"U can put a cherry on a pile of sh*t but it don't make it a sundae."Shonda Rhimes weighs via Twitter with her opinion about the email exchange between Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal and producer Scott Rudin where they joke that President Obama probably likes movies like The Butler and Django Unchained. You mean he doesn't?
Believe it or not, I am a big fan of rules. That's because if there were no rules, I'd have no rules to break. I also realize that without rules, there would be anarchy. And yet, our supermarkets in Los Angeles are becoming a strange cross between Gestapo Germany and a Turkish bazaar. First they outlawed plastic bagsbecause carrying home florescent light bulbs ( which everyone looks crappy under ) in a paper bag that will inevitably rip is such fun. But, rules are rules. And yet, I was flummoxed when nobody batted an eye at two people with carriages full of groceries in front of mein the express lane. When I spoke up ( as I am wont to do ), I was directed to a new sign at the express line which now reads "Express LaneAbout 15 Items". "About?" That was vague enough for the bitch in front of me to consider each dozen cans of cat food as one item. Apparently some rules are important and some rules ain't.
Earlier that same day, the daughter of Korean Air's president demanded that the flight which was about to leave JFK for Incheon return to the gate so that a flight attendant who she just fired could deplane. Why? Heather Cho ( who is also a VP with the airline ) said she didn't like how the attendant served her nuts! I must confess I've yet to encounter a flight attendant who didn't service my nuts properly, but that's another story. Anyway, Ms. Cho was offended to be given macadamia nuts in a bag instead of on the serving plate. She was so outraged, she made the crew member kneel in front of her and beg for forgiveness. As someone who has enjoyed the perks of first class travel, I have never had a flight attendant hand me nuts in a bagalthough I have had more than one kneel before me ( often with the word "ocupado" flashing before my eyes ).
Last week, it was reported that a rookie firefighter with the FDNY has a past doing gay pornwhich seems to be a prerequisite of any member of the NY fire department, by the look of them. Jonathan Jesensky is a former Marine who served in Iraq, and then worked as an EMT for the past two yearssounds like someone I'd want protecting me with a long hose. Days after he officially became an FDNY rookie ( after being valedictorian of his class ), it was revealed that he did about a dozen gay and bisexual porn flicks under the name Jonathan West. ( We hear he's gay for pay. ) His body of work includes such classics as Paramedics and Semper Bi ( once again, art imitating life, imitating porn ).
What's interesting about this story is that when the media contacted his superiors, they said he had already told them when he was hired two years ago. "The legal department is aware of his work history," said an FDNY spokesperson. The press tracked down several of Jonathan's new colleaguessome who have met him and some who haven't. It seems that the people questioned said they didn't care what he did in the past, as long as he was good at his job. Once again, firemen are setting a good example for everyone.
Every fall, the Broadway community raises money at the end of each show for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This six-week fundraising effort culminates in the annual "Gypsy of the Year Competition." As you all know, Hugh Jackman is a great friend of our community, and he's always willing to lend a handand occasionally a shirt. Jackman is currently on Broadway in The River. As part of the show's fundraising effort, Hugh has been auctioning off his shirt. If this sounds familiar, it's because he did the same thing in 2011 during the run of Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway. This year, The River broke all records by raising $549,725! This staggering amount was significantly higher than the next show"It's Only a Play," which brought in $464,559. Congrats.
Time for more of Billy's Holiday Gift Giving Suggestions. I firmly believe that a thoughtfully selected calendar is a perfect gift. This year, we've got some great options for you. First up is the Warwick Rowing Club. The lads started getting their kits off to raise money for new equipment in 2009. Since then, like the "Calendar Girls" before them, they've branched out into other directionsand raised close to half a million dollars! This year, the sexy students are raising money to fight homophobia in sports. They'll also help you break a sweat! Check out their wares at WarwickRowers.org .
Lastly, a perennial favorite of my readers is the annual calendar of naughty Orthodox priests. For the third year in a row, we get to see the pious and members of their flock nude, or at least partially nude. Having been raised in the Eastern Orthodox faith and attended services in churches around the world, I must say I've never seen anyone who remotely resembles these guys in ( or out ) of their vestments. They can be found at Orthodox-Calendar.com .
We're closing in on one of my favorite holiday traditions. On Dec. 19, the incomparable Darlene Love will be celebrating Christmas with her 29th annual appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman. This will be a bittersweet celebration, since Letterman will be signing off May 20, 2015. Love has stated that she would not move her annual appearance to another show. But she might not have to. I've heard a little rumor that CBS would like Letterman to continue the tradition by returning each year for an annual Christmas special. Stay tuned.
When we're looking ahead to 2015, it's definitely time to end yet another column. When the new year dawns, so will the new version of www.BillyMasters.comthe site that's always evolving. And since I've been busy with gift giving ideas, I haven't had room to answer any of your questions in print. But I'm always here for you. Feel free to send your queries into Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before I am caught with a sack full of nuts at LAX! Until next time, remember one man's filth is another man's bible.