Grace Jones World

The Biggest Loser: Tonight's American Music Awards

2005-11-22T09:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight's the American Music Awards, a show I haven't been able to get through in years. I wouldn't mind seeing performances by Mariah Carey and Cyndi Lauper, and Cedric The Entertainer ought to be a great host. However I have little interest in seeing Kenny Chesney squirming on stage just because he was married a minute to Renee Zellweger, and the Rolling Stones squirming on stage just because Mick's too old and creaky to zip around the way he used to.

The American Music Awards is a nice idea, but I suppose I'd like this thing better "de-Americanized." I mean, I consider myself a person with diverse taste in music. But the truth is, some of this stuff bores me thrown in together this way. Rob Thomas then Bow Wow then Hilary Duff. This is just wrong -- all wrong.

By the way, who exactly is Rob Thomas? Why would I want to see Hilary's duff? And Bow Wow? Big friggin' woof!

Perhaps I'd be more excited if I were more a fashion bug. Then at least I'd care to see what the presenters such as Toni Braxton and Eve would be wearing. But the scripts are usually so corny and stiff and tired, not even the idea of teeny-tiny-diva-fashions turns me on enough to tune in.

I see that Ciara's "performing" tonight... (yawnnnnn). At the recent Vibe Awards, Ciara's penultimate act was to ask the audience, "Y'all wanna see me dance?" Ultimately, we should have screamed a worldwide "no!" Because Ciara's heebie-jeebie zombie popping made my butt twitch. And as much as I like Pharrell, he'll probably have Gwen Stefani with him, singing that innane hook, "You got it like that." As immensely talented as Pharrell is, he sure knows how to screw up a perfectly fabulous beat.

To me, the American Music Awards haven't been enjoyable since the days of the Jacksons. Since the days before Janet exposed her boob and got herself ex-communicated from such mega-televised events. Since the days before Michael exposed his weiner and got himself ex-communicated from the light of day.

Maybe I'll just watch The Biggest Loser tonight instead. Tonight's episode features the contestants scaling the side of a building with the amount of their weight loss in coins strapped to their meaty backs. They'll probably look a little like Ciara does dancing. Maybe just a little more jiggy. I mean jiggly.

Eyebrows raised: Victoria's Secret & 50 Cent in GQ

2005-11-18T03:32:00.000-08:00

The 14th annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show took place mid-week, in preparation for the December 6 broadcast on CBS. There must have been more than a few whispers, though... Mrs. Seal -- Heidi Klum -- appeared to have needed a few more months of body sculpting post-child before hitting the runway. And Tyra Banks, who makes this her last trot for Victoria's Secret given her TV show successes, looked a bit like her thighs couldn't have agreed more.

But the biotch with the killingest walk on the planet did not disappoint... You're still the WMD, blowing up all runways, Miss Naomi Campbell.

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First Diddy shows mad love for designer Zac Posen. Now 50 Cent raises the eyebrows of those with an alleged nose for all things gay.

The rapper turned movie star, profiled as GQ's Man of the Year in the December issue, threw a diva tantrum because his trailer at the MTV Awards was without air conditioning.

"They don’t do this to Madonna!” Fiddy is quoted saying in the GQ article, and I suppose he's absolutely right. Probably because Madonna has thrown the exact same bitch-fit for some similar discomfort.

Talk show guru Dr. Phil says "you teach people how to treat you." Well, MTV now has an advanced degree in making a happy dollar and 50 cent.

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Shout out to Anna Nicole Smith. Watched the piece about you on 20/20 last night, and hope you win your Supreme Court battle in January. A lesser woman would have given up on half of that $1.6 billion by now. But not you. Loved that you purchased your husband nose hair tweezers for Christmas. Oh, and a sexy portrait of you in a Santa Bikini Suit.

I don't know the law, but what seems right to me is this: The billionairre Mr. Marshall asked your hand in marriage, you accepted, you made this dying man VERY happy (on occasion). Hell, what did they expect of you? That you'd hang-out with a 90-year-old 24/7, watching him wheeze and sleep most of the time?

I guess once you plucked out those disgusting nose hairs, you didn't mind looking down at him -- getting his jolly jiggling. Nor yours -- spread eagle. But only a little, like this: It wasn't hard work, but I can imagine the kind of freak mentality it takes to "do it to death."

For your benevolence, you deserve that half a billion dollars plus an Oscar. You're fierce, girl. Get money!

Do Madonna, Madonna (in concert @ AOL!)

2005-11-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

Madonna's new CD, Confessions On a Dancefloor -- which officially hits the market tomorrow -- already is the #1 best selling music item at Amazon. And at 5 p.m. EST tomorrow (11/15/05), Madonna's live concert will broadcast worldwide at www.aolmusic.com, direct and on-stage from Koko's in London. An exclusive behind-the-scenes segment will take us fans backstage with Madonna right before the show begins.

Based on these reviews I've found, Madonna's new CD is a non-stop groove monster. Here's what a few respected critics have said:

There are glimmers of Donna Summer, S.O.S. Band, Tom Tom Club, Blondie, Depeche Mode and even a little Iggy Pop. -- New York Times
Confessions On A Dance Floor wipes the, er, floor with her critically acclaimed CDs such as Ray Of Light. It is an hour of pure electronic dance/pop heaven. -- The (U.K.) Sun (includes a track-by-track analysis)
This Guardian U.K. review is a little less loving than the others, but still gives Madonna's new one three out of four stars: The album's title, "NON-STOP ALL-DANCE TOUR-DE-FORCE" sticker and format - each track segueing breathlessly into the next as if mixed by a DJ - suggest Madonna's desire to reconnect with her past as an early-1980s club diva and her devoted gay fanbase.

All the best to you, Material Girl. Can't wait to get your latest in my hot hands. Meanwhile, we'll certainly be enjoying your concert tomorrow on AOL.

Read more: Madonna Celebrity Music Lesbian Gay GLBT

Bush shows Aretha "Pride, A Deeper Love"

2005-11-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

The powerhouse vocalist who generated one of the most exuberant and meaningful gay anthems ever, Aretha Franklin, yesterday received the highest honor that can be bestowed on a U.S. civilian. The gospel-bred chanteuse behind Pride, A Deeper Love is now the proud owner of a Presidential Medal of Freedom for achievement in the arts.

I can think of no more deserving entertainer than "Ree-Ree" for President Bush to honored. She has given so much musically to so many for so very long, it's hard to believe she hadn't already been recognized this way.

For the past forty or so years -- count them: 40 -- Aretha has serenaded people of every generation, hue and persuasion during joyous times and times that were tearful. She has bellowed so beautifully in our ears to stand tall that she actually empowered us. She has whispered exquisite reminders to us that we have a mighty friend in the Lord when times were tough. And when all of that wasn't enough, she told us of a man called Doctor Feelgood, swearing he'd take care of all pains and ills.

If you get the urge this weekened to dig in the old music crates for a true taste of the undisputed Queen of Soul, grab a glass of fine wine and give a listen to what I'd vote her top 10 songs of all time:

Chain of Fools
Ain't No Way
Dr. Feelgood
Eleanor Rigby
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Natural Woman
Baby I Love You
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Mary Don't You Weep
Pride (A Deeper Lover)

In a world where stars fade in and out of the public eye in a flash, Aretha Franklin has been loved and heralded for her undeniable gift like very few others. All the very best to the Queen of Soul. Here's to many, many more years of making your remarkable music.

Face: Jonathan Plummer gives it on Oprah

2005-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

Guess I'm late to the Mr. Terry McMillan party. Her man -- well, ex-man turned man's-man -- is gorgeous and I hadn't quite noticed until now. Terry's Jamaican Guy, Jonathan Plummer, joined her on Oprah's couch yesterday, and boy was it a hot mess! So much was going on, they barely mentioned her latest book, The Interruption of Everything.

Terry's body language was all over the place. She couldn't control her facial expressions, rolling her eyes and jerking her head at every syllable the man uttered. I mean, she has every right to be hurt and angry. But didn't the man do the right thing by finally speaking up about his "overnight gay transformation?" (Yeah right!)

What struck me more than anything, though, was the video of Jonathan standing on a balcony when the show was seguing to a commercial. Oh, he told Mr. DeMille he was ready for that close-up! Mr. McMillan's brows were flawlessly tweezed. And when he turned his head, he gave the camera Fierce Face...

Jonathan is clearly ready to either hit the drag balls, hit a career in XXX flicks, or just hit lots and lots of magic stick. I think Terry's got to let that go, and I don't just mean on paper, either. When she wasn't eye-rolling or glaring at him, her touchy-feely body language showed she's still very much attracted to him -- and I can see why! But he's clearly "finding himself" on the other side, is bursting all the way "out" of hetero L7.

Read more: Terry Oprah LGBT Gay Books

We miss you Pepper Labeija

2005-11-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

My friend E. and I love to chant this like attitudinal drag queens when we're tee-heeing over something scandalous : PEP-a LaBEY-ja, Pep-a-La-BEY-ja. You'll only get it if you know (and love) the brilliant documentary Paris Is Burning. If you missed it, it's the fierce 1991 flick about New York's underground black drag balls.

What has me thinking of Miss Pepper LaBeija, the ultimate mother of children of color, is this absolutely krazy blog entry by Clay Cane, titled Looka Like A. Clay's posted the frightening look-alike photos of some of the more interesting celebrities -- Brandy, one of the tennis Williams sisters, R. Kelly and Nicole Richtie, to name a few. This hilarious photo drama was inspired by a group of queens cutting up in a Chinese restaurant. Just go there and read it; you'll get it and love it!

But back for a moment to my Pepper Fever... For a look at some the remarkable girls, check out these dazzling photos from Sally's II.

To read a tight, inside story about the history of the "Houses" and some of the legendary ones who put Voguing on the map, click here.

For an update on the lastest incarnation of the drag balls, check out this Village Voice piece, which captures the making of the long-awaited and recently completed documentary, titled How Do I Look. Directed by Wolfgang Busch, the film considered a "part two" of Paris Is Burning is available here.

Last but not least: Let's stop "observating" and go to a real damned ball! Check out Brooklyn Boy Blues for a calendar of upcoming events.

Read more: Gay GLBT Films DVD House Black

Don't holla back, girl. Please don't holla back

2005-11-07T05:22:00.000-08:00

Gwen Stefani's pop stardom irritates me. To me, she's a two-legged, one-note "cover song" of the powerhouse that Madonna built. I mean, when you're going to do a rendition of someone's hit song (or hit style or look), you've really got to bring it fresh and improved. Seems like a nice, charming, sensible girl but just a musically immaterial girl.

Well, the Washington Post states my point best here, in an article titled "Gwen Stefani's Patriot Center Fashion Show":

Stefani's concert at the Patriot Center on Saturday was a colorful, elaborately staged celebration of style, like a runway show writ large. It was an impressive feat, given that Stefani is like a virgin when it comes to such extravaganzas and that, unlike Madonna, she doesn't really dance, no matter how funky the music may be.

For one thing, her show was marked by a vocal sameness because of her relatively limited range. The most memorable singing of the night came when the bassist Meshell Ndegeocello took over the vocals at the end of "Luxurious." Ndegeocello's voice was rich and soulful, in stark contrast to Stefani's often pinched singing.

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On the other hand, ever able to wonderfully "do Madonna" is Madonna herself. She's receiving rave reviews -- naturally! -- for her performance at the MTV Europe Awards on the weekend. Making a Disco Feverish splash as the opening act, our girl "Mad" kicked off the show with "Hung Up," the first single from her forthcoming album, Confessions of a Dance Floor.

Mon congrats, (Material) Girl. You can holla back any time.

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PS -- Miss Stefani might even take a lesson in how to "do Madonna" from no less than the five and dime store man of the hour. We aren't likely to see Mr. Candy Stick -- or is it Mr. Magic Shop? -- donning breast cones on his relentlessly tattooed body. But he certainly knows a thing or twenty about Shameless Self-promotion, a la Madonna.

With a movie hitting the big screen in a few days, this guy's PR machine keeps spinning and spinning. Check out his latest goofy blurt, mentioned at KeithBoykin.com, on the topic of gays in the military. Oops, in the G-G-G-G G-Unot game. With all of the ludicrous and wild PR swings he's taking weekly to pre-promote his film, he's coming off a bit like a fake, crap-talking wrestler.

Read more: Madonna Meshell GLBT Gay Music

Sunday Tea Dance (vol. 2)

2005-11-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

Here's a little Celestial Reasoning for this Sunday's Gay Tea Dance --

Those psychedelic faux friends in L.A. are doing hits again. Hits of tres contemporary art, that is. "Ecstacy" is the hot exhibit ticket in La-La-land. Looks like it's all the rave, a very trippy, altered space for sure.
Some buy vowels; others buy raging female hormones. Armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and a 9 mm handgun, Leslie Ann Nelson, a transexual exotic dancer, killed two police officers during a 1995 standoff at her Haddon Heights, NJ home. At her upcoming sentencing trial, the lovely lady gets to legally represent herself. Here's hoping this woman's work is ever done well. After all, Leslie Ann recently was awarded Inmate of the Month by the NJ Corrections Dept., so maybe the diva can work her magic in court, too.
If you 1) loved Jamie Foxx as Wanda, 2) loved with two snaps in Z formation when Blaine grew excited about your favorite flick, and/or 3) would love to see J-Lo's booty-bounce as a Flyy Girl, then don't miss season four of In Living Color. It's all come out of the DVD closet and itching to get at you again.

Read more: GLBT Gay Disco Films Movies Music

Margaret Cho knocks Gwen Stefani's Harajuku tie-in

2005-11-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

The funniest chick on the planet, Margaret Cho, recently blogged about not finding so funny Gwen Stefani's all-over-ness of the Japanese Harajuku street fashion style. In fact, she finds it offensive. Read Cho's comments here: Entertainment Weekly.

My introduction to the fad came thanks to Tyra Banks, whose challenge last season landed her Top Model wanna-bes in Tokyo's trendy Harajuku neighborhood. A Gothic Lolita look is how this displeased writer of Asian heritage describes the look that Tyra's girls tried (miserably) to immulate.

Guess I was actually okay with it all -- the neo-punkish attitude of it -- until I learned that Gwen Stefani became the #1 Exporter of it. I don't get her... Who? What?? Why??? And When will the Stefani devoid-of-funk end? Here again, I feel Gwen's trying too hard to be The New Madonna, who received some flack when she brought Voguing out of the gay clubs and balls and into her video.

Anyway, don't know why in hell you'd want to, but to get the Harajuku look check it out here: Tokyo Street Style. But for a fiercer Asian appreciation look, try this one that Grace Jones once gave us:

Read more: Harajuku Anime Margaret Cho Gwen Stefani Madonna Gay GLBT

Halloween Parade: A gay booooo fest

2005-11-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, we weren't able to attend New York's amazing Halloween Parade this year. So thought I'd dedicate today's post to the fun we missed. This is, after all, the most visually arresting (mostly) gay parade of all and draws comparisons to Mardi Gras. Accordingly, this year's parade in New York paid tribute to New Orleans.

Check out these blogger post-event highlights from the Halloween Parade:

Tags: Halloween Parade Halloween Parties Gay Parade Gay New York City

Book 'I'm Every Woman' by Lonnae O'Neal Parker

2005-10-31T05:37:00.000-08:00

Came across an exceptional essay on black female sexuality this morning at Washington Post online, written by Style section reporter Lonnae O'Neal Parker. The piece starts off with O'Neal Parker painting a too-familiar landscape of female sexuality in her colorful immediate family, starring her:

Enviable, sex-pot, knows-how-to-work-it Aunt Jackie at the epicenter
Deeply offended granny, who admonished Clarence Thomas during his Anita Hill period, saying "What make it so bad, he was talkin' about havin' URRRL sex!"
Razor-sharp historical insights, touching none too lightly on the Hottentot Venus, the rape and breeding of black women during slavery and much more.

But alas, O'Neal Parker says she's finally put it all together and now has a secret sauce of her own that works wonders in her marriage, citing bluesy lines from Jill Scott. Hint: this may involve cooking collard greens and lots of sensuous lip lickin'.

To promote her forthcoming book, I'm Every Woman: Remixed Stories of Marriage, Motherhood and Work, O'Neal Parker chats live at 1 p.m. today at washingtonpost.com/liveonline.

Seems like she's got a winner for modern girls in the making. As they say in the movie, this essay was so entertaining and on-target, Lonnae O'Neal Parker "had me at hello."

Tags: Books Black History Feminism Soul music

Hot Tea: Sunday's Best of the Gay Web (vol. 1)

2005-10-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

Since we've "fallen back" and gained an hour, I've decided to throw a little Sunday afternoon gay TeaFest -- an out there round-up, push me/pull me all about time. A few steps backs in time, a few steps forward toward the new year. So here we go, Halloween hags and haggathas. Hold onto your... ahem.

Time, she is a-ticking. Year 2006 will be here in a flash. Can't W84AD8? Well, get the steamy calendar called Provocateur 2006 Black and have it anytime you want it, year-round.

Eveyone's favorite androgynous noveau girl, Annie Lennox of Eurythmics, and her ex-other drop Ultimate Collection on November 8. The disc will include two new songs plus classics such as Would I Lie to You, Who's That Girl, and Missionary Man... That last one alone should do the trick for some of us. And some of us not.

Oh, you know how our girl Madonna does it: all big and hot and fresh to death. Her next will be no different. Due out December 13, Madonna's all-dance, no-ballad Confessions On A Dance Floor also offers this Special Edition CD of spanking new material plus a 40 Page Picture Book, 80 Page Blank 'Journal' Book (includes some diary entries from Madonna), 1 Bonus Track, and Fan Club Membership. Now this is the popular gift that'll break poor Santa's back this holiday season.

Last but not least, looks like we missed a fab, Helluva-ween party last night in Rotterdam at the Cruise Terminal, where graf artist P. Villerius live painted the world this awesome hot, haunted hello:

Tags: Music Madonna gay GLBT gay black gay blogs disco

New York Times on 'Odd Couple' with Nathan Lane

2005-10-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

How could it be? The brilliant duo from The Producers -- Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick -- aren't getting equally dazzling reviews about their new Broadway play, The Odd Couple. Sounds like in an effort not to typecast our beloved Starina's day persona -- gay man on South Beach -- they've just gone unnatural with the casting. Nathan plays the slob; Matthew, the anal-retentive. Huh? Perhaps this is why the New York Times says this:

"Mr. Broderick often comes across as a dead man walking. Wiping plates, plumping cushions or spritzing air freshener, he seems less obsessive than robotic...

But Mr. Lane is by nature a Broadway baby, and his line readings are sometimes frilled with self-parodyingly showbizzy flourishes. And while he wears his slob's costumes with an appropriate Neanderthal slouch, when this Oscar spiffs up, for work or to impress the ladies, he turns into a well-groomed clotheshorse despite himself. (He might make an excellent Felix.)"

Nonetheless, I hear the show's sold out through April. Let's hope the audience doesn't leave the theater feeling the need for a 'Pirin tablet.

Guess you can tell I'm a YOOOGE fan of The Bird Cage. If you are, too, click this http://www.funtrivia.com/quizzes/movies/movies_a-c/the_birdcage.html for a few laughs out loud.

Tags: Entertainment Theater Gay Queer Lesbian Miami Beach

Listen here: Grace Jones Fan Radio at Yahoo

2005-10-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

I'm partying right now with Grace Jones and a few other favorite Disco Club Goddesses. Wanna hang out and party, too? Just grab a cocktail and turn up the volume once you click here: Grace Jones Fan Radio at Yahoo's Music LAUNCHcast

Playlist includes:

Use Me by Grace Jones
Tell Me Something Good (live) by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan
I've Lost Control by Grace Jones
Last Night a DJ Saved My Life by Indeep
Love Saw It by Karyn White & Baby Face

By the way, if you're up for a quick getaway soon, here's a hot one in the U.K. where Grace Jones will serve as the headline performer.

Grace Jones to appear at Pride ReunionGay.com
Pride Reunion organisers have confirmed that Grace Jones, legendary style diva and gay icon, will be performing at this year’s event taking place between 18-21st November 2005. Partygoers to the event will get the opportunity to see the disco goddess up close and personal performing her major hits including the dance floor classic “Pull Up to the Bumper”.“Grace Jones was top of our wish-list for this event, so we are absolutely thrilled to have secured this international legend” said event organiser, David Hill. Ms Jones will appear on the Sunday evening finale, following a weekend crammed full of top-notch entertainment.Major pop acts, top DJs and the coolest club brands will be at the event, helping the organisers raise considerable funds for regional Pride charities.
I believe the event is in Brighton. Do click the link under the header for more details. There's lots more to it!

Technorati Tag: Music

Margaret Cho: New book from a blood-thirsty sister

2005-10-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

My favorite Korean-American sister in the struggle -- the Notorious C.H.O. -- is at back with a brand new book: I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight. If you don't know comedian Margaret Cho's phenomenal work, you are missing the blessing of laughter to tears.Margaret's new tome features her blog entries and other insightful fodder. All brilliant wit, no doubt, with absolutely no fear. This, she even speaks to in this interview:

Interviewer: Has there ever been a point when you felt you may have gone too far?

Margaret Cho: (laughs, the first time her slightly wicked personality comes out) Oh no! I mean, I’m sure its happened. But I don’t think I’ve ever really felt it. I just really don’t care about stuff that deeply. To me, the moment on stage is so transitory and fleeting, once it’s done, I don’t worry about it.

Interviewer: I remember the San Diego hotel incident (Margaret was hired to do a benefit for a group of Republican hotel owners. She didn’t know who they were, and they didn’t know who she was). They turned your mic off and stopped payment on your check. How has that affected the sort of jobs you take?

Margaret Cho: Oh, I don’t really care one way or the other, but I think the people who work with me are more careful. To me, go ahead and send me on those shows. I find it interesting. You know, even though most of those people didn’t agree with what I was saying, they were still laughing, but they were more laughing in spite of themselves, which I thought was hilarious.

No way! The Notorious C.H.O. was hired to entertain a group of Republicans? LOL!! Someone's head surely rolled for that one. That's a faux pas worse than bringing Chris Rock and Richard Pryor together at the White House.

Still, by the time Cho embarked on one of her explicit gay-friendly, gay club partying rants, there couldn't have been a dry eye in the house. Not even in the House of Bush.

Iman's new beauty how-to has red carpet appeal

2005-10-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

Grace Jones wasn't the first fashion model to break the color barrier, but she is arguably the one who pulled out the stops, blazing a wonderfully outrageous path for the Tyson Beckfords, Tyra Banks', and even the ultra-sleek ones like Iman.

Which is why the stars seemed to have fallen from the heavens Tuesday evening to celebrate the arrival of her new book, Beauty of Color.

Hosted by Naomi Campbell, the soiree/press event at Cipriani's in NYC was attended by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Wesley Snipes, Star Jones Reynolds, and of course Iman's rockstar husband, David Bowie.

As reported by EURweb, another fashion diva -- Andre Leon Talley -- said this of the twinkling affair, while standing on the zebra-striped "red carpet": "I'm here because Iman has always been and always will be one of the great iconic beauties of our world." And Talley, Vogue's flamboyant editor-at-large, knows a thing or two about beauty, as further evidenced in his breath-taking coffeetable stunner, A.L.T. 365:
Smartly, Iman's book, Beauty of Color, doesn't divide women's looks by race or ethnicity. Rather, it focuses on the various shades of color found among ethnic females around the world.

Clearly, Iman's isn't just a tome of pretty faces, but a book chocked with useful tools and secret weapons. And who better to get beauty scoop from? This Somali-born gem doesn't appear to have aged one millesecond in decades. Don't know about you, but that's definitely "the look" I'm going for...

Supermodel Tyson Beckford tells Oprah of auto accident

2005-10-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

Speaking yesterday of gorgeous models (re: Tyra Banks), today's F.S.G.H. (i.e., Fabulous Specimen Grabbing Headlines) is to-die-for Tyson Beckford, who appeared on Oprah today. The teary-eyed Ralph Lauren Polo hunk talked about the horrible auto accident he experienced in June in New Jersey, which could easily have ended his career -- not to mention his life.

Tyson divulged to Oprah that he'd bizarrely thought about just staying put in his pick-up truck once it happened, despite seeing flames around him and the hood being flipped up on the windshield. But something told him it wasn't his time to go; he had to fight to get out. It seemed to him that God waited for him to clear the vehicle because the moment he did, a series of explosions erupted, sending flames towering higher than the nearby street lamps. What apparently hurt the model-turned-occasional actor most, though, was the other driver having left the scene. Who would do something so callous, even to a stray dog?

Gorgeous chin up, Tyson. You're still here and in perfect shape to carry on. Just more mature and newly appreciative of the importance of celebrating every second of your life.

Tyra Banks tells a not-so-Victorian secret

2005-10-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

"Say it ain't so," Tyra Banks fans everywhere are crying. Guess we won't be seeing this "bankable" supermodel strike any poses quite like this catty one of Grace Jones's (see sidebar, behind bars). Tyra's saying night-night to her lucrative deal as a secret sex kitten.

Here's Tyra's big scoop, according to EURweb:

TYRA TO WORK HER LAST VICTORIA'S SECRET CATWALK: Supermodel's runway swansong airs Dec. 6 on CBS.

"With two television shows to host and executive produce, who has time to sell underwear anymore? Tyra Banks, the supermodel who became the first African-American woman to model for Victoria's Secret, will participate in her last fashion show for the lingerie company in a special that airs Dec. 6 on CBS.

Banks has found ratings success as an executive producer and host of the reality show "America's Next Top Model" and "The Tyra Banks Show," her daytime chat program that is giving Martha Stewart's morning show a run for its money.

Last year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was canceled by CBS in the wake of the FCC's crackdown on indecency following Janet Jackson's Super Bowl incident. This year's show will feature a holiday theme with red carpet interviews and musical performances, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the world's biggest lingerie display."

Never mind, Tyra, about those messy Jackson scandals. You've more than made up for that lost opportunity: You seem to have America's Next Top TV Personality written in your life's book, a la Oprah Winfrey.

tyrashow.warnerbros.com

Halloween a la Paradise Garage

2005-10-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Want the maximum possible fun this Halloween? I promise you won't stop twirrrrling, once these legendary DJs -- including Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, and Joey Negro -- drop the needle on these smoking Paradise Garage flavored CDs.

Whether yours is a party for two, twenty or two-hundred, click here to discover a delicious world of huge-hit Disco and House bootie-clappers:
House & Disco for Halloween

Get these classics now and you can devote the little planning left before Halloween pulling together that smashing costume... By the way who are you "going as" this year? Clarice? Dr. Lechter? Maybe Buffalo Bill?

(Just don't hurt my goddamn dog!)

Elton John on Kate Moss, and on "The" Couch

2005-10-14T02:44:00.000-07:00

Ever-fabulous Sir Elton John went on record this week, saying he was happy that super model Kate Moss was caught taking drugs, because it forced her into rehab. Kate, shown here a while ago with another superb model, Grace Jones, is in treatment in Arizona.

Elton's also speaking candidly of bouts with his own addictive demons. Not only does he say more about Kate and others in this article, he takes a turn this weekend in everyone's favorite tell-all chair... No, I don't mean that celebrity tear-stained couch of Oprah's. I'm talking Inside the Actor's Studio.

To catch Elton John laying it out in lavender, as only he can do, click to Bravo here, or check your local television listings.

Elton's guaranteed to give that star-studded chair Inside the Actor's Studio one helluva romp. Hard to imagine the show's host, James Lipton, containing himself as usual with Sir EJ in the house. Perhaps they'll throw on matching boas and let us have a torchy duet at the piano.

Lil' Kim: The New Grace Jones?

2005-10-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

You must admit, when looking at today's pop culture landscape in search of an icon with the same joie de vie as Grace Jones, only Lil' Kim comes close.

There are noteable differences in their personal statements and styles, to be sure. But in the category of Body as Canvas, the Queen Bee qualifies unlike any of her contemporaries.

Keith Haring's "Pop Shop" closes

2005-10-09T03:40:00.000-07:00

Speaking recently of Keith Haring, the pop artist who's credited with executing the brilliant nude body art on Grace Jones in the eighties, his landmark Pop Shop in New York recently closed: astronomical rent. But there's a massive undertaking underway to preserve the tens of thousands of square inches of priceless art that Haring completed before his death in 1990. Much of it integrated within the Pop Shop's very infrastructure.

Julia Gruen, executive director of the Keith Haring Foundation, told New York magazine this of the sad occasion, and the daunting task of preserving his treasures:

It’ll cost “between $20,000 and $40,000 just to extract the ceiling,” Gruen said. “It’ll have to be cut into many pieces simply to get it out the door.” After it’s gone, the ceiling will be stored in a warehouse, awaiting some final home that probably won’t be a Park Avenue apartment. Unlike Untitled #4, a 60-by-60-foot acrylic from 1988 that set a record for a Haring when it sold for $511,000 last year, “the market won’t treat this as something made with the intention of being a framed work on a wall,” says Cappellazzo. She dismisses the idea that it would be sold. “I hope it has a life in some place like the New-York Historical Society.

Part of what made Haring's work so popular was its unabashed embrace of colorful subcultures -- skateboarders, Hip-hoppers, and the homosexual underground. As his popularity soared among these audiences, the more highbrow, Uptown art crowd had little choice than to recognize the Youth Quake he was generating.

Much like Andy Warhol, a cult figure artist with whom Haring's impact is frequently compared, Keith Haring opened the door and allowed real, contemporary life into his art. With ''the street'' in his work, he instantly made connections with the common audiences -- as opposed to the educated viewer. Such accessibility was also furthered by his POP SHOP in SoHo, New York, and later in Japan, which sold pieces of his 'commercial art' -- watches, T-shirts, posters, and other fun, affordable wearable art.

Link to Spike magazine story

Quotes about his work, in Haring's own words

Postcards from the Edge: Love, Grace Jones

2005-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

“I travel for work and pleasure,” former model and gay club icon, Grace Jones, told a reporter in an interview prior to an appearance near Detroit. "I try to combine the two whenever I can. In the past year or so, I have been in some wild places like Bogota and Dubai, and am always in New York, Paris and London. A memorable recent trip was to Ibiza.”

What an exciting lifestyle the Disco Diva continues to live; what a remarkable journey, her life.

In tribute to some of the exotic places that have hosted her lately, today's post is postcard series, shining a spotlight on those hot travel locales Grace Jones mentioned: Bogota, Ibiza, and Dubai.

Postcard from Bogota

Postcard from Ibiza

Postcard from Dubai

Thanks for the postcards, Grace. Sure wish we'd been there, too!

ViqiFrench.com

Grace Jones: Memoirs of a Geisha

2005-10-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

The upscale beauty product line Fresh has released a new line of cosmetics that tie in with the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

How awesome might it have been for Fresh to get super "fresh" and use this famous Grace Jones "Geisha" face to promote the cosmetics line?

By the way, if you've not read Memoirs of a Geisha, it's a mesmeric and complex tale immersing the reader in that mysterious and exotic aspect of Japanese culture.

There's also this fine, collectible pictorial that's been published, featuring scenes from the movie, which premieres on December 9. Titled Memoirs of a Geisha - Images From the Film, it's filled with absolutely dizzying images. Certainly as intriguing as images of a hot Geisha known as Grace.

ViqiFrench.com

Grace Jones: Art with Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe

2005-10-05T01:32:00.000-07:00

Together, Grace Jones and the late artist Keith Haring created some of the most influential art of the times. A comprehensive story at FindArticles.com takes a close look at their impact, and also explores Graces' work with Robert Mapplethorpe and Andy Warhol. Here's an excerpt that mentions her legendary performance to debut Slave to the Rhythm, which I'm proud to say I personally experienced...

The alternative art of the early 1980s was multicultural, urban, inclusive, and plugged into the dance club circuit of New York in which Grace Jones gained prominence. Keith Hating met Jones through Andy Warhol, who brought them together for a brief collaboration photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe. Then in 1985 Haring and Jones worked on two live performances at the Paradise Garage, which Robert Farris Thompson has called "an epicenter of black dance." Each time, Haring covered Jones's nude body with graffiti.

I've experienced little in life as breathtaking as that night. Morning, rather! To read my brief article on the moment, click the link in the sidebar, titled 5:00 a.m. and It's So Strange'.

ViqiFrench.com

Grace Jones at the Disco Museum

2005-10-04T01:43:00.000-07:00

One of the most insightful write ups about Grace Jones can be found at DiscoMuseum.com, which chronicles the 1980s legend of the New York underground club scene so well, you can practically feel Andy Warhol's hair slapping you in the face while you read it.

Here's a snippet about Grace's Jamaican beginnings:

"Born Grace Mendoza on May 19, 1952 in Spanishtown, Jamaica, West Indies. Grace and her twin brother Christian grew up in a large family of established politicians and preachers. Her grand-uncle was a Bishop and her father was a Preacher, who left the island for America while Grace was still a baby. The twins grew up loved and protected, and yet outsiders, in a melange of aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins. It was a lonely experience.

When Christian and Grace were teenagers they moved to America, joining their father who was then preaching in Syracuse, New York. Grace who had grown up a virtual 'wild child', free to do as she pleased, found herself in a middle-class world of shopping centers and drive-ins, of schools and rules.

"I never understood the rules," she said. "I can't behave. I don't know how to." She fought the system. She rebelled. She cursed. She wore Afros before they became fashionable, and she displayed her breasts long before nudity was acceptable undress. The locals regarded her as "a crazy girl." Her report cards described her as "socially sick."

"I WAS THE ONLY BLACK GIRL AT MY JUNIOR-HIGH SCHOOL. I HAD AN AFRO, A JAMAICAN ACCENT, I LOOKED REALLY OLD. I WAS ORIGINALLY TRAINING TO BE A TEACHER OF LANGUAGES. I SPEAK FRENCH, SPANISH, JAPANESE, ITALIAN AND GERMAN. WHEN I RAN INTO MY DRAMA TEACHER ALL THAT CHANGED."

It's really a superb piece, providing an up-close view of Grace's role as Queen of the Dance Club and so much more. Be sure to check it out!

Viqi French

Grace Jones: New Film Noir

2005-10-03T11:05:00.000-07:00

The filmography for Grace Jones boasts a substantial body of work in which Grace has starred or otherwise made her undeniable presence known:

The Singer & The Song (2003)
Blood Moon (2002)
Palmer's Pick-Up (1999)
McCinsey's Island (1997)
Cyber Bandits (1995)
Boomerang (1992)
Siesta (1987)
Straight to Hell (1987)
Vamp (1986)
Deadly Vengeance (1985)
A View to a Kill (1985)
Conan the Destroyer/Conan the Barbarian (1984/1981)
All-Star Reggae Session
Grace Jones - A One Man Show
Grace Jones - State of Grace
A Reggae Session
Shaka Zulu - The Last Great Warrior

Which of these do you think Grace's most important or impressive works, and why? Your comments are welcome. Just click the icon below and write about why you're a Grace Jones fan. Your comments will soon be posted in a special column!

Viqi French

Grace Jones: The Ultimate Halloween Theme

2005-10-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, when Grace Jones fans from New York to Amsterdam to Los Angeles start planning extravagant Halloween costumes. Whether you're planning to celebrate the big night at a dance club or party at home with friends, why not do the unthinkable: have a Grace Jones Clones extravaganza?

If you've never watched Grace's One Man Show video, get it now. (You can get it here, in the Grace Jones Boutique.) Imagine the hysteria. You and a companion -- or an entire house full of friends -- done up all amazing like .
Now that's a party!

Grace Jones In Films

2005-10-01T19:38:00.000-07:00

Grace Jones movie may be in the works

Grace Jones, the former model, actor and Queen of the gay discos, has written a movie script about her life but she has a problem. Who can play her?

The six foot statuesque figure has made a fortune from her unique image. And trying to find a good actor to match Jones's infamous looks makes getting the story to the big screen more challenging.

Order these cult classics featuring Grace to delight in the frenzy and sizzle she has always brought to the silver screen:

A story of Grace Jones would indeed make a great cinematic event. Born Grace Mendoza in Jamaica in 1952, her androgynous look first found her fame on the catwalks of Paris as a model.

The image combined with tribal beats came about when Island Records founder Chris Blackwell signed her to his record label. Although her first three albums gave her cult status, particularly in New York, it was 1980's 'Warm Leatherette' which introduced her to a more mainstream audience. That record featured covers of songs by Bryan Ferry (Love Is The Drug), The Pretenders (Private Life) and Tom Petty (Breakdown).

Her next album capitalized on the formula with a cover from The Police (Demolition Man) and Australia's own Vanda and Young (Walking In The Rain). The single from that album 'Pull Up To The Bumper" also gave her a bona-fide Top 40 hit.

Next came acting. Although she previously had a small role in Governor Arnie's 'Conan The Barbarian' it was her role as the villain May Day in the Bond movie 'A View To A Kill' when critics finally took serious notice.

So, back to the original question … who can play Grace Jones? The search continues.

Grace Jones: Firey Goddess

2005-10-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Grace's latest infamous tirade occurred in April 2005:

Grace Jones attacks manager of a Eurostar train

Actress and singer Grace Jones had to be escorted off a Eurostar train by police in Kent after allegedly attacking a train manager, it was revealed today.

The 56-year-old star was reported by passengers to have grabbed the female manager's arm and sworn at her in French and English in a row over a ticket upgrade.

The 39-year-old train manager, who has not yet been named, contacted British Transport Police (BTP) who came aboard the Paris to London train when it reached a scheduled stop at Ashford last night.

The train was held up for 15 minutes as Jamaican-born Jones, who starred in the James Bond film A View To A Kill, refused to move. Eventually she was taken off the train by three BTP officers. Later, her personal assistant arrived by car and drove her to London.

The incident began when Jones, who had boarded the 7.43pm train in Paris with a first-class ticket, moved into the premium class area. Eurostar communications director Paul Charles said: "Grace Jones was challenged by the train manager and was told that, as she did not have a premium class ticket, she would have to pay for an upgrade.

"She said she had no money and refused to move. Passengers told us that she was arguing and verbally abusing the train manager. She then attacked the manager, grabbing her arm.

"A male catering assistant managed to separate the two women and tried to calm Ms. Jones down."

Jones would have paid about £300 for a first-class return ticket. A one-way premium upgrade would have cost her an additional £70. Mr Charles said: "We are not pressing charges but we will not tolerate any verbal or physical abuse from anyone against passengers or staff on Eurostar.

Jones has a reputation for fiery behaviour. In the Eighties TV viewers saw her attack chatshow host Russell Harty on live TV when she objected to his turning away from her to talk to another guest.

Grace Jones: Slave to the rhythm

2005-10-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

This is your life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is your life with Grace Jones:

Any questions?

Grace's quote:

"Men are terrified of me. I can easily step into the man's shoes, and that puts the man in a position where he has to become the female. That's what sets off the tension. But my image is supposed to frighten men -- so only the good ones come through."