Central Park Quest

 

When we decided to leave Chelsea for the Upper West Side, proximity to the park was definitely a major factor. And more than four years later, I'm more convinced than ever that it was the right call. Not only is Manhattan’s 843-acre crown jewel a short walk from our apartment, we also have Riverside Park -- considered by many the connoisseur’s preferred green space -- just steps from our building, making a “walk in the park” both literal and metaphorical in our day-to-day lives.

Heads-up: We're flying to Phoenix on Tuesday for my mom's 84th birthday and Thanksgiving, so blogging will be sporadic. Hope everyone has somewhere special to be this thanks-based holiday. And for those who don't, here's hoping you're spending the day doing something that makes you happy -- whether it's reading a book or rewatching a favorite movie. xo

Sign Language

 

I may be down a brother, but at least the one I still have is a keeper! 

BTW: Follows always appreciated on Threads, Instagram, Facebook and BlueSky.

Remains of the Day (11/21)

Boystack: Remembering Frank Diernhammer, the Hollywood photographer whose best (and gayest) work was not granted life until he died -- and could have wound up discarded (NSFW)

Greg in Hollywood: Happy 80th birthday to the one and only Goldie Hawn!

MNPP: Jeff Bridges vs. Kurt Russell

Attitude: "It’s a Sin" actor Callum Scott Howells shows latest results from his ongoing fitness journey 

Mug Shot Friday: If looks could kill, I'd be lying on the floor

TLOBF: Having signed off with "International," likely Saint Etienne's last studio album, Sarah Cracknell walks Alan Pedder through her personal highlights of the trio’s 35-year career

DNA: It's always a cause for celebration when Zane Phillips strips down

Out: Cheyenne Jackson channels a "horny Disney character" in his Broadway return 

THR: Gay hockey romance series "Heated Rivalry" acquired by HBO Max in U.S. and Australia

Saturday 'Stache: FBI ups reward to $15 million for ex-Olympian Ryan James Wedding on the run 

Interview: Sissy Spacek remembers that time she met Andy Warhol

PinkNews: Suspect in the death of gay actor Jonathan Joss -- who played Wamapoke Indian Chief Ken Hotate on "Parks and Recreation" -- formally charged with murder, but remains out on bail

MetroWeekly: Who's up for some Paula Poundstone?

Attitude: David Geffen’s divorce from David Armstrong set to be signed off in days -- but financial row remains

Speedo Sunday: Color me green with thigh envy

Hot Cat of the Day: Finally, a book club I'm interested in joining! 

Stevie Nicks: The Edge of Octogenarianism

 

Realizing that at 77 the clock was ticking for seeing Stevie Nicks live in concert, Damian and I made a last-minute decision to pay an ungodly amount of money -- the most I've ever spent -- to get good (but not great) seats for her show at the Barclays Center, and I'm here to report we've no regrets. 

To clarify, I've seen Fleetwood Mac twice -- once when Christine McVie was on hiatus and once with the classic line-up. But Stevie wasn't inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice for nothing, so getting to see her not share the spotlight three ways was something I've long wanted to do, and we've been kicking ourselves for years since passing on seeing her with Chrissie Hynde supporting because we had recently seen Fleetwood Mac and the Pretenders individually, so decided it wasn't necessary. (Don't get me started on how I felt when I learned Chrissie had filled in for Tom Petty on "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," for which I'm guessing she merely had to tone down her masculinity a bit for the part.)

Wednesday's show was wonderful, with Stevie looking and sounding incredible for any age. Yes, there are songs I wish she had done ("Sara"!!!) and songs I wish she hadn't bothered with (not one, but two covers?!!!). But the woman is a living legend -- and a living legend who is still on the mend from a fall she suffered in August -- so she can do no wrong. 

Highlights of the evening: "Gypsy," which she doesn't always do on solo tours; a quasi-medley of the title tracks of her first two solo albums ("Bella Donna"/"Wild Heart"); "If Anyone Falls"; and a spirited version of "The Edge of Seventeen," which of course criminally stalled at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 when everyone knows it's a No. 1 smash! The tour continues Monday in Boston with five more cities after that. Go if you can. Painful as it is to acknowledge, we won't have our divas forever, as we were reminded by the choice of Christine's "Got a Hold on Me" as the exiting music. xo

P.S. I've avoided the Barclays Center like the plague -- I didn't move to the greatest city on earth to schlep out to Brooklyn -- but I will admit it's more intimate than its Manhattan peer (MSG), and the concessions and staff were all very civilized. Also, the 2/3 goes express from my apartment and let's out directly in front of the venue, so it could be much worse. (Kings Theatre, anyone?!) 

P.P.S. Just scored some shockingly reasonably priced tickets to see New Pornographers next year. The band is reeling from having its drummer arrested in a very unfortunate situation, but is moving on and releasing new music soon. Info HERE.

‘Winter’ Wonderland

 

Bryant Park is ready for Christmas ... even if you're not. 

UPDATE:

The Upper West Side is ready, too! 

On the Rag, Vol. 884

This week's rag 'n' mag roundup features Benjamin Verbeck, Brunette Leo, Jaidus, Henry Moodie, Flavio Cobolli, Hollywood's new class of leading men and more BELOW.