat in Paris

Chico & Rita

Kung Fu Panda 2

Puss in Boots

Rango

More HERE.

Tuesday (Retro-ish) Ad Watch

2012-01-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

Madonna's Ziegfeld Follies

2012-01-24T08:00:00.015-05:00

After a weekend mostly sick in bed, Michael and I ended up attending the star-studded premiere of Madonna's "W.E." at the Ziegfeld Theater. The film -- which we aren't allowed to review until it comes out -- definitely took a back seat to the well-heeled crowd that turned out, which included every hot guy in New York City plus bold-faced names like Martha Stewart (who paraded up and down the aisle repeatedly a la Sally Field in "Soapdish"), Calvin Klein (looking very scary, sans boy toy), a buzzed-head-with-Coke-bottle-glasses Jerry Seinfeld, along with wife Jessica (sporting her own short 'n' sassy hairdo), Ewan McGregor, Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg, Patti Smith, Lou Reed, Julia Stiles, Andrew McCarthy, Gayle King, Russell Simmons and Lady Bunny (thank god she wasn't seated in front of us with that hair!). When we sat down, we noticed daughter Lourdes (we saw Papa Carlos later in the lobby), Guy Oseary, Liz Rosenberg as well as the Seinfelds a couple rows ahead of us, so we knew Madonna was going to be seated nearby.

But before the show, the lady of the (too many) hour(s) came out to introduce the film, and to thank her many collaborators. The speech was heartfelt -- Madge was not suffering from her usual case of the "ums," better known as Caroline Kennedy Syndrome -- and it was sweet to hear her say how shocked she was, even after all she's accomplished, to be standing in front of an audience at the famed Ziegfeld to introduce a film that she had directed. She said reporters were constantly asking why she'd even decided to take this task on, to which she humbly said: "My life seems to be made of never-imagined-I'd-be-here moments." (Call me ~~breathless~~ heartless, but I think she got a little carried away with the whole thanking her mom for giving birth to her bit, but I suppose it beats God.)

Madonna gets CK'd

As the credits began to roll, Madonna stood up and began to walk up the aisle -- she really was a couple rows in front of us! -- and the crowd gave her a standing ovation, which prompted a huge smile just inches before my eyes.

More than anything, the film got me excited for her upcoming album -- another clunky alphabet soup of a title -- an area where Madonna is far more at home. It's been a long time since she really dazzled me -- "Ray of Light" came out in 1998, after all -- so it would nice to have something really great again from a woman who has given us so much in the past.

More photos that aren't mine HERE.

Morning Wood

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

Drunk Grindr-ing

2012-01-23T15:08:00.002-05:00

"This guy's not bi. There's no fucking way."

Czech Mate

2012-01-23T14:50:00.008-05:00

Seventh-seeded Tomas Berdych may have been booed by fans for refusing to shake hands after his contentious fourth- round victory over No. 10 Nicolas Almagro on Sunday. (Almagro hit him so hard with a ball that he fell to the ground, but Tomas was convinced the ball struck him in the face and did not accept his apology.) But the big Czech looks like he doesn't have a care in the world today, enjoying a day at the beach having advanced to a quarterfinal showdown with Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open, his second year in a row advancing to the final eight.

The 411 on the (313)

2012-01-23T14:11:00.003-05:00

Wishing I were in Park City, Utah, for the Sundance premiere of "Detropia," directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady ("Jesus Camp," "The Boys of Baraka")'s look at the fall of the Motor City. The women say that they started out making a film about Detroit, but came to realize it was really a microcosm of what was happening throughout the United States. I can't tell from the trailer if it tackles the horrifying -- and arguably unconstitutional -- "emergency manager" law now in effect, whereby citizens no longer have a say in who runs their cities. What started in Benton Harbor has begun to spread like an autocratic wildfire, and now Detroit -- the state's largest city -- is now on the brink of being "taken over" by the state. Only Rachel Maddow seems to be taking this situation seriously, reporting that "half the state's African-American population is on the verge of having no meaningful local democracy. Michigan's expanded emergency manager law gives the state the power to install an overseer for failing towns and school districts. As we've seen in Benton Harbor and Flint, that person can then strip all power from elected officials."

One subject interviewed put it best when he said this: "Capitalism is a great system, I love it. But it exploits the weak. When you see your neighbor going down, you have to think about yourself. And if you don't go over there and put that fire out -- help your neighbor put that fire out -- that fire is coming for you."

Details and show times HERE.

(Please contact me if you've already seen it.)

Waxing Bikinis

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

May 1977 was definitely the month to pick up Playgirl magazine.

See the full spread HERE.

On the Rag, Vol. 182

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

A weekly look at what's making news in the free gay mags:

Next magazine claims there's a gay war against male circumcision going on (that's an army I won't be volunteering for!).

You probably wouldn't want to Get Out if cover man Ricky were at home.

Frontiers helps you "Escape From L.A." (With this recent cold front, I'm actually looking to escape to L.A.)

Odyssey New York on the return of Kristine W.

Alice Ripley Rocks or Giants Going to the Super Bowl!

2012-01-23T08:00:00.004-05:00

While most of the gay community will be tuning in to the Super Bowl to catch Madonna's halftime show, I was surprised to find myself at a cabaret theater in Times Square last night where several people in my immediate vicinity were actually excited to hear the news -- courtesy of a text from my lover -- that the New York Giants were going to Super Bowl again.

While Alice Ripley -- shapely in (what she calls) a "'Butterfield 8' slip" -- wowed the crowd with everything from Springsteen and Dylan and Cat Stevens to Carole King and Madonna and Alanis Morissette -- and a few show tunes in between -- even her stellar set couldn't quite match the excitement Michael was experiencing back at the ranch: "Giants win! Going to the Super Bowl!!! It was a game for the ages -- overtime defensive struggle ... they grinded it out!"

Here's hoping for a repeat of 2008's game against the Pats. You can count on Alice being just as wonderful this Tuesday at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. For details, click HERE.

Morning Wood

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Weekend Wood

2012-01-21T00:47:00.000-05:00

Tim Tebow Visits Cirque du Soleil in Vegas

2012-01-20T16:11:00.001-05:00

And you could cut the sexual tension with a knife. Get a room, guys(?)!!!

(H/T World of Wonder)

Coming Soon: 'Jeff, Who Lives at Home' (TRAILER)

2012-01-20T15:46:00.003-05:00

The trailer for "Jeff, Who Lives at Home," a new indie comedy starring Jason Segel and Ed Helms as brothers -- one (Segal) a 30-year-old still living in his parents' basement (Mom is played by Susan Sarandon), the other (Helms) struggling with a failed marriage -- looks pretty promising. I just wish directors would agree to drop the whole air-bag-deploying ploy -- it's the male equivalent of the "give me the epidural!" routine in childbirth scenes, and smacks of being written by a lazy guy still living in his parents' basement.

Eat Your Heart Out, Morgan Spurlock

2012-01-20T15:30:00.003-05:00

From the improbably hot GuysWithFries.com!

I actually thought he looked pretty hot "after"!

Good Morning, Australia!

2012-01-20T14:02:00.004-05:00

After seeing Dan Murray and his underwear designs on an Australian morning show -- "jeans style" (!) -- I'm pretty convinced he should give up his fashion aspirations and go into gay porn. And preferably with the guy in the paint-splash boxer-briefs, who looks like he's up to bat at the World Series. ("Bend over, mate.")

Mariah Carey is buying some for Nick Cannon as I write this

Hey, batter-batter!

Two Things: (212) Edition

2012-01-20T14:01:00.001-05:00

Caption Me

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Friday Ad Watch

2012-01-20T10:30:00.001-05:00

Chris is courting an erection in 2(x)ist All-Star No-Show Briefs.

Andy Roddick Down for the Count

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know what's more frightening: That an Andy Roddick vs. Lleyton Hewitt matchup at the Australian Open is considered the "old guard," or that Roddick's body is betraying him before his/our very eyes. (How I can relate -- but he's 15 years my junior!) Whatever the answer is, the American retired after aggravating a hamstring injury, down 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to the Australian. Another bad break for Roddick -- and does this mean John Isner the last American standing?

Morning Wood

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ice Ice Baby!

2012-01-19T16:32:00.003-05:00

Straight from the wire:

Servicemen of the Belarussian Interior Ministry's special unit pose for the picture after they dipped into the icy waters of a lake near the village of Zadomlia, some 40 km (25 miles) east of Minsk, January 19, 2012. Orthodox believers marked Epiphany on January 19 by immersing themselves in icy waters regardless of the weather.

Michael Fassbender Hates Clothing

2012-01-19T14:47:00.001-05:00

Or so it seems, based on the new issue of W magazine. (Via Towleroad)

Jon Stewart: Mitt Romney Needs to Come Out of His Obscenely Large Mahogany-Paneled Closet

2012-01-19T14:36:00.004-05:00

Jon Stewart thinks we'd all be better off if Mitt Romney would just admit he's a rich guy instead of pretending to be one of the 99 percenters. See for yourself:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Indecision 2012 - Tax and the Mitty

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Extra Credit

2012-01-19T11:10:00.000-05:00

Music Box: Perfume Genius

2012-01-19T10:15:00.000-05:00

Am completely mesmerized by the new single "Hood" by Perfume Genius -- and it might not even have anything to do with the fact that my favorite porn star/hooker Arpad Miklos is featuring in this haunting clip. From the Seattle singer/songwriter's second album, "Put Your Back N 2 It," out Feb. 21. Eat your heart out, Marc Almond!

More info HERE.

Thursday Ad Watch

2012-01-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

Shirtless Tommy Haas Is a 'Winner'

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Tommy Haas may have lost to Rafael Nadal in straight sets yesterday at the Australian Open, but the spectators were all winners when he decided to pull a Novak Djokovic after the match. Don't ever retire, Tommy boy!

He Shipped and Fell

2012-01-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

With no disrespect to the victims of this horrible tragedy, kudos to the New York Post for sticking it to "Captain" Francesco Schettino for his cowardly behavior. Of course, maybe I'm being too harsh. It's not his fault he "tripped into a lifeboat."

Morning Wood

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Michael Fassbender Channeled Stuart Smalley in His Lean Years

2012-01-18T19:30:00.006-05:00

In the special indie issue of The Hollywood Reporter, the well-hung star of "Shame," "Dangerous Method" and "Hunger" reveals how he survived years of struggle: "I would say to myself, I'm good enough. That became my mantra." Keep reading HERE.

And in this exclusive THR video, Fassbender talks sexual deviance, his youth in rural Ireland spent watching "Chips," "Simon and Simon" and "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" and reveals how upset he was as a child when he couldn't get in to see "Flash Gordon"!

For Your Consideration

2012-01-18T16:18:00.003-05:00

Vulture nails it with these eight trade-mag-advertisement spoofs HERE.

Model Marine

2012-01-18T15:27:00.002-05:00

The new issue of Menswear has a nice profile on Dmitriy Tanner, who talks about his life as one of the top male models as well as a lance corporal in the Marines: "He has only been working as a model for a year but has already walked in Givenchy and opened the show for Calvin Klein, in addition to appearing in upcoming campaigns for Calvin Klein, Dsquared2 and Diesel. But don’t worry about his modeling success going to his head, Tanner says his fellow Marines joke with him about his side job and definitely help keep him grounded." On stands today.

Lip Service

2012-01-18T15:23:00.002-05:00

Via La Daily Musto: A fascinating montage of famous movie songs featuring the vocals of unfamous singers. We all know about Debbie Reynolds in "Singin' in the Rain," Natalie Wood in "West Side Story" and Audrey Hepburn in "My Fair Lady," but wait'll you see which other superstars didn't do their own singing. (One's a famous singer!)

Ewan McGregor Covers Menswear

2012-01-18T15:22:00.004-05:00

Ewan McGregor graces the cover of the new issue of Menswear. In it, he talks about the hot streak he's on that began with "The Ghost Writer" and continues with this month’s "Haywire." He also talks about being perfectly at ease without ever having truly reached megastardom as it has allowed him a more balanced work-life split, summing it up by saying “your ambition can be to carry on doing what you’re doing.” In addition, he recounts his “effortless” decision to quit drinking more than a decade ago -- and looks awfully good riding a bike and holding a gun!

Billie Jean King Defends Margaret('s) Court

2012-01-18T14:17:00.005-05:00

Billie Jean King is making headlines again talking about Margaret (Smith) Court -- only this time she's defending her former rival. King, along with Martina Navratilova and Rennae Stubbs, recently spoke out against Court for her statements against marriage equality. But with protesters now calling for Court's name to be removed from Court 3 at the Australian Open (aka Margaret Court Arena), King is speaking out against the idea, saying if anything, Court's name needs to be more prominent at the year's first Grand Slam event.

"No, no, no, get rid of her for that," King said. "Because you don’t agree with her? Are you kidding? Just because you don’t agree with someone? Please. She deserves it. She’s a great player."

King went on to say: "I thought the center court should be [Rod] Laver and her name together. They're the two greatest champions in our game, and she had more Slams. For her to have Court 3 is terrible. I was furious. I went to the heads of Australia, I told them I don't agree with this. You can't do this, you can't give her Court 3, she deserves much better than this. That's a disgrace to women. She won 62 Grand Slam titles, how could you ever give her Court 3. It was diabolical."

While I agree that the initial naming of courts was misguided -- News Flash: sexism is alive and well Down Under -- I'm not sure I agree with King's assertion that it would be wrong to remove Court's name. Buildings are named after people for a variety of reasons, and no matter how gifted an athlete someone is, their integrity and character weigh into the decision, too. (Arthur Ashe was hardly the greatest player, but he stood for so much more.) Obviously, there are a lot of landmarks named for people who we now acknowledge were involved in deplorable things -- no one's calling for the Thomas Jefferson Memorial to be destroyed because of his fondness for slaves -- and Court may just have beaten the statute of limitations on this, given her age and the fact that Australia (like America) is still not up to speed on LGBT rights (shall we say her homophobia was grandfathered in?). But she may be the last of her generation -- and I certainly wouldn't go and upgrade her standing at this point, as she does her best to destroy it. (H/T Busted Racquet)

Puppy Love

2012-01-18T14:13:00.001-05:00

Kinda fitting considering the fact that if Spanish tennis player David Ferrer were an animal he would be puppy.

Funny Valentines

2012-01-18T13:14:00.004-05:00

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka cover Out's annual love issue. The guys doesn't want people to think they're the perfect couple -- "Nothing’s perfect. A relationship is work and it changes. It’s more good times than bad, but it’s not always good," says Burtka -- which only leads me to believe that looks really can be deceiving.

Says Harris of Burtka: “There’s something kinetic about him and his being. He’s classically sexy, yet he’s very much a boy in his energy. It’s a great dynamic. When I see people who are equally attractive, they tend to seem quiet and kind of Marlboro Man-y, and David’s the antithesis of that. He’s more like Tigger. I’m, in turn, very introspective–the thinker, rather than the doer. I tend to weigh options before making decisions, and David is the polar opposite of that. We’re hyper similar and also incredibly opposite.”

Harris looks forward to the day the two become legally wed. “I’m not the biggest fan of the word ‘partner’: It either means that we run a business together or we’re cowboys,” Harris pens. “‘Boyfriend’ seems fleeting, like maybe we met two weeks ago. I’ve been saying ‘better half’ for as long as I’ve been able to. I think it’s a little self-deprecating and clearly defines that we’re in a relationship, but it would be nice to say ‘my husband.’”

Keep reading HERE.

Be Mine

2012-01-18T11:00:00.000-05:00

Jake Andrews is sporting special Andrew Christian undies for Valentine's Day, which will undoubtedly put a smile on any topman's face. See for yourself HERE.

On Sale Now

2012-01-18T10:00:00.002-05:00

Brilliant! From HERE.

Bend It Like Beckham

2012-01-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

My friend Yogita brought this edition of Men's Health back from India for me. Who do you prefer, Krishna Nomala (a Hyderabad-based animation student) or Sangram Singh, a gold medal-winning wrestler and TV star (below)?

Congratulation

2012-01-18T09:00:00.001-05:00

Morning Wood

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-05:00

You Deserve a Break Today (I Mean You, Mitt)

2012-01-17T19:54:00.005-05:00

Zillionaire Mitt Romney made $375,000 in speaking fees alone last year -- or as he refers to it, "not very much."

Golden Boy

2012-01-17T17:07:00.002-05:00

If you follow me on Twitter then you know I broke tradition and watched the Golden Globes on Sunday. The experience reminded me why I avoid awards shows -- Ricky Gervais started out strong and Seth Rogen delivered the line of the night, but my attention span quickly dwindled -- although I'd do it over again in a heartbeat for one more look at Bradley Cooper's new facial hair. Woof!

Fass-cinating!

2012-01-17T15:15:00.007-05:00

George Clooney didn't deserve to win a Golden Globe for "The Descendants." But he certainly earned it after-the-fact for his acceptance speech about Michael Fassbender's amazing schlong! (And when did Clooney ever do full-frontal nudity????) See for yourself HERE. (NSFW)

(Source)

Caption Me

2012-01-17T15:04:00.001-05:00

(That's Brian Kenny, in case you're not familiar.)

Gristedes for Romney

2012-01-17T13:41:00.004-05:00

With thanks to Bill: So it seems the owner of New York's biggest supermarket chain (Gristedes) is a huge Romney supporter. Cindy Adams reports:

Today is John Catsimatidis’ “Help Save America” fundraiser. His invite reads:
“Dear Friend ... We need CHANGE in Washington. The future of our country depends on us THIS November. We cannot take four more years of what we have. My opinion ... Romney is the only one that can achieve 51 percent. Other candidates can only achieve 47 percent at most. AMERICA LOSES IF OBAMA WINS. Come Tuesday. Invest in America.”

No surprise that a rich guy is a Republican, but thought I'd throw this out there in case you do have a choice where you shop for groceries. Gristedes feels like the only game in town to me -- the D'Agonstino and A&P near my apartment are long gone, and god knows what horrible things are in their owners' closets -- but information is power, so make of this what you will.

Hot Daddy Alert: Tommy Haas Wins Down Under

2012-01-17T10:00:00.001-05:00

So great to see Tommy Haas back in action in Australia (some may recall he was part of the inspiration for my starting a blog). The nearly 34-year-old German-born dreamboat defeated American Denis Kudla, 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 6-0, 7-5, to advance to the second round in Melbourne -- his first appearance here since 2010 due to a hip and shoulder injuries -- and has said he hopes to keep playing until his daughter is old enough to see Dad play. Valentina turned 1 in November -- could Tommy possibly pull a Jimbo Connors? Only time will tell. Next up? Rafael Nadal. (Should have plenty of time to rest after that one!)

Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers' Not-Ready-for-Primetime Reunion

2012-01-17T09:30:00.007-05:00

Was tickled to read that former roommates Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers had recently reunited after 30 years of estrangement. Hardcore "Three's Company" fans will remember that Janet and Chrissy had a major falling out over Somers' contract dispute during Season 5 of the smash sitcom -- well, if I remember correctly, pretty much all of Hollywood had a falling out with Somers over that -- but while the rest of the industry eventually let bygones be bygones, DeWitt would not. (How bitter was the former Undie L'Eggs spokesmodel? Not even the death of John Ritter could melt the ice.) What's unfortunate about this long-overdue reunion, however, is that they waited so long that it's going to take place on the Internet -- Feb. 2 on Suzanne's new Web series, "Breaking Through," on CafeMom.com -- rather than on Oprah or some other prime-time venue, where it most certainly would have been held back when the legendary feud was being written about in books and made into TV movies. Whatever the case, though, I will be there. The show was never the same after Somers left -- and because of the drama, there was only one season that featured the ultimate cast of Somers and Mr. Furley, who ran circles around the Ropers. Even after all these years, I'm still dying to see if DeWitt will finally admit that Somers was right all along (Suzanne claims her money grab was on behalf of the entire cast) or if Suzanne will finally admit that she rewrote history to make herself out to be what Lisa Kudrow later became known as among the cast of 'Friends.'" Come out of retirement, Oprah -- we need you!!!!

Joe Flacco Takes His Team on a Mustache Ride

2012-01-17T09:30:00.002-05:00

Movember may be over, but that isn't stopping the NFL from getting in on the mustache madness. First Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker called on his team's fans to sport a 'stache for the playoffs, and now Ravens QB Joe Flacco's new fu manchu (VIDEO) has me eyeing the land of John Waters. While I could never get away with rooting against the Giants so long as Michael is around, I certainly will enjoy the New England-Baltimore game more than I thought I would. Have a look -- this is one hot man:

Meanwhile:

Perhaps if Aaron Rodgers had kept his amazing fu manchu he and Green Bay wouldn't have gotten their asses handed to them by the Giants -- not that the officials didn't do everything in their power to hand them the win.

Morning Wood

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

Fans 'React' to Madonna's Golden Globe Win

2012-01-16T19:07:00.005-05:00

With thanks to Christopher: This is almost as hilarious as Madonna's smushed boobs!

Monday (Retro) Ad Watch

2012-01-16T10:00:00.006-05:00

From the pre-International Male 1970s Ah Men catalog.

A commenter points out that Mr. Mustache in the blue trunks is "Paul Baressi -- former Colt model/straight porn actor/gay porn director/reputed lover of John Travolta." (Good taste, Mr. Barbarino!)

In 1990, Barresi sold a story to The National Enquirer claiming he'd had a two-year affair with Travolta after meeting him in the locker room of an L.A. gym back in 1982. Barresi eventually retracted his story, a reversal I'm sure the Church of Scientology had nothing to do with.

On the Rag, Vol. 181

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

A weekly look at what's making news in the free gay mags:

Next features French import Paul-Emile out from, shot exclusively for the mag by Parisian photographer Lionel André.

See more HERE.

The cover model for Frontiers' health and fitness issue certainly looks the part.

Get Out!'s got icons, just not sure who they're supposed to be.

Morning Wood

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

Caption Me

2012-01-13T17:51:00.001-05:00

Bill Maher: Rick Santorum Thinks About Gay Sex More Than a Dildo Salesman in West Hollywood

2012-01-13T16:28:00.006-05:00

Like we need another reason to love Bill Maher, his appearance on "Chelsea Lately" last night was an instant classic. “There’s a guy down in West Hollywood working at Dorothy’s and Dildos who does not think about gay sex as much as Rick Santorum.” (Even Chelsea dies laughing, which is unusual!)

Rosie O'Donnell: Why I'm Sure Oprah and Gayle Aren't Carpet Inspectors

2012-01-13T15:55:00.004-05:00

I gave up Bravo cold turkey over a year ago, but watching Rosie O'Donnell explain to Andy Cohen why she's sure Oprah and Gayle aren't lovers is worth a minor relapse!

Michael Fassbender Covers INTERVIEW

2012-01-13T15:44:00.002-05:00

Via VGL: Josh Brolin interviews the sexy "Shame" star via telephone across the pond for the new issue of Interview magazine HERE.

Does Justine Henin Have a Secret?

2012-01-13T15:32:00.004-05:00

This spot-on Justin Henin impersonation is not only brilliant -- loves the herpes! -- it raises an interesting question about the most mysterious woman to ever play the game of tennis. (HT @lynnlovestennis)

Friday Ad Watch: Tim Tebow's Back for Jockey

2012-01-13T14:20:00.004-05:00

Now that we know he's a lisping queen, I think we can all agree that it's OK for me to blog about the second-most famous white Bronco in the world. More Tim HERE.

Janice Dickinson Ain't All Bad

2012-01-13T11:00:00.002-05:00

Dominic Figlio has to be the best thing to come out of reality television.

See what I mean HERE.

Tattoo You

2012-01-13T10:00:00.001-05:00

Investing in a tattoo-removal business would be a wise idea right now -- and can you imagine all the sagging ink you're going to be looking at in the old-folks home in a few years?! -- but I can't deny that a tat on a hot bod is awfully sexy, even if I would ground my child for life if he ever got one himself. Michigan State redshirt freshman running back Nick Hill's Spartan is quite spectacular (as is his ass) -- and far more appealing than that mess on Alabama quarterback (and newly MVP of the BCS championship game) A.J. McCarron's chest. (And is that a tattoo on his girlfriend's face?!)

James Dean Steps Out of the Celluloid Closet

2012-01-13T09:00:00.002-05:00

What a shame that James "I live to play iconic gay guys" Franco already portrayed James Dean in a sanitized (made-for-TV) movie. "Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean" -- a new film starring James Preston set for release this summer that reportedly "redefines" the "Giant" star "for a new generation" -- promises the full story on the star's homosexuality -- ~~genital~~ warts and all. Check out the moody trailer. Like Jimmy himself, it will leave you wanting more.

UPDATE: Not to be outdone, James Franco is now set to play Robert Mapplethorpe in a new biopic!

Morning Wood

2012-01-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Caption Me

2012-01-12T17:17:00.004-05:00

More hot men HERE.

I Believe in 'Magic'

2012-01-12T17:10:00.001-05:00

Via Towleroad: It's nearly impossible to believe that "Magic Mike," the new film loosely based on Channing Tatum's experiences as a stripper, isn't being made by a gay man -- I mean really! Perhaps Matt Bomer is giving director Steven Soderbergh some pointers. Hear what the hunky "White Collar" star has to say about it all HERE.

Just a 'Teenager' in Love

2012-01-12T16:16:00.003-05:00

A motivational speaker played by Jason Alexander attempts to counsel "child" bride Courtney Stodden and statutory rapist Doug Hutchinson in this Funny or Die clip. It's not as, um, funny as it should be, but I just can't seem to get enough of America's oldest teenager!

The Donny Clay Show with Courtney Stodden from Jason Alexander

Flash Mob at Chelsea Hotel Tonight to Protest Patti Smith Concert for Developers

2012-01-12T13:50:00.004-05:00

If you're anything like me, you grew up thinking the Chelsea Hotel was kind of a sacred institution. When I moved to the neighborhood in the 1990s and found myself walking past the legendary place Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen, Edie Sedgwick, Jack Kerouac (who wrote "On the Road" there), Tennessee Williams, Robert Mapplethorpe and Patti Smith once called home, and where Nancy Spungeon met her cruel fate, it never ceased to awe me. (I'd stroll by and try to act cool -- I live here now -- yet I'd still be peeking in the window each time I'd go by, wondering what I might be missing.)

A lot has changed since then -- management changes, ownership changes, dilapidation -- but things have come to breaking point this week as Patti Smith performed a free concert for the hotel's new owners/developers last night, and is scheduled to perform another one for the building's residents. While this may sound like a case of "no good deed goes unpunished" -- Smith insists she is doing this out of the goodness of heart and for the love of the Chelsea -- many feel she is being used as a pawn (would she really support someone who is gutting rooms and evicting residents?) by a new owner who wants to turn the place into a luxury destination, the antithesis of its artist-in-residence roots, and have been calling on her to cancel tonight's show. Thus far she has not. So a flash mob is planned for 8 p.m. outside the building.

For the full story -- it's very convoluted and I'm doing my best to synthesize it here -- please visit the Chelsea Hotel Blog HERE. For specifics about the flash mob, go HERE. I support the preservation of the hotel -- and it's hard to believe Patti Smith doesn't as well. Here's hoping we can start a dialogue tonight and work out something amenable to all. It would be a tragic loss if we could not.

Proofed

2012-01-12T13:41:00.002-05:00

(With thanks to Thomas!)

Need a Car Wash?

2012-01-12T11:00:00.001-05:00

This guy and his friends will wax your wheels just fine.

Music Box: Matt Bianco

2012-01-12T10:00:00.006-05:00

With thanks to my friend Christopher for jarring my memory by making a Basia joke: Finally got around to procuring Matt Bianco's classic debut, "Whose Side Are You On?," in digital format the other night, and was delighted by how well it's aged over the past 25 years. I remember buying the vinyl at Zia Records in Tempe, Arizona, when I was in high school -- I had heard the single "Get Out of Your Lazy Bed" on the Rock Over London radio show one Sunday night -- and had naively convinced myself that I was into "jazz" by virtue of my obsession with early Everything But the Girl, Sade, Working Week, Swing Out Sister and Paul Weller's experimental Style Council.
As it would turn out, real jazz kind of annoyed me, but "pop jazz" like Matt Bianco -- riding a revival wave in Britain of early-'60s Brazilian pop music, with classic bossa nova structures and loose horns -- was fun, fresh, and just the thing for a pretentious 16-year-old to latch onto, while dreaming of moving to the big city, reading foreign magazines and drinking white wine. (That's what passed for sophistication in 1980s suburban Phoenix -- and probably still does.) I had purchased "The Best of Matt Bianco" CD in the early '90s, but it included many songs recorded after their classic original line-up of Mark Reilly, Danny White and Basia, so didn't really have that magnetic nostalgia I was hoping for. It then apparently fell behind the TV -- literally -- which is where I found it after catching the Matt Bianco bug earlier this week. While Basia (along with Danny White) would go on to a successful solo career -- I liked the "Time and Tide" album a lot, but then quickly lost interest with that "Cruising for Bruising" bullshit, as did she when she stopped recording for 15 years after a few more albums -- it was as a supporting player that she shined brightest, perhaps second only to Jane Wiedlin as someone who is far better as a backup singer. (Let's be honest: You can only take so much of Basia's voice at once.) Unlike the Go-Go's, however, Matt Bianco allowed Basia to sing lead on a couple tracks, but alas that still was not enough to keep her happy. (The original trio temporarily reunited in 2003 -- as Matt Bianco Featuring Basia -- but I never sought out the album it produced, figuring you can't go home again.)

Fall in love with "More Than I Can Bear" (below) -- the band's videos were memorable too, with their beautiful band members and silent-movie and spy-novel themes -- and if you like what you hear, you might just find the full album HERE. (No sign of it on iTunes, I'm afraid, so what can you do?)

Enjoy!

James Franco's Gay Mustache Returns to the Silver Screen

2012-01-12T09:10:00.000-05:00

"Milk" man James Franco wrote, directed and stars in "The Broken Tower," a new biopic about Hart Crane, the noted American poet who committed suicide because he believed he could not be happy as a homosexual. Have a look: