The Insider: Contributed by kenneth212

Kick in the Butt

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:28:00 GMT

Andy Roddick was upset by 44th-ranked Marin Cilic 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 today in Toronto. I would be bummed but he might not have gotten in this position if he had won, so ...

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The Hunk and the Whore

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:59:00 GMT

I gotta hand it to former Gov. Eliot Spitzer's whore Ashley "Kristen" Dupree: she's really improved her taste in men. The Post is reporting that the hot-bodied hooker spent a day -- and night -- catting around Manhattan with the rich scion of a major New Jersey asphalt company who lives with a beautiful wife and their two kids fewer than two miles from Dupree's family home. (Classy, guys!) All I can say is the hunky 35-year-old Thomas J. "TJ" Earle would be a lot safer if his family owned a rubber company ... but, hey: who am I to judge?

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Double Trouble

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:47:00 GMT

Tom Brady with a beard? I don't think I can handle football season this year! (Thanks, EM!)

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Savage Love/Hate

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:39:00 GMT

Let's try this again. Regarding the Michael Savage item earlier today. I MOST DEFINITELY know the difference between Michael and Dan Savage. But since several dozen(!) readers didn't "get" the joke on that post, I went back a re-worded it. (I skim blogs too, so I forgive you all.) In short, Washington Post humor columnist Gene Weingarten was giving Michael Savage a taste of his own fact-challenged medicine about autism not being real by saying he likes Michael's "Savage Love" column, which -- of course -- is not his, but why let a little thing like the truth get in the way of shooting off your mouth! (Get it? The facts do matter.) Gene Weingarten: Do you remember Michael Savage, the poisonous right-wing radio talk show host whom I reported about in my piece on 24-hour punditry? Michael is back in the news for expressing the opinion, on the air, that "99 percent" of all children diagnosed with autism are "brats" who haven't been told to "cut the act out." He said: "They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life.'" Savage is not retracting this, even though he admits it might be a little wrong. And I don't blame him. Getting things a little wrong is okay. I remain a supporter of Michael Savage, because I am a fan of his column "Savage Love," in which he deals forthrightly with the fact that he is gay and proud of it, and joyfully gives out highly knowledgeable advice on techniques for active, hedonistic, sexually adventuresome gay males like himself. I LOVE that column.

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Thanks, Friend

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:33:00 GMT

As the only gay man in America who was not obsessed with the "Golden Girls" (I know -- I never saw "Steel Magnolias" either!), I thought it only right to have a true fan write something about the late Estelle Getty, who clearly brought enough joy into the lives of millions that it would be a crime not to acknowledge her recent passing. In a time when reality shows rule, it's comforting to know that we still remember the sublimely talented sitcom stars who were responsible for making us laugh until we cried with their sarcastic wit and unparalleled comedic timing. Estelle Getty, famous for playing the wise cracking Sophia Petrillo on the cult classic "The Golden Girls," passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 84, following a long battle with advanced dementia. After years of struggling with only minor acting roles on and off Broadway, Estelle was cast at age 47 as an integral part of the comedic force which made "The Golden Girls" an instant smash hit. Working alongside seasoned sitcom actresses Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan and Betty White, Getty's talent was manifested immediately. With both an Emmy and Golden Globe win for her work on the series, the overwhelming respect from her legendary television peers and vast fan base which still grows today, Estelle has solidified her position within the kingdom of sitcom royalty. Estelle, thank you for being our friend! -- Brian Jauntig

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Quote of the Day

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:13:00 GMT

"I wouldn't mind being Mick Jagger. He's skinny, still has hair and shags loads of birds." -- Paul Weller, the former Jam and Style Council frontman and all-around (212) holding out hope for his elder years.

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Thursday Ad Watch

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:23:00 GMT

"Gossip Girl" v. Parents Television Council Nathan Sawyer for 2EROS Neil Patrick Harris for Old Spice and Ewan McGregor Davidoff Adventure Universal Gear is looking for a few good(-looking) men Ashton Kutcher for Pepe Jeans (he needs the money) Model David Gandy doubles his pleasure for Dolce & Gabbana This week's eye-catching advertisements

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Page 1 Consider (07/24)

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:00:00 GMT

You and Me Both: As predicted, the Yaz show last Thursday at Terminal 5 was a treat from beginning to end. Using the singles "Nobody's Diary" and "Situation" as bookends to a virtual showcase of all their work (except, sadly, the stopgap single "The Other Side of Love"), Alison Moyet's big, bluesy vocals were in fine form, and Vince Clarke did what he does best -- stay out of the way and deliver the music. Yaz's music may not be ideal for a live performance, but by the time the whole thing was over you'd have had a hard time convincing most people there of that. A big thanks to all of the (212) readers who came over to say hi, especially Greg Hernandez's copy editor extraordinaire, David! (Where's that picture, Lar?) (NYT) No Love for Savage: Washington Post columnist Gene Weingarten takes on radio host Michael Savage for his remarks that most kids with autism are really just brats who need to be told to knock of their routines: :Savage is not retracting this, even though he admits it might be a little wrong. And I don't blame him. Getting things a little wrong is okay. I remain a supporter of Michael Savage, because I am a fan of his column 'Savage Love,' in which he deals forthrightly with the fact that he is gay and proud of it, and joyfully gives out highly knowledgeable advice on techniques for active, hedonistic, sexually adventuresome gay males like himself. I LOVE that column. (Chatalogical Humor) Down and Out: Another early exit for Roger Federer, who was knocked out of the Rogers Cup in a 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 loss to France’s Gilles Simon in a second-round match Wednesday night. A shocking year for the once-dominant tennis player who looks like he's on target to finish 2008 with zero Grand Slam titles to his name. (AP) Update: The Yuengling truck driver who viciously assaulted photographer Brad Walsh has been shit-canned. (OMG BTW) Cold Cuts: Damn, queer magazine designer John Agnesini can't seem to get a break. First he finds a knife baked into his bread at Subway. Now he finds one in his back at HX. (Queerty) For His Eyes Only: Newsom. Gavin Newsom. (NYT) Don't Tell Jennifer Aniston: Forbes magazine says Vince Vaughn is the best deal in Hollywood. (Forbes) Liar, Liar: Lee Israel forged more than 400 letters from Noel Coward, Dorothy Parker and other literary celebrities, a criminal career she recounts in her book, “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (NYT) Lesbos, I Suppose: A Greek court has dismissed a request by residents of the Aegean island of Lesbos to ban the use of the word lesbian to describe gay women, according to a court ruling made public on Tuesday. (Reuters) Never Too Young: An 8-year-old girl was ejected from a junior tennis tournament on New Zealand’s South Island when officials discovered she was wearing a radio earpiece to receive instructions from her father. (AP) Gay Marketing: It's hard to get a straight answer about who was behind the "South Carolina Is So Gay" ad campaign. (Queerty) Goodbye, and Good Luck: Longtime Phoenix blogger Scott-o-Rama signs off from the World Wide Web. (Scott-o-Rama)

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Appallingly Yours

kenneth212 — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:29:00 GMT

Entertainment Weekly ranks the 35 most appalling shows in television history. Not surprisingly most of them come from the recent reality explosion (kudos for including "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and "My Super Sweet 16"). But how on earth did "Cheaters" wind up on this list? Tommy Grand is pure genius! (And even EW all but admits it loves it too!)

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No Topic Is Off Limits

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:02:00 GMT

The media's handling of this whole thing between Christian Bale and his mom and sister is really sad (I guess "family matters" don't exist when you're a celebrity). And now comes word from the most reliable of sources (Star magazine) that Matthew Broderick supposedly cheated on Sarah Jessica Parker with a 25-year-old. I wonder if this has anything to do with SJP's recent decision to have her "mole" removed and/or going to the George Michael concert sans hubby. I love Hollywood gossip as much as the next person, but there's something about these stories that involve moms, sisters and children that sure makes it a lot less fun. Here's hoping everything turns out for the best for all parties concerned.

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Afternoon Delight: Gregory Capra

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:53:00 GMT

Personal trainer and blogger correspondent at large Gregory Capra makes a splash in a tiny blue Speedo ...

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Music Box: Rilo Kiley

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:52:00 GMT

One of my friends thinks indie rockers Rilo Kiley -- led by former child actors Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett -- are the best thing since sliced bread, while my brother Bill thinks their single "Silver Lining" is the only good song on their latest album, "Under the Blacklight." I'm new to the post-1989 music scene, so I don't know what the truth is. But the silver lining of this post (pun intended) is that if I did know anything about modern music anymore I would have placed "Silver Lining" at the very top of my list of Best Singles of 2007. It's really good, which might explain why anything else would be a letdown. Hear more on the band's MySpace page here. "Silver Lining" ... solid gold Featured Songs That Oprah Lyrics Swizz BeatzHeroHeroine Lyrics Boys Like Girls A Millie Lyrics Lil' WayneMy Cowboy Lyrics Jessie James Just A Dream Lyrics Carrie UnderwoodElectric Guitar Lyrics Chris Brown Thunder Lyrics Boys Like GirlsBad Girlfriend Lyrics Theory of a Dead Man His Mistakes Lyrics UsherMisery Business Lyrics Paramore Get tools for your blog here.

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Quote of the Day

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:50:00 GMT

"I never really expected to be involved in comedy -- that was never my intention. I thought that I was going to be a pretty serious dramatic actor. As it turns out, I'm hilarious. I didn't choose comedy, comedy chose me." -- Michael Ian Black

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Music Box: Riley Kilo

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:05:00 GMT

One of my friends thinks indie rockers Riley Kilo -- led by former child actors Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett -- are the best thing since sliced bread, while my brother Bill thinks their single "Silver Lining" is the only good song on their latest album, "Under the Blacklight." I'm new to the post-1989 music scene, so I don't know what the truth is. But the silver lining of this post (pun intended) is that if I did know anything about modern music anymore I would have placed "Silver Lining" at the very top of my list of Best Singles of 2007. It's really good, which might explain why anything else would be a letdown. Hear more on the band's MySpace page here. "Silver Lining" ... solid gold Featured Songs That Oprah Lyrics Swizz BeatzHeroHeroine Lyrics Boys Like Girls A Millie Lyrics Lil' WayneMy Cowboy Lyrics Jessie James Just A Dream Lyrics Carrie UnderwoodElectric Guitar Lyrics Chris Brown Thunder Lyrics Boys Like GirlsBad Girlfriend Lyrics Theory of a Dead Man His Mistakes Lyrics UsherMisery Business Lyrics Paramore Get tools for your blog here.

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Ace Rebound?

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:39:00 GMT

After a dismal performance at Wimbledon, Andy Roddick looks to redeem himself during the summer's hard-court season. A three-set win over Nicolas Mahut puts him into the third round of the Canadian Open in Toronto., where you may recall in 2003 (albeit in Montreal) Roddick scored a rare victory over Roger Federer en route to the title, then followed it up with his one and only Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows.

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The Streets of San Francisco

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

As a longtime admirer of the gay rights pioneer Harvey Milk, I've been really looking forward to seeing his life brought to the big screen in the long overdue "Milk." (Hearing the director of the Oscar-winning documentary about the slain San Francisco supervisor, "The Times of Harvey Milk," give the biopic's director, Gus Van Sant, his vote of confidence only increased my eagerness.) Then last week my childhood friend Brad was in town from the City by the Bay and informed me that he worked as an extra on the project having been singled out by the casting director because he was one of only a couple leathermen in the entire crowd of extras (Brad says the Castro has become considerably more Mommy & Me since the last time I was there in the late '90s.) Although he was just an extra, he says he was right next to Sean Penn in several bar scenes so I'm really hoping he makes the final cut. (He also said being in the post-assassination candlelight vigil scene was incredibly moving as he was marching with so many others who had actually been at the original one.) As detailed in Brad's photo essay below, the Castro was turned into a veritable soundstage with every detail from the 1970s Milk heyday restored to its former glory (and note the price of gas!). Brad explains: "Here are the other pix of the Castro store fronts remade to look like the original store fronts from the 1970's Castro. The pix of me are in front of Harvey Milk's original store front site. The current store is a gay owned retail store selling over-priced crap. The hollywood set designers spent a month remodeling the entire store inside and out to look exactly like Harvey's camera store. Many scenes were filmed inside the camera store as well as in the dry cleaner store where Raymundo and I take our clothes. Harvey used to go there. Every prop inside the camera store and every store and wall flyer and poster on Castro was period to the 70's. The Castro Theatre even was repainted to it's 70's colors. It's was like you stepped back in time ... too cool.

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Morning Wood: Jon Hamm

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:27:00 GMT

Never mind the fact that it's supposed to be the best show on television, I need to start watching "Mad Men" because of hunky Jon Hamm! Here he is looking his dapper best outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in Midtown, for an appearance on "Late Show With David Letterman."

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What's in a Name?

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:46:00 GMT

Derek Jeter has partnered with 24-Hour Fitness to open the chain's first Manhattan location, on Fifth Avenue near Madison Square Park, yesterday. I think these are the same people that bought out my old gym in West Hollywood -- which was known as the Sports Erection Connection back when I lived there -- and if it's anything like the one out there here's a little warning to potential new members: it's not actually open 24 hours a day.

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Love (Child), Actually?

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:38:00 GMT

Granted, it is the National Enquirer on the story again. But it's not looking good for John Edwards and the whole mistress/love child debacle. (Can't he afford to buy this one a chin implant?) And at Merv Griffin's beloved hotel, no less! (Read the story.)

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This Kitty's Got Claws

kenneth212 — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:26:00 GMT

I'm no fan of Omarosa (did you see Chelsea Handler brush her off in disgust the other night after an excruciating interview?), but you almost gotta love her for this little exchange with onetime shock jock Wendy Williams. "The Apprentice" loser better watch her back though, Wendy's hubby might put a hit out on her for that weave crack! From The New York Times: Wendy Williams is a tough cookie, but she met her match on Monday, when Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, the bad girl of “The Apprentice,” went on the show to promote her new book, “The Bitch Switch: Knowing How to Turn It On and Off.” Omarosa, who goes by one name, like Cher or Stalin, had her switch turned on high. Ms. Williams took her to task. “But, Omarosa, while you and I both have demanding ways, I’ve found that you show the honey, and it works a little better.” Omarosa retorted, “You didn’t get here by being sweet,” noting that Ms. Williams’s radio career was built on, as she put it, “talking smack” about people. Ms. Williams, visibly irked, said, “I feel like in many ways you are the stereotype of the angry black woman.” Omarosa replied, “I’d rather be an A.B.W. than a buffoon.” The last straw, however, was about bouffants. Ms. Williams slyly worked in a mention of her guest’s recent breast augmentation surgery; Omarosa retaliated by asking Ms. Williams if she had had her nose fixed. Ms. Williams, who said she has only used Botox, suggested that Omarosa plump up her lines with Restylane. “And I would suggest a wig that doesn’t stuff my head three inches,” Omarosa snapped back. (Read the whole article here.)

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