Friday, October 22, 2010

Auf Wiedersehen for now, Michael

"Project Runway" contestant Michael Costello came to the end of his run on the Lifetime series Thursday night.

Some friends (Jim, Arden, Gary) and I watched as Michael received his farewell from Heidi and hugged and cried with the three remaining finalists. An argument could be made that the Palm Springs designer was cheated, as Heidi only kissed one of his cheeks. What's with that?

During the episode we were trying to determine whether Andy or Michael would get the ax. Most of us said Andy. Local loyalty and wishful thinking, perhaps.

I must admit Michael's departure was more dramatic than any our group had seen. Hanging his head, he lingered on the stage a bit longer than we've seen any other contestant stand there. Then backstage in the "kiss and cry" room he turned to the wall as if to pound out his disappointment with his fist or his head -- thankfully he didn't go there.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Pop culture's new M & M?

The big news out of Michael Costello's "Project Runway" viewing party Thursday night was his announcement after the show that he plans to star in another reality show.

The show would follow the friendship, lives and career struggles of Michael and his "Project Runway" costar Mondo Guerra -- hence the M&M.

"It's sort of like 'My Life on the D List' meets 'The Surreal Life,'" Richard Galvin, Michael's partner of seven years, said.

The idea grew out of the friendship that developed between the designers this season and the way they interact, Richard said.

"The chemistry between those two is dynamic" he said. "Michael is inside how Mondo dresses on the outside."

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Michael Costello celebrates 'Project Runway' experience

Michael Costello, center, surrounded by new friends. I'm on the far left.
Watching episodes of this season's "Project Runway," contestant Michael Costello sees more than the ambitious challenges, intense critiques and awe-inspiring creativity the show's fans have come to expect. He sees personality quirks and characteristics he wasn't sure he had.

"I didn't know I was such a strong person," Michael said Friday when we sat down for a chat at a coffee shop in Palm Springs, Ca. "It was painful being there without Richard (his life partner of seven years), without my son, without my mom."

He had limited communication with his family during the nearly eight weeks the reality TV series was taped in New York City.

Michael's strength was evident during a group design challenge when some teammates attempted to "throw him under the bus" -- an expression host Heidi Klum has used a lot this season. Michael remained calm, confident and positive. The experience seemed to galvanize him.

Monday, October 4, 2010

THE LIFE: Gay Days at Disneyland


Jose, Charles, Will (about to bite off Charles'
ear), Dan, Brazilian woman and son
 My life is missing whole chunks of pop culture influences.

Unlike my friends, I can't sing along to ABBA songs. You can take my gay membership card now.

I've never seen "Mame," "The Goonies" or any of the "Star Wars" franchise. I know, gasp!

How did I miss out on what was the rage for many of my peers? I certainly didn't miss the hype (These topics still come up during cocktail or dinner party chatter, and my contribution is usually to ask questions)? But during my childhood I simply wasn't interested or aware enough that paying attention would be socially useful as an adult.

But here's the kicker: I can't remember ever as a child wanting to visit Disneyland. Yes I was a Disney virgin (a moniker enthusiastically bestowed upon me Saturday).

So when a couple of friends, Charles and Jose, invited me to spend a Gay Day with them at Anaheim's international attraction, I didn't ask a lot of questions. I just said yes. It would be a new experience, probably a lot of fun and fill in a few cultural gaps, I thought. The three of us met up with another friend, Dan, and my deflowering began -- at "The Happiest Place on Earth."