THE BRATPRINCE IS OFF TO LUNCH AND SHOPPING WITH HIS SISTER-IN-LAW

THE BLOG WILL RESUME LATER TODAY!  UNTIL, ENJOY THE GREAT FEEDS ON THE RIGHT OF THE BLOG!

For my friend...a most needed sight!!!

Just like ASTRID....NALA is ready to take her place among the great cats of the world! 

A Bit Risque', but perfect for the final eye candy of the eve before we pass the 100,000 mark!!!!!!

Eye Candy of the Evening

How You Get to 100,000 Visitors, by Bratprince

I LITERALLY must get to work on the next chapter of my novel....it is due....however, I want to pay tribute to my most ardent supporters and friends.  They have championed this BLOG from almost the beginning.  They have loved and nutured it...given advice...content...and constantly told their friends to drop by.

CHRIS AND FRED...WE HAVE NEVER MET, BUT KNOW THAT I ADORE YOU!!!!!

Another Linda Eder Song (I ADORE HER)

I think this song sums up how I have been feeling lately about all the hard work I have been doing....the new novel....the volunteer work...being a good friend and husband....being an "angel" by giving someone a turkey.  I also LOVE this song.  Enjoy!

A NEW LIFE, by Bratprince

Of late I have been extremely honored by so many things; simple things.  Now, we all know that I wouldn't have gotten the nickname 'Bratprince' had I been a simple guy all these years.

I won't lie.  I love luxury.  I don't exactly hate money or my possessions.  I live on an estate and drive a very expensive car.  My wardrobe is the envy of most.

I have lived my life in that manner for a very long time.  My idea of charity was walking down a runway in custom clothes in a million dollars worth of jewels (borrowed of course).  Write a check; attend a party....on and on.

For the last year I have disappeared completely from that scene.  I made an appearance at a store opening a few months ago...I went to a famous person's funeral....but truly, I haven't spent much time in the limelight.  After a few years of having to wear something different and fabulous every time you go out gets REALLY, REALLY tiring.  I started my own charity which was overwhelming and I finally gave it up.  I have worked in public relations, National Sales Management, advertising and marketing for so long it numbs me.  My dear husband Gary says I have always had a golden touch if I wanted something.

Something was missing.  I couldn't figure it out.  Why was there a hole in my heart?  What was I doing wrong?

Frankly, I was being FAKE.  Air kisses to all, stopping for the fashion press, allowing my home and possessions to be photographed along of course with my face.  I didn't realize it for ages, but I was getting nothing but a hollow, shallow feeling.

With some introspection, I discovered that I was actually far deeper than I thought.  I always knew I was intelligent, but I wasn't sure if I cared about much other than me, my husband..a few friends and a tiny smattering of relatives.  Other than that, I only cared if I could acquire something new that had a Faberge' label.

How quickly all that can change.  Volunteering at our local AIDS FOOD PANTRY has been the most amazing experience...perhaps in my life.  I have to work REALLY hard...stocking shelves...helping clients...the works.  I have met so many wonderful and brave people.  When I grocery shop now I am embarrassed and try to cut down on things....I have never bought so many generic labels in my life (by the way...it is the truth...they taste the same as the brand names).  Each of the Pantry's clients have touched me so deeply.  I love my volunteer life there...even if when I come home I am completely exhausted and my feet hurt.  The client's don't know or care "who I am".  I'm just Will...the guy who helps them out.  I'm the guy that helps the guy in the wheelchair shop.  I'm the guy that got to work with two very young HIV Positive lovers today that have lost everything due to the economy.  They felt a bit of shame having to come to the pantry...but..with my help and explaining that the more people come the more food and money we get; they quickly got over it.  When they were "checking out" with me, I asked, "Will this help?"  One of them responded, "We haven't had food in over a week."  Talk about shattering your heart....or in my case finding it.

Also, a new thing has happened to me.  I have gathered a bit of compassion in my soul.  I've always been a limousine liberal.  I believe in helping people and hate how "conservatives" lie and lie and lie.  They only care about big business and themselves.  However, without this experience at the Pantry I doubt my heart would have grown much.

In addition, somewhere along the way I have learned to actually LISTEN.

Two different people have been "chatting with me" online about "coming out" as gay men.

One quite young, the other a bit older.  The younger one did it...he told his family and thankfully it worked out.  His emails to me were so excited and happy and I was so honored that he used me as a sounding board and got the courage.  He is a dear guy and I am so proud of him.

The other is just starting the process.  So much will change for him.  Most likely he will lose his job; however I believe that when he does it even better things will come for him!!!  I'm glad he feels comfortable talking with me about this.

LET ME TELL YOU FOLKS...I wouldn't trade being gay for anything.  Not only have I been happily together with the same man for 17 years, but I have been honored and showered with community awards for just being who I am (a bit ridiculous but at the same time shows that being gay is not a bad thing...it can be a badge of honor).

For my friend that is just starting the process of coming out....I am VERY proud of you and know this will be the greatest thing that will ever happen to you!

To my readers, visitors and fans......keep my friend in your thoughts...and if you are so inclined your prayers.  His journey will be difficult, but his reward will be infinite.

Yours, Bratprince

Further Eye Candy of the Late Afternoon

Burlesque: A Very Gay Review of a Very Gay Movie

How does a movie about female strippers become gay? Lady Bunny explains.  Click here.  (From Bratprince:  Seriously...go see it.....the movie is a lot of cheesy fun)!

First Look: Robyn's Video for "Dancehall Queen"

For those of you who aren't completely and totally entranced by everything Robyn, it's time for you to bow down. The queen has once again given reason as to why we are slaves to her charms. In her latest video for "Dancehall Queen" --a reggae-ish pop slow jam that we adore -- the video is too wild for words. It's like all the things that were fabulous about the eighties have come back to haunt us via a mushroom trip.

Live The Life: Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent was born in North Africa but found his métier in Paris, where he moved in 1954 to work for Dior. He took over the fashion house at the age of 21 before starting his own iconic label in 1961. Until his recent death, the designer spun timely trends into timeless couture.  Click here.

Eye Candy of the Late Afternoon

Franco and Hathaway picked as co-hosts for Oscars

James Franco and Anne Hathaway will be running the show at the next Academy Awards.  Click here. (From Bratprince:  Love them both as actors...but...HOSTS of the ACADEMY AWARDS??  You gotta be kidding.  I wonder what Miranda Priestly has to say to Anne Hathaway?  Sorry folks...I could watch this fun Miranda montage a million times and still love it.  Tired of it...don't watch! :)

271 never-before-seen works by Picasso revealed

A retired French electrician and his wife have come forward with 271 undocumented, never-before-seen works by Pablo Picasso estimated to be worth at least €60 million ($80 million CAD), an administrator of the artist’s estate said Monday.  Click here.

Irvin Kershner dies

Director Irvin Kershner, who helmed "The Empire Strikes Back" (videos), has died at age 87, according to reports. Kershner says he never regretted his decision to turn down directing another "Star Wars" film.  Click here.

Clinton: US 'Deeply Regrets' Disclosures

Classified documents released by the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks include unflattering assessments of world leaders & revelations about backstage diplomacy.  Click here.

Bergdorf Goodman Unveils High-Tech Holiday Windows

Luxe New York department store Bergdorf Goodman, founded in 1901, is famous for its amazing, elaborate holiday windows which dazzle shoppers and passersby alike. This year is no exception, with the added attraction of some high-tech features debuting for the very first time. The 2010 windows, entitled "Wish You Were Here," take their inspiration from fantasy travel to far-flung places involving some rather unusual ways of getting there.   Click here.

SOOOOOOO CLOSE!!!!!!! OVER 1,000 VISITORS HAVE DROPPED BY THE BLOG IN THE LAST 24 HOURS!!!

WE ARE WELL PAST 99,000 AND THE BIG NUMBER IS COMING UP!!!  SPREAD THE WORD AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS; LET'S GET THERE FAST!!!  THANKS TO ALL THE FANS OF THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE BRATPRINCE!!!  LOVE YA ALL!!

Eye Candy of the Afternoon

I AM VOLUNTEERING TODAY AT OUR LOCAL AIDS FOOD PANTRY. I'VE TRIED TO LEAVE YOU WITH LOTS OF FUN POSTS!

HERE'S A BIT OF VERY HOT EYE CANDY TO TIDE YOU OVER UNTIL I RETURN!  THE BLOG SHOULD RESUME AROUND 4 P.M. CENTRAL TIME.  SEE YOU THEN!

First 'Spider-Man' preview filled with problems

'Guinea pig' audience rips show.  Click here. (From Bratprince:  Always sounded like the dumbest idea for a Broadway Musical ever)!

Portia de Rossi competitive with Ricky Martin over book sales

A little tid-bit from PAGE SIX.  Click here.

CINDY ADAM'S COLUMN IN THE NY POST

CLICK HERE.

Teriyaki Salmon

You can make the teriyaki glaze in minutes, and the whole dish takes only a little longer. Keep a sharp eye on the salmon during cooking, though; the glaze can burn if the heat's too high.  Click here.

15 Great Gifts for 'Glee' Fans!

From Rachel's ''R'' necklace to a Brittany doll to a slushie maker, we'll have you all set to visit any Gleek bearing gifts!  Click here.

10 Worst Reality-TV Shows Ever

Only time will tell if E!'s ''Bridalplasty,'' which gives soon-to-be-wed women the opportunity to compete for plastic surgery, will join the ranks of the reality-TV low points we remember here -- but we like its odds.  Click here.

FIVE OF THE BEST

Leather Gloves.  Click here.

Out 100: Rachel Maddow

Our newsmaker of the year.  Click here.

The extraordinary rise of AMC

With "Breaking Bad," "Mad Men" and now "The Walking Dead," the cable channel is giving HBO a run for its money.  Click here.  (From Bratprince:  Now if only AMC will save one of my favorites shows from last season: Rubicon.  Apparently audiences thought it was "too intelligent"...W H A T E V E R)!

10 great new graphic novels

Slide show: From "The Little Prince" to Daniel Clowes' latest -- the best new releases from the illustrated genre.  Click here.

10 Unbelievable Nips and Tucks

Put away your Botox. Out-there cosmetic innovations, from “vampire filler” to trampoline necklifts, are taking over Hollywood. Gina Piccalo talks to plastic surgeons about the latest.  Click here.

Iranian Nuclear Scientist Assassinated

Professor killed, another wounded in Tehran bomb attacks.  Click here.

Wanna-Be Film Extra Told She's Too Dark to Be Hobbit

A woman who wanted to be an extra in The Hobbit was told by the casting crew on the New Zealand production that while she was short enough to play a hobbit, she wasn't white enough.  Click here.

Gay Prison Movie's Real-Life Con

Steven Russell, played by Jim Carrey in the “gay prison” movie, I Love You Phillip Morris, is serving 144 years in prison after four escapes. He talks to Nicole LaPorte from behind bars.  Click here.

"Don't Ask" Showdown Looms in Senate This Week

President Obama's fight to let openly gay men and women serve in the U.S. military enters its political endgame this week. The Pentagon will release its report on Tuesday saying most troops don't care, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, will tell the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday they're ready to lift the ban. The only bump in the road is likely to come on Friday, when the other five members of the Joint Chiefs -- some of whom have voiced opposition to the change -- will testify before the Senate panel. But if Senate and Pentagon leaders get their way, a Senate vote on lifting the 17-year old policy, a move the House took in May, could come as early as next week.  Click here.

Swiss Vote to Expel Foreigners Convicted of Crimes

Swiss voters have approved a plan to automatically deport foreigners convicted of crimes ranging from murder to filing false insurance claims.  Click here.

'Naked Gun' Funnyman Leslie Nielsen Dead at 84

Leslie Nielsen has died. The funnyman who Roger Ebert once referred to as the "Laurence Olivier of spoofs" passed away after suffering complications from pneumonia.  Click here.

Eye Candy of the Day

A LONG DAY! Off to bed to read for awhile, thus...FINAL EYE CANDY OF THE EVE! Night!!!

Eye Candy of the Eve.

Eye Candy of the Late Afternoon

TV's Biggest Fall Failures

First came Fox's "Lone Star," two low-rated episodes and out. Next was ABC's "My Generation," poorly reviewed, poorly received, and gone. The cavalcade of failed new shows that followed was both disappointing and utterly unsurprising.  Click here.

Eye Candy of the Afternoon

Dr. Laura gets new show

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, who quit her radio show earlier this year due to backlash from her repeated use of a racial slur on air, will debut a new three-hour daily radio show in January.  Click here.  (From Bratprince:  Such a dreadful and hateful person.  I hope the show fails miserably).

The Overlooked

10 sci-fi movies you should catch up with.  Click here.

Wintry weather grips Britain

Most widespread snow in 17 years; UK residents urged to stay indoors.  Click here. 

The new natural wonders of the world

These sites represent the best of what nature has to offer.  Click here.

Could a Global Virus Destroy Life on Earth?

Video: It sounds like a sci-fi movie plot: A single virus threatens the lives of billions of people. But could this really happen? A virus expert provides the answers. Click here for the video.

Harrods 'Vintage Collection' Christmas Hamper

When it comes to Christmas few put together more appealing packages of edible necessities than Harrods. This year they have the usual variety of small to large hampers available but their top offering that's new for 2010 is the Vintage Collection. Inspired by their "Vintage Christmas" theme this year the hamper includes four bottles of wine/champagne plus a ham, salami, foie gras, smoked salmon, caviar, two cheeses, cocktail blinis, biscuits, and an olive wood board. It's not the most expensive hamper they've put together (i.e. last year's $7,500 Holiday Hamper) but if you like the idea of classic, tried and true goods you can't go wrong with a classic combination like this. £450.

Eye Candy of the Early Afternoon

THE BLOG HAS HAD WELL OVER 1,000 VISITORS WITHIN 24 HOURS!!!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT!!!  WE ARE WELL PAST 98,000 VISITORS...IN FACT...WE PROBABLY WILL HIT 99,000 TODAY!  AMAZING!!  TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO DROP BY!

Lady Baltimore Cake

A lady cake is a butter cake; this one was dubbed Baltimore for its fancy icing (the city was once famous for its candy making).  Click here.

Do you love a TV show... that everyone else hates?

Click here for a fun opinion piece.  I wish more of my readers would give 'Fringe" a chance, by the way.

20 Event Movies for Gays and Gals

Fabulous female characters, killer costumes, a side order of camp -- and no explosions necessary; welcome, ''Burlesque,'' you're in good company!  Click here.