Death Becomes Me

I have been throwing up and peeing out of my ass nonstop since New Year's Day. It must be a stomach flu type of thing. I honestly don't know how much more of this I can take. The chills, body aches and freaky nightmares are even worse than the affair with the toilet.

Regular blogging to resume assuming I do not die overnight.

Morning Wood: Louis Mandylor

You probably know Aussie hunk Louis Mandylor from his role in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" or his guest appearances on TV shows like "Friends." I know him because he and his brother Costas are two of the hottest guys in Hollywood.

Look for lots of new stuff in 2006 from this talented actor/writer/producer/director.

Visit the Official Louis Mandylor Web site here.

Unhappy Ending

I made a passing reference to the gay hustler who was murdered last week here in Chelsea. Little did I know that the brutal slaying and torching of his body took place across the street from my apartment.

It seems 45-year-old Shlomy Rejwan was running a massage business out of his digs at 228 W. 18th St., in the building above the Venezuelan joint where I occasionally get arepas con queso (El Cocotero). Police believe he was strangled to death by a robber and then set on fire to destroy the evidence.

Rejwan, who reportedly charged his clients $100 for massages that included sexual acts, was found guilty of prostitution way back in 1995. Police sources tell the NY Post that immigration officials were planning to deport him as part of a recent crackdown on foreigners convicted of sex-related crimes.

As alarming as it is that an unsolved homicide was commited in extremely close proximity to my residence, perhaps the most shocking thing of all is how a 45-year-old man managed to continue turning tricks in this youth-obsessed mecca of a gay neighborhood ...

Page 1 Consider (01/02)

Notify ACES: They Might Be Giants, or Not / Anyone who knows me knows why this is the best headline ever. How did we not think of this one? (Washington Post)

'Stroke' of Midnight: Dick Clark Returns to TV to Mark New Year / Say what you want about his bravery and determination, I thought it was just plain sad -- and not the right tone for celebrating the new year. On the flipside, did anyone notice that Susanna Hoffs has made a pact with the Devil and actually looks hotter than she did in 1986? (AP)

Sour Note: Sony BMG Tentatively Settles Suits on Spyware / Whoever told Sony it was a good idea to put copy-protection software on legally purchased music CDs that also surreptiously installs spyware and makes computers vulnerable to viruses should be severely punished. As if we needed another reason to not pay for music. (AP)

Heroine Addict: Rona Jaffe, Author of Popular Novels, Is Dead at 74 / Her 1958 debut, "The Best of Everything," told the melodramatic story of four nubile, cashmere-sweatered career girls torn between storybook romance and cutthroat corporate Manhattan. Carrie Bradshaw and the gang tip their designers hats to you, Ms. Jaffe. May you rest in peace. (NY Times)

Gems of 2005: It's always fun to see how the critics' music and movie picks stack up against your own. (Washington Post)

Blue Goodbye: Actor Patrick Cranshaw, Who Gained Cult Fame As Frat Brother Blue in 'Old School,' Dies at 86 / We'll miss you, you funny old man. (AP)

Model Prisoner?

Fashion model Beverly Peele was arrested on identity theft charges for allegedly buying around $10,000 worth of housewares, appliances and furniture by using credit card numbers without permission, authorities said Friday.

Peele, who has appeared in many fashion spreads and in the George Michael video "I Want Your Sex," was arrested Monday and charged with two counts of grand theft by access card, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The complaint filed against the 30-year-old alleges she charged furniture, a refrigerator, a washer and dryer, bedding and other items for her home on credit cards that were in a wallet she had found in a supermarket.

If she did what is alleges than she deserves to be punished, but shouldn't this hairdo have gotten her arrested years ago? Rough stuff for a former big-time model, though. I'm guessing the residuals for "Sweet Friggin' Daisies" aren't as lucrative as one might think.

The Cat's Meow

Troy wants to wish you a very happy and prosperous 2006. He's never felt better.