Greetings from Mexico

Hola. After over twelve hours of traveling, me and James have landed safe and sound in lovely Valle de Bravo. The weather is delightful and its great seeing James´ parents. Not alot to blog about right now, just wanted to keep you all informed that hopefully I will be giving you updates of my Mexican adventures.

That Time of the Year

So today might be my last entry this year, as I prepare to leave for Mexico for three weeks and not sure if I'll be able to update my site, off-site. I would like to take a moment to wish all of you dear readers a very safe and happy holiday and a rockin' new year.

If I'm able to update while I'm basking in the amazing sunlight of Ville del Bravo, you'll get some news south of the border. Enjoy the rest of 2005.

You're Either In or Out

Just when I thought I would have no good reality television to watch, along comes season two of Project Runway. Heidi Klum and company deliver a fascinating look into the creative process of fashion design with fierce competition, tell it like it is judges, and innovative designers. The best part about the show is that each contestant possesses a high level of talent and depending on how they can handle stress, the other competitors and stay innovative in their dress designs - they will remain on the show.

I'm going to predict that the three designers who will make it to fashion week in New York are: Chloe, Emmett, and Santino.

Supersize Me

One thing you have to love about a superhero film is when the actor selected is too big for the role. If rumors are to be believed, Brandon Routh might just be too big to fill Superman's tights, literally.

It's been overheard that Hollywood executives are worried that Brandon's bulge might be too distracting for viewers and have ordered that he be digitally reduced before the film hits theaters. You have to love when a source is quoted as saying, "It's a major issue for the studio. Brandon is extremely well endowed and they don't want it up on the big screen." The only thing this is really going to do is strum up much needed publicity for the film and start a search for hints of his endowment. You have to love the press for bringing this to our attention. Up, up and away.

Two for Zero

So once again, I'm wrong at picking the winner of my favorite reality shows. First the end of ANTM pulls a fast one and awards the title to Nicole (very beautiful, just doesn't have the presence that Nik was able to captivate in a photograph) and then a surprise victory for Danni on the season's end of Survivor.

I'm still surprised that Rafe and Stephanie were stupid enough to not eliminate a huge threat to their success as Danni. I understand she a very likeable person and easy to be around, but if you're going to bring someone like Lydia to the final four (sorry Lydia) who doesn't pose a possible threat, you could have secured your place in the final two, so why eliminate her fourth. By keep Lydia till third, you would have secured yourself a place in the final two and the jury would have to award a victory to the people who had the most say in why they are on the panel. Not smart game-playing, but until I'm in their shoes (think Survivor 13), I can't say how much personal friendships and loyalties play into the game.

Congratulations to both Nicole and Danni, great game-playing and welcome to reality TV history.

Home on the Range

So Brokeback Mountain opens today in New York (in only 3 friggin' theaters... talk about limited release) and I thought it was only fair to salute the other New York cowboy, the naked one. Although the winter weather does not allow us to bask in the glory of a muscular former model turned cowboy boot wearing, lyric singing tourist attraction. I still salute you.

I thought it was time to give you your props Naked Cowboy for the brave fact, that come hell or high water you are out there daily in your two pairs of underwear (so as not to scare those mid-western housewives, or threaten their husbands masculinity, God forbid we see any outlines or bulges), flexing endlessly for photo after photo, and bringing a little country to our fair city. Time Square just wouldn't be the same without you. See you in the spring, guitar strings blazing. Rock On!

PS- So until your return, I'll have to turn to Jake for warmth (something tells me, you won't mind.)

End of the AM

Seems Nicole Richie and DJ fiance Adam Goldstein, aka DJ AM, have called off her engagement after four years together. Sad, it seems like the end-of-the-year is all about divorce proceedings and the end of a bunch of celebrity romances. First Paris (Richie's ex-best friend forever) & Paris, then Nick & Jessica (which seemed doomed long ago, thanks to her crazy controlling father), and it even appears Ms. Spears is have some domestic problems looming on the horizon.

I blame the media and the stars ever growing need for fame for the demise of most of these relationships. We are so happy to see someone famous fail at the price of our own satisfaction and morbid curiosity. Not to mention the price fame seems to cause on any relationship. I hope ultimately, these stars find peace within themselves this holiday season and find what they are looking for.

May The Fiercest Win

Tonight is the season finale of ANTM, and my prediction is that Nik will win this cycle. However, knowing how this season has progressed so far, I'm most likely completely wrong. But, with consistently good pictures and a good positive energy, I'll go out on the limb and say we will be watching Nik's "Life as a Covergirl" soon enough. Here's to what I hope is an exciting final show and I can't wait to see the final two take the runway. Stomp it out, girl.

Today's Beauty Moment

So with tonight's panel discussion, it doesn't leave me a whole lot of time to blog, however it's always a good excuse to run a photo of Jake. Enjoy the beauty that is Mr. Gyllenhaal, and not that it needs the attention but Brokeback Mountain opens in select theaters on Friday.

More on Moore

Tomorrow night, a panel I had a hand in creating will finally happen. Force of Nature: The Art and Activism of Frank Moore will take place at the SVA Amphitheater starting at 7pm. If you are looking for something good to do tomorrow night, please come by and see what I expect will be a lively and moving panel.

An internationally-recognized artist whose works are found in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, Moore was also a longtime board member of Visual AIDS and a collaborating member of a group of artists who conceived and launched the [Red] Ribbon Project, which in 1991 created one of the most enduring symbols of AIDS awareness. Moore’s paintings – luminous scenes juxtaposing natural and human elements to explore social and environmental concerns – have been the subject of numerous gallery and museum exhibitions throughout the U.S. Born on Long Island, Frank Moore died of AIDS at the age of 48 in 2002.

Force of Nature: The Art and Activism of Frank Moore
School of Visual Arts Amphitheater
209 East 23 Street, 3rd floor
suggested donation of $10, proceeds which will benefit Visual AIDS.

Street Art

Tonight is the opening reception of a new group show in Park Slope of street-scapes including the work of Warren Beishir. Me and Warren go way back to grad school and it's good to reconnect with him. Sentinals: Water Towers of New York, features the work of 13 artists whose work depicts these silent giants that still grace the city's skyline. You can check out the show at the Object Image Gallery on 95 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope. The opening reception is from 6 to 9pm.

It's Not Over

Today is World AIDS Day, so please take a moment and reflect on those we have lost and on how the struggle for a cure is still needed. Bristol-Myers Squibb is donating a dollar for each online candle that is lite, so stop by their web site and help the cause. Thank you.

Creativity = More Sex

So this should come as no surprise, artists tend to have more sex (this explains a lot). Psychologists at the University of Newcastle and the Open University in England completed a study where the found that professional artists and poets have about twice the amount of partners, as non-creative people.

The study also showed that the average number of partners increases as their creative output went up. The more attention their work garnered, the more appealing the artist's allure, the famous person mentality. Their active sex lives is often tolerated even by long-term partners, because they expect less loyalty and fidelity from them.

The study proved to be both accurate in both male and female artists but doesn't come with a price. It was also concluded that artist and poets tend to have a higher rate of depression (again, this explains a lot). So while creative people tend to have more sex with more partners, we're stuck fighting years of depression. Well, at least we're having fun while we make great art.

Place Your Bets on Red

Although I'm rarely correct when it comes to predicting who will win Survivor, my money is on Rafe Judkins. Not only is the 'little gay Mormon' kicking ass in the challenges, he's not ruffling any feathers to do so. Besides he's so damn likeable, I don't know how anyone wouldn't reward him the million bucks. But then again, the nice guy usually finishes last, but there are those exceptions, most notably Ethan from Survivor: Africa. Hopefully Rafe will be joining those ranks soon enough. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Stuffed

So with turkey day rapidly approaching, I just wanted to wish my readers a safe, delightful, holiday. Try and save room for dessert, I know I will. See you after the holiday.

Above: detail of Walton Ford, Compromised, 2002

Pick-Up Artist

Slutty Summer comes out on DVD today. Make sure you pick-up your copy today and check out my fifteen minutes of fame (ok its more like 3 minutes.) Enjoy!

The Cookie Crumbles

As always Survivor gets much more interesting once we see double-crossing, lying and backstabbing. Alliances were made to be broken and when they do, it's always good to blindside the victim. Sorry Jamie, as a strong player and one who many expected was unraveling, maybe it was a smart move voting you out. However, I do feel like Stephanie & Rafe made a huge mistake by keeping Gary. The man is slippery and smart and a threat to their chance at a million dollars. Talk about a quarterback sneak.

So hears to you Jamie, for taking it like a man and leaving the game with a good attitude and it's sure going to be interesting when you get your say to those two lucky souls who make it to the end. Funny, for a moment there, I thought that the 'Evil Axis' of six was really going to stay in tack. Silly me.

Spitfire Extinguished

I'm so mad I can't even blog straight. What the fuck? Tyra how can you even eliminate someone with too much desire and drive, isn't that what ANTM is all about. To quote you, "Lisa's the spunky girl. The girl with so much energy. The girl with so much fire. The girl that takes gorgeous photographs. But some of the judges are put off by your fire. Some of them think it's cocky. Some of them are like, 'It's great, but it's too much.'"

Instead you keep the girl who's 'kind of mediocre' - again, your words. I don't get it and I feel like the rest of the season is going to suffer without Lisa's energy and craziness. I never expected her to win, those over-the-top women I love never seem to make it to the top two, just at least make it to the top three. I'm still fuming over her elimination; I just can't write anymore.

PS- Hang in there Lisa, I know this isn't the last we've seen of you. To quote Miss Janice Dickinson from an earlier episode "This girl's a STAR!"

Baby Luv, My Baby Love

So it appears my favorite tanorexic debutante has done it again. With the edition of her latest $3,000 fashion accessory, Baby Luv, which is your keeping track is a kinkajou. This nocturnal mammal (the perfect necklace for the party hoping heiress), whose closest relative is a raccoon has begun appearing on her shoulder at events.

Poor Tinkerbell, at first she had to deal with the arrival of the addition of the other Chihuahua Bambi, who mysteriously disappeared after stirring up another 15 minutes of fame for my favorite blonde Barbie. Now she's got to deal with a creature who's peak activity hour is 7pm till midnight. Something tells me with the California law which makes owning a kinkajou illegal and Paris' short-attention span and ever changing wardrobe, Luv's 15 minutes might be up sooner then later.

PS- Hang in there Tink, we've been through this before.

Book Smart

If you know me, it should come as no surprise that I love Chuck Palahniuk's books. His phrasing and sharp wit are to die for. I also love how ravenous his fans are. Going to one of his book readings/signing is almost like attending a rock concert with Chuck as your charismatic lead singer.

I'm also amazed that even after he came out (beating a reporter to the punch), his straight fan base was pretty much unfazed, yet he didn't develop a cult following among more gay readers. However, maybe that's just the point -- good art should transcend gender, sexual orientation, race or creed. I for one taped into the gay content of his writing, while at the same time could see perfectly well how some disillusioned straight boy might never notice. With that I would like to thank Chuck for the hours of entertainment his writing has brought to me and cannot wait for the next literary masterpiece to surface.