Sunday, December 28, 2008

OFF MY CHEST / OFF HER CHEST

This past week I interviewed the delightful Aurora Adams that I met on the HIV-positive Caribbean Cruise in October.  Observing her in the ship’s chapel one evening at the Memorial Celebration of those who died, I KNEW she’d make a great story.

Not to give too much away [the article comes out in February], Aurora’s dream will soon be granted. Born a boy, in a few weeks, Aurora will finally feel complete when she becomes a woman.  

You go, Girl!


On another subject, I have wanted to write this for some time…...  I am NOT a fan of reality shows.  First off, the name is a misnomer.  Once a camera is placed in front of a non-actor, reality is gone, and they become actors.   True “Reality Shows” are shows like the classic Candid Camera where a camera is placed without the knowledge of the person.  Thus, these so-called reality shows should be titled:  Fake Shows or Unreality Shows or better yet,

 “Look How I Act in Front of a Camera.”


And yet on another topic…..In today’s Sunday LA Times, there’s an excellent cover story in the Calendar section about the recent critic replacement for Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper on At The Movies.  His name is Ben Lyons, the son of famous critic Jeffrey Lyons. The other replacement is TCMs Ben Mankiewicz. It should be called “The Two Ben’s Show.”  


 Mankiewicz is savvy, experienced, and intelligent. I can’t say the same about Lyons, who's also arrogant, vacuous, and obnoxious.  Lyons is certainly a disgrace to the captivating originals,  Siskel and Ebert. 

Saturday, December 13, 2008

THEY’RE BAAAACK


“Dann & Kelly”

Yep, that dynamic duo made a rare appearance together at their agent’s holiday party today in the mid-Wilshire neighborhood.

Dann & Kelly have recently reunited after a couple of years of pursuing other avenues. They’ve been with Won and Alan at Mademoiselle for over 5 years and they look forward to continuing their relationship.

After the first of the year, the duo will be back into full swing as MCs of various functions and events and hosting various gigs.


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

COUGH, COUGH, COUGH!!

Yep, in the more than 15 years I’ve been interviewing, I’ve never had to cancel an appointment…..



UNTIL NOW.   Damnit!  

But when I do it, I do it up BIG.  

I had to cancel two:  

the bewitching SIGOURNEY WEAVER and the iconic ANN-MARGRET.      


YES!  FUCK!  




I hope once I’m well enough from this chest/congestion/cold/sore throat/fever/COUGH, that I can tackle them again.  My fingers are crossed.


In the meantime, during my convalescence, I’ll have to be satisfied watching my FAVORITE show -- the only show I watch faithfully -- The People’s Court with the uber-judge, MARILYN  “stick-a-fork-in-me-I’m-done” MILIAN.  I interviewed her a few years ago.  Take a look:







Tuesday, November 25, 2008

LOVE THIS MAN!

How can you not love Jason Mewes?!

He’s funny, outrageous, charming, no bullshit kind’a guy, polite and, yes, very cute.

The star of such landmark films as The Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob and the current, Zack and Miri Make a Porno [he steals the film and, in it, even bears it all], the man in REAL life has been on a curvy and taxing journey.

I had the opportunity to spend a couple hours with Jason today at his home in the San Fernando Valley for an article I’m writing about him, his career, and his mother, Gayle, who died from AIDS. It will be published in A&U magazine and the reader will be surprised at some of Jason’s candid responses.





Taken between shots during photo session


The Crew: Jilly, me, Jason holding Jersey, Renee, and Rick

Monday, November 17, 2008

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY


Been sick with a cold the past week, so I’ve had time to think about interviews that got away – people I would have liked to interview.


Top on the list is Karen Carpenter. When everyone was into the Rolling Stones in the late 60s, early 70s, I was crooning with The Carpenters. At times I was slightly embarrassed to admit it because others would poke fun and call ya ‘white bread’ or ‘uncool.’ Today I’m proud of it! Karen was such a talent and had the voice of -- I know its cliché -- but an angel. She was pitch-perfect and sang with such clarity. When I hear her songs played now, I get chills.



In the late 80s they made a TV movie about her life. Cynthia Gibb played Karen and Mitch Anderson played Richard.
Louise Fletcher played their mother. I hope they release it on DVD. I’d like to see it again.





This is the quintessential Christmas album ever!


Over the past couple of years I’ve pursued an interview with Richard, but I was told that he does not do interviews any longer.



For All We Know, Karen’s probably on Top Of The World looking down on all our Rainy Days And Mondays. And Karen, We’ve Only Just Begun because I still feel very Close To You…..


Sunday, November 9, 2008

BANG, BOOBS, AND BUST


What a BANG up time I had aboard the Crown Princess with 200 gay and straight Pozers for the Cruise Retreat. The ringleader, Paul Stalbaum [in yellow trunks], had many activities such as The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game, seminars, medical lectures, and many social networking gatherings and off the boat excursions. Paul is an extraordinary guy and I’m currently piecing together an article about him for A&U. Many people I met on the Cruise Retreat had been repeat cruisers -- that certainly says something about Paul and this wonderful bunch of people.

Paul@universal-travel.com


Such a cool cat. No, it was hot and huuuummmid!
The ports we stopped: Princess Cay, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk


Formal night for dinner aboard ship





The BOOBS flowed on Friday night, 7th November, at Here Lounge in West Hollywood, for the launch of award-winning photographer, and my friend, Renee Jacobs’ Provocateur 2009 wall calendar of nude women. Hell, if I wasn’t gay I’d swing the other way! Renee’s photography truly is incredible.

http://reneejacobs.com/


http://villagelighthouse.com/


Naoko, Renee, me, and Davidd


Caught in the middle with Renee and Erin Hamilton


BUST those Mormon balls! We joined the protesters on Thursday, 6th November, at the Mormon Temple in Westwood to fight against Prop 8. Shame on them! Tax ‘em! Keep religion out of state politics. It’s civil rights [again] and [again] we’ll win. There is NO WAY they can stop us. Personally, I don’t believe in marriage, but I do believe in Human Rights.












Sunday, October 19, 2008

PAUSE FOR CRUISE


LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN!


This week, out of Ft. Lauderdale, I depart on a 7-day Caribbean Cruise aboard the Crown Princess.

It's the 4th Annual Gay Men’s POZ Cruise Retreat and the 11th Annual Hetero Poz Cruise Retreat. Paul Stalbaum began these retreats and I’ll be interviewing him on board.

Bon Voyage!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

IT’S LISA WITH AN ‘S’

Several days ago I interviewed a talented Broadway [August Wilson’s King Hedley II] and TV [Sex & The City] actress, Lisa Tharps. She’s currently appearing in Nick Salamone’s, Sea Change, at the Gay and Lesbian Center in Hollywood. Treat yourself. Don't miss it!

The article I’m writing will focus on Lisa’s humanitarian efforts with the HIV/AIDS community. Last year, she rode in The AIDS/LifeCycle and pedaled her way from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Incredible. I’ve known quite a number of people who’ve taken this journey and I’ve been sportin’ the idea of doing it too. Hmmmm…..

[Photo of Lisa by Greg Crowder]







Lisa’s article will be published, of course, in A&U--the December issue.



Wednesday, October 8, 2008

JOHNNY O!


















A bit of fresh Irish air swept through my home yesterday.
It was actor, Johnny O'Callaghan.
What a shinning spirit and an inspiration this guy is!

You'll have to find out why when you read my article
in an upcoming issue of A&U magazine.
In the meantime, visit Johnny's website:

http://www.johnnyocallaghan.com/

My associate, Jill




Clowning between shots with photographer,
Renee, and her assistant, Rick



Outside location


A man after my own heart: blood-red toenails !

Sunday, September 28, 2008

BATALON BASH


The L.A. ART RAT, Davidd Batalon, had a successful opening Saturday night at FLAZH! ALLEY STUDIO. Not only on exhibit at the gallery were some of Davidd's classic paintings, but new stuff, as well. Some of the new stuff consisted of intricately executed erotic sketches. Don't miss out. See it!
























Prof. Ron Steen, Art Historian, Art Educator and Curator of Contemporary Art Exhibitions
sitting and paging through new Batalon works with others







At midnight, we toasted to a successful launch!