Entry Filter: Exclusive Posts
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| Credit: Rick Day NYC Photography Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with the handsome gentleman above, who you've undoubtedly seen on some of our fellow blogs' pages. Bryan David Thomas has gone from All-American Guys directly to the pages of fitness magazines, all the while in the hands of some of the best photographers in the business.
We had a lengthy chat about the business, his personal training advice, plus our signature Random Hunk Questions™, of course!
Check out our full interview with him -- right here!
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| Credit: Rick Day NYC Photography [ Bryan David Thomas - Official Blog ]
[ Bryan David Thomas - Fitness Yahoo Group! ]
05.28.08
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| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com Saturday night we had the pleasure of joining Menswear designer and Project Runway 4 contestant Jack Mackenroth (previously interviewed here) for Black Tie Bingo, a swanky night of Gay Bingo benefiting Lifelong AIDS Alliance in Seattle.
The evening began in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt as cocktails were poured amongst contortionists, stiltwalkers, and acrobats from local circus troupe Pure Cirkus. Guests were dressed to the nines, perhaps hoping to impress Jack with their tuxedo selection.
Once inside, Doug and I found ourselves seated at the Friends & Family table and were suddenly making friends with Jack's family and sitting alongside Jack himself for part of the night! Jack was completely sweet and lovely, of course -- we chatted a little more about his experience on the show, whether he'd consider going back for another season, and what he's been up to lately. Interrogation and photo (see me, Jack, and Doug above!) now aside, Doug and I continued tipping back cocktails and bestowed "insta-friend" status on Jack's sister Sarah (last picture.)
Before the main bingo games start, Lifelong AIDS Alliance raised a cool and quick $60,000 in their "raise the paddle" for the organization. One lady (accompanied by a fellow we simply called "the silver fox") kicked off the paddle-raising with an amazing $5,000 donation, preparing folks to go big or go home!
Jack then took the stage with bingo hostess Sylvia O'Stayformore, where the bingo games then kicked off. Officiated by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (Abbey of St. Joan), vacations were the prize of choice -- each package more fabulous than the previous.
After the event wrapped up at the Grand Hyatt, guests were whisked off by limousine (or walked, which we chose to do) a few blocks to The Baltic Room for The Official After Party. More drinks, mingling, and dancing ensued -- and we chatted with Sarah and her friends, deciding being downstairs was much more fun than the VIP room anyway.
Lifelong AIDS Alliance put on a great event with a fantastic hope, and raised a bunch of money for the organization at the same time. Congratulations on the big success, and thanks so much to Jack Mackenroth for taking the time out of his busy schedule to participate.
Photos from the event can be found at seattlepaparazzi.com, where you can buy prints and full size digital versions -- all proceeds benefit Lifelong AIDS Alliance.
[ Hunk du Jour Interviews Jack Mackenroth ]
[ seattlepaparazzi.com - Event Photos ]
[ Lifelong AIDS Alliance - Donate Today! ]
[ Jack Mackenroth - Official Site ]
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| Credit: seattlepaparazzi.com 
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| Credit: Chris Hager After the jump is our exclusive interview with upcoming DNA Covermodel Calisto. After pitching the idea while on a gig at New York Pride last year, Calisto heard that they liked the idea (and the photo spread shot by Chris Hager) and that he landed the cover!
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| Credit: Chris Hager We initially heard about Calisto after one of our readers, Walter, talked to him at a meet-and-greet at a local bar. Walter was so impressed with how sweet and friendly Calisto was he sent us a note suggesting a feature... and who were we to argue?
After the jump we chat about making it into DNA, the five photographers we should be paying more attention to, and how growing up as a nerdy kid in North Carolina helped him realize he wanted to help troubled teens.
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| Credit: Chris Hager 
Ivri Lider is a superstar in his native country Israel, but that could all change in 2008 as he launches both a new Hebrew and English album. The video for his English song Jesse has gotten a lot of airtime on LOGO TV here in the states, and Out Magazine recognized him as a member of the "Out 100" for 2007.
We got the chance to pop a few questions to Ivri, who just started working full time on the two albums while at the same time producing for fellow Israeli superstar Rita. He has some interesting things to say about his life and his work -- check out our entire interview after the jump!
Hunk du Jour: In 2006 you toured in the United States for the first time -- what kind of reception did you get from US fans?
Ivri Lider: We had a great time touring the States last year. The fans were great, very supportive, and their energy was amazing. It was really a wonderful experience for my band and me. Traveling to a different city everyday isn't something you get to do in Israel because it's such a small country, so that was definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
HdJ: Did you have a favorite stop on your tour? Somewhere that you are anxious to return to?
IL: Of course the show at the Avalon Club in New York City was really amazing for us because so many people came out to the event. But also I can remember the show Ann Arbor, Michigan at the Bling Pig Club with pictures of Nirvana on the wall in a dingy little rock club packed with a young, enthusiastic crowd. I'd actually really love to go back to both of those places sometime in the near future.
The Project Runway premiere is just over a week away, and if you're anything like me then you are more than anxious to get your Runway fix again.
Jack Mackenroth is one of the new designers who initially caught my eye. Then he caught my interest as I heard more about his background as a medalist in multiple Gay Olympic games, his openness about being an HIV-positive man, and about being a Seattle native. (Got to root for our own, Seattle!) He is designing his own line of mens shirts and pants, as well as a memoir about his life experiences.
Jack agreed to do a little Q&A with Hunk du Jour about his life leading up to Runway -- and kept his lips sealed about what we can expect in the new season (premieres November 14th, 2007 on Bravo.)
For more information about Jack, read our full interview after the jump and then check out his new website, jackmackenroth.com!
Hunk du Jour: What was your auditioning experience like for the latest season of Project Runway?
Jack Mackenroth: The audition process is very elaborate. They need to make sure that you have a clear design point of view and that you have the necessary skills to handle the challenges. You need to be able to illustrate, pattern draft, sew, drape and know your fabrics all while looking pretty and be interesting. Personally for me the process was fairly positive. Tim thought I could push the envelope with my designs because my aesthetic is very classic. Laura Bennett was the guest judge and she totally "got" me so I think she helped me get to the next round. Truthfully I was a sweaty, panicky mess the whole time. I had auditioned the previous season and was told "maybe" so I was nervous as hell.
HdJ: Where were you when you found out you were selected? How did you celebrate?
JM: I got the call when I was walking down the street in Manhattan. It's a very surreal experience because you want to scream and tell the world but because of the air tight confidentiality agreement you cant tell anyone. Basically I just said "shut up!" to the person from Bravo and then I hung up and jumped up and down for about 30 seconds like a freak.
What do you know... we post another great shot of Ryan Diesel by Sonny Tong and he appears again in our e-mail! Ryan just sent over a behind-the-scenes still from his recent shoot with the amazing David LaChapelle.
Thanks for the photo, Ryan -- what an exciting project! I can wait to see the end result!
