Tug James: Bodybuilding Collect-o-Decorator

October 09, 2006

Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3

Bryan Thompson writes a regular Design blog for Bravotv.com. But he's the coolest guy in San Diego and so we've stolen this story from him (and Bravo!) for OUTzone. Maybe it's the bodybuilding picture, or maybe it's just that Bryan is such a funny writer. Mostly it's because we think he's introducing us to a person that's worth reading about. A man named Tug ... read on. --The Editors

When people meet my friend Tug James, right away they notice his muscles. They're huge. He has massive biceps, bulging pecs and a tiny waist. Think "Incredible Hulk" without all the green.

I always smile when I see people feeling intimidated by him. They judge him by his looks, thinking he's bound to be gruff and mean. But the opposite is true. Tug is the biggest softie you'll ever meet. He's outgoing, generous and cries at movies. His favorite show is "The Golden Girls" and he does a great Cher, with everything from the voice to the hair flip down pat.

He's also a great artist. The man can paint anything -- from landscapes to figures to funny cartoons. If it sounds like I'm in awe ... I am.

Tug's official jobs are bartender and model, but if you ask me his true calling is interior design. Of all the people I know in the field he's the one who whips up whimsical and inventive ideas with the greatest confidence and speed. His home is an awesome mix of traditional, modern and way-out-there.

You'll find a wonderful modern sofa, a real blue Marlin over the fireplace and a wax museum figure of Sylvester Stallone and somehow it all works. The guy loves pop culture. He has dolls from the Bugaloos TV show, vintage lunchboxes, and earrings actually worn by Betty White on TV. He loves autographs from stars both major and minor. Elvis, Marilyn, Frank Sinatra's signed pictures are in his collection. But he also has Adrianne Barbeau and Karen Black. When Tug renovates a room he does it in a single day and it comes out perfect.

READ MORE > >