Favorite Pic of the Day for July 31st

I have profiled model Jean Carlos before, but with all the stunning shots of Jean out there, sometimes a backstage candid can be one of the hottest!

Pic Series of The Day: Chris Michael by Mark Grantham

The Model: Chris Michael:

26 year old California Model Chris Michael may be from Chicago, but he certainly looks at home on the beaches of California.

Chris describes himself as:

"Intelligent, love to laugh, not an idiot, in shape, athletic Filipino/French/German/Irish/Swedish (woot woot!) mixed guy. I love this fruitful and fulfilling journey of modeling for photography, and I'm definitely always open for new perspectives and creative minds..."

I also love that he calls himself 'Short and Sweet'



Stats:
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 135 lbs
Measurements: 38-28-32
Shoe size: 7.5
Hair color: Brown
Hair length: Medium
Eye color: Brown
Skin color: Tanned
Experience: Some Experience




The Photographer: Mark Grantham

Mark is a Santa Cruz/San Francisco bay area based photographer who has a passion not only for the male form, but also a love of travel and Natural History imagery. Mark is back to focusing on his photography after an amazing experience biking 545 miles, from San Francisco to Los Angeles, as part of the 2150 riders in the AIDS LifeCycle.



Mark says:
"I approach each shoot with an eye for creating art... for creating something unique... for making the model shine... for grabbing the attention of the viewer... for creating a bit of mystery or wonder... Each of us is unique, so why create the same image over and over?"

Mark is correct his work is unique. I love how Mark takes some of the most beautiful, physical men and shoots them actually being physical. Utilizing the body, not just as the subject for his shots, but uses it's motion and flexibility to create striking images of strength and beauty. Using the arms, the legs, the entire body as part of a concept, not just as parts to be viewed but parts that help tell what the body is capable of. Be sure to check out more of Mark's work at his official site HERE:

Mark has a series of books I encourage you to check out. 'Greg' is on my wish list! You can check out and purchase some of Mark's books HERE:

Come Meet Jen, Who Often Refers To Herself in the Third Person

I've been hinting around about this on both Facebook and Twitter, and now I'm pleased to say I can finally share with you the details of the coming U.S. Cake Wrecks Book Tour!!

Exactly, Jae K.

Uh, you DID know there's a book, right? Because you've already pre-ordered your copy like a good Wrecky henchperson, right?

Well, even if you haven't purchased a copy I hope you'll come say hello (and then purchase a copy). It's not that I'd mind eating all the cake myself (did I mention there'll be cake?) and doing the Q&A with just John (and that John's coming?), but frankly, Andrews McMeel might. So please, block out these dates on your calenders now, and then buy any necessary plane tickets to get you there, because with today's plethora of transportation options I am NOT accepting "it was too far away" as an excuse. (Hey, if I have to get on a plane...)

Ok, ok, just to sweeten the deal further: How about a contest? And even better, one in which no talent is required and you get to eat the results?

Yes, exactly like this, Christine D. Thanks.
(The original is here.)

Yep, in a nutshell: just make a Wreckplica of your choice...but the catch is, it has to be on a cupcake. This is both to keep the entries a manageable size, and (bonus!) just to screw with you. The crowd favorites will win fabulous prizes, which admittedly I haven't decided on yet, but believe me, they're going to be fabulous.

There will also be cake for everyone (bakers, if you'd like to volunteer your services in your city, let me know), so rest assured you will be leaving with a sugar buzz even if you don't bring an entry - but you still should anyway, so that those of us with icing in our hair don't mock you.

Yeah. Like that.

Ok, now that I have you positively salivating with anticipation, here's the schedule:

Orlando, FL
Borders (Winter Park)
Tuesday, September 22, 5PM
(NOTE: This will be my first public appearance EVER. So let me apologize in advance for doing the entire Q&A with a barf bag strategically placed on my lap.)

Portland, OR
Powell’s Books
Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm

Seattle, WA
Third Place Books
Saturday, September 26 6:30 pm

San Francisco, CA
Copperfield's Books (Petaluma)
Sunday, September 27 2:00 pm


Denver, CO
Tattered Cover Bookstore (Historic LoDo)
Tuesday, September 29 7:30 pm

Chicago, IL
Barnes & Noble (Old Orchard)
Thursday, October 1, 7:30 pm

Dallas, TX
Legacy Books
Saturday, October 3, 2:00 pm

Austin, TX
BookPeople
Sunday, October 4, 3:00 pm

Kansas City, MO
Barnes & Noble (Oak Park)
Monday, October 5, 6:00 pm
(NOTE: Yes, technically this is not in Missouri; it's in Kansas. I think these are listed by the closest major city, if that helps explain it any.)

Bethesda, MD
Barnes & Noble
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 pm

New York, NY
Barnes & Noble (Greenwich Village)
Wednesday, October 7, 7:30 pm

I should mention that this tour started out with only 5 stops, and has grown to what it is now partly due to your exuberant responses on Facebook. So if you feel that some crime of omission has been committed here, by all means, tell me in the comments.

I'd also like to apologize to my international readers, since as you can see this tour is limited to the U.S. Given my dislike of flying in general - and long flights in particular - I have a hard time feeling TOO bad about this, but I am sorry I won't be able to meet all you lovelies in Australia, the UK, Japan, etc. We may try to stream one of the Q&A sessions online for you, so stay tuned.

And finally, if you think you might join us at one of the venues above, please RSVP - even if it's with a "maybe" - by clicking on the city name. This will help us figure out how much cake, prizes, chairs, etc. to have on hand.

Thanks, guys! I look forward to meeting many of you soon!

UPDATE: WOW. Thanks for the frenzied amount of feedback - I knew I could count on you Wreckies to speak your mind! Just remember that *I* am not the one booking this tour, so no accusing me of hatin' on the southeast/northeast, Ok? And rest assured, the powers-that-be are reading your comments here, so I for one have faith that - no matter what happens - I can always blame the outcome on them. :D

Who Cut the Cheese?

That's right, folks: the day you've been waiting for is finally here. All those hours of planning, long nights of anticipation, and stockpiling of Lactaid pills will finally pay off, because today...is National Cheesecake Day.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Jem," you're thinking - because you frequently get me mixed up with the 80s cartoon rocker - "Jem, how is it even possible to Wreck a cheese cake?"

Why, like this, my adorably confused reader:

[singing] "This-is-how-we-do-it!"

Aww, I see this was taken on my birthday, Mike & Angie. Well, thanks for the thought and all, but that drippy brown splotch has just reminded me: I...uh...don't eat drippy brown splotches. Sorry.

So that's a traditional cheesecake Wreck, but what if I told you it gets even Wreckier?

BEHOLD, THE WEDDING CHEESE CAKE WRECK!!!

Yes, my dear Wreckies, I'm afraid it's true: that is a "cake" made entirely of cheese. And not a sweet cream cheese, either - oh no. I'm talkin' the stuff that gets described with words like "sharp," "green veining," and "stinky feet." And it's a wedding cake.

I wish I could say this is a one-time fluke, but unfortunately wedding cheese "cakes" are a growing trend. They're not in addition to the traditional cake, either; they're in place of it. Meaning there is no actual wedding cake at these weddings - just cheese. Cheese! As if that's an acceptable substitute!


What happened to the time-tested wedding arrangement? You know, the one where we bring expensive linens, crystal, and espresso-makers in exchange for a free meal, a little boozy dancing, and a slice of gorgeously decorated, oh-so-scrumptious cake?

Frankly, it only adds insult to injury when someone tries to "pretty" these things up, too:

Fake flowers and ribbon pinned (yes, pinned) into cheese wheels does not an elegant "cake" make.

Still, nothing's as bad as combining cake, cheese, and a pork pie all into a single display:

The question is, can you tell which layer is which?

Cass J., Anony M., Stella P., & Second Anony., I Camembert it; all the Gouda puns Havarti been used!


- Related Wreckage: "Cake" Cruelty

Favorite Pic of the Day for July 30th

Since a theme of the day seems to be the work of photographer and artist Hans W Fahrmeyer, I had to add this pic of Empire Model Santiago Peralta who I have profiled before on the blog.

Busy Day tomorrow so posting a bit early
Enjoy your Thursday Everyone!

Tye

Favorites Of Favorites: Nick Adams

Next up in my Favorites of Favorites is Broadway Sensation Nick Adams. I first became aware of Nick several years ago when watching Nick perform 'Pan' at 2007's Broadway Bares (Search the site if you have not seen the video, it is hilarious and incredibly hot). Since then I have followed his time in 'A Chorus Line', 'Guys and Dolls' Tabloid attention for his abathon with Mario Lopez, all the performances, ads and modeling in between.

If you read this blog much you will know that I love showcasing the work of stage actors. Like many, I once had the dream of hitting the big time on the Broadway stage. Like many, I had to let that dream fade in exchange for making a living (Although I played a mean King Lear and a wicked Riff to name a few).

I have been to New York several times and when there, besides soaking up the culture, I always hit as many shows as I can afford. Stage actors never get the attention they deserve. It is a difficult life working on stage, especially in New York. Heartaches, long hours, hard work, working your body to exhaustion, lean times financially, stress between jobs and all that....if you actually have a degree of success! I love to give a little attention to those dancing, singing and emoting over the orchestra pit. Nick is one of my favorites. Talented, hard working, hot as hell and incredibly giving.



Name: Nick Adams
Occupation: Actor, Singer, model
Most Recently Seen: On Stage in 'Guys & Dolls'.
Can Be Seen Next: Broadway at Birdland (August 17th)
Official Site: Nick Adams.biz
Blog: Nick Adams Blog

1. Favorite Site you check out daily on the net?

Theatremania.com

2. Favorite Meal?

Steak and potatos


3. Favorite TV Show?

American Idol


4. Favorite TV show guilty pleasure?

Real housewives of New Jersey


5. First celebrity Crush?

James Franco


6. Celebrity you would go on a date with if you could?

Ryan Reynolds




7. Favorite Thing to do when home alone for a day?

Sing

8. Favorite Part of your job?

The rush I get from being onstage.

9. Favorite Project you have been a part of?

Performing on the Tony Awards was magical but A Chorus Line will always mean so much to me.

10. Favorite Body Part (yours or on another):

Men's thighs drive me crazy. I like my nose because it's unique.

11. Favorite Piece of Clothing you own?

A pair of worn out Diesel jeans from about 8 years ago.

12. Music that was blaring when you were a kid, when you closed your bedroom, grabbed something as a mike, and pretended to be a rock star

James Taylor and Carly Simon were always playing around my house, but when I rocked out in my room it was to Bryan Adams!





Thanks Nick!

All Photos of Nick from Hans W Fahrmeyer. Check out more of Hans work below.

Photographer of The Day: Hans W Fahrmeyer

When I was preparing my post above on Nick Adams it became clear some of the hottest pics of Nick out there were by New York based Photographer Hans W Fahrmeyer. I also realized that although I have posted many of my favorite shots from Hans in the past, I had not taken the time to post specifically about this talented and complicated artist.

Many of you know Hans work, besides his books you can often seen Hans work in Advertising, Editorials and he has been featured in many magazines including including Time Magazine, Newsweek, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Burda, Madame, Connaisseur, Opera Monthly, Men’s Workout, Insider, Camera & Darkroom, Shing (Japan). Of course many of us know Hans for shooting the cover for iconic book 'Boy Culture'. Hans has also done some amazing work recently shooting the men from Empire Models.



Hans was born in Hamburg, Germany and immigrated to the U.S. in 1979, and established a studio in the West Village. I have heard a few stories about Hans studio which has been described as pretty minimalist with only what Hans needs for his work and very little more. Hans lives and breathes his work and not only has produced some amazing shots of models but to me some of his hottest shots are his work photographing Gay New York nightlife. His shots of Gay Clubs are not only incredibly hot, but also, to me, express both extreme sexuality in combination with extreme isolation, and maybe even loneliness. Both of these come through colorful images of men showcased in alive party type atmospheres. I love them! There is something about the theme of being alone in a crowd I find fascinating.


First three shots above of Miles Miller.

Besides Empire's Miles Miller (above) many of you know that Hans has worked many times with one of my favorites (and I Know yours) Philip Fusco. Hans's work with Philip showcases both raw sex appeal mixed with sweet venerability.

Below: Some of my favorite shots by Hans of Philip Fusco.


Nick Adams says Hans is a master of light and says his shoot with Hans was one of his favorites. Others have described an oddness with Hans, but a sweet oddness that exudes both complexity and brilliance. A man of few words. Hans insists on perfection and this is evident in the work he allows us to see. His technical approach to shooting, devoid of flash and concept, instead focusing the lens on the subject in front of him. His Len's is sharper than many and often seems to weed the weak from the strong.



Since 1989, he has been staff photographer for the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico.
Inspired by Mapplethorpe, Horst and Ritts, Fahrmeyer’s technique manifests [celebrate] the human body as sculpture in a sensuous interplay of light and shadow. If you frequent NY night life, you just might run into Hans. If you do, and he see's something special about you, he just might slip you his card. You don't have to be Philip Fusco, Miles Miller or Nick Adams to get the Fahrmeyer touch, he just has to see something special in you.

Hans to me has all the qualities of a true artist, both tormented and crazy talented. Maybe the oddness some describe is not really so odd. Maybe Hans was born in the wrong era. Hans expresses the qualities of many artists of the past, qualities we seem to have beaten out of many of artists due to their need to make money and promote themselves so that the public will adore them. All we really need to adore is an artist's work and in this case I most certainly do.



Check out Hans official site HERE: Also check out Amazon for some of Hans books and products including 'Between Men and Women' 'Between Men' and 'Colours of Men'.




Some info From Hans official site.

Just Because: Felipe Von Borstel

You all know I don't like to post pictures without sharing a bit about the model and artist's behind them so I had to share a little more of model Felipe Von Borstel whom was included yesterday in the series of shots of Leo D for Butch by Dean Isidro. Felipe has such a beautiful warm face and those killer abs! You can check out more of Felipe's book at 10 Model Management HERE:



Stats:
Height: 6'1
Chest: 38
Shoe: 10
Eyes: Light Brown
Hair: Brown







4 more shots from the Butch 2007 collection I posted about yesterday.
Photography by Dean Isidro






Last three shots from the great site Made In Brazil.
Photographer: Lope Navo

Just Beachy

It's summer, the perfect time of year to head out to the seashore and soak up all the natural wonders the beach has to offer.

You know, like the native wildlife:


The clear blue skies,


The majestic palm trees,



The completely family-friendly blue-lined mushroom thingies,


And of course all the great sea life:

[gasping] "Darn you, Valdez. Darn you to heck."

Hey Sue S., Sharon, Alyska B., Sharon R., & Anony M., you know what's pastier than a Minnesotan in January? A Floridian in July. Yep. Now shut the door and hand me my sweater; you're letting all the cold air out.


- Related Wreckage: Marcus and the New Job

Favorite Pic of the Day for July 29th

Above: Leo D by Rick Day.

It's D day here at Favorite Hunks and by D day I mean Leo D. Now Leo is a bit of a mystery as in all my research I have yet track down his last name. I do know although he is one of the hottest guys working today, there is very little out there about him. After the Birthday's are a series of posts featuring Leo who is represented by Front Model Management. If anyone knows a last name be sure to shoot me a line!

Tye