Sunday, February 21, 2016
Classic Television - Prime Time
Bonanza
Original channel
NBC
Original run
September 12, 1959 – January 16, 1973
Starring
Lorne Greene
Pernell Roberts
Dan Blocker
Michael Landon
Victor Sen Yung
David Canary
Mitch Vogel
Ray Teal
Bing Russell
Tim Matheson
Lou Fritzell
Bonanza is an NBC television western series that ran from September 12, 1959 to January 16, 1973. Lasting 14 seasons and 430 episodes, it ranks as the second longest running western series (behind Gunsmoke) and continues to air in syndication.
The show centered around the Cartwright family, who live in the area of Virginia City, Nevada, bordering Lake Tahoe. The series starred Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, Michael Landon, and, in later seasons, David Canary.
The title "Bonanza" is a term used by miners in regard to a large vein or deposit of ore and commonly refers to The Comstock Lode. In 2002, Bonanza was ranked No. 43 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, and in 2013 TV Guide included it in its list of The 60 Greatest Dramas of All Time. The time period for the television series is roughly between 1861 (Season 1) to 1867 (Season 13) during and shortly after the American Civil War.
The Cartwrights' Ponderosa Ranch would have been located in the Utah Territory.
Jake Gyllenhaal Embraces Musical Theater With A Rendition Of “Maria” From “West Side Story”
Just when you thought he couldn't get any better...
From: NewNowNext
From: NewNowNext
Jake Gyllenhaal got a little more perfect during a tribute to composer Leonard Bernstein at Lincoln Center in New York City Tuesday night, when he took the stage and flexed his musical theater muscle with a rendition of Bernstein’s “Maria” from West Side Story.
The shaky video taken from the audience below doesn’t provide the best visual of the performance, but all you really need here is audio, which is crystal clear.
The History of the World in 100 Performances with Adam Gopnik, a free event series examining legendary artistic feats,...Posted by Lincoln Center on Wednesday, February 17, 2016
We imagine critics would give the performance an 8 out of 10, but if we’re counting face and appearance in his overall score, we’d say he deserves a 12.
Check it out below, as well as another of Jake’s iconic musical theater performances — his rendition of the Dreamgirls classic “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” on Saturday Night Live in 2006.
ISIS Beheads 15-year-old Boy For Listening To “Western” Pop Music
From: Gaily Grind
The Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) has reportedly beheaded a 15-year-old boy for listening to pop music in the jihadist stronghold of Mosul, northern Iraq.
“Ayham Hussein was captured by the jihadis while listening to Pop music at the grocery store of his father in the Nabi Younis marketplace in western Mosul. He was referred to the Sharia Court, which issued a decision to execute him,” a spokesman for the Nineveh media center told ARA News.
“ISIS jihadis publicly beheaded the boy,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The victim’s body was handed over to his family on Tuesday evening.
The horrific incident has reportedly raised public outrage among Mosul’s residents.
“There was no formal decision by the Sharia Court that ban listening to western music,” the source said, adding this was the first case of its kind to be documented in Mosul.
Iraqi News’ online newspaper reported that IS had issued a fatwa that ordered the execution of anyone caught celebrating Valentine’s Day.
“The so-called al-Sharia Court in Mosul issued a fatwa to execute anyone who celebrates Valentine’s Day in the city because of the prohibition of these occasions,” Saeed Mamousini, media official in Kurdistan Democratic Party in Mosul told Iraqi News.
Inventive Interactions:
Andy Brennan by Humon Photography
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
'I try not to interact with students when I'm modeling naked because I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. But if someone comes to me and starts a conversation I absolutely love it.'
I have been looking to feature the work of Oregon's Humon Photography for awhile now. It was initially difficult to choose just the right model to feature, but that issue was solved beautifully when I saw his images of Andy Brennan last fall. Although I am not necessarily a huge fan of long hair in real life, I have recently began to appreciate how powerful hair can be, and how it has the ability to change the look, and feel of both a model and an image.
The first image I viewed of Andy was the image at the bottom of this piece. Andy dreadlocks, along with the poses and way Humon Photography staged, framed and lit the images created an almost primal feel, raw, sexy and energetic. Photographer and model proved to be perfect collaborators, utilizing the talents of each to create a uniquely beautiful set of images.
~Andy Brennan by Humon Photography~
Humon Photography has always had a passion for art and photography of all kinds, any style, anywhere and any one. This philosophy has led to shooting wide variety of models, traditional to alternative, conservative to outrageous and dramatic to quirky. The goal is to capture unique and impactful imagery, regardless of who is in front of his lens. I think the images resulting from this shoot are some of my favorite images from Andy's port and required not just the photographers passion, but required the 29 year old model to tap into his own artistic core as well.
'Andy was a joy to work with. Showing when/where he commits, awake, alert, with props/ideas, ready to collaborate. He's fun, interesting, willing to explore ideas. I certainly enjoyed and appreciated his candor, openness, and the sessions he and I have had working together.'
Andy also enjoyed the shoot and describes working with Humon Photography as a very fruitful collaboration. Being part of the creation process is something important to Andy, and something that led him to stop modeling for awhile. Andy never enjoyed working for photographers who worked using strict studio lighting and insisted on the same canned poses and set-ups. There was little gratification taking off his clothes, standing in a studio and doing the same poses as every other model that photographer had shot had done. In his work with Humon photography, Andy really felt like the character he created really came through and would recommend any model who wants to capture something unique to step in front of his lens.
'Humon Photography allowed me to feel like I could be myself. I could get weird and break out whatever props I wanted and contort myself in fun ways and he would get excited about it. A lot of photographers I've worked with like to stay within very rigid walls and frankly it bores me. I don't end up feeling particularly proud of any of the photographs and I struggle to find ones I love. That wasn't the case here. After our shoot there were dozens of photographs I loved. He took the time to go through and process every single photo. I've never seen that done before.'
For Andy, creating is a part of who he is and in addition to modeling Andy is also an artist who showcases his own artwork on divianART as well as his own site, Bees and Murderers, which also links to his webcomic. The quote at the top of the piece came from Andy commenting on his time modeling professionally for art classes and drawing groups. The three drawings, were some of Andy's favorites from the many students who have drawn him. I am always fascinated by models who pose for art classes. As difficult as must be to model nude for one artist, it would be an entirely different experience modeling naked for 20 or 30 would be artists...
'Nude modelling (or art modelling) is very different. There's very little interaction between myself and the teachers. I'm generally allowed to do whatever I want. In my experience art teachers tend to be more respectful than photographers and try not to interfere with the creative process. I like to find connections and learn what people like or don't like in models. No one has ever flirted me (sadly! lol) or done anything inappropriate. Somehow I get the feeling that happens more with female models. I like when I get to work with the same teachers again and again and we develop a bond. Or when students see me repeatedly and I see their faces light up when I walk in the room. It's a really nice feeling.'
100 Most Eligible Bachelors 2016
From: OUT
Charlie Carver
Actor
Charlie Carver (born Charles Carver Martensen; July 31, 1988) is an American actor known for his role as Porter Scavo in the ABC television series Desperate Housewives, and as Ethan in the MTV teen horror series Teen Wolf. He also starred in the first season of the HBO series The Leftovers. His real-life twin brother Max Carver also portrayed his fictional twin in all three shows.
Favorite Classic Playgirl Guy for February 21, 2008
I have been a fan of Dan Jacobs for some time. Dan has modeled for many sites and many companies. Here is a bit of his Playgirl spread.
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
The Wrong Stuff: Donnie Wahlberg Endorses Marco Rubio
From: Boy Culture
Game. Over. pic.twitter.com/GhM9ozbVeJ— Jeremy W. Peters (@jwpetersNYT) February 21, 2016
In the same way Susan Sarandon assumes any woman who votes for Hillary Clinton must be doing so using their vaginas, I suppose that I should be in the tank for Marco Rubio, since he and I both have gay dicks. But I'm not.
But Donnie Wahlberg is.
Rubio—who can't seem to catch on even though GOP insiders are desperate for him to topple Trump (FOX News was jumping for joy that Rubio barely edged out Cruz for a distant second in South Carolina yesterday)—saw fit to issue a press release announcing his latest, greatest celebrity endorsement: Donnie Wahlberg.
Yes, that politically uninvolved actor married to anti-vax nut job Jenny McCarthy.
And people are scoffing at Hillary Clinton for merely taking photos with Britney Spears?
Jeb Bush Ends Presidential Campaign After SC Shellacking
From: Boy Culture
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 21, 2016
Jeb Bush will end his presidential run in the face of dismal results in the first primaries and the Iowa caucus.
As fun as it is to see the Bush Dynasty crumble, it terrifies me that the alternative on the right is Donald Trump.
I would be more comfortable with Jeb Bush in the White House than Donald Trump. That is saying a LOT.
Hillary Clinton Wins Nevada Democratic Caucuses
From: Towleroad
Hillary Clinton has won the Nevada Democratic Caucuses, multiple news outlets are projecting.
With 68.2 percent of the vote in, Clinton edged out Sanders by 52.2 percent to 47.7 percent.
To everyone who turned out in every corner of Nevada with determination and heart: This is your win. Thank you. -H— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 20, 2016
I want to thank the people of Nevada for the support they have given us and the boost that their support will give us as we go forward.— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 20, 2016
The AP reports.
Clinton’s victory in Nevada could be crucial in holding off a challenge from Sanders that has been tougher than almost anyone expected. Clinton and Sanders split the first two voting contests, revealing the Vermont senator’s appeal with young people drawn to his impassioned calls for breaking up Wall Street banks and providing free tuition at public colleges and universities.
According to the entrance polls of voters, Clinton was backed by a majority of women, college-educated voters, those with annual incomes over $100,000, moderates, voters aged 45 and older and non-white voters. Sanders did best with men, voters under 45 and those less affluent and educated.
Heil Trump: The Donald Takes SC
From: Boy Culture
— Jeffrey Levin (@jilevin) February 21, 2016
Barring a live boy or a dead girl—which his supporters would still probably twist into some kind of a plus—Donald Trump's decisive victory in South Carolina confirms he is the front-runner to win the Republican nomination for president.
Insane.
I know a lot of people think that guarantees a Democratic win, but I don't trust states like Ohio and Florida to reject his white-is-right campaign message. I would rather Hillary, the likely Democratic nominee, go up against a religious nut like Cruz.
50 Straight People Who Nabbed Oscar Noms For LGBT Roles
From: Advocate
Daniel Massey
Star! (1968) tells the real life story of the rise of Broadway/movie star Gertrude Lawrence who at the beginning of the film, gets cast in London’s Calling, a new play penned by Noel Coward, who was brought to life for the film by Daniel Massey. Massey's portrayal of Coward, a gay actor/writer/composer/etc. known for his wit and flamboyance, garnered him his first and only Oscar nomination.
Gay MPs: The photograph that shows Westminster's attitude towards LGBT politicians is changing
This picture of 28 MPs and peers is the largest number of publicly out parliamentarians photographed together at one time
From: The Independent
From: The Independent
One of the most remarkable, yet pleasing, statistics that fascinated political number-crunchers at last year’s election was that the House of Commons ended up with 32 lesbian, gay and bisexual MPs.
Then last month, the Scottish Secretary and divorced father of three, David Mundell, became the first openly out Tory cabinet member. His son Oliver said he “admires [him] today as much as yesterday”, and David Cameron said he was “pleased and delighted” for him.
The Independent on Sunday can now add a further two to that number, with the SNP’s business spokeswoman, Hannah Bardell, and Labour’s shadow Welsh Secretary, Nia Griffith, coming out for our special photo shoot celebrating Parliament’s growing diversity.
LGBT History Month is celebrated in February – and this photograph of 28 MPs and peers is a bit of history in itself, as it is the largest number of publicly out parliamentarians pictured together at one time, from a parliament with more gay members than any in the world.
Ms Bardell, who previously worked for the then First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, said: “I only came out to myself and to my family during the election. I then chose not to say anything publicly because I had just got elected and I didn’t want it to be one of the first things I said about myself as an MP.
“When David Mundell came out, it must have been very difficult for him, but it got me thinking about saying something myself. I felt this was the right moment – I’m very proud to be out and I’m very happy.”
Ms Griffith, who has been an MP since 2005, said her sexuality had been known among friends, family and colleagues since the mid-1990s, but she “hasn’t made any great fuss about it in Parliament”.
Lord Chris Smith is in the picture – he was the first openly gay MP in the 1980s and also the first to be appointed to the cabinet when he became Culture Secretary in 1997. Chris Bryant, the shadow Leader of the House of Commons who got the MPs and peers together, said: “It’s amazing how things have changed in 20 years. For years, Chris was the only one. But for some of the MPs now, their sexuality is just a mundane part of their lives rather than [as it is to outsiders] the only interesting parts of their lives.”
It is understood that parliamentary clerks have also been asked to look into commissioning a painting of LGBT MPs, to recognise this as the most diverse parliament in British history.
In a joint opinion piece for The IoS, Mr Mundell and Mr Bryant note the improvements in Parliament, but warn: “LGBT young people in Britain still face stigma and bullying. Rates of suicide and depression are significantly higher among members of the LGBT community.”
Sadly, some MPs turned up after the shoot was over. This means they missed the questionable treat of Ben Bradshaw, a former Labour shadow culture secretary, stripping down to his white underpants on a chilly February day in front of Parliament, as he swapped cycling gear for a suit to pose for his own portrait to commemorate the great strides that British politics have made.
David Christopher: Self-Made Man
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
'I want people, or would like people, to be able to appreciate me and respect me and my work at the same time if possible. I want people to see me, all of me, and all I potentially have to offer in every situation...'
Most FH readers are aware how important I feel story is. My passion for art and photography is matched equally for love of writing and story and it has always been my goal to have the site more than just a series of photos. One of the main reasons parallels the quote above from model and actor David Christopher. It is important to me that no matter how incredible the images of body's and body parts may be, it not be forgotten the connection to the soul of the human who inhabits it.
So... every time I contact a photographer, a model or performer, I have questions. Questions about what stimulated their decision to model or act, what their first experiences were like and what drives their passion. Given FH's focus is the male form, questions about how they came to decide to bare their body is always fascinating to investigate. Although most subjects are generous with their time and responses, answers tend to remain surface. This is understandable, especially given the context, I understand for many it is important to only give away what is needed for any particular moment or event.
Every once in awhile though, there is a subject who goes deeper, peeling back additional layers and exposing more than just skin, but pieces of themselves beyond what a camera is capable of capturing. Last February, I was fortunate to connect and share stories from David Christopher. In the first piece, Uncovered Stories, David shared not just his thoughts and experiences with modeling, but also his struggles with addition and past experiences with abuse and incarceration. A year later, it seemed a good time to check in with David and see what twists and turns the story may have taken.
No matter how many times we are reminded that you can't judge a book by it's cover, we all continue to do so, each and every day. David's professional images, mostly capture moments of strength, strength of the body of course, but also of confidence and soul. In order to go beyond the surface, to look at ourselves in a deeper and meaningful way, one must have a sense of self. Self is not about what we know about ourselves, it is about the exploration of what we don't. They were created so that someone can see you, not necessarily for others to know you. Self is what is below the surface, selfies usually only capture what's above, for many these layers contradict each other. Selfies are a quick and simple way to share a visual, the intent not meant to really go beyond a quick snapshot of the surface.
David's selfies however tell a more nuanced story, not surprising given the person behind the lens knows their subject much more intimately. I find it interesting that David's goal to have people see all of him, and he skillfully found a way to do this through selfies. Through his use of mirror and reflection, although he shares his body, in many shots, he forces the viewer to pay a bit more attention, and take a few seconds longer, to get a good look. With that in mind, I hope FH readers take a bit of time to catch up to the next chapter in David's journey.
Did you have any regrets about sharing so much about yourself and your life in the first piece?
No regrets on my end, I feel that to not share with others would be more wrong, sharing is caring correct? I hope some people learned about me for the first time. I am pretty open and if anyone is interested in getting to know me further my Instagram (davidchrist14) and Facebook are both public as well.
Can you share what changes have occurred, either in your career or your life since the interview last February?
I obviously have grown some emotionally, mentally, and spiritually that kinda goes along with living in general for most, right? I can say that I feel its been in a mainly positive direction, I have started to grow my hair longer as well, so you can also say physically I've changed as well. This year I will also be starting my acting career.
When you're doing a nude selfie, who is it for? A body shot so photographers can see what you look like; yourself to mark progress with fitness or appearance; an admirer of your work who might enjoy the view, or maybe all of the above?
It is most often for me tracking my own body's growth and development but truthfully all of the above.
You seemed to encapsulate so much of your life, and so many experiences in your tattoos. Any new tats since last year, or any plans for others?
Yes I have plans for a few more in the future and I am still combing through a multiplicity of possibilities, that's the true beauty in art and design is it not... the symbolism and hidden meaning in things tied with personal interpretation.
You're moving into acting, also a visual medium. Actors often draw on past life experiences for a scene or a moment, are there stories that you're still in the process of uncovering?
I am truly excited. This is new and different outlet for me, its a change and experience that I will try to embrace understand and run with as long as possible, and so far so good. As for stories, yes, many more. I should be able to make myself a pretty multifaceted actor in the long run..
You had expressed frustration that many offers are from photographers only interested in getting you naked. What do you use to determine whether an artist wants to use your body and skill in the creation of art, or simply use your body?
I basically use my insight and judgement of character the best I can... I also ask other people from the industry what they think or know of the person in question, while still remembering opinions are like assholes, everyone has them and they all stink... lol
Curious about any strange thoughts that have gone through your mind as you posed naked for a photographer?
I've had a few strange ones... how long must have Greco Roman sculptors had to have there models pose nude for? That must have sucked! lol As well as why don't people just live everyday life in the nude... they could, theoretically. not in nudist colonies or what have you, but I mean in society... we all know what a dick looks like or female genitalia and butts and other body parts as well... why such a need for censorship? why the hysteria and controversy? just live and let live...
I am sure a true artist would look to capture the intensity of experience you bring to so many of your images, but... would also want to photograph your incredible butt. Is that something you accept and are OK with?
Yes, I have no problem sharing what I have gained through my life experience, to help others grow in a positive direction with me, you shouldn't get involved with me unless your trying to evolve. And I've never had issues sharing my butt... Even as a rebel in grade school I would moon teachers and lunch ladies... Lol
Caucus
From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things
From now until November, I will be highlighting some of the faces, and bodies involved in the election. The men featured are both actively involved, as well as those covering, and uncovering the race. Today is the adorable face of Phil Mattingly. The former Bloomberg Correspondent has been covering the election for CNN since December and is always a welcome addition to any coverage. .
A Ferocious Backlash to LGBT Equality Is in Full Force
From: Wicked Gay
"In South Dakota, Governor Dennis Daugaard is right this moment mulling over a bill sent to his desk by the legislature that would bar transgender students -- kids often facing bullying and discrimination -- from using bathrooms or locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. The bill defines such facilities as "designated for and used only by students of the same biological sex" and federal officials say it violates federal law, specifically Title IX of the Civil Rights Act. South Dakota would be the first place to pass such a law, but it certainly doesn't look like the last.
In Georgia and Mississippi, new "religious liberties" bills that would allow government workers, taxpayer-funded groups and businesses whose owners or operators oppose gay marriage to discriminate against gays, have advanced. Legislators in over twenty other states are pursuing similar actions. And in Texas, a new Kim Davis is on the horizon, as Molly Criner, the clerk of rural Irion County, says she may not give out marriage licensesto gay couples (no couples have apparently yet come to get one). She testified last week before a Texas legislative committee. "This is going to be something that violates my oath," she claimed.
A backlash against LGBT equality is in full swing, eight months after marriage equality came to the entire nation, and it's not just happening in very conservative places." Full story here!
History's Hottest Movie Actors
From: Boy Culture
 |
| A Greek god among men |
#61
Harry Hamlin
(1951—)
Growing up, Harry Hamlin's legs in Clash of the Titans truly helped shape my budding sexuality. I can't help it...I had a weird fixation on Lorenzo Lamas, too. But even though he later became a truly silly figure in the pop-cultural landscape, he was hot enough back then to cause unfortunate boners among gaggles of teenage boys watching him on Cinemax while spending the night at each other's houses. He had such a classical look he was one of the only actors who could star in a movie about gay sex and have a demure title like Making Love not elicit guffaws.
Sexy Sampler
Movie Movie (1978), King of the Mountain (1981), Clash of the Titans (1981), Making Love (1982), Blue Skies Again (1983)
Donald Trump May Be The Best Republican We Can Hope For
From: Queerty
With his double-digit win in South Carolina, Donald Trump is without a doubt the front-runner for the GOP nomination. When Trump declared his candidacy last year, that statement would have been met with gales of laughter. Now the Republican party is facing the grim prospect of a walking comb-over becoming its standard bearer for the highest office in the land.
The departure of Jeb Bush, who began the campaign as if he were an heir apparent and not a candidate, has little immediate impact on the race. Punditry has declared that this is now a three-man race, based on the one-two-three finish in South Carolina: Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. Despite giving an imitation of a mechanical wonder just two weeks ago in New Hampshire, Rubio is now the repository of the party establishment’s hopes of stopping Trump and Cruz.
The problem is that Rubio hasn’t proven that he can win an election. His strategy was to finish third in Iowa, second in New Hampshire and first in South Carolina. He got Iowa right, but finished fifth in New Hampshire and second or third in South Carolina. How adding the pitiful handful of Bush supporters will give him 20 more points at the polls to vault ahead of Trump is impossible to see.
That leaves Cruz and Trump. Cruz has been running a decent campaign, but it’s a bad sign for him that Trump won the evangelical vote in South Carolina. The religious right is supposed to be the core of Cruz’s base. If Cruz’s support among them is wobbly, he doesn’t have much of a chance of winning the nomination.
On the other hand, everything is looking up for Trump. A three-man race means that Cruz and Rubio can split the non-Trump vote in upcoming primaries, which are in states where Trump is leading in polls in any case.
Believe it or not, that may be the best possible outcome for the LGBT community. Cruz and Rubio have established themselves as homophobes on principle. Trump is all about opportunism. He had pandered mightily to the antigay right in the campaign. What he believes in, besides winning at any cost, is another question. A President Rubio or a President Cruz would be reflexively homophobic. There’s enough uncertainty about Trump that you can’t be quite as sure that he would match the others.
That’s cold comfort, of course. The GOP race is still the equivalent of a choice among Dengue fever, Ziki virus and malaria. None of them is what you’d wish for. It’s all disastrous and potentially fatal to the body politic. But that’s the situation that the Republican party finds itself in. Until the fever breaks and the party comes to its senses, it’s chances of winning national elections will remain slim. Let’s hope that the rest of us don’t get sick in the meantime.
February 21st is International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day (IMLD) (Bengali: আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবস Antôrjatik Matribhasha Dibôs) is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages.