No Mystery To Food Detectives

July 30, 2008

We watched the premier of Food Detectives on Food Network last night and were... bored. Which was not what we expected or wanted to happen. Because we really like Ted and think he's funny and cool and handsome. And we love food shows (even though they make us terribly hungry).

Maybe it will get better as things progress but the initial episode was completely banal. Mainly it was the topics they covered:
1) The 5-second rule (can you drop food on the ground and still eat it?)
2) The odor-fighting power of baking soda- does it exist?
3) What can you do to battle an over-spiced mouth?
4) The caloric value of celery.

We're not geniuses, but we pretty much knew the answers were:
1) No (well you can, but it's gross).
2) Yes.
3) Milk.
4) Not much.

So there were no surprises. Is it for kids or is this just another example of the dumbing down of Americans and maybe the Food Network in particular?

Sci Fi Homophobia Called Out

July 29, 2008

We just read the article over at AfterElton by Brent Hartinger about Orson Scott Card (author of Ender's Game and many other science fiction classics) and his rampant homophobia. As inveterate sci fi buffs, we're only slightly appalled. The genre is rife with old coots espousing their wingnut philophies. Sometimes they swing our way and sometimes they don't. But it's important to know who hates you and actively lobbies for less civil liberties for anyone really.

If you feel like letting your rage loose today, go read the Scott Card's newest essay against gay rights over at Mormon Times. And then if you want to feel some solidarity, read Hartinger's thoughtful and thorough piece. And then if you want to be annoyed some more, skip to the comments section. Anyhow, we'll stick to the sci fi that promotes free love and many genders. That's our favorite kind.

Mr. T/Snickers Offend Gay People

July 28, 2008

When you get right down to it, it's just a really stupid commercial. There's this guy in yellow shorts speed walking along (we can't tell if he's swishing more than necessary or not) and then Mr. T bursts through some houses in a jeep and starts shooting him with snickers bars and says this, "Speed walking. I pity you fool. You a disgrace to the man race. It's time to run like a real man." What kinda jibba jabba is that? We pity the fool who's forced to shoot people with snickers bars for money. That is not comedy and not acting.

Is it offensive to gay people? Personally, we don't really ever like to hear the words "real man" (unless it's associated with sexy role play or something.) But even further, it seems very offensive to speed walkers, which is, after all, an Olympic sport.

Anyhow the ad was only shown in the UK, where it didn't even ruffle a feather, but on this side of the pond, people got the knickers in a twist and the ad's been shelved by Mars.

Gay Car Blog

July 25, 2008

We know you're wondering what that means. We'll just let the author answer for himself. From Brett Berk's "Stick Shift" on VanityFair.com:
"I can feel you burbling with anticipation at having read that, pumping your fist and shouting: Gay Cars! Yes! But, I can also sense a question burning up your cerebellum: What’s a Gay Car?"

Well and then he actually answer the question in the actual blog. Which you should go read. Especially if you're a car nut, like he is and gay, like he is, or possibly from Detroit, like he is.

Actually our question isn't, "What's a gay car?" it's, "Why does Vanity Fair have a gay car blog?" Answer that one Brett.

E to the B to the L

July 23, 2008

Elizabeth Berkley (formerly known as Jessie Spano, but recently known for hosting Step It Up and Dance) will have a multi-episode arc next season on The L Word. We hate to keep bringing up the show we love to hate, but we thought it was was worth mentioning.

Apparently EB will play the straight girl that got away from Bette in college. Hmmm. So will she still be straight? Also apparently Jennifer Beals and EB are buds (they were in 2002's Roger Dodger together). Also in this picture EB is wearing a professional looking suit - just like Bette always wears. What does all this mean?

Goodbye Sophia

July 22, 2008

The beloved Estelle Getty died this morning at the age of 84. Sophia was everyone's favorite "Golden Girl" (no offense Bea Arthur enthusiasts) and it wasn't just the writing, it was also her performance that made the show such a success.

We agree thoroughly with her son who said, "She was loved throughout the world in six continents, and if they loved sitcoms in Antarctica she would have been loved on seven continents. She was one of the most talented comedic actresses who ever lived."

The AP article has a few more details about her career. But for us, it comes down to "The Golden Girls" and
"Mannequin." The end of an era.

L Word Spinoff?

July 21, 2008

That's the word from Showtime and Ilene Chaiken. But no details yet. Only that it will star one of the actresses on the L Word now. So who do you think it will be? Alice the quirkster? Shane the seductress? A Bette and Tina marriage drama? Barf.

We're not sure we care that much but we are admittedly curious, at least. Meanwhile we have to suffer through one more season of the show that continues to let us down in so many ways. But we keep watching and hoping. More than a guilty pleasure, it's masochistic.

Rami Mauled in Bar Brawl?

July 18, 2008

Eek! According to some readers over at Queerty who were at The Abbey in West Hollywood last night, Rami Kashou (Project Runway Season 4) got his face smashed in by a martini glass wielded by some psycho pants. The guy got arrested and Rami went to the hospital. No more details on why the incident occur, but our support and concern go out to Rami in the hopes that he and his face turn out okay. He's a nice one, with a nice face.

Bravo's Many Emmy Nominations

July 17, 2008

Bravo received a record-breaking 11 Primetime Emmy Nominations from the Academy of Television Arts & Science for the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. For the second consecutive year, Bravo dominated the Outstanding Reality Competition category garnering a nomination for both "Top Chef" – the No. 1 food show on cable – and "Project Runway," and continues to be the only cable network to ever receive an Emmy nomination in this category.

Also of note, Heidi Klum was nominated for best host of a reality-competition show (woot, woot). "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List" got nominated for Outstanding Reality Program and "Straight to Hell" for Outstanding Variety, Musical or Comedy Special.

READ MORE > >

Oh Andy, What Has Become Of You?

July 16, 2008

Not that he was ever that couth or in control... But Mr. Dick has been arrested again. This time for drug use and sexual battery, after someone called in a complaint about a drunk guy urinating outside a bar. The cops showed up and a 17 year old girl said he had pulled her top and bra down and exposed her breasts. The drugs they found on him were just pot and Xanax though. Lame. We expected black tar heroin or PCP or something.

It just doesn't seem quite as bad as last year when he peed on someone or several years back when he crashed into a telephone pole. But this picture makes it seems like he's totally lost his mind. (AP Photo/Riverside County Sheriff's Department)

Whoopi To Do Xanadu

July 15, 2008

Whoopi's going back to Broadway for a 6 week stint in the roller-skating, hit, musical Xanadu. She's taking over for Jackie Hoffman as one of the evil sisters, Caliope.

This picture, obviously, has nothing to do with that. But it is from when she hosted The Tony's. And she's in a costume.

Anyhow, it's exciting news, since we can't stand The View, but we can totally stand going to see Xanadu.

Is Dancing With The Stars Going Gay?

July 10, 2008

Rumors abound that maybe (just maybe) on next season of Dancing with the Star, Lance Bass will be one of the celebrities. And even better, he'll be dancing dude on dude. That is the sweetest news we've heard all week. Go Lance, you gay icon, you. We just hope it's actually true.

Xanadu Sing Along

July 07, 2008

For all you camp junkies out there, your fix is available in the form of an interactive screening of the horribly wonderful 1980 film Xanadu. The people who brought you The Buffy The Vampire Sing Along have moved on to even bigger atrocities...or awesomeness, depending on your point of view. Apparently there will be props and extra clips along with the singing and the dancing.

Here's the details, but check here for advanced tickets and more info:

THE XANADU SING ALONG!
The original 1980 film back on the big screen
With Audience Participation and more!
Friday & Saturday, July 18 & 19 @ midnight
at the IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue, New York City

And here's their short synopsis, in case you've forgotten the plot or (gasp!) have never seen it:

"Filled with hilarious moments (often unintentional) pouring off the screen, there is nothing about XANADU that is not resplendently insane! 80s icon Olivia Newton John plays Kira, a muse of the Greek god Zeus disguised in leg warmers and roller skates. She is summoned to Earth to inspire lonely album cover artist Sonny Malone (The Warriors star Michael Beck) and retired big-band musician Danny McGuire (Gene Kelley!) to team up and build a giant roller disco named Xanadu. No, really. The film is directed with neon music-video panache by Robert Greenwald, the same guy who now makes incendiary political documentaries about Fox News and Wal-Mart."

Tila Tequila Gets Dumped

July 02, 2008

By a girl, no less. It sort of feels like vindication for last season and Dani's dis and it sort of feels just like a super scripted soap opera. There was even dramatic piano music playing and then tears and then angsty indie rock and then Tila asking, "What's wrong with me?" And we're sure there's a fair share of you that could care less about this small bisexual that looks like a creepy doll.

Apparently Tila rebounded pretty quick from her "heartbreak." Watch this post finale interview and what she thinks of her beloved Kristy now.

Jesse Brune Interview

July 01, 2008

Queerty scored a post-pride interview with our boy, Jesse that we thought we'd point you towards. He talks about his new job as a Nair for Men sponsor (Is Nairing a bear really an oft practiced activity? Please let us know), transformation and how he got into training and Workout in the first place. Also he quotes Bette Midler.

But bad news for all your stalkers, he screens his clientelle and doesn't go on dates with people who come to him to train. Awww.