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Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Top Hat & Tail: CJ by Bob Burkhardt
Puttin' on my top hat
Brushin' off my tail
These days, few people tend to dress up for New Year's Eve. They really seem to dress up for much really. I understand it, I feel lucky I don't need to dress up for work. There are a few meeting days that require more professional attire, but most days, it's 'professionally casual.'
I own three suits, one black, one navy and one, a grey tweed. Although I used to wear them more often, these days it's mostly weddings and funerals. Even in church, you'd be overly dressed in a suit, especially if you're under the age of 70. My father on the other hand, had dozens of suits, suit jackets and pants. He also had four or five pairs of dress shoes, cuff links and several dozen ties.
My parents went out almost every Saturday night. They belonged to a group that played cards, alternating between each of their homes over the year. Whoever had the Saturday closest to New Years, had the New Year's Eve party. My poor father had to wear a suit almost every day. He wore one to work, Monday through Friday, wore one to church on Sunday, and wore at least a suit coat on their Saturday night excursions.
I hate 'suit days', and sometimes wonder how he handled wearing one so often, especially during the height of humidity in the summer. I guess he got used to it, I don't really remember him ever complaining. He also had several hats, and I don't mean the ball cap variety that I collect. He never had a top hat though, except one he rented when he and my mom went to a charity ballroom event put on by our city's orchestra. Although top hats and tails were mostly seen only in old Fred Astaire movies, most of my older male relatives had their own version of dashing dress for special occasions.
Just before Christmas, I introduced FH viewers to CJ and his work with photographer Bob Burkhardt. In that piece, (HERE:) CJ was employing the Burkhardt method of winter sweater wearing by donning his sweater, well, just his sweater, with no other clothing. For New Year's Even, CJ is utilizing the undressing technique with casually formal, New Year's Eve attire. CJ's puttin' on his top hat for sure, but that's about it. When you look as hot as CJ, a top hat is more than enough fashion. Wearing just the hat also ensures there's no pesky cotton or linen getting in the way, of showing off his tail.
Holiday Mode:
'There's another kind of love: the cruelest kind. The one that almost kills its victims. Its called unrequited love. Of that I am an expert. '
I know 2006's The Holiday is usually thought of as a Christmas movie, but it actually covers three of December's celebrations. In addition to Christmas, some of the characters also celebrate Hanukkah, and film ends with a party on New Year's Eve. Sure, it's a small family party, but with the great characters Nancy Myers created, it's a party I'd sure love an invitation to.
I re-watched the film on the 27th, and given it was focused too heavily on Christmas Day celebrations, it made a great film to watch before New Years. There are so many scenes I love in the film. Some of the dialogue can get corny, which the writers seem to acknowledge with a line and a wink, some of it is quite powerful Iris's speech about unrequited love, hits me hard every time. I know I'm not the only one whose experienced this, the cruelest kind of love.
Burns
I always forget what a great supporting cast there is as well. There of course the great Eli Wallach, who's walk up the stage gets me every time. In smaller roles there's also Alex O'Loughlin as the 'movie' lover at the films beginning. In addition, there's also Edward Burns, and John Krasinski and Kathryn Hahn who play assistants to Amanda.
Then there's actor Steven Bruns who plays the hottie on the plane. I know many of you remember him, even though we only see him for a few brief seconds. Iris notices him as well, until his girlfriend or wife shows up that is. Bruns modeled throughout Europe for years prior to moving to Miami to take up acting. The Holiday was his first film.
Then of course there's Miles, played by Jack Black. I'm not a huge Jack Black fan, but I loved him in this role. I understand why Iris was attracted to him and I wouldn't have passed up a little Hanukkah hump with Miles if I were alone, house sharing in LA by myself.
In addition to Black and Law, and the supporting actors mentioned, there was another character, and another actor who grabbed my attention, especially during my recent re-watch. Check out who I mean on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
Then of course, there's the romantic lead, Jude Law as single dad Graham. Although Hallmark has run with the 'hot widower', Law's Graham was one of the first times I saw the now archetype character in a Christmas rom-com. When it comes to on-screen nudity, I think my favorite from Law is in 1997's Wilde. If you happened to watch the VHS version, I think you may have seen a inch or so more of Jude's junk.
If I could turn back time, I'd go back to the 1990's and buy front row seats for Jude's performance in Indiscretions in London and New York. Law played the role in London in 1992 (under the title Les Parents Terribles) before being reworked, and retitled for a 1995 debut on Broadway. You can check out some images from the play on FH HERE:
Monday, December 30, 2024
Let’s Get Fizz-ical
The last few times we've seen Sterlingjock, he's been baring it all outside with photographer Briancan, shooting in the crisp fall air, (HERE:) and in a snow filled winter forest. (HERE:) The first time we met Sterling however, he was warm and toasty inside the studio, celebrating the new year with Cayden Clay. (HERE: & HERE:)
Sterling is back inside, warm an toasty, but this year, celebrating the New Year alone. As you can see though, he has flutes 🥂 for two.... Given the size of his bottles neck, it would be amazing to be close by at midnight when Sterling's cork is vigorously popped. 🎉
The Jackpot Question In Advance
Maybe it's much too early in the game
Ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
W\hat are you doing New Year's, New Year's eve?
There's so much hype about New Year's Eve,🌟 there's so much pressure to party. To go dress up, go out and ring in the New Year in style. Although most people still try to make the night special, the evening rarely lives up to expectations. When we think of a New Year's party, we think of gold balloons, whistle blowers, fire works and big bashes. We think of people drinking too much, and going a little wild, doing things they'd never do on a regular Tuesday night.
Although I've spent many December 31st nights partying it up, lately, my celebrations are a little smaller. This year, it's a game night at my brother's home. I'll see my niece and her boyfriend, my nephew, and some of my brother's neighbours, most of whom I've met before. My brother's girlfriend is a nurse, and will be joining us when she gets off at midnight. I'm looking forward to it, especially the lobster we're having before the party. It may not be the 'fantasy' New Year's Eve we see in the media, but those nights are rarely as satisfying as we build them up to be.
The Fantasy:
The Fantasy: Lots of hot men, glittery fashions, confetti, balloons, champagne, fire works, fun and laughter and great music. We also think we'll stay up until at least 4a.m and have a euphoric of sex with a one night hook-up.
The Reality:
The Reality: Bad food, cheap wine, Nickelback and Hootie and the Blowfish playing on a loop, people on their phones and everyone leaving early. You're usually in bed about ten minutes after the clock strikes twelve. Finally, that one guy you find hot, ends up hooking up with your female bestie.
Running Bared
'The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.'
One of my favorite New Year traditions is brining in the new year with nakedness. Many cities and towns have naked New Year runs or polar dips. Sometimes they're on December 31st, often they're early in the morning on January 1st. Both are fun, but the January 1st run or dip also helps if you have a hang over.
There's nothing like the feel of frigid cold air on your naked body, or freezing cold water sliding up your ass crack. If you've ever done it, you know what I mean. I know there are naked runs, swims and bike rides all year long, but none require the unique courage necessary for the nude winter events.
I've never done a naked winter run, but I have done several polar dips. Two, for public run events, were in speedos. One, with just a few friends was nude. The nude dip was actually less painful as that speedo felt like knives against your skin, especially when you got out of the water and it began to freeze on your skin.
If you're not quite up for a public New Year's strip, you can always do a private one. Several New Year's Eve midnights, I've run outside naked, on my deck or in my backyard. Even without the freezing cold water, it's energizing and a great way to start the New Year!
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