Indian Shirtlessness

Happy Holidays, brave IMS members! As a cold front sweeps into the Northeast of the United States, I am reminded that good shirtlessness is not always accessible to all. But that does not make it a goal less worth pursuing. Over the holidays, I watched a Bollywood movie with my family called "Jodha Akbar" which I will admit that I really liked. It was a Bollywod costume drama with some of the most sumptuous costumes ever, and yet it had some incredible shirtlessness by the above featured, Hrithik Roshan. Like "The Tudors," Jodha Akbar combined two of my favorite things, historical fiction and good male shirtlessness. Evidently the DP found his shirtlessness quite appealing as well in his practicing-his-sword -skills-in-front-of-Jodha's-room scene. I have never seen muscles so lovingly caressed by a camera in my life, and I own a copy of "Casino Royale!" But honestly, I am often faulted for not featuring enough Indians on my blog, and so to the haters, I offer Mr. Roshan as an excellent example of the 2 Point Standard.

I also saw "It's Complicated" on Christmas (yes, the holidays are big movie watching times in my family) and must comment on the prominent shirtlessness featured in that film. Although Alec Baldwin did not uphold either point of the 2 Point Standard, he did take off his shirt with such glee and abandon that I had to cheer for him. Also, how amazing to see a romantic comedy in which the male lead takes off all his clothes while the female lead barely shows any cleavage. Fantastic! Sometimes shirtlessness can even make a point.

As we head into the New Year, I want to thank all of you who check my blog on a regular basis. Thanks for checking in on the state of male shirtlessness in the world and continuing your efforts to make a difference. With so many issues at stake this year like health care, underwear bombers, and corporate bailouts, I appreciate your attention to this small issue which may with any luck make the world a better place, especially to those of us who don't have health insurance, routinely get frisked at airports, and have seen a drastic drop in employment due to the global financial crisis even though bankers apparently have not. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope that 2010 will feature even more good shirtlessness than ever before! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Holiday Shirtlessness

As holiday specials that do not feature good male shirtlessness have taken over the final prime time hours of the year, I thought I would offer a holiday special of a more home-grown variety. Some friends of mine created this holiday greeting which I think exemplifies how good shirtlessness can add to almost any occasion. Tony took pictures of Mike demonstrating adherence to the 2 Point Standard of Fitness and Seeing the Sun while wishing us all well. I like the jaunty use of the scarf as well as the soft focus on the edges! Thank you Tony and Mike for sharing your creative use of good shirtlessness with us at a time when we need it and continuing to promote the cause while spreading good cheer!

There was a big storm in the Northeast over the weekend. I find that a storm can transform New York into a pretty, fluffy, and friendly place. People help each other over snow drifts and hold the doors. Everything looks pretty under a layer of white. And for one day, work and obligations can wait while we take the time to play and enjoy Mother Nature. My wish is for more snow storm days in 2010, perhaps figuratively more than literally because the charm of 20 inches of snow wears off pretty quickly. And I hope that there is always some good male shirtlessness to come home to, waiting with a cup of hot chocolate. I will be taking Christmas Day off, and so these are my holiday wishes for you, brave IMS members. I'll be back on Monday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Ode to a Secret Santa

Last night, my writers' lab had its Secret Santa festivities, and I have to say that mine was the best! Dustin Chinn gave me the Asian Pacific Male 2010 Calendar, filled with lots of shirtless pictures of Asian Pacific men, including the above pictured Yul Kwon, in various interesting locations. Not only does this gift fulfill my shirtlessness quotient, but all of the proceeds go to Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, Inc, a health care center that provides quality services in a culturally competent manner in Los Angeles. Shirtlessness for a good cause - what better present could anyone get for the President of IMS?

Not only was the gift great in and of itself for obvious reasons, but it sparked the most fascinating discussion amongst many of the writers. Some of us took turns deciding who we would marry, who we would not, and who made a great martini. Mr. August, who holds a tire in his photo, started quite a bit of debate about why one might hold a tire for a shirtless calendar. I will say that I wish the vice president of IMS had been the stylist on this shoot because I think he would have made some interesting choices and we probably would have lost the tire. But tire or no tire, the calendar is great. I love it!

For those of you who were wondering, Mr. Kwon (who was declared the husband of several people in my lab last night) looks so familiar because he is the winner of "Survivor: Cook Island" in 2006. Apparently this is the man that you want stranded on a desert island. He's Mr. December, and I think he'll be worth the wait. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Bond Revisited

Although I am not caught up on all of the episodes of Ugly Betty, I will say that I caught up on the important parts. How no one called me immediately after this episode is unfathomable to me. Good male shirtlessness plus water? You know how that combination makes me weak in the knees! I had called for Connor's shirtlessness last year, and I am so grateful that they did it and they did it right. This YouTube video is also saved on my toolbar so that I can watch it once a day. Unbelievable!

Interestingly enough, I think that ABC is trying to save UB by moving it to Wednesday night in January. This is going to be a tough night, going up against Glee, but if they can keep the good shirtlessness coming, I know which one I'll be watching even if there is a big theater queen living inside me.

In the meantime, I would like to address the makeover of Betty. Obviously they are trying to make Betty more attractive so that it seems like she has actually worked at a fashion magazine for a few years. I like how she still chooses colorful outfits but with fewer prints. I do take issue, however, with the straight hair equals prettier thing going on. This is exactly what they did to Anne Hathaway in the "Princess Diaries." Betty's hair just keeps getting straighter and straighter, and on behalf of curly-haired girls all over, I'd like to say that curls are beautiful and upscale too. And you shouldn't have to have Debra Messing's stylist in order to wear them on television. I know I could start another whole blog on the topic of women's hair in the media and how it puts ethnic women at a distinct disadvantage, but I'll refrain so that I can stay true to the cause. I hope that one day we'll be able to have good male shirtlessness and curly hair all over the place! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Searching for Holiday Shirtlessness

From the ads for the new Sherlock Holmes movie coming out on Christmas, there appears to be a fresh batch of good male shirtlessness on the horizon. In an otherwise bleak holiday season, it brings me comfort to know that I can see Robert Downey, Jr. shirtless and tied to a bed for $12.50. I also noticed some shirtlessness in George Clooney's new film "Up in the Air" and in Meryl Streep's upcoming "It's Complicated" although I have gone on the record saying that I do not approve of Alec Baldwin shirtless. Nonetheless, it's nice to see a big Hollywood film in which the male star has to take his shirt off while the female star does not. Maybe the tables are turning slightly.

I am going to try to catch up on several weeks of "Ugly Betty" this weekend since I hear there is some fantastic shirtlessness to be had on that show. I don't know why ABC moved UB to Friday other than in an attempt to kill it. Even Jane Austen-loving me usually has something to do on Friday night, and I can only keep up with so many shows at once. Hopefully, I will have something good to report on Monday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Where It All Began

It's that time of year when I get very nostalgic for modern dance because the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is performing at City Center. I moved to New York to become a dancer and spent my first years here at the Alvin Ailey school. I spent the better part of my first Christmas season at City Center watching the company, one of the perks of working as the assistant to the Executive Director while a student at the school. I remember being moved to tears in almost every single performance, and even now, many years later, the effect they have on me is just the same.

The program I saw last night included lots of good male shirtlessness. The first piece, Festa Barocca, choreographed by Mario Bigonzetti, featured an entirely shirtless male ensemble. I was especially grateful to hear that other IMS members were in the house when they applauded the section in which all the men entered the stage on the cue of the lead dancer, the fierce Hope Boykin, snapping her fingers. Of course, all of us were gratified by the duet of the above pictured Clifton Brown (shirtless) and Constance Stamatiou(wearing a shirt). Their pas de deux emphasized the intense athleticism of dance and showcased how strength, precision, and technique can come together to make art. What really struck me about last night's performance was how well matched the men and women in the company were. Each partnering paired equals, an inspiration in an unbalanced world.

After last night's performance, I reflected on how long good male shirtlessness has been a part of my aesthetic. I was 14 the first time I saw the Ailey company, and I remember the "Sinner Man" section of the masterpiece "Revelations" (the piece with three stunning and shirtless male dancers performing feats of wonder) being my favorite even then. The search for good male shirtlessness started way back then! It continues on, and if you are in need of a fix this Christmas season, I highly recommend you check out the company at City Center until January 3. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Fantasy Shirtlessness

I obviously could not force myself to record the two-hour Private Practice "event" that kicked GA off the air last night for various reasons, not the least of which was the commercial promising a storyline in which Addison's father sleeps with her friend. I remember that clunker from an Ally McBeal, and it was not appealing, shirtlessness or no. So instead I give you a fantasy sequence from a happier time on GA, when George was alive and all the attendings got along. I hope you will enjoy. This is also my payback for the amount of gratuitous girl-on-girl action tailored to the straight male gaze that we have been seeing on network television of late.

Actually, my writers' lab had a holiday dinner last night, and a group of female writers pondered good shirtlessness for a while and the accessories that make good shirtlessness great. We came up with the ability to vacuum, do the dishes, make sensible conversation, and massage. After watching this video, I'd like to add scrubbing my back in the shower. All these are excellent additions to good male shirtlessness, and I'd like to see more work done on these fronts by IMS in the coming year along with our continued dedication to preserving the two-point standard.

Our work is never done at IMS, but we must go on. In this holiday season, I urge you to remain true to the cause as I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Too Late Brothers & Sisters

I start my Italian class today, and in homage of that fact, I am posting a nice shirtless ad for an Italian fragrance. Also, I got nothing last night except for a picture of shirtless Gilles on a computer screen for 3 seconds. Really? We are going to show shirtless pictures of Gilles after he leaves the show? This is terrible. I'm disappointed in B&S, not only for squandering their excellent opportunity to be a leader in good male shirtlessness with Mr. Marini, but also for throwing away any and all opportunities to have in depth discussions of any of the myriad of issues that they raise. Kitty's cancer treatment seemed to consist of one trip to the chemotherapy center. Luc left before we could even see what it would be like for Sarah to be vulnerable. Nora has hot shower sex before we even see her navigate her own issues with having a boyfriend the age of some of her children. And now we are leaping into a wedding and pregnancy which will no doubt be undone in one episode next week without exploring how people navigate unplanned pregnancies in their relationships. Boo, B&S. The only positive things I can say about last night's episode is that I liked the phone call scene and I was grateful that Ryan was not on the show.

I'm just hoping that my Italian teacher is male and shirtless to make up for my disappointment. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Reasons to be Thankful

On the day after Thanksgiving, it is always a good idea to extend the gratefulness inventory for an extra day and reflect on what really matters. I know a certain member of IMS who has seen the Twilight movie three times since its release last Friday, and I can only imagine that she is thankful for the above pictured, Taylor Lautner, who apparently needs to remove his shirt before turning into a werewolf in the film. I'll admit that after having exactly no interest in the films at all, a clip of Mr. Lautner and his friends standing around shirtless in anticipation of becoming werewolves moved this movie into the "Must See" column. These boys exhibit both fitness and seeing the sun (unlike their co-star, Robert Pattinson), and now all I could wish for is that they were born before 1990.

Something that I am truly thankful for is People magazine. Not only has this magazine calmed my nerves on countless bumpy flights all over the world, it has also provided me with a lot of good male shirtlessness. Check out the montage it made for Thanksgiving. What's not to love? I am very grateful to their website for creating such a delightful homage to the cause and to the IMS member who alerted me to its existence. Thank you.

Finally, I am grateful for all the IMS members around the world promoting the cause of good male shirtlessness. It is not an easy road that we have chosen, but I have no doubt that our efforts will eventually be rewarded with a better shirtless world, one torso at a time. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Vacation Shirtlessness

I'm home in upstate New York for the holidays, and I have to admit that Buffalo is not where anyone should look for good shirtlessness in November. That said, I have kept up my tradition of watching lots of reruns and remembered how much I enjoy Julian McMahon while enjoying an episode of "Charmed" this morning. I realize he is not shirtless in this picture, but the arms are working for me. I also like the twine around his neck like a bow, as if he is a nice little present for us all.

I enjoyed my People magazine on the plane yesterday, in spite of the lack of shirtlessness in the issue. Besides, Gilles, the only person shirtless was Jerry O'Connell in an expose about living life in a speedo. He doesn't exactly do it for me, but I appreciated the effort. A picture of him vacuuming in a speedo would have been useful. Note to the editors of People: please do not skimp on the shirtlessness in the "Sexiest Man Alive" issue; it is clear what readers want.

So I'm off to my usual slew of visits and appointments while I'm here. I look forward to Thanksgiving when I will give thanks for more good male shirtlessness in the world. I hope you will too. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Sexiest Shirtlessness Alive

My writers' lab ran too late for me to watch GA, but I have plenty to say on the shirtless front this morning because this week, People magazine announced its "Sexiest Man Alive" winner. And although Mr. Marini was not named #1 (that distinction went to Johnny Depp), he was featured shirtless in the magazine. I ran right out and bought it, though I am saving some of it for my flight home on Sunday.

In any case, I watched the announcement live on the Today show on Wednesday morning which was truly a hilarious experience. Today's Natalie Morales could barely contain her excitement that Mr. Marini was on the show. As soon as he entered, she ignored the woman from People altogether and focused exclusively on Gilles. I can't say that I blame her. Check out his cute film about shooting his Sexiest Man spread. Also he plugged his sexy calendar (see above photo) the proceeds of which go to a charity to help sick children. He is too much - sexy, sensitive, and shirtless! I know what's on my Christmas list! Santa? Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Need New Shirtlessness

Last night I found myself on the phone with the vice president of IMS for most of B&S because I just couldn't make it through the show alone. Granted I was happy that two people had taken their shirts off on DH which has been a shirtless wasteland for a while, but the travesty that followed was quite a blow to me. Honestly, how could any one in their right mind give more air time to Ryan than Luc? What is anyone thinking? I am really distraught that ABC signed a 5 episode deal with Gilles Marini that apparently involved him not speaking or being seen for three of those episodes. After weeks of knowing that he is living with Sarah but never seeing him with her, last night we discovered that she is really mean and foolish and a shrew which is, of course, the most common portrait of women over 40 in the media. I am disgusted.

So after the show, I asked the VP to suggest some new shirtlessness to me since I don't even have the heart to post dear sweet Gilles this week, and he obliged me with Ian Somerhalder who is on "The Vampire Diaries" on the CW and was formerly on "Lost." Obviously this man knows something about shirtlessness and is on a show that allows him to use his skills. Thank you CW.

I am going to have to cry into my tea for the rest of the morning over wasted opportunities for shirtlessness. Then I will find out when "Vampire Diaries" is on and hope that the vampire bit does not prevent the actors from actually seeing the sun. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Almost Forgot the Shirtlessness!

Please forgive the late posting. The drab weather and changed time along with lack of shirtlessness last night caused me to shut down today. I almost completely forgot that I needed to post until my yoga class when one of my fellow yogis took off his shirt in class. While it makes me a little bit nervous to have a shirtless man near me when I am supposed to be emptying my mind of all thought, I have to say it was a welcome addition to this otherwise overcast day.

So GA disappointed again on the shirtless front, although I did enjoy watching Bailey squirm when Odell asked her if she was having an affair with the chief. I am posting Jesse Williams again because even in a shirt, you can tell that he gives good shirtlessness. I'm glad he didn't break Hunt and Yang up, but he should take his shirt off with someone soon. Maybe that Mercy West girl that likes Alex. Also, kudos to Ellen Pompeo for returning to the show so quickly after giving birth. I am amazed that she managed to have a baby without being absent from a single episode. I hope this means that she was surrounded by a supportive writing team who allowed her to film all of her scenes early. I enjoyed all the ways they hid her pregnancy, none more than when they hid her by making Patrick Dempsey take off his shirt. That is what I call a supportive workplace.

I'm off to the Jane Austen exhibit at the Morgan Library this weekend. While I'm sure there won't be any shirtlessness there (nor should there be on account of the paleness factor), I am excited to indulge in my Regency period fantasies for a brief moment. They will probably prepare me for the terrible episode of B&S that lies ahead when dear Gilles will leave the show with his shirt still on. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Grumpy IMS President

I think you all know at least one reason as to why I am grumpy this morning. Gilles Marini was only in one scene on B&S last night, that too a long shot with all his clothes on. Why would anyone waste his talent so? At least give us a little kiss and cuddle on the couch and a chance to hear his sexy accent. There was even a benefit dinner where he could have shown off some of his sexy dance moves. I am totally confused. It looks like Luc and Sarah are breaking up next week, and I am just really disappointed in how the 2009 IMS Poster Boy could be so under-utilized. Grrr...

This disappointing episode came on the heels of sitting through a series of readings which prominently featured lesbian subplots. I'm all for everyone being able to express themselves, but I raise an eyebrow when three of five short plays written by straight men feature lesbian plot lines that involve on stage make-out sessions and long discussions about one's private parts. Something does not seem quite right.

At least I did get some shirtlessness on GA with Alex's bare-chested kangaroo hold plot line. He still really bothers me as a character, but I have to hand it to anyone who can film most of his scenes shirtless. Even McSteamy has not given us that much shirtlessness in one episode. And of course, I loved that Bailey was the one who delivered the IMS mantra "Take your shirt off!" I'm going to hold off on commenting too much on the fact that Callie and Arizona were wearing copious amounts of pink lipstick even when waking up to ringing pagers in the middle of the night (see above); just, I find it weird.

I'm going to hope for the best for next week. Even if Luc does have to leave the show, I hope his exit scene will feature him ripping off his shirt and running out the door. It would only be fitting. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Wishful Thinking

When I came home from my writers' lab last night, I realized that I had not programmed the correct channel on the VCR and instead had an hour of Yankees victory coverage recorded on NY1. This was not what I had planned. So I have no idea of what happened, although I'm sure that there was shirtlessness from the commercial. I hope there was more where that came from and spread out among the fine doctors of Seattle's Grace Hospital. The vice president of IMS and I recently discussed how we wished that the new import from Mercy West, Dr. Jackson Avery, played deliciously by Jesse Williams, should take off his shirt soon. A little bit of internet research revealed that Mr. Williams does have shirtless experience as shown above from a production photo of Edward Albee's "Sandbox" at the Cherry Lane Theater two seasons ago. How I wish I had seen this production! In any case, he is clearly very good at shirtlessness, and I think that his character on GA could benefit from his experience.

I have high hopes that this weekend will prove a better use of Gilles Marini's experience on B&S and that there will be both shirtlessness and dancing on Sunday night. I have come to realize that Gilles plays the ultimate female fantasy on that show, a hot man who does things like listen and make lunch, and after years of sitting through many male fantasies on television and movies, I do not think 5 shirtless episodes of B&S is too much to demand. Really! Tomorrow I have one of my female fantasy plays getting a reading at the Bleecker Street Theater. In it a young man fresh out of college pursues his older and more senior co-worker by observing her, doing things to make her life easier, and threatening to take his shirt off. I'm committed to writing a play with shirtlessness by this time next year in response to the number of man-boy plays with lesbian sex subplots I am continuously subjected to. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Excuse me, ABC!

I know that I said I could tolerate Tommy's return to B&S if Gilles was on the show, but sadly, that is really only possible if Gilles takes his shirt off. Last night was disappointing to say the least because Gilles was barely on at all while Tommy whined and cried at yet another explosive Walker family dinner. Why, ABC, why? Have you suddenly gotten in cahoots with the Broadway producers of "A Steady Rain" and decided on the strategy of using IMS poster boys in your shows but keeping them fully clothed as a marketing ploy? This doesn't make any sense! I'll admit that I did tear up when Luc brought Sarah a homemade lunch to take care of her, but it did not make up for the annoying scene of Tommy and Kitty sitting by the pool talking about parenting. See the above picture for tips on how to make discussions of parenting sexy: take off your shirt and be seen with children. The only saving grace of last night's episode was that it appeared that Tommy is going away again for another long time. Good-bye!

What I learned last night was that we still have a lot to do with IMS. Every time we think we are making headway, we are faced with how much more there is. I sympathize with those pushing for health care reform. The work is just never done. Let me take this moment to acknowledge all of you who are fighting the brave fight for good male shirtlessness and rally you to continue with your work towards making fitness a requirement for both sexes. We are making the world a better place, one torso at a time. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Italian Male Shirtlessness

While I am fond of posting pictures of shirtless stars every week, I do try to tie it all back to the mission of IMS which is to promote good male shirtlessness everywhere. To this end, I present the sexy and talented, Marco Calvani, a wonderful writer-director-actor that I met this summer in Italy, practicing good shirtlessness in his work. If only the directors that I've worked with would work in such a manner! Granted, this picture is of Marco working in Bali where I suspect shirtlessness is required, but I'm sure I would have better creative experiences in this type of environment. I'm working on how to get myself to Bali! In any case, since I know Marco, I can also say that in addition to holding to the 2 Point Standard, he is also a great human being which makes his good shirtlessness all the more appealing.

On the TV front, there was no new shirtlessness last night on GA, although it looks like Dr. Karev will be shirtless next week. Frankly, now that Gilles Marini is on B&S, I feel much more calm about meeting my shirtlessness quota every week. Sunday nights just got better. I can even handle Tommy coming back to the show and all of the whining that is sure to follow. On Sundays, I can handle almost anything! Until the next time, I am...

Yours in shirtlessnes,
Nandita
President
IMS

Guaranteed Good Shirtlessness

I know I have to stop posting the official IMS Poster Boy of 2009, but when he's on television and so delicious, I just can't help myself. I literally was close to tears when he came out of the pool on B&S last night. The fact that the cancer patient, the bridezilla, and the gay couple were all hovering on the edge of the pool waiting for him to emerge made me laugh like crazy until he actually stepped out. Then I was silent. And then a tear fell. Sometimes, television makes me so happy.

What actually took B&S to the next level was that after all his yummy swimming, Gilles got out of the pool to dance. My mom even watched the show because she loves ballroom. She loved Gilles on Dancing with the Stars last season and has declared that this season is no good since he isn't on. After the show, we had a little debrief in which she raved about his dancing while I raved about his shirtlessness. It was a nice mother/daughter moment.

And then of course the real crying happened whenever he spoke and said something nice. He is the ultimate in good male shirtlessness - 1) very fit, 2) definitely seen the sun though wearing sunscreen, and 3) kind personality. B&S is featuring the ultimate female fantasy, and I for one hope he becomes a series regular. ABC, please show him shirtless vacuuming next week. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

New Shirtlessness

I have suddenly been catching an awful lot of ads for a new series on TNT called "White Collar," and although I am one of those sad New Yorkers who pays for cable and yet only has 4 channels, I can tell you that the publicity makes me want to upgrade. The above pictured Matthew Bomer plays a con artist released from prison in order to help the FBI catch other con artists. I would say it is the television version of "Catch Me If You Can." I liked that movie, and I think that Mr. Bomer shows promise of some good shirtlessness. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, I am not upset that there was no shirtlessness on GA last night and very little McDreamy because I know that amazing shirtlessness is coming on Sunday. Sunday! I will suffer through stories of ill-behaved interns and the doctors who can't manage them because Gilles Marini will be shirtless and wet on Sunday. Sunday! I would have even tolerated another breathy and annoying monologue by Izzy knowing that good shirtlessness was on its way. Thankfully we are spared from that while Ms. Heigl spends time with her new adopted child. I'm so happy to see Gilles. It looks like he may even dance. And he'll definitely speak with that incredible French accent. Sunday night is going to be good. Sunday!

Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Hey Everybody! Hey!

Although I have lost my patience with B&S in the past, I have to hand it to them last night for giving me what I wanted and promising me more. Not only did last night's episode begin with a very long shirtless scene of Rob Lowe (who did give some unexpectedly good shirtlessness with anatomically accurate scar make-up), but then Sarah's trip to France produced the much anticipated romance of the season. Here's a picture of IMS Poster Boy 2009, Gilles Marini, as he will appear next week with one of the Walker women saying "Don't give him a towel." Next week may be the best episode of anything ever.

To back track, I have spent the last two weeks at the Theater for the New City in the East Village supporting my fellow writers of the Ma-Yi Writers' Lab and attending performances of the 2nd Asian American Theater Festival, and in all of this theater, no one has taken his shirt off. I didn't even hear a stage direction where someone might have taken his shirt off. And it has turned into winter here in New York which means that no one is walking the streets without a shirt either. So after the final day of performances, I curled up on the couch looking for a little bit of comfort. I'll admit, I was vulnerable, maybe even a little bit needy. And there he was, Mr. Marini asking so charmingly in French to the ever so put upon Sarah, "Puis-je vous aider?" I responded, "Oui! Vous pouvez m'aider!" In a break with my tradition of not talking on the phone during the quiet hours of DH and B&S, I called the vice president of IMS who confirmed that Mr. Marini was so sexy that he didn't even have to take his shirt off. He had us at "Puis-je."

Fast forward to the end of the show when I erupted into spontaneous applause for a scene in which Mr. Marini showed up on the porch wearing a jacket and then almost started to cry during the preview for next week. Suffice it to say that I will be watching and taping next week's episode and not be speaking to anyone from 10 to 11pm. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness for Bailey

I worked on a fundraiser for the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center last night which presented an award to President Bill Clinton, and so I am not really up to date on my shirtlessness. However, when setting my VCR (yes, I still use videotape) I noticed that Bailey, played by the lovely and talented Chandra Wilson, was doing a guest spot on "Private Practice" which involved kissing Taye Diggs. I have lost my patience with PP because of the absurd nature of their medical office and the lack of anyone taking their shirt off, but I did tape last night's episode because I am all for Bailey getting some good male shirtlessness. So the above post is in hopes that a strong career woman with integrity gets some good lovin' because she deserves it!

The good news from last night is that ADARC raised a lot of money for AIDS research. This organization is really an amazing leader in the field, and I was very honored to be part of the event. Unfortunately, I was moving gift bags when President Clinton was speaking and did not get to hear very much of his speech. But he did say hi to me. The bit of his speech that I did hear impressed upon me the need for better health care throughout the world because the majority of people dying from this terrible disease die not because of the expense of the treatment but rather the lack of a system to monitor it. Hanging around with a bunch of scientists who save people's lives put the shirtlessness in perspective. Good male shirtlessness is nice to have around, but creating functioning health care systems for the people of the world is crucial.

So along with advocating for shirtlessness, perhaps we can all take a little time to advocate for health care. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Recovering Shirtlessness

Apparently Gilles Marini is going to make 2010 sexy by being in a calendar by Fred Goudon, the photographer who helped him get his start. This is old news but I give it to you now as hope for better things because sometimes, that's all we need - assurances that something better is coming along. Last night I laid in the fetal position on the couch hoping and praying for Gilles Marini to make an appearance finally on B&S as the antidote to the traumatizing play reading that I had during the day. My prayers were answered nominally in the form of the "Next Week on Brother and Sisters" segment which showed Sarah kissing Mr. Marini in France. Just knowing that it is out there, makes me feel better. And now I want to go to France.

Some of you may wonder why I was so traumatized by a reading after finishing drinking in the above photo. My reading was held in a complex with many theaters, and one of the theater was housing a show that seemed to be very popular with the over-80 crowd. Unfortunately, two people from that show mistakenly came into mine. They were a little old couple who sat in the front row, and the husband repeated every line to his wife who was hard of hearing. What was unfortunate was that he was a little hard of hearing himself and quite loud with his translation. The overall effect was of being in an episode of "Mystery Science Theater" that featured my brand new play. While I was touched that this little old couple still went to the theater and helped each other, I felt awful for my actors who could also hear their lines coming back at them from the audience. The whole thing stressed me out, and I sought solace in my shows. ABC, shirtless Gilles Marini would have helped this girl out a LOT last night.

There's always next week. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Peaceful Shirtlessness

Continuing with my not-shirtless-but-could-be sequence, I give you Justin Chambers who was shirtless in the opening sequence of GA last night. I did not watch the full episode because I got home late from a reading that I directed and needed some sleep so that I can finish the next draft of my play this morning before going to rehearsal, but I appreciated that GA seems to be going in the right direction by opening with shirtlessness. This is what we have been advocating for here at IMS. Unfortunately, the sequence did remind me that all the good shirtlessness in the world cannot make up for bad character. Dr. Alex Karev has been annoying me this season, and therefore his shirtlessness did not persuade me to watch more. Hopefully McDreamy or McSteamy took their shirts off later in the episode. I'll watch tonight.

I am feeling a little dreamy this morning having woken up to the news of Barack Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize. While I understand the confusion over his latest prize from even staunch Obama advocates, I am moved by the recognition of tone as a force in the world. I won't lie, every time the man speaks I start to cry because I am so overwhelmed by his words and the fact that he continues to use full sentences. I am biased. But I am also humbled because to me the Nobel Committee is recognizing the power of words and their profound impact on the world. In today's culture of everyone saying and writing (and blogging) whatever they want without concern for impact or tone, I have to say that I am in awe of the decision. What you say and how you say it matters. As a writer, I feel the profound importance of what I do, even on the smallest level.

My new play is getting a reading this Sunday. It is about women and power, and yes, the power of words. I am looking forward to hearing the brilliant cast bring my words to life, and I am excited that perhaps we can all change the world one word at a time. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Indian Shirtless By Request

Okay, so hot new desi rapper Jay Sean is not shirtless in the picture, but I think his arms let us know what kind of shirtlessness he is giving. If there are any doubts, please check out his latest video for the single, "Down." A friend sent it to me out of excitement for an Indian artist out there crossing over into the mainstream, and the opening sequence of "Down" suggested to me that he be posted immediately. I have received complaints that I don't post enough Indian men, and so for all of those out there who are more interested in the "Indians" than the "shirtlessness" in IMS, here's one for you.

I had a very long day yesterday and only made it though DH last night. I watched the opening sequence of B&S and the combination of Kevin's bad hair and Kitty crying made me think that I would have to save it for another day. Also, I have seen no signs of Gilles Marini. I need him to be on the show next week and shirtless in at least two scenes.

The good news from the day that kept me from my shows was that my new play seems to be coming along. I'm very excited to have a reading of "How to Get Rid of The Wife" at Theater for the New City next week as part of Ma-Yi's LabFest and the larger National Asian American Theater Festival. It's exciting to be part of a large group of artists producing new work, and hopefully lots of people will come out to support some theater created by people other than white men. Not that I don't like white men, but other people have something to say too! Sadly, no shirtlessness in this one, but I am still working on it. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Fall for Shirtlessness

I always forget how good modern dance can be for good male shirtlessness. Thank goodness I went to Fall for Dance at City Center on Wednesday night and partook in some excellent shirtlessness! Both Mark Dendy and Mark Morris presented pieces with lots of muscle-y torsos all over the stage and made me very happy indeed. Dendy's "Afternoon of a Faun," pictured above, was breathtaking. It was a non-stop ode to Diaghilev in which I really believed that the two dancers were animals rather than humans. Even the sweat flying off their bodies looked poetic. Mark Morris' "Grand Duo" was also stunning with its opening image of all the dancers dipping their fingers into a stream of light. Both of these choreographers used shirtlessness to highlight their lush and supple choreography to excellent effect. IMS definitely supports their efforts on behalf of the cause!

"A Steady Rain" opened on Broadway this week, and at the end of the review, it sounded as though Ben Brantley was sitting next to an IMS member. I wish it had been me, but if all goes according to plan, it will be me next month. While I am mad that neither Mr. Craig nor Mr. Jackman has found a way to take off their shirts, I do feel compelled to check out two poster boys in person. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

More Seasonal Shirtlessness

Thank you DH for also complying with the IMS wish of good shirtlessness on season premier episodes. I rarely mention Karl Mayer and the actor who plays him, Richard Burgi, but not for the lack of good shirtlessness that he consistently displays on both the show and other films in which I have seen him. It's just that I always see him in the role of philanderer which gives me a block. But really, it's just tv, and Mr. Burgi does meet the Two Point Standard. And I have come to like his character in spite of myself. Maybe a little bit of guilt is worth the happiness.

In any case, B&S was totally disappointing on the shirtless front. I can only hope that Sarah's trip to France lands her in front of a shirtless Gilles Marini in the first segment of next week's episode because watching people argue about whose gift was bigger, the ring or the car, really makes me sad. Also, what is happening to Rob Lowe's hair? Why is it spiky in his "casual" scenes with Kitty? I don't want to see any more product on him unless he takes his shirt off. Really, B&S, what is going on?

After a marathon month of constant rehearsals, I am taking one day to breathe before jumping into my next play. I'm still trying to figure out how I can get my political play to involve shirtlessness. Thinking, thinking. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Well done, ABC!

Why am I posting a picture of Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane with their shirts on? Because they were both repeatedly shirtless in last night's GA season premier. After seeing a commercial for the opener yesterday which featured a shirtless Dempsey, I found myself compelled to watch after getting home late last night. I was well rewarded with lots of shirtlessness, in the shower, on the stairs, in the kitchen, in the doorway. It was wonderful. I applaud the writers' for handling the pregnancies of the female stars with more male shirtlessness instead of less. Well done!

The new season has started, and I am feeling hopeful. I wonder what treasures Sunday night has to offer? Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Seasonal Shirtlessness

Listen up, ABC: this is what I want to be seeing on Thursday night on the two hour premier of GA. I have resisted commenting on a certain leaked tape this summer because we at IMS promote shirtlessness only, but seriously, McSteamy, take off your shirt! I don't want any monologues about how you would make a good woman or scenes of you with a buttoned up leather jacket looking sad and thoughtful. Now that the actor playing McSteamy's love interest has given birth to her third child, a girl named Anniston Kae, I expect to see some good shirtlessness stat! Especially because Patrick Dempsey will be otherwise occupied hiding Ellen Pompeo's baby bump.

Sadly, I am double booked on the evening of the 24th, working the crowd at the Rising Circle Annual Fundraiser before heading to my own show at Ensemble Studio Theater, and will probably not be able to watch the premier until the weekend. But I am thrilled to have so many exciting things happening on one day. I truly hope that Thursday's GA will be worth the wait. Only time will tell. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness Index

A friend sent me this video about an iPhone app that seemed like it might be a hit amongst the IMS set. While the teaser video is obviously marketed towards a straight male clientele, it seems that the application itself might appeal to a different crowd. Imagine having a fit man take his shirt off on the screen of your phone every time the stock market crashed. It makes me wonder where this app was last October. Perhaps the sight of shirtless men would have eased the pain of watching my retirement shrink into a fund for ice cream after I am 70.

Anyway, my crazy theatrical life currently includes directing one show while choreographing another and then heading to another theater at night to perform in a short play. While all of this is going on, I stress on the subway about my new play that I have yet to finish but which will receive a reading on October 11th. I'm very disappointed because I've had to cut the shirtless character in my play. I am determined to write a shirtlessness play, but alas this one is not it. Needless to say, this IMS president is very busy and needs some sleep! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Stalking for Shirtlessness

I heard through the grapevine that Daniel Craig is living in my friend's building while he does "A Steady Rain" on Broadway, and I'm wondering if it would be considered stalking if I just rode up and down the elevator until I ran into him so that I could tell him that IMS supports him taking his shirt off in the production. Probably. Another friend managed to see the show on Saturday night and said it was amazing. He did confirm, however, that there was no shirtlessness in it. I am appalled. Mr. Craig does wear a finely cut suit, however, which I will say that I do enjoy. A finely cut suit is almost as satisfying as good male shirtlessness, but not quite. I remember thinking that during "Ocean's 11" when everyone except poor Matt Damon was excellently attired in well-fitting clothes. But I digress.

I may have to organize an action item for "A Steady Rain," perhaps a picket line demanding that the two IMS poster boys take off their shirts in the show. I am open to other suggestions. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

In Remembrance

In honor of 9/11, I would like to take a moment to remember what was lost. I hope we can all take a moment today to pause and ask ourselves how we can contribute to a world without acts of terror, either in the places where we live or in the homes of those with whom we do not agree. Let's try to be a part of the solution.

Remembering,
Nandita

Labor Day Shirtlessness

In honor of Labor Day and in recognition of the fact that women make 77 cents to the male dollar and that number goes down dependent on the woman's race, I give you Toni Braxton's "You're Making Me High" video. What does a song from the 90's have to do with national holidays or sobering economic circumstances? Well in this video not only does sassy Toni Braxton rock a white jumpsuit being one of the few women who will be photographed in head to toe white, but also the video features her and her lady friends getting together for girls' night after work and ordering up pizzas and shirtless boys whom they all rate. I believe I have referenced this video as the theme for next year's birthday party. If I had a birthday party like this, I will say that I would feel a little bit better about the fact that I seem to have to work very hard for not very much money. It's the little things. But in all honesty, I wanted to take this holiday to remind all the members of IMS that we started out as a group about equality, and it is important not to lose sight of this important value.

I plan on spending my day working on my play about women and power in politics before heading to my dress rehearsal for the women's play festival that I am acting in this month. These seem like good things to do on Labor Day. I have a friend who has actually gone into labor today, giving new meaning to the holiday! Whatever it means to you, enjoy and take a moment to do something for good male shirtlessness. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Subway Shirtlessness

Everywhere I go in New York, this man is there. Shirtless. It's amazing.

Seriously, I wish I would run into a shirtless Jamie Dornan in person sometime. Instead his fit and sweaty torso is plastered on the wall of every subway station I visit and makes waiting for the train a much more pleasant experience. Honestly, I think IMS has done some real good in the world because ads like this exist and make people happy.

In the meantime, I am starting to get geared up for the new fall season. The other day I saw a commercial for a show called "Eastwick" which is obviously about witches played by Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price, and a television newcomer (or someone who has only been on shows that don't feature male shirtlessness making me oblivious to them). I don't have high hopes for this show but was happy to see that when the witches' wishes were coming true, shirtless men seemed to populate their set. This something I wished happened more often on "Charmed," another show featuring three witches. I still can't forgive Lindsay Price that lingerie scene from "Lipstick Jungle," but hopefully she'll have better luck on this show. Let's all hope. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Hey Mr. Producer!

Continuing on my rant for why Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman should be shirtless in their upcoming Broadway play, I present an old-school picture of Mr. Jackman. Need I say more? Clearly this man needs to take his shirt off on stage. We all know that his turn as Wolverine was a bit much for me, but in his natural state, I think he looks very much like a cop who would take his shirt off. Just saying...

Apparently IMS Official Poster Boy 2009, Gilles Marini, made an appearance on the Daytime Emmys yesterday, dancing with Vanessa Williams. I did not see it myself, but when it was reported to me, I started to get excited about the coming season of B&S. Who knew that I could anticipate the season opener for that show? They have a lot to make up for from last season by only showing the adolescent Ryan shirtless, and I expect Mr. Marini to take his shirt off in Episode 1. I understand that he has been signed for 8 episodes. I can only hope that means 8 weeks of excellent shirtlessness for us! I'm trying not to get too excited, though, because the season opener is still a month away! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Broadway Shirtlessness?

I recently met someone who will be working on the upcoming Broadway production of "A Steady Rain" that will star Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman. The play, of course, is a major source of excitement for IMS members in New York, and meeting someone associated with the production almost caused a swoon. However, when I asked whether Mr. Craig and Mr. Jackman would be shirtless in the production, the answer was decidedly uncertain. What?! How can you have not one but TWO IMS posterboys on a Broadway stage and not have them take their shirts off? I am outraged. While admittedly, both Mr. Craig and Mr. Jackman are fine actors, unlike some other IMS posterboys, both seem to find a reason to take their shirts off in all of their recent films. Take a look at the picture posted above; doesn't he look like a shirtless cop in this photo? And if Hugh Jackman can give Barbara Walters a lap dance on national television, he can take his shirt off on Broadway. That's what I have to say. Broadway Producers take note: We want good male shirtlessness, and the boys of "Mamma Mia" do not count!

I also forgot to write in my last post how much I enjoy that in the Calvin Klein ads, Eva Mendes' accessory is a hot shirtless male model. That definitely makes me want to buy Calvin Klein jeans. If only every pair came with a sexy accessory like Jaime Dornan! I will continue to dream. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Designer Shirtlessness

I have to post a little bit early because I am off to Fire Island early tomorrow morning. The life of a gay icon is busy, busy, busy! I'm delighted to get out of the city after being here for little over a week because it is ridiculously hot. The beach will be a welcome get-away from the oppressive humidity. One thing that has been turning up the heat in the subway is this Calvin Klein ad campaign that is everywhere. Eva Mendez and Jamie Dornan look really hot in these ads, both literally and figuratively. As I pass them in the underground hallways of the MTA, I wonder if being hot and sweaty ever looked so good. At IMS, we promote male shirtlessness, not female shirtlessness, but I just couldn't resist the double-shirtless-sexiness of this campaign.

I'm also recovering from a week of watching my new play produced in a hovel on the West Side. An important lesson that I have learned from the experience is that a playwright should not only ask about whether her work will be produced but also about how it will be produced. When the electricity to the light and sound board went out for the closing show, I had to question whether it really counts as a production when there are no light or sound cues for a 6 scene play. Oh well, live and learn!

Off to Fire Island where I know there will be plenty of excellent male shirtlessness, even though none of it will be for me. Until I return, I am quite literally...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Fun Summer Lovin'

The heat is overpowering in New York, and I have to take a moment away from the socially conscious shirtlessness and the conversational accessories to good shirtlessness that have been featured this summer to have a little fun. So I give you this humorous take on a classic summer movie of my childhood, Dirty Dancing, featuring some fine shirtlessness from an IMS favorite, Channing Tatum. His name still perplexes me, but the fact that he can make a spoof like this endears him to me. Good shirtlessness with a sense of humor! What a combination!

Meantime, my one-act play has two more performances this weekend. I've enjoyed seeing my work on stage and just hope the next time it happens, I can have a something besides a boom box that was around when Dirty Dancing came out for my sound system. Baby steps, people. At least no one is putting me in the corner. I'll be posting live from Fire Island on Monday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Ode to an Italian Pool

I'm back from Italy, relaxed and happy after two weeks in the Umbrian sun. It was a glorious time away from the worries of my New York life, and I already miss it and everyone who was there with me. As the president of IMS, I thought it was my duty to check out the Italian shirtlessness situation, and so I took some time away from my writing workshop to visit a pool in Spoleto. I am nothing if not dedicated to our cause. Some of my fellow shirtlessness-dedicated writers took this photo of me speaking to a local shirtless advocate which I thought I should share with all of you. While there was definitely some not good shirtlessness happening at this pool, overall it received high marks for maintaining the two point standard. Most men were both fit and clearly in view of the sun, and there weren't quite as many speedos as I expected. A very pleasant IMS excursion indeed.

But the above picture does capture an important lesson I learned at the pool. While this gentleman was an excellent example of good male shirtlessness, he and I did not speak the same language which made communicating very difficult. I fault myself for going to Italy without learning Italian. But the experience of trying to speak to a lovely shirtless man entirely in gestures reminded me that good shirtlessness cannot be the sole goal. Good shirtlessness is an excellent cause, but it is nothing without good communication. Always important to remember!

My new play is opening tonight at a tiny theater on the West side of Manhattan. No shirtlessness in this one, but lots of verbal communication. I'm still looking for the balance! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Under the Umbrian Sun

To prepare all of you and myself for my upcoming trip to Umbria, I decided that I needed to post a hot Italian man today. But I found myself drawing a blank when it came to who that hottie should be. Good thing there is a Vice President of IMS who specializes in excellent Italian shirtlessness! His suggestion of Raoul Bova was dead on, since Mr. Bova plays a hot Italian shirtless man in "Under the Tuscan Sun," the movie that I will be striving to emulate during my two-week writers' retreat. I have never even seen the movie, but I know I want to live it, starting on Thursday.

So here's to some happy days of shirtlessness and creativity in Umbria. I hope I come home with lots of fun stories to share and report of how good shirtlessness is not simply a domestic issue. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Once Desperate, Twice Shirtless

One of the many things that I bemoaned in the second season of DH was that the introduction of Alfre Woodard to Wisteria Lane did not cause the actor playing her son to take his shirt off. He had a brief fling with Danielle which resulted in a scene in which he was not wearing a shirt but was also hiding under the bed. I always thought that it was a waste of perfectly good shirtlessness. But the Vice President of IMS recently alerted me to Mehcad Brooks joining the cast of "True Blood," and a brief internet search revealed that others did not make the same mistake as DH. He seems to have quite a nice shirtless career developing, and I must applaud Mr. Brooks for upholding the 2 point standard. I always knew he had it in him!

I am busy getting ready for my trip to Italy during which I fear I will not be able to post as regularly as usual. I'm hoping that I will substitute posting about shirtlessness with experiencing Italian shirtlessness firsthand. A girl can dream...Aside from the shirtlessness, I'm also hoping for excellent weather, delicious food cooked by someone besides myself, and the inspiration to write a new play. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Update on Show Boyfriend

In my continued Blue Period, I had a momentary reflection on last summer and my show boyfriend, David Gandy, and so I looked him up to find out how he is. Even after the affair, there are still warm feelings! I'm happy to report that Mr. Gandy continues his excellent shirtless work for Dolce & Gabanna. I'm wondering if he is also doing lots of yoga based on his excellent vashistasana shown here which means that we did have stuff in common besides my dressing room mirror! In any case, it's good to know that times are bleak, there are some reliable arbiters of good shirtlessness out there, fighting for the cause.

I'm in a reflective mood today on the state of ethnic theater because I find myself disappointed yet again in my own community. I wonder about things like karma because what goes around does not seem to be coming around to this little Indian. For instance, all the activism for good shirtlessness has produced exactly no good shirtlessness for me in recent months, but I guess one cannot be an activist for personal gain. So I guess I'll just sit out on the balcony and look at the shirtless guy across the street and feel satisfaction in helping to create a world in which such a neighbor can exist. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Fun in the Sun Shirtlessness

I'm still in my Blue Period in which I walk around shiftlessly, wondering what the point of it all is and even the shirtless guy on the balcony across the street doesn't cheer me up, but this picture of Taye Diggs made me smile. So I decided to post it. I don't know why it is so small, but I think he looks cute in his inner tube floating on some impossibly blue water. I know I gave Mr. Diggs a hard time about not being shirtless enough on "Private Practice," but it's only because he really does uphold the two-point standard. Honestly, look how fit he is as he spends a little time in the sun! And I will admit, the fact that he might be pantsless in this shot is a bit intriguing. I know that IMS has a strict pants-on policy, but anyone who saw "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" knows that Mr. Diggs could also be a poster boy for pantslessness too. And truly at this point, I'm wondering how Nandita is going to get her groove back...

Hopefully my two week playwrights' retreat in Italy will provide a much needed change of pace and scenery. I'm also hopeful that I will see some good Italian shirtlessness or run into George Clooney while I am there. I could definitely catch my groove either of those ways. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness for the Spirit

Since the show I directed "Grace" closed last night, I decided to post someone to lift my spirits, that man of men, George Clooney. I find that after any theatrical endeavor ends, I always experience a Blue Period which will last for different amounts of time depending on my investment in the project. In the case of "Grace," the investment was big, and so I suspect the Blue Period will be long. While I was grateful to sleep through the night, something I rarely do when directing a show, I woke up feeling sad that I wouldn't see the cast and crew today after spending a solid week in a black box theater with them. Also, they are the people whom I was with when Michael Jackson died, and so I am bonded with them on many levels.

But back to using shirtlessness for good, I just want to point out that Mr. Clooney has shown us all how to take something silly (celebrity) and use it for good(world peace). His work in Darfur has certainly alerted a huge subsection of the population who only read People magazine about attrocities that happen in other countries even as we worry about why Britney Spears has shaved her head. I hope that his work and the work of others can remind artists of our power and responsibility to shed light on issues that may be hard to digest. While I love People magazine (I came home and read it cover to cover after coming home from striking the set of the refugee play last night), I also find time to devour the paper with similar enthusiasm if not always the same thoroughness. I hope as members of IMS, we can all strive to find the balance between silly and good in our lives. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Socially Conscious Shirtlessness

Last night was opening night for a play that I directed called "Grace" for Rising Circle Theater Collective which follows the stories of three human rights workers and one refugee that they cross paths with in a camp in Zambia. Working on this play has been an incredibly meaningful process not only because it is the first time I have worked on a piece exclusively from its first reading to a production but also because of the heart-wrenching subject matter. It has meant a lot to me to be able to help shed light on a story that doesn't get told. I think that is the point of creating art, to share stories with each other and recognize stories that may be different from our own. The show is wonderful - all the actors did such an amazing job. I feel like a proud parent! We have sold out our entire run, and the audience has been very receptive and enthusiastic. I feel gratified in being able to use my art for good.

And this morning as I think about my post, I feel compelled to use my blog for good too. So I post the beautiful Djimon Hounsou in a still from "Blood Diamond" in hopes of being able to use shirtlessness for good too. The movie tells the story of conflict diamonds being mined in Africa and how they add to the political climate in which children are abducted and forced to become soldiers. I have been doing some research on child soldiers because of the subject of Grace and think that I would gladly give up on the conditions that create such good male shirtlessness to save those children from fighting in a bloody and brutal war.

So even as we promote the two point standard of good shirtlessnes, let us not forget what price we pay for pretty things. I hope you will all take a moment to learn a little bit about the conflicts occurring in Africa right now. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita

Summer Bloom

I hope that everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend! I know I did! While my weekend did not contain any great deal of good male shirtlessness, it did include a lot of sun which seems almost like a dream after this dreary spring. I spent the weekend on the North Fork of Long Island with some dear friends and their family and worked on the two point standard for myself, fitness and seeing the sun. What a little vitamin D can do for the spirit!

And upon returning, I decided to venture into new shirtless territory with Orlando Bloom whom I noticed shirtless in a People magazine a few weeks ago. While I do have a soft spot for pretty boys like Mr. Bloom, I never really longed for him to take his shirt off until my research uncovered his fairly rockin' torso. I think that Mr. Bloom should definitely exchange his pirate's puffy shirt for a shirtless look more often!

Now I'm off to tech for a show that I am directing. No one takes his shirt off in this play about human rights workers in Zambia, but the play is fulfilling on other levels. Sadly for me, I do have to spend the next four days in a dark theater instead of outside, but I'm sure it will all be worth it. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Happy 4th of July!

For Independence Day, I thought I would post a picture of the All-American Zac Efron and say that he seems just as sweet as apple pie. He used a lot of expletives in his GQ magazine interview, but in spite of that, he seems very wholesome. I think that's a good metaphor for Americans. We seem very wholesome in spite of engaging in blatantly un-wholesome behavior. Since I live in New York, I have been rather obsessed with our State Senate of late and how their dysfunstion has ground state government to a complete halt. Let's just say that they don't make democracy look very good. And yet, I can't help but get a lump in my throat when I think that we voted for all of these hooligans who are currently collecting per diem for turning the lights off on one another, and maybe this is what we deserve. It's the American way. Indian people call it karma.

So as I head off to Long Island for a long weekend, I ask all you fellow IMS members to consider what you have done for your country lately. While good male shirtlessness can benefit society by promoting fitness and equalizing the beauty standards between the sexes, can we all take a moment this 4th of July to recognize that unplugging our chargers and turning off the lights can also benefit the world that we live in? Can we consider paying as much attention to who we elect to office as we do to whether Zac Efron wears make-up or not? Is it too much to hope that we can manage our time to include reading the paper as well as trolling the internet for good shirtless pictures? I hope so. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Entertainment Shirtlessly

Back to the business of shirtlessness after a weekend of spontaneously breaking into dance whenever hearing "Bad" or "Billie Jean" on the street. Although the passing of Michael Jackson has made me very nostalgic for my childhood, it is covers like the above for "Entertainment Weekly" that keep me firmly grounded in the present. Mr. Reynolds has apparently evolved to have an 8-pack, rather than the regular 6. I'm not really sure what to say about this development except that it's nice, and I wish he wore shirts less in all of his films.

As for other shirtlessness, I'm not sure what the summer holds for us. The only other summer movie that I am excited about it "Up" which will hopefully not feature any shirtlessness, certainly not any that IMS can promote. So now we are in a desperate search for some good summer shirtlessness. Please alert me if you find any.

I, in the meantime, am happy that the sun has come out, just in time for the 4th of July. I've scheduled my summer waxing appointment so that I can frolick on the beach this weekend and take in some live shirtlessness along with seafood and Long Island wine. Sometimes it is the simple pleasures in life that can fill the void of good male shirtlessness. At the end of the day, I don't really need an 8-pack to be happy, just some sun, good friends, and the hope that good male shirtlessness is just over the next horizon. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

In Memoriam

In honor of the tremendous talent of Michael Jackson, I had to take a day away from shirtlessness and pay homage to this legendary star. I came home from rehearsal last night where I heard the news and danced in my living room to "Rock With You" and "The Way You Make Me Feel" in memorial of the way he indeed did make me feel. I remember the day Elvis died when I was a little girl and how my mom and uncle were so sad over the loss. This moment is the equivalent for my generation - to lose an artist who so defined our coming of age. I will freely admit to wearing a Thriller jacket to school for most of 7th grade and the giddiness I felt being in the Thriller medley number for my dance recital that year. I used to do the dance from the video for all my relatives and for many dance competitions and talent contests. For me, that album introduced me to dance as a tangible and popular form of entertainment, and those songs defined my middle school life, now known as the "tween" years when you were suddenly intensely aware of yourself as a person in relation to everyone else. At school dances, everyone got on the floor to Michael Jackson, even the teachers. A few years ago I asked for the the Thriller album on cd for Christmas because I only had the record. I still consider it the best album ever. And I think I always will.

Thank you Michael Jackson for showing us all how to thrill.

Yours respectfully,
Nandita
President
IMS

Proposed Shirtlessness

As the president of IMS, I felt it was my duty to attend the opening weekend of "The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, given that Mr. Reynolds has received so much attention on the blog of late and that the storyline follows the older (40-ish) woman falling for the younger (30-ish) man trajectory that some IMS members seem to love. I post the above trailer because it contains all the shirtlessness in the movie. If I sound disappointed, I am. To have no additional shirtlessness than what was on tv in a Ryan Reynolds movie does not seem fair. It has rained 15 of the last 20 days in June, and I wonder if it is too much to ask that a romantic comedy marketed to women contain more than one shirtless scene. Is it?

Furthermore, does the shirtlessness have to be preporsterous? In the movie, the naked scene was achieved by putting Ms. Bullock in the shower without a towel and having Mr. Reynolds take off all his clothes on a balcony of his parents house while wearing a earphones. I ask you, have you ever taken your shirt off without removing your earphones first? Is this possible? I am baffled. Here at IMS, we strive to make good shirtlessness a part of one's everyday life. "The Proposal" is not helping us out by making shirtlessness seem like it needs the perfect alignment of the stars in order to happen. Mr. Reynolds could have taken his shirt off while chopping wood or taking a run or heading to the shower, and honestly, I wish he had.

On a positive note, I loved Ms. Bullock's shoes in this movie. They didn't quite make up for the low number of shirtless scenes, but they made me smile. I guess that shoes will have to fill the gap until Friday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

15 Year Anniversary Shirtlessness

As you know, sometimes I wax nostalgic about my modern dance days, and recently I was sent a link to the Complexions website that featured this photo of the amazing Desmond Richardson in honor of the company's 15th Anniversary. Of course, I had to post it! I remember back in year 1 of Complexions when I was a student at the Ailey School, a friend of mine invited me to attend a studio rehearsal of the new company. I took one of my friends from college who was not a dancer to the showing. We each paid $10 to sit inside one of the studios at 311 West 61st Street and watch the company rehearse a new piece. I remember that Desmond warmed up by doing splits up the wall. My friend leaned over and said "I would have paid $10 just to watch him warm up!" Congratulations to Complexions for moving out of the studio and onto stages all over the world where I am sure they charge more than $10. But especially thanks for giving two recent college grads the best $10 show they ever saw!

In the meantime, my posts keep getting later and later because I am losing my mind. Between planning a benefit for one theater company and directing a play for another, I am barely holding all the details together. What's worse is that I am in charge of planning my own birthday party next week as well. I didn't have enough brain cells left to plan a really good shirtlessness party where cute shirtless guys come in and serve my friends pizza like in that Toni Braxton video, and so I am settling for a yoga party where shirtlessness is optional but not required. At least I am using my birthday to promote one of the two points of good shirtlessness: fitness. Let's hope for some sun too, to promote the second. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Summer Rerun Shirtlessness

Since the season is over for DH and B&S, I find myself without direction during my Sunday evening quiet time, flipping channels and groaning. Lucky for me, last night TBS was showing "Step Up" which I'm embarrassed to say that the vice president of IMS and I went to see in the theater when it came out. The movie made me reminisce about the days when IMS operated solely as an e-newsletter, and the outings were made for two. I'll say that the movie is not quite as exciting on the small screen, and I did not make it to the infamous cereal scene when Channing Tatum, pictured above, laid on his bed eating cereal in a pair of very tight sweatpants that made some people very happy. But I think a teenage dance movie is just what one should watch on a summer Sunday. When searching for photos of Mr. Tatum, I realized that he is a man who like Matthew McConnaughey, rarely wears a shirt, and when he does, sleeves are very unusual. That's why I chose this photo which demonstrates a twist on shirtlessness, that is shirtlessness while wearing a jacket. What will they think of next?

Though Mr. Tatum is not particularly my cup of tea, I will say that I am hoping that TBS plays "She's the Man" next week. Shirtlessness and Shakespeare - good stuff. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Vampire Shirtlessness

In my writers' lab last night, when I asked for suggestions for some new shirtlessness, Robert Pattinson came up quite frequently. So here's a sneak peak still from the new Twilight movie being shot. Apparently all of the male vampires are shirtless in this one. I have to admit that Mr. Pattinson has flown under my radar,perhaps because he is 12. There was a lot of discussion of his hair, and I wonder if any of his fans are old enough to notice the striking similarity between his style and that of A Flock of Seagulls. Just wondering...

In other news, I am about to start directing a new play tomorrow, and the rush of details made me almost forget to post at all. Sorry for the lateness. I'm glad I did remember because I do find that good male shirtlessness can calm a person's nerves at stressful times.

Also, I have to say that I saw "The Hangover" with two straight male friends of mine and laughed out loud a lot in spite of myself. As promised Bradley Cooper was shirtless twice. It was very good, and frankly I could have stood for more. I hope his next movie is called "The Shirtless Guy." Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS