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Summer Gift Guide

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Do you ever get that, you know, “not so fresh” feeling?

Me neither; but if I did, I sure wouldn’t run for the nearest Massengill (even if it is what your doctor recommends), I’d get an Energy Star LED Flat Screen LCD TV instead. Much more fun, and longer lasting…

Anyway, here’s a Summer Gift Guide I did for EDGE.

Hot and Sassy Summer Gift Guide

Need an easy summer gift and can’t think of a single one? Don’t sweat it! EDGE Style has you covered, with some super sexy suggestions for gifts that work for everyone from that hot neighbor next door to, well, grandma- and everyone in between.

Although there aren’t any major summer holidays that call for gift giving, it seems as if every other day brings an invitation to another barbeque, birthday party, wedding or weekend away. And while we love a good party, trying to come up with unique gift ideas for so many diverse events (not to mention those persnickety hosts) can be a job unto itself- even if it’s “only” a hostess gift. (Good gays know that those gifts are the most difficult to find – and the most judged gifts around…)

Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! We’ve hand-selected our favorite gifts of the summer, featuring something for your S.O., best friend, mom, dad, neighbor, grandma, your kid’s teacher, and even the guy down the street whose name you don’t know but he’s super hot so you’re going to his kegger anyway.

So sit back, click away, and shop a bit- without ever having to put down your Mai Tai!

TECH TOYS

Your dad :: The next Ansel Adams

If your choice of Father’s Day gifts left a little something to be desired, now’s the perfect time to make up for your shortcomings and show ’Pops’ how much you appreciate him- with a high speed 10-megapixel camera from Casio. (Plus you’ll get to borrow it, and he’ll love it every time you stop by to pick it up…)

Why do we love this thing? Simple. Casio’s new EX-FH25 offers the benefits of a much more expensive SLR, without the weight, expense or hassle. The 20x wide-angle zoom is just the start; this compact beauty also shoots HD video at up to 1,000 frames-per-second, captures even the fastest moving action pics with ease, and comes with face detection and continuous flash options, plus Casio’s exclusive Pre-recording feature, which captures action before you even press the shutter button- meaning you (or rather, “Dad”) never miss the action.

Whether Dad’s taking pictures of the grandkids to share with the family or you’re channeling Lady Gaga in a remake of her latest video to post to YouTube, the EX-FH25 has you covered. (And at less than $400, you’ll have plenty left over for costumes.)

Available at select Target and Best Buy stores and online at Amazon.com

Forget about 3-D (for now)

While we all love the thought of watching Bill Compton and Sam Merlotte get it on in 3-D, the sad fact is, it’s going to be a couple years before 3-D technology, media, and price meet in the same bar and go home with you- no matter how many drinks you buy. Luckily, the future of TV is already here- and it’s incredibly sexy.

The biggest improvement in TV technology since flat screens, LED is the future of high-def, and it’s available today. And while most models we’ve seen (even the smallest ones) will set you back at least as much as an iPad, the new line of LED High-Definition TVs from Coby won’t even put a dent in your credit card. Sexy and smart? We’re in love!

Coby’s new ultra-slim (as in less than an inch) LED TVs have given high-def entertainment a gorgeous – and earth-friendly – upgrade, offering widescreen displays, multiple inputs (including HDMI plus VGA, for use as a computer monitor), and all the high-end bells and whistles you’d expect from a sophisticated beauty like this. And somehow, they’ve managed to match beauty with brains: both the 19″ and 22″ model offer crystal-clear picture, yet still meet both the Energy Star 3.0 and California Energy Commission environmental standards. Yes, please!

Given the deliciousness of this new tech toy – not to mention the price – we’ve got plans to install them on the walls of our living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bath… because who doesn’t need to watch Bring It On while showering!?! The 19″ model runs about $200 at Amazon.com; the 22-inch model, about $240; the 24″ model is under $300.

Click here for the full feature…

Tags: EDGE, gift guide, tech toys
Posted in EDGE, Gift guide, Lifestyle | No Comments »

Hair

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Incredibly well-produced (it’s from Bruno Gmunder after all) and chock-full of sexy images of manly, masculine, virile and – yes – hairy men, Hair: Hairy Men in Gay Art might yet be a bit disappointing to some readers. More of a catalog highlighting the publisher’s stable of male nude photographic talent, the lack of continuity and “bits-and-pieces” aspect can be a bit frustrating. Granted, it’s got something to offer everyone (so long as you’re not looking for twinks), and with fair warning that it’s an anthology, readers shouldn’t be surprised. Even so, it feels like a bit of a tease.

Read the full review here, on the EDGE Media Network.

Tags: bear, book review, Bruno Gmunder, Coffee table book, EDGE, erotic male art, gay, male nude photography, photography
Posted in Bruno Gmunder, EDGE, book review, gay | No Comments »

Sleepless

Friday, May 14th, 2010

Thomas Synnamon is an incredible photographer; his images of the male form are on par with the best. Along with Dylan Rosser, Rick Day and a short list of others, Synnamon is one of the top contemporary photographers of the genre. Unfortunately, while there are many incredible photographs in Sleepless, taken in its entirety it’s not the best example of his work.

The difference, in fact, between the best images and the not-quite-as-good ones (yes, I do mean “bad”) can be quite jarring. One moment you’re lost in the magical place that an incredible image of a gorgeous model shot by a brilliant photographer can take you, only to turn the page and think, “why the hell is he making that face? And what’s with the makeup and plucked eyebrows?”

Unfortunately, over-groomed eyebrows weren’t the models’ only – or biggest – problem, in more than a few instances. The larger issue is the fact that a good number of “models” are clearly not models at all, but rather good-looking men likely sourced from the gym, through friends, or via Craigslist. Being a style editor and having direction many a fashion shoot for miniscule budgets, I know the challenges involved in finding models- especially for projects involving partial- or full-nudity and/or gay content. In fact, I’d be lying if I said that I haven’t had to go with my second or third choice for a few EDGE shoots because my top choice was nervous about getting pigeonholed or having to deal with the reaction of family to the fact that he was half naked in a gay publication. It might not be “right,” but it’s reality.

Difficulty in finding good models, however, is no excuse given Synnamon’s talent and the format of presentation. If this were a book of photography featuring everyday men – even beautiful everyday men – it would be another story. Instead, the handful of “models” with clear looks of discomfort and unease bring down the product as a whole; their self-consciousness – and the feeling it conveys to readers – ends up overshadowing the other – fantastic, gorgeous – images, a shame since there are some clear standouts and a handful of models who deserve to be seen- in all their glorious beauty.

Sleepless – the photographer’s first publication – is not a bad coffee table book, but neither is it an accurate representation of his work. His second work is sure to remove all doubt- and we look forward to seeing it.

Bruno Gmunder, 80 pages, $61.99 (less at )

This story originally appeared on EDGE Publications.

Tags: Bruno Gmunder, Coffee table book, EDGE, erotic male art, male model, Male photography, models, nudity, photographers, Thomas Synnamon
Posted in Bruno Gmunder, EDGE, book review | No Comments »

Something for Every Mom :: An EDGE Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

Spring has (almost) sprung, the weather’s getting warmer, and it’s high time to start thinking about how you’re going to get in beach-ready shape before Memorial Day. Before you start your search for a new gym, however, there’s something else you need to find: a gift for your mom.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner; given all she’s done for you, don’t you think your mom deserves a little something to show her how much you care? We thought so. We also had a feeling that you’d wait until the last minute, so we kept that in mind when we put together our Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Not only is everything we selected fabulous – and we’ve included something for every kind of mom around – they’re also easy to get… on time! Check out our favorites, order online (or drop by the store), and then get to the gym!

The photographer

Moms like photos- it’s just something that comes with the job. And whether she’s taking pictures of her kids, grandkids, pets, projects, last vacation, or that hot gardener next door, mom should be doing it with style… and ease.

When it comes to all-around excellent digital cameras, there’s one brand that EDGE returns to time and time again: Casio. (And for good reason.) Not only do their cameras take excellent photos, they’re also easy to use… plus they’re small and sexy- especially the super slim and uber chic EXILIM line. What does this translate to? Perfect gifts for Mother’s Day! Even better is the price; they’re affordable, and given that they’re Casio, you know they’ll last.

This year’s pick is the EX-Z35. Aside from its good looks (available in blue, pink, black, silver and purple), this 12 megapixel point-and-shoot offers mom a 3X zoom, face detection, and incredibly easy-to-use features that allow even the least tech savvy to take photos and video (including widescreen ratio) and then share them with family and friends. Casio’s easy Mode automatically restricts settings to those most commonly used (putting an end to phone calls that make you feel like tech support), and it’s even got a YouTube movie mode! Its small size makes it easy to pop in a bag – or a pocket – so that it’s always handy whenever inspiration arises. (And did we mention that it’s cute?)

Moms love capturing memories, and the EX-Z35 will let yours take photos for prints, digital photo frames, and screensavers, plus capture video of birthday parties, soccer matches, graduations and more. The EXILIM EX-Z35 offers the perfect balance of technology and style. Fabulous!

The EXILIM EX-Z35 from Casio is available at electronics and big box stores and online at the EXILIM site and Amazon.com

Check out the rest of the gifts here…

Tags: EDGE, electronics, gift guide, gifts, holiday, mom, Mother's Day
Posted in EDGE, Gift guide, Lifestyle, shopping | 1 Comment »

Gifts on the go :: An EDGE Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

These days, if you’re a mom, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll be constantly on the run. Whether shuttling kids back and forth from school to sports, running errands before or after work, or steering a multi-national corporation, moms are busy. This Mother’s Day, show yours how much you care by giving her a gift that not only lightens her load – or at least makes it more bearable – and makes her life a little more fashionable and fabulous at the same time! Here are our favorite Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms On-the-go. (Be sure to check out our other Mom’s Day Guide :: Something for Every Mom.)

Blah, Blah, Blah

Don’t worry- we aren’t suggesting you get your mom Ke$ha’s album for Mother’s Day. (Although, G-d forbid, she might actually like it…). We’ve got a much better idea: the gift of mobility, safety, convenience and style. We’re talking Bluetooth, and we’re favoring an EDGE newbie: the Minikit Slim from Parrot.

Chances are good that your mom spends a lot of time in her car- and the MiniKit Slim will make conversing while commuting much, much easier. A compact and incredibly handy little device for moms on the go, the MiniKit Slim attaches to the sun visor, and like an answered prayer, is always ready; listening for her commands. (Sorry moms; Parrot doesn’t do husbands, girlfriends or children yet…) When she wants to make a call, she simply says someone’s name and the MiniKit does the dialing for her. (If you’re worried that your mom won’t be able to set it up, don’t be. The MiniKit Slim automatically connects to Bluetooth phones and syncs with the phonebook without mom having to do a thing. If a number for one of her contacts changes, no problem: this baby updates seamlessly every time it connects.)

The MiniKit Slim can pair with up to five devices, so if you’re lucky and mom leaves it in the car, the whole family can use it. Given that it’s only about the size of the iPhone, super lightweight, easy to clip on to almost anything, and cute-as-hell though, it’s more likely that she’ll pop it into her bag or pocket to use at home or in the office; that’s what we did.

The Parrot MiniKit is available for less than $100 wherever electronics are sold and online at Parrot’s online store and Amazon.com.

Read the rest of the gift guide here…

Tags: EDGE, electronics, gift guide, gifts, Mother's Day
Posted in EDGE, Gift guide, Lifestyle, fabulous, shopping | 1 Comment »

Watch Us!

Monday, April 19th, 2010

With its vivid, stunning colors, your first reaction to Watch Us! might be one of cheerful excitement rather than arousal. The two will likely become (quite pleasantly) mixed, however, once you begin to explore the book. An excellent, high quality and beautiful volume of striking, provocative images, it’s one of the finest examples of male erotic illustration in the Bruno Gmunder portfolio.

Read my full write-up on the EDGE Media Network…

Tags: Bruno Gmunder, Coffee table book, EDGE, erotic male art
Posted in EDGE, book review | No Comments »

Who wants to go to Brazil?

Saturday, March 27th, 2010

Forget walking a mile in Antonio Bezerra’s shoes- I’d much rather spend a day looking through his eyes. Given the range of incredibly gorgeous men on whom he gets to feast (visually at least), it certainly beats a normal day at the office. If his world is anything like it appears to be given his most recent work – Through My Eyes – going to work must be similar to going to heaven.

Bezerra’s a native of Brazil; a fact that makes perfect sense after flipping through this book. (And not simply because a large proportion of the models are wearing Speedos – or because they’re obviously uncut.) His background also shows through in the style of the imagery; shadows cut fiercely through the images, sunlight is bright and strong, and bodies are taut, tan, and naturally perfect. His guys drip with genuine erotic sensuality- not the strained – often excessively overt – sexuality seen featured all too often in other works of erotic male photography and American advertisements.

If his work looks familiar, it’s because you’ve likely seen it before- under his pseudonym, “Didio.” A master of male photography, it’s clear he has the trust of his subjects, and the patience – and wisdom – to wait for the perfect shot. The result is a collection of stunning images of magnificent men celebrating their sexuality- whatever that may be. In terms of physical size, Through My Eyes may not be one of the largest studs in Bruno Gmunder’s stable, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in quality.

Through My Eyes is available at bookstores for about $36; less at

This review was featured on EDGE, the most fabulous LGBT website ever…

(Read the review here.)

Tags: EDGE, EDGE article, erotic male art, erotic photography, male nudity, Male photography
Posted in Bruno Gmunder, EDGE, book review, gay | 1 Comment »

Berlin :: my new Paris?

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

This is what everyone in Berlin looks like. (OK, the women have a bit less hair and bigger boobs...)

How much do I love Berlin? A lot. Much more than I thought I would, given my “background” and “the German association.” I was surprised and can’t wait to get back…

Here’s a snippet from the feature that went live yesterday:

If you haven’t yet visited Berlin, you haven’t seen the world. The city is extremely diverse, full of energy, and truly one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world. With her modern museums, trend setting architecture, genre-defying theatre, cutting edge fashion, mainstream and underground music scenes, and pervasive energetic funkiness, Berlin is now almost universally regarded as the new cultural capital of Europe. There are currently so many incredible things happening in Berlin right now that it’s nearly impossible to keep up.

Read the piece in its entirety here…

Tags: Berlin, EDGE, EDGE article, EDGE trav, Europe, Germany, Travel
Posted in EDGE, Travel | No Comments »

I’m so sick of f*@king gift guides…

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Hating the holidays: my new mantra.

I can’t tell you how sick I am of gift guides. Opening boxes, testing and trying products, writing about them, dealing with PRs and publicists who think they know my job – and readers – better than I do, and most of all, the incessant flow of email from them “just checking in” to see if the guides have launched, even though I’ve told them they’ll get an email shortly after they go live. (And they usually have a service sending the link as soon as it posts anyway.)

I’ve had a permanent headache for weeks, and my shoulders, back and temples haven’t stopped screaming at me since Nov. 15th. I’m so over gift guides- and the holidays in general.

Hoping things will get a bit more “jolly” after the guides are finished this weekend.

Tags: EDGE, EDGE article, gift guides, PR douchebags
Posted in EDGE, Lifestyle, personal | No Comments »