brotha2Brotha

I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together ...

2005-04-27T02:00:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad we had this time together,
Just to have a laugh, or sing a song.
Seems we just get started and before you know it
Comes the time we have to say, “So long".

So long brotha2Brotha.
Hello rod2.0:beta!

Everyone's in BETA now. Gmail, Gmaps, Yahoo 360, NTSF.4—okay, that was made up—but you know what it usually means. Something that is so fresh ... you owe it to yourself to try it now before anyone else. Here's your invite to test drive my new webzine, rod2.0:beta.

*Smoother Interface
*Cleaner, Linear Presentation
*Multimedia Capacity
*High-Resolution Thumbnails

*Subscription-based
*Expanded Content

*That's Tech-Speak for ... Offdahook!

Thanks for your support over the past 5 months. A special thanks to each of the 80, 000 visitors we've had since stats were collected in late January ... and every go-go boy who took time out of their busy schedule for "interviews"!

It's been big fun. Let's continue the party across the street ...

Now: Please change your browsers, favorites and links to Http://rodonline.typepad.com/

rod2.0:beta

Happy Anniversary

2005-04-26T21:42:00.000-04:00

Why is Laura smiling like that?

Maybe she knows that Dick Cheney gets kick out of being Overeducated and Underemployed. So do we. Thanks Megan, for one year of some of the funniest pictures on the 'web!

We Interrupt This Broadcast

2005-04-26T01:26:00.000-04:00

Major changes will happen this week. Expect a memo tomorrow.
We now resume our normal programming ...

Marky Mark Wahlberg Comes Clean

2005-04-26T01:01:00.000-04:00

WEHT Marky Mark? Not Mark Wahlberg, but the thugged out-wannabe-rapper-Calvin Klein-posterboy?

He was hot. Now, the former Boston bad boy has morphed into a Lee Strasberg-Stella Adler disciple. Definitely he has more skills on the sound stage than on the mike—which doesn't say too much—but don't you miss that persona? And the abs?

Mark covers the new Details, and the accompanying ~~verbal j/o~~ interview by Aaron Gell sheds some light on his catapult into fame and revisionist history. This interview goes more into depth about Mark's homoerotic appeal, and his early sponsorship by Messrs Klein and Geffen of the Velvet Mafia.

The first part of the article sheds no new ground, and revisits the standard party line: "stealing cars, robbing people, slinging drugs, menacing whatever unlucky soul strayed to close to him." The editors gloss over Wahlberg's 1988 assault conviction for beating two Vietnamese immigrants, chalking it up to "a very bad night."

Don't worry. Stronger, more evocative material is forthcoming: "He's always played the rough trade pickup to Hollwwood's panting sugar daddy, " Gell writes. "Taking up residence in the pool house and letting us ogle him as long as we didn't try to get too friendly."

Apparently that was Wahlberg's MO to secure lucartive work from Geffen, Klein and photographer Herb Ritts. "An easy paycheck, a free lunch," it's described. Mark sez it was looky-but-no-touchy. How did he feel about the "panting sugar ddadies"? "I think it was always clear what I like, my sexual preference. So I wasn't threatened by it."

Once again photog Tom Munro lenses the pictorial. It's been noted before that Munro's B&W imagery is sharp, sensous and lush, but not here. The lighting is harsh and severe, very film noir. The stylists undertake some effort to integrate a 50s bad-boy Jimmy Dean look. It's certainly appropriate for the rebellious tone introduced in the copy. The presentation appears contrived, even more so than the Herb Ritts/CK Marky Mark circa 1992. At least he was interesting.

Mark Wahlberg Won't Take a Swing at You: Details
Mark's Calvin Klein Gallery

Let Amnesia Erase Your Worries

2005-04-25T19:52:00.000-04:00

"But wait: There's more!" Remember those words from the late-night "As Seen on TV" commercials, hawking everything from Ginsu knives to Flobee hair cutting systems? There was always another knife set, salad spinner, 8-track—oh grow up!—or whatever that was included for the super low price of "$19.99 ... as seen on TV!"

That's the mantra of Miss Amnesia Sparkles: there's always more hip-trendy-trashtastic fun around the corner. Today's question: What happens when you put two blondes, a dog, and a handfull of pills in one room? Answer: An audio-blog with that train-wreck-waiting-to-happen Miss Anna Nicole Smith.

Amnesia is the alter ego of Adrian L. Acosta, also seen on TV and well known for her first season appearance on Fox's juggernaut American Idol ... "an ordeal that haunts her to this very day." She's a triple threat, a performer-gender illusionist-comedienne cut from the same cloth—silk, of course—as other faboo downtown types like Cashetta, Hedda Lettuce or Shequida.

New Yawkers also know Amnesia as NEXT Magazine's roving reporter. This week, check out her interview with Jim Verraros, AI's first—and only—openly gay finalist.

I said openly.

Amnesia Sparkles-Blog
AmnesiaSparkles.com
NEXT Interview

A Word From Our Sponsors

2005-04-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

Major changes will happen this week. Stay tuned for details.
We now resume our normal programming ...

Let's Rolle

2005-04-25T00:23:00.000-04:00

Not sure what you were doing Saturday afternoon, but the editors here at brotha2Brotha—yes, there is a newsroom, staff, copy desk and company car—were busy watching all the draft picks down at the Javits Center. Well, we weren't there but it was on TV. You get the idea.

One of my faves: First rounder at number 8, supa-phine Antrel Rolle. The Hurricane CB had hoped to stay in his native Miami but instead heads west to seek fame and fortune with Arizona. Six foot, 201lbs (dayumn) many consider Antrel college football's premier cornerback. He's an excellent cover corner who has exceptional closing ability and is one of the team's fastest players.

Most teams don't throw his way—would you?—so Rolle often has to blitz from the CB position. Antrel will be a formidable opponent on the field; he's got the size and speed to confront bigger, faster receivers in the NFL. Check out the pre-draft diary he kept on Fox Sports.

Oh yea: and he's phine.

iCandy: Basic Instinct

2005-04-25T00:15:00.001-04:00

Definitely check out the latest issue of Instinct. Spanish actor Aitor Mateo is the cover model, beautifully lensed by photographer Hudson Wright. Just recently Oh la la Paris gave us a sneak preview of the issue.

Open it up for another treat: A new campaign featuring former cover model Andre Henderson.

Andre is the gorgeous new face on the back issues page, various promotions and subscription cards. Did you catch his cover?

San Diego-based Dre graced Instinct's cover in February '04. (Yes, yours truly keeps all the back issues for the glossies ...) The lush pictorial was lensed at O Bar in West Hollywood by photographer Andrew Matusik. The model says he was approached by the magazine at San Diego Pride. Voila! a cover model is born.

The 26 year old grew up in rural Arkansas, and migrated west to Colorado, later Cali. Andre says that he is still a kuntry boy at heart, and still talks like one. "People think my accent is hot," he admitted in the interview. Yeah, that's not all that is hot.

Instinct
Andrew Matusik
Hudson Wright

PrayzeHymn

2005-04-23T17:59:00.000-04:00

The driver's license may say New York State, but yours truly is a kuntry boy at heart. That means holding open doors for women, giving up subway seats for others, mountain biking around Chicago or NYC, regularly attending Sunday services and an appreciation of soul-stirrin', ole time gospel music.

PrayzeHymn is a solid, slick e-zine that covers the gospel music industry from A to Z. Anyone who follows this weblog will appreciate the content; it's chock-full of interviews and reports on everything from American Idol's gospel connections to industry trends.

Gospel is a huge industry, raking in some $800 million in sales or more. The recent explosion in Tyler Pery's popularity, along with acts such as Fantasia Barrino, Donnie McClurkin, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Yolanda Adams have demonstrated gospel's universal appeal.

"Our focus has changed, but not our mission," says J. Matthew Cobb, the editor of PrayzeHymn. The Birmingham, AL-based entrepreneur, industry insider and music-writer has done a fabulous job in creating a new resource. It's great to see young people making moves and creating change. Plus he's a PhotoShop wiz, so the site just looks fierce! So this weekend's assignment: visit the site and his companion weblog the Prayze Report.

PrayzeHymn
the Prayze Report

Nike Just Says No to Racism

2005-04-22T19:37:00.000-04:00

Boogie mentioned this to me last week. Nike is running a series of European PSAs that plead for tolerance and just say no to racism. But does that mean yes to more profits? Manchester United defender Gary Neville and others accuse the sportswear giant of cashing in and gaining some cheap publicity with it's Stand UpSpeakUp campaign. The gospel according to Neville: "We don't have a big problem with racism in this country."

Huh? Apparently Neville's experience is far different than that of teammate Rio Ferdinand. Uber-gorgeous Rio and France Arsenal's Thierry Henry star in Nike's commercial and print campaign that preaches tolerance in sport. Their campaign also promotes inter-locking black and white wristbands to show solidarity. Nike is also a sponsor of the famed Manchester team.

Instead of standing up and speaking up, Gary Neville may want to sit down and be quiet. Nike is underwriting the campiagn as a public service awareness, so it's a donation. Sure, they'll probably get some mileage out of this, but the company makes much money money from being associated with the Manchester team. The wristbands are free, suggested donations are 2Euros, approx. USD$2.61. Those profits go to an anti-racism foundation in the UK.

Memo to Gary Neville: What community work have you done lately, mate?

Stand UpSpeakUp: Nike
Rio's Hot Ad for Ben Sherman

Ms. Wrong Never Looked So Right

2005-04-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

The most dangerous place in the world is between Ann Coulter and a camera, because she will do or say almost anything for a soundbite. Among my favorites from the mistress of the microphone: "Congress should pass a law tomorrow requiring that all aliens from Arabic countries leave." "A cruise missile is more important than Head Start." "My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building."

Given her history of histrionics, it's laughable that she is outraged by the current cover of Time. Coulter says the editors distorted her appearance, making her feet appear large and head too big.

Let's set the record straight: Her head is too big.

Aside from the small matter of her large feet, Ann Coulter is a reactionary demagogue that delights in throwing verbal Molotov cocktails. Whether she honestly believes these outlandish statements is immaterial; Coulter says them with uncompromising conviction. So it's sheer irony that Time's editors chose a dramatic treatment for her cover, and as usual, she went ballistic. The uncomprising, alleged Ivy League convictions dissolve into superficial concerns of hair, make-up and ~~tacky boat-sized~~ shoes.

The Time article is actually quite balanced in its presentation of such an unbalanced subject. "She is the bogeyman of politics, the figure that liberals use when reaching for the ultimate insult, the way conservatives use Michael Moore," the editors said, taking pains to treat her with kid gloves. At times they poke gentle fun at her neo-fascism, other times jokes with her and sometimes ... fawn with compliments.

Here is one of many references that liken the 44 year old pundit to a sex symbol on college campuses. "Wearing an ankle-length fur and a wide-eyed expression, Coulter had to be pushed through the crowd by a team of handlers. When she swept past the spot I was wedged into, the young men near me went aflutter."

Something tells me these boys don't get out very often.

Ms. Right: Time

An Evening With ...

2005-04-21T02:14:00.000-04:00

Who: Novelist Rashid Darden, Lazarus
What: Reception, Book Signing, Autographs, Witty Conversation
When: Tonight, 7:30pm
Where: Georgetown University (White-Gravenor Hall), Washington
How: Tonight is Rashid's first event. If you can't jump on the Metroliner or Delta Shuttle, go to his site and drop a note. Or place an order. Or both!

Read Trent Jackson's interview with Rashid. Look for my review on Monday.

Beats: Eddie Boom

2005-04-21T01:00:00.000-04:00

Where to begin? Let's see ... I fell in love with Eddie Boom late one night when we met on 66th Street. Okay, here's the backstory: Eddie is a fabulous DJ whose music helped me whiz through those long overnights at ABC News at 66th and Columbus. Sorry, just couldn't help but use that tease.

His music is a delight. A mixture of garage and deep house, with enough serious vocals to make me yearn for the old parties of my Chicago youth. The sound is much like NYC's legendary Body & Soul, where we'd go Sunday afternoons and lose our minds. Everyone was there from old-skool house heads to circuit boys ... and Yoko Ono. (Yes, we danced together. And yes, she wore those shades.) The memories are bittersweet; Eddie's music so takes me there.

Boom is Trenton-based, active on the East Coast and Candian circuit, but admittedly ... I've never heard him play live. The first mixes heard were at Spirit of House, that brilliant Swiss-based dance music site. Years later he was re-discovered on BtownSound, which books, manages and promotes DJ talent from Brazil to Baltimore. That's hot.

Choose from Eddie's mix collection in Windows Media here ....

Or take my advice and listen to his best mix, Phase 1. Dial Up Broadband

Eddie Boom
Spirit of House
Honey Deaux: brotha2Brotha

Mehcad Moves to Wisteria Lane

2005-04-20T18:30:00.000-04:00

Last month you read THIS
+
Last week you read THAT

Today = I ♥ Mehcad on Wisteria Lane

Mama Said Knock You Out. Again, Again ... and Again.

2005-04-20T15:50:00.000-04:00

TKO ... then death
MSG March 1962

Many gay men grew up with taunts and bullies. Mine: Danny Cole in the eighth grade. His mission: to make my life a living hell. It worked for a minute, until yours truly—then nicknamed "stringbean"—began doing push-ups, fighting back and playing sports. Later we attended rival high schools, and Danny's anti-Rod aggression was channeled onto the gridiron and the hoops court. Our fights earned us technicals, fouls, penalties ... and warm seats on the bench. Some years later we bumped into each other over Memorial Day weekend at the old Traxx in DC. Surprise, surprise. But that's a different story ...

Tonight, USA will broadcast the extraordinary story of a gay man who was taunted and fought back ... with tragic consequences. Ring of Fire documents the story of Emile Griffith and his ferocious fight-to-death with Cuban fighter Benny Paret in March 1962. Griffith literally beat Paret into a pulp, and he died 10 days later. Why? "I got tired of people calling me faggot."

Last week in the Times', Bob Herbert interviewed the former champ who is still conflicted over his sexuality. Andy pointed out yesterday, that it was common knowledge that Griffith frequented Midtown gay clubs. Then, Griffith denied his sexuality and filmmakers Dan Klores and Ron Berger do not confront the issue that forced Griffith into becoming a modern-day gladiator.

In a BBC interview, the filmmakers defend their work, saying their goal was to document the fight, not make editorial judgments. "People want us to say what we think about boxing, which isn’t for us to make a judgment about, or for anybody. Is Emile Griffith gay? They want specific things."

[See the BBC report. Windows Media Player Low Medium High]

True, viewers often do want specific things ... like context, which is lacking. Boxing is a ferocious and violent sport and people sometimes die. On the other hand, gay men are often pushed into retaliation. Is/was Griffith gay? What have we learned since 1962? What does Griffith say?

Today the former champ has no apologies about the fight. In the Times interview, Griffith continues to say that he was sorry Paret died. But he adds, "He called me a name. So I did what I had to do." Griffith says Paret's death was tragic, but the names "touched something inside." It's a tragic story, and 43 years later the champ is still haunted by that night.

Attitudes in professional sports have not changed very much—especially in hard core games like boxing and football. Herbert sets the record straight and the boxer admits to a life on the deep DL. He says he is not gay, but admits to having relations with men and women. Today, the champ says he is tired of running, and hopes to ride in this year's Gay Pride Parade.

Thanks to Bernie for the heads up.

Ring of Fire: USA 9/8c
Boxer on the DL: Towleroad
The Haunting of Emie Griffith: New York Times
Film Focus: Ring Of Fire - The Emile Griffith Story: BBC

[See the BBC report. Windows Media Player Low Medium High]

It's here! It's Queer! Do We Care?

2005-04-19T19:30:00.000-04:00

With three new gay-themed cable channels prepared to fight for the pink dollar, it's time to play Econ 101. Will the competition force the 'nets to provide more options and higher quality ... or will the programmers saturate the market with low-quality, low-cost goods and services?

My best bet: door number two. We may have to prepare for an overdose of makeover and dating shows that do little more than build upon the lame minstrel formula established by shows like Will & Grace and Queer Eye.

Last week, an interesting column on After Elton compared the proposed onslaught of gay-programming to the lack of originality at BET and Telemundo. BET has faults of it's own, and some of the comparisons made me cringe. Brent & Michael noted that BET was "an endless stream of videos and sitcoms featuring the crudest of African American stereotypes: gangstas, pimps, and whores." NBC-owned Telemundo was described as "oversexed latinos ripping off their clothes and falling into bed with each other."

But try this: substitute "Latinos" for "queers or queens", and that's Queer As Folk, currently on life support. And the BET comparison had some merit, considering that much of their programming are music videos. That content is cheap and readily available .. just like gay makeover and lifestyle shows. Harsh as their words were, Brent & Michael had a point: Prepare for more stereoypes, a buffet of "Cher concerts and lots of talk shows with Carson Kressley wannabes being bitchy."

here! offers the best choice not to fall into that trap, but their formula is expensive and higher risk. The execs offer an ambitious development slate of scripted programming. It includes original series, movies and specials like a feature-length biopic on Bayard Rustin, the black gay civil rights leader. "We do things that are not appropriate for basic cable," CEO Paul Colichman says. Theirs is a multi-platform distribution strategy—video on demand, pay per view and premium subscriptions. You can buy programming over multi-hour or a 24-hour period. They've also amassed a library of over 1k LGBT titles.

Unfortunately the buzz isn't on that network. Because of its backing and cache', everyone is talking about Viacom's LOGO. The much-hyped and oft-delayed 'net will roll-out June 30, and offers two original series: Noah's Arc, the country's first black gay series and My Fabulous Gay Wedding, a comic makeover show.

As eagerly as everyone is awaiting the Arc, something tells me that LOGO may overdose on reality shows. Although some documentaries on gay sports are planned, the service will be advertising supported and "programmed to the sensitivity of a basic cable audience," notes Nicole Browning, president of MTV affiliate sales and marketing. In other words, it's unlikely that you will see two men kissing ... unless they're air kissing and giving high-fives after re-decorating some poor schmuck's apartment.

Tall, Dark and Handsome Please

2005-04-19T02:45:00.000-04:00

Just days ago, we noticed that gay advertising is slowly featuring more black models. Most of these are inter-racial couples, not necessarily a social statement but more likely the advertisers' method to maximize impact. There are some notable exceptions: Look around, you'll be surprised to see a number of gay advertising campaigns that feature black and Latin and models. Solo. Not surprisingly, several promote dating and lifestyle services. Who wouldn't want to date a tall, dark and handsome?

The uber-phine Manjam man adverts can be seen on high-traffic gay sites such as Made in Brazil, Manchic, Oh la la Paris, One Stop Hot and Towleroad. The seriously cool, UK-based firm promises to work your assets to the max. It combines home, work and social life so members get housed, employed and laid all from one site. Now why didn't I think of that? Grant Mitchell—one of the site's promoters—told me via email that the advertising reflects the population. "There is no Manjam man as such. The initial idea was to reflect diversity." That's hot.

Another successful campaign can be found in the pages of NYC-based HX. For a few years, the "Totally Biased Politically Incorrect Party Paper" has run numerous spots that feature black, white or Latin men. The message is that sophisticated NYC gay men comes in all colors, and everyone can relate to the models. Here, here. Go to the weekly mag's demographic data for advertisers (PDF is here), where you'll see tons of lucrative data, complemented with cover models of both sexes and colors. BTW, that's gorgeous Corey at left and at top of the reader survey.

Manjam
HX

Down for Whatever

2005-04-18T02:30:00.000-04:00

Down for Whatever
By Frederick Smith
Kensington Books; July 2005
$14/$20

By now, you've probably realized that this is not a politically correct weblog. So get your slingshots ready ... aim ... and fire at this one: Much of GBM fiction is like that old Budweiser commercial, Tastes great, less filling. Many of the plots are (a) derivative, (b) fantastic ... or often (c) both.

A=Sistah-girls-waiting-to-exhale-with-their-fag-hag-friends.

B=Millionaires, billionaires and moguls on the DL.

C=Unlikeable, celibate and prissy queens who are swept off their feet by men like this.

Frederick Smith's debut novel refreshingly avoids these cliches, and sets a new agenda. Down for Whatever is intensely enjoyable, a humorous, revealing story that follows four Angelenos in a town "where everyone is a ten, looking for a twelve." Each chapter is written from an alternating point of view, and the varied descriptions of the same events is often hilarious. Two of the friends are black, the other two are Latin, and the work is peppered with spanglish and sabor latino. The novel provides a much-needed glimpse into the sexual and racial politics within the LA's gay community. [Download first chapter at Fred's site]

Of the four buddies, Keith is the most accomplished, wealthiest and loneliest. The Stanford grad and Michigan transplant is frustrated that he "can't even get a black man to look his way." Roommate Tommie is a former R&B star who is down on his luck and on the down-low. Keith's best friend Marco Antonio is a social worker torn between his assimilationist yet traditional family, and a hot soap actor who could charm his way into Fort Knox. Then there's Rafael. Young and gorgeous in a town where "everybody loves Latinos." Retail queen-slash-go-go-boy-slash-serial heartbreaker who is trouble with a capital "T." Exactly my type!

"Everybody loves Latinos" is an omnipresent theme in Down, because it's the cultural norm in California. Keith embraces multiculturalism, at times to his detriment. He's frustrated that his value as a black man is discounted because:

No matter what people say, race matters in LA. In the ethnic hierarchy of gay LA, black and African American often finishes last.

Those are Keith's words, and as a black man it's easy to identify with his frustration. NYC gay politics are strikingly similar, except for stronger identification between black and brown. Most of the east coast brothas are not trying to compete with Anglos or Latinos for men, we've constructed our arena.

Whereas the east coast flava embraces black and African culture and celebrates black masculinity, LA does not. Fred Smith's observations on SoCal culture are Stinger missiles: basic black does not go with everything, unless you are mixed, thugged out, body beautiful or a snow queen.

Keith's character is none of these. It's hard for me not to like him, there's so much of myself there: the exhiliration yet isolation experienced at a prestigious university, the cross-country journey and re-invention, the dismay and fascination with the social landscape. He's a bourgeois, well-monied type (unlike me) that sometimes feels above others. Other times, his insecurities drive him to the opposite. At times he seems more partial to vatos and chulos than blacks, spending much of the book chasing after playa Cesar. Yet Keith yearns to partner with another brotha, and after ten years still carries the torch for a brotha he loved in college. But should he have to choose between black and brown? Does it matter?

Roommate Tommie feels that it does. "Keith's little crew is all Mexican," he says. "They always trying to get me to go to they little gay-ass salsa clubs." Tommie is a former R&B heartthrob whose career and bank account have seen better days. The silver-lining is his relationship with Tyrell, a UCLA hoops phenom. Both are deep DL, even though youngster Tyrell appears more confident about his sexuality. It's an interesting relationship; Tommie's intentions are good, but he can be triffling. He is unsure and unworthy of the affections of the young baller ten years his junior. Tommie loves Tyrell, yet is resentful of his success, a hip-hop A Star is Born. Their relationship is tested when Tommie hooks with Rafael, whom none can resist.

Mexicans only hook up with other Mexicans. It's one of those things we know but don't talk about. Anyone's fair game to me.

Rafael's whose motto is: "Sex with gorgeous people, wherever I want, whenever I want." That he does: in clubs, with married men, high school boys working at 7-11 ... why was his character so irresistible? Even when causing havoc—like losing his job or sleeping with Keith's Cesar—he does it with such panache that you secretly cheer him. Maybe because his character is the liveliest; possibly because we admire his scrappy spirit. Ultimately Rafael's self-destructive behavior almost destroys the bond among the four men, and endangers all.

Marco Antonio is the odd-man out. His character is not as conflicted as Keith or Tommie, nor does he have Rafael's chutzpah. He and Keith met at Stanford, and are both of the intelligentsia. Marco Antonio's family is assimilationist—"How many people of Mexican descent name their kids Chloe or Ross?"—and begrudgingly accepts his sexuality. But the family is far from liberal; a relative even makes a racial comment about blacks. They seem more impressed with him dating Alex, the novela star who later gets a job on an American soap ... and promptly dumps Marco Antonio. Or did he?

There's something here for everyone, and that's what makes Down for Whatever so enjoyable. Fred Smith is an LA writer and educator, possibly the first GBM writer published by Kensington, which has carved a niche in gay fiction. The author is equally adept discussing the lingo and customs of la familia or the down low. Fred's work is taut, engaging and more importantly, that most-precious commodity: clever. The characters are rich and lively, flawed yet sympathetic and passionately realistic. Down for Whatever is a delicious, all-you-can-eat brunch. Enjoy.

Down for Whatever

Simply Fred Smith

The New Boyfriend Pt2

2005-04-16T17:01:00.000-04:00

Everyone knows that yours truly is a big boy that likes all things that are big, over the top and fierce. But here's a new love that cuts big things down to nice, small and manageable sizes: SnipURL.

Use this handy tool to snippety, snip, snip those loooong URLs, like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0814756867/qid=1113680921/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-6124941-1621641?v=glance&s=books/

Now it becomes http://snipurl.com/e22z or http://snipurl.com/Abercrombie.

The snip'd shortcuts are permanent, so it's great for IMs, emails, blogging and web publishing. You can also start your own account, store your snip'd URLs and download a snipping icon to your toolbar.

Big things do come in small packages!

SnipURL.

Thanks Jonno!

iCandy: Milk Does the Body Good

2005-04-15T14:15:00.000-04:00

If you regularly read these pages, you've seen this hottie before, way back in ... February when this was a new kid on the blog. That was months after seeing Body dancing at the Roxy, and several trips to the ATM.

Milk does the Body good. Check out the brand new FlavaMen to see why Body's milkshake brings all the boys to the yard.

Personally I’m a big advocate of proteins and carbohydrates, can’t get enough of them.

He can't get enough of them, we can't get enough of him.

Body is a stunna. Plus, I'm feelin' his new look without the locs.

FlavaMen's website was totally overhauled this week with many free goodies ... like these. And these. These, too. And of course, check the site or magazine for my new column.

While you're at it, head over to Fleshbot, the naughty site owned by our friends at Gawker. There's more flava-ful iCandy ... Brazilian lovely Cristiano, also in the new FlavaMen.

And remember: Milk does the Body good.

Brand New Flava in Your Ear: brotha2Brotha
Go-Go Alert: brotha2Brotha
FlavaMen.com
Fleshbot

More Color in the Rainbow

2005-04-14T15:45:00.001-04:00

Increasingly, advertisers are targeting more of their $1.1 trillion annual worldwide ad budgets toward gay consumers. Recently, those marketing campaigns are featuring more colorful consumers.

Inter-racial couples rarely appear in general advertising, which seek an "ideal" representation—largely defined as young, white, thin and attractive. Largely advertising directed toward gay audiences does not veer far from that formua: consumers are generalized as male, white and WeHo/Chelsea/Queer As Folk (including the bad haircut) type clones. But the messages are already non-traditional and are somewhat better at including inter-racial pairings. So if you flip through some of the more recent issues of Genre, Out and Instinct you'll see more Asian, black and Latin models in the sponsored adverts.

The latest gay-targeted ads by Bridgestone/Firestone feature more white-white and black-white couples of both sexes. The above ads were in the April issue of Instinct and at Gay.com, respectively. In July 2001, Bridgestone became the first tire company in the gay market and their campaign has been well-received.

“A lot of brands are willing to go after these niche markets to grow their business, even if it’s just a two-percent growth,” said Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst for The NPD Group, market research consultants. “They’re focused on the micro-lifestyles of the consumers, and same-sex families are a micro-lifestyle.”

Commercial Closet is a non-profit that tracks both negative and positive LGBT depictions in advertising. The archives record at least 62 inter-racial pairings; they found a total of 268 depictions of people of color in adverts. Anecdotally, advertisers appear more likely to pair inter-racial female couples than males, like the print campaign for Volvo at left.

While it's becoming more common to see GWM/F couples in advertising images and some inter-racial pairings, you will not see many pairings of persons of color. It would be great to see more, but the dearth doesn't necessarily bother me. The fact that it is already gay targeted with Asian, black and Latin faces speaks volumes.

Advertisers are trying to sell product; the ad campaign and models are just one factor in a buying decision. By merely showing gays and people of color, the brands are acknowledging that money comes in many more colors than green. Print ads and commercial spots should be more inclusive, but need not become a census or litmus test. As activists have learned, gay identification is less important for many black and Latin men.

Years ago, I was buying 2xist underwear because the ad campaign was hot, and the product looked good on ~~my boyfriend~~ me. It wasn't necessary to see a black face (or abs) on a billboard, but it would have been nice. Now, the 2xist ads feature models of color.

Adverts like those at left by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau are the exception, and address the micro-lifestyle. Two Labor Days ago, I remember getting off the plane at ATL-Hartsfield and walking up to the National Car rental counter. The esplanade featured a huge banner like the print ad at fright, welcoming all to the Black Gay Pride.

Tourism bureaus in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Juan have become more savvy in attracting black and Latino gay dollars. For instance, Hertz and Air Tran are official sponsors of the 2005 Atlanta Black Gay Pride.

So while mainstream advertisers have far to go, it's still refreshing to open a mag or website and see people like us.

iCandy: Dwayne Wade

2005-04-14T01:15:00.000-04:00

You can count on certain things coming from this weblog. News analysis, media ins and outs, all things Sticky Fingaz, ~~stripperz~~ an appreciation of dance, books and hottiez ...

Like Dwayne Wade.

The 6'4, 212 guard covers the recent Slam, and autographed copies are going for $50 on eBay. Not a huge fan of the Miami Heat, but he's just another reason to watch since Pat Riley bit the dust. Dwayne was a fantastic college phenom at Marquette—my dad's alma matter—and represented the stars and stripes at the 2004 Olys in Athens.

Oh yea: and he's phine.

Dwayne's World: Dwayne Wade Fan Site
Sophmore Jump: Slam Online
Yahoo Sports Stats
NBA Bio

Blame Canada

2005-04-13T19:34:00.000-04:00

As two gay-themed networks—here! and Viacom-owned LOGO—prepare to compete for American gay audiences, they may want to consider recent developments in liberal, same-sex-friendly Canada. Gay and lesbian channel OUTtv has filed a complaint and accused two of the country's biggest cable and satellite services of discrimination.

OUTtv re-launched yesterday as a 24/7 GLBT channel. They've accused Shaw and Bell ExpressVu of blocking their distribution to a wider audience. Regulators have classified the 'net as a Categoy 1 service, and it should be bundled with other lifestyle networks such as Food Network and Fine Living.

Shaw and Bell ExpressVu continue to market OUTtv as a pay-per-view service, which costs subscribers an average of $8. OUTtv president Bill Craig says the price point "turns off many people."

Gay TV Channel Files Complaints: The Globe and Mail

Wisteria Lane Finally Integrates. Sort Of.

2005-04-12T16:03:00.000-04:00

Pop quiz. Tell me the name of this hit television show: A single black mother is trying to raise her son. She moves to the suburbs to give her boy a quality education and life. Would you say this was Julia, starring Miss Diahann Carroll in 1968?

No. Try Desperate Housewives next season.

Variety reports Alfre Woodard will join the hit series as a regular cast member. Woodard's character will be introduced on the season finale, a single mother who moves to the neighborhood with her son. The boy's father is out of the picture.

First, there's relief that ABC's programmers have finally decided to integrate the hit show. But integration is never equality, and tokens are even more irritating. At best, the concept to integrate Wisteria Lane is derivative and un-original.

At worst, it's politically expedient: If Alfre Woodard's character were married, the husband would undoubtedly have some sexual tension with his neighbors. That would never work—remember the outrage after the last time a Desperate Housewife appeared with a black man?

The role would become the four-time Emmy winner's first recurring television arc in almost twenty years. The last role was quite delicious, from '85 to '87 on NBC's St. Elsewhere as Dr. Roxanne Turner. Right now, you can catch Alfre at the cineplex as a poetry-spouting hairstylist in Beauty Shop.

Please let Alfre be a widow. If she was never married or her husband left her, the programmers in Century City need a serious reality-check.

So here's the bonus round of the pop quiz: Will Alfre's character be an asexual, Oprah motherly type who dispenses advice with sweet potato pie? Or, will she be a nubian temptress to entice the husbands?

I'm betting on the first. Or maybe if we'll see an inter-racial lesbian stortyline here ...

Alfre Woodard Joins Desperate Housewives: Entertainment Weekly

Monday Night ~~Wardrobe Malfunction~~ Football: brotha2Brotha

BET: Less News, More Chain Snatching

2005-04-12T03:08:00.000-04:00

Why waste time watching a hit 'reality' show like NBC's The Apprentice when you can create your own rip-off? That's what programmers at BET have decided.

For the first time in it's 25 year history, the cable net is developing an ambitious slate of original programming. But it may come at a high cost: sources say the network's lone remaining news program will quietly fade into oblivion to make way for more the slew of reality-based programming.

The plans are to debut an original series each quarter and the first show is scheduled to premiere next week. Blowin' Up! Fatty Koo is a joint production with Sony Music that will follow the grooming of a new band signed to the label. Sounds original, right?

Wrong. If you like the idea of seeing a the latest reincarnation of Da Band/Making the Band/The Road to Stardom ... you'll love BET's concept for yet another Apprentice knock-off, The Ultimate Hustler. The ~~non-Mark Burnett produced~~ series stars that ultimate hustla himself Damon Dash as the poor man's Donald Trump. Dash will test the business savvy of would-be moguls. The gimmick here: no roses, no cute roller-bags ... but each contestant is given a Roc-A-Fella gold chain. Here's where it gets really interesting: in the show's signature moment, instead of saying "you're fired" to the losers, Dash will snatch the chain off their neck.

Exactly.

Expect to see more bling-bling on the former black-owned cable channel. One project in development includes a celebrity-studded domin competition where iced-out contestants ante up their "bling" rather than money. Thankfully the winnings will go toward charity rather than Kimora Lee Simmons.

Recently the 'net has focused its programming budget on syndicated fare such as UPN's Girlfriends or award shows. But the station was encouraged by the success of reality series College Hill (Thursdays 2100 et/pt), currently in its second primetime season. It's probably the strongest original programming that the network has offered in addition to its afternoon ratings juggernaut 106th and Park. One of the better new shows is Style (Tuesdays and Thursdays 1930 et), a lifestyle and entertainment venture.

You'll recall in 2002, BET execs were criticized for funding syndicated acquisitions by eliminating 12% of its workforce and cancelling two of its three regular news programs.

BET Set to Make Originals: THR

"She Just Needs Her Hair Brushed"

2005-04-12T01:30:00.000-04:00

Beyonce's To-Do List for Tuesday, April 12 2005

25. World Domination?
24. Fire Publicist?
23. ~~Cash L'Oreal Checks~~
22. ~~French lessons~~
21. ~~Call Kelly ... "Michelle"~~
20. ~~Call Michelle ... "Kelly"~~
19. ...

Beyonce's spin doctor Marcus Harris is sleeping on the job.

No real publicist of an international pop icon would allow their client's Hasbro-designed Barbie Dolls to sell on eBay ... for $2! The smart ones always hire interns to troll eBay and Yahoo auctions to drive up prices to increase their client's cache'. It's similar to how record label promotions teams pay people to request videos on VOD and music vid stations.

An even smarter-publicist would tell interns to Watch This Item in My eBay and seize any product that describes their client as "used, in good condition [and] needs her hair brushed as you can see."

"Hi, I'm Michael Vick for Valtrex ..."

2005-04-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

"I've been outbreak free for nearly a year.
Just one Valtrex a day helps reduce the number of outbreaks."

Everyone's heard the commercial that touts Valtrex as an aid to reduce genital herpes. Apparently everyone beside uber-talented ~~and uber-gorgeous~~ NFL quarterback Michael Vick.

The Smoking Gun just released documentation that shows the Falcons star is being sued for negligence and battery after allegedly knowingly passing herpes. A 26-year-old Georgia woman, filed the suit. Sonya Elliot says that she was infected with the STD in April 2003 after unprotected sex with the star quarterback at his suburban Atlanta home.

After testing positive for herpes simplex 2, Elliot says she confronted the man who wears the lucky number seven for the Falcons. "I've got something to tell you. I've got it," the deposition claims. Vick wasn't talking about a catching a pass; he fumbled this one. The suit alleges that he had prior knowledge, and later admitted that he was aware of his condition.

This is just the latest volume in that long-running reality show, Brothers Behaving Badly. As a pro baller, Vick would routinely be subjected to a battery of physicals, tests and exams. It's difficult to imagine that Vick wouldn't know that he had herpes; the symptoms are obvious and painful.

"Let me just put the head in ..."

The action claims that plaintiff and athlete had an ongoing sexual relationship last spring, and Elliott routinely requested that Vick use condoms. Apparently one time he did not, and uttered the line every straight boy and top learns from birth: let me just put the head in. Wrong choice.

There is no cure for herpes simplex 2. Left unchecked it can cause sterility and other concerns. Valtrex is the only medication avaliable and it's expensive; low-cost 'net pharmacies sell a one-month supply of 500mg tabs for $222. But there are other costs associated with women: frequent ob/gyn visits are necessary and, of course, pregnancy risks. That alone should give Vick and his attorneys pause, but they want to fight this.

Elliott's action does not specify monetary damages. There's nothing for Vick to gain from litigation unless he is planning to say what every celeb cries when they are prosecuted or sued: it's all about the money. He has plenty, and can well afford expensive STD therapy and meds. Vick is one of the sport's marquee players. Last December he signed a ten-year, $130 million contract with the Falcons, the richest deal in league history.

Trojans would have been cheaper

But Vick is only 24 years old, and has many more years to learn that slipping on a jimmy always costs much less in the long run.

The lawsuit has larger ramifications than the inevitable settlement that the star quarterback will be forced into. Elliot's lawsuit alleges that Vick used the alias "Ron Mexico" "for the purpose of herpes testing and/or treatment." In order to obtain that information, Vick's medical records will have to be subpoeaned; it seems that they already have. Georgia's laws allow full disclosure without consent in HIV and STD cases, as long as a willing judge signs the waiver.

To say the timing is bad would be an understatement. The league is already reeling from bad publicity over steroid use and the Vikings scalping scam. Unfortunately, the sex, steroid and scalping scandals are overshadowing some positives in the off-season, such as Vick's teammate Warrick Dunn recently attending the dedication of the USO's Pat Tillman Center in Afghanistan. The league donated $250,000 for the center. Vick could only pray for a settlement that low.

Lazarus Lives

2005-04-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

Regular readers of these pages are well-familiar with my likes; admittedly, there is an infatuation with aesthetics. Beautiful music, stunning photography, clever advertising, seventies muscle cars, dark and lovely muscle boys, and poetic, gifted writing. I ♥ books, magazines and scripts like an addict looking for his next fix.

So here's the latest fix: Lazarus by Rashid Darden.

Rashid's debut novel is the story of love, desire and conflict inside the black frat system. The protagonist is Adrian, the new BMOC and a sensitive, handsome college brotha who is looking for look and also trying to find his place in the world. That may be with Savion, fellow student, a Dominiciano and poet. Adrian's determined to follow his father's footsteps and pledge the frat, but his newly found attraction to Savion may undermine his legacy, status on campus and relationship with his friends and family.

Rashid is a refreshing new voice in African American and gay literature, which sadly has become derivative and g-fab. He has an eclectic background: writer, poet, educator and has studied in London, Moscow and Georgetown.

Stay tuned for more information about Lazarus. In the meantime, visit Rashid Darden's website for a sample chapter, ordering information and more:

Old Gold Soul

The New Boyfriend

2005-04-10T18:12:00.000-04:00

We met last month, and it's been love at first ~~byte~~ sight.

Now we're inseparable. Flash travels everywhere with me—on locations, to the office or studio, at home.

He has all the qualities that one appreciates in a BF ... or flash drive. Good looking, sturdy, dependable and an incredible memory. Also, like any good boyfriend, the flash drive can keep secrets; it's password-protected. It fits comfortably inside my pocket (also a nice place for BFs to be), and a keychain means that we're joined at the hip.

These new flash drives are offdahook. 512MB of storage for less than thirty dollars. (That's like seven grande no-whip whatevers ... or the tip for two hot dancers at Stonewall.) It's great for work and travel, no need to lug around discs or worry about sending files to the home or office.

The Jump Drive Secure can be divided into a public zone and secure zone, and you decide what percentage of memory goes to each. So even if the flash were left in my office desktop ... none of your nosy coworkers would find anything like this.

Hotel, Motel, Holiday N

2005-04-08T01:14:00.000-04:00

Who says Paris Hilton can be the only trust fund baby to cry "lights, camera, action"? Look out world, there's a new hotel heiress to conquer the red carpet. Introducing Miss Holiday N, a g-fab princess and her deliciously wicked new blog The Heiress Diaries. Her motto:

We'll dish about sex, entertainment, gossip, fashion and some serious shit too like sex—dat's hot right? And as long as you can get over me being gorgeous and spoiled we'll get along perfectly.

Finally, someone who understands me.

Her site has been around for about two weeks, and it's usually roflmao. Skip over to Holiday's page and check out her wrap of the Johnnie Cochran funeral ... and ~~weigh-in~~ run-in with Bridezilla. Dat's hot.

The Heiress Diaries

Brand New Flava in Your Ear

2005-04-07T01:47:00.000-04:00

Photos via Flavamen.com

You've seen me on the streets and in the clubs of New York City, biking along Chicago's lakefront or in DC and ATL during Black Gay Pride. Some of you have even seen me behind the scenes in television newsrooms. But here's somewhere new to find me: the phat and fierce new issue of Flava Men.

Nope, I'm not taking it off—but writing a regular column. Turn to page three of the new Spring 2005 issue and learn the "8 Simple Rules of Dating a Stripper."

Luckily, it's at the very front. Finish the article, and then you can dive into the hottest new magazine featuring brown and black men. Here's an exclusive peek into the brand new Flava Men:

Cover model Heat

This is the magazine's sophmore issue, and it's come a long way, baby. Ninety glossy pages that cater to lifestyles, websites, events and men. Many, many gorgeous young men. Count on nine fresh faces in this issue, including cover boy Heat. He's got it, alright ... including a smile that could melt a glacier and (sigh) tats on abs. Why do I always fall for that?

Flava Men is produced by the same company that brought you Cocoboyz and the go-go boy "big brother"-style Cocodorm. They're probably the leaders in providing hot, fresh Blatino faces. It's a buffet of flavaz ... from young tenderonis to strapping brothaz who look fresh outta Rikers. Hmm. Y'all know that's what I'm talkin about.

Had to save the best for last, right?

The glossy is hot-ta-def. The photography is crisp and tantalizing. The photosets are all-original, unlike some of the other mags. There are behind the scenes peeks at photoshoots and videos and interviews with most of the models; several of the hot boyz also double as correspondents. Besides cover model Heat, look for the delish spread on chiseled ebony go-go god Body who was profiled on these pages in February.

The glossy is $7.95, but for less than double that price you can join FlavaMen.com. Have complete access to all of the photoshoots and see your fave boys in high-resolution, vivid color and action.

For the complete experience visit:

Flava Men

Are You 429?

2005-04-07T01:20:00.000-04:00

Photos via 429Life.com

Some people are leaders, others are followers. When it comes to fashion, you always want to be ahead of the game—setting styles, establishing trends and branding your own unique identity.

That's the mission of 429 Life, an edgy new sportswear company that is quickly creating buzz in the fashion industry. The sleek designs cater to the confident, discerning and active man "who comfortably resides in a realm between unassumingly gay and unmistakenly metrosexual."

The styling is relaxed yet unmistakenly clever. The distinctively tailored fit emphasizes the masculine V-shape of the body that you've worked so hard to achieve, and want to display in the warm weather.

Are you a 429 Man? If you're reading this weblog, you probably are. Look up 429 on your phone ... what does it spell? Gay. The t-shirt collection features text that are witty yet subtle—such as Are You 429? Absolutely429 or 429 Boy.

The shirts and identifying text are code for those in the know, like admission to a virtual VIP room of fierceness. The shirts make a statement about the wearer’s sexuality without overdoing it.

For complete information on stores and product visit:

429 Life via ManChic, the ultimate male fashion guide.

Three Things

2005-04-06T19:05:00.000-04:00

1. Phine azz bus drivers. Maybe you would be looking at a picture of him right now if my spanking brand new Motorola v220 ... wasn't dropped at his feet. It's very difficult to look for the MetroCard, gossip with coworkers on the cell phone and be mesmerized by a stunning 6'2 chocolate morsel ... all at once. Sometimes you can only concentrate on one thing.

2. Attack of the killer miniature chihuahuas. Cute cuddly canines that shiver and look oh-so-cute? Hardly. While nursing my bruised and battered ~~ego~~ cell phone over a grande carmel macchiato, saw a couple walking by with the ~~demon~~ dogs. We crossed paths around the corner ... where Nick and Jessica jumped from the woman's arms and charged me. From across the street! Didn't believe the little ankle biters would come after me, but apparently they confused me with a giant Beggin' Strip.

3. Frayed Jeans Are Gay, Gay, Gay. What a difference a ~~day~~ crazed miniature chihuahua makes. One minute your snappy Engineered Levis are turning heads. The brothaz playing baseball want to know where they can bought. The hottie working in the corner bodega asks about your benchpress. Hours later—post attack—the jeans are frayed around the ankles. Regardless of the do-rag or wifebeater, frayed jeans spell one thing for 6'4 225lb men: muscle queen. Pretty Puerto Rican girls who normally smile look at the jeans and frown. Older women look at the jeans and shake their heads. Dark and lovelys at the next hoops game ... point and whisper.

Four Words

2005-04-05T00:52:00.000-04:00

Let's say you wanted to have a conversation with me. Maybe my Yahoo, AOL or Blackplanet profiles—complete with stats, many interests and pictures—may offer just a small hint of my personality.

But that's not enough for some people. Authoring a popular weblog is also not very informative to these same persons. Routinely, people without any profiles, stats, pictures or any other anecdotal information need more. They send IMs that begin with four words that are more appropriate for job interviews at Bennigan’s:

SexxySmart: So. Tell me about yourself.
Rod: ?
SexxySmart: I saw your page and your blog and want to know more.
Rod: Like … ?
SexxySmart: What things you like to do. Your interests, all that stuff. Whatever that you don’t go into on your page or blog.
Rod: Yo dawg, did you even read my page? Pretty extensive.
SexxySmart: Yes, I saw all of them. But I don’t read those cuz people say anything.
Rod: (shaking head)
Rod: (checking profile)
Rod: You have no profile, g. My page sez, no profile, no chat.
SexxySmart: I didn’t see that.

SexxySmart: Hello?
SexxySmart: You’re not all that.
SexxySmart: Really, you're not.

iCandy: Mr. Caribbean International

2005-04-04T00:40:00.000-04:00

Mr. Caribbean International 2004

"I'll have one of each, please."

Here's a novel concept: invite a group of hot, talented black men to a contest ... that they actually have a chance of winning.

That's counter the usual formula programmed into many pageants, 'reality' television or even horror movies. Invariably, those scripts dictate that we lose in the opening rounds. But if you read these pages, you already know that my mission is to find contests where brothaz win like the Mr. Panama competition ... and now the Mr. Caribbean International.

Mr. Caribbean International is an annual competition at Hedonism III in Jamaica. The contest goes farther than offering a smorgasbord of chocolate iCandy: it promotes unity and brotherhood among the African diaspora among Caribbean cultures.

We encourage the contestants to display their rich culture, share their diversity in the spirit of unity, and showcase their talent to a multicultural society ... We specialize in the oganization of events that shine a positive and dynamic light on the communities within the Caribbean.

For the winners, there is a cash prize, travel, accomodations and almost unlimited fun at one of Jamaica's better resorts.

Look at those arms holding that ... mic.

Now in its sixth year, Mr. Caribbean International has grown from a small pageant into an impressive international contest. The organizers and contestants all reflect the African, Asian and Hispanic melange that has made Caribbean culture so vibrant. Official sponsors include Air Jamiaca, Hedonism III and Bally's Total Fitness. The competition is headquartered in Toronto, which has a significant West Indian population and vibe.

Symon Murray, Middle

Mr. Caribbean Canada

Right now, organizers are recruiting contesants for the next competition which will be held from October 3th to October 10th 2005 in Jamaica. Contestants must be 18 years or older and able to travel to Jamaica on those dates. Visit here for contest details.

Thanks to Keith for contest information.

Mr. Caribbean International

Mission: Gail O'Neill

2005-04-04T00:15:00.000-04:00

If you're anything like myself, you probably spend more than enough time obsessing over the more important things in life: 400 count pima cotton sheets, sales at Banana Republic, staying on the good side of bouncers and party promoters ... and catching HGTV.

Gail O'Neill is a familiar face to HGTV fans. As the host of Mission Organization, she's responsible for bringing control and order to chaos and clutter. Her personality mirrors the show: she looks fabulous and is always on point. Mission Organization is one of the better shows on HGTV, but in reality most of their programming is top-notch.

There's something about Gail. You fall in love with her Colgate smile, easy manner and poise. She's quite comfortable in front of the camera, and you wonder ... where have I seen that face? After watching the show several times, you realize that you've seen her before, possibly many times.

Gail is a former supermodel, and has graced the covers of Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle and other top mags. While other former Elite, Ford and Wilhelmina girls are starring on reality shows (hellooo Janice!) and Page Six—or Page SixSixSix—Gail has done just the opposite. She segued into television as a reporter, covering features for the CBS Early Show, then moving to CNN to report and host the weekly Travel Now. The Atlanta-based personality also files reports for other CNN programs. And of course, you can catch her weekdays on HGTV.

Check local listings. Mission Organization: HGTV

aguysite

2005-04-03T15:05:00.000-04:00

Certain weblogs should be experienced; they offer more than the pedestrian "read me, look at me, become bored by me" fare that has over-run the blogosphere. aguysite blog is one such site.

The multimedia experience was created by the same Dallas webmaster who brought us aguysite.com. That and it's companion weblog are brilliantly designed: a dash Herb Ritts, a measure of Blue magazine, sprinkles of music, literature, books and travels ... shaken, not stirred ... voila! The result is a sexy, clever and engrossing read. There's a tremendous urge to accompany the browsing with bossa nova or Jill Scott; one could do that, but the beauty of this site is that you don't have to. Many entries are complemented with music that you can download via iTunes.

The April edition of aguysite.com can be experienced now. aguysite blog is updated almost daily, so it's like getting an extra dvd of bonus features. And a plus: someone else who loves the Brand New Heavies!

aguysite blog

aguysite.com

iCandy: Sticky Shower Pt 2

2005-04-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

The best thing about working in television—aside from the frenetic pace, fancy titles, over-valued salaries and the general cooler-than-thou attitude, which of course I do not have—is the medium itself. Enter any studio, production company or newsroom, everyone has at least one or two monitors on their desk or cube, and many more in offices. The more monitors and high-tech set-up is a badge of honor.

The coolest shops route dozens of in-house and cable channels directly onto your desktop or laptop, like the entertainment news show where yours truly worked earlier this week. A few hours of script-tweaking could be idled away while watching satelitte feeds from anywhere ... and the ~~worst~~ best that DirecTV had to offer, like Doing Hard Time.

By now, my sticky fingers for Kirk Jones—aka Sticky Fingaz—has been well documented. Last month we admired his shower calendar from years ago; now let's see how he really looks while soaping up.

DHT isn't a great movie. The 2004 prison thriller was very ... should we say, straight to video? But Sticky's second-billing as Eddie Mathematic was decent. Besides, who can resist pictures like this?

Here's the ~~cliched and derivative~~ plot: strong, determined man (Boris Kodjoe) vows revenge after his daughter his killed, and must go behind bars to exact vengeance. As Sunshine Anderson sang, heard it all before.

Along the way he meets the usual characters, hard core thugs, corrupt prison guards, evil warden, etc. It's basically Oz, sans the brilliant writing by Tom Fontana, ensemble cast and clever story arcs. But the bonus: there are even more nude shower scenes.

Doing Hard Time
Sticky Remote: brotha 2Brotha
Sticky Shower Pt 1: brotha2Brotha
Sticky Fingaz Official Online Team

Must See Gay TV

2005-03-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

Does it really matter if yet another American Idol contestant is gay?

Not to me. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I tend to assume that most young men vying for singing and modeling contracts on national television are suspect.

So it comes as no surprise that John Chiklis at AfterElton.com has discovered Anwar Robinson's M4M ad on Blackplanet.

Apparently it's not fake; the photos are clearly identifiable and the acount history shows that the owner has not logged in since January 1, around the same time that I last checked my BP dating profile. That was long before Idol's fourth season contestants were announced, so it's highly unlikely the profile was doctored.

In television news we call stories like this ... non-stories. Okay, another cute, exuberant young man singing show tunes is gay. What is the surprise?

AI is today's Valley of the Dolls, complete with a bitchy has-been ~~Simon Cowell~~ Helen Lawson lashing out at any young upstart with more talent than her. So it comes as no surprise that ~~Jim~~ ~~Ryan~~ ~~Justin~~ ~~Clay~~ ~~Mario~~ ~~Simon~~ gays and gay-friendly personalities are attracted. The bigger story is that Anwar didn't try to santize his background. Maybe he's thought about it, maybe he figured it wasn't worth the effort.

In any event, my next question to John Chiklis: You've outed this young man. "And?"

You Deserve a Big Mac Record Deal Today

2005-03-30T01:30:00.000-05:00

You've heard them plug everything from Phat Farm and Seagrams to Curvoisier and Versace. Now, prepare for the Return of the Mac ... the Big Mac. Fast food giant McDonald's has partnered with a hip hop marketing firm to buy their way into the lyrics by some of your favorite ~~sellout~~ MCs.

According to Advertising Age, the goal is to have several tracks hit the airwaves by the summer. Here's how it would work: the 'artists' have the freedom to create whatever ~~derivate~~ ~~lame~~ ~~sellout~~ lyrics that they wish, but must mention the Big Mac. McDonald's retains final approval on those lyrics. Basically, the song is an infommercial.

No money is paid up-front. In return for the placement, the fast food chain will pay rappers up to $5 every time a song mentioning the ~~calorie and trans-fat laden~~ burger is played. So it's all about developing a huge summer marketing campaign to ensure heavy rotation.

Would You Like Fries with Those Lyrics?
Allegedly, the multinational food service corporation will have no involvement in writing the rhymes. That's hard to believe: the company is the global fast food leader and a marketing juggernaut. One would be hard-pressed to imagine that producers won't bounce ideas by McDonald's award-winning creative team. Truth be told, Mickey Dee's ad managers can probably develop better lyrics than Kanye or Jay-Z.

Hova is paid to mention Bentley. Busta Rhymes fronts an infommercial for Curvoisier, and their sales soar. Kanye plugs at least 19 brands and cries because he wasn't awarded enough Grammys for his (ahem) creativity. Yawn. This product placement is ridiculous. Mainstream hip hop lost credibility years ago, and the Big Mac attack is just an evolution of that mediocrity.

Super Size Me, Son
The blatant commercialization of hip hop discounts any notions of creative license or legitimacy. In today's ghetto-fab culture, money equals validation. As long as you're getting paid for something it must be okay, right?

Wrong. The McDonald's plan is a shameless ploy to market Big Macs to children and teens. Children are not aware that their favorite artists have morphed into walking and talking billboards. The average 13 year old does not read Ad Age or the Wall Street Journal; most teens and many young adults do not read newspapers.

McDonald's and other fast food chains have faced mounting criticism that they've helped fuel an obesity epidemic, particularly among children. The problem is even more apparent among minorities and the poor. One-third of black- and low-income children are obese, and the numbers are trending higher--and this would be intended audience for the Big Mac pimpin'. Mickey Dees and other food companies are paying lip service to responsible marketing, but it's apparent that this is just the latest gimmick in deceptive advertsing.

Years ago, rap music was called the 'CNN of the streets.' That may have been true in the golden years of hip hop in the 80s and early to mid 90s. Now, the music is more like a Home Shopping Network ... the poor man's version.

McDonald's Buying Its Way Into Hip Hop Lyrics: Ad Age
Return of the Mac Coming Soon: BBC
Big Mac Pimpin': MTV

Johnny on the Spot

2005-03-30T01:00:00.000-05:00

"I'm sort of the legal gunslinger, the celebrity lawyer."

That's how Johnny Cochran described himself in one of his two memoirs, A Lawyer's Life. The flashy, soundbite driven lawyer plead guilty to flamboyance and extravagance; nothing wrong with that, those are actually desirable traits for a defense attorney. Indeed, most knew him as the lawyer to the stars like P. Diddy, Michael Jackson, OJ.

But Cochran often took high-profile cases so that he could represent "the No J's ... those cases I've taken in which the chances for getting paid are actually pretty slim."

Like Geronimo Pratt.

Cochran defended the former Black Panther early in his career. In 1972, Pratt was convicted of a '68 Santa Monica homicide; many have maintained prosecutorial misconduct, entirely believable given the merits of the case and the time. For the next 25 years, the "celebrity lawyer" tirelessly worked to overturn this verdict. In 1997, Mr. Cochran was part of the legal team that won Pratt's release.

Those were the cases that Cochran said made him the most proud.

He's Just Not That Into You

2005-03-28T12:35:00.000-05:00

More thought-provoking content from the fashionistas at D&G.

Last time, the same model was suspended on a ~~sling~~ hammock as the other male models ignored him to concentrate on a little boy and his chimp. MJ, maybe? Other recent events?

Here's another interesting image presented in the men's underwear campaign. Same model, this time in clever tighty whiteys, pants dropped and ready action. A disheveled young slacker walks by, oblivious to the Chelsea Boy. BTW, the other model's his hair isn't white; that was a pre-scan drop of water.

Obviously this is a hook up location, a la Fire Island, Rehoboth or Chicago's Montrose Harbor. Has the second model already had his fun? Or is he just not into circuit clones with bad QAF haircuts?

La Dolce ~~Gabbana~~ Lolita: brotha2Brotha

Good Hair

2005-03-28T00:15:00.000-05:00

Good Hair
by Benilde Little

Reading a well-written novel is like sex.

First, the thrill of discovering the book on the shelves. The quick read on the train ride home is like foreplay, an appetizer for things to come. Once you’re home, you devour the book with all the intensity of intercourse—finding a comfortable position, bringing out “toys”—television, iPod, music and other accoutrements. The feeling of completion is exhilarating. Not as intense as orgasm, but definitely as satisfying.

This is the affect after re-reading Benilde Little's Good Hair. The novel has been read twice before; but like good sex, you often want to return to the scene of the crime. In this case, there was the need to re-sample her engaging characters and bittersweet reflections on skin complexion, status and relationships.

Benilde has written three books—Good Hair, The Itch and Acting Out. In May her latest—Who Does She Think She Is?—will hit the shelves. Each deals with the angst of the black upper middle class.

You know the the script: daddy is on the fast track at Goldman Sachs, mommy is a stay-at-home attorney, raising Courtney and Brooke with their playgroups and Jack and Jill activities. The parents and most of their friends are brown skinned or light; their families have vactioned on the Vineyard for two generations, and everyone knows each other from Howard or boarding school.

It's an inherently schizophrenic existence. Their African American credentials are dismissed by many other blacks, often accused of not keeping it real. Meanwhile, there's the added pressure of building the resume and fighting the new Jim Crow in the boardrooms.

Little's words are honest, searing and emotional. The dialogue is structured, and the characters studied and deliberate. The protagonist of Good Hair is Alice Andrews, a newspaper reporter and wanna-be BAP who has traded on her working class roots.

I had been living in Manhattan for five years, hanging out with a bunch of women who, in addition to sharing an alma matter, shared a 1950-ish goal of "marrying well." It was actually a phrase that we used to describe what we all wanted: a black Ward Cleaver, who made a million dollars a year and dressed in Armani. What these prized stallions would want in return from their wives-to-be seemed doable at the time: constant stroking, a happy disposition, and great hair--which meant long but requiring little artificial maintenance.

Basically, they were all Cosby girls.

Her writing is emotional, and evokes bittersweet memories of my own life. Growing up poor, attending to a top school, trying to fit in with the trust fund kids, the whole career thing. There are contradictions, too; certainly growing up, there were obvious social divisions between dark and light. It never made me want to become lighter, which would have been impossible. (Actually no, MJ has proved otherwise.) The division is evident when home in Chicago, and of course in the south. Out east, it doesn't play out so well. Definitely, being dark skinned has its advantages in NYC. Maybe that's what attracted me to the big city.

The author touches upon this her book. Alice meets a Jack Russworm, a light-bright bourgeois doctor. Like many great romances, it begins in first class ... on a Delta flight from ATL to LaGuardia. Alice is rebounding from a passionate, whirlwind romance with a playa, and Jack's studied demeanor and orderly life seems just what the doctor ordered. Literally.

There's the contradiction that the author expertly details. Jack is a young prince of the colored elite; his father was a doctor, as was his grandfather. Mother is a society grand dame on Striver's Row. Meanwhile, Alice is from across the river and light years away. She grew up lower middle class in Newark; dad is a mailman, mom is a seamstress. The family is not close, and she has been emotionally scarred by childhood incest.

The contradiction between Alice's shame and Jack's arrogance makes for fabulous reading. Against her better judgment, she falls for the prince. That's okay, no one can legislate the heart. Little exploits these contradictions to demonstrate how we carry our baggage from childhood. Alice must confront her fears—and aspirations—when mixing with Jack's landed gentry set, like when she attended a society wedding in the District.

I looked around the courtyard and there seemed to be a thousand light-skinned men with light brown wavy hair and blue or green eyes, escorting women who looked like their sisters, drinking Cooks' as if it were water, and debating whether Martha's Vineyard was better than Highland Beach.

Eventually, Alice makes peace with her inner demons and her agrees to marry Jack. But before they are hitched ... there's a hitch. It's a wonderful plot twist involving another woman, and Jack rises to the occasion and tries to do the right thing.

Benilde Little is one of our stronger African American writers; unfortuntaely, she's not as well known as some others, and doesn't seem obsessed with name-dropping celebs or pretending to be g-fab. That's not her world. The writing is personal and emotional, the plots are deliberate and the characters are painstakingly drawn. Let's look for her new title in May.

Good Hair

Also by Benilde Little:
Who Does She Think She Is? in May
The Itch
Acting Out

Happy Birthday to Ya

2005-03-26T17:13:00.000-05:00

We all know Perez Hilton as the uber-scenester at SixSixSix ... but seven is his lucky number. On the 27th he celebrates 27 years of fabulosity.

Drop by his page and leave seven comments ... make seven donations ... or send seven hot men his way. Better yet: all of the above.

Page SixSixSix

If Madonna Calls

2005-03-25T00:45:00.000-05:00

Let’s say you're the marketing director for a haute couture designer who's best collections are gathering dust ... and now is pressed to sell blatantly over-priced accessories to the masses. Unfortunately, the label's titular head designer-slash-top spokesmodel is ~~in rehab~~ taking time off. What to do?

Start a new campaign—with an even bigger spokesperson! Versace is more than a designer; it's an icon. So who better to promote the spring/summer collezione than another legend—Madonna Louise Ciccone Penn Ritchie.

Madge is brilliant in the new print campaign for Versace occhiali (glasses) and accessorizi. Never been a fan of their eyewear collection—the frames were gaudy and too small, more suitable for shuffleboard queens in Key West. This new line is quite on the money.

The new ads are lensed by the celebrated Mario Testino, who also created the Material Girl's 1995 campaign for the same designer.

The color scheme is intriguing. The rust and orange perfectly complement Madonna's pale complexion. Factor in the near-platinum hair coloring ... the effect is surrealistic. She's model-perfect. Not too much makeup, uncertain expression. Rita Hayworth isn't the only one who gave good face.

iCandy: Daniel Pt3

2005-03-25T00:35:00.000-05:00

Photos © Kurt Brown's Studio

You've seen Daniel before. Twice he's appeared on these pages, in February photo essays entitled Words Unnecessary Parts 1 and Deaux. Even though you may have seen other photos on the 'net, these two pictures are probably new to you. They were taken several years ago by San Francisco-based Kurt Brown, and display a sensitive, less developed model.

The series is candid and reflective. Compare the pictures on this page to these. Daniel is relaxed, tender and sensitive. He hasn't yet developed the cockiness that results from years in the gym—not to say that's a bad thing. Daniel also seems shy, like below where he avoids eye contact while the shadows bathe him in light. The oil's sheen is almost reflective across his model's skin.

Two weeks ago, we introduced the award-winning photography of Kurt Brown's Studio, where many beautiful images are available as prints, calendars, etc. He also has a fine selection of male and female nudes, and baby portraits. Look for Kurt's photography in the current #54 issue of Blue, p. 68-75.

Kurt Brown's Studio

Words Unnecessary Part 1 and Deaux: brotha2Brotha

Let's Stay Together

2005-03-24T00:30:00.000-05:00

The Reverend Al Green in Memphis
Photo: Al Green Music

Let's be honest: Al Green is the greatest soul artist alive today.

He was responsible for mainstreaming Memphis soul in the seventies by smoothing it around the edges. Al's smooth and raspy vocals were complemented by sensitive yet overtly sensual lyrics. Green's music has been embraced by all regardless of race, creed or color. Or generation.

The new Details runs an interview with the soul singer turned soul saver. By now, most have heard that the man who immortalized Love and Happiness and Let's Stay Together has become the Reverend Al Green. He's made some gospel cuts, but the lure of secular music has brought him back into the recording studio. Everything's Okay is the name of his latest CD ... and his message in the Details Q&A:

The music addresses our young people and our middle-aged people who've been married 10 or 15 years. It tells them, let's stay together. Any man married to his wife 40 years should be able to go into his house and say, "I'm still in love with you. You're 40 pounds overweight, I'm still in love with you."

Sounds good to me. Check out the interview for the real story behind the ex-girlfriend who tossed a pot of hot grits on the legendary artist.

Al Green: Official Website
Details
Bio: BMI/Musisworld

La Dolce Gabbana Lolita

2005-03-23T01:45:00.000-05:00

Dolce & Gabbana has always been considered a fashion leader. The duo's forward designs, impeccable Euro-centric tailoring and celebration of the male form have catapulted the designers and label into pop icons.

Over the years, yours truly has logged mucho overtime to sport those spaghetti strap tanks, bias-cut summer shirts and snug boxer briefs. Happily, D&G is one of the few couture labels that can accomodate growing gym boys. But their new ads feature fewer athletic- and traditional model-type men ... and more boys.

Sure, prepubescent models are routinely used in catalog and commercial advertising. But the new trend is frighteningly similar to the Brooke Shields/Calvin Klein fiasco in the 1980s. Question to advertising account supervisors: why is it necessary to employ a 12 or 13 year old boy to sell square cut swimming trunks to grown men?

Does this ad disturb anyone else? It's a curiously staged scene, and would not look out of place at several parties that come to mind. A handsome, muscular young man is lying in a ~~sling~~ hammock, looking spent and ignored by the freakshow around him. Notice the little boy "flexing" the muscles he has not yet developed. Obviously, the model in the 1970s porn star sunglasses does not see the kid-he's busy avoiding eye contact with anyone, except his ~~dealer~~ agent-but the ~~deathly~~ pale model standing opposite is riveted to the tyke.

But that's normal for many in our lifestyle: ignore the grown men, focus on the little boys.

iCandy: Mr. Panama Pt2

2005-03-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

A week ago today, we brought you the first pictures from the Mr. Panama contest. The annual competition is held in Balboa, with a fashion show and (ahem) swimsuit competition, where these pictures are from.

Love those Latin American men, they are definitely not modest. The thighs on the black shorts are downright juicy: if it's not obvious, we love dark meat and legs and thighs! Mui caliente! Pictures from previous years are available at Cocoas.Net.

This image is from the runway competition, Daniel Machore, 23 anos. There is also an online version of the contest via Panamanian webportal Elcuara.com.

iCandy: Mr. Panama Pt1
Elcuara.com
Cocoas.Net

Six and a Half Minutes

2005-03-23T00:25:00.000-05:00

Goldfinger MGM/UA
Video Captures via Jimmy/Austin

Today Shirley Eaton isn't a household name, but she was in the swingin sixties. By 1964, the actress was already well-known in Britain and Europe before agreeing to take a small role that would launch her iconic orbit. Shirley had one of the shortest on-screen roles as a Bond Girl—about six and a half minutes in the beginning of 1964's Goldfinger. And like gold, her role continues to shine and luster. More than 40 years later, the image of her across the bed painted in gold remains part celluloid, part urban legend. To this day it's the best costume ever won by a Bond Girl.

All of this comes to mind two days ago while watching the movie for perhaps the fifth or sixth time in as many weeks. Goldfinger—the movie and the soundtrack—became a litmus test for every Bond film over the next forty years.

It introduced two seriously sexy and naughty girls: Eaton's Jill Masterson, and the unforgettable Honor Blackman as Pussy "I Must Be Dreaming" Galore. Then there's the sinister gangsters, over-the-top scenarios and even fiercer soundtrack. Sure, there have been some notable Bond Girls since then; some even had memorable roles like Maud Adams, Barbara Bach, Grace Jones or Halle Berry.

Masterson is Goldfinger's secretary

Bond has other plans

But here's the rub: Most of the Bond Girls became famous simply from appearing in the movie, or were already celebrities. But few have had memorable characters: Do you remember Kara Milovy? Or Magda? How about ... Christmas Jones or Elektra King? Of course not. Let's be honest, if Halle weren't Halle, her role in Die Another Day would be a mere footnote. Actually, it already it is, but that's another story.

Kissing Bond became the kiss of death

Shirley Eaton's six and a half minutes as Jill Masterson is just the oppposite. You may not remember her name, or her character's and that's okay. But the role has defined the genre. The golden girl is an icon, a haunting and legendary figure replete with urban lore; the gold paint did not kill her, as many have believed, and still do to this day. Only her character died, and the circumstances and imagery were incredible. That's why we'll always remember Shirley's six and a half minutes.

Austin City Un-limits

2005-03-23T00:15:00.000-05:00

Just last week, this weblog was recognized for it's art content. The layout is very basic here, but we try to deliver strong content, and that includes pictures. But no man is an island; professionally, from having worked in media and television for a decade, I'm used to collaborating. Two or three heads are always better than one. No pun intended.

That's why people who help me are always credited, such as Jimmy at Austin City Un-limits. Many times you'll see video captures on this page. None are created by me, they're culled from various sources. Jimmy captured many of the Goldfinger images seen above, caps from 50 Cent's videos, the Oscars and other projects.

His blog is new and a work in progress, so please stop by and give him some luv. He has a keen sense of humor and a sharp eye.

iCandy: Body Beautiful

2005-03-22T13:45:00.000-05:00

Yay! Big congratulations are in order for my buddy Ryan. Over the weekend, he placed second in the lightweight division at NY Metropolitan Bodybuilding competition. It's a strong step on the road toward a pro card.

The runner-up showing didn't sit well with many in the audience. The judges were booed; many watching Saturday's show at BMCC expcted Ryan to finish first. His symetry, cuts and stage-presentation are nearly flawless.

Ryan is a fitness model and personal trainer. He's Colombian and Puerto Rican, a native New Yorker, and has the sexiest Long Island accent.

Architecture's Bad Boy

2005-03-22T00:30:00.000-05:00

Caltrans Headquarters, Los Angeles
Photo: Roland Halbe

Everyone likes bad boys. Good girls, good boys, other bad boys, myself ... and architects.

On Monday the world's top design award-the 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize-was awarded to LA-based Thom Mayne, a 1960s rebel who has been described as the 'bad boy' of architecture. A generation ago, his bold asymetrical designs were considered blasphemous; today they inspire awe and wonder. His projects often feature cantilevered wings that jut into air, sharp edges and high arching walls. Mayne's work is at peace with nature, exposing open space that is appreciated by winding walkways.

The award is considered the Nobel Prize of architecture, and the Los Angeles architect is the first American in 14 years to win the distinction. Previous recipents include Frank Gehry (who now sits on the award committee), I. M. Pei, Philip Johnson and Richard Meier.

Hypo Alpe Adria Bank, Austria
Photos: Christian Richters and Ferdinand Neumuller

Mayne is a founder of the Los Angeles design firm Morphosis. Over Mayne's three-decade career he has designed projects as far away as Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain and Taiwan. Mayne's work is non-traditional; expect feature sharp, angular construction, as evident above in 2002's Hypo Alpe Adria Center in Klagenfurt, Austria. The architect's concept was to integrate the exapanding city center with the outlying rural terrain. The bank building fuses function with form, at harmony with surrounding fields and open space.

Diamond Ranch High School, Pomona CA
Photo: Tim Hursley

Mayne says his designs seek to integrate society with its surroundings. To that end, many of his commissions are more than simply buildings: they seek balance and establish beautiful relationships with sky and space. Diamond Ranch High School blurs common distinctions between building and landscape. The stunning campus is in the foothills of the Pomona Valley, and the high school environment mimicks the surroundings. Two rows of fragmented forms are set on either side of a long “canyon” or sidewalk. The "canyon" bisects the hillside much like a geologic fault line.

The Pritzker Architecture Prize was established in 1979 by the Chicago-based family of the same name. They have long been known for their support of educational, social welfare, scientific, medical and cultural activities. Laureates of the Pritzker Architecture Prize receive a $100,000 grant, a formal citation certificate, and since 1987, a bronze medallion.

The Pritzker Architecture Prize: Online Press Kit
Great Buildings Online
Morphosis

Related:
Kahn's National Assembly: brotha2Brotha

What's Up Gorgeous P.I.M.P.

2005-03-21T00:45:00.000-05:00

Video captures via Jimmy/Austin

By now we have all realized that the joke is on us. A few years ago, everyone thought 50 Cent was a flash in the pan, and that Curtis Jackson would become relegated to has-been rapper specials on VH1. Speaking of: someone say hello to Ja Rule if you see him working at a Wal Mart or appearing on a "reality show.

Not the case with Mr. Jackson: 50 Cent is now a bona-fide $50 bill. The wanna-be gangsta from ~~Connecticut~~ Queens is an undeniable pop icon. Unfortunately like most pop icon's, he is more style than substance: The Massacre is aptly titled, it'sderivative and over-hyped. Some great club songs, but not much more. Candy Shop is a catchy tune, but we're listening to the same beat as Magic Stick. Meanwhile, Disco Inferno unfortunately has no relation to the seventies disco classic of the same name by the Trammps. Instead, it's a retread of Lloyd Banks' mundane On Fire.

"Like my style?" Luv the spaghetti straps

But none of this should suggest that the product has poor value. Just recently, you'll recall my ongoing fascination with his marketing. He's an eye-full, and his videos are delicious. By production standpoints, it's hard not to fall in love with the packaging. From a homoerotic POV, why do I always want to stuff ~~$100~~ dollar bills in his pants when he takes his shirt off? Sure, his beats are tights, but the aesthetics of the presentation are far more fascinating.

The production values on videos like Candy Shop and the P.I.M.P. remix exceedthose of many competitors. Expensive color treatments and multi-camera shoots are de riguer. The P.I.M.P. video boasted no fewer than three cameras per scene. Moreover, the principals and much of the set were white in color. It's a radical step to associate purty with an artist whose lyrics glorify guns and violence.

Get buff or die tryin'

Moreover, shooting in white is time-consuming and expensive-you rarely see it in television-so whoever can accomplish it has my respect. Shooting against white backgrounds takes extra equipment, much more lighting and extended post-prduction. Some directors use slower speed film, it makes the forgeround look "warmer" with the mono-chromatic background. That may be the case here, as in the shot above.

There's nothing random here, each frame here is deliberately chosen. Look at the composition above. The pale white walls are complemented by the whites worn by 50 and the models. The other color on the production designer's pallette is brown, which provides depth and mimicks skin color.

This is a great shot: the camera is angled very low, probably on the floor so that 50 dominates the frame. The angle and colors make him appear much larger than life, just like his marketing. He's iggin' his adoring fan and smiling at us. What up gangsta.

The Massacre
50 Cent Official Website
Interscope Records
Da DL Crib Yahoo Group
50 CentYahoo Group

Are You Down for Whatever?

2005-03-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

Spring has indeed sprung. Now, young men's fancies turn to the perfect warm weather weekend: That action-packed ~~baseball~~ college hoops game, followed by dining al fresco with the boyfriend du jour or an even better dining companion ... a handsome, thick, strong book.

One new arrival that's piqued my fancy is Down For Whatever, by first-time novelist Frederick Smith. It's published by Kensington Books, which has quick become one of the leading providers of GLBT content. The Los Angeles-based author is a former journalist and educator; he's also black, so the book is required reading.

"Some of friends have described Down For Whatever as a black and latino Queer as Folk meets Waiting to Exhale meets Sex and the City," Fred says. "Those are pretty heavy shoes to fill, but I'll let you be the judge."

The official release date is July 5, and it's already creating a buzz. Go to Fred's site to download a chapter, check his tour schedule or pre-order a copy from Amazon. Expect to hear more about him on this site, and a review.

Frederick Smith.Net

Green Acres

2005-03-21T00:15:00.000-05:00

Tickles, About One Year Old

My weekends are usually predictable, regardless of what city they happen to find me in. Gym, a movie, brunch, try to dine out at least once, a good college football or basketball game and reading. Lots of reading. In New York, there is much more dining out and going out. Back home in Chicago, there is more QT with old friends and family. Now, there is time with some new friends like Tickles (above and below).

Tickles is my sister's newest filly, a little over a year old. By now you're probably saying, "Hmm. Chicago's a huge metropolis, where does she keep the horse? Lincoln Park Zoo?"

Not at all. She owns some land about 90 minutes south of the city center, near Kankakee. It's not much, about 16 acres, mostly pasture, woods and a few ponds. In addition to the filly, there are six or seven quarter horses. Sis has bred and groomed horses for some years, so most weekends are spent "in the country." Just saying those three words sounds so Martha, right? But here's a surprise: there are a number of black farmers in Kankakee County, so it's not uncommon to see brothaz and sistaz with horses, cattle and crops.

Two Studs in Pasture

My first visit was last year. Remember Eva Gabor's bars from the Green Acres theme song? New York is where I'd rather stay/I get allergic smelling hay/I just adore a penthouse view/Darling, I love you, but give me Park Avenue." [Click here to hear the theme song in Real Audio.]

That was me. But times, circumstances and the relationship with my family has changed. Today I look forward to the trips. The change in lifestyle is like night and day; no TV, no laptop, sometimes you can't even get a signal on your cellular. The pasture is just that ... pasture. There is woods, fencing, ponds, and not much more. There's an intense connection with nature here because simple things that usually are taken for granted must be produced.

For instance: water for the horses. First, we have to bring a pump, and remember to fill it with gas before arriving, or else it's another 15 minute drive to the nearest town. Then, the pump must be rigged to the well. Next, heavy-duty water hoses are brought from the trailer and connected to the pump. The hoses are strung forty or fifty feet into the water troughs. If it’s a cold day—like it was over the weekend—the hoses may be frozen. The ice has to be broken by hand; if it's thick, we bring the hoses into the truck and blast the heater. Then there's getting the hay and feeding ...

You get the idea, right? Hard work, but a welcome change from the clubs, the remote control and usual weekend fare.

Unclutter: Cleanse Your Spirit, Claim Your Stuff

2005-03-18T18:15:00.000-05:00

Kevin and Ms. Natalie Cole

Unclutter: Cleanse Your Spirit, Claim Your Stuff
by Kevin E. Taylor

Everyone has moments of clarity. Kevin Taylor's first was in 1975, as a little boy growing up in the projects of Washington DC. He chanced upon Natalie Cole on the Mike Douglas Show. She was singing what would later become a classic: This Will Be. [Listen]

I was feeling her, but wasn't smitten yet. She sat on the couch and talked about her dad for a minute. Mike asked her when did she begin singing. She said, 'Probably around my junior year of college.' College? Black people didn't go to college, or at least that's what I thought. Then they began to talk about her album. 'It's called Inseparable.' What? I never knew that we could go to college or use big words.

Fortunately, the boy from the projects went onto college and became of master of words and images. He was hired at Black Entertainment Television as a researcher, and later rose through the ranks to become an award winning producer. This is how fate works: In 1993, almost 20 years after first seeing his idol on television, Kevin was assigned to interview Natalie Cole for the network. That began a life-long business relationship and friendship; Kevin would later research and write the discography on Natalie's 2000 autobiography, Angel on My Shoulder.

After years of producing and working behind the scenes to create compelling television and other media, now it's Kevin's time to shine. Unclutter: Cleanse Your Spirit, Claim Your Stuff is his first book. It's a how-to on empowerment, "how to be more of yourself daily," he laughs.

Unclutter is a metaphor for all the STUFF that we carry that slows us. I say, claim your stuff. Deal with the junk and the gunk in your soul, so you can get what's yours! Many of us become the storehouse of all that negativity and junk and pain. We save it like it is who we are. But I contend that it's not, but rather the launching pad for who you are destined to be and what you can be. You're so much more than your past.

Kevin's book offers plans and examples to unluck the power within: His section on P.O.W.E.R. refers to the Position Over Whatever Enters Your Realm. For instance, he says "I found my job at BET because one day I was on the bus and said God, I wanted to work there as we drove by. Two years later, I had a key job there. God listens. We don't talk enough."

Kevin uses life lessons of family, faith and spirituality mixed with his behind-the-scenes career. He's worked with everyone from Nancy Wilson and Anita Baker to Brandy and B2k. His television legacy is bittersweet: many will remember him as the BET producer who was on location with Aaliyah in the Bahamas, and through divine intervention was not on that ill-fated flight. Kevin knew Aaliyah and all of the victims, and the pain is still there. "To know that there were 3 gay men of color who died with her, just hurt deeply, " he says.

I was booked on the plane with them coming back to the mainland. Before we left, a manager asked if I didn't mind taken a commercial flight, and not caring about it and knowing what privacy celebs get is taken, I just said okay.

Anita Baker and Kevin

Apparently, God had other plans for him; saying 'okay' saved his life. But he does not look back, only forward. Kevin has worn many hats: son, brother, producer, writer and now has a new one ... minister. The super-producer is now the Rev Kev. He still produces for BET, but not full-time. Kevin was baptized at age 10 and has always had a strong spiritual side; years ago, he realized that the jet set lifestyle, screenings and premieres were not addressing it.

In '97 I stated to lose the passion for the industry. A friend who was also my EP said that I was caught up in the trappings. If I took down my celebrity pics and Honey Hall of Fame—pics of various guys of all races and such—I would realize that I wasn't happy there anymore. Took everything down, pics, frames, flowers, trappings and went to lunch. I came back and couldn't sit still for 10 minutes. She was right.

It would be five more years until Unclutter would be published. During that time, Kevin became ordained, and managed to carve a successful niche for himself: producing entertainment and gospel programs, and minister to his New Brunswick NJ congregation. He says it is all compatible. "If I can preach How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore, people know the song from Prince or Alicia. Then I can break it down and talk about an active prayer life and talking to God all of the time, not just when you're in trouble. Then they get it."

Kevin's taking his book and life's lessons to heart: he's in the process of developing a talk show with one of the cable networks, so you may see him on a small screen near you. But this time, the veteran producer would be in front of the cameras. "Ask and ye shall receive. If you build it, they will come."

Unclutter: Cleanse Your Spirit, Claim Your Stuff

Stripe It Rich!

2005-03-18T01:00:00.000-05:00

More summer fashion from yesterday's Adidas hottie. Yesterday he was bold in black and white track suits. Today, warm splashes of color in beach-inspired ensembles.

The Guess chest-striped polo is lightweight yet functional: sportswear, office casual or fun. At $49 it's a decent price, but you could probably get something very similar (but cheaper) at H&M, Target or Century 21. These are summer faves for me: this year, brown, beige and other earthtones are the hot colors.

The Nautica seersucker pants are summer favorites. Stripes are look brilliant if you're slim or toned, so they're not for everyone.

But funky kicks work for all, and these leather Helmut Lang sneakers are on my list. Haven't seen anyone sporting these yet but the model ...

His name is DIN. Thanks to David for the heads up.

New Kids on the Block

2005-03-18T00:50:00.000-05:00

We're not talking about Jordan, Donnie, Joe and ... well, the other guys. What were their names? Doesn't matter: there are some new names added to our links at right. If you haven't yet navigated to them, please take the time ... now.

Point and click to Pip at UptempoOrpheus. His motto: Life is all perspective. This one is mine. His POV is fresh, irreverent, humorous and probing. Pip's destined for stardom, so be nice to him now—he’s a member of the Second City, so it's just a matter of time before we see him on SNL.

Do look up M!ke at Dark Affinity. Music lovers will enjoy his piece of the blogosphere—expect reviews, lyrics, poetry, musings and more. Right now I'm grooving in my seat while downloading Miss Nina Simone. Courtesy of M!ke. BTW, the art on his site is terrif.

Please visit them and each of our other links. C'mon...it's so e-z. Each opens in a new window, so you can have surf like it's Waikiki.

UptempoOrpheus
Dark Affinity

Fun with Flickr

2005-03-17T17:35:00.000-05:00

Amaze your coworkers!
Impress your boss!

Spell anything with this fun title generation program from Flickr. It grabs letters from random photostreams. Here's one way to spell my name:

Once you get your code, you can left click on the letters to change them. Thanks Andy T at Towleroad and Trunkguy.

The Award Goes To ...

2005-03-17T13:36:00.000-05:00

Don't you love awards season? First the Golden Globes, then the Oscars and now .. the Big Rocka Awards.

The writer and online phenom honors the best of weblogs in his sophmore honor roll, Shine 2.0. Twenty sites are recognized for creativity, content and design ... and yours truly is among them.

Please visit Rocka for the full list, and send him some luv.

Thanks! You really love us ... you do!

Glossies: Black and White

2005-03-17T03:05:00.000-05:00

Via Adidas

More advertising campaigns are being presented via black and white images. The effect is crisp and timeless. There's a certain risk that one assumes with B&W: the resolution is generally higher, that exposes more flaws but the shadows can be very forgiving.

Burberry and Prada currently have national campiagns featuring B&W photography. Adidas steps it up a notch, using black, white and multiracial models. It's a breath-taking advert: the stop-motion photography captures facial expressions that range from surprise to rapture. Above, in the first advert, both models have almost identical expressions. In the middle, the blonde's lip trembles in ecstatsy. Final, the stark photography intensifies the sistah's natural.

Go to Adidas for more adverts, wallpapers and downloads.

Hot Type: One Stop Fierceness

2005-03-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

One Stop Hot is the newest creation by the fierce family that brought us Oh la la Paris and ManChic.

It's a slick and clever webzine, highlighting the buzz on fashion, culture, music, travel, movies, media ... everything you need to know to keep stay on top of things. Or however you like to be on them...

Point and click your way over to their new site, say hello to Monty and see what's hot .. before everyone else is talking about it. And it's all under one roof: one stop browsing, One Stop Hot.

Soundbytes: Candy B

2005-03-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

Candice Bergen as Judge Amanda Aderlee
Law & Order: Trial by Jury via NBC Universal

Pastis is at the corner of Ninth Ave and Little West 12th, in the heart of the Meatpacking District. Conveniently it's just three blocks from the flat, so it's a good bet you could catch me there. It's also one of the better places to people watch and gawk at celebrities, especially while dining al fresco in the summer. On a cool evening, you see everyone here, from supermodels to Ethan Hawke, Lenny Kravitz ... or Candice Bergen.

An early afternoon in May or June 2003. Picture me walking by Pastis on my way home from the gym, looking very Brooklyn meets Chelsea: baggy engineered Levis and matching jacket, spaghetti strap D&G tanktop. Chatting away on the cellie oblivious to everyone (Its all about me) and almost stumble into Candice Bergen's table. She and a lunch companion are looking oh-so-chic with their salads and Evian in glass bottles. "Why hello there," she smiled, that unmistakable voice at once putting me at ease. "I'm sorry, we should have pushed this table back some..."

That's how we met. She apologized, I apologized, her friend apologized, we laughed and chatted and they invited me to sit down. That's one thing I love about the city, you can meet almost anyone and they'll speak to you as an equal. But this was unexpected: she has an Academy Award and is making small talk with me...sweaty and coming from the gym? But it turns out that we knew people in common: at the time I was assigned to one of the network morning shows, and of ourse she knew the host.

Candice—we've bumped into each other twice since then, both times dining out, so it's Candice—has Eurocentic mannerisms. She's not loud or brash, and is quite personable. Needless to say, she started as a swingin' sixties girl and today is quite the icon. Best Supporting Actress nomination for Starting Over. Five Emmys and two SAG Awards for Murphy Brown. The first female to host Saturday Night Live.

A whole new generation re-discovered the fabulous actress in Sex and the City where she had a recurring role. Bergen's character debuted in Season Four, A 'Vogue' Idea. Her patrician demeanor was perfect as icy Vogue editor Enid Frick. SATC fans will remember that episode: Carrie turns in her first article for Vogue and editor Enid Frick was not impressed—saying she wanted more punch, and "less Carrie Bradshaw." (Who didn't?) But it worked out and we saw more Enid Frick (and much more Carrie Bradshaw) through seasons four, five and six.

I'm lovin' the fact that Candice's career continues to trend north. We can see her not once, not twice but up to three times weekly on the small screen. Sunday nights she has a pivotal new role on Boston Legal, as Shirley Schmidt, the new managing partner. Wednesdays and Fridays catch her in a recurring role on Law & Order and the new spinoff Law & Order: Trial by Jury.

Candice began that crossover role at the beginning of this season in the original L&O, an episode titled The Brotherhood. In another ripped from the headlines plot, her Judge Anderlee character was targeted by white supremacists. The storyline was based on the tragic circumstances surrounding Chicago federal judge Joan Lefkow; white supremacist leader Matthew Hale targeted her for death, and apparently in unrelated circumstances, another man killed her husband and mother-in-law on February 28.

Bergen's presence is a natural for the role: serene, commanding yet charsimatic, exactly what you'd expect in a judge. Apparently, the producers at Dick Wolf Films had their eyes on her and it's been a match made in heaven.

Law & Order: Trial by Jury: Friday 10/9c (NBC)
Sex and the City: Sunday 8/7c (HBO)
Law & Order: Wednesday 10/9c (NBC)
Boston Legal: Sundays 10/9c (ABC)

iCandy: Mr. Panama

2005-03-16T00:35:00.000-05:00

The Mr. Panama contest is held annually in Balboa. There is a fashion show and (ahem) swimsuit competition, where these pictures are from. Latin American men are definitely not modest. The zebra shorts look as if they were painted on, mui caliente! Pictures from previous years are available at Cocoas.Net.

There is also an online version of the contest via Panamanian webportal Elcuara.com. My vote went for Yaul Zapateiro, 24 anos. Unfortunately he is not leading, but lagging behind the others. Yaul es magnífico! Go to the site, please vote. For him. :p

Elcuara.com
Cocoas.Net

Headlines: Pride, South Africa Style

2005-03-16T00:15:00.000-05:00

Cape Town Pride
March 2005

After a decade of democracy and one of the world's most liberal constitutions, South Africa still cannot accommodate those who are both black and gay. A recent report by the BBC found that Cape Town's third pride march demonstrated how white-dominated the festivities were.

White gays have been accepted in the sexually-liberated town. Blacks say they are fighting a double-edged sword: tacit racism and discrimination and cultural taboos.

As a young black man I would need to be looking for a wife, making babies, and because I am not fulfilling those roles, society does not know how to deal with me. Africa Melane, Journalist

Melane says his family knows about his sexuality, but has never confronted him. Although the country has more freedom than ever, he says black African culture doesn't accept homosexuality. "You risk not being part of the community, not being part of the family, not being part of society."

Africa Melane notes two responses: many friends become introverted and go into denial, while some others go to the other extreme as transvestites or transsexuals. The recent march in Cape Town featured Miss Gay Pride's top three transvestites, and two were black or mixed race.

Meanwhile, many white gays are trying to build bridges. The recent festivities featured another first, a gay shebeen crawl. This was a trip around some of the more liberal small bars scattered across the black townships outside the city.

Taking Gay Pride to South Africa's Townships: BBC
Cape Town Pride 2005

Soundbytes: Boston Public's Mehcad

2005-03-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Mehcad Brooks co-starred in the third and fourth seasons on Boston Public, the critically acclaimed—but commercially panned—drama created by Emmy Award-winning producer David E. Kelley.

Mehcad is 24 years old, and has modeled since the age of 15. Besides his studies at USC, he's also gained considerable prowess on the basketball court, and that's where many of his television and film roles have led him. On Boston Public, the 6'5 actor played Russell Clark, a preps hoops phenom; as you can see on the left, he's extremely photogenic.

Not surprisingly, the flawless Mr. Brooks reported for jock duty in other roles, like One on One and 2003's A Token for Your Thoughts, where he also served as assistant director. Sometime next year, look for him at a screen near you in Glory Road. The mid 1960s period piece is the true story of the first all black starting line-up for a NCAA hoops team.

Boston Public: Syndicated episodes can be seen on TV One and Vox, the premium German television service.

iCandy: Sticky Shower

2005-03-15T05:01:00.000-05:00

Last month, we were waxing on about Sticky Fingaz. Now we're obsessing. Sticky—born Kirk Jones—is best known for fronting rap group Onyx in the early- and mid-nineties.

You may recall these shots from the Sticky Fingaz Calendar of 2000. Even though the top foto is steamy, these two are my faves. The composition is excellent: Sticky's frame is fully centered, and his complexion compliments the shower tile. Also, the head nod was a creative way to hide down thurr'.

The calendar proceeds were donated to charity, to the International Black Women's Congress.

Ah. He can sing, act and has a conscience.

Let's hope there is another calendar soon.

I ♥ Sticky Fingaz

Sticky Fingaz Official Online Team

Beats: BBC's Xtra Somethin'

2005-03-15T02:45:00.000-05:00

By now, most are probably familiar with my fascination of British soul. So you can imagine my delight several weeks ago when a reader sent me this crypic IM: BBC 1Xtra. Check it out. That was in February; by now it's a daily-must.

1Xtra is the BBC's black music digital radio station. Might not sound like much on this side of the pond, but this was a first in the UK for the broadcasting behemoth. It was launched as a legal alternative to the many pirate stations that exist in Britain. The station was one of five new digital BBC stations to debut in August 2002.

Wu Tang's RZA performing for 1Xtra

The service plays black music in many forms, from hip-hop and R&B to garage and dancehall. Even more appealing, it's an all-digital service so you can program according to your listening pleasure. You can listen live over the internet, or choose from hundreds of interviews, concerts or sessions. A significant portion of 1Xtra's programming are live concerts, such as Raphael Saadiq & Rahsaan Patterson live or Myron, Don-E, Lynden David Hall and Brand New Heavies live.

Another added bonus: listening to the DJs in their oh-so-sexy black British accents. *Sigh*

1Xtra
BBC

Glossies: Leaping Lizards

2005-03-14T00:30:00.000-05:00

Via Social Diary

Holy Cow, Batman! Los Angeles, New York City and points in between have been invaded by gigantic snakes. And Paris Hilton.

The above billboard is on the Sunet Strip. It's part of the new Guess campaign featuring PH and other models being entertained by some very hefty snakes. PH isn't the it factor here; the serpent caught my attention because if you haven't noticed, the reptiles are BACK.

Via Guess

The men's ads can be seen in Details, Vitals, Arena and other publications. There are at least two shots: in both the model is reclining, with and without a drink. He caresses the snake and gazes in the distance while the fat tail of the reptile curls from his pants. That's hot.

iCandy: Snake Boy

2005-03-14T00:25:00.000-05:00

Don't know his name, but I just remember him as the snake boy. Found this picture maybe three years ago on Blackplanet, when sooo many brothaz were servin' it. Honestly: the sight of a beautiful, regal reptile curled around a man's neck—especially a hottie, with muscles, curves, and tattoos—has always done more than something for me.

Plus, the pic reminds me of Wood, my ex. He looks very much like this—just darker, more size and tats—and often walked around with his pet coral snake.

Another pic from BP of the snake boy, this time with a buddy. Okay, so he's in a ~~gang~~ frat. Don't you hate it when they ruin perfection? In the first picture he's so relaxed and reflective; regardless, both are beautiful. Their complexions are near flawless—not a pimple, blemish or imperfection in sight.

Memo to dark and lovely on the left: can you get any more ripped?

Glossies: Snakes Alive

2005-03-14T00:16:00.000-05:00

Via Cargo

More snake and skin, this time courtesy of the spanking March Cargo. The full-page layout is called Skin Show: Reptiles Are Back to Tip the Scales in Your Favor. A variety of accessories are highlighted, from snakeskin glasses to python watches, shoes and belts. The python print silk shirt at lower left is hot ta def, so here's a zoom.

Michael Kors isn't one of my fave labels, but he is edgy. The editors say the shirt is less than five bills, and available at Neiman-Marcus stores and online.

The Cole Haan kicks are clever, and they too are python. It's been a few years since I've owned a pair snakeskin shoes. Years ago they were conidered ostentatious, but today's fashion is much more forward. BTW, in the past few months I've seen more and more exotic shoes such as these, in NYC, Chicago and LA. Not sure are these for me, but they definitely make a statement.

Beats: Rauhofer Live

2005-03-12T19:36:00.000-05:00

This weekend finds me back home in Chicago, with family, friends...and snow. Naturally, I have to whine like any other self-respecting New Yorker who leaves the ~~dirt~~ ~~noise~~ ~~crowds~~ comfort of the five boroughs. So, the top five things that I miss about New York City over the weekend:

5. 20-something Dominican muscleboy who delivers for Pastis
4. Magnolia Bakery
3. The warning bell on the subway
2. Canal Street
1. PETER RAUHOFER's Live @ Roxy 4 Party Tonight!

Rauhofer is a phenomenal DJ. He is impressive live and in the studio, unlike ~~Junior Vasquez~~ other overrated big names. I've had a serious love jones for the music of the Grammy Award-winning producer-slash-DJ ever since he debuted Style by Club 69. Remixes and reissues followed on his *69 label. The Club 69 Future Mix: The Collected Remixes of Peter Rauhofer series was especially notable.

The Austrian-born producer effortlessly blends anthems like Ultra Nate's Found A Cure and dark tribal beats such as Until the Day. I don't know about you, but every time I hear that last track, it's like time stood still under the disco ball, and I've been transported back to the old Palace in downtown Atlanta.

Peter Rauhofer is the only reason—well, besides certain go-go boy BFs—to go to Roxy on a Saturday night. Look at my pics: I'm not a Chelsea poster boy. The Roxy crowd can be a yawn; the tourist quotient is high, and the early hours are perfect for the B&T crowd. Besides, the overabundance of aging circuit boys and overwhelmingly vanilla crowd does not capture my interest. (Back in the day, I always preferred Twilo and Sound Factory before they closed, or the old Vinyl.) But Rauhofer's music does, so I've followed him around NYC, and have loved his residencies at Roxy and at Avalon/Limelight.

Plus: Peter was introduced to me through a mutual friend who works at the club, and he's always been super-friendly and has allowed me in the booth several times. So you can imagine my frustration at not being in the city when Peter debuts his newest CD, Live @ Roxy 4. Coincidentally, he won't be playing at the super-club on 18th Street. In case you haven't heard, Peter stormed out of the Roxy on February 19th, turning off the music after feuding by the promoter.

Rauhofer debuts his newest compilation at his newest residency: Work @ Spirit. This is how he describes the monthly party:

I want all types of scenes represented at my party-the freaks, the black community, Latin people, Chelsea and the East Village. This is going to be a 'dress-and-impress' kind of party-I really want people to bring it!

Trust me, if anyone can work a crowd, it's the DJ from Vienna. With Peter it really is all about the music; he's tribal, he's dark, he's hi-NRG...it's all there.

The great New York parties were about all types of people creating the scene. That's what I'm trying to bring back, because it's missing in this city. It's a challenge, but I think I have a lot of support, and there are a lot of people who would really love to have a party like this.

Peter Rauhofer: Official Site
Star 69 Records
Live @ Roxy 4
Spirit

PageSixSixSix.com Is Too Hot ...

2005-03-11T19:02:00.000-05:00

for its servers. Perez Hilton's fierce new site crashed under the weight of it's own popularity.

A segment on last night's The Insider (which I missed!) heralded our buddy Perez as the man behind "Hollywood's most hated website." Apparently, everyone watching wanted to see why...and the crush of more than 300,000 visitors at once forced his servers to shut down.

The fierce and fab columnist has temporary digs at his old addy. But he needs our help, so please check him out.

PageSixSixSix

Lens: Kurt Brown's Studio

2005-03-11T01:45:00.000-05:00

The affect of Kurt Brown's photography is awe and wonder. Regardless of subject matter—still life, editorial, portraits or nudes—the images have a surreal quality. Even something as hyper-realistic as the model’s musculature blends perfectly with the background, etched in stone, you could say. Is it live? Is it Memorex?

San Franscisco City Hall

Brown is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, and has lived there his entire life. His award-winning photography reflects the aesthetics of Northern California: synergy with nature and a respect of wide, open spaces. Above, we look into the dome of the San Francisco City Hall. The gold plate is a focal point, beautifully framed by an intricate mosaic.

Kurt's studio is 100% virtual, shooting outdoors, utilizing natural light for the much of his work. James on the cliff, left, is a superb example. The image is near flawless: the turquoise belt buckle serves as a compass. It's aligned perfectly with James' abs; in the background, waves crash to the beach. The tide appears to start at the model's eyes, again aligned with the abs and buckle.

Look at the next depiction of James at right. The model blends seamlessly with stone, wood and grafitti. The colors and hues of the environment complement his brown skin. But his pose is odd and playful; what is he hiding from? Or what does he not want us to see? The picture at right is not overtly sexual or sensual, it's more of a still life.

We see a similar motif in Belt Buckle, here. The steer's head—again, distinctively western—frames the torso, and the abdominals are a highway into the granite. Like the first image, the juxtaposition of stone and skin is almost transcedental. Where does one end, and the other begin?

Belt Buckle is one of several Kurt Brown images currently on display at a gallery. Kurt's show at Dot Fiftyone Art Space in Miami runs through Monday.

This is from Santorini. The photographer has developed an extensive portfolio of landscapes and still lifes from the Greek Isles. The whitewashed home and tranquil beach setting almost codify the essence of the Greek isles: timeless beauty and endless sunsets.

Please visit Kurt Brown's Studio, where many beautiful images are available as prints, calendars, etc. He also has a fine selection of male and female nudes, and baby portraits.

Also: look for Kurt's photography in the current #54 issue of Blue, p. 68-75.

Kurt Brown's Studio

Soundbytes: Eve Gets Unstuck

2005-03-11T00:15:00.000-05:00

It's all about Eve. Everywhere you look, she's on television. No complaints here.

The latest buzz: the singer turned designer turned actress is negotiating to play an HIV-positive lesbian in a biopic. Eve would portray television producer Merle Soden in the movie Getting Unstuck, based on her autobiography of the same name.

Soden professionally goes by the name Conscious; she formerly managed Queen Latifah, and hosted a show on Oxygen. She was molested as a child, and later contracted HIV from another woman. Conscious was homeless and lived on the streets before changing her life and making it as a producer.

While we're on the Eve tip, besides her self-titled Tuesday UPN show, you could have seen the Ruff Ryder on last night's Apprentice. She and other hip-hop and rock stars were donating time and services to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Eve (UPN) 8:30PM ET/PT
Eve: Official Site
Getting Unstuck by Conscious

Headlines: Rashawn Who?

2005-03-10T05:30:00.000-05:00

Do you remember Erica Pratt?

Put on your thinking cap—but don't cheat and begin a meta-search. Do you remember that name?

Of course you don't. Erica was the 7 year old black Philadelphia girl who was kidnapped in July 2002. You may remember that she managed to escape her captors by chewing through duct tape binding her arms and legs, breaking through a locked basement door, smashing a window, and then calling to nearby playing children for help.

You may remember or you may not, because if you blinked you missed the coverage. The summer of 2002 was "Summer of Child Kidnappings", starting with Danielle Van Dam, Elizabeth Smart and Samantha Runnion. Black children received short shrif; their names did not become household words. There was scant network attention. One of the network morning news shows lead with the story, and ran a small spot. I remember because I worked that story on the overnight.

Fast forward almost two years and the exact same thing is happening with the Rashawn Brazell murder investigation. It is not covered extensively by electronic media because most producers and assignment editors dismiss it as a routine murder/dismemberment. Unfortunately, mutilation killings are quite common; working in news you encounter so much violence, you becomse desensitized. You have to help convince media decision-makers that it is important.

So what news is newsworthy? You have to think like the exectutive producer of one the local news programs, or nets. That usually means you are probably white, middle aged and do not live in the city. During the summer of 2002 child kidnappings, I was assigned to one of the morning shows. My colleagues were almost all white, and riveted by the Elizabeth Smart case. "She could be my daughter," an older white producer told me. "She looks just like my niece," my lead producer told me at the time. (FYI, I'm not in hard news any longer, having left for the ~~easier~~ greener pastures of entertainment news.)

The fact remains that there are few blacks in upper management in news, especially at the nets. Pamela Thomas-Graham is the CEO of CNBC. Lynne Pitts is Senior Broadcast Producer at CBS Evening News. The senior vice president of ABC News World News, Paul Mason, is a brother; formerly he was an EP at World News Tonight. At the alphabet network, there are several other blacks on the "rim", the decision-making row of managing producers. Next door, at ABC7, there is a black executive producer, and several black producers. Can't discuss the other shops, but these are the two that I know best.

The Brazell case isn't a priority because it hasn't impacted many of those who shape the news. But it can be covered if the networks and local stations are pressed. You should call them, be very polite and ask for the assignment editor or manager. Say you'd like to see more coverage of the Brazell investigation and that you're very concerned. Thank them for their time, and that's it.

Oh—you don’t have the numbers? Here are direct lines for the newsrooms, so you can bypass receptionists.

ABC7
212-456-3175

ABC News
212-456-4040
Fax 212-456-4292

CBS Evening News
212-975-3691
Fax 212-975-1893

iCandy: Damien

2005-03-10T02:25:00.000-05:00

Photos © BrothaLove Images

A week ago Wednesday, we first met Damien. Here are several more pics from one of the photoshoots by Atlanta-based photographer Malik M. L. Williams. He's the eye behind the lens at BrothaLove Images, which specializes in creating positive images of black men; these beautiful, sun-drenched photos above and below qualify.

For some reason, the above railroad car shots stand out. Perhaps it's the model's relaxed pose, or the juxtaposition of rusting metal and glistening skin. The snapshot at left is particularly notworthy. The framing of the car door and model's arms create synergy; the contrast of his abdominals against the metal is striking. The faded industrial lettering implies danger.

More about the subject: Damien grew up in Detroit, but traded in the cold Michigan winters for the ATL. He's 24 years old, a student and entrepreneur. He models part-time, and can be seen in two upcoming calendars.

BrothaLove Images
Malik M. L. Williams

Soundbytes: Goodnight, Dan

2005-03-10T00:15:00.000-05:00

Photo via CBS News

West 57th Street is Manhattan's television row. At 10th Avenue is King World and Inside Edition, half an avenue down is the same studio where Chris Rock taped his HBO show. But the prestige address on West 57th is the southwest corner at 10th, specifically 524 West. The large white and red buildings anchor much of the block. This is CBS News, where I had the pleasure of meeting Dan Rather in 2000 and 2001.

At the time, I wasn't working at CBS Evening News, but for one of the shows that was taping at CBS Productions (local news is also taped here, along with 60 Minutes, some HBO shows and other programming). But yours truly wore his CBS badge proudly—all the way to and from the A train stop at 8th Ave. (This was before my next move to the other, larger network.) Every day, I'd walk by the large studio on the first floor and see all the Evening News people, looking oh-so-busy and super-serious.

Dan was always around. Early mornings, late nights, saw him at all times of the day and night.

My edit sessions were often scheduled overnights, and my start time was 2200 or 2400hrs. I'm walking in, Dan is walking out. "Hey, how are you!" he cried out. "What's good today?" he asked other times. Always friendly, always talkative, never too good to ignore a low-level producer new to New York City. Sometimes he would wink, or give a quick salute.

Occasionally we rubbed shoulders in the basement cafeteria, or the deli across the street. "What division are you in?" he asked me once, and I told him. "Oh, you have to get out of there, " he laughed. "You want to work on the big show, where everything happens. I love it!" His enthusiasm was infective, and it was obvious that he meant exactly what he said. I took his advice and returned to network news, albeit at another address.

On Wednesday night, Rather signed off from his anchor chair, 24 years to the day he inherited it from Walter Cronkite. Hopefully, his legacy will be more than his role in that discredited 60 Minutes report on President George W. Bush's Vietnam-era record. Dan was a great newsman. He asked questions, he followed stories, he made mistakes. Rather's news philosophy reflected his personal style: he was tough, engaging, and unafraid to ask questions.

That will be my lasting impressions. Tough, engaging, but always a wink and smile for his fellow man.

Rather Signs Off: E!Online
CBS News

At the Movies: Beating the Drum

2005-03-09T00:45:00.000-05:00

DRUM
South Africa (2004)
96 Minutes, color
Director: Zola Maseko

Cast : Taye Diggs, Jason Flemyng, Gabriel Mann, Tumisho Masha, Moshidi Motshegwa, Tanya Baleson

One of the perks of working in media is the review copy. Advance copies or galleys of books, promotional CDs, early magazine editions, film and television clips...all are sent by publicists to newsrooms across the country, hoping for placement.

Another industry perk is the screening or advance copy, often limited to DGA, SAG/AFTRA, or WGA members. It's fun to attend premieres or free lunch-time screenings, and see the likes of Janeane Garofalo, John Lithgow or Margaret Cho. But even more fun: receiving the DVD in the mail—usually around awards time—labeled "for your consideration."

Zola Maseko's award-winning film Drum was of the latter category, arriving recently in a plain brown wrapper. The film doesn't need fancy wrapping, or any bells and whistles. It's an impressive drama, already the toast of the indie circuit. Last weekend, South African director Zola Maseko won the top prize at Africa's premier film festival, Fespaco 2005, held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The period film is based on a true story. The time is the 1950s. The place: Johannesburg's Sophiatown district. Young magazine reporter Henry Nxumalo (Diggs) works hard and plays even harder while writing for the historic black magazine Drum. Apartheid is rapidly spreading across the country, even into Sophiatown, whoee jazz clubs and beatnik bars are the last bastion interracial chic.

Initially Nxumalo is on the features beat, covering sports and society events. Soon he is investigating political corruption and the growing apartheid machinery. Obviously, the white minority fascist regime is not pleased with his exposés; the reporter's life and work are in jeopardy.

The film also was well-received at Sundance. It boasts a delightful supporting cast, including Moshidi Motshegwa (above, with Diggs). It's a dark portrait of Johannesburg in the early years of apartheid, contrasting indulgence against injustice and violence.

But no film is perfect; moreover, with such a serious subject matter, it's difficult to find problems. There are several. First, the casting: Diggs is a strong actor, and a great choice to market the film overseas and in the states. But he is an American in a distinctively African film, and overcompenstates by a using a ~~very~~ bad accent. At times he sounds like he's Jamaican, back with Stella getting his groove; other times, it's worst.

That's only a superficial slight. There are other structural issues, to be expected in a biopic. Who was Henry Nxumalo? How did he come to Drum? What was his legacy? The magazine's? Many of these questions are glossed over, as we are rushed into the far superior final act. It's a fine film, but keep in mind the screenplay was helmed by Jason Filardi—his last movie was Queen Latifah and Steve Martin's Bringing Down the House.

But none of these complaints should detract from the film's message or hopefully it's impact. Maseko labored for ten years to bring this movie to fruition, and despite it's few shortcomings, it definitely should be seen. At Fespaco 2005, Maseko was awarded the Etalon d'Or de Yennenga, or Golden Stallion of Yennenga, and a cash prize of 10m CFA francs ($20,000) at the close of the week long film festival.

iCandy: V-Spot Part Deaux

2005-03-09T00:40:00.000-05:00

More Vee, please!

Two more pictures from one of the Vee photoshoots.

His look is striking and rugged. Particularly noteworthy: his symetry. Notice the clean taper to the pencil thin waist, groin muscles ... the overall affect is quite stunning.

The photographer emailed me, and says the model is acting in a novella.
Mui caliente!

Lens: Herb Ritts and Djimon

2005-03-08T17:00:00.000-05:00

Djimon with Octopus, 1989
© Estate of Herb Ritts

Yesterday's photo essay covered Djimon Hounsou.

One of our regular readers, Tosh, lives in Djimon's home country of Benin. He took me to task for not including the image that shot Djimon to stardom:

You mentioned Thierry Mugler, but what I think made Djimon so famous is Herb Ritts' photographs. Especially the picture with an octopus on Djimon's head.

Ritts shot the above image in 1989, at his Los Angeles studio for his famous book Men/Women.

The photographer was a master of manipulating black and white for maximum impact, and demonstrates it here. We see Djimon's head draped with an octupus as if it were a hat. The tentacles lovingly caress his neck and shoulders. Even more erotic: the models are eyes closed.

Djimon was one of Ritts' favorite models. Later, in 1992, he directed Hounsou and Janet Jackson in the music video for Love Will Never Do (Without You).

Hot Type: Read All About It

2005-03-07T15:39:00.000-05:00

Today start your week with a fresh edition of PageSixSixSix ... at a new site!

Uber-fabulous Perez Hilton has moved to PageSixSixSix.com. Check out the new site, it's-oh-so-delish. You can register your identity, and swap private messages ... it's a virtual community. The new site is truly quite fab; recently Perez was chatted up in the Village Voice, and on the radio. And all this after less than two weeks in the Big Apple!

Everyone's moving off Blogger. Over the weekend, our fierce friend Bernard moved Sex and the 2nd City.

Okay, okay: I get the hints ...

At the Movies: Djimon Hounsou

2005-03-07T00:30:00.000-05:00

Hounsou in Gucci
Academy Awards, 2004

Djimon Hounsou is forty and fabulous. He's a triple threat: tall, dark and extremely handsome. Let's say quadruple threat, because I'm a sucker for any kind of accent or dialect—and Hounsou's afrique francophone is tres sexy.

Right now, he's doing the damn thang: a former Academy-Award nominee, and co-star of Constantine and the upcoming Beauty Shop.

The model-turned-actor from Benin, West Africa never imagined he’d get this far in Hollywood, much less life.

Not knowing anything and not knowing the direction that the course is going to take later, if I knew it would end up like this now, I’d probably do it again. But not knowing is the most challenging part of it.

Djimon from Constantine

It seems like only yesterday that we first saw the statuesque, 6'2 beauty in the video for Janet Jackson's Love Will Never Do Without You. But that was many yesterdays ago, 12 years to be exact. He moved to the states after many years in Paris. Djimon was one of Europe's top male models, discovered by Thierry Mugler who saw him living on the streets of Paris.

Hounsou looks even better now, and since then has gained much cache. Last year, he was nominated for best supporting actor for In America, the first African to be nominated for the award.

Beauty Shop opens March 30th, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does. Admittedly, there are some reservations: Queen Latifah's turn in Barbershop 2: Back in Business was not strong, but then again, the movie was your typical g-fab sequel. But Djimon says the new project will be ROFL:

You know there’s a funny element there with Queen Latifiah, Alicia Silverstone and Andie MacDowell playing a bunch of hairdressers.

Hopefully. We haven't seen Andie in anything besides cosmetic and shampoo commercials since ... ?

Beauty Shop Opens March 30th
Djimon Hounsou: IMDB
Constantine

The ExMen

2005-03-07T00:15:00.000-05:00

Guess what? No scathing critiques of this or that television show, no rave reviews of models, or waxing on about musclecars or DJs. Here's something about me. Personally.

Right now, I'm sure everyone reading is like ... omg, not you. Admittedly, it's difficult for me to discuss personal details of my life; mostly, it's training from working many years in news, where ~~good~~ journalists rarely insert themselves into the story. Also, much of my day-to-life is minutiae; it does not make fabulous reading.

But there are a several story arcs that you will hear more of. The first involves the Ex. Let's make that Ex's.

On Friday, my new blogging buddy Alex at New York, One Gay Date at a Time wrote about his Ex-Factor. An hour after reading his post, my ex R calls. He's been calling regularly since a few months after the break-up. It's not you, it's me and you were so good to me. Yada yada yada.

But why are the conversations so delicious?

It's very much like an epiosde of The O.C. In one corner, Ex-BF "R"; in the other, Ex-BF "S". Both call regularly; the conversations are always long and flirty. What is the attraction, and why is it so strong? With both, no less.

Perhaps it's yearning for the familiar, like a comfortable sweater or well-worn boot. Or, maybe we're hoping to rectify what probably can't be undone.

Hot Type: Kinja Me, Baby

2005-03-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

You'll notice two new buttons to the lower right. Both refer to tracking this and other blogs.

If you like this weblog—hopefully you do, because you’re reading now—here’s an easy way to track it, and all of my blog-mates. Just hit this button:

Many bloggers like Bloglines; I'm not a huge fan, and prefer Kinja. The interface is very simple. Plus, it's published by Gawker, which I'm always reading anyway.

If you already have a Kinja digest, add me:

Hot Type: The New Sex

2005-03-05T19:30:00.000-05:00

No, we're not talking about last night's m4m or a4a hookup.

It's all about the fabulous new changes over at Sex and the 2nd City. Bernard has left Blogger and created a delish new site.

www.Sexandthe2ndCity.com or www.SexandtheSecondCity.com

Please click over and welcome him. Yay!

New Email Address

2005-03-05T00:30:00.000-05:00

There is a new email addy:

nycdieselbrotha@gmail.com

Please note, and send all correspondence there.

Also: my old address book has been deleted. If we spoke regularly, could you drop a line to my new gmail addy? Thanks!

Dear Mark ...

2005-03-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Dear ~~Vin~~ Mark:

Sorry that it's taken a minute to get back you. But you were forced to change your phone numbers after that tacky Paris Hilton-Sidekick fiasco. The nerve of some people!

Today there's some good news and bad news. The bad news: did not attend this week's screening.

But the good news: Tonight, let's have a threesome with Dwayne! First I'll spend 1hr 50mns with you, then another 2hr 5mns with him. How does that sound?

Great. See you at the UA later tonight!

iCandy: Legs, Thighs and Pack'n

2005-03-04T02:15:00.000-05:00

Due to popular demand, Jay is back. But look front—and you can see why he's so popular.

This is what we know: A few years ago, Jay moved to NYC from Las Vegas. He grew up in Hawaii, and if I'm not mistaken, is Hawaiian and black.

Jay is another bodybuilder-slash-model-slash-dancer-slash-trainer. The above picture is from his old website.

This pic is from USA Muscle, when Jay was a teen bodybuilding phenom. His symetry is remarkable.

Here's how he describes himself on another bodybuilding website:

My current stats are 5'7, 185lbs, 16.5 in arms, 44 in chest, 32 in waist, and 26 in quads. Some of my interests and talents are singing, dancing, martial arts, acting, modeling, and most sports. I am very versatile, I can do basically anything well.

Don't you just love a man who describes himself as versatile, and can do anything well?

The first time I saw Jay was at Stella's in 2002. He would dance there occasionally, and hang out. He also used to hang at the old Red on 53rd Street, and at Steel Gym. We bumped heads a few times at the Monster—the piano bar of all places! And yes, he does sing very well.

More photos to folo.

Thanks to Keith for additional photos.

Friday Fan Male: Random Acts of Unkindness

2005-03-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

tranhot2000: hi
Rod: wassup
tranhot2000: size queen?
Rod: wha??
tranhot2000: size queen?
tranhot2000: are u size queen?
Rod: wtf
tranhot2000: yes or no question
tranhot2000: will ask one more time

***ignore user***

Martha's Midnight Makeover ...

2005-03-04T00:15:00.000-05:00

... probably won't be as dramatic as her 1999 styling by the late make-up artist Kevyn Aucoin for his book Face Forward. The diva of domesticity was made up into 1940s pin-up girl Veronica Lake.

But what will she look like in the morning? I'm curious to see the Harry Winston designed ankle bracelets.

Poor Martha. Confined to 195 acres and a chef from the Four Seasons.

iCandy: V-Spot

2005-03-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

If it isn't obvious by now, my tastes are often over-the-top. Some things cannot be explained; we like what we like.

Vee definitely fits that genre. He is not incredibly gorgeous, or massively muscular. He has a striking, rugged look. But most importantly, his symetry is flawless. The clean taper to the pencil thin waist, groin muscles ... the overall affect is quite stunning.

His photos are labeled "Vee", and it's not certain is that short for Victor or Vincent; possibly, the photographer's short-hand for the model's dramatic V-shape. Or, the coveted 'V' below his navel.

Well-developed muscles below the waistline are all the rage now, but they have always been my weakspot. The inverted pyramid shaped muscle group comprises the psoas (Greek for loin), iliacus and hip abductors and are found below the belly button. They can be showcased above the waistband on low-rise jeans. Tres magnifique, no?

Lens: That's Hot

2005-03-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

Black is the new black.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell returns to the Pirelli calendar. French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier shoots her nude for the launch of the Pirelli fashion collection campaign in Paris. She is accompanied by only a watch, shoes and occasionally by the uber-stunning Tyson Beckford.

Tyson is outstanding. He is especially gorgeous when his photos are not re-touched; the tattoos are especially hot.

The exhibit is on display at SoHo's Tony Shafrazi Gallery, where they will be auctioned to raise money for child victims of the recent Asian tsunami.

Thanks to Steph & Alek at Oh la la Paris for the photo. Tres magnifique!

Lens: BrothaLove Images

2005-03-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

Photos © BrothaLove Images

For your consideration: the above photo of Damien by BrothaLove Images.

The model is striking. But even more complementary is the near-flawless execution of natural light and shadow. Notice his eyes are aligned with the angles along the boxcar. Then, over his left shoulder, see the shadow line along the boxcar which begins at the model's pec level. The image is an exquisite synergy of nature and media.

Malik M. L. Williams is the eye behind the lens at BrothaLove Images. "Black men are beautiful," he says, and his photographic mission is to "present positive images of black men." Williams' specialty is manipulating natural light and shadow for dramatic results.

There's no substitute for the way the sun brings life to skin, eyes, etc. Shooting outdoors also gives me so much more to work with in the environment.

Much of the beauty in Williams' portfolio is subtle, rather than overtly erotic. Here's an example, a photo of Damien from the same series. The model is very masculine and muscular; but the dramatic, industrial environment force him into vulnerability and complacence. He stands exposing a tattooed muscular back, uncertain as to what's next. It's very subversive:

I live for the reaction i get from so many brothas who look at their images and say, "You showed me a side of myself i'd never seen."

BrothaLove Images offers a variety of services: editorial, fashion and artistic photography, as well as headshots, and commercial and design projects.

Like many creative types, Williams' is a renaissance man. Besides his love affair with the aperture and darkroom, he is also a writer and activist. Williams is a founding member of Adodi Muse, Atlanta's only black gay male performance poets collective. The other two members are Duncan E. Teague and Anthony Antoine. They describe their works as "an in-your-face collection of performance poetry, singing, rapping, and more that is fierce, funny, confrontational, dangerous and entertaining."

BrothaLove Rant Space: Weblog
BrothaLove Images
Adodi Muse

More Legs and Thighs

2005-03-02T13:04:00.000-05:00

The mystery has been solved.

We now know (a) who he is and (b) where more pics are. They'll be posted tomorrow.

Tara Reid Manhunt Expands to Rockefeller Center

2005-03-02T11:21:00.000-05:00

Men are intimidated by fabulously thin ~~party girl and B-movie~~ actress Tara Reid. That's why she says she is single and looking for love. Yesterday we reported that Ellen's producers have a nifty contest for Tara's manhunt. Now, the search has gone bi...coastal!

Matt, Katie and Al at Today have found the perfect man for Tara. Coincidentally, he's one of their producers. You can imagine the ~~wmp file~~ home video that he sent to Ellen's PO box. Let's just say it co-starred three network morning show personalities, featured multiple locations and digital effects.

But regular Joes, take heart: Tara says she is looking for someone "funny,nice and cute." She is not impressed by titles like producer, anchor or trust fund.

MarthaWatch

2005-03-02T01:30:00.000-05:00

... to a halfway house near you.

New reports say our fave style maven may check out of her luxury retreat as early as Friday. Her coming home party had been scheduled for Sunday.

We now resume our original programming.

Soundbytes: Help Ellen Find a Man ...

2005-03-01T17:30:00.000-05:00

... for Tara Reid!

It's hard being a fabulously thin ~~party girl and B-movie~~ actress. "Men never approach me," Tara recently complained on Ellen. Not to worry: Ellen's producers have a contest for that. Let's just say it involves a videotape and a PO Box.

Memo to Tara: Ellen's had fabulous luck with relationships! You're in great hands.

Memo 2 to Ellen's Webmaster: It's Reid with an i, luv.

Glossies: Rock Comes Out

2005-03-01T09:54:00.000-05:00

Not quite. He covers the new March issue of Out.

On Friday, uber-gorgeous Dwayne 'the Rock' Johnson returns to the big screen in Be Cool. You'll recall, he plays an over the top, gay, musclebound actor-slash-bodyguard. *Sigh*

Thanks to Juliano at Made in Brazil for the heads up.

Dwayne's World: brotha2Brotha
Rock It: brotha2Brotha
Out Magazine
Be Cool