Happy National Women's History Month

Tina Fey Says, "Bitch Is The New Black." Word!

Black Friday, Rachel Ray, And Anthony Bourdain

I woke up quite early on Black Friday. It was 4:30 AM or so. My brain was barely functioning, but I still managed to drive my car to various shopping areas. Best Buy was packed, so I drove to some other locations. I eventually made my way to Kohls. And, once inside the store, I rushed to the kitchen and dinning area. Of course!

I walked around, looking at various items of interest, when out of nowhere something obscene hit my poor, unsuspecting retinas. Pictures of Rachel Ray were everywhere. On cookbooks; on various products; there was no escaping this woman. It was quite annoying. Ok, I admit that I have watched her on the food network from time to time. And she’s making money and doing well in the entertainment world. Good for her. But she doesn’t deserve to be idolized as a culinary deity by the American public. Let’s reserve praise for chefs and culinary experts who deserve it.



Anyway, let’s move on. If you’re a fan of the wonderful Anthony Bourdain, then you have to listen to his discussion with the Commonwealth Club of California. Anthony never disappoints. He talked a little bit about Rachel Ray. But he mainly focused on his life, television show, and other interesting topics. Enjoy!

A Very Queer Post

Another day, another blog-a-thon. Wait! This isn’t your average blog-a-thon. Not at all. On Monday, November 19th, Queering The Apparatus will be hosting its very first Queer Film Blog-A-Thon. Finally! An opportunity for gay bloggers all across the blogosphere to express their love for queer cinema. The following is my contribution to this wonderful blog-a-thon.



I’ve always enjoyed great films. However, like most members of the LGBT community, I’ve often been disappointed with the dearth of gay characters and stories in mainstream Hollywood Films. Fortunately, there are directors, writers, actors, and producers who manage to create amazing cinematic treasurers for us (the gays), often with limited resources and support. Thank goodness for independent films and passionate artists.



In the film The Sum of Us, Russell Crowe plays a regular bloke who just happens to be gay. I debated whether to mention this film. To be honest, it is far from being perfect. However, I liked Russell’s character (Jeff) a lot. The great thing about this film is that is doesn’t conform to tired stereotypes. Jeff is straight acting, and he has a father who offers him unconditional love and support. And that’s a beautiful thing.



I realize that coming out stories are an important part of gay culture, but they’re becoming something of a cliché. And coming out films usually annoy the hell out of me, especially when they’re poorly made. The film Get Real is an exception. There are other great films that deal with the same subject matter, of course, but I connected with the film’s protagonist, Steven Carter; and I think Ben Silverstone did a great job of brining this character to life. The film is conventional in many ways, but Steven’s courage is quite remarkable. He wrote an inspiring essay that was published in the school newspaper. For a while, the author of the essay remained anonymous. But in the end, Steven addressed the entire student body, as well as his family, and acknowledged that he had written the essay. The pen, as they say, is mightier than the sword.



I enjoyed Brokeback Mountain. It certainly deserves to be praised. This film, by the wonderful director Ang Lee, brought a love affair between two men to the silver screen. Of course, other films have done that before, but Brokeback Mountain did what most gay films rarely every do—it managed to break into the mainstream. And it has secured a special place in American popular culture. I also think Annie Proulx, Larry McMurtry, Diana Ossana, and Ang Lee should be commended for making this film a reality. It’s always nice to have some straight people on our side.



Queer cinema doesn’t get better than John Cameron Mitchell’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch. This film is one of my favorite films (top 10 material). John plays a transgender performer who leads an extraordinary life. Everything about the film is wonderful. John does a great job of introducing the protagonist, Hedwig. Within the first 15 minutes, I fell in love with Hedwig. John is a gifted director. There’s no question about that. The music is wonderful and the film is just enchanting from start to finish. Of all films mentioned in this post, I think Hedwig and the Angry Inch is the most beautiful. It is also visually and intellectually provocative.




I love John Waters. This post wouldn’t be complete without a John Water’s film. And Pink Flamingos is my favorite film by this great director. I know some—or maybe most—people find it crass and unacceptable, but this film represents so much to me and other members of the LGBT community. Pink Flamingos is a film that refuses to conform to societal standards of decency. It laughs in the face of social conformity. Divine’s character, Babs Johnson, is confident and defiant. It’s hard for the average gay person to exhibit this degree of self-confidence in the real (straight) world, which is why Babs Johnson is a breath of fresh air. Of course, one shouldn’t celebrate the violence in the film, but the violence is part of what makes it work so well. It’s all about defiance! Interestingly, John Waters often says that he wants the audience to just relax and have a good time. Well, mission accomplished. His films are certainly very entertaining, but there’s so much more to Pink Flamingos than meets the eye.



Pink Flamingos was my favorite gay film for a very long time. That changed after I saw Gods and Monsters, a film about James Whale, a film director who made horror films in the 1930s. The accomplished stage actor Ian McKellen was brilliant as James. Lynn Redgrave also delivered a great performance, and Brendan Fraser was effective as Clayton Boone, the object of Whale’s interest in the film. Gods and Monsters explores the last few moments of James Whale’s life, before he committed suicide in 1957. James lived with depression, memory problems, and other conditions that lead him to take his own life. He was 67.

Gay cinema and culture seem obsessed with youth and beauty. This blog is no exception. I post pictures of hot actors and models from time to time. However, this film focuses on the inner struggles of an aging gay man. That, I think, makes the film stand out in the world of gay cinema. Older gay men are often portrayed as asexual figures in many films. In God and Monsters, James tries to seduce a young straight man. He shows us that sexuality and the need for companionship are strong motivators that exist in all human beings, young and old. But the main reason I adore this film is because of Ian McKellen. His performance is the heart and soul of this film. The people behind Gods and Monsters get extra points from me because they cast a real gay man to play a gay character on the big screen. What a novel concept!

The Problem With Perez

Sometimes the gay media pisses me off in a major way. What did they do now? Well, Out.com recently recognized Perez Hilton as one of the most influential gay people in this country. He even got the royal treatment by the folks at Out.com (check out the following picture), and that's what I object to.



Now, in all fairness to Mr. Lavandeira (aka Perez Hilton), I have to acknowledge that his blog, Perezhilton.com, is one of the most popular blogs on the web. Is he influential? Well, I'll give him some credit. He gets a lot of attention from the main stream media. He was on the view and he appears on MTV and other popular news and entertainment outlets on a regular basis. So, from a very objective perspective, I'd say that he is influential. But does that mean he should be honored by the gay media?

Funny thing is, he is every activist's dream. He's out, proud, and successful. Oh, but it gets better. The man doesn't hide his sexuality. Many have seen a side of Perez Hilton that's too disgusting to describe on this blog. My point is: he is not asexual. I read somewhere that's he's getting his own show. That's impressive. So, should we kiss his ass? I don't think so. I contend that he is not an asset to the LGBT community. I'm sorry, but simply being out and proud shouldn't be some sort of badge of honor. I think it's great that's he's out. It's always wonderful to see someone who's comfortable with his or her sexuality, but we shouldn't just shower someone with praise for being out. He is not a good role model for LGBT people in this (or any) country. He's a smart internet personality. Good for him, but why does the gay media have to jump on the "I love Perez" band wagon.

I'm fully aware that Perez is a part of our community, whether we like it or not. The LGBT community is not a monolith. We are a very diverse group of people, and Perez will always have a place in our community. My beef is with the gay media and the writers who work for and/or are associated with them. These individuals often serve as representatives of the entire LGBT community. And that's a shame. They only represent a segment of our community. It's interesting that Perez Hilton is Hispanic American but contributes nothing significant to the plight of gay men and Lesbians of Hispanic descent. I'm not saying Perez is obligated to do anything; I'm just pointing out that he's just a successful American blogger who has nothing meaningful to contribute to any cause. Where are other gay people of color? Don't they exist? They have a very different perspective that's rarely heard. How about gay people who can't be out for various reasons. This large group of gay men and lesbians may not be out to the world, but they are on the internet consuming gay culture. They are a part of our community.

It Sucks To Be A Lion: Bill O'Reilly & The Proper Use of Stereotypes

Ok, if you love Bill O'Reilly, this post is not for you. Now, let the bashing begin. Bill never ceases to amaze (and horrify) me. The man is clearly intelligent, but his inability (or refusal) to even consider alternative perspectives is scary. Why does that scare me? Well, if an intelligent man like Bill refuses to even listen to dissenting opinions, then there's no hope for the many men and women who worship the ground he walks on. And that, my friends, is a very scary thought.

So, here's the issue. A few days ago, Mr. O'Reilly made some interesting comments on his radio show. He talked about having dinner with Rev. Al Sharpton at a place called Sylvia's, a restaurant in Harlem that is owned and operated by African-Americans. Most of the patrons are also African-American. Bill was shocked that African-Americans weren't acting--you know--crazy! Nothing escaped Bill's sharp eye. Specifically, he said,

I couldn't get over the fact that there was no difference between Sylvia's restaurant and any other restaurant in New York City . . . There wasn't one person in Sylvia's who was screaming, 'M-Fer, I want more iced tea . . . There wasn't any kind of craziness at all.

Ok, I was speechless when I first read this report on the Media Matters for America website. The first thing that came to mind was, is this guy for real? In all fairness to Bill, his comments were not racist. I think most would agree. However, his comments are troubling because they may represent how the average American views Black people. Seriously, if you're surprised that (average) African-Americans actually act like average Americans, then you must be living in some sort of bubble. I've met African-Americans who are educators, business owners, artists, writers, and so on. Do they not exist in New York City metropolitan area? Hm, maybe I'm the one who's crazy. It's possible that I just imagined meeting well-behaved African-Americans. Maybe my junior high school principal, Mrs. Watson, was a figment of my imagination. How about my 7th grade science teacher, Mr. Anderson? He must have been a magnificent apparition that happened to know the periodic table of elements. These wonderful individuals helped mold me into the person I am today.

The sad reality is that Mr. O'Reilly and others like him are doing what many of us do on a daily basis--rely on stereotypes for various reasons. Yes, it's a cognitive phenomenon that requires very little brain power. Now, don't get me wrong; it can be very useful. For example, if I see a lion charging at me, I probably won't ask questions. I'll just run! I know, it sucks to be a lion; everyone immediately judges you. However, in contemporary American society, we have access to so much information and we live in a country that's economically and socially stable. All we have to do is open our eyes (and minds) and stop being lazy. Yes, many of us are lazy. We can't be bothered to learn a little more about people who aren't like us. Or, we sometimes do the opposite; we focus on an outgroup's negative traits.

So, when you see a woman acting hysterical. Stop and think. Ask a question or two. Maybe she's upset for a valid reason. Or maybe she's just had enough. Many women, in case you didn't know, have to work full-time to help support their families, and they're also expected to devote a lot of time to various household tasks. That's like having two jobs! So, before you judge any woman, please keep this little nugget of information in mind. Sure, women are generally more emotional than men, but they also have to put up with a lot of crap. There are many more examples, but I won't subject you to any more of my liberal musings. So, here's the take home message: America, please stop being lazy. Stereotypes should only be used on those rare occasions when your life and physical well-being are threatened. Give Ethnic Americans and other minorities a chance, they may surprise (and educate) you. Imagine that!

There’s More Than One Way To Be A Sissy.

The always wonderful GayProf wrote an interesting piece about the media’s obsession with the Larry Craig scandal and what that may tell us about how society views gays. It’s an excellent post. In that post, GayProf provided a link to another post by Kenneth Hill. I thought Kenneth made some excellent points. However, I didn’t buy it. Actually, it kind of irritated me. And here’s a passage from that post that essentially sums up the tone of the article,

Basically . . . people hate a sissy, aka anyone who acts too gay (read: too effeminate).

Please note that Kenneth discussed other issues and provided an overall compelling argument. But I found it devoid of true objectivity. In fact, this very statement and other comments made in the post seem to place gays into two categories—sissies and non-sissies. And, according to Kenneth, in order for gays to be free, we all need to accept our sissies. That’s a good point, but, again, I have major issue with this and other statements.

First of all, as most probably know but tend to forget, gay people are a very diverse group. The sissies that Kenneth speaks of probably represent a small minority of the gay population. Interestingly, this small sample seems to get a lot of attention. More about that a little later. My major beef with Kenneth’s piece is that he seems to ignore the fact that there’s more than one way to be a sissy, so to speak. Relative to many straight men, I’d be considered a big ol’ sissy. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m more effeminate than a fabulous drag queen. I’m actually considered straight-acting by most, but I will never deny that I have female-typical traits and interests. In fact, I celebrate those traits. I mean, have you read my blog? Check out the banner and some of the side bar pics.

I also don’t get what he means by too effeminate. I mean, I know what he’s talking about, but, again, I find that phrase a little off the mark. Gay men are first and foremost living, breathing mammals, and, in all sexually reproducing species, diversity is the rule rather than the exception. Sorry, I study animal behavior for a living; please bear with me. Anyway, my point is: Effeminate gay men are as diverse as any group of human beings or animals, for that matter. Whoever came up with this sissy/non-sissy dichotomy is just foolish and lazy.

Ok, I’ll admit that generalizing and keeping things simple can often be very effective and desirable, something John Kerry should know by now. However, I expect more from intelligent gay men. Why? Because these men are near and dear to my heart. And I have to say that I found it quite objectionable that Kenneth lumped Carson Kressley and Chris Crocker in the same category. Carson Kressley and youtube sensation Chris Crocker may seem identical on the surface, but when you really start to compares these two gay men, you will immediately see that they are as different as night and day. Chris seems to enjoy making vulgar comments, dancing provocatively, and doing other questionable things. Casron, on the other hand, has established himself as a respected television personality. His quippy comments and success as a fashionista have made him what he is today.

Finally, I’d like to comment about the homophobic statements directed at Chris Crocker. Of course, I think that’s deplorable. And it is a sad reminder that gay men who don’t conform to societal standards—gender norms and other rules—are often subjected to verbal and/or physical abuse. However, the behavior exhibited by Chris should not be considered gay-typical. Even straight women are subjected to hateful comments if they appear “too” sexual. In fact, Paris Hilton, a woman I can’t stand, is often bashed throughout the blogosphere. Yes, the media may often shower gay men like Chris Crocker with the wrong type of attention, and society can be harsh. There’s no question about that. But society also praises certain effeminate gay men (see Tim Gunn). What I’m trying to say is that being effeminate (or even too effeminate) isn’t the same thing as being histrionic (and effeminate). Again, there’s more than one way to be a sissy.

The Media Giveth, The Media Taketh Away

Ok, I don't even know where to begin. This whole Britney debacle has been buzzing around the blogosphere for the past few days. It's old news, but there have been some new developments that we should consider. Even the popular Bravo bloggers Tom and Lorenzo blogged about Britney's unfortunate performance. Are the boys right? Is Britney's VMA performance going to destroy her career in the music industry? Who knows. This is the same industry that profited from the William Hung phenomenon and managed to get people to buy Paris Hilton CDs. I don't question it. It just is. So, Britney probably won't enjoy the level of success she achieved as a teenage pop diva years ago, but she'll probably be around for a while.

To be honest, I never understood the whole Britney phenomenon. Back in the day, she was worshipped by millions of fans around the world. Sure, she was hot, but she lacked the one thing that defines a real musical artist--talent! Yep, I couldn't understand her success. How could a girl with little talent dominate the music industry and popular culture the way Britney did years ago. Well, I think her success was due at least in part to the attention she received from the media. They were obsessed with her, discussing almost every aspect of her life on and off the stage. The media created Britney Speras. Well, now the tables have turned. The media types that declared Britney the queen of pop music years ago have now turned against her. And they delight in showing clips and images of Britney behaving badly.

Of course, you can't blame the media for Britney's unfortunate mistakes, but one can argue that they are at least partially responsible for creating our media obsessed culture. They, quite frankly, created Britney Spears. They also created Jennifer Lopez and the Spice Girls. In fact, I think Britney should have faded into obscurity just like many artists have done for decades. That's just the nature of the business. But, no! Viacom, MTV, and various other media outlets keep pushing Britney Spears on their young consumers. I blame the media for all of this mess.

I enjoyed some of her songs back in the day, but I am not a fan. I consider her little more than a superficial product of the entertainment industry. Ok, I will admit that I kind of feel sorry for her, but I'm not going to shed a tear for Ms. Spears. She's a very wealthy woman; she'll survive.

Fortunately, Britney has never been alone. She will always have the support of some members of the gay community. For example, Boy Shakira, an amateur drag queen, performed Hit Me Baby One More Time on America's Got Talent. It's very clear that Boy Shakira loves Brit.



And recently, the youtube phenomenon Chris Crocker defended Britney with a passion that one rarely sees expressed by sane individuals. Here's what Chris had to say about his favorite pop diva,



God, I love unstable gay men. I didn't think anyone could possibly top Boy Shakira, America's favorite amateur drag queen. Well, Chris' little outburst is certainly giving Boy Shakira a run for his money. Oh, and Chris is now getting a lot of (negative) attention for his little youtube rant. Fortunately, my beloved Seth Green has a few words for all you Chris Crocker haters.



American culture never ceases to amaze (and scare) me.

Youtube + Brain Fart + Beauty Queen = Comedic Gold

I’ve made it very clear that I love almost everything about pageants—the beautiful women, the nature of the competition, and the joy of finding that one delegate who can flawlessly recite a few lines from a pageant pattie handbook. Essentially, the crown is reserved for the gorgeous woman who can deliver a few lines without stuttering or sounding like a total ass. However, on rare occasions, you’ll have a woman like Chelsi Smith, a former Miss Universe from Texas, who is beyond amazing. Chelsi is best remembered as a beauty queen with brains.

Well, a few weeks ago, a young South Carolina beauty queen by the name of Lauren Caitlin Upton made headlines when she delivered an unintelligible answer to one of the final questions. Not surprisingly, she didn’t win the Miss Teen USA crown. I feel bad for her. It’s very stressful to be on stage and deliver a performance of a lifetime. She didn't deliver; the poor girl failed miserably.



Again, I am a huge supporter of beauty pageants. I’ve loved them for years. I can understand all the arguments against them—that they are sexist and disgusting to some people. However, from a very objective perspective, these pageants only serve to entertain.

My, how times have changed. Beauty queens have been delivering trite and sometimes incoherent final answers for decades; but now, thanks to the internet, people who don’t normally watch pageants have access to some of these displays of cognitive dysfunction. The following clips were all inspired by Lauren’s . . . what’s the phrase . . . brain fart? Yes, brain fart!

What Would Letitia Baldrige Do?

First, I must tell you about Letitia Baldrige. She is an American author and expert in matters of taste, etiquette, and public relations. She served as public relations director for Tiffany and Co from 1956 to 1961. She then went on to serve as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s social secretary while the Kennedy’s were in the White House. I know; this woman is amazing. She actually worked at Tiffany’s while Blake Edwards was filming the phenomenal film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Letitia even met Audrey Hepburn. How wonderful is that?

I like Letitia for several reasons. To give one example, I completely agree with her that civility and good manners can make the world a better place. Oh, and anyone who worked for Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy wins a gold star from me. I could write a whole post about that and the fabulous Jacqueline Bouvier! Ok, let’s get back on track here. The one thing that bugs me about Letitia is the fact that she was born in the 1920s and raised during a time when women were expected to conform to certain societal rules—rules that were designed to keep the average American woman in a subordinate role. Now, I’m not saying that people who were born in the early 1900s should not be trusted; I’m just saying that her perspective may reflect a system of values that is no longer necessary in contemporary society. Below is a sample of her writing, taken from Letitia’s website.

Thinking Outward - Many people think manners are irrelevant today. It's just the opposite. They have never been more necessary for a peaceful, healthy society.
Manners are not elitist or foppish. They are the way in which we interact with our fellow men and women. Much of the unhappiness, sadness and failures in the world today stem from those who go through life unaware of the importance of anyone else around them. They have no time for kindness.

Good manners result from thinking about someone else. They are a question of heart. That's it. The moment you wake in the morning or the minute you go outside the door of your home, the respect you show for the people around you, equals the quality of your manners. They are an exercise of the heart, not of money...

Again, I couldn’t agree more. The practical significance of this concept is far-reaching. Making others feel comfortable and respected can do wonders for business and life! It’s surprising how many people fail to realize the importance of good manners.

My former college roommate and I had an interesting conversation while we were both undergraduates in South Carolina. He, a true Southern gentleman, was from North Carolina. And we both agreed that some women, particularly women from the Northeast, hate for a man to hold the door open for a woman. Why is that? I’m sure Ms. Baldrige would consider that quite appropriate. My roommate even encountered a woman who became annoyed by this very gesture. Let’s just say, if looks could kill, my friend would be dead.

There are, of course, other examples, and I could go on and on about this topic. But I’ll conclude by saying that times have changed. I was raised in a family that expects all of its members to adhere to certain rules of propriety. I just can’t help but wonder if these rules are no longer necessary. And my biggest concern is that these societal rules may be doing more harm than good (e.g., subordination of women).

Click here to listen to Letitia Baldrige on the popular NPR program Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!

Europa Europa

When I first learned of Emma’s blog-a-thon, I immediately thought of Sir Ian McKellen’s performance in the wonderful film Gods and Monsters, my favorite “gay” film of all time. Actually, it’s one of my favorite films of all time. Period. Emma had challenged us to write about a life changing performance. But, the more I thought about it, the more it became clear to me that this particular performance (and film) did not change my life in a drastic way. Let me explain. I was in my early 20s when I saw this film for the first time. And I was moved by it; it was a great cinematic experience. However, at that age and still today, it took a collection of things—movies, songs, books, and so on—to change my life in any meaningful way. A single movie just doesn’t seem to do the trick anymore.



My life wasn’t always that way. In fact, I saw a film in the early 90s that changed my life in a major way. That film was Europa Europa. This and other films (e.g., anything by Almodovar) made me fall in love with foreign cinema, and that’s why I’ve decided to write about this particular film. Thus, the performance that changed my life—my viewing habits, to be exact—was Marco Hofschneider’s portrayal of Solomon Perel (Solly) in Europa Europa.



As mentioned before, I first saw Europa Europa in the early 90s; I loved it without question. I saw it again last year, and I still enjoyed it immensely. However, the film is not perfect; of course, the flaws that seem so salient now meant little to me a decade ago. Marco Hofschneider’s Solly was born into a typical Jewish family and lived in Germany during the late 1930s and early 1940s, a tumultuous time for Europe. Solly was an adolescent when his family was forced to flee Germany after his sister’s death at the hands of an anti-Semitic mob at the outset of World War II. His family relocated to Poland.



However, Solly's stay in Poland was short lived, as Hitler’s forces invaded Poland in 1939. Solly’s parents decided to stay behind but encouraged their two sons to run far, far away. After much hesitation, Solly and his brother obeyed. During a frantic attempt to board one of several ships that could take them to a safer area, the brothers inadvertently boarded different ships and were separated. They called out to each other, but, sadly, they would not see each other again for years.

Solly ended up in a Russian orphanage and joined a youth organization that promoted communist ideals. He even became fluent in Russian. I should point out that, after seeing this film as a kid, I thought I was a communist for several months. It was a phase. Anyway, Solly was taught to reject religion and the exploitation of the lower classes. At one point he gave the following speech to his peers,

The bourgeois keep the people in ignorance . . . encourage religious superstitions, and with the help of the popes, priests, and rabbis, they smother all revolutionary instinct . . . we call religion the opium of the masses

Then, after two years in Russia, Solly’s life was again turned upside down by the Germans. He was forced to flee the orphanage with his peers and instructors. As before, he was left behind by unfortunate circumstances. He was arrested by German soldiers, but, luckily, he managed to fool them into thinking he was a German boy forced to live in a Russian orphanage. He spoke German perfectly, and he easily befriended the German soldiers



He would spend years pretending to be a German adolescent. And he was eventually sent to Germany, where he was enrolled in one of Hitler’s Youth Schools, surrounded by people who hated all Jews. Things went from bad to worse. He was unable to make love to his girlfriend Leni (Julie Delpy), out of fear of being discovered. One look at his circumcised penis and that would be the end of poor Solly. At one point in the movie, Solly even tried tying his foreskin, to prevent it from slipping back. It was a very painful experience, but his attempt was not successful. Fortunately, he was eventually able to escape. He was reunited with his brother and they made their way to Israel.

This film motivated me to see other foreign films. In fact, at one point in the 90s, I foolishly told my friends that I would only see International films from that point forward. Almodovar! Bunuel! Fellini! And others, of course! Ah, I was very impressionable at that age.

Marco Hofschneider gave a solid performance that truly moved me. The film was based on the real life of Solomon Perel. Marco’s portrayal of Solly really affected me in a way that’s very difficult to articulate. Solly was forced to pretend to be something he wasn’t. He was forced to listen to lectures and read literature that praised the Nordic phenotype and belittled Jewish people and culture—his heritage.

Although I’ve never experienced anything like what the real life Solomon Perel had to endure, I connected with Hofschneider’s Solly. As a gay person, I spent many years pretending to be something I wasn’t. Even after I came to terms with my sexuality, I remained in the closet for many years. I was silent as the people around me made hateful comments about gays.

The great thing about Solomon’s story is that he survived; he somehow managed to overcome all that hardship and psychological stress. More importantly, his experience made him stronger. He was a fighter. I think I’m a lot like Solly. I grew up in a conservative community in Texas. But, just like Solly and many gay men and women around the world, I'm a fighter.

Who Wants To Be Normal Anyway?

Inspired by GayProf, my original idea was to blog about Gay Pride and what it means to me. Well, I’ve decided to go a different direction for various reasons. First, I’m not really in a gay pride sort of mood. I live in North Florida, and there isn’t much of a gay community in the All-American city I currently call home, which means that there isn’t going to be a pride parade any time soon. There are, however, a few events at local bars and clubs, which is nice, but these events are nothing out of this world. Also, I’m not the most outgoing person on the planet; I’m actually quite reserved.

So, instead of writing about gay pride, I’d like to write about a topic that has always been on my mind since I accepted myself as a gay man: the idea of homosexuality as an abnormal condition. Before the 1970s, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) classified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Fortunately, in 1973, the APA changed its position on homosexuality, declaring that homosexuality was no longer to be considered deviant behavior.

Many scientists, writers, and activists contributed, both directly and indirectly, to this momentous event. Alfred Kinsey provided data showing the full spectrum of sexual behavior. Yep, homosexuality was alive and well in the 40s and 50s. His findings were very controversial at that moment in time, and I suspect many Americans would still be surprised today by what he reported. Psychologist Evelyn Hooker interviewed many gay men and suggested that homosexuality was not pathological. And there are many more examples.

The most compelling event, I think, took place at the APA annual meeting in Dallas, TX in 1972. A doctor by the name of John Fryer, wearing a face mask, addressed the APA membership. He discussed candidly the difficulties he faced as a gay doctor in a discipline that considered homosexuality to be a mental disorder. I’m sure many APA members were moved by Fryer’s story. And the rest, as they say, is history. As mentioned before, the APA modified its stance on homosexuality.



I had a heated discussion with a close gay friend about what this all means. My friend believes that homosexuality is a natural state and romantic love between members of the same sex is completely normal. Now, let me just say that I’ve always considered myself a very objective person. So, of course, I disagreed with him. I wasn’t sure what he meant by natural. If, by natural, he meant that homosexuality is a product of nervous system function, then I’d agree that homosexuality is natural. His use of the word normal also bothered me. Again, if normal refers to homosexuality as a product of nervous system function, then, again, I’d agree with him. However, when most people talk about homosexuality, they’re probably talking about the social aspects of behavior. And, from that perspective, homosexuality is clearly not normal behavior.

The idea that homosexuality is abnormal may sound quite unappealing, but, from a macro (societal) perspective, it’s kind of true. Heterosexuality is the norm; that’s just the way it is. Now, please know that I’m more than secure with my sexuality and identity as a homosexual. So, I’m not saying that homosexuality should be considered a mental disorder. Fortunately, the APA rejected that idea in the 70s. I’m just saying that being different (abnormal?) is a reality that most of us, gay or straight, have to live with on a daily basis. Even straight people struggle to conform to societal rules, real or imagined.

Being different is both a blessing and a curse. Rejection and contempt are always hard to deal with, but, for the most part, I feel very fortunate to be a gay man. My (abnormal) condition has allowed me to experience empathy for other human beings. My condition has enabled me to view the world from a very unique perspective that few will ever know. My condition has fueled my intellectual curiosity and passion for neuroscience and behavioral science research. And the list goes on.

Yes, I’m more than happy with being different—abnormal. I think I’ve benefited greatly from being gay. However, it should be noted that most of us, gay or straight, are different from the average person in many ways—race, ethnicity, religion, and so on. And these differences make me question the notion of normalcy. Anyway, this post focuses too much on the differences, but, of course, I have a lot in common with the average straight person, a fact that shouldn’t be neglected. Honestly, it's just hard being a human being. Period. I’ll save those comments for another post.

Crazy About Raúl

I'm sure most of you are watching the Tony Awards as I post this. Of course you are. How silly of me to suggest otherwise. It's about to end soon, actually. Anyway, the performances have been great so far. It kind of makes one envy those who live in the big apple--those lucky bastards. Well, I've always had my eye on one particular performer, Raúl Esparza. He lost the Tony Award for best performance by a leading actor in a musical to David Hyde Pierce. Now, even though I was kind of rooting for Raúl, I'm actually glad David won. He's such a good performer. However, this post is all about Raúl. I always enjoy seeing him perform on television; I haven't had the opportunity to see him perform live, which is a shame. Yes, this Cuban-American hunk is such a great talent. Below are a few pictures of Mr. Esparza and a little clip from the Broadway musical Company. I think I'm in love. Enjoy!

60s Pop Icon: Twiggy

I don't remember the 60s, as my mother's dormant egg, which contained part of my genetic soup, hadn't even fused with my father's sperm at that moment in time. My parents were just children in the 60s. Fortunately, thanks to the internet, I have access to tons of pictures and video clips of that wonderful decade.

Without question, Lesley Hornby (aka Twiggy) was one of the most influential pop icons of the 60s. As most of you probably know, she was a supermodel back in the day. To be honest, I can't figure out why she became such a huge success. Consider the following. She wasn't the most beautiful woman in the world; she was too short--violating rule number one of the supermodel bible; and she was just way too skinny. And don't get me started about eating disorders. Bill Maher once joked that men in general just fuck anything they're given by the fashion Gods of print media--even a girl with a boyish body. Of course, Hugh Hefner's Playboy magazine always provides a healthier, though not always real, alternative.

Anyway, I think Twiggy possessed some special quality that just made her stand out--that IT factor that's just hard to put into words. I'm sure luck also played a role in her success. Dr. Zaius, who inspired this post, believes that it's all in the eyes. And I think he may be right. The camera just loved Twiggy.

If you'd like to learn more about Vidal Sassoon and 60s fashion and culture, visit Ms. Place's Dishin' Dat Blog.

Long Live Japanese Beauty

Hey, Marius, I heard you watched the 56th annual Miss Universe Pageant on Monday. Were the ethnic festivities to your liking? Oh, and one more thing, if you wanna make it right? Then when you go to Nationals... bring it.

Yes, Gabrielle Union, I really enjoyed the 2007 Miss Universe pageant. Of course, I love pageants. Thanks for asking. Also, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Nationals? Hm, you must have me confused with Kirsten Dunst.

Anyway, I think what the lovely Ms. Union was trying to say is: it sucked to be a white woman in the Miss Universe Pageant this year. That is, delegates of (mostly) European descent, if you don’t count some of the Hispanic women, didn’t do so well this year. Problems started when Miss Sweden decided to drop out of the competition. This was a big blow for Europe, as Sweden was a pageant powerhouse for many years, winning the MU crown on three occasions. And although Sweden is no longer the pageant powerhouse that it was back in the day, Swedish delegates always seem to perform well at the Miss Universe Pageant.



At the outset, four European women made it to the top 15. The show started with the swimsuit presentation, and Tjasa Kokalj, Miss Slovenia, lead the way. Lucie Hadasova, Miss Czech Republic; Zaklina Sojic, Miss Denmark; and Lyudmilla Bikmullina, Miss Ukraine were the remaining three. Unfortunately, all 4 of these delegates, as well as Farung Yuthithum, Miss Thailand, failed to move on to the next round—the top 10.





This year was full of surprises. In fact, only four Latin delegates made it to the top 15. Fortunately, all of them also placed in the top 10. They were Natalia Guimaraes (Brazil), Ly Jonaitis (Venezuela), Rosa Maria Ojeda (Mexico), and Xiomara Blandino (Nicaragua). Of these four delegates, Brazil and Venezuela were clearly the judges’ favorites. Asia was well represented by Riyo Mori (Japan), Honey Lee (Korea), Puja Gupta (India), and Farung Yuthithum (Thailand), who was the only delegate who didn’t place in the top 10. Rachel Smith (USA) looked amazing and easily advanced to the top 10 group. Africa was represented by two amazing delegates—Flaviana Matata (Tanzania) and Micaela Reis (Angola). The judges loved these African beauties and they made it to the top 10.



Brazil looked sensational in her swimsuit, and the judges awarded her the second highest score. Interestingly, she reminded me a lot of Rafeala Zanella, last year’s Miss Brazil. Rafeala made it to the top 15, but didn’t impress the judges. Although Natalia looked a little like Rafeala, she was clearly a stronger delegate. She’s more sensual and has a body to die for.



However, the judges awarded the highest score to Japan’s Riyo Mori. Riyo isn’t as curvaceous as Natalia, but her thinner body was well proportioned and almost flawless. She narrowly defeated Natalia by delivering a phenomenal catwalk performance. This dancer turned beauty queen sure knows how to work it.



The one thing that really bugged me was that the judges were just all over the place with their scores. They disliked delegates who, on the surface, seemed very similar to other delegates they seemed to like a lot. For example, they weren’t crazy about Thailand, but they sure did love Korea. The judges also had some unusual preferences. They weren’t too crazy about Mexico or India, but they did love Tanzania, who had obvious flaws that the judges seemed to overlook. Mexico performed much better than Tanzania, but the judges consistently gave Mexico lower scores.

The evening gown presentation is my favorite part of the night. Mexico picked a red gown that showed off her fantastic body. She simply had an unconventional beauty that doesn’t sit well with judges. I’m not surprised she didn’t make it to the top 5. Unlike Mexico, Angola had a fighting chance. She looked lovely, and she delivered a solid performance. However, the judges weren’t as impressed as I was.


Miss USA looked radiant in her black gown, a better choice than the gown she wore for the Miss USA pageant. Unfortunately, that special moment was cut short when she slipped and fell on her tush. My heart almost stopped. I was worried that that would decrease her chances of placing in the top 5. It didn’t! She recovered nicely and managed to place in the top 5 by the skin of her teeth.



I wasn’t surprised that Korea and Venezuela made it to the next round (top 5). Interestingly, Korea reminded me of Laura Elizondo, Miss Mexico 2004. Both women seemed unstoppable at first. They could do no wrong. The judges just loved them. To be honest, Korea’s hip-to-waist ratio just seemed off the mark. I thought this flaw would keep her from advancing to the top 5. However, the judges were just hypnotized by her beauty. Yes, much like Laura before her, Honey’s striking beauty was her ticket to the top 5. Venezuela delivered a strong performance; no surprise there. I wasn’t crazy about her gown, but she looked fabulous. The judges also gave her one of the highest scores and she made it to the top 5.



Riyo (Japan) wore a lovely Gucci gown. The judges gave her a somewhat lower score, but she delivered another great performance. Her confidence set her apart from the other delegate. She just has such a commanding presence. She placed in the top 5 and proved, once again, that Japan is slowly but surely becoming a pageant powerhouse.



But the star in evening gown was without a doubt Brazil. Natalia was perfection. She looked gorgeous—just the right amount of sensuality, beauty, and glamour. Although she lacked Japan’s aggression, she delivered a performance that was flirtatious and effective. She earned the highest score in the evening gown competition.



The final five—Venezuela, Korea, Brazil, USA, and Japan—all deserved to be in the top 5. I was disappointed with last year’s top 5. And this year, I think Angola should have been given a shot, but, I guess she just didn’t wow the judges enough. USA was asked a fair question and she delivered a good answer. However, she clearly wasn’t one of the judges’ favorites. She ended the evening as 4th runner-up. I had predicted that she would dominate the pageant, like she did a few months ago in the Miss USA pageant. I was wrong. Korea was asked a silly final question, and I’m sure that hurt her chances of winning the crown. However, I was expecting more from Honey. I was disappointed. The judges awarded her the 3rd runner-up position. Interestingly, Laura Elizondo was also the 3rd-runner up in 04. Venezuela delivered a strong performance throughout. Her final question was reasonable and her answer was good. However, Venezuela usually sends delegates that are well prepared and kind of superficial. Ly had pageant pattie written all over her face, and I’m sure that hurt her chances of winning the crown. She ended the evening as 2nd runner-up. Brazil really did an exceptional job this year. She answered her question without any hesitation. It just didn’t seem possible for any of the other delegates to top her final answer. Well, it was possible and it happened. The moment Riyo opened her mouth it became clear that she wasn’t going down without a fight. Like Natalia, Riyo answered her question without flinching. However, she answered her question with a confidence that impressed the audience and, more importantly, the judges. She was also quite unconventional, a personality trait that earned Kurara Chibana, last year’s Miss Japan, the first runner-up position. Well, Riyo managed to win over the judges and she became the second Japanese woman in history to win the Miss Universe crown.



Some bloggers and pageant aficionados have made some very negative comments about Riyo. They’ve said that she didn’t deserve the crown, while others believe that Kurara was more deserving. And, of course, many were not pleased that Brazil’s textbook performance was not rewarded by the judges. Clearly, Brazil did everything right. She was flawless. However, I think Riyo deserved the crown. She wasn’t my favorite delegate, but her unconventional performance and impressive confidence won me over. There are plenty of pageant patties in the world of beauty pageants. That's for sure. What we need is more women like Riyo who have beauty, brains, and real personality.

Spider-man 3, Symbiotic Organisms, and Kelp Shakes

Beware of Spoilers!

A lot has been said about Sam Raimi’s Spider-man 3—too many villains and subplots, as well as other problems. Yes, I think most would agree that Spider-man 2 is far superior to Raimi’s third Spidey film. And, as some have suggested, that isn’t surprising; how do you top Spider-man 2? Personally, I don’t think the film was a total disaster. I wasn’t blown away, but I was entertained. Anyway, I’m not going to repeat what others have said about the film. Instead, I’d like to talk about . . . hair! No, I’m not kidding.

In Spidey 3, Peter Parker comes into contact with some black substance from outer space. What is it? I have no idea. As MarryAnn Johanson would say, it’s just comic book science. I guess we don’t question this sort of thing. Anyway, this symbiote wraps itself around an unsuspecting host and turns it black (of course). It also seems to influence the host’s personality (and not in a good way). Yep, Peter wears his new black suit and loses himself in the process. He flirts with the dark side and does some pretty nasty things to his friends. So, I guess this symbiote increases aggression, decreases inhibitions, and makes the host act like an asshole. The dark side is one scary place.



Now, let’s talk about hair. Yes, the first thing Peter changed was his hair style. It was kind of silly, but it makes total sense. As Peter Parker, the good boy, he would usually go with a pretty traditional style—looks a lot like the Princeton, a very clean-cut look that screams White Boy. Ah, but the Princeton is not appropriate for the dark side. No! Peter needed a drastic change that would coincide with his new (evil) persona. So, he went with . . . bangs?!? Hm, I guess that’ll work. Maybe it’s comic book science. Who knows?

Tobey McGuire’s character isn’t the first person to venture into the dark side. In 1963, Jerry Lewis starred in the delightfully entertaining film The Nutty Professor. This movie was great. Lewis delivered a great comedic performance, and Stella Stevens was perfect as Miss Purdy.



In the movie, the clueless chemist, professor Kelp, created a potion that completely changed him from a nerdy scientist to an attractive playboy (Buddy Love). Interestingly, his little potion also made him a good dancer and musician. So, the symbiotic organism from outer space makes you an asshole, but Kelp’s wacky potion does that and more! I’d like to order a Kelp shake please, but go easy on the asshole. As in Spidey 3, Kelp’s transformation wasn’t complete without a new hair hairstyle. Kelp’s hair was clean-cut and natural; it was the kind of style preferred by conservative business men in the 60s (or so I've read). Buddy Love, on the other hand, loves hair products. His hair style was a classic taper that was messier, more modern. Honestly, it wasn’t much different, but it was effective. We got the point: Buddy Love is a bad ass.

Musicians are just as vulnerable as actors. Garth Brooks also flirted with the dark side (check out his pic).



In the late 90s, this Country Music Superstar decided to release an album as his alter-ego Chris Gaines. Yep, before Peter Parker experimented with bangs, Garth had been there and done that. I’m not sure what possessed him to attempt such a bold career move. Was it some black substance from outer space? Or one of those awesome Kelp shakes, perhaps? I have no idea. I’m sure his fans were just as puzzled as I am to this very day.

So, I guess the take home message is never underestimate the power of (superficial) change. When we’re getting ready to go out to a club, bar, social event, or whatever, we usually dress to impress. Some people spend hours in front of the mirror trying to achieve the perfect “look.” In our minds, that “look” conveys a message. Some people want a style that says, “hi, I’m single and looking for action.” Other styles convey a different message, “hi, I’m responsible and intelligent; please give me a raise.” Of course, these changes are superficial, and, most of the time, our behavior stays pretty much the same. To an outside observer, a hairstyle change doesn’t seem to do much. However, to the person who styles his or her hair before some important event, a change can energize and sometimes change our disposition. By the way, I’ve experimented with bangs and still do from time to time! But don’t worry; I usually go with a Ceasar or my version of the Princeton. I rarely go the dark side.

Childhood Memories and Great Movies

Nathaniel, I accept your blogging challenge. First, let me point out that I’m not a film critic (obviously). I do, however, enjoy good movies, particularly films that make you think. Anyway, here are a few films that I truly enjoyed as a child and adolescent.


Jaws (1975)
This Spielberg film is a masterpiece. I enjoyed every minute of it. I actually saw this film in the 80s. I had no negative comments about it at the time, which is interesting because I’m a pretty judgmental person; well, not all the time, but I have my moments. Of course, I was a young kid who hadn’t really thought much about films. That would change in the 90s.


Carrie (1976)
I was blown away. De Palma is a gifted director. It didn’t feel like a horror film, it was just a great movie that I enjoyed immensely. High school can be such a drag sometimes, and I remember empathizing with Carrie from the start. There was another thing that I got from this movie—we’re all special in some way. Carrie had telekinetic powers; unfortunately, many people were hurt in the end. As they say, payback is a bitch. Sissy Spacek was amazing.

Superman (1978)
Christopher Reeve was such a handsome man. My family and I enjoyed this film so much. Also, Margot Kidder will forever be Lois Lane in my book. She rocked! My favorite line in the movie was; “you’ve got me; who’s got you?” Oh, that really takes me back.

Dawn of the Dead (1979)
I also saw this film some time in the 80s. And for some strange reason, I fell in love with zombies. Of course, not all zombie movies are great, but the idea is quite powerful. These films feed on our basic fear of the unknown, disease, predators, blood, guts, the undead, and so on. It’s scary to think that there are zombie-like diseases in the animal kingdom. So, these films are far fetched but not beyond the realm of possibility.

Nine to Five (1980)
I think I saw this film for the first time in the late 80s. Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton! What a great cast. This was such a fun movie to watch. This film was kind of educational for me. Seriously! I remember being appalled by management’s lack of consideration. I was so happy when the girls took over the company. Corporate America can suck, but this film offered hope.


Excalibur (1981)
Yeah, I’m a bit of an anglophile. I just thought this film was enchanting and beautiful. I can’t remember how old I was when I first saw it, but I enjoyed it!

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
I loved this film. Harrison Ford was the perfect Indiana Jones. I remember feeling so excited after watching this film. I think I wanted to be an archaeologist after watching this film. Well, I didn’t become an archaeologist/adventurer, but I love how some films can inspire you to think big.


E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Spielberg did it again. This is also a magnificent film. I just loved the fact that everyone around the world had seen it. And how cute was Drew? Anyway, I loved it. I should watch it again some time.

The Secret of NIMH (1982)
What an amazing animated film. I just loved the whole idea: lab rats escape and create an impressive community. They borrow electricity from a local farmer and lead extraordinary lives. My favorite animated feature of all time.

Tootsie (1982)
I remember my mother just loved this film. Of course, I watched the film a second time in the 90s, and just fell in love with it all over again. Jessica Lange’s performance was unforgettable. Who wouldn’t fall in love Lange’s Julie Nichols?

Karate Kid (1984)
This film made me feel like I could take on the world. I actually took karate lessons after watching it. I wasn’t a total disaster, but I’m no Daniel LaRusso. Also, this film had everyone at my school uttering the same phrase over and over again: “Wax on, wax off.” Pat Morita is the man!

Howard the Duck (1986)
This wasn’t one of my favorite movies. I thought Lea Thompson was cute, and the movie was entertaining, but that’s about it. The reason I’ve decided to include this film is because it really got under my skin. For some reason, I found it somewhat disturbing. Yeah, the thought of a big duck having sex with a human (the lovely Lea) was too much for me. It still kind of creeps me out.

The Brave Little Toaster (1987)
Yes, I loved The Brave Little Toaster. It’s true. I saw this animated film on the Disney Channel. Old, forgotten appliances venture into the unknown to find their beloved owner. It kind of made me appreciate the things I grew up with—my old teddy bear, for example. It was just great animated film.


Dirty Dancing (1987)
“Nobody puts baby in a corner.” How many times have we heard that one? Yeah, I loved this film. I remember my mother used to love the soundtrack, as did I. Patrick was so hot in this movie. Great memories!


Beetle Juice (1988)
Fun, fun, fun! Yeah, I also enjoyed every minute of this movie. Michael Keaton was hilarious. Of course, the real star was Tim Burton. He’s so talented. I love his dark imagination and sense of humor.

Heathers (1989)
Yes! Winona Ryder rocked in this film. This was a very cool movie that I enjoyed from start to finish. My favorite line was: “My son's a homosexual, and I love him. I love my dead gay son.” Acceptance is such a beautiful thing.

Ghost (1990)
I don’t believe in ghosts, but I sure did enjoy this film. It had everything: suspense, humor, sensuality, and so much more. Whoopi delivered a fine performance.

Ok, I could go on and on, but I need to stop typing at some point. So, I’ll conclude this post by summarizing my thoughts. Actually, I should first point out that not all of these were summer films. However, they all left a lasting impression on my boyish and adolescent brain. The funny thing is, as a kid, I never questioned why I liked a film. It was such a natural, uncomplicated process. Now, as an “adult,” I find myself scrutinizing almost every aspect of a film. I miss the days when I just trusted my instincts. I totally agree with Nathaniel’s statement, “it's those years as a kid that inform movie love as an adult.” Interestingly, even now, there are moments when I can’t quite articulate why I like (or dislike) a certain film. These moments can be quite refreshing because they force you trust yourself without question. It's like you're a kid all over again.

The Idea of Touch and Group Dynamics

I attended a friend’s art exhibition last night and was pleased to see many familiar faces. My friend, a young artist, greeted me at the door of the art gallery; he was visibly excited and anxious. Who wouldn’t be? After engaging in a little small talk for 20 minutes or so, I walked into the gallery to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Large Jar
Korean Yi Dynasty (17th Century)

For most people, deciding what is beautiful or artistic happens in a matter of milliseconds after seeing some object; seriously, it’s almost an automatic response. We often find if difficult to articulate why we like or loathe something. Experiencing art is, of course, a very subjective thing. Our perception of objects (or ideas) is influenced by past experience and present motivational state.

My friend was exploring the idea of art that could stimulate (the senses and mind), without actually coming into contact with the body’s sensory structures. For example, some pieces seemed to resemble chewing gum and similar objects; I guess the observer was supposed to imagine how the object would feel in his or her mouth. Other objects were created to stimulate our touch receptors—or, the idea of touch, as we couldn’t actually physically touch the objects. His use of rich textures and familiar fabrics was very effective.

After the exhibition, a group of us wined and dined at a nice little restaurant that wasn’t too far from the gallery. It was an interesting mix of people. After dinner, we headed to an “upscale” bar. Most of us were academics, artists, musicians, and writers. Actually, there was only one writer, a young woman from California. Gay men were very well represented. As I enjoyed the company of my friends, acquaintances, and a few new people, I noticed a few things.

First, my friends and I have been through this whole routine many times before. Most of us are in our late twenties and early thirties, but there are a few people who are in their late thirties. We attend these types of events on a regular basis—various art shows, music recitals and concerts, and so on. In fact, I’m a member of a choral group. We perform about three times a year (yes, I have to wear a tux), and my friends are always there to support me and the chorus. It’s interesting that my friends and I have become very accustomed to this sort of thing. We seem to follow a similar script every time. We’ve become somewhat predictable, and the conversations are usually the same.

Thank goodness for young blood, those new individuals eager to become a part of our group. To be honest, we aren’t a perfect cohesive group. We’re more like a collection of like-minded people. Friendships seem to develop almost over night, and they die just as quickly. And there are times when I only hang out with a select few. I'm a reserved person. Some of the new people are younger. The exciting part is learning more about them and trying to establish some common ground. But there is no question that they are entering our world and must adapt to our particular rules and idiosyncrasies. Their ass kissing skills are quite impressive. It’s fun to watch them perform.

One of the newbies, a 24-year-old Latin guy, approached me at the bar. He told me about his life is Miami and a recent trip to Europe. He made a few silly comments, and I laughed when appropriate. I’m a good listener. As he talked, one thing came to mind: I wondered what it would be like to touch his body—his neck, a bicep, lips. Yes, the idea of touch can be very stimulating. The fun eventually came to an end; we hugged, exchanged numbers, and went our separate ways. God, I love Latin men.

American Super Babes

This (old) post is my contribution to Nat's Action Heroine Blog-A-Thon. Click here to go to Nat's (not so) secret headquarters over at the Film Experience Blog.

If this blog were a living thing, its blood estrogen levels would be dangerously high, which usually occurs around this time of year. That’s right; the Miss Universe Pageant is just around the corner. It will air on Monday, May 28th at 9 PM on NBC. Seventy or so women will be vying for a crown that is both a blessing and a curse. Mark your calendars.

The U.S. has always been a power house in the pageant world. We have the most Miss Universe wins, and the level of competition here is amazing. Although many people may despise the Miss USA pageant system, there’s no denying its contribution to the entertainment industry. For example, desperate housewife Eva Longoria participated in the Miss Texas pageant in 1998; she represented Corpus Christi. Sadly, most beauty queens never achieve Eva’s level of success.

There are two former American beauty queens that have achieved a level of success in the entertainment industry that most can only dream of. Interestingly, these two women have so much in common.



Lynda Carter (Arizona) represented the U.S. in the Miss World pageant in 1972; she was a finalist. Halle Berry (Ohio) also represented the U.S. in the Miss World pageant in 1986; she was a semi-finalist.



The similarities don’t end there; both women were born into nontraditional families. Specifically, Lynda’s father is of Anglo-Saxon descent and her mother is Mexican-American. Halle was born to an African-American father and Anglo-Saxon mother.



Wait, it gets better. As most of you probably know, Lynda went on to portray Wonder Woman on the small screen in the late 70’s. And not to be outdone, Halle portrayed not one, but two superheroes, Storm and Catwoman.



Now, I’m sure Halle would prefer that I not mention Catwoman, but you can’t run from your past. Also, Halle looks really hot in her Catwoman costume. So that’s something to be proud of.



Halle is currently one of the highest paid female actors in Hollywood, and in 2002, she won an Academy Award for her performance in the film Monster’s Ball. Life has been good to the beautiful Miss Berry. However, my favorite of the two will always be Lynda Carter. She just took my breath away the first time I saw her. What a stunning beauty! And she’s more than just a pretty face. She seems like an intelligent and good-natured person.



I think Lynda is one of the greatest American beauty queens in the history of the Miss USA pageant. There’s no question about that. She is amazing!

Fashion Icon: Audrey Hepburn

The TLC special The Greatest Fashion Icons in Film ranked various legendary movie stars and compared them to contemporary actors (see previous post). They gave the title of most fashionable goddess of the silver screen to Audrey Hepburn. They also declared that no contemporary actor can compare to this phenomenal woman. I couldn’t agree more.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Below are a handful of pictures of Audrey Hepburn, one of the silver screen’s greatest beauties. Her unique beauty and sophisticated demeanor are difficult to imitate. I could go on and on about how amazing she is, but I’ll just let these images speak for themselves. My favorite Hepburn films are Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Sabrina. I should review these films at some point, and I will if time permits.

Fashion Icons, Past and Present

About a month ago, TLC aired a program called The Greatest Fashion Icons in Film. Apparently, they got a team of experts to rank the most fashionable icons in cinema, and they also listed contemporary actors that resemble these iconic stars. I found some of these comparisons quite accurate. Or, at least, they felt right for some reason or another. For example, they compared Madonna to Marlene Dietrich. Good call!



To give another example, Leonardo DiCaprio was anointed the new James Dean by these folks. Ok, that makes sense.


Here’s Cary Grant and George Clooney. I can see it.


Of course, I didn’t agree with some of their comparisons. I cannot believe they likened Gwyneth Paltrow to Grace Kelly. I can see a few similarities, but these women are on different levels. Grace, of course, is a Hollywood legend, and Gwyneth is, um, a successful American actor. Yeah, she’s an Academy Award winning actor, but that doesn’t make her Grace Kelly.


I also don’t think Catherine Zeta-Jones is the new Elizabeth Taylor. Don’t get me wrong; Catherine is a beautiful woman, but she’s no Elizabeth Taylor.


I was ambivalent about most of their other comparisons. They declared Scarlett Johanssen the new Marilyn Monroe. Well, ScarJo does have some things in common with Norma Jeane (curves and breasts!), but she’s also quite different in a lot of ways.






Here are a few more pictures of other stars—Brigitte Bardot-Halle Barry and Greta Garbo-Hilary Swank.




For a more complete list visit the Cinefille Blog.

Timeless Beauty: Elizabeth Taylor

Thank goodness for TMC and AMC, two cable channels that show commercial-free classic movies. A few days ago, while channel surfing, I stumbled upon the 1951 Oscar-winning film "A Place in the Sun.” I hadn’t seen it in ages. I must say, Elizabeth Taylor is without question a Hollywood icon. What a stunning beauty. And Montgomery Clift is a great leading man.









Montgomery looks a little like Julian McMahon in this picture. Actually, I think it’s the other way around; Julian looks like Montgomery. Hot!

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are

“Out” magazine has ranked the top 50 most powerful gay men and women in America. And guess who’s on the list? Yep, it’s Anderson Cooper. As far as I know, Cooper hasn’t officially declared (or acknowledged) that he’s gay. I can just imagine the look on his face when he sees this magazine cover. He’ll probably turn to his partner, lover, trick, or whatever, and say, “why won’t the gay media just leave me alone? I hate those bitches!” Anderson, I’m sure it must be hard being hounded by the likes of Michael Musto. But you’re attractive, wealthy, and famous. Deal with it!

Here’s “Out” Magazine’s Top 10:

1. David Geffen
2. Anderson Cooper
3. Ellen DeGeneres
4. Tim Gill
5. Barney Frank
6. Rosie O’Donnell
7. The New York Times Gay Mafia: Richard Berke, Ben Brantley, Frank Bruni, Stuart Elliott, Adam Nagourney, Stefano Tonchi, and Eric Wilson
8. Marc Jacobs
9. Andrew Tobias
10. Brian Graden
(17) Perez Hilton
(23) Tom Ford

By the way, I’m a little shocked that Perez Hilton was ranked higher than my beloved Tom Ford. Who exactly created this list?

Six Feet Under: The Last Episode

I love watching reruns of Six Feet Under on Bravo. Last night’s episode was really depressing. Ruth and David were both dealing with Nate’s death. Ruth was particularly upset about not being able to keep Maya. Frances Conroy, who plays Ruth, does a wonderful job of bringing this character to life. Ruth is my favorite member of the Fisher family.



I think Lauren Ambrose is amazing as Claire Fisher, but I’ve always been ambivalent about the character. I admired Claire’s rebellious impulses but never quite liked how unreasonable she could be. Last night I saw a different Claire, a more mature young woman. What a great way to end a show. Watching her drive away from the Fisher house was very emotional. And as she drove down the freeway, we saw glimpses of the future—of her family members dying. Death, after all, was a major part of the show, and it reminds us that death is a reality we all have to face sooner or later. However, before that times comes, I plan to enjoy life to the fullest and love as passionately as possible, just like Claire Fisher.

300: Hypermacho and Homoerotic (I Love It)

Much has been said about Steven Snyder’s new film, 300. It was released a few weeks ago, but people are still talking about it. Most agree that it’s visually stunning.



Nathan Lee of the Village Voice described the film as both “homophobic and homoerotic.” And although many gay bloggers have complained about the homophobic remarks made by a few of the characters, one must not forget that this film is based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller. Honestly, what did you expect?



I enjoyed the film very much. Come on, who wouldn’t enjoy watching three hundred hot men on the big screen. The one thing I most enjoyed was that the director didn’t shy away from sex.



Ah, the love scene between the actors Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo) and Gerard Butler (King Leonidas) was great. The sexual intensity between those two was phenomenal.



The film also has its share of problems. First, it is not historically accurate. However, as stated before, it’s based on a graphic novel by Frank Miller and it’s made with a certain target audience in mind. I’m sure that audience couldn’t care less about historical accuracy. I also didn’t like the way the Persians were portrayed in the film. The Persians at that time had some great qualities. They allowed various subject nations to govern themselves. So, they did grant some freedom to defeated territories, which was rare during that time in history. This issue is considered more in depth by the folks at flimsktaler.co.uk.

Below is one more picture of the lovely Lena Headey. She’s my new favorite person for the next weeks. I should also mention that Gerard Butler will always have a special place in my heart.

Workout 2 Premiere: 100% Drama

The Season 2 premiere of Workout did not disappoint. As expected, there was a lot of drama. Within the first few minutes, Jackie Warner mentions that she has a new house in the Hollywood Hills. She also talks about Sky Lab, a new branch of Sky Sport and Spa. Her mission is to create a program that will help people lose weight. Jackie loves helping people, and that’s why the world loves her. Then, she mentions her (sick) relationship with Mimi. Oh, I can’t believe my ears. What is she still doing with that crazy woman? I think Laz may be right; Bravo is probably paying Jackie to keep Mimi around. This woman needs to just disappear!



Then it’s off to the beach. Jackie forces her trainers to participate in a “mini” boot camp. “Shirts off,” she yells at her less than enthusiastic staff. Jesse looks at her with contempt and slowly takes off his shirt. Why the hesitation? Well, his body reminds me of the Pillsbury Doe Boy. I can see why he would feel uncomfortable running around the beach alongside Brian and Doug, who are both HOT. Fortunately, Jesse claims to be “gay chubby.” It’s no big deal. Right? Earth to Jesse, you work for Jackie Warner; we expect you to have the body of a Greek God. Rebecca adds more negativity by bitching the whole time. Jackie was disappointed. I love when she snapped at Rebecca, “you’re bored the moment you get out of bed and the moment you go to sleep.” “I need constant stimulation,” Rebecca complains. Jackie responds with “life isn’t about constant stimulation.” You go, Jackie!

Gregg makes it clear that he is still interested in Zenn, but she’s not feeling the love. She’s 12 years his senior. Zenn knows better; younger men are fickle and horny—that’s a dangerous combination. Ellen K., Jesse’s new best friend, tells Jackie that Jesse loves to eat cookies and junk food. No one is surprised. Again, Earth to Jesse, you’re going to get fired if you don’t get with the program. Actually, Jackie is too sweet; she would never do that. I suggest she demote him to receptionist, or, better yet, have him clean toilets. Maybe that will teach him a lesson.



We see a touching scene between Doug and his ex-boyfriend, Cheo Useche, who suffers from Kidney failure. The goal is to get Cheo into tip top shape; hopefully, the kidney transplant will go well. It was quite moving watching Doug and Cheo sparring for a few minutes. They end the scene with a hug and a few tears.



There’s friction between Doug and Jesse. Apparently, it all started when Doug referred to Jesse as “Jack on Will and Grace” in an interview. Brian agrees. By the way, I think Brian is HOT. He just needs to stop saying “these are the hands of Michelangelo.” Brian, please shut up!



Things heat up at a silent auction for the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center. Jesse confronts Doug, and Doug insists that his comment was misconstrued. Ok, I like Doug, and I think he’s a hunk, but, come on, it’s clear that he was taking a shot at Jesse. However, Jesse is no angel; maybe he got a taste of his own medicine. Jackie isn’t pleased and wishes the guys would just grow up and get over this. The group moves on to the dinner, and Jackie is recognized for being a great gay role model. L.A. loves you, Jackie!




Then it’s off to couple’s therapy. Ok, this is getting really old. Mimi is so defensive and doesn’t seem to think that her behavior is problematic. Wow, this woman has issues.



Jackie and Mimi argue for a few minutes, and Jackie has a little breakdown. Mimi shows signs of empathy when she see’s her partner in tears, but that's short lived and the women continue to bicker. It proves too much for Mimi, and she just walks out. Jackie turns to the therapist and says, “I’m so sick of it.” The therapist responds, “why are you in it?” Good question.



The problem between Doug and Jesse is a good example of how gay culture (and the gay community) is going through so many changes. On the surface, it seems to be an issue of butch vs. fem. I think the problem is more complex. Finally, there’s a glimmer of hope for Jackie. It appears that she may be moving on. Mimi may be replaced by Rebecca. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing, but, at least Jackie is trying.

February 2007: A Great Month for Tabloids

Music and gay parenting

Mondays are pretty routine for me and usually uneventful. After work, I join about 150 singers (and wannabe singers) and we spend about 2 hours singing wonderful (and not so wonderful) choral music. I’m a tenor, and, fortunately, my section is one of the best this year. Our choral director usually has two nervous breakdowns a month. His biggest challenge is getting a bunch of Southern women to lose their Southern drawl, at least temporarily. Articulation and vowel shape are important in Choral singing. I love when he says, “When you sing, I want you to pretend you’re a snooty European. Don’t sing like Dolly Parton. I repeat; don’t sing like Dolly.” It cracks me up every time.

Mathew St. Patrick & Michael C. Hall

After choir practice, I love to just relax at home, check my email (repeatedly), and watch a rerun of Six Feet Under on Bravo. I’ll just repeat what others have said about this show since the beginning. It’s phenomenal—great actors, great writing, and the list goes on. The show’s writer/creator Alan Ball has a dark sense of humor that is wonderful.

In recent episodes, Keith and David both decided they want children. They were debating whether to adopt (David’s idea) or hire a surrogate mother (Keith’s idea). This debate hits close to home because I’ve been thinking about the same thing. Honestly, I should first find a partner before I consider having kids. Let’s just say I’m looking for Mr. Right. Wish me luck. This issue raises too many questions to list here; so I’ll attempt to address a few.

Question #1: Are gay parents capable of providing adequate parental care? Well, according to one study, children of gay parents fare just as well as children of Breeders. A homosexual orientation doesn’t preclude the expression of nurturing behavior.

Question #2: Are gay men even capable of nurturing a child? It’s clear that most gay parents are lesbians. That makes sense for so many reasons. The number of gay men who are parents is probably much lower. My biggest concern is that men (gay or straight) just don’t have the neural circuitry that is needed to (properly) care for a child (or anyone for that matter). Seriously, where would we be without women? One could argue that gay men have feminized brains; sure, there is research to support that, but, in some ways, gay men are a lot like straight men. Let’s not kid ourselves boys; the average man (gay or straight) is more promiscuous than the average woman. I guess there’s no way to really answer this question. I think we should all just turn into birds. The vast majority of bird species are monogamous; well, some argue that they’re not truly monogamous, but I won’t bore you with the details.

Monogamous birds are so cute

So, I really do want to be father some day. I don’t know if I’m capable of providing the same type of parental care only a mother can provide. I know my brain is at least partially feminized—I watch Bravo and love Madonna, for crying out loud. I guess that’s a good start.

Let's Celebrate! It's Pi Day!

Happy Pi Day!

Mr. World 2007: Hotness on a global scale

Juan Garcia Postigo, Mr. Spain 2007

The Mr. World competition is just a few days away and pageant sites all over the world wide web are going crazy over the 63 hunks who are vying for the title of Mr. World. My pick is Juan Garcia Postigo. Of course, I love Spanish men; it wasn't a hard decision. My second pick is Lucas Gil from Brazil. He's the prototypical South American hunk.

Lucas Gil, Mr. Brazil 2007

I wish all the contestants the best of luck, and as they say, may the best man win. Below are pictures of some of the other very attractive contestants.

Diego Cedeno, Mr. Panama 2007
Diego is a real class act from Central America. He's apparently doing very well as a model in Europe.

Roman Demchenko, Mr. Russia 2007.
Roman is one of the hottest European contestants. He reminds me of James Dean.

Anthony Hakim, Mr. Lebanon 2007
Anthony gets extra points for being one of the hairiest contestants.

Mark Wilke, Mr. Germany 2007
Mark is a fine representative of the Northern European male!

David Camenzuli, Mr. Malta 2007
I love this picture. David is a beautiful man.

Johaney Albor, Mr. Dominican Republic 2007
Is he Venezuelan or Dominican? That's the question. Well, he was born in Venezuela and lived there for many years, but his parents are originally from DR. You decide.

Carlo Martellini, Mr. Italy 2007
I've always loved Mediterranean men.

Jorge Aceves, Mr. Mexico 2007
Jorge is cute, but I doubt he'll make much of an impression on the judges. Let's hope I'm wrong. He kind of looks like Gabriel Soto, Mr. Mexico 1996.

Gjorgi Filipov, Mr. Macedonia FYRO
This man is hot. He doesn't seem to be one of the favorites, but I hope he does well.

Where have all the Anglo-Canadians gone?

Inga Skaya, Miss Canada 2007

When it comes to beauty pageants, Canada and Italy seem to be on opposite sides of the spectrum. Please let me explain. Canada loves to send non-Canadian delegates to international beauty pageants, and in 2005, that strategy paid off—Russian born Natalia Glebova was crowned Miss Universe. I saw the pageant and remember being surprised that Natalia spoke English with a Russian accent. In my opinion, she won the MU title for Russia. Anyway, a few days ago, another Russian woman, Inga Skaya, won the Miss Canada crown. Where have all the Anglo-Canadians gone? Actually, it’s great that judges and officials of the “Beauties of Canada” Association welcome immigrants with open arms, especially if those immigrants happen to be gorgeous Russian women.


Natalia Glebova, Miss Universe 2005

Italy is a different story. In 1997, a lovely Black woman named Denny Mendez won the Miss Italy title. Well, some people weren’t too thrilled, and a few judges even protested Denny’s success. “She's not Mediterranean,” said one of the judges. Fortunately, she was allowed to represent Italy at the MU pageant and she did a great job. I should also point out that most Italians supported Denny. Way to go Italia!


Denny Mendez, Miss Italy 1997

Unattractive girls vs. Delta Zeta Sorority

Attractive women and sororities go hand in hand. It's sad that a few members of a chapter of the Delta Zeta sorority were essentially told to leave because they were not attractive and/or overweight. Here's a link to the New York Times article: Sorority Evictions Raise Issue of Looks and Bias

Racial tensions in TV land

It appears that racism is alive and well in the United Kingdom. Well, that’s what some people are claiming. On the reality show Shipwrecked, one of the contestants declared her support for the return of slavery because, according to her, Black people are “bad.” Then, there’s the biggest scandal of them all—the bullying of Indian actress Shilpa Shetty. She has experienced racism first hand while participating in the fifth season of Celebrity Big Brother UK. Is it racism? I don’t know. It’s unfortunate that some of her housemates despise her. I think some of them are jealous. Shilpa is an attractive Indian woman with a brain, which she uses quite often, and some of her housemates may feel threatened for some unknown reason. Even Tony Blair expressed some concern over Shilpa’s treatment while on the show. Most Brits were appalled by the insensitivity of some of the British celebrities on the show. Shilpa’s biggest rival was a very outspoken woman from Essex, Jade Goody, who was evicted from the house last week. Below is a clip of Shilpa dealing with her housemates. Thank goodness she can always turn to Jermaine Jackson for moral support.



It’s hard to tell what really went on during the filming of CBB UK. I think their behavior clearly shows that they are racially and culturally insensitive. However, we must not forget that there are a lot of people around the world who don’t know the first thing about people who aren’t like them. I actually like the fact that Jade says what’s on her mind. She’s an open book. So, are Jade and her band of drunken thieves racist? I don’t think so. However, they should take lessons on how to treat others with dignity and respect. I find it interesting that Sacha Baron Cohen spent so much time in the states mingling with racially insensitive Americans when he could have been doing the same thing at home.

The Young and Restless

Many cities are competing for us, college-educated 24- to 34-year olds. We are, according to some, the young and restless. The cities that seem to be attracting this key demographic group are Atlanta, San Francisco, Denver, Portland, and Austin. I’m kind of surprised Seattle isn’t on the list. I think I'll end up somewhere in the West Coast. For now, I'm enjoying life in Florida.

New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/25/us/25young.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&th&emc=th

Here's some data:
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2006/11/24/us/25young_graphic.html