Can A ‘Bad Boy’ Make Right What Once Went Wrong?

Drew Canan and Artie O'Daly have a complex relationship in the Bad Boys web series
Jim Canan and Artie O’Daly in the Bad Boys web series

In this latest installment of Artie O’Daly’s wacky Bad Boys web series, Scott (played by O’Daly) considers alternate realities after his evening is ruined by some bad choices.

It seems Scott’s hottie maybe-boyfriend Brian (Doug Rogers) broke things off some time ago worried that some hanky-panky might be in the making with ‘Bad Boys’ Jim (Drew Canan) and James (Alex Dyon).

Ok, there was a shower three-way with the Bad Boys, but Scott kept his underwear on, so it doesn’t really count, right?

The wet and wild three-way was one of those ‘bad choices’ Scott is now reconsidering.

Scott texts Brian to try and patch things up but Jim criticizes the overly long Harry Potter length of his ‘heart-felt’ message. There’s also spilled wine, an off-her-rocker FBI agent (Alina Bock), and the possibility of a four-way dashed.

But Jim insists Scott’s life would be smoother if he took Jim’s advice more often.

In that re-imagined universe, Jim is a dapper relationship expert who’s to-the-point text message to Brian inspires him to break the international speed record for a booty call showing up in a dazzling disco-tastic gold sequined shirt.

Doug Rogers as ‘Brian’

That crazed FBI agent might (or might not) be foiled again, some tasty buns are served, and a leather harness makes an appearance.

Will things work out for Daddy Scott and Brian? We don’t want to spoil the ending but we definitely want to see more of the Bri-man. #woof

If that all sounds wild, that’s because it is. The absurdist comedy never stops as O’Daly’s dialogue practically bounces off the walls making for a perfect mid-day brain break.

Make sure you stick around for the uber-clever end credit graphics by Charlie Branigan.

Hit the play button below, and you can check out more of my coverage of the Bad Boys web series here.

Parody: Randy Rainbow ‘Mr. Biden (Bring My Vaccine)’

Randy Rainbow drops his first Biden parody video with his take on the classic “Mr. Sandman.” But in this iteration, Randy is getting randy to get his vaccination:

Mr. Biden – bring my vaccine Keep me protected from COVID-19 Tell me the trick to how I might earn a Fix of that magic Pfizer or Moderna

Our musical hero also has a bit of ‘Trump PTSD’ to cope with along the way, but let’s face it – who doesn’t? Hit the play button and enjoy. Happy Tuesday!

Michael Henry: Which Is A Bigger Turn On – Confidence Or Vulnerability?

Funny/smart guy Michael Henry
Funny/smart guy Michael Henry
Michael Henry (screen capture)

During a perfectly socially-distanced afternoon in the park, funny guy Michael Henry has a question for John Hartman about the men he’s attracted to.

Before Henry can get to the question, though, we find out Hartman has an ‘issue’ with oversharing on a range of topics including erectile dysfunction, never tipping bartenders, and flatulence in libraries.

Anyway…

Henry is specifically curious to know if men’s confidence is a turn on for Hartman.

“The reason why I ask is because a good friend of mine told me his number one turn-on when it comes to men is confidence,” explains Henry. “And I thought, ’No, no, no, no, no, no.’”

But Hartman lands on the other side of this spectrum: “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, dummy. Who doesn’t love a confident man?”

Apparently, not Henry. Which leads Hartman to flip the script and ask, “What do you like then? Insecure, emotionally damaged men…like you?”

Ouch…

The discussion quickly turns into a pros and cons comparison of confidence vs. vulnerability. Henry finds men who are sure of themselves in work and life just fine, but really digs guys who are insecure about those things, too.

John Hartman
John Hartman (screen capture)

“Weirdo – I don’t want to hear about his insecurities,” says Hartman. “Don’t tell me you’re uncomfortable with your bald spot or your weight gain. Own it!”

“Nothing makes my d*ck more limp than a guy whining about his misfortunes,” he adds.

Hartman admits he’s drawn to a more stereotypic kind of guy as he rattles off qualities like “assertive,” “sturdy,” an achiever of “big things” with a deep voice, a beard and a three-piece suit…although now the conversation is more about masculinity and not confidence.

Obviously, attraction is more than a simple ‘this’ or ‘that’ equation. But Henry raises a valid question about how and what gay men find to be a turn-on. I have to admit I’ve said for years confidence (not cockiness) is a definite turn-on for me. Let me know in the comment section, readers – where does confidence land on your dating spectrum? You can find more coverage of Michael Henry’s short queries on queer life here.

Bianca Del Rio Spills The Tea On HIV

Drag diva Bianca Del Rio

Drag diva Bianca Del Rio
Drag diva Bianca Del Rio (screen capture)
British adult film star Kayden Gray recently launched a humorous, thought-provoking adult film, U Equals Fucking U. The film aims to destigmatize HIV and support public health’s messaging of Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U) – the concept that people living with HIV who achieve an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. The movie co-stars adult film actor Bishop Black, and features comedian/Ru Paul’s Drag Race fan favorite Bianca Del Rio, who appears throughout the film with an upbeat, light-hearted approach to doling out the facts about HIV and U=U.
Porn stars Bishop Black and Kayden Gray
L-R Bishop Black and Kayden Gray in ‘U Equals Fucking U’
“A lot of people are behind U=U in theory,” says Kayden Gray in describing the film. “But when it comes to practice, people tip-toe around the idea and aren’t comfortable when it comes down to it.” Jose Ramos, the founder of Impulse Group, doubles down against HIV-positive odiums stating that “having condomless sex while someone is undetectable eliminates the risk to being exposed to HIV.” Ramos founded Impulse Group in Los Angeles in 2009 with the mission to help gay men make healthy lifestyle choices. What started in the city of West Hollywood as a local grassroots social movement has now become the only international volunteer gay group in the world, with 25 Impulse Chapters in 12 countries. I can’t post the the adult film here, but for those interested click here to see Part One (available now), and Part Two available on February 17. I can share with you Del Rio’s over-the-top and fun contribution to the film in this short clip “Bianca Del Rio spills the tea on HIV.”

My Favorite Thing Today: “Suckin’ On A Chili Dog”

Tom McGovern sings "Suckin' on a Chili Dog"

Suckin' on a chili dog by Tom McGovern
Tom McGovern (screen captures)
My favorite thing today because this quick video made me laugh out for reals… Funnyman and songwriter Tom McGovern shared this over the weekend after pondering a lyric from John Mellencamp’s 1980s hit “Jack and Diane.” McGovern sings the song using the one line: “Suckin’ on a chili dog” It doesn’t hurt that he’s cute, too : #funny

Michael Henry Wonders On His ‘Oneness’ This Valentine’s Day

YouTube star Michael Henry
YouTube star Michael Henry
Michael Henry wonders on his ‘oneness’ this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we know many folks may be making plans with their special ‘someone,’ but for others it can be an annual reminder that a ‘love connection’ hasn’t happened just yet.

Funnyman Michael Henry was all set to shoot a hilarious “Quarantine Cruising” video skit with his buddy Terry (played by drag queen Meatball) but Henry is in a pensive mood

“I just want to know why I’m nobody’s Valentine?” wonders Henry aloud with a quivering lip.

With perhaps slightly less tenderness than Henry was expecting, Terry responds, “Oh my god, it’s just a silly holiday, you stupid b*tch!”

Henry goes on to share that he’s never actually had a Valentine: “Never had a boyfriend, never been in love.”

It seems our hero has friends who fall in love “so easily,” so he’s been pondering, “What’s wrong with me???”

Drag queen Meatball
Meatball brings some dating realness to the conversation

Henry reveals that his oneness isn’t for lack of trying: “I’ve dated, I’ve played games, I’ve had games played on me…I like guys so much that I’m crushed and heartsick when they don’t like me back.”

Cue Terry with some more stone cold advice deduced from his own romantic history (which apparently includes a boyfriend stealing his passport, but, another story…) which ultimately concludes with, “Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

While it seems sad, Terry does manage to slip in some of those ‘quarantine cruising’ jokes in including a truer-than-true Florida joke and something about an unfortunate glory hole mishap.

As usual, Henry delivers a spot-on snapshot of what many in LGBTQ culture might feel around this time of year without being preachy or heavy-handed.

If it’s any comfort, though, I can admit I went through all of Henry’s dating woes well into my 30s before the universe sent me hot hubby Michael. I always consider those misfires lessons in learning to appreciate hubbs when he finally arrived.

Hit play for a well-deserved mid-day brain break. Happy Friday!

Bad Boy Series: A Wild & Wacky House Warming Party – Bring Your Own Towel

Artie O'Daly and Drew Canan in the Bad Boys web series
Artie O'Daly and Drew Canan in the Bad Boys web series
L-R Artie O’Daly, Drew Canan (screen captures)

In the latest episode of Artie O’Daly’s Bad Boy web series, the wild and wacky cast of characters continue to spin out while O’Daly’s “Scott” tries to keep his footing in the middle of the insanity.

Whitney (Theresa Ryan) is hosting a house warming party in her ‘new home’ (really Scott’s house, but she keeps ignoring that fact) and everyone is waiting for ‘Bad Boy’ Jim (Drew Canan)  to arrive.

He’s apparently been waylaid by a longer than usual shower in the guest house with a buddy. You know how these things go…

Suddenly, FBI agent Calista (Alina Bock) shows up disguised as Whitney’s sister/Jim’s mom but no one seems to see through the disguise except for Scott.

Whitney: “I see your teeth grew back.” Calista: “Let’s not talk about the past. Let’s focus on the present.” Whitney: “How dare you tell me to focus when you know I suffer from rolling blackouts!” (as she takes a big swig from a bottle of wine)

Meanwhile, ‘Bad Boy’ BJ (Braden Davis) has decided to get decked out in a leather harness and snap some selfies: “I’m gonna go take thirst traps on the couch…”

Braden Davis as NJ in the Bad Boy web series
Braden Davis as BJ (screen capture)

Finally, hottie Jim shows up (in a towel thank god) and Calista’s charade looks like it might come crashing down.

But what we really want to know is: Does Daddy Scott finally hook up with Jim?

Kudos to O’Daly & company for keeping the off-kilter banter continually bouncing from character to character in fast-paced farcical fashion.

With this 15th installment, the Bad Boy series is clearly developing a loyal fanbase on YouTube. Check out my previous coverage of the web series here.

Schitt’s Creek’s Dan Levy Brings The Funny On SNL

Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy hosts SNL

Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy hosts SNL
Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy hosts SNL
What to do after your hit TV series Schitt’s Creek garners not only 5 Golden Globe nominations but 5 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations? If you’re Dan Levy, you host Saturday Night Live! Levy had a great outing last night in SNL including taking part in a clever skit involving out cast members Bowen Yang, Punkie Johnson, and Kate McKinnon that ‘celebrated’ the 10-year-old It Gets Better Project. Note: We all love the It Gets Better Project, so, don’t take any of this as bashing a great organization. It’s all just fun. It all begins quite upbeat as the four assure viewers that things do, indeed, ‘get better.’ But as the details of ‘better’ are explored, it seems ‘better’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘perfect.’
L-R Bowen Yang, Kate McKinnon, Punkie Johnson (screen captures)
Yang shares how, once he learned to love himself, he found he was no longer bullied…by straight people. “Then I pretty much immediately started getting tormented by gay people…for my taste in music.” “It’s scarier when gay people are mean because they are so organized,” laments Yang. “I tweeted one vague opinion about Chromatica and I had to move. Not just apartments but cities.” Levy’s character says he doesn’t get bullied anymore because he’s a very successful 30-year-old. But life’s problems weren’t completely solved. “You know what feels very similar to being shoved in a locker though? Income tax,” says Levy’s character. “I know that’s not what you guys do, but stuff about taxes would have been extremely helpful.” Emmy Award winner Kate McKinnon knocks it out of the park with her post-It Gets Better issue – her two kids’ iguana which now dominates her life. “It’s ruined my floors with its urine, and now there’s an evil dinosaur living in my house.”

And Punkie Johnson has real-life advice: “Don’t wear basketball shorts cause when you’re out with your girl, people are going to think YOU the one who fights.” Brian Wenke, executive director for It Gets Better Project, sent out an email embracing the humor:

Last night Saturday Night Live and its incredible cast of queer talent held up a mirror to the It Gets Better Project and made us laugh. I am sure you can imagine the flurry of calls, texts, and emails inspired by the skit. I am honored to be a part of an organization that continues to maintain relevance 10 years after the viral social media campaign that gave it life.”

Another sketch that landed also addressed how life changes when you get older. “Are you bored? Looking for something to spice up your life? You used to want sex – but you’re in your late 30s now,” say the sexy-voiced cast members. “You need something new, something exciting. I need a new fantasy.” And what better fantasy that scrolling through pictures and pictures of that house you can’t afford? “You need…Zillow.” The skit’s not only pretty spot-on but – bonus! – includes Levy as part of an aroused gay couple. “I’d never live in North Carolina,” says Levy before adding in an echoing sensual voice, “But if I did – I could buy a big, gross mansion.”

Let me know what you thought about Levy’s appearance last night. Score or snore?

Seeing The Sights Of Sydney, Australia

A brief video celebrating the men of Australia

A brief video seeing the sights of Sydney, Australia I was reminded of this travelogue video I shot 9 years ago seeing the sights during my first visit to Australia. I start out trying my best to inform folks about the ins and outs of Sydney as I really enjoyed the scenery and ‘local flavor’ of the city. But, things go a bit awry along the way 😉 You’ll see what I mean. Hit the play button below. In addition to time spent in Sydney, Michael and I got to spend some time at Olivia Newton-John’s gorgeous Gaia Retreat & Spa near Australia’s Gold Coast.

Top 10 Off-Kilter Things Said To Gay Dads

Two gay dads and their son

Two gay dads and their son
(stock photo via Depositphotos)
Ah, the things said to gay dads… Robin Morgan-Bentley, a senior manager at Audible, and his husband became parents this past year. He shared via his Twitter account some of the somewhat awkward comments they’ve received as gay dads. “Top 10 things actual people have said to me and my husband this year, as new gay dads,” writes the proud dad.

Some of the remarks are harmless but show a cluelessness: “Oh it’s lads’ day out today! So cute. Is mummy having the day off?”

There’s the eternal “Which of you is the real dad?” Umm, they are both ‘real dads…’

Many folks seem to wonder about the absence of the child’s mother: “Is the mum still involved? It must be so hard for her”

Some people seem to think the year that was 2020 along with the pandemic might have a lasting effect on the boy.

There were those who apparently offered to help with the little guy:

But the oddest remark the dads encountered was a woman whose offer to help raised some eyebrows:

Clearly the men took it all in stride, and like good dads let their adorable little guy have the last word.

Folks in the Twitterverse acknowledged the awkwardness of the remarks but for the most part focused on the happiness being parents can bring.

Related – Teacher rants to student: Why would you be thankful for being adopted by gay dads?