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Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (August 15, 2008)Even with fierce ratings competition from 24/7 Olympics coverage, there is still plenty more new TV of gay interest this week. Like reality shows featuring former Queer Eye guys … Ted Allen’s Food Detectives and Carson Kressley’s How to Look Good Naked are both on Tuesday, and Thom Filicia’s Dress My Nest is on Wednesday. Wednesday also brings the back-to-back Project Runway/Shear Genius big-gay programming block, and a new Sordid Lives. Madison Hildebrand wasn't on Queer Eye, but he's definitely queer and you can catch him on Tuesday's on Bravo's Million Dollar Listing. There’s one especially exciting development in TV this week — the premiere of The Cho Show on VH1 on Thursday. But it will be streaming today right here on AfterElton.com, and how cool is that? This “scripted reality show” starring Margaret Cho combines re-enactments of incidents from Cho’s life with more impromptu scenarios and features appearances by Cho’s personal “gay glam squad.”
Long before Kathy Griffin rose to D-list fame, Cho was openly courting gay fans in her comedy shows. I’ve loved her ever since seeing I’m the One That I Want, in which she described the hilarity and heartbreak of her short-lived sitcom, All American Girl, including ABC executives’ concerns over her weight and not being (stereo)typically “Asian” enough. I can’t help but feel Girl would have been given much more of a fair shake today, with all the Ugly Betty-love over at ABC now. Anyway, this VH1 gig is certain to be a triumphant return to television for Margaret, as well as a chance to see the parents she so fondly imitates in her stand-up shows. (Trust me: you haven’t lived until you’ve seen Cho imitating her mother reading “Ass Master.”) BBC America launches a new gay-inclusive show on Sunday night with UK import Skins, a teen-centered soap.
Mitch Hewer as Maxxie on Skins The gay character here is Maxxie (Mitch Hewer) and the BBC America makes no bones about Maxxie's sexuality. From the character's bio:
She's not a gay man, but Tabatha Coffey became a favorite of many gay men when she appeared on the first season of Bravo's Shear Genius. Now she's back on Thursday with her own show, Tabatha's Salon Takeover. Can she do for salon makeovers what Jeff Lewis did for houseflipping?
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE
“Kathy has a large gay audience. And the fellows come up to me to say how much they love Kathy and the show, and how they go see her all the time.” —Kathy Griffin’s mother, Maggie, in a cover story for Eldr magazine. What I love about this quote is the context. It’s one thing for Maggie to express her appreciation of the gays on Bravo. It’s another in a cover story for a magazine aimed at the senior jet-gray-hair set. Plus, how sweet is it that she calls us “fellows”? I love that. “My pants have split many a time on stage for obvious reasons.” —Cheyenne Jackson in a Playbill.com Q&A. A comment that needs no further explanation. Although a visual aid would have been greatly appreciated.
Don't forget to check out this weeks vlogs including Two Gay Guys discussing their five picks for the top 50 gay flicks of all time, Mores For Gays discusses gay frat boys, the Heidi Chronicles welcomes New York Cheer, Homophonic interviews Rachael Sage, Lance Bass gets kissed by his boyfriend. We mentioned this once before on the blog, but knowing how desperate you are to kill time today, I thought I'd share NBC's attempt to out gay us by seeing how many sets of abs of Olympic athletes you can successfully identify. and The Gay Agenda discusses rising hate crime statistics.
Abs, absier, absiest! That’s all from me for this week. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite gay movie in AfterElton.com’s poll. Although, IMHO, the only acceptable answer is Beautiful Thing. After you vote, feel free to go out and have the BEST.GAY.WEEK.EVER!. Submitted by on Thu, 2008-08-14 21:07. |
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News, Reviews & Commentary on Gay and Bisexual Men in Entertainment and the Media
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Congratulations Steven!
Thanks Campion
Here are the details
While i'm not Campion, I did recently find this on the Outpost Gallifrey news page:
2.15pm, Wednesday 10 September
"Somewhere out there in that chaos of darkness and light, of science and protons, of gods and stars and death... somewhere there's an answer."
The Torchwood Institute was founded by Queen Victoria in 1879 to protect the British Empire against the threat of alien invasion. By 2008, all that remains of the organisation is a small team based in Cardiff. And now, following the tragic deaths of two of their colleagues, the remaining three – Captain Jack Harkness, Gwen Cooper and Ianto Jones – have to protect the human race against another unknown force from the darkness.
Martha Jones, ex-time traveller and now working as a doctor for a UN task force, has been called to CERN – the world's largest particle physics laboratory in Geneva – where they're about to activate the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
The LHC is a particle accelerator which has been built deep underground in a 27km tunnel under Switzerland and France. Once activated, the collider will fire beams of protons together, re-creating conditions a billionth of a second after the Big Bang – and potentially allowing the human race a greater insight into what the universe is made of.
But so much could go wrong – it could open a gateway to a parallel dimension, or create a black hole – and now voices from the past are calling out to people and scientists have started to disappear...
Where have the missing scientists gone? What is the secret of the glowing man? What is lurking in the underground tunnel? And do the dead ever really stay dead?
Torchwood is a spin-off from the award-winning BBC Wales TV production Torchwood. Written by Joseph Lidster, it stars John Barrowman, Freema Agyeman, Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Lucy Montgomery (of Tittybangbang) and Stephen Critchlow.
Thanks!
Beijing LBGT Crowd
Anyone interested in Beijing should visit the two LGBT centers: the Aibai Culture and Education Center, and the Beijing Tongzhi Cultural Center (note: Tongzhi means comrade in Chinese and is the regional term for the LGBT community).
Aibai Culture and Education Center
Beijing Tongzhi Cultural Center
Remember, one out of every 3 gay people on Earth is either East Indian or Chinese so learning about our glbt community on the other side of the planet teaches you plenty about what it means to be a gay human being. {insert any NOW YOU KNOW! AND KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE psa promo} :P
P.S. you may find translate.google.com helpful, and for perspective Beijing has 17.4 million residents so imagine half the population of the entire state of California compacted together into one giant federated municipality, or imagine the population of Los Angeles and surrounding Los Angeles county (9 million) combined with New York City (8 million).
Yes, great job
VL Update
skins
Great BGWE Steve, and congrats on your 15th anniversary :)
Just thought I'd mention generally that Skins is a great show and worth watching if you're of the younger persuasion. I've seen it compared to the OC and that is entirely wrong, it is a lot faster and edgier and has a LOT of sex, drugs and swearing. I do know a few adults over about 35 who tried watching it and are terrified of it, mostly because they have kids. But Maxxie is a great character. Well, he doesn't actually appear much or do much until episode 6, but from then on he has some great storylines, particularly one involving religion-based homophobia.
So, where is this Fire Island gay soap house and when can we go?
Heroic suits
The Night Owl (Patrick Wilson) owl looks alot like batman
While Ozymandias (Matthew Goode), is totally hot with a purple, Eye of Horus, cod piece and nipples and an ascot.
There isn't much to Dr. Manhattan's (Billy Crudup) costume but a jar of blue grease paint, maybe that's why they haven't released a photo.
I loved Skins and watched it on YouTube and else where. I wouldn't call it a soap, but it's dramaic for sure. I'd watch it again. Each episode focuses on one charater in a group of freinds. How ever they all interact. There were several (mini) episodes that were only availible on line, like the one where Maxie meets the boy while locking up his bike. Along with the "Unseen Skins" (filler stories),They also posted video diaries "made by" the characters, and other web treats. "Skins" btw, is brit slang for rolling paper, it also relates to the sexual content in the show.
YouTube Links
In Season 1, an Unseen Skins (#4) explains how they were able to find clothing for a chum who was locked out of his house and has to come to school naked.
Trailer for season two.
Maxxie Lives in a public housing complex and dances on the rooftop.
Maxie's Video Diary, made with mates.
Skins
Skins is the kind of the show that you either love or hate, personally I loved it, I've seen the 2 series. I liked every single episodes.
Maxxie is definetly the best character on the show, and not just because he's gay but I'm not gonna say more cause it's best if you don't hear any spoilers before watching the show. Every other character has it's up and down moments.
Oh and of course it's British so if you're not used to British shows... you might be a little shocked ^^
Watchmen
Swingtown & Watchmen
Congrats on a great BGWE, Steven! I agree with you about both Swingtown and Watchmen. I'm guardedly curious about the Watchmen movie, based on what we've seen so far. Yet I worry that thew book's complexity can't be adequately put on screen.
As for Swingtown, I really wish more people were watching this. It at least deserves a second season. It's a good show, with complex, likable characters and solid plotting. And the 70's setting isn't played for camp value, but is a real component of the characters' lives. Unlike "That 70's Show" (which always played more like "That 90's Show in 70's Clothing"), this one feels like a genuine period piece. And it has a cadre of yummy men in the cast...
Swingtown -Skins
You are totally right about Swingtown. The switch in time slots is what is killing it because the ratings of Flashpoint jumped when they switched the two shows!
Skins was wild I managed to download the entire two seasons so can watch anytime. Maxxie got little major action (except the bj from Tony in Russia) till the second season. I think the first episode where Maxxie is the only one helping Tony recover from his horrible accident was totally great and the first time I have ever heard of the verb - to gay! Tony to Max "Does this mean I have to gay you?"
15 years...
good for you. :-)
"she described the hilarity and heartbreak of her short-lived sitcom, All American Girl, including ABC executives’ concerns over her weight and not being (stereo)typically “Asian” enough."
^ hmm....the only stereotype I know/have witnessed about Asians is that they are really smart. Back in hell (or high school), I remember people constantly wanting to sit by "the asian guy/girl" since they were the smartest. even I fell for it. with that pointless anecdote said, i am guessing they thought she wasn't smart enough??? i really don't know any other stereotypes....but i'll let someone educate me on that matter. ;-)
All American Girl
Thanks Liz!
As for the Asian stereotype thing, at least where All American Girl is concerned -- If I remember correctly, Cho talks in "I'm the One That I Want" about how ABC wanted her to be more reserved, soft spoken, and especially, non-confrontational (respectful) of her family. Her friend Quentin Tarantino called her on this, and how she loves giving her family sh*t. "I'm the One that I Want" is on DVD and definitely worth watching if you ever get the chance.
The Summer of Hell
It's not like there aren't alternatives...
...if you don't care for either. The Olympics take place over 2 weeks on ONE channel. You're not forced to go see Batman either, so I don't really understand your comment and your despair.
So what would comprise your "Summer of Heaven" instead?
My summer of Heaven?
The Christian/Olli Story on the big-screen, earning $700 million in the U.S., and another $1 billion in the rest of the world. Meanwhile, the latest Batman sequel earns a paltry $178,000 and goes directly to DVD after one week.
An epic 10-part mini-series on ABC about three gay men in the First World War, starring Jeremie Renier, Daniel Bruhl and James McAvoy, earning the highest ratings in TV history since Roots in 1977. Meanwhile, the Olympics are cancelled due to lack of interest.
Sam Sparro's "Black & Gold" spending 15 weeks at #1 and going triple platinum. Meanwhile, Justin Timberlake's latest release stalls at #96.
Again I fail to understand your antagonism...
Actually, RJ
When I read Joseph's post, I burst out laughing. That is why I gave him 5 stars. It seems like for the last *forever*, every time I turn around, there has been an article or story on Batman, and now, everytime I open a news page or blog, there is *something* about the Olympics. It FEELS like it's a lot more than just one movie and one two-week sporting event. For those of us that don't like crappy blockbusters , or glorified advertising for a dictatorship, it does seem like a long, hot summer.
(my tongue is not all the way into my cheek)
I say we take the warning labels off everything and let nature take it's course.
And my examples aren't worse?
I don't really want to get into a political debate, but are you against the Olympics just this year because China is the host or against the Olympics in general (i.e. along the lines of the "Bread Not Circuses" movement), including the Vancouver-Whistler 2010 Winter Olympics?
As for what constitutes a "crappy" blockbuster, that's a matter of taste I guess. Aside from the family-rated Pixar flick Wall-E, The Dark Knight is the best reviewed, best rated movie of the year by both critics and general public, which is a rarity. Of course, not everyone is going to like it and as is the case with anything successful, everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon to cover it or discuss it. When the Sex and the City movie came out, there was wall-to-wall media coverage of that too. Entire weeks of morning news shows were scheduled around interviews of all the lead actresses. But you know, it's easy to tune out the stuff you're not interested in. Don't turn on the CBC or NBC and you've cut out 90% of Olympics coverage. What there is about the Olympics on gay blogs seems to consist mostly of eye-candy pics of swimmers and gymnasts - a real hardship to slog through, I must admit.
In the U.S., NFL discussions and coverage in news and tv media seem to exist year round; in Canada, it's the same with hockey. You can't seem to turn around these days without encountering something about Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus or the Jonas Brothers. I guess we can gripe about their ubiquity as well but it's easier just to ignore them and focus our interest and energy on something we do care about.
That's precisely my point.
The Dark Knight sucked out loud, and not in a good way. Horribly written and directed and, with the exception of Heath Ledger, horribly acted (c'mon, let's be real: Christian Bale deserves the Razzie for Worst Actor). I've yet to see any rational explantion for why ANYBODY considers it to be a good film.
The Olympics are a corrupt organization with fixed games, a capitalist ploy that trades its ideals to curry favor with dictatorships. I find it all to be horribly repulsive, and haven't watched any of the Olympics since 1992's gloriously fun Tonya Harding brouhaha.
While I'm able to avoid Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers (really, I didn't know who they were until a week ago), as a massive film buff and news junkie, I am unable to avoid either this crappy blockbuster or this hyped-up circus masquerading as an athletic event. I guess seeing both mentioned--ONCE AGAIN--on a website that I like to think of as a little escape from the mainstream, straight world, it really tripped my cord.
Corrupt is right...
...you could write a book on why the Olympics has been completely bastardized from it's original intent thousands of years ago by greed and commercialism. But, as RJ wanted to know how I might feel about the 2010 in Whistler, I tell you. Vancouver is full of homeless people, street crime, drugs, poverty and gang war fare. The city of Vancouver is spending millions (over 580 million budgeted but true costs somewhere in the 6 billion mark when all is said and done-this amount represents 10 years worth of funding for national health research, how far would that money go to help with university tuition costs?) on making a pretty face, fancying up the airport, digging up 20 miles of street to put in another rapid transit line from the airport causing disruption to businesses that will never recoup their losses, huge venues up in Whistler that will be largely unused later, 800 units of low-income housing from the Downtown Eastside have been taken for conversion since the bid was approved (yes, rat infested but where do those 800 convictions go?) when 3,200 low income units are needed. This will be a 2 week party for the rich. You think any Olympic booty will make it's way into the pockets of the poor? Only the big companies get the lucretive building contracts, and only tourism dollars close to the venues during the actual 2 weeks, big hotels already booked solid. Am I annoyed about the Olympics? Hell yes.
I say we take the warning labels off everything and let nature take it's course.
Nick Benson plays Rick Thompson
I'm still trying to sort out who is who on Swingtown, so I looked up Nick Thompson (the alleged gay teen) to figure out whose son he is. It turns out that the character's name is Rick Thompson, played by Nick Benson. His parents are Roger (the recently laid-off insurance guy) and uptight Janet (played by the exceptional Miriam Shor).
And let me add to the Congratulations Choir, Steven and Mark. 15 years -- what a milestone! And what a great way to celebrate. If 1 year is paper and 25 years is silver, does that make 15 years the Gourmet Chef anniversary?
Swingtown Clarification
Thanks for clarifying the Nick/Rick confusion. And for the shout out to Miriam Shor, who is superb on the show (as she was in the very different role she played in Hedwig -- I wonder if Swingtown ever does a musical episode). Thanks also for your kind words of congratulations -- it was all easy after year 7. ;)
Miriam Shor
My Thoughts on... well, everything
FIRST: Congratulations Steven on your anniversary and making single people like myself loathe you even more. haha.
SECOND: I started watching Mad Men right after it won Best Drama Series and Best Actor - Drama at the Golden Globes and have been intrigued by it ever since. The show is absolutely wonderful and excellently written. I'm just hoping that this season starts getting on some sort of track so we know kind of where the show is going instead of just following these people's lives with a lack of a central theme.
THIRD: I was at first skeptical of The Cho Show but that was mainly because of it being on VH-1, which I consider to be the most pathetic channel on television. But I must admit the trailer looked really good and I've been a fan of Cho since I was 8 or 10, whenver All American Girl premiered.
FOURTH: From what I've heard about Skins it should be a program to watch. It just finished it's second season on Channel 4 (being led in by the equally gay inclusive program Shameless) and has been hugely popular. Hopefully it lives up to it's success across the pond.
FIFTH: I love Sam Huntington and will only watch this stupid sounding Freshman Orientation film for him. In case you didn't know, Huntington did star in the stoner comedy Rolling, Kansas (along with the very sexy James Roday) which does have a gay character. Also, is it just me, or did Huntington seem to play Jimmy Olsen as if he had a huge man-crush on Clark Kent in Superman Returns? Am I the only person who picked up on that?
SIXTH: In all of your talking about the Olympics, I'm suprised you left out the team that competed in men's synchronized diving - 10 M platform. Thomas Finchum and David Boudia are from Indiana, have been best friends for years, and are very cute young men. Also, if you see the interview they did with NBC, it's very obvious that at least one of them is gay. It may be both, but I don't know. I'm just guessing and I've been wrong about this sort of thing before.
FINALLY: I completely agree with you that Beautiful Thing should top this list. I know that's how I voted at least.
It is
also on Batman
Sorry. . .
. . .I LOVED the Joel Schumacher Batmans. . .
. . .yes, they were train wrecks, but delightful ones, at that!
And, Margaret Cho is 'the bomb' for me!
You go, girlfriend!
Lastly, Cheyenne Jackson can split those trousers for me 24/7, anytime at all. . .