Gamer & The Goss: Tom Goss Is Down For The ‘Nerdy Bear’

Tom Goss and Jason Villegas in ‘Nerdy Bear’ (photo: Catalin Stelian)
It’s always nice to start the day with a smile 🙂 So, I was happy to see an email this morning from award-winning, guitar-toting, singer/songwriter Tom Goss announcing, “Nerdy Bears are the cutest bears! Naturally, I wrote a song and made a video about it.” While Tom has spent much of the past year promoting his latest album titled, Territories, a moody, richly-layered synth-pop collection exploring the complexities of love. But now, he’s back in fun mode with this homage to those plus-size gamer guys.
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“Given the hot mess that is 2020 I thought the world could use something light and full of fun, ” says Tom. “And what’s more fun than a ‘Nerdy Bear?'”

Nerdy bear, behind them glasses you’re a dirty bear. So shake that a** in daddy underwear, and let me sneak into your secret lair.

Tom’s handsome co-star, Jason Villegas (Chubby Tanuki on Instagram), is totally ‘game’ for the role.

You can find my previous coverage of terrific Tom on The Randy Report here. Back in 2013, over 200 bears joined together to make Tom’s super-fun video romp, “Bears.” Complete with lots of robust, hirsute men playing with Super Soakers, careening down a slip and slide, and dancing in a club (usually in slow motion), the video celebrates all the furry goodness.

Swedish Pop Star Darin Comes Out: ‘I’m Proud To Be Gay’

Swedish pop star Darin (image via Instagram)
Darin Zanyar, one of Sweden’s best-known pop stars with seven #1 albums since he came to fame on Swedish Idol in 2004, has come out as gay in a post on Instagram. The singer/songwriter, who generally goes by the single name moniker Darin, shared his post during Stockholm’s annual Pride celebration. “Everyone in the world should be able to be proud and accepted for who they are,” wrote Darin on Instagram. “I know how difficult it can be. Took me a while, but I am proud to be gay. Happy pride!”

Here’s Darin’s latest single, “En säng av rosor,” which translates to “A Bed of Roses.”

 

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Your favorite pizza?

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InstaHunk Round-Up: Weekend Edition

Green.Joel (via Instagram)
Checking in with the Hunks of Instagram – first up, Joel Green (above) answers the eternal Sondheimian question: Does anyone still wear…a hat? (The answer is clearly yes, and, well). International pop star Maluma is dancing in Hawaii asking if anyone celebrates “for the love that is gone?”

Bremen Menelli had some quality time with Hugo the doggo:

Bearded Frank needed (and got) some well-deserved beach care:

Daniel Newman seems to know as much about sportsball as I do, LOL…

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Great game!

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I don’t really need an explanation about what Jason Momoa is doing here. I just want to watch 🙂

Ignacio Pérez Rey gets all mysterious with his caption, “All good, but…” #thingsthatmakeyougohmm

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todo bien, pero…

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Apparently Rick and the Griffopotamus had a lake party:

Don’t forget to tune into this year’s virtual edition of Broadway Bares tonight at 9:30 pm ET on the Broadway Cares YouTube channel:

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🔥 You've never seen #BroadwayBares quite like this 🔥 Watch two numbers never before seen online when the free show streams tonight at 9:30 pm Eastern at broadwaycares.org/bares. • The African Mask Choreographer: Nick Kenkel Costume Designer: J. Kevin Draves Assistant Costume Designers: Jonathan Clay, Ken Davis, Colleen Ehrlich Hair and Wig Coordination: Daniel Koye Projection Designer: Daniel Robinson Music Editor: Brent Lord Scenic Designer: Mary Houston Lighting Designer: Philip S. Rosenberg Performers: Afra Hines and Grasan Kingsberry with Meredith Akins, Samantha Berger, Sam J. Cahn, Andrew Chappelle, Olivia Cipolla, Kristin DeCesare, Wilkie Ferguson, Aaron Hamilton, Daxfurth Houston, Renee Marino, Jessica Press, Julis Anthony Rubio, Anthony Wayne, Randy Witherspoon Photo by Peter James Zielinski Pan Choreographers: Denis Jones and John Paolillo Costume Designer: Jen Caprio Music Editor: Lee Wilkins Scenic Designer: Mary Houston Lighting Designer: Philip Rosenberg Performers: Nick Adams, Monique Alhaddad and Todd Buonopane with Rosie Colosi, Holly Cruz, Michelle Dowdy, Leslie Goodard, Anastacia McCleskey, Hayley Podschun, Josephine Rose Roberts

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And speaking of woofy guys, the handsome Snoopy is giving you serious face here:

How Did I Miss All The Eye-Candy On ‘Backyard Envy?’

L-R James DeSantis, Garrett Magee, Melissa Brasier (via Instagram)
Set your DVRs for the season premiere of Bravo’s Backyard Envy on Tuesday, August 4, on Bravo at 10/9c when the “Two Wills and a Grace” from New York City continue their adventures with the most demanding landscape clients in Manhattan and the burbs. Garrett Magee is the expert landscaper aka “the plant whisperer,” Mellissa Brasier handles all the logistics, and James DeSantis is “the money guy.” Together they make up the successful landscaping company Manscapers. The series follows DeSantis, Magee, and Brasier as they transform barren outdoor spaces into lush, jaw-dropping oases. Along the way, the trio juggles tight deadlines, multiple clients, and – just to add some more drama – each other.

Today, World of Wonder, which produces both Backyard Envy and RuPaul’s Drag Race, is sharing a special crossover mini-episode with three RPDR favorites. The trio of drag superstars joins the cast of BYE via Zoom to show off their backyards and get pro advice from the experts to make their outdoor space that much more chic.

Garrett offers Jackie Cox (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12) an insider secret on how to kill weeds without lifting a stylishly gloved finger. James chats with All-Stars Season One winner Chad Michaels suggesting some wall hangings to add to Michaels’ already gorgeous backyard. And Melissa gives Yuhua Hamasaki (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 10) one little tweak to take her Manhattan hideaway to the next level. Check out the mini-episode above and make sure to tune in for the season premiere of Backyard Envy on August 4 at 10/9c on Bravo. Here’s a bit more eye-candy from the show’s Instagram.  

 

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Hot weather with @garrettbmagee 🔥 Let us know if you want to see Garrett, James and Mel out in the garden ☀️ 🌱

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We’re back!! Season 2 drops Aug 4 @bravotv 🌱

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Music Video: All Aboard The Fire Island Ferry

Seth Sikes (screen capture)
Cabaret performer Seth Sikes’s new video pays tribute to two of his favorite things: Judy Garland and the Fire Island Ferry. Sike’s new video “Atchison Topeka (Fire Island Ferry)” is his loving homage to Garland’s “On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe” from the MGM classic film musical The Harvey Girls. “I’ve been hiding out on Fire Island since Covid hit and learning the tricks of the trade: editing, sound mixing and writing. If we never get back to normal then at least I’ve learned a new skill.”

  Sikes was supposed to perform his latest show Seth Sikes Sings the ‘20s! at Feinstein’s/54 Below last Spring but because of Covid-19 it has been rescheduled for October 26 at 7PM. Tickets are available here.

Podcast: ‘An Older Gay Guy Show’ Chats Me Up About A Life In The Theater

My actual headshot from back in the day…
Ok, a post about … me 🙂 A couple of months ago, Joey Hernandez, of the uber-popular podcast An Older Gay Guy Show, interviewed me about the work I do here on The Randy Report. Joey and I have been a virtual mutual admiration society on Twitter for years. I love his podcast, I never miss it, and he’s been a big supporter of mine. Over the years, An Older Gay Guy Show has received many award nominations and twice been a finalist (wow) for The People’s Choice Podcast Awards. During our chat, though, he realized that I’d had this whole other life as a dancer/singer/actor on Broadway and he asked if I’d come back and share some of that journey. We ended up chatting so much about my beginnings in the theater, moving to NYC, and my differents jobs that he’s sharing it as a two-part show (those that know me are aware I can share a story or two…). Hit the play button to hear me chat on how my career in theater began, including the not so great, early salad days before I finally got a break. And this is just Part One, folks…LOL And if you enjoy, you can click over to The Podcast Awards to nominate An Older Gay Guy Show in the Best LGBTQ category as well as the People’s Choice Award.

Ellen DeGeneres Apologizes To Staff For Toxic Work Environment

Ellen DeGeneres (screen capture)
Following the announcement of an investigation into numerous reports of a toxic work environment at The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen DeGeneres has reportedly emailed her staff apologizing for the alleged behind-the-scenes transgressions. Via Variety:

DeGeneres acknowledged a culture that did not reflect the values with which she started the 17-year-old franchise, and pledged to do better. In addition, insiders familiar with the series said executive producer Ed Glavin is set to exit his role imminently.

“On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ would be a place of happiness — no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect. Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case,” DeGeneres wrote.

“I could not have the success I’ve had without all of your contributions. My name is on the show and everything we do and I take responsibility for that. Alongside Warner Bros., we immediately began an internal investigation and we are taking steps, together, to correct the issues.

As we’ve grown exponentially, I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done. Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again,” she continued.

DeGeneres’ full note to staff:

Hey everybody – it’s Ellen. On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be a place of happiness – no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect. Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show.

I could not have the success I’ve had without all of your contributions. My name is on the show and everything we do and I take responsibility for that. Alongside Warner Bros, we immediately began an internal investigation and we are taking steps, together, to correct the issues. As we’ve grown exponentially, I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done. Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again.

I’m also learning that people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am and that has to stop. As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or – worse – disregarded. To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me.

It’s been way too long, but we’re finally having conversations about fairness and justice. We all have to be more mindful about the way our words and actions affect others, and I’m glad the issues at our show were brought to my attention. I promise to do my part in continuing to push myself and everyone around me to learn and grow. It’s important to me and to Warner Bros. that everyone who has something to say can speak up and feels safe doing so.

I am so proud of the work we do and the fun and joy we all help put out in the world. I want everyone at home to love our show and I want everyone who makes it to love working on it. Again, I’m so sorry to anyone who didn’t have that experience. If not for COVID, I’d have done this in person, and I can’t wait to be back on our stage and see you all then.

Stay safe and healthy.

Love,

Ellen

News Round-Up: July 28, 2020

Dr. Stella Immanuel (screen capture)
Some news items you might have missed: • The Gaily Grind: It turns out Dr. Stella Immanuel (above), who shot to fame this week praising hydroxychloroquine as a coronavirus “cure,” is a homophobic preacher who alleges alien DNA is currently used in medical treatments and gay marriage means that “very soon people are going to be seeking to marry children.” • Page Six: International pop star Elton John is apparently being sued by his ex-wife for dishing on their ill-fated 1980s marriage in his memoir and bio-pic. • ABC News: An ethics watchdog group has accused President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign of obscuring nearly $170 million worth of campaign spending through so-called “pass-through” vendors linked to campaign leadership instead of disclosing the true recipients of the funds. • AP News: U.S. officials say Russian intelligence operatives are using a trio of English-language websites to spread disinformation about the coronavirus pandemic and cause confusion ahead of the presidential election in November. • DisneyPlus: In this ‘Mup Close & Personal’ moment, Emmy Award-winner RuPaul stops by the new Muppets Now and discusses ‘fashion icon’ status with the venerable Miss Piggy. The new series begins streaming July 31.

Big Emmy Nominations For Schitt’s Creek, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Billy Porter & More

The cast of Schitt’s Creek (via Instagram)
The 2020 Emmy Award nominations were announced this morning with lots of LGBTQ recognition to go around. Schitt’s Creek garnered a whopping 15 nominations including Outstanding Comedy Series as well as Outstanding Lead Actor / Lead Actress / Supporting Actor / Supporting Actress for Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Daniel Levy, and Annie Murphy respectively. Daniel Levy is also nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series. The show has received four nominations in past years. https://twitter.com/SchittsCreek/status/1288140496410480640 VH1’s RuPaul’s Drag Race scored 10 nominations including Outstanding Competition Program and one for Mama Ru for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program. RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked was nominated for two trophies including Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Out Of The Closet scored a nod for Outstanding Short Form Nonfiction or Reality Series. The ‘make better’ show Queer Eye was honored with 7 nominations including Outstanding Structured  Reality Program, and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program. https://twitter.com/QueerEye/status/1288152402135265280 Billy Porter was nominated again for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Pray Tell in FX’s Pose. Porter took home the trophy last year in the same category. The series also received nominations for period costumes, hairstyling, and makeup, but no Emmy love for any of the transgender actresses on the show – Mj Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, and Angelica Ross.  Additionally, the show itself was not nominated for Outstanding Drama Series. Steven Canals, one of the co-creators of the show, made note of that on social media. https://twitter.com/theebillyporter/status/1288143439046090758 https://twitter.com/StevenCanals/status/1288165593581903873 The wild and wooly Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness received 6 nominations including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. We’re Here, starring Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara, and Shangela, was nominated for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program. Holland Taylor was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her delicate turn as a movie studio casting director in Netflix’s Hollywood. Jim Parsons also scored an Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series of Movie nod for his scheming talent agent in Hollywood as well. Hollywood, which reimagines the Golden Age of Tinsel Town with marginalized communities like Black and LGBTQ Americans finding success in the 1940s, received 12 nominations in total. In the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series category, Laverne Cox received a nomination for her appearance in the final season of Netflix’s Orange Is The New Black. Cherry Jones was nominated in the same category for her work in HBO’s Succession. https://twitter.com/RandyRainbow/status/1288157086426312704 Political satirist Randy Rainbow was honored with a nomination for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for his popular parodies of Broadway tunes which lampoon political figures. HBO’s dystopian superhero drama Watchmen walked away with the most nominations, 26 in all, followed by Amazon’s stylish comedy The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with 20 nods. For a complete list of all nominees head over to Emmys.com. The 72nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be presented on September 20 on ABC.

New Music: Jessie Ware, DVRKO, Abby K, Emily Vu

This week’s New Music comes from just about every genre you can think of –  including a selection from ‘the future?’ From disco-pop to electronic dance to folk/Americana to bouncy pop bop, there’s something for everyone here 🙂

Check out these terrific new tracks from Jessie Ware, DVRKO, Abby K and Emily Vu.

In a recent Gay Times Magazine interview, Jessie Ware says her latest single, “What’s Your Pleasure?” is a big ‘thank you’ to the LGBTQ community as she echoes Disco divas of the past.

Noting that Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga have recently done disco music as well, Ware says she thinks “it’s the kind of music that… I think ‘elation’ is such a great word to use. It’s needed at the moment.”

The new track is definitely a recipe for club glory with its sleek disco influence, a touch of funk and the kind of free-roaming rubbery bass lines that would have you dancing relentlessly. It’s the perfect prescription for a world without dance floors.

I have to include the latest from mysterious and enigmatic electronic music producer DVRKO: “Lights Up.”

The masked artist (pronounced Dar-koh) recently told Billboard he “hails from a post-apocalyptic civilization in the not-too-distant future, roaming the earth outcasted from society for his wild past and naughty behavior.”

He uses pirated technology and his futuristic music as his only tools to communicate with the world. Asked to explain his backstory, DVRKO answered, “If I have to explain, you’re not paying attention. Take the trip, crack the code: journey’s worth it. But look, at its core, my message is simple: love and respect mother earth, and your mothers, your brothers and your sisters. I promise you, it won’t suck.”

And while he won’t share more on his identity, he does offer this advice to aspiring musicians: “Don’t listen to Polka and don’t pet squirrels, they will find you and touch you.”

Clever or mysterious, DVRKO’s “Lights Up” features an accessible chorus, bouncy syncopation, and exudes a soaring feeling of optimism that is sure to chase away the blues. Follow DRVKO on Spotify here.

I won’t put a label on indie artist Abby K as her music spans several genres including folk, Americana and alt-country.

She was inspired to write her latest single, “Mom’s Old Room,” after a transgender fan shared their story with her.

Noting the “silent prison” some trans people may find themselves in, the LGBTQ ally says, “Living a life where I couldn’t be myself would break me. This song is dedicated to all the human butterflies in the world. May they have the courage to transform and live their true beauty.”

The lilting song and whimsical music video pair perfectly to tell a lovely tale of self-discovery. Follow Abby K on Spotify here.

Just Wait,” the latest from SoCal native Emily Vu, explores the vulnerability of falling in love with an engaging self-awareness.

“It’s about being aware of how susceptible I am to love and how being in love or just starting to get to know someone is a very vulnerable thing for me,” Emily explains of the inspiration behind the track. “I’m asking for them to wait for me and just trust the process.”

The music video stars the young pop artist surrounded by a multitude of women with each woman representing a past relationship and how Emily carries those experiences and lessons through life.

Vu launched her career in the summer of 2018 on TikTok playing around with cover songs. Since then, she’s amassed a fervent worldwide fanbase of 1.4M TikTok followers, 388K Instagram followers, and 4M+ Spotify streams.