Tonight's Shirtlessness

New Music Now: All The Rage

It's all the rage these days. Lead singers of hit groups going out on their own. The latest in this trend is Jakob Dylan. Dylan has released his first solo work, which is available on iTunes. The Wallflowers' lead singer released Seeing Things this week. The iTunes review bills Dylan's solo work as being stripped bare and proving the singer as a poetic storyteller.

Dylan will kick off his summer tour tonight in Philadelphia. He'll make 26 more stops throughout the summer, mostly at large outdoor festivals.

New Music Now: More Indie Mega-Talent

I came across a duo on MySpace today that I've got to pass along to you. KaiserCartel has been compared to The Carpenters an The Moldy Peaches. Check out "Okay" on their MySpace page.

'Weeds,' Penn & Teller Return To Showtime Schedule

Weeds and Penn & Teller: Bullshit return to the Showtime schedule in June. Weeds, that's the weed pedaling suburban mother played by Mary Louise Parker, is back June 16th. And the family is relocating. Here's a preview:


Penn & Teller return with their myth-busting series Bullshit the following Thursday (June 19th).

Ford To Reintroduce Fiesta

Ford Motor Company is bringing the Fiesta back to America! It's been quite a few years since we've seen this model here in the states. Ford sold more than 12-million Fiestas during its initial run, which began in 1976.

Unfortunately for us, the fuel saver won't be here until 2010, but those of you in Europe and Asia will begin seeing these as early as later this year.

I always enjoy being crammed into a vehicle small enough for my dog to drive. This is almost, but not quite, as bad as Chevy's Aveo.

Tonight's Shirtlessness

Macy's Places New Same Sex Marriage Ads

Macy's is appealing to the gay audience by placing new ads in the L.A. Times promoting the new same sex marriage rights in California. The ad, which began running this week, states "First comes love. Then comes marriage. And now it's a milestone every couple in California can celebrate."

The retailer is promoting their wedding gift registry. On the topic of gay marriage, New York's governor today moved a step in the right direction by ordering the state to recognize same sex marriages performed elsewhere. Towleroad has the story.

Shocking News For The Claymates

Like most young gay men, Clay Aiken has a fag hag. She's 50 years old. This somewhat older woman is - *gasp* - carrying Clay's child!

TMZ has the exclusive story, which means it's gotta be true (right?). The expectant mother is music producer Jaymes Foster. No, like all good little gay boys, he didn't sleep with his fag hag; it was artificial insemination.

Hmmm... I'm not sure I need to add anything to this. It's a joke in itself.

A Familiar Shirtlessness

Hayek To Design For Target

Salma Hayek's brother has signed a deal with Target to design home furnishings. Sami Hayek's exclusive and limited-edition home line will feature bedding, decorative accessories, furniture and stationery.

If you're into 'green' you'll also appreciate the new line will be minimally packaged in materials meant for reuse and recycling. Everything in Hayek's line will sell for less than $150.

David E. Kelley Jumps Ship

Writer-producer-megastar David E. Kelley is departing 20th Century Fox TV after 22 years. Kelley is best known for creating hit programs like Ally McBeal, The Practice, Picket Fences and the current Boston Legal. He's also behind next season's Life on Mars.

Hollywood Reporter reports Kelley's new deal with Warner Bros. TV is a three-year, eight-digit contract. Boston Legal, Kelley's final program under the Fox umbrella, will air it's final season beginning this fall.

Budgets Cut For Reality Programming

Good news for reality TV haters. Networks are cutting budgets for what Hollywood Reporter calls "the cheapest of programming genres." The faster turnaround and faked sets will make the crappy shows even more crappy.

Here's an idea. Cut the reality shows altogether.

New Music Now: The Hitmakers Roll On

The Pussycat Dolls return with a new single for the Summer of '08. "When I Grow Up," currently available as a single on iTunes, isn't the best song they've released. But, then again, were they really all that good to begin with? Sure, they cranked out a couple of hits, but this one will likely not be called a hit.

On a positive note, Timbaland protege Keri Hilson releases "Energy." The so-so single will surely be a hit the young star.

Queer Eye alumnus Jai Rodriguez makes the move from Broadway to a recording career. It's actually quite good. The debut single is "Broken;" here's the video.

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

Oh, Those Famous Karshner Triplets In Tonight's Shirtlessness

Beckham, Lewis To Be Featured In Closing Ceremony At Beijing

Britain's Sunday Mirror is reporting Leona Lewis and David Beckham will be prominently featured in Beijing 2008's closing ceremony. Organizers for London 2012 are working with Beijing's Olympic committee to create the hand-off ceremony. A London 2012 source told the paper, "Leona and Beckham have accepted the invitation to sprinkle some stardust on the show. They epitomise what London 2012 is about. Leona is a young global star from London who has risen from nothing. Becks has glamour and a profile around the world. He was also a key figure in the bid to win the Games for London."

A Real 'Winning' Team

Here's a bunch of losers who are actually winners. Perhaps they should just take the trophy away.

Summertime Shirtlessness

Memorial Day Shirtlessness

Memorial Day

Enjoy your day off, but never forget the reason we call this a holiday.

Sunday Night In The Shirtlessness Club

Madonna Does Glam

Madonna looking totally fabulous at the Cannes red carpet event.

New Music Now: MIKA Working On Sophomore Album

Lebanese-born pop hit-maker Mika tells Billboard he is currently working on a follow-up album to Life in Cartoon Motion. His debut album spawned hits like "Grace Kelly," "Love Today" - which was featured in Apple iPod commercials in 2007, and "Big Girl (You Are Beautiful)" - from the Ugly Betty promos on ABC.

During live shows in 2007, Mika performed "How Much Do You Love Me" and "Holy Johnny." Both songs are reportedly going to be featured on his new album, which does not have a release date.

From his freshman album, here's "Billy Brown."

The B52s, "Funplex"

Weekend Shirtlessness

You're Too Late For The Boy Toys, Boys

Katie Couric Sings!

Katie Couric and Bette Midler in a rousing rendition of "Downtown." Enjoy!


(Thanks TVNewser!)

Friday Night Shirtlessness

Flying With Tonight's Shirtlessness

Ellen's Gay Marriage Confrontation With Jackass McCain

On today's show, Ellen DeGeneres had a little chat with Jackass McCain about gay marriage.

Logo Announces Some NewNowNext Award Winners

Logo has announced some of the winners for June's NewNowNext Awards. The televised portion of the awards presentation was recorded earlier this week in New York.

Our predicted winners for Brink of Fame: Actor didn't take the award. We picked Ellen Page and John Barrowman, but Candis Cayne walked with the trophy. Leona Lewis, the category favorite for The Kylie Award, won. The voters (who are they again?) chose Tina Fey for the 'Cause You're Hot' category.

There are still a handful of awards up for grabs, which you can vote for at NewNowNextAwards.com. The show airs Saturday, June 7th at 9 p.m. Eastern on Logo.

Tonight's Shirtlessness

'Ugly Betty' Season Finale Preview

Indianapolis Picked For 2012 Super Bowl

I don't typically pay attention to sports, but this is pretty big. And not really big on a national perspective since it happens every year, but it's not every year the Super Bowl is in your backyard. The NFL announced Tuesday, Indianapolis will host the 2012 Super Bowl.

This is one of the biggest television events each year; half of the top 20 most watched programs of all time are super bowls. If you aren't familiar with Indy, it's a GREAT city! The Colts begin playing in the new $700-million Lucas Oil Stadium this summer. The downtown is an excellently-designed city that is easy to maneuver and has lots to do. In my opinion, this was a great move by the NFL.

Ferras Makes His Opinions Known On The Gay Marriage Issue

Ferras is making a name for himself in the music biz and takes the risky (according to some) step of coming out in favor of the gay marriage ruling in California. He posted a blog calling it 'liberation day,' which is also the title of his new single.

You can read the posting here.

You Wanna See Someone Full Of Bologna?

Tonight's Shirtlessness

Beheading Ordered For Gays In Gambia

A stern warning this week for gays and gay friendly people in Gambia. The president of Africa's smallest nation, officially known as Republic of The Gambia, warned he would 'cut off the head' of any homosexual caught in his country.

Yahya Jammeh also ordered the closure of any hotel or motel housing any homosexual individual. This comes just months after gays were said to be fleeing Senegal, which surrounds Gambia, due to that country's homophobic policies.

So now we're taking orders from someone named Yahya?

Tonight's Shirtlessness

Tonight's Shirtlessness

The 'Desperate Housewives' Surprise [SPOILERS]

Gale Harold made his Desperate Housewives debut tonight (post). If you're on the west coast or haven't yet seen tonight's episode, come back and read this post tomorrow - or read on and be prepared.

In the last ten minutes of the two-hour season finale, after all the drama, after the bloody murder, the screen fades to black with the text "FIVE YEARS LATER." We are given a glimpse into Bree's promised success, Gaby's children (which appear adopted given their apparent ages) and Susan's new husband - Gale Harold. She walked into her house and announced her arrival, to which she was greeted with a kiss by Harold's character.

This is quite the cliffhanger! What happened to Mike? Where's Carlos? How'd Gaby get kids? And Edie wasn't featured at all in the entire two hours? We just have to hold our collective breaths until September.

Tonight's Shirtlessness

Are You Celebrating 'Masturbation Month'?

Some pseudo specialist or organization determined May was National Masturbation Month. Are you celebrating?

Link

'Desperate Housewives' Rumors Confirmed

The rumors swirling about this weekend's Desperate Housewives season finale on ABC have been confirmed. During the two-hour finale on ABC this Sunday, the story line will flash forward five years. And it will stay there going forward.

In an interview this week with AP Radio, Marcia Cross ('Bree') revealed quite a few interesting facts. She hinted that Bree's catering business has made the red-head (with a new hairdo in the flash forward) a huge success. As for that bitchy little love-child Kayla (Tom's illegitimate child) could soon be gone. Thank goodness for that!!

The season finale of Desperate Housewives airs Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern on ABC.

Ellen DeGeneres Announces Wedding Plans

After this week's landmark decision by the California Supreme Court to allow same sex marriages in the state, Ellen DeGeneres used her talk show to announce she would wed her girlfriend, Portia de Rossi.

Here's the video:

Tonight's Shirtlessness In The Closet

Olbermann Takes On Bush's 'Golf' Comment

In addition to taking on George W. Bush's sacrifice of golf, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann addresses other comments from the Yahoo/Politico interview. This is Olbermann's longest 'Special Comment' to date, and many in the blogosphere - this blogger agrees - is his angriest.

'Ugly Betty' Moving To The Big Apple

ABC is moving production of Ugly Betty to New York City. The network cites newly-approved financial incentives in New York that make it economically possible to produce the show where it is set.

This means Betty creator Silvio Horta will get his wish to film in the big city, which is where he taped the pilot episode. Since then, they've relied on sound stages and CGI to create their New York-looking sets.

Legalizing Gay Marriage

If you're in the gay community or are a friend of the gays, this is the biggest news of the year so far (or maybe the decade). The California State Supreme Court has ruled gay marriage is legal in the state. Even if you're not in California, this will impact you sooner than you think. California's supreme court is the nation's most influential and respected state supreme court, which means other states could soon follow.

Not only will gay marriages - not civil unions, not domestic partnerships, but marriage - be seen as early as June in California, but the court also made a decision regarding the status of gay individuals. The ruling lifts homosexuals into the same class of minority as race by adding sexual orientation to the 'equal protection' clause. In other words, the state would need very compelling reason to discriminate based on sexual orientation. And by "very compelling," we mean it's nearly impossible.

What's more? California has no residency requirements to obtain a marriage license (Massachusetts does). So anyone can just show up and get married!

Tonight's Shirtlessness Goes To The Beach

I'm Really Not Sure What To Make Of This

Thanks, Towleroad.

...And We're Back

Wow... it felt like it was much longer than a week and a half, but here we are. Look for normal posting to resume very, very soon! In the meantime, I give you this... Your missed dosages of shirtlessness!

Why I Love 'Brothers & Sisters'

It's Moving Day!

It's moving day here at the blog. No posts for a few days while I get settled in. In the meantime, go back and read some of the posts you missed and enjoy this...

Tonight's Shirtlessness

Bush Continues His Downward Spiral

President George W. Bush continues his spiral to the bottom. The lame duck has just scored another record for dissatisfaction. According to the latest CNN/Opinion Research Corp findings, Bush's disapproval ratings stand at 71%.

Here's part of the release:

No president has ever had a higher disapproval rating in any CNN or Gallup poll; in fact, this is the first time that any president’s disapproval rating has cracked the 70 percent mark. Bush’s approval rating, which stands at 28 percent in our new poll, remains better than the all-time lows set by Harry Truman and Richard Nixon (22 percent and 24 percent, respectively) but even those two presidents never got a disapproval rating in the 70s. The previous all-time record in CNN or Gallup polling was set by Truman, 67 percent disapproval in January 1952.

'Today' Anchors Hit The Road, Again

Today's sweeps tactics continue next week. This after one week of 'Where In The World Is Matt Lauer?' Next week, according to NBC, "Matt Lauer will dig deep into the underbelly of the city that never sleeps, Meredith Vieira will tour the home of one of the most powerful men in the world, Al Roker will explore one of the most dangerous places on Earth, and Ann Curry will travel to the closed set of a highly anticipated movie."

'Access Granted' starts Monday on Today.

Another New Awards Show

There's another new awards show about to hit the circuit. This one, though, is all gay. Gay cable outlet Logo will debut the NewNowNext Awards in June. The multi-platform awards will feature new and up-and-coming nominees in categories such as internet, film, television and music.

Logo will have Dangerous Muse, The Cliks and Cyndi Lauper at the June 7th ceremony. Some of the stars nominated are Ellen Page and John Barrowman for the Brink of Fame: Actor category; Barrowman's Torchwood on BBC America is up for Best Show You're Not Watching. Here TV's Dante's Cove is nominated for Most Guiltiest Pleasure. Our pick for Cause You're Hot is Tina Fey. It's tough competition in the running for The Kylie Award: Next International Crossover, with Leona Lewis, Robyn and Duffy going head-to-head.

Logo is adding a unique twist by including a miscellaneous award. The Because You Deserve An Award includes nominees Ari Gold, Margaret Cho and recently outed Luke MacFarlane.

Tonight's Shirtlessness Heads To The Great Outdoors