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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

Grindhouse and the Cheating Pecker

I’m really looking forward to the new Tarantino-Rodriguez double feature Grindhouse. I’m not sure if I can handle all the gore. It’s not usually a problem for me, but something tells me this film is going to really push the limits of goriness. Eli Roth contributed a faux trailer (more blood and guts). I’ve seen it, and there’s no question that Eli is one sick puppy. I actually think he’s kind of hot. Rose McGowan and Rosario Dawson both star in this potentially awesome project. I hope Grindhouse lives up to the hype.

There’s something that’s been bugging me for the past few weeks. First, let me just say that I like Rose McGowan. She’s edgy and unconventional, which is great. Good for her. Now, on to the bad; Rose is a home wrecker. Yep, she had an affair with Robert Rodriguez, a man who has been married for over 15 years. Oh, he also has five children. It gets worse. Some have reported that Robert was screwing Rose in his trailer, while his wife was on the set. She’s a co-producer on Gindhouse, and she has produced most of his films to date. There’s probably more to the story, but everything I’ve read seems to suggest that he cheated on his wife, plain and simple.

Hm, I wonder if Paulette Bonafonte has any words of wisdom for Mrs. Rodriguez?


"He's a guy who followed his pecker to greener pasture. Sure, you’re a successful movie producer, but you’re middle aged (with stretch marks) and you have a fat ass."

Paulette’s interpretation of the situation may seem right, but it’s not! I don’t think he followed his pecker to greener pasture. He made a stupid mistake. He threw away over 15 years of companionship for a brief (and meaningless) fling. Honestly, I doubt he and Rose are going to live happily ever after. She’ll probably move on to the next producer, actor, or whatever (maybe another shock rocker). I guess that’s life.

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.

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.

What was Michael Richards Thinking?

I am truly speechless. What was Michael Richards thinking? Why did he keep repeating the "n" word during one of his stand up routines (see below)? What was his joke about? It wasn't clear from the clip. He really crossed the line. I'm curious to see the act from the beginning. I'm sure he used the "n" word to add some shock value to his routine, but it's possible that he was trying to make some other point. Was it a joke gone bad? Or was that the punch line?

He made a public apology on the Late Show with David Letterman (see below). He did seem concerned. The question is "what was he concerned about?". It's not really clear. He claimed that he's not a racist. And he seemed to be blaming soceity for his remarks. He did mention something about a white/black conflict and somehow tied it to what happened in New Orleans after Katrina. I don't get it. He did say that he had some issues to work out. Where's all this rage coming from?

According to Margaret Cho, he is either a racist or has a bad case of racist Tourette's Syndrome. I still need more information to figure this whole thing out and decide what to believe.