The Beginnings of Shirtlessness

I mentioned that my Christmas involved a performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and had to post a picture of the men in that company as a holiday treat. Above please enjoy a lovely picture of Glenn Sims and Matthew Rushing, two of the premiere dancers in the company, in an athletic pose of excellent shirtlessness. The Ailey company boasts some of the most gifted dancers in the world, and I am happy to report that they consistently demonstrate good shirtlessness as well. One of my favorite pieces in the repertoire is the "Sinner Man" section of Alvin Ailey's choreographic masterpiece "Revelations" which features three shirtless men performing leaps, turns, and splits that will take your breathe away. This year is the 50th Anniversary of the company, and if you are looking for something to do in the next week in New York, please consider seeing them at City Center before January 4th.

Seeing the performance last week, I reflected on the roots of my affinity for good shirtlessness, and thought about the first time I saw Ailey in 9th grade. I remember not only "Revelations" but also a piece called "Bad Blood" choreographed by the late Ulysees Dove in which shirtless men literally threw and caught women over their heads. I remember being absolutely transformed by the performance. Looking back, I wonder if that wasn't the beginning of it all...

Wishing every one a very Happy New Year! I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Presidential Shirtlessness

I realize that this is just shameless and that the President-elect has many other causes to support before Good Male Shirtlessness, but can we give a big IMS Hey!! to President Elect Barack Obama? If the soon to be Leader of the Free World has time for fitness and seeing the sun, I think we all do. Bravo! I don't have high hopes for what his vacation pics will look like next year at this time, but I think he is starting us all out with air of hopefulness by allowing himself to be photgraphed shirtless at all. With this example out there, 2009 may turn into a good year after all. Now if my retirement account would go back up in value and theaters would produce the work of little known but fabulous ethnic playwrights, all would be well in my world.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, even if you are not Christian. I'm not, but I had a lovely 2 day celebration that included sweet gifts, delicious meals, snuggling, a performance of the amazing Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and quiet time on the couch. If only every day could be Christmas! Until that time, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Women's Choice Shirtlessness

During the Today show this morning, there was a segment on who men and women in America chose as the Sexiest Male and Female for 2008. Both Hoda and Kathie Lee seemed astonished that men and women would have different sexiest picks; I was not. So for all the ladies, I give you the female #1 sexiest star, Johnny Depp. I will also point out that men chose Hugh Jackman who was also People's Sexiest Man Alive. What does this say about the editorial staff of People magazine? Hmmmm...

One difficulty I have with Johnny Depp is that it is very hard to find a picture of him shirtless without a cigarette. If I were posing shirtless, I'm not sure that burning embers are the accessories that I would choose for the shoot, but to each his own. Please do not take the above picture as any endorsement of smoking; it is merely an endorsement for mature men who are fit and like to take their shirts off. Given that Jennifer Aniston is next to naked in GQ this month with her age emblazoned all over the article, I guess that the public is pushing the boundaries on how old you can be when posing nude. IMS does not endorse agism and is happy to see that now nudity over 40 is apparently gender neutral. Ms. Aniston only made it to this year's women's sexiest list which makes me wonder about the editorial board of GQ.

Anyway, Christmas is coming, and the weather has turn bone-chillingly cold here in New York. I don't anticipate any good male shirtlessness out and about for a few months for sure. I'm lucky that I'm going to LA next month for a few days in hopes of catching some good winter male shirtlessness there. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Sherlock Shirtlessness

Great news just in from another IMS member: Robert Downey, Jr. will be appearing shirtless in the upcoming Guy Ritchie film of Sherlock Holmes. Click here to read all about it. What is so exciting about this news is that apparently Mr. Ritchie has felt that the bar has been raised on the sleuthing film by the Bourne Supremacy movies and our favorite Bond films to require good male shirtlessness. This is a victory for IMS members everywhere. Shirtlessness has become part of a genre! While Robert Downey, Jr. broke my heart on Ally McBeal by being so good on the show and then getting caught with drugs, I know he will not disappoint on this one. RDJ is definitely good for some good male shirtlessness. Let's just hope that there will be more than one scene of it.

On a personal note, I am participating in a holiday event for a theater company here in New York as an actor and have found myself cast in a short play in which my character tries to get the other character, played by the vice president of IMS, to take his shirt off. While not everyone at the event will recognize or understand the sheer brilliance of the casting of this, I thought you should know that I am out there continuously working for the cause!

Today is supposed to feature some sort of Storm of the Century causing school closings and panic galore. So far, it appears to be snowing. People are very bundled up, however, and I think I can officially call the season for good male shirtlessness closed in the North East. I really will be looking to new episodes in January to satisfy the craving. I hope ABC is listening. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Starter Shirtlessness

So continuing with the theme of reruns and using photos that the vice president sends me, I give you Chris Diamantopoulos from "The Starter Wife." I have not seen him on the show but am told that he is always shirtless. Good introduction. He is also married to Becky Newton who plays the delightful Mandy on UG. I like you more, Chris. Finally he is wearing trunks that are Bond-esque without being embarrassing. Obviously, this guy can be on my blog. Hurrah!

The next two weeks do not bode well for our cause, and so I beseech you to send me some direction for what you might like to see. I need new avenues to explore, or else I'll just go back to ogling Daniel Craig from "Casino Royale" which I think has finished its welcome with my most discerning readers. BTW, I just heard that "Australia" only has one shirtless scene. In a three hour movie featuring People's "Sexiest Man Alive" should have more than one shirtless scene in my opinion. I don't know if my busy holiday schedule of holiday parties and mistletoe will allow for a movie with only one shirtless scene. There's a recession, folks, and I want the most bang for my buck in that department!

So I am arming myself with a spinach dip as I venture out into the holiday party season. It is 60 degrees in New York today, and so I can only imagine that some good shirtlessness may await me somewhere. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Re-Runs of Shirtlessness

Since last night was all re-runs and I had my writers lab anyway, I am posting a picture of Robert Buckley who may be following Eddie Cibrian's groundbreaking steps in never working on a project that does not involve shirtlessness. The expression on his face in this shot says to me "Gosh, it's hard to always give such amazing shirtlessness." Keep up the good work, Robert. Now I have featured him before when I had hope for "Lipstick Jungle." Sadly that show made women look too idiotic for me to endorse. Now it appears he is playing cougar bait again in a Lifetime movie with Heather Locklear. I applaud all the networks that keep providing Mr. Buckley as love interests to "older" (read over 35) women. It's very vindicating, especially to those of us who read scripts that describe women over 35 as "elderly."

I think that there may be no new episodes of anything until the new year, and so I will continue to take requests and post pictures sent to me. The above picture was sent to me by an especially hard-working IMS member. I thank the vice president of IMS from the bottom of my heart.

The weather is New York continues to baffle, and so I may have to go out and look for some Christmas shirtlessness. Normally, I would discourage this type of shirtlessness, but with global warming who is to say that you can not follow the two point standard of good shirtlessness even in December? Off to look for it! Until I've found it, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Suggestions for Shirtlessness

After yet another week of no shirtlessness, a fellow IMS member and I were discussing who should be shirtless on ABC and decided to make some helpful suggestions. IMS is nothing if not proactive. As you can see from the above collage, Tuc Watkins has extensive experience in shirtlessness from his days on "One Life to Live." He is able to cook, search the fridge, and drink a pitcher of orange juice, all while shirtless. I think his gay lawyer Bob on DH should be shirtless in an episode soon, perhaps while gardening or drinking a pitcher of orange juice. My personal second choice is Andrew. I think he is so cute in his new preppy persona, and I think perhaps he could start swimming to work out the stress of having Bree for a mother, boss, and wedding planner. Sincerely, though, kudos to ABC for showing Bree and Andrew's relationship develop and grow wih her acceptance of his sexual orientation. I was worried that the 5 year jump in time would gloss over this development.

As for GA, all I can say is "Code Black." There is an unexploded bomb on your show, and I have a feeling that when it blows it's going to take the whole show with it. I'm sad because I did enjoy GA so much, especially Patrick Dempsey's hair and Eric Dane's pecs and towel scenes, but this past week was really beyond repair. "Teach me?" Really? Denny has now officially had more episodes as a dead person than as a live one, and I think that this fact alone should give the writers pause.

Finally, last night I felt a strange uneasiness when both shows previewed future episodes that seem to feature gay male characters sleeping with women. Is this a joke? I am confused and concerned. It was bad enough when they made Callie sleep with both Sloane and Hahn to decide which one she preferred, but to make gay characters in established relationships suddenly jump into bed with women also in relationships really worries me. Orientation is not like picking a cookie for dessert. I'm going to hope that this was a trick of clever editing. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Asian Shirtlessness

My writers' lab had an event at the Asian American Writers' Workshop last night, and between that and the post event celebration, I didn't have time to watch UB or GA for commentary, although at this point, I no longer expect any shirtlessness on these shows. For our event, all of the Lab writers had to write a short play with the title of a book sold at the workshop, with the titles being handed out randomly. We had 10 plays in our evening, and I noticed that a lot of them dealt with the theme of the emasculation of Asian men in American pop culture. So not wanting to contribute to that trend, I thought I would give you the poster boy of Asian Shirtlessness, Daniel Dae Kim. He definitely adheres to the Two Point Standard of Good Shirtlessness, Fitness and Seeing the Sun, and apparently never wears a shirt on "Lost." Also, lots of people post about their crushes on him all over the Web. I'd like to applaud him for what his contribution to the cause of good male shirtlessness in which we are all interested. Bravo, Daniel!

Incidentally, my play was called "Gangster of Love," and told the brief story of a younger man trying to get an older women to date him. I know some day I will laugh at the idea of the "older woman" being in her 30s, but for now and the crowd last night, it seemed to resonate. In honor of IMS, I did make the male character say "I look great with my shirt off" which went over big with the crowd, thanks to some IMS members in the audience. A big shout out to all of the Ma-Yi Writers' Lab for putting up some great work and to the member in particular who took the aforementioned line and ran with it.

So I'll catch up with UB and GA and of course, hope for the best of DH this Sunday. The gay porn storyline should result in some shirtlessness, but who knows anymore? Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shameless Post

Another night of no shirtlessness sent me to YouTube to find this ridiculous montage of Hugh Jackman shirtless pics. I'm sure Trunk Snob will have something to say about his swimsuits, but I thought that we could all use some unabashed shirtlessness on the first day back from Thanksgiving break. I'm sure that no one will find it surprising that I did not experience any good shirtlessness over the holiday spent in Buffalo, NY. While I think Buffalo was a wonderful place to grow up, I do not find it to be a great place for good male shirtlessness, especially during the sunless months. One has to wonder about a woman who looks forward to returning to New York City in December for good male shirtlessness.

Alas, my return to Sunday night television did not really pay off. DH was mostly setting up for juicy things to come which I eagerly anticipate. I just wish some of the set up involved someone taking their shirt off. But that's just me. Also, Steven Weber decided to show up on B&S again and tease me with taking off his jacket but no shirtlessness. Now that he has made an appearance on both DH and B&S this season, I can only wonder if he will be a guest carpenter on "Extreme Home Makeover" next week.

With the holidays coming up, am taking requests for good holiday shirtlessness. Please feel free to send suggestions of whom you would like to see shirtless for Christmas, and this little Hindu girl will do her best to make your wish come true. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Post Thanksgiving Shirtlessness

I felt I would be doing a disservice to the many men who check out my blog if I posted some crazy Daniel Craig-after-a-12-hour-workout photo or some such similar sad-making picture the day after Thanksgiving. I'm the bitchy girl with the high metabolism who hasn't gained a pound since high school, and I feel bloated today. So with that, I thought I would post this kind of endearing picture of Kyle Bornheimer from CBS' "Worst Week" to remind everyone that good shirtlessness comes in all shapes and sizes. Recently a member of IMS told me how cute he thought Mr. Bornheimer because of his teddy bear-like quality, and I have to say that I can see it. In addition, I think this picture shows how you can make the most of a bad situation by attractively tying your sheet or towel into something reminiscent of a loin-cloth to up the giggle factor. Finally, I'd like to say that Mr. Bornheimer, while not tan, has clearly seen the sun recently and demonstrates that point 2 of the 2 Point Standard of Good Shirtlessness does not mean that you have to endanger your skin's health.

Good news to report on the Daniel Craig front - the next Bond movie is supposed to bring the shirtlessness back. Check out this link that was sent to me. Obviously, I am the red-blooded fan that was disappointed by Quantum of Solace referenced in the article, and I am thrilled to know that there will be more bedroom antics in the next film. I guess I'll just have to keep watching my "Casino Royale" DVD until then.

I'm looking forward to some fun on Sunday's DH. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

More Modern Shirtlessness

With no new DH and no new shirtlessness to report from Thursday night, I have to revert to my old stand-bys, modern dance. I happen to think that Desmond Richardson has one of the best bodies ever, and I am so happy that I have had several chances to see it live when he was performing with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Broadway show "Fosse," and now in his own company, "Complexions." Actually, if you live in New York, you can see it too since Complexions is performing at the Joyce Theater through the end of this week. I highly recommend since not only does he have a beautiful body, but he also has a beautiful way of moving it, demonstrating the levels to which good shirtlessness can be taken.

Meanwhile, I think it is safe to say that GA has gone to the bad place with last week's episode. I know I bemoaned the idea of interns performing an unneccessary surgery on themselves in a closet last week, but I was ( if possible) more distraught when watching and realizing that said surgery was to take place while the dummy was still conscious. The only comforting thing in this episode was realizing that the basement supply closets of Seattle Grace Hospital are equipped with anasthesia for just such instances allowing said stupid interns to put their subject under during a commercial break. I have an uncle in India who always tells me to give thanks for small mercies, and this was certainly one of them. Plenty has already been written on the internet about the reappearance of Denny, and all I can say is that I agree with everyone that he needs to go away. Izzie having vocal sex with a ghost is not the stuff of medical dramedies.

UB continues to amuse although they simply refuse to take off Connor's shirt. Why, ABC, why? Give a girl hope that there might be some good shirtlessness in time for the holidays. So far this month has not given me much to be thankful for other than the fact People magazine publishes shirtless quizzes. With that, I am off to search for other small mercies in that winter wonderland of Buffalo, NY, for the Thanksgiving holidays. Wish me luck! Until the next time, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Hello Hugh!

Congratulations to Hugh Jackman on being named "Sexiest Man Alive 2008" by People magazine! Given his incredibly long shirtless scene in the commercial for "Australia" and this lovely picture above, I have to say that IMS highly endorses the choice. Good job, Hugh, for demonstrating that good shirtlessness is not only for the young and unattached. This father of two still finds time for fitness and seeing the sun and by all accounts is an all around nice guy. Hurrah!

Now I have to respond to a comment from the last post, not the one about my love life but the other one, and make sure that everyone knows that I thought "Quantum of Solace" was a fine movie, just not one with enough shirtlessness from the sexy and fit Mr. Craig. I don't want to lead anyone astray about the film. It is jam packed with action that will knock your socks off and continues the psychological exploration of Bond started in "Casino Royale." Of course, if you are looking to get the most shirtlessness for your buck in these bleak economic times, "Quantum of Solace" is not your film. Just saying...

I was working on a gala all day and night yesterday and have not had time to watch either UB or GA to report on the shirtlessness there. I figure I can save it for Sunday night when DH is a re-run and report on Monday. But I would like to draw your attention to another feature in the People "Sexiest Man Alive" issue which is a poll called "Guess the Chest." I wonder if someone at People is reading my blog, because this poll is tailor-made for IMS members. You should all check it out and see how you score. With that I leave you...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Not Enough Shirtlessness

This picture is not from "Quantum of Solace." It is from "Casino Royale," the movie that started all the excellent hype. What happened? I was so excited about the premier on Friday. I had the plan and the people and even a cute outfit. I waited in line almost an hour in advance and almost got into an altercation over seats. What did I get for all of this? One scene of good male shirtlessness. That's it. Nothing more. Daniel Craig worked out like crazy for one measly scene. I'm sure he was very disappointed too. It was a sad evening for the President of IMS. I had thought that our efforts were breaking new ground but realized on Friday that our work is far from done. When they start shooting the next Bond, I proposed we start a letter writing campaign to the studio to let them know that we want more good male shirtlessness, not less, in the next movie. Now that some movie theaters are charging $14 for a ticket, I think that's the least we can demand. Harder core groups would probably demand some pantslessness for those prices.

On top of this, there was no shirtlessness on GA, DH, or B&S. What is the world coming to? If I weren't experiencing some good shirtlessness in real life, I would be totally despondent right now, but I'm managing to keep my faith. Someone has to take his shirt off and keep it off on one of these shows soon. My hope is that it is Sloan on GA since that show looks like it is about to jump the shark. I know GA is medically preposterous, but having the interns operate on themselves defies the bounds of even tv medecine. We need help, stat!

I need to regroup and come up with a new plan for IMS. James Bond has let us down, and ABC just keeps giving us Steven Weber with his shirt on. I am dazed and confused, but I will figure out this conundrum. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Oh Happy Day!

Last night after my writers' lab, I only had time to watch UB which featured exactly no male shirtlessness. Did I care? No! This morning I read the review of "Quantum of Solace" in the New York Times which was not terribly positive. Did I care? No! Why am I so carefree on this rather glum New York morning? Because today is November 14th, and with the opening of "Quantum of Solace," I am guaranteed some excellent male shirtlessness. Hurrah! Our activist effort is making a difference, one Bond film at a time. Frankly, that's really all that the President of IMS can hope for on any given day.

So even though there was no shirtlessness on "Ugly Betty" last night, I did enjoy that blast from the past, Ralph Macchio! After looking exactly the same for at least 20 years, he was barely recognizable on the show. In fact, I hadn't noticed that it was him when he was on two weeks ago. I'm not sure how I feel about him taking off his shirt yet, but it's nice to see a teen heart-throb come back to guest star on a hit show. It's makes my 80s-loving heart all tingly. Meanwhile, why has Connor not taken off his shirt? ABC needs to fix this error pronto...

I'm sure that Mr. Craig will put me in a reverie for the rest of the weekend which means that I won't care whether anyone takes their shirts off on GA or DH and may be able to put up with another week of whiny neuroses on B&S. We can thank a mysterious "Sweetcheeks" for the fun video above. I had to post it since it did frontload the shirtlessness. Now I have to pick out my outfit for the premier, something tasteful that allows for massive swooning. I'll be sure to post all about it on Monday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

5 Days and Counting

Quantum of Solace is opening on Friday. I have my ticket. I have gathered the troops. A friend reminded me that I need to get myself a hankie to wipe the drool from my mouth. I am ready.

Because I know that good shirtlessness is coming my way, I will not complain about the lack of shirtlessness last night. Instead, I will focus on how sometimes DH is fantastic even without shirtlessness and how B&S is totally losing me even with it. As for DH last night, I started clapping during the scene with Lynette in the bathroom. She was giving me "Mean Girls:30 Years Later," and I loved it. Mike sleeping with Katherine is great because it means more good shirtlessness is on the way. Edie's husband being criminally insane suggests more sinister fun to be had in the coming weeks. And Susan's rekindling of her relationship with Jackson made me tear up a little bit. I know I don't like his haircut, but their relationship took on such sweetness that we haven't seen in a while on DH. Fine, I'm sappy - I'll admit it.

On the other hand, there is B&S which continues to present more scenes of whining. I was practically yelling at the tv when Kitty did her Kitty thing to the birth mother. I wanted to scream "Don't you know that you are ruining the only chance for a person of color to have a decent storyline on this show?!" I know all of that mannered chit chat was cute on Ally McBeal. I in fact loved it on that show. But 10 years later I am tired of mannered neuroses. Please B&S give us something to care about, and I don't mean Ryan Lafferty.

So I am going back to "Heroes" to continue my support for multi-cultural shirtlessness. I understand that NBC is worried about its slip in the ratings, and so let's mobilize to support this show which understands the formula of good shirtlessness presented without whining. I'll report back on my findings on Friday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Ode to Being President

Now that the election is over and I don't have an ulcer, I can take some time to reflect on job itself instead of the candidate. As President of IMS, I have learned a thing or two about leading people through murky times around tricky topics, and I thought that perhaps our new President-elect might appreciate some thoughts from an activist and community organizer of a different type. First of all, know that everyone will not like all of your choices all of the time. When I spoke out against full frontal nudity for Orson on DH, I received a very nasty comment about my taste - and that too on a blog that almost no one ever comments on! Second of all, you may have ideas that make sense and are popular that still don't result in change. Why was Eric Dane completely covered up for all of last season? Finally, you may try to rally your constituents behind one cause only to find them rallying behind another. When I was happy to post multiple pictures of Michael Phelps this summer, I received many requests for pictures of other swimmers. I'll just say that it takes a person who can roll with the punches to be president of anything, and I am happy to say that after this campaign, I feel confident in our new President's ability to do just that. And the good news is that sometimes when you least expect it, someone who has followed your path can send you something out of the blue that makes you feel really happy, like the picture that I am posting today.

This picture, of course, leads me to remind you all that the new Bond film opens next Friday. I bought my ticket today! There is nothing like scheduled excellent shirtlessness. This will relieve a little bit of the pressure on the shows next week since I know some banner shirtlessness will be had on Friday night. Sigh.

I only caught GA tonight and was disappointed in the lack of shirtlessness again, although I must admit it was fun to watch McSteamy fail at seducing Christina. This is basically every nerdy girl's fantasy (including mine) - that a hot guy repeatedly throws himself at her while she is too busy to notice. Of course, in my fantasy I eventually do realize that the hot guy will take off his shirt if I ask him to and I do, but it was fun to watch a dream come true on television anyway. Maybe part two will happen next week. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

PS. Did anyone notice the commercial for "Australia" during GA? I think some Thanksgiving shirtlessness is coming our way, and a lot of it!

The Return of IMS Poster Boy '07

While I am getting an ulcer waiting for November 4th, the happy news is that November 14th is just around the corner bringing with it some new and no doubt excellent shirtlessness. "Quantum of Solace" releases wide next Friday, and I am giddy with anticipation. Watch the trailer all the way until the end for reassurance that this movie will feature some great Daniel Craig (IMS Official Poster Boy 2007) shirtlessness. I made the mistake of seeing "Casino Royale" with my dad over Thanksgiving. No such similar error will be made this time. I'll be there on opening night with my fellow IMS members clapping and cheering for our hero who not only sets the standard for excellent male shirtlessness but also has a cheeky English accent and looks great in a tuxedo!

Speaking of November 4th, I'd just like to offer a gentle reminder to those of you in the US to vote tomorrow. I don't think it is too hard to tell who this shirtlessness-blogging, dance-loving, highly educated, New York City gay icon will be voting for, but in all sincerity, I hope that everyone will vote for whomever they think is the best person for the job. It's going to be a terrible job for sure, but I hope that we can pick someone and stand behind him when it's all over which will hopefully be tomorrow.

The only thing that has been soothing my election anxiety lately has been the excellent shirtlessness exhibited on all of the shows recently. GA's writers have finally understood that Eric Dane should be shirtless in every episode. Hurrah! Justin seems to be opening up to taking his shirt off once an episode in B&S. Hurrah! And the gay couple is allowed to interact with the housewives on DH which I have to say is long overdue. I'm beginning to feel hopeful again...

11 days and counting the Quantum of my Solace. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Not So Ugly Betty!

Last night, I had my writers lab meeting, and by the time I got home, I could only stay awake to watch one of my shows, "Ugly Betty." I couldn't help myself. I suspected that there might be more shirtlessness on GA, but the preview from last week with Mark and Mandy setting Lindsay Lohan up for a fall were just too juicy to resist. I don't know that I have ever written about how much I love Mark and Mandy on UG, but they just make me laugh like crazy. Sometimes laughing can be better than shirtlessness, and last night was one of those times. So who is the shirtless guy presented here? His name is Grant Bowler, an Austrailian actor joining the show. He was introduced to us last night as Connor Owens, new CFO of Meade and secret spy with Daniel, and I think he definitely needs to take his shirt off. I think he might get to take it off with Wilhemina which would be good since we all know how I feel about women of color enjoying good shirtlessness. He's supposed to be on at least three episodes, and I am crossing my fingers for the next two.

I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the Justin storyline last week. His "Billy Elliot" audition warmed my heart for a variety of reasons. Perhaps it was the picture that he let his mother take just before the audition even amidst his protests or meeting the class bully and discovering his secret love of ballet. It definitely could have been the boys' dance off in the holding room. But perhaps it was their expression of disbelief when they saw who finally got the part, an experience that I am not too big to say that I have had. Actually, I just love seeing the way that the whole family rallies around Justin and all of his idiosyncrasies, and it was so much fun to watch them all experience their first Broadway audition together.

Tonight, I think I'll be looking for some Halloween shirtlessness which in New York City is always very special. It's freezing cold here, but there is always someone crazy enough to take it off! Whoo hoo! The DH commercials suggest that there will be female shirtlessness on Sunday which leads me to believe that male shirtlessness is forthcoming. I'll catch up on GA and hopefully have some excellent new shirtlessness to report on Monday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Thank you, Justin

I'm happy to report that Dave Annable, aka Justin, took his shirt off last night on B&S which gave me enough hope to continue watching the show. Granted, it wasn't a lot of shirtlessness, but I was glad that they used a one to one ratio and made both Rebecca and Justin take off their shirts together. Besides their storyline which is amusing to me, I think that Kevin working for MacAllister could bring back the banter that has always been so much fun on this show. I was also grateful that Kitty and Robert kept the whining to a minimum on this show. Whoo hoo!

On other fronts, I think it is time to start getting organized for the opening of "Quantum of Solace" which will definitely be a big event in the male shirtlessness advocacy world. The film opens on November 14th and should bring happiness to many worldwide. I personally cannot wait. I'm also excted about the ambiguous ethnicity of the Bond girl. I can't be sure, but she does not appear to be white on the poster. While slightly outside the scope of IMS, I would like to say that I am also an advocate of women of color getting some good male shirtlessness, especially if that woman of color is me!

Anyway, "Ugly Betty" and GA look promising for Thursday, and last night's DH did not disappoint in terms of juiciness. I was glad to see the gay couple return to DH last night after a few weeks off. I think it would be nice if someone would let them speak in an episode or even let them have a storyline, instead of forcing them to tell gay jokes with Andrew. Just a thought. With that, I leave you as I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

PS. I'm not sure what is happening to my picture, but if you click on it, you will see a picture of Justin shirtless from last season.

Triumph on Thursday Night

At long last, ABC and the writers of "Grey's Anatomy" have realized that Eric Dane should always do what Eric Dane does best - take his shirt off. I can't tell you what an entire season of him in a zipped up leather jacket or worse, a turtleneck, has done to me, but last night, I was literally jumping up and down and clapping when McSteamy took off his shirt. Thank you! Granted it was no McSteamy coming out of the shower in a towel as pictured above (which BTW has been deemed one of the top three moments of shirtlessness by a control group of IMS members), but it gave me hope for this season. The return of Army guy renegade doctor at the end of the episode also signaled to me that GA is bringing shirtlessness back to Thursday night. Bring it!

So now, I feel satiated and can make it through Sunday night with no shirtlessness, provided that the DH storyline is good (which it should be) and Kitty and Robert don't whine (which is doubtful.) Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Lucky Me!

Instead of bemoaning the fact that there was no male shirtlessness on any of my shows last night, I've decided to accentuate the positive a la "The Secret" and revel in the fact that my friend sent this picture to me last night. It's good to know that even when the usual outlets of shirtlessness are disappointing, other outlets can totally surprise you. I am a lucky girl if I can get nice shirtless pictures in my inbox every once in a while! Also, it reminds me than when times are tough on the shirtless front, I should always check the D&G website. Good to know!

Okay, so while the shows had no new shirtlessness, I did find them pretty fun last night. DH has found a fun groove I think this season, and I am enjoying all the inner workings of the ladies. I wish we saw them together more. A friend of mine commented on how he doesn't really believe their friendships, and I would have to agree. I would love to see the girls together more often, if only to cast a shadow of goodness over the sinister David. What's his deal? I think he is out for Susan since she's the only person we haven't seen him interact with yet. And I am excited for next week's episode, the blast from the past. It looks juicy which is just what one needs on a Sunday evening at 9pm.

B & S is still limping along, and I was not pleased with the only attempt at shirtlessness being Tommy. His story is just so annoying that I don't want to see him shirtless. Thankfully he and Sarah seem to be patching things up, and the whining will stop. And if Justin and Rebecca have sex next week, we may even get some good shirtlessness. She takes hers off; it's only fair for Justin to have to take it off too. We at IMS are about equality and fairness. Also, I was happy to see a neighbor of ambiguous ethnicity named Dawn at the Walker garage sale. It's nice to think that perhaps everyone in the Southern Calfornia enclave that the Walkers inhabit is not either white or Danny Glover.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more good shirtlessness this week. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness + Pillow = Happy Nandita

At last, my shirtlessness quota was fulfilled last night by "Grey's Anatomy" with two happily shirtless scenes of my favorite, Patrick Dempsey. Not a minute too soon, either, since I haven't had any good shirtlessness since last Thursday's "Ugly Betty." I'm not going to say "you had me at hello" to GA, but I think it is definitely on its way back into my good graces, if for nothing more than McDreamy being shirtless behind a pink pillow and Dr. Bailey's fantastic stare down at Callie's confession. These two moments highlight why I liked the show in the first place: 1) McDreamy shirtless in his non-manscaped but oh so dreamy way, and 2) Female characters who are both tough and vulnerable and can be both of these qualities even if they are of color. Watching Bailey lead interns around the hospital while screaming about how she has perfected the "Don't talk to me about sex" look was hilarious, followed by an amazingly touching scene of her trying to talk to Callie about lesbian sex via the metaphor of international travel. This is the stuff of an enjoyable Thursday night.

Also, I have to give a shout out to GA for the hilarious portrait of dermatology last night in a turn that no hospital show has taken since I've been watching them. From the soft focus lens on the camera to the pastel scrubs, these scenes were so hilarious to me, mostly because when I was little, my mom used to tell me "Don't become a doctor, but if you do, become a dermatologist so that you can just prescribe cream to everyone." I don't think she was hoping that I would become into an actor instead of a physician. Oh well! Anyway, to be fair, I have enjoyed my few visits to the dermatologist, especially for the nice creams that he has given me and the very nice antibiotic pads that he gave my college roomate to eradicate her occasional pimples. Those pads were the gateway to clear skin for 4 years. Actually, maybe I should go back for more since apparently they now serve fruity water. For whatever reason, I have only seen male dermatologists even though almost all my other doctors are women. Hmmm...

Anyway, I'm hoping that someone besides Carlos takes off his shirt on Sunday's DH and that maybe Justin will throw me a bone and take his shirt off on B&S. Or at least there will be more interesting scenes between him and Rebecca and less dull scenes between Kitty and Robert whining at each other about their wonderful love. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Someone Give Me Shirtlessness!

Yesterday, in an attempt to take my mind off the economic crisis and the election, I went to a singles event. It was a walking tour of New York City which seemed like a fun activity for a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I thought it was a brilliant idea to engage in some interesting activity with other single people in hopes of finding a common ground. And that is exactly what I did with a group of single women. Now I really like single women; I am one. It just seems to me that if single straight women would like to find love, they should talk to single straight men. To be fair, there were three men in the group of 15. But I felt a little bit like Goldilocks in the group because one was too young, one was too old, and the other one seemed not to go to my church. What is a single girl to do?

After all that, I'll tell you there was no sympathy shirtlessness to turn to last night on DH or B&S, unless you want to count the 30 seconds of Olympic diving that Kevin and Scotty watched on their abnormally small tv after a little tiff about Kevin being closeted at work. What is this? I need some shirtlessness, and I need it now. My only comfort is that McDreamy will definitely be shirtless on Thursday, and not a minute too soon. And since I couldn't find a trailer for it, I give you the McSwimmy trailer, which I personally find hilarious. I fantasize about a show in which all the male doctors are hot and shirtless while the female doctors are allowed to talk about anything they want while performing life-saving procedures. This show used to be called "Grey's Anatomy," but now it's just a fleeting dream since they gave Eric Dane that annoying leather jacket. I'm holding on till Thursday when perhaps the dream will come back to life. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness in the Shower

While this picture is not from last night's episode of "Ugly Betty," it does feature an important element of great shirtlessness - a towel. Have not some of the best examples of televised shirtlessness involved a towel? (I am obviously referring to McSteamy's delicious entrance on GA two seasons ago!) I was thrilled to get an entire shower scene with Eddie Cibrian last night. I'm not going to lie - it made me happy to watch him soap up and then get discovered by Betty's dad. The scene combined two of my favorite elements of the show and maybe of life - shirtlessness and humor. In any case, one IMS member reported to me that Mr. Cibrian seems to have a shower scene in every show he does, and I applaud him for accentuating the positive and using his assets. While the Coach/Hilda storyline has the potential to bore me to tears ("He's going to leave his wife, Betty" cut to Betty handing her a copy of "Smart Women, Foolish Choices"), keeping the Coach shirtless will certainly prolong my tolerance for the marital infidelity storyline, although probably only for a week. Or two.

Other updates - I forced myself to watch "Private Practice" again and was rewarded for my patience with completely implausible storylines with a nice shot of Taye Diggs shirtless. He has a very nice torso and should show it on the show more often. That would certainly make it easier for me to believe that a shrink, an OB/GYN, and homeopath could set up an office together and actually make money by sharing patients. I realize that one should not turn to prime time television for a realistic depiction of medecine, but creating an even moderately plausible premise would be nice. This does not mean turning the surfing receptionist into a mid-wife.

Also, I watched "Lipstick Jungle" which sadly did not feature any male shirtlessness but did include a scene Lindsay Price sashaying about in her underwear. As she stalked up a ladder in her bra and tap pants, I had to ask myself "Does anyone at NBC think that straight men watch this show?" There was a brief hint of shirtlessness when the man she was prancing around for took off his shirt, but it was hardly long enough to count. NBC needs to rethink its stratgey on this one; a show about three female executives who are BFF's that share all their juicy romantic gossip needs male shirtlessness and lots of it, not a Pussycat Doll video.

I'm excited for DH this week and the cat fight between Susan and Gabby. I'm hoping the gay couple will be taking pictures of that with their cell phones as well. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Paul Newman

I have been remiss in not mentioning legendary actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman, who passed away last weekend at the age of 83. There are lots of great shirtless pictures of Newman, but I choose to post a simple shot of him here in honor of a truly classy man. From his interviews, it seemed that he never wanted to be a beefcake-type of guy or a hunk but rather a person who worked on his craft and gave back to his community and to those less fortunate. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Newman and his fantastic wife, Joanne Woodward, about 12 years ago when I was at a gala fundraiser for a non-profit that I worked at as an assistant. Somehow I was selected as the lucky person who would give the power couple their tickets. My instructions were to find them in the lobby of the theater, give them their tickets, and then report back to the senior staff. I found them in the lobby right on time and handed Mr. Newman the tickets for which he politely thanked me and then went back to report to the senior staff which was comprised entirely of women of my mother's generation. This group of power women was instantly turned into teenagers as they all plied me with questions about how it went. I think someone wanted to know whether he had touched me. No, Paul Newman did not touch me, but wow, what a gentleman! So today IMS salutes a man who could do great shirtlessness along with a whole bunch of even better things. Paul Newman, we will miss far more than your bright blue eyes.

Yours in shirtlessness and many other wonderful qualities,
Nandita
President
IMS

Slow Sophomore Week

I'll freely admit that I'm sold on "Heroes." Perhaps it is my need for superheroes in these uncertain times, my happiness at seeing a multicultural cast on network television, or the rumor that Milo Ventimiglia appears shirtless in almost every episode that has made me tune in two weeks in a row. I still haven't seen it, but here's a little taste of what it's supposed to be like. I think it might worth risking becoming the cat lady if this were guaranteed every Monday night.

So far this second week of the season has been very disappointing. No shirtless Milo, Sendhil, or frankly anyone on Heroes; no shirtless Eddie on UB; no GA whatsoever - a poor showing for the second week after such a promising start. I even watched "Private Practice" in hopes of seeing Tim Daly shirtless, but nothing. I'm glad that there was no shirtlessness, male or female, during the vice presidential debate last night. I will say that I did for the first time I understand why women of my mother's generation seem to have crushes on Senator Biden; I like his twinkly blue eyes. When Governor Palin talked about "Joe Six-Pack," I must admit I wondered if she meant men who drink six-packs of beer or men who have six-pack abs. I'm guessing the former since men who have six-pack abs most likely go to the gym which has recently been exposed to me as an elitist activity. Call me elitist! I'm hoping that DH will bring me some elitist happiness on Sunday night to make up for this dreary week. B&S, you have two episodes to turn it around. I am counting. I'll even take witty banter in lieu of good male shirtlessness.

ABC is running an ad campaign for "Stay-At-Home Week" for the second week in a row, and I'm beginning to wonder if they shouldn't just face the music and call it "Stay-At-Home-Recession." At this point, all I have to buoy my spirit is a glass of wine on Thursday nights while I try to will Eric Dane to take of his shirt between 9 and 10pm. It's not a lot to live on. I'm hoping that someone, even a member of the cast of Heroes, will be able to rescue my life savings. Soon. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Excellent Week of Shirtlessness

Continuing the trend of providing good male shirtlessness, DH weighed in with this new character last night, Jackson, played by Gale Harold. I'm glad that the show put some good old fashioned shirtlessness right up front. I must say that I do not care for Mr. Harold's haircut, but if he can make Susan happy, then fine. BTW, I think Teri Hatcher looked amazing in last night's episode. I definitely went into this premier skeptical about the whole skipping forward 5 years thing, but I will say that I really bought it. I was grateful that the opening monologue from Mary Alice did not contain the line "5 Years is a long period of time." I also thought that DH handled the passage of time much better than Thursday's "Ugly Betty." I liked the flashbacks scattered throughout the show better than the up front monologue to Betty's dead mother which was reminiscent of Kelly's famous "I choose me" speech from 90210. My favorite moment, however, was when the gay couple next door to Susan took pictures of a shirtless Jackson with their cell phones. They made me laugh, and I'm so happy that they are still on the show!

"Brothers & Sisters" has two weeks to get back to the good place for me. Not only did the premier not contain any shirtlessness at all (Ridiculous since half the episode took place at a beach house) but the storylines were all so dull and whiny. I'm sure that it must be difficult to be some rich white beautiful people in California as I learn every single week, but could someone crack a smile or look happy at any time other than right before making out with one's former half-sister? This show is testing my patience. Take off your shirts!

I was convinced to go to the final show of my friend's trapeze intensive at the Trapeze School of NY on Friday and once again was pleased with the amount of excellent male shirtlessness displayed by the staff. My friend was the only male in three classes of intensives, but all of the instructors were male and shirtless. On top of that, they played 80's music the whole time. Although I felt guilty about missing the debate, I have to say I was in a little piece of heaven on Friday night. And kudos to Andrew for his excellent tricks in the show. Maybe I need to go back to trapeze! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Thank you, Season Premiers!

In this time of continued economic crisis, I can only say that I am extremely grateful for the amount of good male shirtlessness sported on several season premiers this week. I took part in ABC's "Stay at Home Week," mostly because I was worried about becoming penniless overnight and thought it better to stay home and find out about it on the news. Sadly for ABC, part of this week involved watching shows on NBC. On Monday I watched "Heroes," a show which has always appealed to me both in theory and when I have actually watched it but one that I felt I could not commit to for fear of turning into that old woman with the cat who never leaves her house because "her shows are on." I was pleasantly greeted by some excellent Indian shirtlessness, pictured above. I had felt a bit disgruntled at the beginning of the show because the Indian character didn't have any super-powers, and was happy to see that storyline has been ammended. Now Dr. Suresh has super-powers which cause him to run around his lab without his shirt on and apparently slicked up with oil. I'm not complaining. I was definitely feeling some ethnic pride when Sendhil Ramamurthy removed his shirt mid-show and kept it off for the remainder. Way to support the cause! Apparently someone is shirtless on "Heroes" every week as I learned on the blog by Superherofan. Perhaps I should risk turning into the cat lady.

Back to ABC, "Ugly Betty" did not disappoint with some excellent shirtlessness displayed by Eddie Cibrian. I'm not sure that the new love interest they've brought on for Betty after summarily dismissing Henry and Gio is someone that I need to see shirtless, but as long as Eddie is on the show, I'm fine with it.

And while GA did not give us any new shirtlessness, they did at least get rid of Rose. Not that I didn't like the actress or the character, but I simply could not handle any more waffling on the Derek-Meredith issue. If they are going to continue with their annoying inability to commit conversations this season, McSteamy needs to be shirtless for the entire episode. Truly. Also, tonight's episode paid very nice homage to my hometown, Buffalo, NY, when it mentioned the freezing technique used to save a Buffalo Bill last season at Buffalo General Hospital. I'm thrilled that Buffalo received a compliment since most television shows only mention Buffalo in a derisive tone. To hear of a real Buffalo hospital mentioned with reverence just after a discussion of the Mayo Clinic and Mass General made me happy.

Finally, I saw the commercial for the new Bond movie. November 14th cannot come soon enough. Plus by then the election will be over, and I will hopefully be able to sleep again. One can never have too many shirtless dreams. Until then, I will have to make do with new episodes of television and Presidential debates, the former hopefully involving lots of male shirtlessness and the latter hopefully none. I'm very excited about Sunday and DH...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Emmy Shirtlessness

I got this yummy picture from the Greysanatomyinsider.com after feeling sad that Patrick Dempsey did not win an Emmy tonight. I did watch the Emmys but somehow managed to miss the apparently deadly opening segment because I wanted to see what Obama had to say about the economy on 60 Minutes. I'm sorry Patrick didn't beat Alec Baldwin who seems past the point of good shirtlessness to me, but I realize that Patrick did not have the best of storylines this season. All that whining and moaning with Meredith that never seemed to end in shirtlessness really grated on my nerves. But I like his dreamy eyes and hair and wonder if he had had more shirtless scenes, then might he not have won? Hmmm...

I need the new season to begin so that like the rest of America I can be lulled into a sense of calm in our current economic climate. I watched Bill Moyer on PBS on Friday night and nearly had a heart attack listening to all of the assessments of the damage that the latest collapses and bailouts have caused. I feel that it is important to stay abreast of what is going on in the country and the world, but lately I have really been needing reality to be tempered with some juicy television. Only a few days left between me and some new shirtlessness! (On a side note, I cannot hear one more thing about Eva Longoria-Parker being fat - she looks like a normal person! I wish everyone would stop reporting on her weight gain.)

So I understand that there is a new hunk coming to Seattle Grace, a new love interest for Betty, and a juicy season for DH in general. I say "Bring it on!" Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Last Fall Preview

Even though Jason Lewis is no longer on "Brothers & Sisters," I thought this would be a nice preview for fall because, let's face it, this is a fantastic picture. I have never bought an Aero bar before, but this picture certainly suggests that I should! I remember seeing a commercial from this campaign early in the year, and I wonder why it didn't run for longer. Silly tv execs - shirtlessness sells! Also when I was trolling the internet for shirtless pictures of other cast members, I couldn't find any that held to the 2 point standard of good shirtlessness. David Annable never takes his shirt off, and Matthew Rhys had not seen the sun in a long time before he shot his shirtless scene with Jason Lewis in the show. I cannot post pictures of Balthazar Getty since he apparently seems to be enacting his character's storyline on the show out in his real life with Sienna Miller. I was not a fan of the storyline, and so I will not encourage it here.

Meanwhile, for those of you who were wondering, my life savings still seems to be intact and protected for now. The stock market is not for the weak of heart, and this past week has certainly tried us all. I feel hopeful after yesterday's 400 point surge, but cautious. I really do need a season premiere to calm my frazzled nerves. Good thing that it is only a week until the season openers for UB and GA! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Continuing Fall Preview

I have to acknowledge that waking up this morning to the news the downfall of two of our major financial institutions, one of which contains all of my money, was certainly not a pleasant experience. In such times, truly, only the thought of good male shirtlessness keeps me going. Posting this morning is the one happy thing that I get to do before my rehearsal. So here I present Eric Mabius of "Ugly Betty" fame in a pose that he has never struck on the show. He should. Usually, his character, Daniel Meade, is shirtless while laying on his back. This picture from the Twinkees blog certainly makes a strong case for standing shirtlessness as well as the "women's magazine" posture. I like it; let's have more. Honestly. I don't have any idea of what is going to happen on UB this year, but I hope it involves lots of shirtlessness. I suspect that good male shirtlessness may be one of the things that helps me make it through the election.

And while I realize that IMS is not the place to spew political opinions, I can't help but wonder how the theory of no government regulation has worked out for us on this morning that announced the bankruptcy of the 4th largest bank in America. Hmmm...Oh season premiers - take me away! You cannot come too soon! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

More Fall Preview

Today we move on to "Grey's Anatomy" which last season was quite disappointing on the shirtless front. I found this picture on the web of Eric Dane in his most advisable state, shirtless. It makes me happy to think that he just hangs around on docks eating cereal shirtless. It would make me happier if he would hang around the set saying his lines shirtless. I have already complained bitterly about that zipped up leather jacket from last season, and leave you all with the hopes that this season will be better.

Other news is that our activism is having a positive effect on the environment. I had dinner with a friend who told me that he was working hard in order to get on the blog. It's true - this blog is inspiring people to get into good shirtlessness shape and creating a more beautiful environment for all of us. Unlike Sarah Palin, I do think that humans contribute to the environment.

Currently, I am directing a show in which all the actors are so young that no one understands my 80's references like "Wax on, wax off" and "the pose from the cover of the Annie Lennox album" which makes me a little sad. I'm sad because I realize that my actors are the contemporaries of the US Olympic swimming team, and that probably all those very nice shirtless men would not understand me either. Sigh. The positive is that we all speak the language of "America's Next Top Model" and can find common ground somewhere. With that, I hope you can all spend the day smiling with your eyes. Until Monday, I leave you...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Fall Preview

Ah, the new fall season is upon us, and I wanted to remind all you IMS members, founders and recent converts, that it all started with Desperate Housewives. When this show began, America went crazy for sexy women over 30 who did not take their shirts off and hot guys of all ages who did. Poor James Denton, pictured above, seemed to get less screen time last season due to his bad drug addiction storyline, and I post his muscle-y arms here to encourage us all to advocate for more shirtless Mike the Plumber in 2008. Now the season finale left me completely confused about how this season would start, but the website has led me to believe that we will pick up five years after the the last episode in a future that seems to be missing Mike Delfino. ABC, if he has to die, can we at least get some shirtless flashbacks, please? I hope the above picture will remnd everyone of what a positive impact he had on the show. After all, he was the one who ripped off his shirt and dove into a lake to save Susan after a long shirtlessness drought on the show. We like that Mike Delfino.

The new theater season is upon us as well, and one IMS member has reported on a an excellent opportunity to see live shirtlessness in a show called "Fela" which is playing Off-Broadway at 37 Arts. I am hoping to check it out in the next few weeks, and if you are in New York, so should you!

Now I'm off to investigate tickets for the Fall for Dance series at City Center and am hoping to catch some good modern dance shirtlessness there as well. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Modern Shirtlessness

I was having drinks with some friends of mine whom I met back when I was a modern dancer and who are now IMS members in excellent standing, and we were discussing a certain modern dancer who has always exhibited excellent male shirtlessness, Desmond Richardson. Looking back, I realize that he had a profound impact on my conception of good male shirtlessness since he was probably one of the first male dancers I ever saw shirtless. And wow! It's incredible that I ever enjoyed anyone else's physique at all considering my repeated exposure to Mr. Richardson's amazing torso. He can also do split leaps that extend beyond 180 degrees which is simply inhuman. I saw him first when he was with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and followed his career as he moved to the Frankfurt Ballet and then Broadway. Some of you may have recognized him from the movie of "Chicago" oozing next to Renee Zellweger in the "Roxie Hart" number.Currently you can see him performing with the company he co-founded, Complexions. Looking at his picture now, I think "Oh yeah, that's when I developed my fondness for the serratus muscle." (If you don't know what one that is, look it up; it's a good one.) Ah, good male shirtlessness...

I have just returned from a trip to Buffalo, NY, to visit my parents. Mostly when I return to my hometown, I feel that any shirtlessness I see there is rather unfortunate given that the local specialties are chicken wings and beef on weck and most people do not see the sun very often. But I was pleasantly surprised to see some very good male shirtlessness displayed on front lawns everywhere as a sort of Labor Day ritual. Let's go Buffalo! Way to make the most of the good weather!

I am starting to see some ads for the fall line up, and I have to say that I may be lured back into watching "Private Practice" by the promise of Tim Daly taking of his shirt. Taye Diggs should never wear a shirt, but I know that those pesky networks execs will insist on his wearing a shirt to preserve what flimsy reality exists on that show. But some fleeting moments of good shirtlessness there would make up for the fact that Eric Dane really never took his shirt off last season on GA. And I can't wait to see what they cook up on "Desperate Housewives." I will report more when I get some news. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
IMS

Labor Day Holiday

Even a male shirtlessness advocate needs a holiday. Get out there and enjoy the last day of summer and good shirtlessness!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Catch up Shirtlessness 2

For the final installment of catching up, I give you cute Ryan Lochte whom one IMS member wanted me to post as an alternative to Michael Phelps. I like that his Olympic tattoo is in a slightly less embarrassing place than Phelps. The requester said that she "liked his face when he took his swimming cap off." I do too. He is cute in that "I was born in 1984 and I break world records with my powerful backstroke" kind of way. I like him.

I am also pleased to report that there was no male shirtlessness, good or otherwise, at the Democratic National Convention this week. One can only hope the same for the Republican Convention because I am sure that none of the speakers should take their shirts off in public ever. I know that this is not the place to post political views other than those pertaining to shirtlessness (of which there are many), but my fingers are crossed for change.

So now that I am caught up with the Olympics, I am open to other suggestions should any of you fabulous IMS members have any. I'll be looking for some laboring shirtlessness over the holiday weekend for Monday's post. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Catch up Shirtlessness

As promised, I am honoring requests this week since there was more excellent male shirtlessness at the Olympics than I could really track in my Monday-Friday format. One IMS member requested Olympian and Silver Medalist Aaron Peirsol because she thought he was a little bit older and therefore did not feel as bad looking at pictures of him, unlike the slight discomfort she was experiencing when enjoying the Michael Phelps pics. Sad news, friendly member, Aaron was born in 1983, only two years earlier than young Master Phelps. He definitely has a maturity in his face that some of the rest of the team lacks, but at the end of the day 1983 is 1983. Very young. And now I am coming to the sad realization that I may be too old to date an Olympic swimmer ever. This is so sad. Good thing the games are over, and I won't have to be faced with so many unattainable shirtless boys.

Of course, the next major news event post-Olympics will be the Democratic Convention at which I can only hope there will be no male (or frankly female) shirtlessness. I guess I will have to continue posting requests until the tv season starts. Send in what you have - I enjoy the interaction! Until then, I am ....

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Indian Shirtlessness - Oh My!

It's a banner day for IMS, folks, since this is the first time I am posting a shirtless Indian man on the blog which was started by an Indian. I give you American gymnast of Indian descent, Raj Bhavsar, who represented the US in these Olympic Games. I'm sure Indians everywhere are feeling proud. I post this picture also in honor of a new recruit who will be celebrating a birthday this Sunday. He so kindly sent me this picture in response to a previous post, and I would like to encourage this interactive use of the blog. Excellent work! Have a fabulous birthday!

I would also like to take this moment to address an issue that has been raised repeatedly in recent discussions. Do you have to be Indian to be a member of IMS? No. While it was a small and fearless group of Americans of Indian descent who began the club back in 2006 at a "Desperate Housewives" finale party where we were all dressed as our favorite character, our group is by no means exclusive. Do you believe that good male shirtlessness makes for a better world? Then you are a member of IMS. May I also say that not everyone at that fateful party was Indian (shout out to the two who wonderfully protrayed Bree Van de Camp and the gardener), and yet they were instrumental to IMS' birth. So welcome to all advocates of good male shirtlessness. We have a lot of work to do and have no time for discrimination of any type.

Finally, I want to acknowledge that the Olympics have created a high request zone for me, and I will have to fill them over the next few posts. So for those of you who are saddened by the end of the Olympics, please take heart in the fact that the pictures will keep coming over here. And special requests will be granted, perhaps not in the most timely fashion. So much work, so little time! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

World Record Shirtlessness

I am in the countryside with no television and no cell phone service and internet gained only by facing in a certain direction from a certain part of the house. I am contorting myself in all kinds of positions with my laptop in order to fulfill my posting duties. I don't even know what is happening in the Olympics, but judging from this picture, I have to say that it must be all good. This picture is ridiculous, and I don't think I need to say much more than I had no idea that Michael Phelps had a tatoo of the Olympic symbol on his right hip bone. Now I know, and knowing is half the battle.

I'm going to have to drive home in a few hours and end my Austonian weekend in the countryside. We've been filling our time with hiking through the woods and swimming in the lake and then cooking obscene amounts of food that we eat at 10 o'clock at night. I've observed some male shirtlessness here in the country and have to say that for the most part it is good. The two part standard is being spread throughout the land. I could get used to this lifestyle except for the contorting to get online thing. I think I've won some new converts to the blog and promoting the movement. New IMS members, welcome! I've now got to look for the last bits of bacon to sustain me on my ride home. When I next post, I'll be back in New York. Until then, I am ...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

More Olympic Shirtlessness

In my continued tribute to the Olympics, I bring you Alexander Artemev, member of the Bronze Medal-winning US Men's Gymnastics team. This picture took a long time to find because apparently gymnasts are encouraged to keep their shirts on when competing. This puts gymnastics at a definite disadvantage to swimming for me, but in the name of being fair, I thought it my duty to suss this photo out. I like what Alexander can do to a pommel horse. Also, I was trying to find a good shirtless picture of Raj Bhavsar, the Indian-American member of the team, in an attempt to finally post a photo of an actual Indian person on the IMS site, and yet he is always with shirt. Alas, Alexander, you will have to do! Thanks for representing!

I am writing from the countryside and enjoying writing that I am in the countryside. It's very Jane Austen. Actually I am staying with friends at a camp site in Connecticut where I have to sit outside and face a certain direction to get wi-fi. And since I would rather spend time swimming or walking or eating the fresh bacon or home-made ice cream than typing on my computer, I am going to leave you...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Olympic Shirtlessness

In my quest for new sources of good male shirtlessness, I give you Michael Phelps, Olympian, Gold medalist, World Record Holder, Poster Boy for IMS. While there are plenty of other pictures of Michael Phelps shirtless (in fact almost all the pictures of Michael Phelps are shirtless), I like this one from the LA Times from the AP because it was taken after he set the world record in the 400 meter individual medley. It's a nice moment to capture. You go, Michael Phelps! Please continue to set records and along with the rest of the men's Olympic swim team, show the world how wonderful good male shirtlessness really is.

I am not going to mention the year in which Mr. Phelps was born, nor am I going to comment on a recent complaint by an IMS member about the swim team wearing long pants instead of their usual speedos for the races. Instead I am going to say how much I like the long lean muscles that are developed through swimming. While this is definitely a different look than, say, the total fitness workout of Mario Lopez, it works for me. Check out the lovely slideshow of swimmers' torsos that NBC has set up here for more on the particular excellence of swimming shirtlessness. I will be watching swimming for the next few days to fulfill my daily quota of good male shirtlessness, and I hope you will too! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Late Breaking Post - Modern Dance!

I will admit that I forgot to post today. I just got back from a three day mini-break in the Hamptons where I did not see any good male shirtlessness but I did see some interesting plastic surgery and was a bit confused about what day it was and what my responsibilities are. However, I am so glad that I did forget because I was reminded of my posting schedule when I went to a modern dance concert at Lincoln Center Out of Doors and realized that there is a whole world of male shirtlessness that I have neglected - modern dance! Tonight I saw Ronald K. Brown/Evidence and was blown away not only by the excellent male shirtlessness on display but the tremendous choreography. Please check out this gorgeous company! I have long been a fan of Ron Brown and his work, but watching the performance this evening made me remember how much modern dance can really lift your heart to new heights. It took me back to the days when I was a young moderina taking his class in a basement studio and dancing till I literally could not dance any more. What I have always loved about Ron's work is that he always allows his dancers to make the movements their own, and in a company dominated by men, he choreographs for strong women too. And he demonstrates and exemplifies good male shirtlessness as shown in this video from last year. The video is an excerpt of a piece that I saw tonight called "Upside Down," and all the men were shirtless for the whole thing. It was amazing. Please do not pass up an opportunity to see this company!

So I hope the video makes up for the late post, and that discovering a new and inspirational form of male shirtlessness makes everyone do a little dance. I know I will! Until I stop, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

New Shirtlessness

So one of my castmates was showing me how to use Facebook on his Blackberry (yes, I neither am on Facebook nor have a Blackberry and am also distressed that both of these nouns are becoming verbs) when he showed me his friend, Nick Adams, who is currently in the Broadway production of "A Chorus Line." Apparently, besides being a Broadway dancer, Nick is also a 2xist underwear model. Now he is an IMS Poster Boy. I don't know what to say about his torso other than how does this happen and can you make it happen to everyone? Wow! Check out his website for more fabulous pictures of this excellent example of Good Male Shirtlessness. It's frankly ridiculous. And a shout out to Nick himself for letting me post this picture of him to my blog. I realize that it is not a billboard in Times Square, and so thanks Nick for being kind to the little people!

I am recovering from my own show closing last night. We had a great run at the John W.Engeman Theater with a really special cast and crew. I think the fact that the entire cast was crying for the final reprise of "Impossible Dream" is a tribute to how much it meant to all of us. I took some fun pictures with both my show boyfriend and with all of the muleteers which will appear later when someone sends me the photos. (Yes, I do have a camera but forgot it yesterday and had to rely on the kindness and generosity of my fellow castmates for photographic mementos.) Now I have nothing but good male shirtlessness to get me through the inevitable blue period that follows the closing of a show. Feel free to send me your links and pics if you think they might help. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Goodbye Show Boyfriend

My show closes this weekend after a lovely 6 week run, and I have to say farewell to my show boyfriend, David Gandy. At the theater, we call him Fabrizio. This is the actual picture that is stuck to my mirror minus all of the extra stuff like the boat and the cologne. I may bring him home to hang up on my bathroom mirror, but a fellow IMS member has threatened to take him if I do that. So this weekend may be it for us. All I can say is "Didn't we almost have it all, Fabrizio?"

Show boyfriend aside, I will be sad to see this show close. It has been a fantastic experience with a fabulous cast of really kind, generous, and wonderful people. I have been lucky enough to do this show twice with the same creative team, and both times have been an incredible joy. And I have to admit that "Man of La Mancha" gets me all teary-eyed every time. While I think the show has a powerful message for everyone, it really touches me as an actor working in a field that may never recognize all the effort and faith it takes to continue. Those of us who are in this crazy business have to believe in the Impossible Dream at least a little bit every day, and getting to do a show about it has turned out to be incredibly meaningful.

Of course, the other Impossible Dream is a world filled with good male shirtlessness. I hope this blog can help us all further this dream, a little bit every day. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS