They Are Shirtless

Although I missed the premier tonight, another IMS member was kind enough to report that the above show contained a lot of shirtlessness.  She did not say much about the rest of the show, but I thought it was worth noting.  I was busy re-writing my latest play for the 4th time and trying to figure out a way to get more shirtlessness included when this program aired.  I'll admit that the poster intrigued me - first by the fact that two of the men in the title are brown (Tony Shaloub is technically a brown man as a Lebanese American), and second by the fact that the shirtlessness is out there but not particularly flattering.  Frankly most bodies in motion don't look great in freeze frame, unless of course you are an Olympic swimmer, and I thought it was brave of these guys to put it out there in conditions not conducive to good shirtlessness.  I won't rib Kal Penn too hard for not taking his shirt off until I see the show. 

I'll admit that on the eve of a government shutdown, it is hard to focus on male shirtlessness.  My only hope is that one day the Congressional stand-offs will end while good male shirtlessness will endure.  While it is difficult to keep the faith in these trying times, I ask you all to stand with me in that hope.  Until every man takes his shirt off or we go off the fiscal cliff, I remain...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Local Shirtlessness

Gentle readers, it has been a tumultuous time for the President of IMS, reflected in my erratic posting schedule.  Between my ongoing unhappiness with TimeWarner Cable and its internet services and a travel schedule to make a grown person weak, I have found myself unable to post with the frequency that some of you have come to love.  Alas, though never-faltering, my dedication has experienced some challenges.  The good news is that, although I have not been able to post as much, I have continued to create good shirtlessness on the stage by writing a new play for The Flea Theater in TriBeCa which will definitely have some shirtlessness.  My play will not go up until January, but apparently there is already some good shirtlessness happening there in the current production of "The Recommendation" by Jonathan Caren, directed by my friend Kel Haney.  Kel was kind enough to alert me to the shirtlessness in the play, of which the above is only one example, and invite me to come on Sunday night, which is where I will be.  I'm looking forward to seeing a new play with a multi-racial cast and good shirtlessness that is directed by a woman.  I mean, will wonders in the theater never cease?  I'm excited to support the cause and have some fun reporting on Monday.  Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Getting Back on Track

A few readers have recently nudged me about the lack of diversity in the last two posts, and so I am returning to the ever-popular Buzzfeed list to highlight some Asian hotties who should take their shirts off on tv more often.  I'm not sure how I missed James Kyson Lee on "Heroes," but his above pictured abs need to be seen more often.  They are kind of ridiculous.

Lately, I've noticed a downturn in traffic to the blog, and sometimes I ask myself if this is the result of my erratic Time Warner Cable-influenced posting schedule, or if in fact the cause has become passe.  I mean, shirtlessness has become more and more prevalent in the years since the blog began.  Perhaps some feel that there is no need to rally anymore.  But then I wonder if this movement is going the way of feminism, accepted to a certain degree until it makes people really uncomfortable.  Because for a short period of time, the "Blurred Lines" parody was taken off of YouTube for offensive content while the real video (which is far more offensive in my opinion) continued to play and play to adolescent boys across the land.  Perhaps the culture has accepted the reality of the female and gay male gaze, but only to a point.  If men are truly objectified in the same ways as women, is it too much?  Have we become complacent?  I put these questions out to you, gentle readers, even as I remain...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness Down Under

A friend recently posted this video on Facebook, and I had to share it with all of you since it featured an accessory to shirtlessness that I don't often discuss - musical talent.  I love this number from "Sweet Charity" and actually watched the video wishing that I had ever had a chance to perform it.  But turning the tables on the song to be sung by a line of shirtless and almost shirtless guys was genius, and something that I know all the members of IMS will enjoy.  To top it all off, this performance was created in order to raise money for AIDS through OZ Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (the analogous organization to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS here in New York) - so philanthropic shirtlessness.  I approve!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
Indians for Male Shirtlessness

Shirtlessness is Funny

No doubt all of you gentle readers have noticed some of the furor around this summer's anthem "Blurred Lines."  I will admit that in spite of being an ardent feminist, I like the song, mostly because it's just so much fun to dance to and I honestly can't understand most of the lyrics.  I feel like most pop songs sung by male vocalists for the last 30 years have been a riff on "You know you want it," and I find it surprising that the one great dance song to come out this summer has started such a furor.  It's no "Call Me Maybe" but it is a lot of fun.  I will not even blemish this blog by discussing the rendition featured on the VMAs.  What I will bring to the table is this fantastic parody of the song.  I am not a big fan of the actual video since you all know my stance on completely nude women being featured with entirely dressed men, and this parody takes that trope and turns it on its head, in some cases literally.  It also retains the best part of the song which is the groovy hook.  And of course, all the men are shirtless.  Enjoy!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS