Holiday Shirtlessness

I've never featured Mark Wahlberg before, which is odd since he seems to be shirtless a lot. His new film "The Fighter" promises to include lots of shirtlessness, making this holiday movie season quite promising. Who cares about Oscar buzz? Just take off your shirt!

I am pleased to report that "Love and Other Drugs" did deliver on its shirtless promise. Actually both Mr. Gyllenhaal and Ms. Hathaway spent a great deal of time semi-nude which made everyone in the audience, including the members of my little gang, very happy. Not only was there a lot of great shirtlessness, but the dialogue was pretty good too. I just like these two actors together and have since "Brokeback Mountain." They have really easy chemistry with each other which is so much fun to watch. While some of the other members of my party had qualms with various aspects of the writing, overall, we were pleasantly surprised by how we were engaged by this film. My only issue was trying to figure out how an early-onset Parkinson's patient with a tremor could have such amazing hair in every single frame. How I long for Anne Hathaway's hair person!

I will be headed to Buffalo for the holiday where my dad continues to insist the internet is not necessary, and so there will be no posts on Friday or Monday. But I will be back for some New year's shirtlessness and you will be too. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Loving Shirtlessness Tonight!

Today is a happy day for this gay icon because I have a fabulous evening planned which will culminate in this film. I am cooking up a pork tenderloin for a few friends, including the vice president of IMS, and then heading en masse to the movie. Good food, good friends, and good shirtlessness? Merry Christmas to me!

I've heard that there is plenty of shirtlessness, male and female, in this movie. Thank goodness because baby, it's cold outside! There has been very little shirtlessness in my life this December, and so I look forward to enjoying it with other connoisseurs. There has been some unfortunate discussion about Mr. Gyllenhaal's alleged relationship with Taylor Swift in our preparatory emails for the evening, but tonight will be all about Mr. Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway who has become one of my favorite actresses. She always looks fantastic, chooses interesting roles, and can make fun herself. I'm a fan.

In other shirtlessness, lists are currently being compiled of the best shirtlessness of the year, and a good one is this one posted on the Huffington Post. I keep this tab up on my web browser so that I always have some shirtlessness on hand when needed. I love end of the year lists! If any of you gentle readers have suggestions for an end of the year list for this blog, please feel free to comment. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Continued Shirtlessness

Watch the full episode. See more SundayArts.

Sorry for the late post. Certain exciting events in my life have preempted the blog for this week along with the fact that I was once again in a place without internet on Friday. So instead of a picture, I am giving you a whole video about the often shirtless men of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the creation of one of its more recent shirtless works, "The Hunt." I liked watching this video because I got to learn more about a piece that I have seen once. Also the dancers in the video are a different cast than who I saw perform, and I like trying to glean how the dancer affects the choreography. In any case, I hope you will enjoy this extra dose of shirtlessness on a cold Monday.

So it looks like the shows are trying to wrap it up before Christmas. I found that B&S has descended into farce this season, and Nora's Christmas Carol dream in last night's episode simply exemplified how ridiculous this show is. Particularly disgusting are the ads preceding the show about how the Walker children always get what they want on Christmas - I won't help the cause by telling you what store that they were advertising. Needless to say, I am impressed how presenting children as entitled brats could encourage people to shop more. I'm also impressed how every Walker liaison turns into a meaningful relationship. Even Kitty's coffee shop hook up has turned into a relationship in one short week. Just as she was cured of cancer in three, it only took her one week and several romps on a futon to introduce her new lover to her son. And that's the conservative person on the show. Why are we never given any time for anything to develop or simmer? Is television just so stupid that elongated plot lines are too much to follow? I certainly hope not!

I did like the cliff hanger on DH, however. I'm glad someone shot Paul Young because he was really bugging me. I only hope some new shirtlessness will be introduced on the show in the spring in his stead. It's only fair.

More on my good news in later posts, but suffice it to say that I will be spending the first half of the year in a place where there may be significantly higher shirtlessness than New York in the winter. Oh joy! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

It's That Time of Year

Every December, I have to post something from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in honor of their City Center season. Every year, I go and am astounded by the sheer virtuosity of the dancers as well as the amazing shirtlessness on display every single performance. I went to see the company last night and was not disappointed. Artistic Director Designate, Robert Battle, choreographed a piece called "The Hunt," excerpts of which you can see above as performed by Ailey II, featuring six shirtless men in all of their athletic glory. I am excited that Mr. Battle chose to feature the dancers in this way and feel this is a sign of good things to come when he takes over as Artistic Director next season. Since I always see a program featuring "Revelations," Mr. Ailey's masterpiece, I am always guaranteed some shirtlessness in the section called "Sinner Man" (still my all-time favorite piece of choreography), but truly last night's program topped all my wildest expectations.

Dance is my first love and my way into the theater. I don't see as much as I used to, being so ensconced in the theater now, but every time I go, I am reminded of how beautiful each individual can be. Watching a large company of dancers dance in unison always amazes me. They can be all together in the movement, and yet each one does it in his or her own way. And each way is beautiful. I like going to the theater and to dance to remember that. We all have our own way, and each of us can be beautiful. I keep holding on to that and hope that you will, too.

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Reasons to Get Shirtless

This holiday season, I thought I would offer some situations in which shirtlessness could be wildly appropriate, and above is one of my favorites - washing a woman's hair. As Ryan Gosling is demonstrating in "The Notebook," it is very helpful to be shirtless when washing the hair of your beloved. I like it. The secretary of IMS requested Mr. Gosling a few weeks ago, and it took me a while to find a picture which was not taken by the paparazzi or with Kirsten Dunst. While Ms. Dunst may be a very nice person, she appears to never wear a bra, and I cannot post a picture of her on my blog lest it appear that I am promoting bralessness which I most certainly am not. Also, I really enjoy Rachel McAdams pictured here. Finally not only did I enjoy this scene for itself, but it also reminds me of the iconic scene in "Out of Africa" where Robert Redford washes Meryl Streep's hair. Although everyone keeps their shirts on in that scene, it is just so romantic and sexy that it makes me swoon a little bit. But I digress...

So rehearsals have begun for my play in Silver Spring, MD, and I am a bit overwhelmed by the fact that is happening at all. Less than 20% of plays produced in the USA are written by women, and the number goes down for women of color, and so I am pleased to have an actual production of my work occur. I wish the show were closer to home so that I could be more involved, but alas, I am not able to leave New York for that long. In any case, I am excited to see how the show develops over the next month, and working very hard on trying to get some shirtlessness into the script.

I'm hoping that December tv does not turn into all reruns and holiday cartoons. New shirtlessness is often the key to making it through the holidays. Please feel free to post suggestions if you have any. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Burlesque!

Over Thanksgiving, my mom and I went to see "Burlesque." She loves dancing movies, and since I had already seen "Morning Glory" and promised "Love and Other Drugs" to a couple of my friends, I figured, why not? And I'll admit I had a good time. I don't think that my mom ever really understood that burlesque is old-fashioned stripping which eliminated any discomfort which may have existed in watching a strip show with my mother. The numbers were all suitably fabulous and particularly well created for the camera. Christina looked and sounded great, and Cher was her fabulous self. And most importantly, the most skin that we saw was on this gentleman pictured above, Cam Gigandet. Mr. Gigandet wore lots of eyeliner and little else which made me happy. So the story was trite and all the songs were not hits - who cares? Mr. Gigandet stalking around wearing nothing but a cookie box was something to be thankful for! Further research shows that Mr. Gigandet apparently goes shirtless in all of his movies, with good reason. I look forward to his next film. Strangely enough, Eric Dane was in the movie, wearing a shirt for the entire film. I'm not sure what to make of that, but given how much shirtlessness Mr. Gigandet provided, I really cannot complain.

My other Thanskgiving movie wound up being "Princess Diaries 2" which I watched on the couch on Saturday night after flying home and ordering take-out. This movie looks like it was shot at DisneyWorld itself with its faux-European cobblestones, but I could not stop watching it. I love Anne Hathaway, and her speech for why queens should not have to marry at the end of the movie made me feel happy that at least one generation of girls is being told that marriage is not the be-all that we see in virtually every single other form of mass media. So go, Princess Mia, and rule alone while having fun on the side with the princely Chris Pine!

So what am I thankful for this year? I'm thankful for better male shirtlessness all over the place and a community of people who appreciate it as much as I do! Thanks for keeping the cause alive!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Sexiest Man Alive Edition

Oh happy day when People magazine comes out with its "Sexiest Man Alive" issue! A double feature filled with shirtless pictures for me to enjoy in the privacy of my own home. Sigh... I don't actually think that Ryan Reynolds is the sexiest man alive, but he has done a lot for the cause. So congratulations to Mr. Reynolds for joining the club! I can only imagine that good shirtlessness is a requirement of every SMA candidate, and I am happy to see that this year's winner continues to promote good shirtlessness in every movie he does. Also, I am grateful to People.com for continuing to provide good shirtless photo spreads in honor of the issue. Hurrah!

As for my sojourn to the Apple Store on Friday, I will say that my plans were somewhat thwarted. As you may recall, I chose the West side location because that store seemed to be above ground and therefore would promote the second point of the Two Point Standard, seeing the sun. Unfortunately, the Genius bar is underground, and again, I was faced with a long line of geniuses for whom the sun was not a familiar figure. My pale genius, Kevin, did fix my phone, however, which was the whole point of the trip. He was also very sympathetic when I explained my problem to him. So I guess it wasn't a bad trip after all.

I'm off to Buffalo for the Thanksgiving holiday. My father has still not reinstated internet service, and so I will not be posting on Friday. Often the day after Thanksgiving is not the best day to contemplate shirtlessness as filling oneself with stuffing and sweet potatoes does not lead to a strong sense of fitness. But I will see you next Monday with hopefully something interesting and juicy to discuss. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Hey 5-0! Here's an Idea!

Continuing on my crusade to get more shirtlessness on H 5-0, I offer the delightful Scott Cahn showing what he's made of to the producers at CBS. This is what we want. This and allowing the Asian people to speak. I can't even believe that IMS has to mount a campaign for shirtlessness on a show like "Hawaii 5-0" because why else would anyone make such a show with such a cast if not to exhibit a lot of shirtlessness? Honestly, I rented "The Back-Up Plan" just to make sure that Alex O'Loughlin is not made of wood, and indeed he is not. In fact, he is delightful both with his shirt on and off. I don't understand what is happening on this show. Please fix it.

Thanks at least to GA for giving a girl a little sugar right before Thanksgiving. I am headed upstate for the holiday and am fairly certain that I won't be getting any good shirtlessness there. So at least I have Jesse Williams and Eric Dane to remember as I stuff myself with turkey and sweet potatoes.

Also, I am making a trek to the Apple Store this morning to try to have my phone fixed. It started behaving oddly last weekend, and then the steps I took to fix it as directed by AT&T succeeded in erasing half my contacts. The only upside I can gather from this phone trauma is that I will be going to the one place in New York that will have more straight men than women and gays. I even chose the West side store since that store is above ground (unlike the East side store) and has a higher likelihood that the "geniuses" there will have seen the sun. Of course, the last time I had an appointment at the Genius bar, I was helped by the only woman working at the counter, and so my expectations are quite low. Hopefully F through Z can be restored on my phone by someone, and if that someone is a smart, Vitamin D sufficient, and shirtless, well then so be it! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Love and Other Shirtlessness

Here's a cute picture of Jake Gyllenhaal demonstrating how to take one's shirt off with a smile. Now I was a little bit mad at Mr. Gyllenhaal for playing a Persian prince last year because while he was predominantly shirtless, there really was no way to believe that he was Persian, or in modern language, Iranian, but really how can you blame the man for taking the job? I did see the trailer to his new film with Anne Hathaway, "Love and Other Drugs,"and he kind of had me at hello, to quote another terrible romcom. I can already tell that I am going to see this film during the holiday season which is when I get my yearly dose of fairy tale which often follows the storyline of total cad meets amazing girl and is miraculously changed into a loving and compassionate human being. I actually think that I have lived this storyline, except for the miraculous change part. In any case, the movie looks cute, and Mr. Gyllenhaal should be shirtless as much as possible, in my opinion. See above.

In the meantime, I did take time out to go to another romcom this weekend, "Morning Glory," only to find out that it wasn't actually a romcom at all. There was a romantic storyline, but it was barely a part of the plot. Instead it was much more a tale of a woman struggling to make her way in the career that she dreamed of ever since she was a little girl. It actually hit the spot for me and perked me up. My only disappointment was that Patrick Wilson did not take his shirt off in any meaningful way. A proper romcom would have featured at least one excellent shirtless scene.

I'm still not excited by any of the network shirtlessness. Hopefully some mid-season replacement will give me something to write about soon. In the meantime, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless Stephen

Since the secretary of IMS sent me a request for Stephen Dorff with the subject heading "I used to love him," I thought I should honor her request and post Mr. Dorff for a little bit of fun off the beaten path. Finding a shirtless picture of Mr. Dorff without a cigarette proved a bit more challenging than expected, but at last here is one that should please the secretary. Mr. Dorff has inspired some discussion of manscaping with his unshorn pecs on several blogs. I rather like him au naturel, but I am open to commentary. Every man need not be plucked and waxed hairless; just a general sense of tidiness is appreciated.

Catching up on DH last week, I was glad to see that Marc Cherry has finally embraced the gay storyline on Wisteria Lane and gave us a hilarious and yet touching story for Bob and Lee which included the antics of their favorite gay icon, Gabby. For anyone at ABC reading this blog, I will point out that the vice president of IMS would like to add a pool to Bob and Lee's house where Bob could lounge shirtless. I certainly second that motion. Overall, DH could definitely stand to up the shirtless quotient. Brian Austin Green is no substitute for Jesse Metcalf or James Denton. Sorry.

I still keep hoping that H5-0 will give me something to get involved in emotionally. Frankly, to have entire episodes without any shirts coming off is really just a big waste. Please have more shirtlessness, and let the Asian people speak. And having a happa-howli actress cry a lot does not make a compelling storyline. Actual plots make for compelling television, no matter how much weeping is lauded in the media.

I seem to be seeing more and more shirted television and theater which makes me a little bit sad. I hope someone takes his shirt off in my vicinity soon. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless for a Good Cause

Last night I worked on a benefit fundraiser for a New York theater company which featured short plays in various locations of two New York apartments in Tribeca. One of the plays took place in a shower and featured some shirtlessness. In spite of the fact that in order to watch the play, one had to sit on the edge of the bathtub and risk getting wet, I will say that it was the most popular play of the evening. Of course, one guest did come and complain to me that the actor did not take all of his clothes off in the shower, but overall, the guests seemed quite satisfied. It was such a hit that there was almost a mandate to always include one shower play in every benefit from now on. We shall see. The important lesson I walked away with is that shirtlessness inspires generosity. I have witnessed this first hand at Broadway Bares, the famed BC/EFA benefit that happens every June, and was pleasantly reminded of it again last night. To make my point, I give you Matthew Morrison, back in his Broadway days, baring his abs at Broadway Bares for charity. Shirtless benefits are good!

Because of the madness that was last night's benefit, I have no idea of what happened on the shows. I realized after I got home last night that I did not change the clock on my quaint VCR, and so I did not tape B&S. This illustrated to me the fact that I need to upgrade my cable so that I can DVR like the rest of the world. To do so would require me to make a more consistent monthly income which has not been so easy these days. I know the recession was declared over last January, but somehow I still don't seem to be making any money. Hmmm... I'm not going to think about this too much or else I will get upset. In any case, I'm putting it out there, that for Christmas, I would like DVR and more good shirtlessness to record with said DVR , and while I'm asking for things, I might as well say that real shirtlessness would be much appreciated too. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless and Appreciative

I've never posted Ashton Kutcher before, but it seems like high time I do because of late, he seems to take his shirt off in every movie he does. Also, it seems that every movie Katherine Heigl does involves her co-star taking off his shirt which makes me like her a little bit more than I normally do (which is not much). In any case, I know one IMS member who admires Mr. Kutcher not only for his good shirtlessness but also for his marriage to Demi Moore. I have to say when I looked it up, seeing that she met him when she was 40 and married him at 42 gives me new hope that there may be some good shirtlessness to be found in my future yet. I know one should hardly look to Hollywood for inspiration for romance, but given that there aren't very many other places to look, I'll take my hopeful moments where I can.

In other news, now that the election is over, I hope that we will return to a world of normal commercials. I don't think I could have handled one more day of watching Linda McMahon talk to me as a mother. In addition to the fact that she was not running in my state and therefore I couldn't understand why I was being subjected to her, the sheer volume of her commercials made me want to do something to vote against her. I realize that for billionaires, it's hard to understand the concept of too much, but please try. I'm still reeling from the story about the Indian billionaire's 27 story house in Bombay. At what point do you lose the perspective to realize building a house as big as an apartment building for yourself down the street from slums is tasteless?

Sadly I realize that elections have become like Christmas, and it's probably only a few days before we start seeing commercials for 2012. The Food Emporium in my neighborhood hung up a wreath on Monday, the day after Halloween. If only the candidates and Santa were in good shape, I might have a better attitude.

In any case, I am woefully behind on my tv and have no new shirtlessness to report. This may be why I am so cranky. Hopefully new shirtlessness will arrive soon, and the moment will pass. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Trick or Treat!

I received some frantic texts on Wednesday about how I should post Cory Monteith who plays Finn Hudson on "Glee" after the Halloween episode. I did not see the Halloween episode, and frankly after the lukewarm reviews it received on Facebook from my friends who are die-hard fans, I didn't rush to check it out on Hulu. But there was enough love for Mr. Monteith to suggest that he should be posted. So happy Halloween all! Singing in the shower seems more appealing somehow.

Where was I on Friday, you may ask? Honestly, I have been caught up in a swirl of writing a new play and organizing an event for another theater company that had me so attached to my computer on Friday working, I completely forgot to post. You know things are bad when I forget my twice weekly dose of shirtlessness, and I am looking into how my life could possibly be so out of control. I even forgot to record GA on Thursday.

To return to equilibrium, I did spend quality time on the couch last night watching DH and B&S, and I have to say that B&S has become so bizarre, I almost don't know what to do. Sunday night is my designated non-multitasking time, but honestly, I felt like I should have a magazine or something while this show was on. I don't know how Kitty went from mourning her dead husband to breaking up with her transitional man (who incidentally seemed crazy even while shirtless) in the span of two weeks. Time makes no sense on that show, nor does space. We are led to believe that Kitty fled to Ojai to get physical distance from her old life in LA/Pasadena, and yet members of her family keep dropping in on her hideaway on their way to work. It's very strange. I don't know what's going on in that show, and I want it to return to the days of everyone sitting by the pool watching Luc swim. That was much more fun. Also, is it just me or does the whole family seem to be bordering on alcoholism since they all (except for Justin, the alcoholic) drink morning, noon, and night and in response to good news and bad? I'm confused as to why they didn't keep the winery since it would have at least kept them all stocked in beverages.

With the passing of Halloween comes the acceptance that there will be no more occasions to see men with their shirts off in the street until next spring. This seems very sad to me, and I hope that my shows will be able to help me through the winter. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

What We Want

So I caught up on GA this weekend and was disturbed to find that the male shirtlessness on this week's episode involved man boobs. This was not the kind of shirtlessness that I was hoping for. I was thinking something more along the lines of the above photo except with sincerity this time. There is nothing I love more than sincere good male shirtlessness. Well, okay, I love sincere good male shirtlessness accompanied by water even more, but I digress. The point is that looking at a 13 year old boy with a glandular problem is not what IMS is advocating. We are advocating for Jesse Williams taking off his shirt in pursuit of another surgeon that he loves and admires. Let's try not to lose sight of our goal.

The theater company on whose Board I sit is having its annual benefit tomorrow, and so I am posting early in order to make sure that I am fulfilling all my obligations. While I am sure no one will take off his shirt and make me happy at tomorrow night's benefit, I do think that the party will be a great success. When organizing these types of events for companies that I am involved with, I do tend to think about the meaning and point of theater and whether the amount of work I put into it is worth it. After all, television pays more and reaches many more people. Theater artists seem to be on the bottom of the heap of the entertainment profession. And yet I keep doing it because I believe there is something magical about being in the room with the artists that you can't get from tv or film. Call me old-fashioned, but I like to breathe the same air as the audience and feel the response from the room immediately. Also, the shirtlessness is much better live.

So my charge to you this week, IMS members, is to think about the theater in your area and perhaps find a way to partake in it. And then tell me if it really is magic to be in the room with the artists or if I am crazy. I look forward to your responses. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The Plumber

I've complained to several friends about the bad plots on B&S, and the response has universally been, "I like the plumber." A little research revealed that Jack the Plumber is Jeremy Davidson, shown above as Brick in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" with his future wife, Mary Stuart Masterson. Yes, the plumber is cute and should take off his shirt. No, we should not have to suffer through out-takes of Ally McBeal as a widow in order to see it. Clearly, Mr. Davidson is capable of being shirtless and saying lines at the same time. Please B&S, let him speak over Kitty and say something other than a cliche. And while you're at it, please let Gilles speak, too, and in full sentences about something other than the "language of love." Now I have been accused of objectifying men through my blog, but let the record show that I have always appreciated a man with a good mind and the ability to speak in full sentences (see post on Barack Obama). Just as I advocate for good male shirtlessness, I also advocate for compound sentences.

Today, I got an email for a "Boyfriend for Hire" service. I thought I had signed up at a discount spa website, and then had the horrible feeling that I was actually on some kind of porn site. But actually this service provides skilled men to fix things in your house, should your actual boyfriend not be handy (a common problem) or if you don't have a boyfriend to do these things at all. Actually, I thought these were the kinds of things a super is supposed to do, but then I wondered if perhaps in addition to being skilled, these men might also be attractive. And if they are attractive, could they be shirtless? It's an interesting line of questioning, no? It almost makes me want to stuff my hair down the drain or break the lock on my bathroom door.

I didn't get to watch GA last night because I went to see a show which did not feature any shirtlessness. I fear that the trend I noticed in shirtless theater may be abating, and so for my part, I have submitted my shirtless play all over the place in order to tip the scales back to the right side. Again, I will point out that in my play, the male character both takes off his shirt and speaks in full sentences. Keep your fingers crossed that someone decides to stage it! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness As We Know It

The subways have been sporting some good shirtlessness lately in the form of Josh Duhamel in the poster for "Life As We Know It." Although the movie does look like predictable romantic comedy fare, I am happy for any movie with a shirtless poster to be be running in the theaters. It makes my day much nicer. Actually, I don't know why I haven't posted Mr. Duhamel sooner. The few interviews that I have read suggest that he does not take himself too seriously, always an excellent accessory to shirtlessness, and judging from the above photo, he definitely meets the Two Point Standard. Also, I met him once a very long time ago when I was an extra in his scene of "All My Children," and he was the one regular from the show who went around and said hello to every actor on the set. Classy!

"Swan Lake" did feature quite a few shirtless swans, and I think that while none of those swans had seen the sun in a very long time, I will still qualify them as having excellent shirtlessness. While the production was as beautiful as I remember it, it did not quite pack the same emotional punch I remember from the first time, perhaps because I was seated at quite a distance compared to the intimacy of a Broadway theater. I was very happy to see a dancer that I knew from class in the production as the Queen. Perhaps my meditations on the brevity of a dance career were a bit premature. After seeing her performance, I cannot imagine that she will be done any time soon.

DH and B&S offered rather predictable fare this week. While Kitty's new love does look promising in the shirtlessness department, I'm not sure if I can bear to listen to her stutter about how hard it is to love in order to achieve it. Again, I think that my standards are definitely going up because now I find that simply taking one's shirt off is not enough; one needs to say something either witty, clever, or cute in order to satisfy me. With that in mind, I am not holding my breath for tonight's episode of H5-0. But ever the optimist, I'll watch and have a little hope. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless Male Swans

Tonight I am going to see Matthew Bourne's "Swan Lake" for some guaranteed good ballet shirtlessness. I saw the original Broadway production in 1999 and am excited to return to see a new cast. Of course, seeing a new cast 11 years later does offer a pause about the nature of dance and the human body. Swan Lake undoubtedly celebrates the beauty of the male form as you can see above, but I do wonder what happened to all the gorgeous forms I saw the last time around and whether any of those dancers can still do what they did in 1999. I know plenty of dancers with careers that span far more than 11 years, and yet in the twilight of my own dance career when I notice places aching that never ached before, I feel a longing for those original swans and the wonder that accompanied them for doing what no one had ever seen before. These nostalgic thoughts will of course be forgotten at the theater when I will be enthralled all over again!

Brava to GA last night for making Jesse Williams take his shirt off twice! Why he hasn't done it sooner is beyond me. Clearly, we are being prepared for his love life, which I welcome. I'm not sure who he will bed, but I feel certain that romance is coming. And brava for letting Teddy say something sassy back. I like Kim Raver and have been wishing that she had more to do than be longing and damaged. Good for her! Finally brava to GA for allowing Derek and Meredith to have a normal relationship for more than a season. I think it's nice to see how a relationship continues to evolve and need work even after "I do." I much prefer it to when Meredith was dead for three weeks.

Okay, H5-0, I enjoyed the clever way Alex O'Loughlin took off his shirt in Monday's episode, but please make the writing better. I'm not clear why the Asian people barely get to speak on this show, but I'd like to say it would be a better show if they did. Poor Grace Kim gets about three sentences an episode. I feel certain that she can do a lot more than type on a computer and say "Okay boss." And CBS, if you don't want to invest in better plots for H5-0, then please make Alex O'Loughlin, Daniel Dae Kim, and Scott Cahn take off their shirts for longer, much longer.

Off to yoga to prepare myself for excellent shirtlessness tonight. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

More Gleeful Abs

Because I was in Ithaca without a car for the summer, I had no idea that these pictures were in Vogue this June. But better late than never, right? Having seen Mr. Morrison's abs for real in "South Pacific" two seasons ago, I keep hoping that the writers of "Glee" will figure out a way to make him take his shirt off more on the show. Of course, there is the creep factor of having a shirtless teacher in high school, but it's not as if Glee doesn't push the limits of our suspension of disbelief anyway.

On other "Glee" fronts, I also got sucked into "Step Up 2: The Streets" this Saturday morning, and saw Harry Shum, Jr. shirtless and wet for a bit. Really, I think Glee has a lot of raw material that it is not using to its fullest potential.

I have another early gig tomorrow which explains the early post. I am grateful for work as always but can't help wishing that it involved less waking up at 5am. I'm flying to Indianapolis in the morning and hopefully will have some interesting shirtlessness to report on Friday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Early Post

I have a gig tomorrow that requires me to get up very early and so I'm posting early for kicks. A friend posted this video on Facebook, and I thought it was a humorous use of shirtlessness. So enjoy a blast from the past. I'll say I enjoy shirtlessness set to 80s music, and I'm also pleasantly surprised that Mike Tyson continues to be willing to make fun of himself. I enjoyed his cameo in "The Hangover" and laughed out loud with his random appearance here. I've also always had a secret crush on Wayne Brady - mostly because he seems willing to do anything to make us laugh.

I have to note that the Vice President of IMS disagreed with my assessment of Brian Austin Green's shirtlessness on DH. It just goes to show you that shirtlessness is in the eye of the beholder - one person's so-so might be another one's va-va-voom. I'm here only to promote good shirtlessness in all of its forms. So I'm thrilled that Mr. Green's shirtlessness pleased someone last Sunday night. I'm still hoping that Carlos will take off his shirt this Sunday.

And while I am a fan of H50, I think that it is now time for the writing to catch up with the hunkiness. Monday's episode contained only a flash of shirtlessness in the locker room with the quarterback, and the lack of longer shirtlessness allowed me time to ask myself questions like "Where is Jean Smart?" and "Do these people work for the police or what?" I applaud CBS for standing by Alex O'Loughlin and giving him starring roles in series. I only ask that they now give him more shirtless air time along with something interesting to do. Bickering with Scott Cahn does not an episode make, although I enjoy it very much.

It's been a rather introspective few months for me, and I have recently come to the conclusion that life really takes us on its own ride rather than us controlling it. I've decided that the best thing to do is laugh. I am going to try to laugh as much as possible. If I could laugh hysterically in a room full of polite and wet shirtless men, I think that would be heaven! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Overlooked Shirtlessness

I'll admit that I have not paid much attention to Carlos on DH, possibly because I'm not a huge fan of facial hair, but I'd like to say that since shaving, Ricardo Chavira has leaped to the forefront of my list of men to take off their shirts on the show. Move over Brian Austin Green, Mr. Chavira will give you a run for your money! I hope that Carlos and Gabby get over their grief soon, and that perhaps Carlos will comfort Gabby by taking off his shirt. I know that if I found out that my child had been switched at birth, I would be greatly comforted by a shirtless, beardless Ricardo Chavira giving me a hug. And is it just me, or is Brian Austin Green's shirtlessness just not that exciting? I'm glad that the show is returning to the shirtlessness every week standard, but I have to say that I was not so impressed with it last night. Perhaps after being a connoisseur of shirtlessness for several years now, my standards have become impossibly high. Hmmm... I guess I'll just have to keep curling up with H 5-0 for my weekly fix of good male shirtlessness.

In other surprising news, I need to give a shout out to the Ma-Yi Theater Company's production of Michael Lew's "Microcrisis" for its dose of unexpected shirtlessness. IMS members know that I have come to hope for shirtlessness in almost every show or play I see, but honestly, I didn't see it coming in a play about the financial crisis. But somehow, shirtlessness found its way into the scene transitions to hilarious effect, and I was truly astonished by this clever and effective use of male shirtlessness. Bravo to Mike, director Ralph Pena, and the game assistant stage manager who took off his shirt in the name of telling a story even in scene breaks. In addition to using shirtlessness well, the production is absolutely hilarious with a top notch cast, and I encourage all IMS members in the New York area to run to see the show. You can get more information and tickets by clicking here.

I can't really comment on B&S due to the absurdity of the Sally Field lesbian storyline, and so I will just look forward to watching H5-0 tonight where shirtlessness is sure to mix with water and witty banter, just the way I like it. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Going the Distance for Shirtlessness

As I told you on Monday, I saw two movies over the weekend after not seeing any at all this summer. On Friday, I saw "Easy A," and on Saturday, I saw "Going the Distance" with Justin Long and Drew Barrymore. Part of what drew me to this film was the fact that it was directed by a woman who went to my high school, Nanette Burnstein, and I was very excited to support an artist coming out of my school. The film is not amazing, but I was impressed with some of the things that Ms. Burnstein choose to depict in a big budget Hollywood film, namely casual drug use and self pleasure via phone sex (look out Christine O'Donnell!). Most astonishingly, Mr. Long sported extensive shirtlessness without Ms. Barrymore having to take her shirt off at all. I think we saw her in her bra once but obstructed by Mr. Long's shirtless torso. I would say that this is a reason to hire more female directors in Hollywood, particularly ones who went to my high school. Brava!

In other news, I'm pleased to report that Bailey found a new take on our mantra here at IMS in last night's episode of GA - "Get your shirt off!" I liked it. I'm still enjoying the Meredith and Christina bonding, especially the way Derek has to deal with it, and I feel sure that the new psychiatrist is close to taking his shirt off on the show as well. This all makes me feel hopeful that GA will continue on a good track this season. As long as no one makes Eric Dane wear a turtleneck as he waits for Lexi, I will be happy.

I started a new play that I feel certain will contain shirtlessness, and so I'm feeling like I am continuing on the right track as well. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Easy Shirtlessness

I apologize for Harry Shum Jr's mysterious disappearance over the weekend and for the fact that this picture will not fit very well into the format. I don't know why Google images has become so difficult to navigate recently, but I am trying to make the most of it. If nothing else, maybe these strange, hard-to-see photos make you want to check out the source of the shirtlessness even more?

In any case, after a summer of seeing almost no movies at all, I saw two movies in one weekend and discovered the delectable Penn Badgely who seems to be quite game for taking his shirt off. Hurrah! I have not watched "Gossip Girl" since I was trying to keep one night television free (which has gone out the window with my new obsession of "Hawaii 5-0") and really did not know much about Mr. Badgley. But I enjoyed him in "Easy A" this weekend. In fact, I enjoyed "Easy A" quite a lot with the exception of my difficulty imagining that a girl could be so completely vilified in high school for having sex. Perhaps it is too long since I went to high school, but I distinctly remember that more than one person in my class was having it without causing too much outrage. On the flip side, the hommage to John Hughes movies of the 80s made me laugh and cheer, and of course, I can't help but love a leading lady with a caustic wit.

Thank goodness that I got my laughing and cheering at the movies because there wasn't much to be had last night with the season premiers of either DH or B&S. While I enjoyed DH to a certain extent, I couldn't help feeling that I was watching a recycled show. We watched Vanessa Williams bring a slghtly kinder and gentler Wilhemina Slater to Wisteria Lane and Bree set up almost the exact same scenario as we saw Susan in two seasons ago, strangely with newly wed Brian Austin Green in the role of the housepainter. The only saving grace was the beardless Carlos looking quite dapper. I think he should take his shirt off for sure!

As for B&S, that show has jumped the shark. Even the giant billboard of shirtless Gilles could not save the episode. Why was everyone speaking so slowly? I felt like I was in the final scene of an episode of "Party of 5" for the entire show. Pregnant pauses do not make good television; nor does excessive whining. I don't know that I will be able to continue on Sunday nights. They didn't even let poor Gilles say anything. Why, ABC, why?

I'm just grateful that I have H50 to watch tonight. It looks like Mr. O'Loughlin will be shirtless and wet tonight. I can hardly wait! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless Glee!

I may be the only person in America who did not see the season opener of "Glee" this week (well besides the other 4 people who were on a conference call with me), but my inbox was full after the airing with buzz about a shirtless hottie named Harry Shum, Jr. From what I can see, this young actor has already learned how to give good shirtlessness, and I like it! He is almost abnormally muscle-bound which in a strange way makes me proud of a fellow Asian thespian. Way to represent, Mr. Shum!

In other news, I love "Hawaii 5-0," and I love Alex O'Loughlin. Click here to see a profile of him on CBS. Mr. O'Loughlin speaks with his native Australian accent which is oh so sexy. My favorite part is his voice-over about how "naturally athletic" he is laid over a shot of him taking his shirt off. It's all good. Plus the banter with Scott Cahn appeals to my need for good dialogue. I have a feeling that "Castle" may lose out to the 50th state. If only the writers could write something interesting for the Asian characters, I would be completely happy.

Also speaking of sexy men with accents, I caught Gilles Marini on the Wendy Williams show yesterday. He was trying to make strawberry shortcake with her and became rather flummoxed when she sprayed whipped cream directly into her mouth. I love that Gilles can even make a talk show segment that has gone terribly wrong look adorable. I look forward to seeing him on B&S this Sunday where I believe that he will take his shirt off.

And finally, I enjoyed GA last night even thought no one took his shirt off. I will say that the new psychologist played by James Tupper would do much better if he conducted his sessions shirtless, but of course, I am biased. My favorite line from last night's opener was "Derek is the love of my life, but you are my soulmate" once again giving props to the power of female relationships. For all of the twistiness, I have to say that Meredith and Christina remain one of my favorite television pairings on air today.

Looking forward to Sunday. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

And so it begins...

The week of season premiers is upon us, and I am extremely excited that it starts with "Hawaii 5-0" tonight. Alex O'Loughlin is so dreamy, and the show's premise seems to offer many opportunities for shirtlessness to be paired with water. This is how I like to get the party started. Not to mention that I'm also going to see a dear friend on NBC's "The Event" tonight as well. Is there a better way to kick off a new season?

I doubt it. If Mr. O'Loughlin does not take off his shirt, I will be very disappointed indeed, but in what has been described as "the most intensely competitive opening night in recent memory" (NYT, 9/20/10) CBS would be foolish not to make the most of its casts' assets. I know Grace Park will be wearing a bikini for most of the show, and so it stands to reason that Mr. O'Loughlin will take off his shirt. I am so excited for tonight!

I hope this is the beginning of a very beautiful and shirtless season! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The Very Bad No Good Day

Every so often, each of us has a terrible, very bad, no good day in which everything goes wrong. Yesterday was just such a day for me, and the result was no post. The upside of this story is that in times of distress, Gilles Marini can and does make everything better.

I could go through all the details of what made my day bad including finding myself at what I thought was a print go-see and finding out that it was actually an on-camera commercial audition that was running one and a half hours behind, but then I would end up making today annoying as well. And why do that when I could just day dream about new storylines for B&S to make Gilles take his shirt off? I liked the pool scene last season and could do with another one of those. As you know, I am a big fan of water and shirtlessness. I think they go well together. I also like steam and shirtlessness, shirtless cooking, and shirtless cleaning. These would all be excellent additions to the season at hand.

So with those happy thoughts, I am going to venture out into the world and try to have a better day. Hopefully another tornado will not touch down as I attempt to meet a friend in the park. Perhaps instead, the park will be filled with tan, shirtless men offering to clean my apartment and make me dinner. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Hawaiian Shirtlessness

Walking around my neighborhood, I am happily reminded by almost every bus and telephone kiosk that the new season not only brings new shows from old favorites but also new shows from new contenders. The poster that has caught my eye the most this fall is that of Hawaii 5-0. Here is a show whose very premise demands male shirtlessness in every episode, and from the trailer, it appears that show's producers are aware of the excellent shirtless potential exhibited by its star, Alex O'Loughlin. I've posted him before, and I have a feeling I'll be posting him again. I remember watching this show with my parents back in the days when only women ran around in beach scenes, and I admit there's something about the theme song from the original series that still sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine. I look forward to some Monday night shirtlessness very soon!

Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

End of Summer Shirtlessness

As summer turns into fall and the temperature drops to an acceptable level, I have to reflect on the good shirtlessness of the summer and give props to my friend Louis Ozawa Changchien for the excellent shirtlessness he displayed in "Predator." He was the mystery man with back tats of the spring, and although his agent never did get around to sending me any shirtless photos, I feel that Louis is dedicated to the cause. When I saw him in "Year Zero" Off-Broadway, he wore his wife-beater style tank top with the panache of an IMS poster boy and made me proud. Live and on film, Louis is the real thing, kind heart with great shirtlessness!

Brave IMS members, we now approach the beginning of the new season on TV, and I'm looking forward to more good shirtlessness on big screens and small. Please feel free to post suggestions of who should take off their shirt in the fall line up, and I will do my best to post accordingly. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Gearing up for the Premieres

I don't know where my head was last season that I didn't post the fine Jason George giving Dr. Bailey some excellent and well deserved shirtlessness on the penultimate episode of Grey's Anatomy, but it's never too late to remedy the situation. What is not to love about this scenario? Working woman Bailey is being wined and dined by sexy anesthesiologist, Ben Warren, who then takes off all his clothes and insists that he make sweet sweet love to her. Swoon! Now I don't really know any anesthesiologists who are built like Jason George, but I am going to keep hoping. I'm also hoping that he didn't die in the bloodbath that was the season finale, because he and GA definitely need to keep that coming!

In the meantime, my reading at the Kennedy Center went very well, and it appears that my play is funny even to people that don't know me personally. Phew! Sometimes writing is so personal that I worry it won't transcend the page. My Jane Austen play is definitely a very personal play, and I'm glad to know that it can resonate with people other than my friends. I am grateful for that.

Now that the fall is upon us, I'm feeling hopeful for the season premieres and the shirtlessness they may hold. The fact that Vanessa Williams is joining the cast of DH assures me that something hot and wicked is coming to Wisteria Lane, and a shirtless man should be in tow. GA always has Eric Dane to fall back on, and I'm beginning to think that Glee can be a reliable source of shirtlessness as well. I feel optimistic, and I hope you do, too, brave IMS members. Until Friday, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Gleeful Shirtlessness

I have come to the "Glee" bandwagon late, primarily because I was afraid of committing myself to too many nights at home. However, I caught this video from a rerun this week and decided that the show was definitely on the right side of good shirtlessness. Also, I love Olivia Newton-John and will fully cop to having sported a look very much like hers in the "Physical" video back in the 6th grade. Little did I know then that I looked like Sue Sylvester. I have posted Matthew Morrison on the blog before, and I think guest star Jonathan Groff is just the sweetest from having participated in a benefit for the Actors' Fund with him a few years ago. Finally, the delightful takes on my favorite songs from the 80s keep me wanting more. So let's get physical, IMS!

I was not able to catch "The American" this week as planned due to some family issues. I hope to see George shirtless soon, however. The fact that he is shirtless in Italy will make the film even more visually appealing. Sometimes the anticipation just adds to the enjoyment.

I'm off to Washington DC tomorrow for the reading of my Jane Austen play that will be presented at the Kennedy Center. I'm pretty excited to have the play in such a prestigious venue, and I'm thrilled to be playing my own role. Lately, I have been reflecting on how many small steps it takes to make a big step. Sometimes the little steps seem endless. But every once in a while, one step can make the rest seem worthwhile, and I think that this one is that kind of step.

Due to the holiday and my reading, I will post on Tuesday next week. I wish you all a Labor Day weekend filled with tanned and trim torsos! Until then, I am...

Your in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Anticipating Shirtlessness

Okay, I know this is not an actual shirtless picture of everyone's favorite actor, gorgeous George Clooney, but I also know for a fact that he will be shirtless in this film. So I'm posting it and feeling happy that in the next week, I will be feasting my eyes on some excellent shirtlessness. I hope you, brave IMS members, will feel happy too. Apparently some shirtless photos will also be coming out in W magazine, and I will be sure to post those just as soon as I can. But for now, we will just have to enjoy this still of him in a suit which frankly is a look that I have always loved on him. I think that if you can't have shirtlessness, the next best thing is a well cut suit. I offer "Ocean's 11" in support of this theory.

In any case, I'm readjusting to life in New York where I don't have to recycle quite as maniacally as in Ithaca, although I am trying to keep the recycling flame alive. I have been separating my tea bag wrappers from the tea bags and wondering how much landfill would be saved, if people would simply take this one step. It boggles the mind to think how much could be changed with small adjustments in lifestyle like unplugging chargers and turning off the lights, and yet so many people are unwilling to make even these small changes. Clearly things like derivative trading, health insurance, and the tax code are not going to be adjusted in my lifetime. Whenever I start to think about overwhelmingly negative things of this nature, I go back to the touchstone of good male shirtlessness and think that at least one thing is going in a positive direction - there is more good male shirtlessness every day. Phew!

It's good to have something positive to think about when the facts of life seem overwhelmingly negative. The work we do is important. Don't stop advocating for good male shirtlessness. As you know, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Oh Brad!

I'm feeling nostalgic again for the days when couples kept their own names and Brad Pitt had short blod hair. Oh, those were the good old days! I was not able to post on Monday because I was visiting my parents who for some unknown reason decided to cancel their internet service. I think my dad thinks that the internet is a passing fad, and I didn't really have the heart to explain the truth to him. For three internet free days, I did harken back to a time when the news cycle was not constant, and I could watch "Law & Order" reruns without interruption from the comfort of my bed. But back in the gritty city, I am reminded that indeed the internet is here to stay, and Brangelina no longer knows what his natural hair color is. The good news is that shirtlessness seems to be becoming the norm. One cheer for progress!

I was watching a rerun of "The Middle" the other night and noticed that the oldest son in that show seems to be shirtless all the time. Now granted, he is a teenager and very pale, but he walks around the show without a shirt and without anyone commenting on it. I have to wonder if the next generation of males is being trained to believe that good shirtlessness is their duty and responsibility? I can only hope! IMS members, we are a subtle but powerful group. Don't give up the fight!

Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

A Good Move for Connor

How happy am I to find out that Grant Bowler after his amazing stint on "Ugly Betty" and that coming out of the water scene has joined the cast of "True Blood," ensuring that his shirtlessness will go on? Very happy. I clearly need to get HBO to increase my shirtlessness quotient. Hopefully the universe will hear my call and respond by providing me with a job that lasts long enough to justify raising my cable bill. Ah the delicate balance of being a performing artist while trying to maintain an acceptable level of shirtlessness!

My show opens tonight, and although I was not able to advocate for any shirtlessness in it, I am incredibly proud of the work. I have an absolutely adorable cast who has worked hard to incorporate all of the movement into their characters in a most organic and natural way. It has been a joy to work with all of them and with the creative staff. Since this was my first time choreographing an entire show, the process was filled with stress and insecurity, but I am grateful to find out that even in one's late 30's, it is possible to rise to new challenges.

I continue to challenge all of you IMS members to advocate for good male shirtlessness, far and wide. Anything is possible! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

A Blast from the Past

Forgive me for the last week without posting. Choreographing a musical has taken more brain power than I expected, and between the exhaustion and connectivity issues, I just could not post. I realize that in these stressful times, I probably need good male shirtlessness more than ever, but alas I could not quite get it together. If only some good shirtlessness would come to me once in a while!

In any case, the other night Spike TV was showing a marathon of the original Star Wars movies, and I was reminded how much I enjoyed Harrison Ford as Han Solo. My favorite of the trilogy was "The Empire Strikes Back" partially because it seemed so selfless when he allowed himself to be frozen in carbonite. Looking back, I realize that watching these movies probably began my unrealistic expectations of men and the endless search for selflessness and compassion in the opposite sex. Good thing I have replaced this search with the search for good shirtlessness which is infinitely more achievable!

I start tech for my show this evening and open on Friday. While I was unsuccessful in getting anyone to take off their shirt in the show, I am told that for the "Adult Swim" night where all the spellers will be given dirty words, perhaps shirts will be optional. A girl can dream! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness for Good and Not Evil

So apparently filming has begun on an Asian version of Jersey Shore called "K-Town," and I am baffled as to how assimilation has led to ethnic versions of bad television shows. I shouldn't really speak since I have never watched the "Jersey Shore," and reading last week's People magazine expose on its inhabitants (What do you call people on a reality show that isn't a contest? Characters? Members?) did not make me want to start. The only thing that seems positive is that a certain Mr. Peter Le is getting a lot of attention for his abs in the same vein as his white counterpart, "The Situation." I'm not really sure if this is progress, folks. Even I have to draw the line somewhere, and it seems like there should be other ways to recognize the rocking abs of Asian men than bootlegging a reality television show that celebrates the idiocy of its cast.

Currently I am working very hard on trying to figure out how to make my Spelling Bee cast take off their shirts in the show. Being a choreographer has been fun so far since I tell the cast what to do and they do it. Today I made everyone fall on the floor. It seems like I should be able to make shirts disappear. But I do feel a little bit awkward about it since the actors are portraying children in middle school. Perhaps inappropriate? Well, maybe this show will lead to another show in which male shirtlessness would not offend. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Vampire Shirtlessness

I know it's crazy that as the president of IMS, I have never watched "True Blood," but Madame Secretary tells me that this hunk, Joe Manganiello, is joining the show as a regular werewolf which I can only assume means that he will be shirtless most of the time. Yay! If this blog would take off, perhaps I could add HBO to my pathetic cable package and enjoy "True Blood" on a regular basis. To be honest, I'm a little bit afraid of the show because I think there is a lot of pantslessness as well as shirtlessness, and you all know I advocate for shirtlessness only. I know the Vice President will have something to say about this as well, but what can I say? I'm just a sweet Indian girl who enjoys good male shirtlessness!

Today I begin rehearsals for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at the Hangar Theatre as the choreographer. I was a bit terrified by the prospect of creating the movement for an entire show, but now that rehearsals are upon me, I'm excited to be creative in a different way than I have been in a while. I also am trying to figure out how to get at least one speller to take his shirt off. My job is really never done. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Technical Difficulties

Sorry true IMS members. I am having difficulty finding a picture for today due to the change in format of Google image searches. I hope to figure out the issue by Monday so that I can post as usual. In the meantime, go out and enjoy some live male shirtlessness instead of reading about it on my blog!

Yours always in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Vacation Shirtlessness

After closing my show last weekend, I fled to sunny California where I discovered that I did not have access to a computer and couldn't post. Sorry for the delay. Will this delightful picture of Kellan Lutz make up for it? Everywhere I go, I am confronted by a shirtless Mr. Lutz on billboards, and I have to say they make me happy. I can't figure out how I haven't gone to a single Twilight movie given this level of shirtlessness, but alas, I haven't. I'll have to fix that immediately. In the meantime, I'm grateful for Calvin Klein and his dedication to good male shirtlessness in all of his ad campaigns. As a thank you, I went out and bought a few of his bras to support the cause as well as my own shirtlessness.

In any case, I'm off to do a million things before returning to Ithaca and the land of college age shirtlessness. I hope the summer heat continues to inspire good male shirtlessness on all fronts. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Old Spicy Shirtlessness

I can't help myself, but these ads make me laugh. I've never actually seen one on tv, but they are quite the internet sensation. I say, Old Spice, keep them coming. These commercials prey on my weakness for good shirtlessness and my classic female fantasy of wanting a man who can speak in full sentences and bake a cake. I realize that I have essentially described half of my gays friends, but alas, even this gay icon is looking for something else, and apparently that is the Old Spice Man.

I'm in my final weekend of performances here at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY, and feeling a little bit sad about closing a show that I could easily run for longer. It has been such a lovely summer in upstate New York, unbearable heat wave aside. The show ends with the cast singing "Impossible Dream" which one of my cast mates has described as the "Actor's Anthem," and I find it impossible not to cry when singing it. For those of us who have taken the road less traveled, sometimes reflecting on that journey can be bittersweet. So I head into my last three shows with a lot of gratitude for my time on the stage and a deep longing for more.

That attitude transfers somewhat to IMS, where the search for great shirtlessness is never over. Keep dreaming the Impossible Dream, brave members, and one day we might surprise ourselves with the new world that we create. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Viva Espana!

In honor of Spain winning the World Cup for the first time, I had to post a picture of Spanish goalie, Iker Casillas. Apparently goaltenders don't rip off their shirts quite as much as offensive players, and so I had to settle for this photo in which Mr. Casillas has not seen the sun quite to the degree that I would prefer. I do what I can. Hurrah for new teams winning, and for players of all nationalities ripping off their shirts spontaneously more than once every four years!

In other spontaneous shirtlessness news, I went to a house party last night with a few castmates after my show and danced like crazy with a shirtless straight man. I'll say that I normally associate shirtless dancing with gay clubs, and it was a very pleasant experience to have my realm of experience widened. Also, I forget how much dancing like crazy can elevate the heart. I've been dancing every day in my show and in rehearsal, but there is something uniquely liberating about getting on the floor and shaking it with a bunch of other people. I'll admit to coming home and dancing around my living room to Michael Jackson and Britney Spears on a regular basis. Having that kind of fun with others makes it even more spectacular. I've definitely got a little extra bounce in my step today!

So with that bounce, I say go out and fight the good fight for male shirtlessness. In this blustering heat the only real solution is good male shirtlessness. If you're not part of the solution, you are definitely part of the problem, which is incidentally how I feel about most of the world's ills. Let's make this world a better place, one sculpted male torso at a time. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Alumni Shirtlessness

Sorry for the late post. Being on show schedule and living in unrelenting heat has confused my sense of time, and I didn't realize until now that it was Friday and time to post. Since I am working at the Hangar Theatre this summer, I thought I would post an alum, Jimmy Smits. Strangely enough, Mr. Smits has no suitable shirtless photos on the internet, in spite of spending quite a bit of time shirtless on NYPD Blue. I don't know what to make of it, but this was the best that I could do. I will say that the photos that are available online are mostly of him in well tailored jackets, and I do have to admit my weakness for a man in a suit. But I digress. In any case, Mr. Smits is a veteran of the stage and screen. I saw him on Broadway in "Anna in the Tropics" several years ago and loved him. I am always happy to see a star come back to his theatrical roots which is different from tv stars who do Broadway having never set foot in a theater before their debut on the Great White Way.

In any case, speaking of the theater, I seem to be in a hit. Ithaca is eating up our production of "Man of La Mancha." I personally seem to be a hit among the over 60 crowd, but I guess that's what happens when you dress up as a gypsies and scream like a banshee in the middle of a prison drama. Doing the show has been an emotional experience as it seems to be catching me at a time of questioning the impossible dream. I think all artists question their art, especially those of us who find ourselves struggling over time, and the play's central theme of fighting the good fight no matter whether you win or lose seems to cut to the heart of the matter. I love what I do, and yet sometimes it seems completely futile. I am coming down on the side of Don Quixote on this one, but only by a very narrow margin at the moment.

It is unbearably hot in upstate New York. I shudder to think what it is like in New York City. It's so hot that male shirtlessness barely raises an eyebrow. I know this is part of the dream, but I assure you that relentless heat was never part of the cause. Like Don Quixote, though, I urge you all to continue supporting the cause and stay cool. Until the heat breaks, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Independence Shirtlessness

In honor of the 4th of July, I thought I would post Will Smith since any time anyone says Independence Day to me, that is who I think of. I guess I could have gone with Tom Cruise and the whole "Born on the 4th of July" motto, but alas, Mr. Cruise kind of bugs me these days. In any case, Mr. Smith is always good for some excellent shirtlessness, and I applaud him.

In news of my own shirtlessness, I spent 2 hours by the pool yesterday before my show and had the most unfortunate experience of getting burned. I'm a naturally brown person, and generally, due to this, I tan well. I usually don't wear sunscreen on the first day that I go out in the sun just so that I can get a base tan and then wear sunscreen after since I literally do not tan at all if I wear any sunscreen of any number at all. Sadly, yesterday I came home to discover that my body was many different colors. Strangely, my decollete was a different color than my stomach, possibly due to the fact that I was reading a book for a while. This all would have been fine if I didn't have a show at night in which I bare both my decollete and stomach at the same time and my tan lines from my bikini did not match my top. I wound up putting brown make-up all over in an attempt to mask it, and wound up looking a like a girl with a bad tan line who was really dirty. This incident reminded me again of how difficult it is to achieve good shirtlessness and how we should give kind encouragement to those who get it right.

In any case, my burn has turned into a tan this morning and does look a little bit more like the rest of my body. Phew! And with that I leave you on this holiday weekend...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Diverse Shirtlessness

Today, I am reposting a photo from earlier this spring to reveal the identity of the man with the fierce back tats - Louis Changchien. I await his publicist to send me some photos from the front, but I am assured that the shirtlessness is good in 360. Knowing Louis also helps. I tried to convince him to take off his shirt in his last play, Michael Golamco's "Year Zero" at Second Stage Theater this spring, but alas, the director did not agree with my suggestion. In any case, Louis continues to exhibit both good shirtlessness and its ultimate accessory, an amazing and kind heart. After all the shirtlessness is only the wrapping of the real thing.

Apparently, Louis should also be very happy that he was cast in an Asian role instead of having his part played by a Caucasian actor in yellowface. My facebook page was alight this morning with outrage over the new M. Night Shyamalan movie, "The Last Airbender," in which all the heroic characters with Asian names are played by white actors, and the evil characters with Asian names are played by Asian actors. I continue to be amazed by how slowly time moves with these issues. In 2010, it is still acceptable for Caucasian actors to impersonate other races, and yet, ethnic actors are not allowed to play outside the very narrow stereotypes of their own societally-imposed racial identities. I am aghast.

Luckily for me, my show is opening tonight, and I feel very blessed that a brown woman like myself has the opportunity to play a brown woman in a musical. I also feel very lucky that I get to work with a wonderful cast and an amazing creative team. I'll keep hoping for small miracles! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Continuing on my sporty theme of Summer 2010, I present Andy Roddick who is currently ranked eighth at Wimbeldon. As I did my research of Mr. Roddick, I noticed that he seems to play tennis without a shirt quite a bit. Thank you, Mr. Roddick, for leading the way in tennis. I will admit to feeling a little bit nostalgic for the days when everyone wore white on the tennis court, but as you know, I am willing to put aside my nostalgia for the sake of the cause.

This is the first year in many that I have not been in NYC for Pride, and I will say that I was sorry to miss perhaps the best weekend for shirtlessness in the city. I don't go to the parade, because parades are not fun for short people, but I have always enjoyed the shirtlessness in the streets that spontaneously happens on Pride weekend. I did, however, go to one of the many gorges in the Ithaca environs to check out the shirtlessness of the locals. It was not quite as exciting as I hoped, but the summer is still young. In any case, I was sorry to miss demonstrating my pride in my fabulous gay friends in person and send them all a shout out from upstate New York!

Summer sports continue to provide what the gorges cannot. I head into tech this evening, and will have little time for shirtlessness of any kind. But brave IMS members, please know that the cause is always in my mind. I leave you...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Birthday Shirtlessness

Yesterday was my birthday, and in honor of myself, I'm posting my touchstone, George Clooney. I know that the US is doing well in the World Cup, and True Blood has not disappointed on the shirtless front, but when push comes to shove, I will always take gorgeous George over everyone else. I'm sure he feels the same about me!

In spite of the fact that I experienced no shirtlessness yesterday, I still had a pretty fantastic birthday. There was cake, fine dining, wine, friends, music, laughter. Really good male shirtlessness was the only thing that was missing! I am going to see a show tonight, however, in which some of my La Mancha cast mates will remove their shirts, and given how many push-ups said cast mates have been doing in rehearsal, I suspect that the shirtlessness will be very good. In some ways, my birthday will just go on and on!

In the next year, I hope to continue the hard but groundbreaking work on behalf of the cause. Maybe next year, I'll have a shirtless birthday party. A girl can dream! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

True Shirtlessness

It's really wonderful to have a VP and a Secretary to help me when other things take over and distract me from good male shirtlessness. As I rehearse for "Man of La Mancha" upstate, the IMS Board continues to look for good male shirtlessness everywhere. They have informed me that "True Blood" has begun on HBO and continues the tradition of excellent male shirtlessness as demonstrated above by Alexander Skarsgard in a publicity shot for the show. Pictures like this make me wish that vampires existed just a little bit.

The show is going well, for those of you who are wondering. I had my costume fitting on Saturday and was reacquainted with the idea that when you are baring your stomach to a bunch of people who have paid to see you, that stomach should be flat. I feel a kinship with the IMS Poster boys because of course, good shirtlessness is hard work. I do sit ups in rehearsal whenever I'm not in the scene, inspired by both my costume and my fellow castmates who like to do sit ups and puch ups whenever they can. There are a few candidates for IMS in my cast, but out of respect to their processes, I won't post any pictures. Yet.

In any case, it is wonderful to be out of the city and enjoying a new pace of life. I understand that there are watering holes where the locals take their shirts off, and I intend to check those out in the coming weeks. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Thank you, Madame Secretary!

Recently, one member of the IMS community has really been taking an active part in our advocacy mission and alerted me to several important developments on the male shirtlessness front, like Christiano Ronaldo posing for Armani underwear ads as pictured above. I'll admit that while I am in rehearsals for "Man of La Mancha" upstate, I am having a hard time staying focused on the cause and even missed posting yesterday, and it is in times like these, that it is important to have an active and motivated community. In reward for her hard work on behalf of good maleshirtlessness everywhere, I'd like to announce that the position of Secretary on the IMS board has been filled. While I'm sure she will not join the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pantsuits any time soon because she is just too fabulous to be caught in a pantsuit, I hope that this elevation in status will bring some joy into her life. Welcome, and thank you!

Let's also hear it for Mr. Ronaldo and his excellent underwear ads. This ad has made me rethink the shorts that they wear in soccer, but alas, I digress from our primary mission. Yesterday in rehearsal, one actor brought his laptop in order to follow the World Cup on our breaks. For a bunch of theater people, I was impressed by the interest around the room. We're a multifaceted group in this La Mancha cast. I'm looking forward to more antics ahead. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS