Jack Scribe

Veering away from Luke and Noah, I must insert that last year's Big Brother Australia winner, Jamie, was a big hit with me! I'm assume he's not gay but the stud had no problem wearing only his skin. Yum! Here was a fun blog entry that commented on (pant, pant) Jamie: Jamie is finally the winner of Big Brother Australia. After 100 days of some of the most controversial Australian television that included more nudity than ever, sexual assault allegations and comments made by the Australian Prime Minister for Big Brother to be banned. Dubbed the 'Jamie's c**k show', Jamie has pleasured us (and himself) over the past twelve weeks with the sight of his very own, very big, brother. He will go down in Big Brother history as someone well worth a plane ticket to Oz. Even on America's cable shows, male frontal nudity is almost a no-no. I applaud the less-restrictive attitude in Oz. It also doesn't hurt that Australia has a terrific selection of faaaaaaaaaantastic-looking men. There...I said my piece. Jack

That smarmy whack-job, Fred Phelps, and his disgusting crew of haters are going to picket Heath's funeral. http://www.towleroad.com/2008/01/fred-phelps-wes.html. A part of me wishes the media would completely ignore these crazies. However, people need to know that there are bigots - some more subtle than others - out there ready to pounce.

I'm sure the film, when it is released, will be a tribute to this fine actor. The media is the media. The current hearing concerning Diana's death brings to mind the feeding frenzy that the press are capable of creating. Heath Ledger will be missed.

Perhaps a "petite cliffhanger" is appropriate. It's not the usual whopper. The Scar/Jerry plans on the boys being toast - especially Eric. What is going to jar Brandon's memory to question the sophisticated switches he found when they opened the panel (and managed to almost strip two screwheads in the process)? Jack

I don't watch soaps, but this hot couple seem to steam up daytime American TV - As The World Turns: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07SwPe_5n28. I think the writers may have read some of the stories on GA for ideas. I know that this two minute clip is pretty tame for readers in Australia, U.K. and Europe, but as the saying goes: The U.S. "has come a long way, baby". Jack

Sex advice columnist Dan Savage was sent by HBO's Bill Maher to South Carolina to report on the primary activities. The locals' reactions when he mentions his partner of several years and their 9 y.o. adopted child are priceless. This 9 minute segment from last Friday's Bill Maher Show is hilarious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiz2XKjThEQ. Jack

I echo these sentiments! Whew - 2,000 posts in two years. Quite an accomplishment. Watch out, CJ. Jack

I found this amusing short re-mix of the famous (or infamous) recent interview: :wacko: http://gawker.com/5002368/tom-cruise-on-to...e-homoeroticist. Have a few laughs and enjoy. Jack

HAPPY 34! In the parlance of new age-speak, 44 years of age is the new 34. Whoops...if that's the case, then Hylas is only 12 and shouldn't be on this site. Good luck on the triathon. Jack

One place to be alert is the gym. I noticed that my 24 Hour Fitness gym recently installed anti-bacterial wipe dispensers in areas close to hand weights and the machines. Statistically, over 50% of the male population don't wash hands after using a toilet! Any many who do just pass their hands under the water. Here's a great rule of thumb: lather up with soap and wash you hands while singing (to yourself ) the Happy Birthday song. It's approximately 20 seconds long. This is the time health services people recommend you take to wash hands. Jack

Happy 30th, LB! How's the writing going? Jack

From today's NYT: In recent years, Mr. Renfro was known as much for his legal troubles as for his acting career. He was charged with marijuana and cocaine possession in 1998, avoiding jail because of a plea bargain, according to The Associated Press. Mr. Renfro was an admitted heroin and methadone user... The Bully was a terrific indie film that provided the actor a broad canvas to show his acting ability. The guy had great potential. Like River Phoenix, Renfro's death is such a sad waste.

Agree, completely. Ya gotta wonder if Lump is part of this conspiracy? Is Jerry's good-for-nothing son actually Dimitri? Jack

Happy 21st, Robbie! Here's to an exceptional year - personally and scholastically - for you. Jack

This is a six minute WOW experience. I've seen several Cirque du Soleil featuring with two men going through incredible routines of balance and strength. This presentation, however, is exceptional. Hope they have a good chiropractor on call. Jack

Happy 22nd Birthday! You've now entered the official countdown to 30. Trust me, the years only get better. Yeah...and the check is in the mail (you know the rest). Jack

As a matter of fact, I do a know a hot guy in Austin. I'm 90% sure I'll come to Dallas for the GA gathering and then head down to see the cowpoke. (Or is it have a cowpoke?). Go Longhorns! Thank God for grandfathered AAdvantage miles. Jack

Hi Mattie. Welcome to this diverse world of Gay Authors and your exploratory writing experiences. All of us who author stories are led by the characters as they develop little quirks, attitudes and more dimension. Then the story line takes an unexpected turn and a new character appears. A sub-plot idea enters the arena and you're off. I suggest that you find a friend or seek assistance in the Writer's Forums and identify an editor to help proof your initial efforts. A second or third eye will help cull typos, spelling errors, grammar boo-boos, etc. All of us have missed things because we're too close to the material. You will also find some excellent discussion threads about writing in general. I've been helped from reading helpful points posted by other writers. Once you have a text that has been edited, run a portion in "Sneak Peaks" and solicate reaction. Then, as Graeme suggested, post it in eFiction. Good luck! Jack

Absolutely. Loved the line, after they withdrew from an embrace, about watching the cheerleaders with their "Short shorts and jiggling hooters," to assert their masculinity. I have seen this before but it's great satire about some males' confusion and denial concerning homosexuality. Jack

I'm really jazzed by the film project, Milk, that Gus Van Sant will direct. Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Sean Penn and James Franco are quite a cast. http://www.towleroad.com/2007/12/emile-hirsch-jo.html. This will be a February, 2009, release. For younger and international GA members who might not be familiar with 70's San Francisco gay activist Harvey Milk, here's some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Milk. Jack

Wow, Kevin. What a well-thought out response. We're mostly an unrecognized minority - citizens experiencing life's challenges, rewards and disappointments on a daily basis. The "Millenniums" are dealing with our minority status differently than the "Y" and "X" generations. And certainly on a whole other plane than my "Boomer" group. Here's an short collage of photographs that was sent to me recently that's worth a reflective look. The male couples shown couldn't even begin to imagine where our/their sub-culture would progress over the past century. http://www.musicmisfit.com/affectionatemen/affectionate.html. Jack

Here's a little more of Heath Ledger's Joker character interpretation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaIR9dAZRR0 Should be a hot summer 2008 release. I love this gritty, less over-the-top version of Batman. And Christian Bale ain't bad to look at.

Cracked me up! As far as entertainers, I'm surprised no one mentioned Rufus Wainwright. He's a rising star and gay. I'm more mellow - it's a generational thing - and listen to MOR entertainers like Josh Grobin (who, if you read the Bulge Report, has a lot going for him besides music), Michael Buble and Harry Connick, Jr. In jazz, Diane Schuur and and Diana Krall ring my chimes. But my real passion is classical symphony music. I usually listen to FM stations - KUSC in LA, and Classic FM in London - while I'm reading or writing. And I'm very fortunate to live in a small community that offers a live concert series during the winter season. This year, the orchestras include the Royal Phil, LA Phil, and the Czech Phil among others. I don't have the gay opera gene, however. Been there; tried that. Jack

I think it's literary license. I loved the travels around Rome. Brought back memories. There is a marvelous hotel - The Hasler - at the top of the Spanish steps. http://www.hotelhasslerroma.com/. Per a Google search: The Bellini was first invented in 1948 at Harry's Bar in Venice Italy. Giuseppe Cipriani was the head bartender at the time, and had a strong fondness for for the Italian White Peaches. He worked long and hard trying to develop a perfect cocktail which would use them as a base, then he tried the simple combination of pureed white peaches and prosecco (Italian Sparkling Wine), and he knew he had something. I'm not sure if Harry's Bar in Rome is part of the Venice original. http://www.harrysbar.it/ Guess we'll have to wait on the latest status of Steve and Wilde's understanding. But I do smell something curious with Jerry's re-entry into the story. Fun chapter.

Via Towleroad, this is quite a contemporary concept for college study. The University of Michigan offers this credited course: http://www.towleroad.com/2008/01/university-of-m.html. Pour a glass of chardonnay, turn on your favorite Broadway musical score and read this. The latest Room and Board catalog can wait. Jack