Oh My Stars!

As I'm sure you've all heard, there was a bit of a dust-up recently over whether or not our astrology signs have changed. Betrayal, bewilderment, boredom...there was a veritable gamut of emotions running wild.

Fortunately, CNN has since assured the world that my not being a Taurus is total bull. Whew! However, just for fun, let's take a look at these "new" signs and how they might have changed our lives forever.

Or...not.

Capricorn: Jan. 20 – Feb. 16
Capricorns are known to be obedient and dedicated. If you ask a Capricorn to do something, you can be sure it is going to get done...

...literally.

Aquarius: Feb. 16 – March 11
Aquarius is represented by water, which fits this sign's creative, "free flow" personality.

"That'll be $28.95, please."

Pisces: March 11- April 18
Pisces is an emotional yet generous sign. These selfless individuals will give until it hurts.

Or until they run out of room.

Aries: April 18 - May 13
Much like their symbol the ram, Aries are fearless creatures. They forge boldly ahead, letting no man, beast...

...or periwinkle border stand in their way.

Taurus: May 13- June 21
Taurus is a sign that never backs down. This stubborn bull will stand her ground through all of life's challenges.

"Look, the writing on the order form says 'Blinday.' END OF STORY."

Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Gemini is often of two minds, waiting to make a choice until the very last minute.

When it's over she'll know if she can write "happy" or not.

Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Cancers are rooted in the past, home and hearth. You can trust a Cancer to feed you, mother you, clean you, feed you, love you...

...and feed you.

And then maybe eat you.

Leo: Aug. 10- Sept. 16
Leos are very ambitious - shooting for the stars, taking on large projects, and sometimes getting in over their heads.

Or King Tut's, as the case may be.

Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
You can always count on the reliable Virgo to deliver steady, consistent results.

This is more of a virtue if they know how to spell.

Libra: Oct. 30- Nov. 23
Libra has a clear sense of right and wrong, and is always a fair and impartial judge. However, Libra also craves communication and loves an opportunity to prove her intelligence.

Yes, thank you, Libra.

Scorpio: Nov. 23- Nov. 29
Sharp-shooter Scorpio has no problem telling it like it is. Scorpio is honest, direct, and lays everything out in black and white.

Scorpio is usually free most Saturday nights.

Sagittarius: Dec. 17- Jan. 20
Nothing can slow down a carefree Sagittarius. Her spontaneity and drive keep things fun and interesting:

...and also covered in SPRINKLES!!! Wheeee!

Wreckiuchus: Nov. 29- Dec. 17
Wreckiuchus likes to hide in plain sight, often going years before revealing himself to those closest to him.
Some skeptics say Wreckiuchus doesn't actually exist, but if you cross your eyes and stare really hard, we think you'll get the message.

The message being that you look pretty silly with your eyes crossed, of course.


Thanks to Kailee M., Sarah C., Maggie B., Jinglei, Aaron, Jordan F., Niloufer R., Anony M., Heather & Mikki, Katie O., Elizabeth, Stina, & Valerie M., who should all look before they leap, take advantage of sudden windfalls, and explore new opportunities today. And then maybe buy their favorite bloggers a snack. (We like Bugles.)

Favorite Pic of the Day for January 30th

Above:
Love this shot of Stefan by Pierre Jean (see more below).

Happy Birthday today January 30th to:

Check out last years birthday post which includes Christian Bale and Bernardo Velasco (above) HERE:

Kudos to Saturday Night Live

It was not exactly rocket science to think that putting Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg on stage with Jesse Eisenberg would be a fun sight gag. But...if, like me you were a huge fan of The Social Network it was more than just a fun gag seeing Zuckerberg, Eisenberg not to mention Andy Samberg (who was impersonating Zuckerberg, it was surreal. Kudos to SNL for putting the three together and for the joke about poking. The joke was funny but Zuckergerg's awkward delivery sold it.

Just Because: Harry Shum Jr.

Against my better judgement I purchased the first half of of Glee's second season this week. I say against my better judgement as I could have saved a bit of money by waiting til the fall and gotten the entire season. There were some moments though, mostly involving Harry Shum Jr I was looking forward to seeing again. Sing from the Duets episode was a stand out as was Harry's dancing on Make Em Laugh and Valerie.

Don't Rain On His Parade...

Traditionally, when putting together one of those big Broadway musicals of the 40’s. 50’s and 60’s most of the main characters tended to be a series of stereotypes thrown together to ‘put on a show’. The beautiful virtuous leading lady, the heroic leading man. The secondary characters tended to be more comedic, the loose flirty second female lead, the buffoon secondary leading man. Think Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, Pyjama Game or most other shows from the time. Throw in a crotchety old grandmother, a slick gangster, and a dutiful best friend and the ensemble is complete.

Below: Kurt and his father (Mike O'Mally).


As time went on, audiences got smarter and expected more from the shows they paid to see. In the 70’s musicals began to spend more time on character development, not relying as much on standard archetypes.

Glee is a musical. But although set in the present, it’s characters remain decades in the past. Like those shows from the past, Glee has a set of fairly standard high school stereotypes which make up it’s world. The driven star, the jock, the cheerleader, the bad boy, the nerd, the supportive teacher and of course the gay kid.

Kurt and the cast during the Rocky Horror episode.


Kurt is beloved by many, but I find the character, or maybe writing of the character, frustrating. I love Glee, and see the immense talent exuding from Chris Colfer. The power in many of his scenes, especially with his father, can be intense, yet...I can’t fully commit. Glee’s creator Ryan Murphy has created a wonderful character, but Kurt is also a collection of stereotypes and therefore often teeters between character and caricature.

It is somewhat depressing how stereotypes so strongly stick. We all know they actually don’t represent a group of people. What they do represent is how that particular group has been presented, usually by the media. Over the past couple of decades, gay characters on television finally went beyond the swishy stereotype of the 70's and 80's with shows like My So Called Life, Degrassi, Brothers and Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy and others creating many unique and real characters.



People have often challenged me when I talk about Kurt, or my frustrations with the show and ask why I watch. I guess it is because of the enjoyment, especially for the music. That brings me more joy than the issues I have with the writing. I am invested in the depiction of gay characters on television and I worry when I see one that is taking risks. Kurt is popular, making headlines and on magazine covers, all that is great. I just ask Ryan Murphy to be careful. My experience with Murphy shows is that he often jumps on what is hot and squeezes every bit out of it so quickly the audience ends up sick of it. Kurt is being squeezed. Last season viewers grew a little tired of Rachel, I think Kurt could be the Rachel of this season… Glee has such a huge cast, many of whom have barely gotten screen time this season I am hoping some of the rest of the cast will get a chance to shine before the season ends.

Below: Darren Criss is a nice addition as Blaine, although the writers have yet to commit to Blaine and Kurt as a couple.

Sunday Sweets: So Stinkin' Cute

This week we're featuring some of the sweetest, cutest, most adorable, lovable, um... [consulting thesaurus] darling, bewitching, and fetching baby animal cakes you ever will see. Why? Well, if you must know, I'm feeling a bit sensitive this week.

This is john, by the way.

So, let me just get my box of tissues and we'll do this thing. Starting with Jen's favorite:

Found at the 2008 Orlando ICES Convention; baker unknown.

The hand-painted shading here is amazing. And the animals are adorable. And the lion isn't eating the zebra or the giraffe. So it's a win-win-win.

This cake is slightly more realistic:

Sub'd by Hilda F., and made by The Sweetest Thing Cake Studio

See how the monkey and giraffe cower in fear as the mighty tiger stalks his prey? Can you feel the tension? Can. You. FEEL IT?!?! No?

Maybe it's just me.


And now... sweet sleeping dragon!

Sub'd by Amelie B. and made by her sister Helene

Awwww. Okay. *sniff* I'm all verklempt. *sniff* I promised myself I wouldn't cry...

[blowing nose]

Hey! Look! Pandas!

Sub'd by Aljona and made by KralleCakes

And not just any pandas; these are the rare Russian Nesting Pandas. The mostly eat eucalyptus leaves and borscht.

Preeeesenting, the sweetest giraffe ever!

By Suzie's Cake Creations

Literally. I think the lack of neck really adds to the adorabletude, don't you?

And because I have an inordinate affection for tigers:

Sub'd by Jade D. and made by Theresa Gue

So. Cool. Jen says this reminds her of some Lisa Frank folders she had in middle school. Which she claims is a huge compliment. So there.

And you know what else has stripes? (I am the king of segues)

Sub'd by Brenda B., and made by Lilo Taart

I'm digging the bow and the vintage 20's hair part. Just dandy!

And speaking of bows. (I'm on a roll!)

By Aletha B.

Baby Cthulhu!! AAAAAUUUGGHH!! SOOO CUUUUTE!!

And get this: this is Aletha B.'s first cake. Yes, really! Mike, Duff, and Bronwen better watch out, 'cuz Aletha B.'s coming, and she's got a Cthulhu.

And speaking of... cake. (Okay, that one wasn't my best work.)

By Ann N.

Adorable. And hip. Oh. Yeah.

Another of Jen's favorites:

Sub'd by Orna G., and made by Odelia

Hand-painted rosebuds, cuddly teddy bears, and a miniature cake on cake? I can bearly stand it!

And finally, for your viewing pleasure, allow me to present...

a unicorn with a comb-over:

Sub'd by Elizabeth A., and made by Sachi Swick

You're welcome.

Now, who wants to WIN SOME FREE BOOKS?!? Huh? Awwwww yeeeeeeaaah.

Zooborns, one of our favorite so-cute-it-hurts websites, has given us two of their new books to give to two of you loyal wreckies!

One's for little kids:

And the other's for everyone else who likes cute:

(Click on the pics for more info)

We'll be giving away one copy of each, so feel free to tell us in the comments which you'd prefer. Two winners will be randomly chosen from the comments tonight at midnight EST, so stay tuned on FB or check this spot again tomorrow for the announcement of the winners!

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UPDATE!!!! The random number generator hath spoken! The winners are:

GrammaR @ 2:20 PM for the first book and
Ai @ 8:51 PM for the second!

Please email your addresses to comments (at) cakewrecks.com so we can mail out your prizes. And thanks to everyone for your great comments!

Wreck On!
-john (the hubby of Jen)

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Have a Sweet to nominate? Then send it to Sunday Sweets [at] Cake Wrecks [dot] com.

The Ivy Leagued Himbo

‘I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is.’
Derek Zoolander


Above: Stefan by Michael Thomas.

The post about stereo types above was not actually something I planned. It actually began as the beginning of this profile. My ramblings however made it difficult to find a smooth way to transition from Kurt on Glee to the misconceptions about male models.

Ben Stiller’s 2001 movie Zoolander embodies how many people perceive male models. Clueless and naive, vain, spending most of their days fluffing their hair and grunting their way through daily pumping iron regimens.

In the three plus years I have been working on FH I am continually surprised as I get to know the models I profile. It is not the lack of stereo types that surprise me, I learned long ago that stereo types are mostly false. Yes, there have been a few guys I have communicated with who struggled with completing full sentences...but overall, most are both highly motivated and highly intelligent. What does continue to surprise me is the level of passion, the level of talent and skills not related to modeling.

Below: Stefan by Erudhein.


Male models are not generally well paid. In today’s world most cannot afford to spend their days hanging out at the gym and the salon. Yes of course fitness and appearance have to be a priority but most models I work with juggle working out and shoots with university, a job, or jobs and of course family and friends. Many models today also have to juggle being their own agent, publicist and accountant. They know the window for modeling does not stay open for long, and while pursing modeling jobs the focus must also be on planning for when modeling is no longer an option.

If you read FH on a regular basis you know that my interest runs beyond the big name agency models and photographers. I am not just about the photo, but the story behind it. One of the most fascinating models I have come across in awhile is Stefan Alexander. His ‘story’ is not only interesting but also a bit addictive. I use addictive with intent as there are so many things about Stefan worth exploring

Below: Stefan by Eric Michael Pearson


'Passionate about writing and reflecting on the everyday. Aesthetic, subtle, and fun. Creative, observant, nice. Searching for people with whom to be strange, sing a little and dance about... Spot me hanging around studious and/or chill places, practicing yoga, or searching for aesthetics of taste, intoxicant, textile or intellectuals. I flit a little in photography, writing, and continually create.'
Stefan Alexander

Below: Stefan by DV Photo.


Usually when I profile someone I attempt to highlight into one area of their life to theme the post around. With Stefan this was not so easy. When I asked him a question, his answers were never what I quite expected. It was the inability to make assumptions that brought about the theme of stereo types. With Stefan, he not only challenges them, he refutes them.

25 year Stefan hails from Montreal although currently is studying in London. Stefan recently graduated from Harvard University with degrees in Art History and Italian Studies. Stefan is in London completing his MA. I first contacted Stefan last November but due to his busy schedule and travels it took close to three months to finally pull things together.

Stefan has traveled the globe and has been to most of the US and Canada. He has also jetted to Cuba, Mexico and other parts of the Caribbean, Paris, Rome, all over Italy, Sydney, Melbourne and other parts of Australia and now London. Stefan says he has a soft spot for Italy and was really taken with his experience in Padua.

Below: Stefan by Yann Faucher


‘Consider myself a slim elegant and quietly confident guy’

I love that Stefan uses elegant in his description of self. It is not an adjective often used by men when describing themselves. Quietly confident is also not a phrase I connect with men, and male models. Confidence rarely has a descriptive word partnered with it, one usually thinks as one as confident or not. Quietly confident is a beautiful description, consistent with the emotion that exudes from Stefan’s work.

‘Modeling was something I had always thought about, an idea I thought would be interesting. I think that it also came out of my education as an art historian, in a sense getting the practical modern experience of the creation of art. I really enjoy being part of the creative process and be able to collaborate with an artist/photographer to realize a vision.’

Below: Stefan by Pierre Jean.


‘I've really enjoyed working with the same photographer multiple times (Steve Walls and Pierre Jean). A certain comfort sets in and a collaborative ease comes about to realize concepts and try new things. I really enjoyed working with Pierre Jean and using plastics and bubble wrap, I loved the results. We actually didn't shoot that many pictures, but the few we did get were stunning.’






my breath, the ocean
The rise and fall of emotions, happiness
is a delicate moment. All feelings rushing
in, rushing, out. The breath cycles, continual,
waves upon the ocean. I bob, motionless, in motion,
I surrender. I try to ride the crests of my inhales, surf,
a fine balance, centering atop a moment, flowing.
Stefan Alexander

Next three shots by Robert Siegelman.




Check out more of Stefan's work on Model Mayhem HERE:

Below: Stefan by Alt Hypothesis.