Indians for Male Shirtlessness

Athletic Shirtlessness

2012-02-06T10:28:00.002-05:00

I think it can come as no surprise that a woman who considers watching "Downton Abbey" on Sunday nights the highlight of her week is not a huge sports fan. That said, I did watch part of the Superbowl last night so that I could see Madonna's show and the commercials before changing the channel to PBS at 9pm. And being a New Yorker, I have to give a shout out to the New York Giants for winning what seemed like an actual close game. As I searched the web for shirtless photos of Eli Manning, I came across this video of shirtless athletes that has certainly caught me up on some of what I have been missing on the sporting front. I find it amusing that the highest percentage of these players are from soccer, a sport that actively encourages taking off one's shirt. I depend upon the VP to keep me updated on the soccer shirtlessness in the future, and I may have to start paying attention to the World Cup, whenever that comes around again.

In any case, it has been a poor week for posting as I have found myself swamped with work assignments. Work is good, and I am glad to have it. I do miss the good shirtlessness, however. I am headed off to Denver today for a short gig and will just excuse myself ahead of time for not posting on Friday. Since I am not sure of either my schedule or my internet access, I will just bid you adieu until February 17th, when I will be back in New York and ready to look for more good shirtlessness. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirless Dance (Tanz)

2012-01-23T14:18:00.003-05:00

I had the great good fortune this weekend to see the Wim Wenders film, "Pina." The film was filmed with two things I really like, thought-provoking modern dance and male shirtlessness. I saw the 3D version which I must say filled me with skepticism, especially when the ticket taker told me that the price was $17. But as I watched the film at Lincoln Center, I realized that unlike many people in the US, I primarily see modern dance live, and seeing the film in 3D brought it closer to my other experiences of dance. Of course, most people in the US do not see modern dance at all which is a shame. I think everyone can benefit from watching a wordless form of expression, if only to learn that one can communicate without words. In any case, the above shot is a production still from Bausch's "Le Sacre du Printemps" which was featured quite prominently in the film. A lot of shirtlessness for sure as well as a lot of peat moss which covered the entire surface of the stage.

I am not terribly familiar with Bausch's work, but after the film I feel that I must see it live. Although Ms. Bausch has passed on, I hope that her work will continue to be performed. Her integration of the set into her choreography is unmatched in the dance world, and I'm sure seeing it live is nothing short of miraculous. Let's continue to hope then for miracles. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Happy Birthday, Muhammad Ali!

2012-01-20T08:35:00.004-05:00

When I was a child, I imagine that my first exposure to shirtlessness was through boxing, a sport which my dad followed enthusiastically. I was not crazy about watching two men beat each other up, but my dad really did and so I would watch a little bit with him. And of course, the bouts that we watched were the big fights of Muhammad Ali. Mr. Ali turned 70 on Tuesday, and I saw a segment about him on my morning television show. I called my dad after seeing it who asked me why Muhammad Ali inspired me to call.

"I remember those fights, Dad. They were a big deal."
"Yes, Nandit, they were a big deal."

He continues to be a mythic figure for me, someone who stuck to his own path no matter what. He spoke without fear and did what he wanted to do, even when it was wildly unpopular like being a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War. I admire him for that and the fact that his path involved not wearing a shirt. Happy 70th Birthday, Mr. Ali! You inspire with your courage and fortitude.

With respect,
Nandita
President
IMS

Celebrating Shirtlessness

2012-01-16T11:13:00.003-05:00

I have been watching Idris Elba over the past few years with high hopes that he would break out as a full-fledged movie star, and while his Golden Globe win was not for a movie, I hope it will be the thing that pushes him over the edge. He has such a serious, and let's face it sexy, look, and yet his turn on "The Office" proved that he can also handle comedy. I do love a man who can be both shirtless and funny. All that plus his English accent practically sent me into a swoon last night during the Golden Globes. Hopefully we will see more of him, and soon!

Last night I basically made a "Downton Abbey" sandwich with my one hour episode surrounded by two hours of Golden Globe coverage. I missed some good speeches, but alas, I could not have waited another minute for DA. Right before the show started, I crashed my computer which would normally turn me into a sobbing heap of nerves. Instead I calmly changed the channel and continued to unscrew the insides of my laptop as the opening credits rolled. Nothing comes between me and my DA - nothing!

Martin Luther King Day sneaked up on me this year. The 16th seems rather early for it, and so I had no idea that I did not have to work today nor did almost anyone else. Last year, I went to Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church in Montgomery and narrowly missed the newly inaugurated Governor's remarks that anyone who wasn't a Christian was "no brother or sister" of his. This year, I am happy to be in New York where religion seems to be a very small factor in whose brother or sister one may be. I hope we can keep trying to be each others' brothers and sisters regardless of race, creed, or religion in 2012 and continue the dream that Dr. King first articulated. Until then, I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Modern Shirtlessness

2012-01-09T10:39:00.003-05:00

More than one person has mentioned to me the wonderful male shirtlessness in the new Pina Bausch film. I mean they told me about how amazing the film and the dancing was too, but they pointed out the shirtlessness. It's good, I'm told. And in select cities, it's in 3D! So please do check out this tribute to the late choreographer and her work. I know I shall.

In the meantime, I have been remiss in following the traditional shirtless shows this week, mostly due to my incurable addiction to costume dramas, namely The Tudors and Downton Abbey. While The Tudors was an excellent source of shirtlessness in the early seasons, the latter years had barely any, and yet I kept watching. Similarly, I could have eaten up last night's premier episode of Downton Abbey with a spoon. No one took his shirt off, and quite honestly, there isn't a person in that cast whose shirt should come off since no one has seen the sun in quite a long time. But I loved it. I loved it!

The cold of January can be difficult for an IMS member. I'm grateful that there is a shirtless picture of Gilles Marini in my spice cabinet to keep me going until the the spring. I hope you all can find such stopgap measures as well. Until then, I am...

Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless Man of Steel

2012-01-06T10:25:00.002-05:00

For Christmas, my brother bought me a wi-fi router that allows me at last to use my AppleTV and stream Netflix onto my flat screen. He also was kind enough to install said router for me. So now I am making up for lost time by streaming the final season of "The Tudors" every night. The three episodes I watched last night reminded me of how much I do enjoy Henry Cavill. Though neither he nor Jonathan Rhys Meyers takes off their shirts in the final season in order to "age" them (Grey hair would have been more effective than shirts, but that is only my opinion), he is still quite appealing. And I am very excited for him to play Superman next. I would not mind him flying in to save me anytime!

Due to a persistent hacking cough and my addiction to the final season of the Tudors, I have stayed in the whole week. So I don't have much to report on how our shirtless campaign is starting out in the new year. I hope that the trends will continue on the uptick, and that soon, good male shirtlessness will be the rule instead of the exception. Until then, I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Kicking It Up A Notch in 2012

2012-01-02T14:41:00.003-05:00

I have never posted Tom Cruise before, mostly because he has seemed completely nuts since this blog began in 2007, but in honor of his big hit at the box office and of my motto for 2012 "To Kick It Up a Notch" which he clearly appears to be doing in this photo, I'm going to go ahead and give it to him. I do not always agree with the views of the men posted on this blog (I did after all once post a Republican Congressman), but I admire their dedication to good male shirtlessness. In this area, I can never find fault with Mr. Cruise. My introduction to his good shirtlessness was "Top Gun" which featured one of the definitive shirtless scenes in movie history (Volleyball, anyone?), and he has really never disappointed since. I have not yet gone to see "Mission Impossible IV" but have no doubts that I will in the coming weeks.

And yes, I've declared that 2012 is the year to kick it up a notch! In every area, I hope to turn on the heat and achieve the next level. In the final months of 2011, I was feeling a bit restless, happy with life in general but longing for something more. I hope that even this blog can kick it up with more shirtlessness, more excellent accessories to shirtlessness, and more social activism aided by shirtlessness. I am open to suggestions from you, gentle readers and IMS members, but please do remember that pantslessness is absolutely off the table. I look forward to your comments. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Bring It 2012!

2011-12-30T15:06:00.003-05:00

For my final post of 2011, I decided to give you Benjamin Bratt because of his mixed ethnic heritage and in this picture he is featuring his semi-shirtlessness with water, one of my favorite accessories. I have many hopes and dreams for 2012, the least of which is not that there will be more cultural diversity on stage, that ethnically appropriate actors will be seen for roles that were written for them, and that all of this will involve more male shirtlessness. I also hope that I will elevate myself past the sharecropper level in my career. All I can say is that my motto is "Kick It Up A Notch!" and I hope that all of you will be able to join me in doing so.

2011 was a wonderful year in many ways. I spent 5 months in the deep South learning about public notices against shirtlessness as well as performing the works of the Bard. Then I had the chance to perform in "The Rocky Horror Show" where almost all of the men took off their shirts and Rocky in fact never put his shirt on. The fall brought me back to New York where I found that everyone was taking their shirts off on stage all the time! The movement has really had an impact!

So I toast you, my fellow IMS members, for a job well done in 2011 and to further success in 2012! As always, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

X-tra Shirtlessness

2011-12-19T09:26:00.002-05:00

So another IMS member has sent me a clip of some excellent shirtlessness from X-Factor judge Steve Jones. His job is to judge others on their talent, and it seems only fair that he take his shirt off. My favorite part of this clip is the shot of the audience of women smiling and clapping when he finally does it. It really warms the heart of this IMS president.

The holiday season is upon us, and I have to admit that I have high hopes for 2012. All indications point to more good male shirtlessness in the future. I will be taking this Friday and Monday off for the holiday and wish you all a safe, happy, and healthy Christmas weekend. I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Merry Christmas, Singapore

2011-12-16T17:27:00.003-05:00

A new IMS member recently sent me an article about the opening of a new Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store in Singapore which featured 40 shirtless men. The pictures attached to article made it look like there were more Asian men involved in the opening which would make sense in Singapore, but this picture looks a little bit like the American stage, very homogenous. I'm hoping that there were lots of hunky Asian hotties inside giving some good shirtlessness.

I didn't post on Monday for two reasons. 1) I was doing a workshop of a hilarious new play that rehearsed and performed all day long, and 2) I wanted to the article about "Motherf***ker with the Hat" to stay up for longer than three days. This turn of events in the theater has truly affected me and my psyche. I find myself becoming much more agitated when I talk about race in the theater which was actually the topic of the new play that I was working on. An audience member at the reading asked me why so many plays by playwrights of color have to do with race, and I found myself red in the face and flabbergasted. Perhaps because race has a profound affect on how one navigates through the world, especially when one is not the race of the dominant culture? I mean what does one say to that? Race- it's an issue.

So with that, I will make a wish that there will be more diverse shirtlessness in 2012. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Concept Shirtlessness

2011-12-09T10:04:00.003-05:00

This week a friend and IMS member has been sending me pictures of this man, model Miguel Iglesias, as an option for the blog while he procrastinates from studying for his final exams. I know good male shirtlessness always makes me do better on my exams! It has been a bit difficult to find a picture in which Mr. Iglesias is shirtless but also wearing pants, but here's a good one, I think. I told my friend that I was actually hoping to post some Latin shirtlessness today because of a bit of a Latin scandal that is storming the theater community.

A production of "Motherf***er with the Hat" was recently staged at Theaterworks in Hartford, CT, featuring two Caucasion actors in the leading roles that were written as Nuyoricans. The playwright expressed his outrage at the choice on Facebook which then resulted in a New York Times article. My friends in the New York theatrical community are outraged, even more so because it was revealed that the two roles were simply offered to the actors without auditions and no Latin actors were ever seen for the roles. This turn of events depresses me as an actor knowing that even when a role is written with my "type" in mind, I may not even get seen for it much less cast, and as a playwright knowing that when I write ethnically specific roles, a theater may still cast whomever they want. How will our theater ever change from the incredibly homogenous art form it has become?

What gives me comfort is the amount of discussion the event has spawned. And good shirtlessness. I'm just saying that I look forward to the day when men of all races are on the American stage taking their shirts off in front of their ethnically diverse female co-stars. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Holiday Shirtlessness

2011-12-05T17:04:00.003-05:00

I recently saw a giant billboard for Hugh Jackman's sold out Broadway show called "Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway" and thought, "Here's a guy who gives good shirtlessness and can sing and dance!" He hasn't been on the blog in a while, and in honor of his show, I thought I would post him. I have a soft spot for a song and dance man, having been a song and dance woman for a significant period of my life. I don't believe he takes off his shirt in the show, although he did in "Boy from Oz," but I will forgive him for that. Sometimes, I'm sure he wants to be appreciated for his talent!

In any case, I've been receiving a lot of positive commentary on the shirtlessness from my play last week. I realize that these days, one needs to have a star to sell theater tickets, but I'm hoping that I may have just found the antidote for our star-crazed culture - shirtlessness. I may have to figure out how to make a guy take off his shirt in every play I write from here on out just as Gail Collins manages to mention Mitt Romney driving to Canada with the family dog strapped to the hood of his car in every single column. I assume she will stop after the election next year, but depending on the outcome, she may not. Good male shirtlessness would certainly make me happier than Mitt Romney! I'm going to start working on my plan right away. Until next time, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Twin Shirtlessness

2011-12-02T13:01:00.003-05:00

One of the many joys of being President of IMS is receiving pictures like this one in my inbox. I have no idea who these two men are, but a new IMS member just sent this picture to me, strong in her belief that they should be added to the blog. Indeed they should! The cause is strong, my friends, the cause is strong.

I am gearing up for a full month of holiday parties and last minute shows and hoping that some shirtlessness is on the menu for at least some of the events. This afternoon, my writers' lab is hosting a mailing party, and the man who is organizing the event has offered to take his shirt off if only some of the writers will come in and help him. I shall be folding and stuffing letters into envelopes this afternoon! I'm so glad that shirtlessness is being used as an incentive to do good works. I wonder what else it could be used for...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness for Good and Not Evil

2011-11-28T09:56:00.003-05:00

In my excitement to report that even my mother believes in male shirtlessness, I forgot to post about the shirtlessness that I cooked up over Thanksgiving. My writers' group, the Ma-Yi Writers' Lab, hosted a benefit last night to raise funds for a much needed new copier. As you can imagine, 17 playwrights sharing one printer/copier has not made for an effortless printing of pages every Thursday night, and we have officially killed the one we had. So in effort to buy a new one, we threw a little shindig on the stage of the Connelly Theater, current home of Ma-Yi's production of "The Sugar House at the Edge of the Wilderness." Each playwright was tasked with writing a 5 page play which contained a Labbie secret. I realized that this was my opportunity to use shirtlessness for good and not evil. We need a new printer; people will pay money to see hot guys with no shirts. So I wrote a play with roles for 5 shirtless men.

Let me say that our fine cast of actors did not disappoint. 5 men took off their shirts so that our lab could print out our pages at will. I am so proud of them for their brave work. One did a short but sensual strip tease. Another used his shirt like a stripper pole. A third, the above pictured Louis Ozawa Changchien, gave shirtlessness with a smile. A fourth read his lines shirtless while carrying another actor on his back playing a baby. And the fifth delivered the punchline of my play with simplicity and shirtlessness.

It really made my dreams come true. Gentlemen, may you all be so brave in your next theatrical outings because in my opinion, your stage shirtlessness is a thing of beauty. I will continue to write shirtless parts for all of you. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Sexiest Shirtlessness Alive!

2011-11-25T21:48:00.002-05:00

Hearty congratulations to Bradley Cooper for grabbing that coveted title, Sexiest Man Alive. Mr. Cooper is no stranger to this blog or to good male shirtlessness, and we at IMS are glad to see the Two Point Standard being upheld by this important figure. I'll say that I do not remember "Sexiest Man Alive" being announced on Thanksgiving before, but I really won't complain. It was certainly something that I felt thankful for!

So I did watch the two hour finale of Dancing With the Stars with my mother this week. She asked me why all the men had their shirts open. When pressed as to why their open shirts bothered her so much, she responded that she thought the shirts got in the way of their dancing. "So you would rather that they simply remove their shirts?" I asked her. "Sure," came her reply, "I think so." It was a revelatory moment for me. Even my mother supports good male shirtlessness! Perhaps this holiday season, IMS members can reach out to their family members for support in the cause. They may just surprise you! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Dancing with Shirtlessness

2011-11-21T22:08:00.003-05:00

I'm upstate with my family and just watched DWTS with my mom who is an amateur ballroom dancer. She loves Derek, and he seems to take his shirt off a lot on the show. So here he is on the blog! During tonight's episode, my mom kept asking me why Derek wasn't wearing a shirt, to which I replied, "Who cares?" So thank you Derek Hough for bringing some good shirtlessness to DWTS. I remember how much I loved it when Gilles ripped off his shirt in dance after dance in season 8. I don't have the same crush on Derek, but I have to support his good shirtlessness. I do have to give a shout out to Karina Smirnoff, though, for rocking her costumes without taking her shirt off. That lady better work it out! She looks great!

I will be taking Friday off for Thanksgiving and wish all of you a happy holiday with your loved ones and remind you all to give thanks for all the good male shirtlessness in the world! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness Off Broadway

2011-11-18T10:52:00.002-05:00

Before I explain the title of today's post, I will expound upon the shirtlessness of the above featured Dermot Mulroney. Lately, I've been developing a slight obsession with Maroon 5 ever since "Moves Like Jagger" wiggled its way into my brain, and in my quest for other videos in which Adam Levine might also be shirtless, I came across a video from "The Wedding Date" starring Mr. Mulroney and the lovely Debra Messing which featured Maroon 5's song "Secret." I was then reminded of how much I enjoyed the movie, a) because I am a sucker for romcoms, and b) the gigolo character played by Mr. Mulroney admits to having been a comparative literature major at Brown which made me laugh inappropriately in the theater. Also, let's face it, I've always wished that I could just order myself an Ivy League educated date who looks like Mr. Mulroney to accompany me to a family wedding. Wait a second, I did take the Vice President of IMS to my brother's wedding, but we did not wind up shirtless in a boat. In any case, I think the song and the scene are both very sexy, and my appreciation for Mr. Mulroney was renewed. Perhaps my favorite thing about this sex scene is that Ms. Messing falls down and starts laughing in it which makes it seem like fun sex instead of the usual silent stuff portrayed in film.

As for the title of this post, I was so delighted to attend a performance of Carla Ching's "Sugar House at the Edge of the Wilderness" last night and discover that Ms. Ching has added some shirtlessness to the play that was not in earlier versions. I managed not to start clapping inappropriately but warmly congratulated the actor after the show who admitted to me that he was nervous to have the President of IMS in the house. I'm just so pleased that plays being developed in my writers' lab are increasingly featuring shirtlessness. And I am so happy to see the work of my fellow Asian American writers receiving such beautiful productions. New York IMS members, go see Sugar House, not only for the shirtlessness but for a wonderful play!

Our lab is presenting an evening of short plays next week to raise money for a new copier, and all I can say is that mine will most definitely feature male shirtlessness, lots of it. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirts off on Broadway?

2011-11-14T10:53:00.003-05:00

After seeing a show this weekend, some lady friends and I went out and discussed the theater at large as well as shows that we would like to see. One friend mentioned that she had tickets to see "Stick Fly" on Broadway, to which I responded that I hoped Mekhi Pfifer who is in the cast would take off his shirt. Now that movie and television stars come so regularly to Broadway, I feel that it is only logical that there will be more shirtlessness on the Great White Way. One can hope. One can also hope that one day the Great White Way will be a commentary on the bright lights of Broadway rather than the race of most of the actors. But thank you "Stick Fly" and a few other shows like "Chinglish" and "Porgy & Bess" that are working on changing the stats of racial diversity in the commercial theater. It has always seemed odd to me that theater in a wildly diverse city like New York can remain so homogenous.

In other news, I did not see "The Immortals" this weekend. I'm saving it for Thanksgiving week when I am sure that my family will cause me to need two hours of good shirtlessness at some point. Instead, the Vice President of IMS and I spent an evening at Ann Taylor Loft picking out outfits for the holiday season. The irony of the President and Vice President of IMS shopping for women's blouses is not lost on me, but alas, sometimes one really does need a shirt. Lest we forget, IMS is an advocacy group formed in response to years of female shirtlessness seen in movies as well as in response to a certain episode of DH, back when that show was good. Good male shirtlessness does bring balance back to the entertainment industry and spread happiness to many. Keep doing your good work, gentle members. I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Urgent Shirtlessness

2011-11-11T09:48:00.003-05:00

I received a voicemail from the Vice President of IMS last night with an urgent message - go see "The Immortals!" I'm not a big fan of violent movies, but the VP knows that I am a big fan of Henry Cavill, pictured above, who apparently spends of a lot of time in the film without a shirt. With all those muscles on his stomach, I'd say that was a very good choice. Mr. Cavill had me at "Good day" in the Tudors, and I thought I was going to have to wait for Superman to see him again. Oh happy day to know that not only is he coming to a theater near me this weekend, but also coming to it in 3D! I don't even like 3D movies, but this one could change my mind. And the VP who went to a sneak peek screening last night, offered to go with me again!

Also, it appears that Mr. Cavill's love interest is Freida Pinto which adds an added layer of intrigue to the film. I'm always happy when movies based on mythology make the bold choice of opening the casting to all races. I have never understood why movies set in made-up places tend to be so homogeneous in their racial make-up. Lord of the Rings, anyone? In any case, this film appears to have a multicultural cast with many men who seem primed for shirtlessness. I have a sense that when my family is driving me crazy over Thanksgiving, this may be the movie to make everything better.

In any case, knowing that good shirtlessness is out there makes the world a better place. I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The Threat of Shirtlessness

2011-11-07T09:48:00.002-05:00

Disclaimer: There is no actual shirtlessness in the above video clip, but the mere hint of shirtlessness to come delighted me. Honestly, I'm not really that hard to please. I laughed out loud when I saw this commercial and thought that I had to post it. Shirtlessness can be used for humor too!

Unfortunately, I missed SNL this weekend in spite of this cute promo because I was seeing some in person shirtlessness at the theater on Saturday night. I went to see Leviathan Lab's inaugural production of "Twelfth Night" at the Arclight Theater on West 71st Street, and I am happy to report that there was an unexpected but very enjoyable bit of shirtlessness in the show. I always think that shirtlessness compliments the Bard, and 12N really proved this point. Another point that the production proved was that using an entirely Asian cast of actors does not alter the delight of the play. Having had many conversations recently with my fellow Asian actors about how often casting us in non-specific roles is viewed in the industry as "political," I was particularly curious to see how this production's casting would affect the meaning of the play, if it would politicize it. While Shakespeare is often set in different times and places in many productions, this production inspired by 1960s Hong Kong told the timeless stories of lovers and families split apart and brought back together in an accessible and comprehensive way. I had a great time at the show, not in the least because of some good male shirtlessness on display in Act II. I hope some of you IMS members will get out there to support it.

The theater increasingly has become a place for new male shirtlessness. I wonder what this coming week will hold. I am in anxious anticipation! Until next time, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness in the Sun

2011-10-31T10:44:00.002-04:00

The other day, I was feeling a bit down because of an unsavory task that I had to complete, and the Vice President of IMS suggested that I watch the first 5 minutes of last week's "Hawaii 5-0" episode to pick me up out of my doldrums. Doldrums eradicated! I stopped watching H5-0 a while ago due to the lack of interesting dialogue, plotlines, and a disproportionately low number of lines for the Asian characters along with the fact that Monday night was my night off, and I tended to go out then. Not to mention that Alex O'Loughlin did not take his shirt off nearly enough. This episode, however, put first things first and started off with a shirtless scene which then went into a flashback. I think this is very clever storytelling on the part of CBS. I wish they would start every episode with a shirtless scene followed by the story of how Mr. O'Loughlin came to take his shirt off. This would undoubtedly boost ratings.

Happy Halloween! Unfortunately a crazy snowstorm blew into town over the weekend, dashing my hopes for a lot of shirtless costumes today. I'm going to a Halloween party tonight benefiting the theater company of a dear friend and dressing as the Black Swan. I'm hoping someone might fill the role of shirtless dance partner, but in freezing weather, I have my doubts. At least, I know my White Swan will be there!

The cold will make opportunities for shirtlessness more scarce but perhaps all the sweeter? Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

For Matt with love

2011-10-29T10:37:00.003-04:00

The stage manager of the touring show that I directed this fall recently sent me some photos of Joey Lawrence shirtless for the blog, and to reward this recent IMS member for his dedication, I thought I would post Mr. Lawrence in a sort of artsy balck and white shot. Mr. Lawrence has clearly come a long way since his "Blossom" days. I wonder if he now goes by "Joe" instead of "Joey" to complete his transformation like another young heartthrob of my time, Rick Schroeder. Whatever he wants to be called, I will give him a strong IMS salute. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence, for taking the transition to adult television star seriously.

In other news, I went to see a play last night in which one actor wore a moderately tight t-shirt. For most of the play, I wondered when he would take his t-shirt off since he was the object of desire, but alas he never did. On the ride home, the Vice President of IMS and I had discussed at length why his character should have taken his shirt off to further the plot and raise the stakes of the story. And while I realize that this sounds absurd, I realized that sometimes shirtlessness can really be used for art. Seriously folks, good shirtlessness is not just eye candy - it can mean something!

With that in mind, I leave you...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Trouty Mouth Goes Shirtless

2011-10-24T16:43:00.003-04:00

An IMS member recently emailed this photo for the blog, demonstrating his commitment and dedication to the cause. I'll admit that I have not been keeping up with Glee this season, partially because I have acting class on Tuesday nights and have yet to add dvr to my cable features. I am loathe to pay Time Warner Cable any more than I already do. But I was sad that Mr. Overstreet's contract was not renewed this season, primarily because he always seemed prepped for shirtlessness. I also was sad because I thought it was a brilliant storyline to have him and Mercedes date and was quite disappointed that the plotline would not go forward this season. Now it seems his contract has been re-negotiated, and he will return in December. I hope said contract includes a significant number of shirtless scenes!

The weather in New York has turned definitively to fall, and I am resigning myself to little or no shirtlessness in the coming months. The only thing that is buoying my spirits now is the recent onslaught of emails from IMS members with pictures and links for posting. I wonder what I would do without IMS - possibly wallow in my apartment eating ice cream and watching "Pride & Prejudice" over and over again without any hope of new shirtlessness in my world. Thank goodness for the cause and all the good work being done on its behalf!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Another Important PSA

2011-10-21T10:09:00.002-04:00

In the spirit of bringing you important news in a shirtless package, I offer this PSA from the CW addressing climate change. While of course, it is a shameless plug for its own programming, I must say that increasing good male shirtlessness to combat global warming is change that I can get behind! So next time an IMS member feels like yelling "Take your shirt off," said member can also follow it up with "It's for a good cause!" I like it.

Is this perhaps the next wonderful trend in PSAs? All messages delivered shirtless? I feel that we might solve our problems more quickly if the solutions were presented in such a manner. Cap and trade? Sure if that shirtless guy is doing it! Americans after all are all about the packaging. Sad but true. So let's hear it for more shirtless PSAs! Hurrah!

On a side note, I was so happy to see Gilles Marini back on prime time in this week's episode of "Modern Family." Sadly, he did not take his shirt off which seems like a waste of perfectly good shirtlessness to me. But honestly, he could keep his shirt on and just speak in that sexy accent to make me happy. I'm really not that hard to please. Sigh... Until he takes his shirt off on another show, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

In Person Shirtlessness

2011-10-17T10:15:00.003-04:00

For today's post, I give you Adrien Brody in all his "Predators" glory, inspired by none other than Mr. Brody himself. On Saturday night, I went to see "The Dumb Waiter," presented by NAATCO (National Asian American Theatre Company) at the Duo Theater in the East Village, which starred IMS poster boy and supporter, Louis Ozawa Changchien. Unfortunately, Mr. Changchien did not remove his shirt in this production (nor has he removed it in any of his last three productions, but who's counting?) but he did deliver an amazing performance as I have come to expect whenever he hits the stage. Some of you may remember Mr. Changchien's tattooed torso from "Predators" which appeared here last summer. Those of you who don't should most certainly consider brushing up. As it turned out, not only did I decide to support Louis on Saturday night but so did his "Predators" co-star, Mr. Brody. After the show, a few friends had drinks with MM Changchien and Brody where Louis brought up the topic of Indians for Male Shirtlessness and the good work that we do. I have to say that it was quite enjoyable to discuss the blog with two experts on being shirtless, and when I suggested that I would post Mr. Brody and asked for his preference of film for the shot, he wholeheartedly endorsed "Predators." One can see why. My research reveals that Mr. Brody gained 25 pounds of muscle for the role, and I hope he knows that IMS fully supports his efforts. Thank you, Adrien Brody, for taking your shirtlessness as seriously as you take your acting. Although, there is no Oscar for Good Shirtlessness (yet), IMS honors you for adhering to the 2 Point Standard.

I'm hoping that this begins a trend of discussing our cause with more film actors as I continue to do my work in the theater. A two-pronged approach seems entirely sensible. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-10-14T10:15:00.002-04:00

There are many reasons that I love this PSA, but the main one, of course, is the use of shirtlessness for good. At last a ray of hope in the clouds of bleakness that have been blanketing this blog of late! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I think this PSA is a great way both to spread the word and to remind women to do their self-exams every month. You know, I will be downloading that app immediately. 1 in 8 women is diagnosed with breast cancer, and as is the case with many cancers, early detection can offer a wide range of treatments. So ladies, please allow this app to help you remember to do your breast exam every month!

I like this app particularly because it allows you to choose which man you would like to receive a reminder from - a nod to the fact that different people respond to different types of shirtlessness. Watch all the way until the end to see all of your choices! So even though it is rainy and glum today and the world is much as it was yesterday, I feel some hope. Thankfully, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

A Return to Shirtlessness

2011-10-10T22:59:00.002-04:00

I can't claim any real sadness to the loss of "Brothers & Sisters" other than the fact that I know there is no way I will see sweet Gilles Marini shirtless on a Sunday night again. My fingers are crossed that he might find his way onto "PanAm," but given that show's preposterous storylines, I'm not really sure that I even want that to happen. After a Sunday night of no shirtlessness, I'm feeling rather sad and dejected. Hence the photo of Mr. Good Shirtlessness himself to make me feel better about a bleak world.

I know that my posts have been rather dejected lately from a lack of hope. When surrounded by people who believe in neither climate change nor good shirtlessness, I am left with a sense of wonder as to what tomorrow might possibly hold for me. At the moment, it seems only bad hair and a room full of hirsute, unfit men in button-downs. What is a girl to do? I'm almost as depressed as when all of my friends sent me the link to the Maureen Dowd column in the New York Times with the same title. It basically made the case that smart women had no chance of meeting Mr. Right. While I know plenty of smart women who are married to Mr. Pretty Rights, the column still made me sad. I really just want a man to take off his shirt and speak in full sentences. Is that so wrong?

I hope not. Until then, we have Mr. Marini and me...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The Ides of Shirtlessness

2011-10-07T10:11:00.003-04:00

Okay, I know no one is shirtless in this picture, but I have to post it because I'm so excited that Ryan Gosling and George Clooney have made a film together. I'm also excited that Mr. Clooney directed it and adapted the screenplay from a stage play, "Farragut North" by Beau Willimon. I hope beyond hope that each of these fine actors finds a way to take his shirt off during the course of the film. I have a feeling that I will be disappointed on this count and then hopelessly depressed about the political process, but I'm going to go anyway. I love them.

At least in the movie, there will be some nice eye candy accompanying the sad political commentary as opposed to the state of actual politics today which is depressing and without any eye candy at all. The only candidate who could possibly take off his shirt is the President, and he has forbidden the press from taking shirtless pictures. This IMS President is feeling bleak. All I have to look forward to is Op-Ed pieces by Gail Collins who finds more and more clever ways to work the fact that Mitt Romney drove to Canada with the family dog strapped to the roof of his car into each column. If there can be no good shirtlessness, let us have good humor!

My bleakness has spilled over into my television habits. I have not been able to watch GA at all because I simply cannot endure another Meredith-McDreamy break-up. There are some things that all the good shirtlessness in the world cannot fix, and repeated romantic trauma is one of them. Perhaps the global economy is another, but no one has ever tried. I will carry on somehow, as I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Apologies Jonathan Cake

2011-09-30T19:50:00.003-04:00

Several hours after posting on Monday, I realized that there was shirtlessness on Sunday's season premier of DH. It was just that lines uttered while shirtless were so preposterous that it was immediately erased from my short term memory. Indeed, Jonathan Cake who has the thankless job of playing Bree's cop boyfriend on DH took off his shirt early in the episode. Sadly he was also forced to utter the line, "No offense, but you do that like a professional" after a vigorous session of lovemaking. Call me crazy, but being told I am like a prostitute after sex is not a turn on. If this is all that anyone can come up with for pillow talk, then there can be no surprise as to why this is the final season of DH. But my apologies to Mr. Cake - his good shirtlessness is duly noted.

This leads me to believe that there are some bad accessories to shirtlessness, honestly a topic I have never before considered. Indeed, if even the best of shirtlessness is accompanied by as horrible a line as quoted above, then the shirtlessness does lose all appeal. Truly, I never thought there could be such a circumstance before now! So my sage advice is that if you have nothing to accompany your good shirtlessness, please remain silent.

I'm pleased to report that most of the shows that I have attended in the past month have featured some good shirtlessness. I think that the work of IMS has infiltrated the Off-Broadway community because it's rare to go to a play without shirtlessness these days. I can't complain. It makes the bad plays a little more pleasant and the good ones really amazing! Carry on, brave IMS members; we must carry our message to Off-Broadway and beyond! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Latin Shirtlessness

2011-09-26T11:01:00.003-04:00

In honor of my trip to Mexico which kept me away from posting last week, I give you Enrique Iglesias who is not Mexican but started his career on a Mexican label. He also seems to like being shirtless, and I feel that a shirtless man who can sing is not a bad thing. I have professed my preference for dancers, being one myself, but I do enjoy a good song. This leads me to believe that there are many excellent accessories to good shirtlessness. Perhaps I need to explore more of them.

I went to Mexico City for work last week, and although I was at a lovely resort just south of the city, I did not really get any time to evaluate the shirtlessness in that country. Certainly, I would expect that many men meet at least the second point of the Two Point Standard - Seeing the sun - since it is quite sunny. I spent a meager 30 minutes by the pool hoping to soak up a little vitamin D before rehearsal, mostly because I had taken the trouble to wax my legs before flying and didn't want the pain to be in vain. But alas no one else was at the pool when I was. Sometimes the search for good shirtlessness is harder than one can imagine.

For instance, there was no good shirtlessness on DH last night. What kind of season opener is that? There also was no good writing. I guess this really is the last season. All I can say is that I hope it gets juicier before it ends. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

In the Beginning

2011-09-12T11:13:00.003-04:00

Okay, so Mick Jagger does not quite fit the 2 Point Standard of our day since he has never seemed to be one for the sun; he did kind of start it all with his shirtless strutting. His antics made other rock stars say "Hey, I might want to take off my shirt in concert and should probably look good doing it." So thank you, Mick! You kicked off the era of Good Male Shirtlessness. We at IMS are grateful for it.

I missed posting on Friday because I was sucked into the coverage of 9/11. Some things (though not many) are more important than male shirtlessness. Remembering the lives lost that day as well as the lives lost since then in the wars that day precipitated is one of those things in my mind. I can't believe 10 years have passed. I wonder what we will think of it after another 10. I hope perhaps more people will be inspired to try to make the world a better place rather than tear it apart. Gentle IMS members, please try to remember that as you continue to make the world more beautiful by promoting good male shirtlessness. Be kind. Give to charity. Smile at someone. As you go forth with love and peace, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless Moves

2011-09-05T22:36:00.002-04:00

I am officially in mourning for The Rocky Horror Show. Not having reliable good shirtlessness and a dance party every night has had an adverse effect on my mood. Who knew? This proves that good male shirtlessness is truly a natural mood elevator. In any case, this song was the penultimate song of our final dance party, and when I watched the video and realized that the lead singer of Maroon 5 was shirtless, I thought it was a fitting tribute to a fantastic summer. Mr. Levine has more tatoos than I tend to prefer with my shirtlessness, but I have no doubts that there are a few IMS members out there who can really appreciate his artwork.

This song also highlighted to me another excellent accessory to shirtlessness - moves. Having a dance party immediately after the show every night reminded me of how much I love to get on the dance floor and shake it. And our Rocky always hung around to dance with me in his shirtless state. I won't bore you all with my continued adoration of Mr. Madsen, but I will say a man who can pull off shirtlessness and moves on the dance floor is a keeper. One of my castmates recently told me that he was looking for someone to talk to at the end of the night which prompted me to consider what I was looking for in a partner. I really just want someone who can dance with me for a whole song. And I don't mean move around while looking at all the other people on the floor - I mean someone who can really dance with me. So tonight I'm hoping that there is a someone out there looking for a dance partner, a person who can talk late at night to my castmate, and good shirtlessness for all. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

You Know You Want It

2011-09-02T17:12:00.003-04:00

I've spent most of today trying to figure out what to post for my last posting from Ithaca, and then, like a dream (or an email) it came to me - a production shot of Rocky. This photo is a production still from the moment when Rocky's torso and most of the rest of him is revealed. The audience tends to start cheering loudly at this point in the show. Who wouldn't? Quite honestly, the entire ensemble starts panting at the back of the stage. Night after night, we know it's coming, and yet we almost can't believe it when it happens. I'm still a little bit sad that the director didn't let me rip his shirt off, but I guess artistic integrity and storytelling do have to take precedence over giving the president of IMS a perk in the theater.

In any case, the show closes tomorrow night, and I will definitely be sad to see it end. Besides the fact that I often wander backstage with shirtless men, I really love doing the show. The first half is a crazy aerobic workout for the ensemble, and there is something really fun about a show that charges through 90 minutes without a backward glance. I've never done a show that made so little sense, and I think it has helped me to enjoy the moment a little bit more. So I'm going to live it up for the next three shows, and I hope that all of you gentle readers will find something to relish too. In case you have trouble finding something, may I offer this article from the venerable Time Magazine about the greatest shirtless scenes in movie history. I'm glad to know that shirtlessness has made it to the subject matter of Time! Obviously our cause is going mainstream!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Theatrical Shirtlessness

2011-08-29T23:05:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned last week, Rocky is not the only shirtless character in our production of "The Rocky Horror Show," and although I am not onstage during this scene, I must applaud Frankenfurter and Brad for their shirtless antics. As you can see, Messieurs Ku and Greene are both acting up a storm while not wearing shirts which makes a strong argument, in my opinion, for more shirtlessness in plays and musicals.

I am in my final week of this IMS President's dream of a show, and I don't know what I am going to do with myself next Tuesday when I am not onstage watching others rip a mummy costume off of Rocky. Perhaps I will have to comfort myself by finally watching "True Blood." I have held off on watching this show because 1) I do not have HBO, and 2) I am afraid of the pantslessness, but when one is facing the prospect of having nightly good shirtlessness taken away, one must resort to extreme measures. I hope it will do the trick.

In the meantime, I plan on enjoying every last moment of live stage shirtlessness that I can, and I hope, gentle readers, that you will all savor every bit of shirtlessness in your lives as well. Until Friday, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Rocky and friends

2011-08-26T14:15:00.004-04:00

As a salute to my friends in New York City who are braving Hurricane Irene this weekend, I offer a photo of our delightful Rocky, Andrew Madsen, in front of the Empire State Building. May his shirtlessness in general and lats in particular inspire you to stay safe in the face of possible natural disaster.

Some of my fellow castmates have been teasing me about my unabashed love for Andrew and his exemplary shirtlessness, but I ask you is it possible to look at this torso and not feel happy? Yesterday, he helped me at the gym with some of the machines, and I had visions of myself wearing a tank top and showing off my perfectly defined arms. While I do not advocate for female shirtlessness since there is plenty of that in the world already, I think shapely arms are a positive attribute in both genders, and I am grateful for the help of an IMS poster boy in achieving this goal.

In the meantime, I realize that I have been remiss in not mentioning the other two shirtless gentlemen in our show. Since I have not asked permission to use their names, I will only say that Brad and Frankenfurter are nothing to sneeze at and very much appreciated as well. I don't have the same rapport with these individuals to ask for shirtless pictures of them as I do with Mr. Madsen. But both of them meet the 2 Point Standard of IMS and do this blog proud in their nightly shirtlessness. Bravo!

I'm off to the gym to work on my shapely arms. An IMS President's work is never done. I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The IMS Seal of Approval

2011-08-22T13:45:00.002-04:00

I realize that the latest posts have been making IMS sound like the "I love Rocky" blog, but looking at the stunning Andrew Madsen who plays the titular character of the "Rocky Horror Show" at the Hangar Theatre (until September 3, in case anyone was wondering) can anyone blame me? I asked the divine Mr. M for some of his modeling shots which he provided to me in an email that declared he felt like a jerk for sending me pictures of himself. Obviously, he is not a jerk but merely a gentleman for providing me something that I sincerely asked for, unlike certain former Congressmen from New York, but I digress. Mr. Madsen was even kind enough to send me several shots so that I would could choose my favorite and offered me several choices with pants since he knows how I feel about pantslessness. [Pantslessness is for private.] This photo is just so ridiculous that I had to post it; he looks superhuman. And he is so kind that I don't even mind that at no point in the show does anyone douse him with water.

Given the above photo, I believe it is evident that the show is going well. On opening night a friend told me that she heard someone audibly say "thank you" when Magenta and Columbia ripped Rocky's mummy costume off. We are bringing good male shirtlessness to Ithaca, and people are happy. They like the rest of the show too. We've had raucous applause after the Time Warp, lots of shout outs at all the principals, and props abound throughout the show. My personal favorite is the waving lights during "Over at the Frankenstein Place." People stay and dance after the show, and after only one weekend of performances, I've been stopped at the gym and at restaurants several times by people telling me how much they enjoyed the show.

I'm so grateful to be in a show that features good male shirtlessness and entertains, that I don't really have anything else to say. The only thing that makes it even better is that several of the roles have been cast non-traditionally and no one seems to bat an eye at an Asian Frankenfurter or Dr. Scott, or even the small Indian phantom creeping around on stage for that matter. Sigh. Life is good. I'm off to explore a gorge where perhaps someone else will take his shirt off. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Happy Opening Night!

2011-08-19T10:25:00.002-04:00

Tonight is the Opening Night of "The Rocky Horror Show" at the Hangar Theatre, and with 4 days of tech for this massive show, I am a bit fried. Thank goodness for the good male shirtlessness in the show which has made even the most tedious of lighting cues pleasant. Our Rocky has made tech more enjoyable not only with his excellent shirtlessness but his kind attitude and team spirit. For those people who think that theater kids don't participate in team sports, think again. Putting a show together is an enormous team effort, and a show like Rocky Horror in which even the ensemble has multiple costume changes and every number needs rock concert-like lighting truly requires drill team precision. So tech was certainly enhanced by the excellent physique and even more excellent temperament of our titular character.

In the crunch to get the show up, I have turned to IMS' beloved secretary for shirtless pics, and she has not let us down. She's kept me up to date on "True Blood" which I can't watch because I don't have HBO and am slightly afraid of the pantslessness, and she suggested Alexander Skarsgard for today's post. While I tend to find vampires too pale for the 2 Point Standard, Mr. Skarsgard does a good job of remaining pale while appearing to have seen the sun at some point in his mortal life. And the abs are not bad either!

Wish me luck tonight! I realized that at last one of my IMS dreams has come true, to be in a show that prominently features good male shirtlessness. Ahhh... the good life! I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Crazy Stupid Good

2011-08-14T23:42:00.004-04:00

Today was my day off, and I went to see this movie with a couple of my cast mates. We loved it! Ryan Gosling's abs were worth the price of admission, undoubtedly. Mr. Gosling also wears a suit quite well. He is also a good actor. I think I love him! But seriously, this movie made me cry in a good way, you know that "maybe there is such a thing as true love" kind of way. I cried in the "those abs are so good" kind of way, too. Overall, a totally satisfying afternoon at the movies. What's funny about watching a movie with New Yorkers outside of New York, is that we laugh at a lot of things that no one else laughs at. This makes me wonder if perhaps New Yorkers are not as miserable as the rest of the country seems to think we are. Hmmm...

In any case, the moment of truth is almost upon me. The actor playing Rocky will take off his shirt in tech this week. Now that I know him better as a person, I can confidently say that he possesses one of the best accessories to shirtlessness, kindness. He is in fact one of my favorite actors in the production. This makes me even more delighted to be working with him in a shirtless state for the next three weeks. If only we could figure out how to throw some water on him in the show, then he would have all my favorite accessories to shirtlessness! But alas, we can't always get what we want. I'm just happy that I'm at last in a show that features unabashed shirtlessness after a season of Shakespeare done in period costumes and several productions of "Man of La Mancha" where everyone was fully dressed and dirty because we were playing prisoners of the Spanish Inquisition. It's good to be playing a space alien! I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness Abounds

2011-08-12T00:06:00.002-04:00

So I'm still obsessed with the J. Lo video and song and hope to see more of shirtless William Levy in videos, cologne ads, and cheesy television shows in the future. I don't know anything about him (yet), but I am definitely into him.

In the meantime, Rocky Horror rehearsals have been filled with promises of shirtlessness without any shirts coming off. There are, however, a lot of tank tops. Next week is tech, and I am really looking forward to it, perhaps more than ever before. All I can say is that the Assistant Director has a note that she passes to the Stage Manager with a nod from me that reads "The Assistant Choreographer thinks this scene would be better if (Actor's name here) took off his shirt." The sign goes back an forth a lot, but no one has been ordered to take of his shirt yet. I thought being Assistant Choreographer would bring me some power, but it doesn't. Bummer. Never fear though; this show is filled with shirtlessness and the actors will have to rehearse their shirtlessness sooner than later. I'm filled with anticipation and continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

I'm Into Shirtlessness

2011-08-01T22:51:00.002-04:00

I have this kooky habit of downloading one song a month so that I can keep up with the kids. I turn my monthly downloads into a mix for the year, and then I can look back on each year and remember it according to a pop soundtrack. A lot of people know that I do this and send me suggestions for songs for the month. A few months ago, a friend suggested "On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez which became my June song. The other night I thought I should check out the other songs on the album and happened across this video. OMG! The shirtlessness is incredible. Now I don't know what happened between J. Lo and Marc Antony, but I have got to give props to a woman in her 40s rocking a dress made out of coins rolling around on the beach with 20-something William Levy wearing khakis and some sand. It's all good, and I will have no problem saying that I'm into anyone who looks that good in the surf. Phenomenal!

So as I cool down from this video, I will report that Rocky Horror is certain to contain a lot of shirtlessness. I'm very happy about it. At last I get to do a show in which the men are wearing less clothing than the women! I actually think I may be living the IMS dream. I wish the same for all of you loyal IMS members as well. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Crazy Stupid Shirtlessness

2011-07-29T18:26:00.004-04:00

Shots like this one make me laugh. Steve Carell's strategically placed head in front of a nude Ryan Gosling. I know I will like this movie because Ryan Gosling takes his shirt off in at least two scenes - definitely worth whatever astronomical sum they are charging for movies these days. I've been referring to this film as "Crazy, Stupid Abs." In any case, I'm happy to see that the romcom is making a resurgence. Two "Friends with Benefits" and "Crazy, Stupid Love" have received halfway decent reviews which gives me hope for the future. Let me qualify that my hope for the future is defined strictly in terms of romantic comedy and not in terms of the debt ceiling which currently seems like a needlessly hopeless situation.

I'm about to start rehearsals for the Rocky Horror Show at The Hangar Theatre and have suddenly realized that there is about to be a lot of shirtlessness in my life. I'm hoping the choreographer will let me rip off someone's shirt at some point in the show because that is what the President of IMS should do. We'll see! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Heat wave!

2011-07-25T10:33:00.002-04:00

As the heat wave in the Northeast finally subsides, I have to share the status update of a friend on Facebook who remarked that it was "hotter than Ryan Reynolds abs" this weekend. Indeed it was! I salute her ability to make lemons into lemonade and keep even sweltering heat seated in the positive. I knew that the weather had been truly outrageous when yesterday's 91 degree weather seemed "cool." Currently, I am enjoying a balmy 85 degrees. But of course, as the above picture shows, hot weather leads to increased shirtlessness. So I will learn from my friend's positivity and thank Mother Nature for the silver lining in every cloud, or in this case, the loss of shirts in debilitating heat.

What I love about New York is that in spite of the heat, people still need to get out and get their arts. On Saturday night, I went to see a dance performance in Central Park that was packed with people, sweating to see some modern dance. I can't imagine another city in America where such a thing would happen. It was close to 100 degrees at 9pm, and people just took off their shirts and watched. I love New York!

Hopefully the rest of the week will bring relief to New York and the rest of the country. let's hope that even as the temperatures cool down, the shirts stay off! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Friends with Benefits Indeed!

2011-07-22T17:14:00.004-04:00

Admittedly, I came late to the JT bandwagon. When one of my close girlfriends was obsessed with the "Justified" album, I pooh-poohed her, but after "SexyBack"I had to give it to her. Justin Timberlake does consistently bring sexy back, and always in surprising ways. Just when I thought he was just another boy band has-been, he turned out some great music on his own, continued to excel with his Michael Jackson moves, and then showed he could make fun of himself on SNL. Recently, he has been turning up in movies and proving himself as an actor. I liked him in "The Social Network." So in honor of his upcoming romcom that I certainly want to see, I'm posting him here. Justin, you can be my friend with benefits anytime!

Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shameless Post

2011-07-18T10:54:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when times are tough, I like to turn to old stand-bys who always have something for a dejected IMS president. Hugh Jackman is just such a man. He is a gentleman and good dancer and is very good at combining shirtlessness with water as pictured above. Good stuff!

I was trying to find new shirtlessness from Daniel Craig, but alas he seems to keep his shirt on for his new film "Cowboys v. Aliens" (note to Jon Favreau, always make Daniel Craig take his shirt off). Congratulations to him and his new bride, Rachel Weisz, not only on their marriage but on keeping it a secret from the media! Fit and clever!

In the midst of a heat wave, I'm surprised by how little shirtlessness I have seen of late. What is going on? Perhaps post-Congressional scandals, people have decided to show a little bit more discretion. Ahh, the swing of the pendulum...may it return to the center where good shirtlessness can work for good and not infidelity. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

In loving memory

2011-07-16T10:52:00.002-04:00

I lost a dear friend and mentor this week, and in his honor, I post this video. He supported so many people in the theater with his love, humor, and constant presence. I miss you already, Tony.

Yours in sorrow and shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
Indians for Male Shirtlessness

2011-07-08T11:27:00.002-04:00

While I have been rather despondent on the shirtless front for the past month, it hasn't stopped people reporting to me on some excellent shirtlessness happening around the world. This Korean star, Rain, has been generating quite a bit of excitement, and recently I have received many reports on his wondrous shirtlessness. He certainly has more ab muscles than I thought humanly possible. I feel that Rain may just wash my despondence away!

While all the negative shirtless publicity has been a real downer, I have started to remember the joy that good male shirtlessness, when used properly, can bring. As of late, times have been a bit tough, but good male shirtlessness has been one of the few things that is helping me through. Knowing that multiple abs are out there being exposed in positive ways makes me feel like maybe there is some good in the world. We'll keep working on it, on torso at a time. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Renewing the Hope

2011-07-04T09:16:00.003-04:00

Gentle readers, I must apologize for my extended absence from this blog as well as for the lack of a photo in today's entry. The last month has been a difficult one for the cause as male shirtlessness became a tawdry headline instead of a force for good in the world. Honestly, I have needed the last month to recover from the shock of it. After working so hard for good male shirtlessness for the past 3 years, it was a great blow to see the cause co-opted for less than honorable uses. I won't name names, but I must strongly state that members of Congress should think twice about their shirtlessness and its use in the future.

In any case, I think I have recovered and will return to my twice weekly schedule for the rest of the summer. Surely there must be some good shirtlessness out there to lift my spirits and yours. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

From Paris With Love

2011-05-16T17:49:00.002-04:00

This video was recently brought to my attention as a great item for the blog. Indeed it combines two of my very favorite things, shirtlessness and Paris! I like that Abercrombie continues to be the go-to store for good male shirtlessness. I am less excited about their padded bikinis for 7 year olds. But watching this video, I felt happy that good male shirtlessness is spreading all over the world. I'm hoping next for diverse male shirtlessness to take over. Let's face it, there are more shades than black and white, and all are beautiful.

I did catch the last hour of DH last night and was delighted to see Jason George make a cameo. If only he had taken his shirt off! I have missed almost the entire second half of the season while in Alabama but was glad to pick up where I left off. Does anyone else think that Gabby's coffee table looks very much like a box that held a body from season 1?

As my time in Alabama comes to a close, I am getting excited for summer in New York City where I hope there will be lots of good male shirtlessness all over the place: running in the park, washing the windows, carrying my groceries. I may have to make a beeline for the Abercrombie store on Fifth Avenue! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtless from Washington

2011-05-09T12:19:00.003-04:00

Last week I read an article on the Navy Seals which featured this photo, and I knew I had to post it. This man appears to be Superman. And given recent news, clearly the men of the Navy Seals are excellent candidates for IMS. So thank you for protecting the country while demonstrating amazing shirtlessness!

In other IMS news, Republican congressman, Aaron Schock, has decided to bare his chest in an effort to curb obesity with a fitness campaign. I wonder if this can be considered bipartisanship since Michelle Obama has her own anti-obesity campaign called "Let's Move." I won't hold my breath for any reaching across the aisle, but I am glad to see that both parties are addressing this epidemic. Congressman Schock's Men's Health cover is not yet available to post, but I will give him props for using his excellent shirtlessness for good and not evil. Washington DC is not typically what I would consider a source for good shirtlessness, but I'm happy to be surprised on this front.

I'm headed to the beach for few days while the theater is dark and look forward to plenty of good male shirtlessness in the coming days. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

A Cheer for Our Troops

2011-04-26T00:54:00.002-04:00

I have seen this video online repeatedly, and I have to say it touches me. We are so removed from the war in Afghanistan as civilians. In the US, one would be hard pressed to notice that we are even a country at war. But on the other side of the world, US troops are fighting, and something about this video moved me. Perhaps seeing troops work on a lipsync video just like so many other young people around the world reminds me that many young men and women are in harm's way. No one is shirtless in this video, but undoubtedly, many of them are candidates for the blog. I post this video in honor of the troops and the difficulties they face every day. I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The End of an Era

2011-04-19T00:35:00.003-04:00

So last week the sad announcement came that "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" had been canceled. Obviously reality tv has taken over for soap operas, allowing real people to behave badly in their actual lives instead of paying actors to portray outlandish situations, and I have my own feelings about the adverse effects of this trend on our society. For one thing, it has encouraged people to treat each other terribly in order to gain that elusive prize of fame. With these two soaps' demise comes the end of an era of rather over-the-top daytime programming that was a shameless fantasy. I'm sure they will be replaced by another set of Real Housewives or maybe a show about what happens when you put 10 people who hate each other in a house filled with tarantulas.

While a few soaps remain on the air, I feel sad for the loss of AMC which was the soap that ruled in my house growing up. My grandmother used to tell me that she would feed me lunch as a baby while watching AMC. I watched it with her when I came home from school in my pre-teens years. And as an adult, I would find a strange comfort in tuning in to the adventures of Erica Kane every once in a while when I might find myself at home for lunch. I worked as an extra on AMC a few times, and it was the gig that lent my career legitimacy for my grandmother even though I had worked extensively in theater before working on the show. I also will venture a guess that my first glimpses of good male shirtlessness came on a weekday afternoon between 1 and 2pm on ABC during my teenage years.

So in honor of a show I feel I passed my life with, I post Cameron Matheson in all his shirtless glory. May he find other places to take his shirt off, and may I find something interesting to watch on that errant weekday afternoon when I am home for lunch. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The Goz

2011-04-11T18:17:00.005-04:00

The secretary of IMS recently alerted me to some upcoming excellent male shirtlessness coming from Ryan Gosling in the film "Crazy Stupid Love." Between his abs and the fact that it's a romcom with Steve Carell, I'm sure to see it. If only he were reunited with Rachel McAdams, all would be well. But I won't grumble. Mr. Gosling is always compelling onscreen and has chosen some interesting roles over the years. And if he happens to look great with his shirt off, then who am I to complain?

So things are really heating up here in the South. I feel that in just a day or two, men will be shedding their shirts left and right. Whether this will be a good thing remains to be seen, since my apartment complex is surrounded by fast food restaurants. I will say, however, that the men in the cast seem to be gearing up for shirtless weather. I think goodness lies ahead. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Gleeful Requests

2011-04-04T20:23:00.002-04:00

As the evening began to settle here in Alabama, I started to panic that I would not be able to come up with any good shirtlessness for this week. While GA featured a fair amount of shirtlessness last week, I don't think I can support the musical episode. To be fair, I came to the theater via musicals and have a very soft spot for them, but watching doctors sing instead of operate did not compel me last week. Also, I think GA has used up its quotient of otherworldly visions in the form of Denny Duquette, and so I was very disappointed to spend an hour with Callie outside of her own body. Thank goodness Avery took off his shirt!

So I turned to an IMS member for advice, and he requested Mr. Darren Criss of "Glee." I was worried about the age factor, since I am not an advocate of posting children on the blog, but Mr. Criss is 24 - fair game. I am a few episodes behind on "Glee" but have thoroughly enjoyed his storyline with Kurt, even though I sit in nervous anticipation of Kurt's first heartbreak. Having survived high school and beyond, I am unfortunately bound to remember the accompaniment to most first kisses. But it is sweet to see their love story presented as just that. So many thanks for the suggestion of ground-breaking shirtlessness to my fellow IMS member!

In the meantime, things are heating up in the South, and I believe a lot of shirtlessness will be coming my way soon. The park is green and lovely; the pool will be open shortly; and there is no reason that attractive men should not be sauntering about without shirts for the rest of my stay here. No reason except the possibility of torrential rain and tornadoes, but I remain hopeful as should you. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Limitless Shirtlessness

2011-03-28T16:12:00.003-04:00

One of my castmates and recent members of IMS reported some good shirtlessness over the weekend in the new movie "Limitless." Bradley Cooper has never been hard on the eyes, and the prospect of seeing him in nothing but a pair of boxer briefs could entice me to see this movie. However, I have to admit that since arriving in Alabama, I have seen exactly one movie, and my guess is that my next trip to the cinema will most likely be for Jane Eyre. What can I say? I am a sucker for period dramas! That is why "The Tudors" was such a joy - period costumes and shirtlessness! Needless to say, Mr. Cooper has made "Limitless" number 2 on my list.

As for said castmate who reported his recent shirtless fix, I'd like to give a shout out for developing some very good shirtlessness of his own. He has introduced me to the wonder of "The Perfect Push-Up," a set of portable devices that make push-ups even harder than they normally are by requiring you to twist your wrists while doing them. I don't understand the physics of them, but I will say that the results speak for themselves. He was the envy of every man and woman in the gym this morning where we took a Body Pump class together. This recent addition to the IMS membership told me that the blog inspired him to develop better shirtlessness himself. This is exactly how the blog should work!

The cause continues on in mysterious ways. All I can say is that I'm happy to inspire more good male shirtlessness all across the country. Until next week, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Shirtlessness, the Old Fashioned Way

2011-03-21T21:44:00.002-04:00

I realize that I have been a terrible blogger by not keeping to my schedule. Alas, rehearsing a repertory season is a bit more taxing than I expected and the internet connection in our apartments is not quite as amenable as promised. So my apologies for slowing down on the shirtlessness front. It is a cause that I continue to support but perhaps not as vocally on the internet as previously. I assure you that my commitment remains unwavering in spite of the obstacles that time and the internet put before me.

Today I am posting Clark Gable in honor of the play that I am currently working on, which tells a fictionalized account of the creation of the script for "Gone with the Wind." My castmates and I watched the movie as research, and I found myself incredibly compelled by Mr. Gable. He had such an ease on screen. While I realize that his shirtlessness is not the best by today's overwrought standards, there is something quintessentially male about Clark Gable, and I thought it was worth celebrating.

In other news, I have discovered that although there is a rule in the park against running shirtless, there does not seem to be a rule against standing around shirtless. Now that the temperature has hit the 80s, the shirts are coming off. I'm not sad to say it. Things are definitely starting to look up on the shirtless front!

In the wake of my absence, I think I have to look at paring back my posting schedule to once a week on Mondays. I hope that my fellow IMS members will understand that sometimes learning and performing three plays at the same time can whittle away time once dedicated to blogging. I continue to encourage and promote good shirtlessness in my everyday life and hope that my Monday posts will carry the mantle for this short period away. I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The Man Hug

2011-03-07T19:14:00.002-05:00

I know that this is not a bona fide shirtless picture, but after seeing Anthony Mackie on the Today Show last week promoting his new movie, "The Adjustment Bureau" with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, I developed a little bit of a crush on him and think he should be shirtless soon. The arms in the above photo support my belief. He was simply so charming and humble and cute as he flirted with Ann Curry that I had to look him up and post him. So Mr. Mackie, please take your shirt off soon! He also said that he was a big supporter of hugging and then got into a hug-off with Al Roker. What is not to love about this guy?!

Apologies for the lack of posts last week. I found myself facing some rather difficult circumstances on a personal front and could not bring myself to concentrate on good male shirtlessness. I think you all can tell from that mere fact how heavy said circumstances were. Trouble seems to have cleared for now, but I am still wrestling with how to deal with people who act in an unjust way. I don't think I would have felt better if these people had demonstrated good shirtlessness while acting, but suffice it to say that they did not, which made the situation all the worse.

In any case the second show of the season will start previews tomorrow. No one takes their shirt off in this show either, but the quick changes suggest that there is a lot of shirtlessness happening backstage. I won't complain. Alabama is warming up, and I believe that some good male shirtlessness paired with my favorite accessories of kindness and compassion are in the air. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Countdown to Oscar

2011-02-21T19:56:00.002-05:00

I know I have already posted Mr. Bale, but he truly is the only Oscar nominee that I would like to see without his shirt. From the above picture, can you blame me? I know Mr. Bale has a reputation for being a nut due to the footage of him screaming at the crew during a film shoot, but sometimes I wonder if all his Method-acting weight loss doesn't drive him to craziness. If he stayed the pleasant weight pictured above, perhaps he would be nicer. But then again, it is his manorexic portrait of an addict that will most likely give him an Oscar this Sunday. So who's to say? Natalie Portman appeared to have starved herself for her nominated performance in "The Black Swan" and by all reports did not yell at anyone. So I guess I should make it clear that if in pursuing good shirtlessness, one feels the need to be a horrible person, please stop searching for the shirtlessness. Kindness is a far more valuable commodity.

That said, I do enjoy a combination of the two.

We're knee deep in shows and rehearsals at the Shakespeare Festival and managing all to be kind to each other. Some of my cast mates have taken to playing tennis outside our apartments, and that seems like a promising source of shirtlessness as the weather continues to heat up. We've been cooking up a storm here, and so no one has any excuse not to be pleasant. I feel a combination of kindness and shirtlessness may be in my future. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Superman, Super Shirtless!

2011-02-18T18:59:00.002-05:00

Oh happy day when the new Superman is announced! I know I'm behind the times here in the deep South, but news like this is definitely worth waiting for. You know that I have loved Henry Cavill since I first laid eyes on him in "The Tudors," and now the thought of seeing him on a giant screen wearing the suit of my favorite superhero is almost too much to bear. I am filled with joy.

I'm also happy because at last the weather has become delightful, and live shirtlessness seems possible again. I've taken to walking the long way to work in the hopes that I will run into a shirtless jogger, even though I know that shirtless jogging is forbidden in the park. This weather reminds me of the first days of spring in college when all the males spontaneously would take off their shirts just to feel the sun. It was generally a blinding proposition, but at least it started off the season with a bang. I'm happy for the sun in February and won't let anything bring me down. Henry Cavill and sunshine make me happy!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T17:33:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling romantic because it's Valentine's Day and because I have spent that past few nights watching "Downton Abbey" with some of my cast mates. This delightful individual is British actor, Theo James, who plays a Turkish diplomat in the Masterpiece Theater miniseries, and although he is not shirtless here, he does take off his shirt in the series. There are many things to recommend "Downton Abbey," imcluding lush settings, gorgeous costumes, and fantastically twisting storylines. Sadly the only shirtlessness in the series occurs under less than ideal circumstances, but I encourage all IMS members to take the time to watch it and to keep track of Mr. James. He has an unusually light presence on the internet for an actor, but with those lips and eyes, I doubt this will remain the case for long. I also suspect he has more shirtlessness in his future.

The weather is improving in Alabama, and I suddenly feel hope that shirtlessness may be just around the corner. I have been distressed to learn that shirtless running is not allowed in the park that surround our theater and wonder if this means shirtlessness is generally not encouraged here. That would be sad. One of the primary ways to enjoy the sun is to take off one's shirt and soak it in, I believe. I shall remain optimistic, however, and believe that with the warm spring sun will come some good male shirtlessness. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Fade to Grey

2011-02-12T00:36:00.003-05:00

Every so often, I am reminded why I am so devoted to Grey's Anatomy. Last night's episode with Avery ever so slowly taking off his scrub shirt and ever so slowly putting on his regular shirt was just such a delicious reminder. My cast mate and I clapped and cheered after we picked our jaws up off the floor during this scene. Frankly, a man who will both take off his shirt and listen to your issues while feeding you chocolates gives one a lot to cheer for. Obviously, the fact that he was giving the chocolates and listening to Lexi in hopes of advancing his career lessened the impact of these actions, but the good shirtlessness at the end of the episode made it all okay. It's amazing how much shirtlessness can fix almost any situation.

The weather continues to disappoint me in Alabama. I was hoping for a winter of warm weather and good male shirtlessness , but alas, that seems not to be in the cards for me. I will settle for the many shapely calves revealed by all the Julius Caesar costumes and hope for spring to come soon. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Superbowl Shirtlessness

2011-02-05T00:49:00.003-05:00

Before Superbowl Sunday, it seemed only right to post an athlete from one of the competing teams as suggested by one of the most recent members of IMS, and so I present Troy Polamalu, a Pittsburgh Steeler of Samoan descent who has insured his hair for a reported $3 million since he is also a spokesperson for Head and Shoulders Shampoo. He also seems to give pretty good shirtlessness. Since having my heart broken by the Buffalo Bills every year of college, I have made it a point not to follow football, but I was lucky enough to have some help from fellow IMS members to find Mr. Polamalu. I also like his last name; it rolls off the tongue.

In other news, the first show of the season opened here in Montgomery. Since we opened to a 10am matinee for high school students, there was relatively little fanfare, but locking a show in always gives one a sense of satisfaction. I'm glad to have one show under my belt and start the next tomorrow. Perhaps there will be new chances at good shirtlessness in "Much Ado..."

In the meantime, if you are looking for a quick fix for your shirtless needs, apparently Del Monte has created a ice cream pop version of Daniel Craig's torso. One of my cast mates alerted me to this important development in the frozen treat world. I don't know if I'm more sad that I don't have one of these frozen delights than that I didn't come up with this brilliant idea. While I doubt I will find one of these treats anytime soon given the freezing temperatures, I am really looking forward to trying one this summer. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Award Winning Shirtlessness

2011-01-31T23:26:00.003-05:00

With the awards season upon us, I realize that I will probably spend a great deal of time in the next few weeks trying to catch all the Oscar movies. Between that and the fact that we are beginning our repertory schedule of doing one show while rehearsing another, I doubt I will have much time for new shirtlessness. I'm also concerned that none of the front runners for Oscars aside from Christian Bale who was recently posted give good shirtlessness. So let me take a moment to commend the Cecil B.DeMille Award winner from the Golden Globes, Robert De Niro. In his younger years, he sported quite a bit of shirtlessness, and then when that faded he turned to comedy - never a bad choice. Granted "Little Fockers" was not his best work, but I can respect a man who replaces a fit torso with a jaunty wit. So congratulations to Mr. De Niro for the recognition of his body of work.

Julius Caesar begins preview tomorrow. Although there is no shirtlessness in the show, technical rehearsals over the weekend revealed that the costumes feature quite a few bare calves. When not wearing togas, the men all wear tunics with short breeches. Although I have never been an advocate for pantslessness, I do know some members of IMS who thoroughly enjoy a bare calf. This show is definitely for those individuals. Calves and swordplay and the infrequent appearance of me in a wig reminiscent of Liza Minnelli. I've never actually had to play a boy before, and so I'm enjoying myself. I don't know if anyone believes that I'm either male or a child, but here's to hoping. Our first audience arrives tomorrow morning, and then only time will tell. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Old Spice and Shirtlessness

2011-01-28T18:33:00.002-05:00

Ahhh, the Old Spice guy is back! Though I don't like this spot as much as the one wear he rides a horse and builds a kitchen, I can't complain about a commercial that uses nothing but unadulterated shirtlessness to send its message. I also appreciate that he uses a wonderful vocabulary while being shirtless which as you all know is a big turn on for me. I have often in the past noted some fine accessories to shirtlessness like kindness and intelligence, and this week, I would like to add a deft handling of the English language to the list. It's very, very good.

I am currently in tech for the first show of the season here at ASF. So far, it's going well. I'm happy to report that while no one is shirtless in this show, some of the actors are wet. After Colin Firth's infamous lake scene in Pride and Prejudice, I have to offer being soaking wet as an acceptable alternative to shirtlessness. What I think is particularly appealing about this instance is that the soaking occurs on stage which is a little piece of stage magic. Sometimes I really love the theater!

I have to go back to continue tech rehearsal, but I do assure you, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Sugar Ray Shirtless

2011-01-24T10:36:00.002-05:00

In the march towards the Oscars, I am anxiously watching as many of the soon-to-be-nominated films as I can. Last night night, I saw "The Fighter." While there was a lot of good shirtlessness in the film from previously featured actors Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale, there was also some footage of probably the first good male shirtlessness I ever saw when I was a child, boxing film of Sugar Ray Leonard. My dad used to watch boxing when I was a kid, and I have distinct memories of watching some of Sugar Ray's fights with him. Mr. Leonard made a brief appearance in the film, and I was reminded of how cute I always thought he was. So in honor of fighters everywhere and comebacks of all kinds, I give you Sugar Ray Leonard who always gave great shirtlessness.

Having seen "The Fighter" I also see how Mr. Bale and Melissa Leo won Golden Globe awards for their performances. They both broke my heart in this film, and I'm routing for them to win Oscars. The movie has a lot of heart, and it's hard not to get swept up in the story of a down on his luck boxer fighting his way to the top in spite of the heavy weight of a crazy family. How can you not cheer for a shirtless Mark Wahlberg? And a new IMS member did remark on a great shot of Mr. Wahlberg's back, and I have to say if anyone can find that clip from the film, I will post it. That is all good.

It is still not warm in Alabama, but it's not as cold here as in New York. So I'm grateful and...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

We Are All Romans Now

2011-01-21T17:24:00.003-05:00

So I have migrated south for the winter in order to perform in the Shakespeare festival here, and our first show of the season is "Julius Caesar" which has put me in a rather historical mindset. One of my fellow cast mates (and recent new recruit to the cause) suggested that I check out a certain Dustin Clare of the recent "Spartacus" film, and it appears that Mr. Clare does uphold the Two Point Standard of good shirtlessness. It also appears that the Roman Empire was a high point for shirtlessness, at least as depicted in popular culture. Sadly there is no shirtlessness in the current production that I am in (maybe not so sad since no one is really in shirtless shape although that could change), but I think doing research for this show will provide fruitful for the blog. Already, I have enlisted some new members of IMS. Welcome, fellow thespians! We do plan to watch the series "Rome" which promises lots of shirtlessness and I may just have to watch this Spartacus as well. So even though it is freezing like the Northeast, who says there can't be some good shirtlessness is Alabama?

Friends, Romans, Countrymen - lend me your shirts!

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Golden Shirtlessness

2011-01-17T10:50:00.002-05:00

In honor of his Golden Globe win, I have to post Christian Bale, mostly because I don't think that Colin Firth would hold up to the Two Point Standard even though I love him. Mr. Bale does give consistent good shirtlessness, and I have to give him props for being an absolute chameleon. He looks so different in every single movie he does, it comes as no surprise that he would win a statue for his efforts. I'm a bit miffed as to why his acceptance speech was twice as long as everyone else's, but the group of actors that I watched the show with last night all thought it was well-deserved. I have yet to see this shirtlessness-filled movie, but it is on my list to watch before the Oscars, along with approximately nine other films.

One hopeful note in the Golden Globes last night was that all the female winners appeared to be women of some maturity. It's nice to see women who have put in the time to receive some recognition. Natalie Portman was the youngest winner, and even with her youth, she's been at it a long time. Maybe next year, one of the winners will be a different race than Caucasian and I'll really feel hopeful.

It continues to be freezing here in Montgomery, leaving very little opportunity to encounter real life shirtlessness, but I feel confident that the nino winds will changes soon. At least I hope so. Five months without shirtlessness seems like a long time. Let's hope for change, shall we? I continue to be...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Off the Map

2011-01-14T12:36:00.002-05:00

I have attempted to watch the new ABC show "Off the Map" twice and have yet to be compelled to add it to my list. But I will say that I'm happy to report that there was shirtlessness from the above Martin Henderson before the first commercial break. I fear that this show may be as preposterous as "Private Practice," but unlike PP, it seems to understand that the audience really just wants to watch hot doctors take their shirts off, not hot doctors grappling with emotional issues from their childhood and failed marriages. Some of you may remember Mr. Henderson from "Bride & Prejudice," the ill-fated Bollywood remake of the Jane Austen classic. As an avid Austenite, there is not time enough to discuss the atrocities committed in that film, but I can say that Mr. Henderson, though no Mr. Darcy, was charming enough there. I'll give "Off the Map" a few more weeks before giving up.

In other news, I have also dumped B&S from my viewing list. Hearing that they were bringing back Tommy was simply too much for me. I also think I have seen all the permutations of sibling rivalry that is possible on that show. Finally, they sent Luc away. He was really my only hope.

I'm still freezing in Alabama but hoping for a return to Southern weather over the weekend. Until then, I am...

Your in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

The Beauty of the Ballet Body

2011-01-10T22:46:00.002-05:00

Last week an IMS member directed my attention to Benjamin Millepied, otherwise known as Natalie Portman's fiance and baby daddy. This NYCB dancer has been giving a lot of shirtlessness lately, and I felt I had to post him to honor the beauty that is the ballet body. Being a moderina myself, I know I often look to modern dance for a shirtlessness fix, but let us not forget the ballet. I have yet to see "The Black Swan," but this photo is enough to persuade me to see it. I have no idea what that Mondrian-esque tattoo on his abdomen is, and frankly, I don't really care. In any case, well done, Ms. Portman!

I apologize for the erratic timing of my posts lately. Life has been rather topsy-turvy for this hyphenate of late. My Jane Austen play opened in Silver Spring on Friday night, and the excitement of the experience threw off my shirtlessness schedule. Right after opening, I flew down to Montgomery where I will be participating in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for the next 5 months. That transition also threw my posting schedule off. But now that I am here and getting acclimated, I hope to get back on track. Thank you for your patience, gentle IMS members. Please know that the cause is never far from my heart even though it can be at times far from my computer.

I had looked forward to coming south as an opportunity for more real life shirtlessness, but alas, I have been greeted by 30 degree weather. I am not amused. Hopefully this is only a minor detour on the way to extremely good shirtlessness some time soon. Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Happy New Year! Hey!

2011-01-03T09:18:00.003-05:00

The New Year is looking very good to me. I have a play being produced in a week, 5 months of work ahead of me as an actor, and Daniel Sunjata has joined the cast of GA. I'm a happy girl!

The VP of IMS came over last night to watch the shows with me since I'll be away for the whole rest of the season, and we had a grand old time. He's decided that he can no longer watch B&S because the recycled storylines with Sally Field freaking out over her children have sent him over the edge. After last night's episode, I see his point. A sex scandal with Kitty is really too much. I'm all for women past the age of 35 having active sex lives, but really? Since they've sent Luc away, I know there is no hope of shirtlessness beyond Kitty's paramours, but this plot seems ridiculous. The only thing that saved the episode was Olivia asking Kevin and Scotty if they were gay. I'm glad that they might give ethnic child to Kevin and Scotty, but watch out Olivia! The last ethnic child on the show was made mysteriously mute - see Evan. I don't think I can watch this show anymore.

DH was only slightly more interesting. I will say that I enjoy the revenge plotlines that we have coming. Watching Lynette punish Tom for sleeping with Renee will be fun and wicked in the spirit of the old DH. I'm also prepping myself for Gabby's psychological break. Now if only there was someone on that show whose shirt I wanted to come off.

Finally, I read an article in the paper yesterday about President Obama's vacation and how he specifically did not want any shirtless pictures taken of him in Hawaii. I felt badly because I have posted shirtless pictures of him here. But seriously, he is the only President in my lifetime who could even entertain the option of being shirtless ever. I love Bill Clinton, but he should keep his shirt on. I can't help but think that perhaps after visiting a famous chicken wing place in Buffalo where one of the employees told him he was "a hottie with a smokin' little body," perhaps he is finished with being objectified. Since I'm from Buffalo, I feel a little bit badly about that too. In any case, I'm glad the press obeyed his wishes and hope that maybe next year he will feel differently. All the comments have not stopped Michelle from flashing her amazing arms. Just saying...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS

Holiday Shirtlessness

2010-12-20T17:27:00.002-05:00

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!

2010-12-17T09:33:00.003-05:00

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

2010-12-13T23:36:00.002-05:00

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

2010-12-06T11:06:00.004-05:00

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

2010-12-03T10:15:00.004-05:00

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!

2010-11-29T11:04:00.003-05:00

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

2010-11-22T12:17:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-11-19T09:47:00.002-05:00

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

2010-11-15T10:55:00.002-05:00

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

2010-11-12T11:33:00.005-05:00

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

2010-11-08T16:24:00.003-05:00

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

2010-11-05T10:14:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-11-01T11:47:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-24T23:28:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-22T09:50:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-18T15:21:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-15T09:13:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-10T18:11:00.002-04:00

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

2010-10-07T13:31:00.003-04:00

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

2010-10-04T12:00:00.004-04:00

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

2010-10-01T13:03:00.004-04:00

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

2010-09-27T11:15:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-09-24T16:38:00.003-04:00

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...

2010-09-20T10:23:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-18T11:57:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-13T15:34:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-10T13:37:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-07T20:52:00.005-04:00

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

2010-09-03T14:07:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-30T12:56:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-08-27T10:33:00.003-04:00

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