Recently in Mailbox Category

Every once in awhile I like to share some of the emails I get. I love hearing from you all...

BLOG FANS WRITE IN...

Hello, Greg.

I wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you how much I enjoy your blog "OUT IN HOLLYWOOD." It's the perfect mix of pop culture, sports, entertainment and a bit of gay-themed fun thrown in for good measure. I too am an avid viewer of Brothers And Sisters as well American Idol. So I especially enjoy your commentary on those programs.

Anyway, thanks for putting something out there that covers the gamut from newsworthy stories like legalizing gay marriage to fun and inoffensive celebrity news (without the mean-spirited element that so many rely on). Keep up the great work and enjoy Outfest.

Have a great day.
-Dave

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Greg,
I just wanted to say I discovered your blog and I really enjoyed it...from the very well-curated photos (!) to Kathy Griffin and movie coverage, it's definitely on my bookmarks.
-- Tom

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Greg,
Love your blog! Along with AfterElton and Towleroad, OiH is part of my daily must-read.

Regarding your comment that TPTB of ATWT must have been watching Brothers & Sisters for tips on how to portray gay love, I'm thinking they may have noticed viewers abandonning ATWT and turning to European soaps online, most notably the German soap, Verbotene Liebe (Forbidden Love). If you haven't heard of it, I highly recommend you check it out. You can find out more here:
http://gaydaytime.blogspot.com/2008/04/verbotene-liebe-good-story-is-always.html

regard;
RJ

*************************************

READER LIKES BLOG, NOT TYPOS
Greg -

I've left a few comments on your Out in Hollywood blog from time-to-time. I enjoy reading through your posts and yes, drooling over some of the pictures. There is, however, one issue for which I must take you to task. Frequently, there are errors in the spelling and/or grammar of your posts. Having no personal experience in posting a blog such as yours, I wonder if there is not a spell/grammar check function.

I only bring this to your attention because I honestly feel that these errors reduce the professionalism of the site and reflects badly on The Daily News. For example, the text accompanying the picture of Andy Baldwin in his "patriotic" Speedo says "can certainly pull of these red, white and blue speedos." It took me three read throughs to decipher the meaning before I realized that "of" should have been "off."

I apologize if you find this offensive. My intention is to provide some constructive criticism that may help your good blog to become even better.

Sincerely,

Mark
PS: As the recipient of a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, I am overly sensitive to the written language. I believe that all should strive to ensure the integrity of the written language and that there is a heavier burden on journalists to do so.

Nice words from readers...
I like the new look of your blog. It was a pleasant surprise, not that there was anything wrong with the other one. Thanks also for the entertaining interviews and background look at all Hollywood and a some tennis, especially the pictures.
Allen Hollis

Hiya Greg!
A few days ago I came across your Out in Hollywood blog and I now want to let you know that I've been enjoying reading it (and yes, drooling over some of the pictures). Luckily I can access your blog from work as well as home so I can stay abreast of your witticisms and commentary. Thanks for Out in Hollywood, it really makes my day!!
Best,
Mark
a/k/a behrmark

He loves Robert Conrad too...
HI Greg!
I love your site... One of the best on the web!
I love the photo of Robert Conrad! He was my first crush. I recall watching "Wild Wild West" and as a kid before I even knew what "gay" was, I knew some how, some way, I was attracted to this man. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time, but come to know later, he was my first introduction to my attraction to men.
Thanks for posting a photo of this man's man.
Best regards,
Joey

On Scotty and Kevin's wedding
The spin on the "history" makin' show is vacuous.Greg Hernandez should be reminded that the majority of decent, moral Californians shun such a TV program. Rightly so, as true marriage (commitment)is constituted by a man and a woman! The Scriptures teach that the ones dedicated to a homosexual life-style will suffer for their choice to go against God's will.
Kenneth Grissom

Jodie Foster Interview
Dear Greg:
Enjoyed your interview with Jodie Foster. Since see and I are both the same age, graduated from HS and college the same time, it was so nice to see a nice normal human being who is in the public eye. Great Job!
Thanks,

Thanks For Supporting Mulligans
Greg. I saw the posting you did on mulligans recently and just wanted to thank you. I've seen it picked up on a few other blogs. We really appreciate the support!
Best,
Charlie David

Where is Thomas Roberts?I just saw your post about Thomas Roberts and wanted to let you know he was fired by The Insider. All sorts of drama went done (none that I'm at liberty to repeat) but I can say it wasn't the rumored pics from manhunt.
DK

Greg--
You should ask your buddy Kenneth Walsh about Thomas Roberts' whereabouts. He callously published naked photos he claimed were Roberts on his blog and then proudly patted himself on the back when the story was picked up by shows like "Entertainment Tonight" and blog/tv shows like "TMZ". Mr. Roberts then disappeared from television. I have no idea if there other issues involved but Walsh's blatant disregard for Thomas Robert's welfare and livelihood is staggering.
Kenneth Walsh is not a nice guy.
Sincerely,
Joe Kirkendall

Designing Women Book
Dear Greg,
I'm always a little late, but just discovered your kind words about my Designing Women book on your blog. Thank you so much.
Best,
Allen Crowe

Every few months, I run edited versions of some of the emails I've received. I usually edit out last names. If you send me an email and don't want it published, be sure to indicate that!

READERS ON JODIE FOSTER COVERAGE

Greg,
I was just checking out CNN online and they had teaser link on their homepage which said something like...Jodie Foster acknowledges gay lover. It was a video, here is the link http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2007/12/13/intv.jodie.foster.king.cnn
but they didn't acknowledge you or credit you w/reporting it. Whats up w/that? I know you had already blogged about other blogs not giving you credit and that you didn't really care but I thought CNN, the most credible source for news or so they say, surely would mention you. Sadly, not the case. Anyway, keep up the good work man. Always enjoy your blog and I thought your interview w/PR Week was outstanding! Keep talking talking talking. All the best and have a great holiday!
- Mark
PS Did you read Kenneth in the 212 entry about his Dad? One of the most beautiful, heart breaking, and personal entries ever read on a blog. Thanks for turning me on to him too.

Greg writes: I DID read that entry by my friend Kenneth Walsh and was so deeply moved. I'm always happy to send folks over to his blog. Here is a link to Savage Love, his moving post about his relationship with his father.

Greg,

Your story about Jodie Foster's acknowledgment of her partner was great. You reported on what happened without "outing" her -- because they were her own words, and they were indeed newsworthy.

Most interesting is this: An AP story available via Google (linked below) doesn't mention her acknowledgment of her partner. But links are provided on the same Web page for "Related news" and "Full coverage" -- which contain stories carrying the news of her acknowledgment! So the huge mainstream news organization doesn't mention it, and it takes a Google News search of smaller blogs and media outlets to read about it. How typical. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hYxu9ROqT-SPwNYpWqEByK94y13wD8TBEFA80
- Eric

Hey Greg-
Just read your item re: the Advocate's coverage of Jodie Foster's "coming out" - I have to tell you, it has been fascinating to watch all the media coverage emanating from your story. I've had several discussions about it with friends and actually think this would make for a great NLGJA forum. I suspect that she in no way intended to "come out" at the event and that she didn't expect anybody to report on her public remarks thanking a woman who would be identified as her partner (even with the language she used). All too often, reporters play a supporting role in helping celebs stay in the closet, to the extent that they withhold relevant news and information about them. Thankfully, you did not!

What's so interesting to watch is how the media, as they so often do, distort the story so much that many people believe Jodie came on stage somewhere and said "Hey, y'all I'm a dyke!" It's just another example of the sorry state of journalism today. And, of course, I'm surprised and disappointed that The Advocate, along with so many other publications, would mis-report the story and fail to credit yo.

Jim

Hi Greg,

We covered your great Jodie piece last night and its currently running on both sites. My angle was that I wanted to ask our readers if they thought Jodie's words "outed" her. I credited you throughout. Great job.
Jodie:
http://www.gay.com/entertainment/news/?sernum=6155&navpath=/channels/entertainment/
http://www.planetout.com/entertainment/news/?sernum=6155&navpath=/entertainment/

-Jenny Stewart
Manager, Entertainment Programming
PlanetOut.com and Gay.com

PROUD OF TR KNIGHT
Greg,
Thank you for the coverage you've done on TR Knight since his coming out. I'm pleased he has chosen to bring due attention to worthy LGBT causes and he has not turned his back on his community. Most of all I'm a huge Grey's Anatomy fan and have loved his character since the beginning but the dignified and gracious way he came out, which contrasted with the ugliness of the incident, made me love him more. I wish the mainstream news media would report on him apart from the incident but I'm more than happy to check your blog daily.

Sincerely,
Gwen

Greg writes: I think T.R. is da bomb!

LIKES THE BLOGS' POSITIVE TONE
Greg,
I just wanted to send you a note on how enjoyable both "Out In Hollywood" and "Hollywood Joe" are. They are a lot of fun to read and this is the gossip I like, positive thoughts, interviews and responses. I know that we all get up on the bad side of the bed and there are a few of the celebrities that always seem to do that, whether it is their attitude or what comes out of their month and you even try to make them look good.

What is really interesting is that the celebrities actually like you and that gives you more complete information as they stop to spend time with you. That means a lot to us readers. Keep up the great job. I have delisted TMZ and Preze from my computer. You are the only one. I go to when I need a celebrity fix.

Thanks, Allen

Greg writes: Allen, you sure know how to make a guy feel appreciated. Thanks.

CHILDHOOD CRUSHES
Hi Greg,
OMG! I thought Kent McCord was only my first crush but as I can see he had an impact on many of us young guy guys growing up. He is such a hunk after all these years--All I can say is that you and I have great tastes. Also, I remember seeing Tom Jones in a speedo in my mom's Rona Barrett's Hollywood magazines and I knew then, at the age of 7, that I was attracted to boys. Keep up the great work on your site.
Joe

HE WANTS MORE RYAN BARRY

Greg,
Man, you can post ALL the pictures you want of Ryan Barry! He could be the hottest man on the freakin'
PLANET! You GO, Reichen! DAMN!

- Andrew

Greg writes: Your wish is my command!

Here are some of the emails I've gotten in recent months from readers. Love hearing from you whether it's kudos or you want to give me a piece of your mind!

Access to blog in Europe blocked...

Hi Greg,

I liked to follow your blog, but attempting to view it from Europe has become impossible during the past weeks.

I'm rather suprised that you have decided to block readers to your blog outside USA. Rather sad have to admit. Just proves the usual point rest of the world thinks of Americans, thought you would have
been somehow different. Apparently I have been mistaken.

Good luck on your blog.

Signing out. :(
Jani Mäntylä-Blå

Greg replies: Jani, this is something that is completely beyond my control and I am very unhappy about it since I have thousands of readers in Europe - or should I say had. Apparently, the tech people have done this to try and eliminate the unbearable levels of spam email our sites get. I hope there is another way in the future because this is a blog for everybody and every single reader is important to me.

Back up in New Zealand

Hi Greg,

I'm so pleased that your site is up and running again, why were you off the air waves for a while? This is just to let you know that I'm reading your site way done under here in New Zealand and thoroughly enjoying it.

All the very best

David

Greg replies: David, I'm glad you're getting access to the site again. I'm not sure if New Zealand was blocked or not. Glad to have you as a reader. Lemme know if you lose access again.

Strained family relations

Greg,
I felt so sad reading your story about your unfortunate meeting with your homophobic brother. I belong to PFLAG and we hear these stories often. We work with family members who are at least willing to try to understand their feelings. I have seen successes and failures. Sometimes we have to tell especially young gay men and women that they may have to accept the fact that a parent or sibling or friend will never change, will never accept them. It's like losing a member of your family when this happens and I feel
so for the gay child.

Although we work with parents mostly, I'd like to see more effort go into working with siblings. A gay child will grow up and his/her parents will die. If he or she doesn't have a full, life-time membership card in the
family...he or she will be alone. I know of an elderly (he's in his 80s now) gay man who told me once that 50 years ago his family rejected him completely, with anger and hatred. Except for one brother, in whose home he was always welcomed, etc. He said, with tears in his eyes, "He's been gone now for14 years, and I miss him so much." I hope you have a brother like that, too.

Love your column(s)!

Judy

Greg replies: Thank you to Judy and to others who sent notes after I posted about a particularly unpleasant confrontation I had in recent months with one of my five siblings. The good thing is, I am very close to most of the rest of my very big family and just got back from a great Thanksgiving weekend.

Grammar police give Greg a citation...

Your blogs are two of the first I visit every morning and to which I return during the day. This morning I'm going to ask, PLEASE, that you not participate in the epidemic destruction of the English language by using "I" and "me" incorrectly. You're certainly in good company, because everyone from presidential candidates to network anchors makes the same mistake, but it's SO easy to correct!

In the first paragraph of your piece on Tuc Watkins this AM, you're 1 for 3 in the "Tuc and I" department. "My friend James and I were having lunch" is right. "James snapped a photo of James and I with his cellphone" and "the picture of Tuc and I was lost forever" are not. The correction is incredibly simple: remove the other person from the construction and use the pronoun that sounds right. "I was having lunch," "a photo of me," and "the picture of me" are so obvious, and "the picture of Tuc and me" is so right.

People who read your two blogs will appreciate reading what you have to say without cringing even for second over the grammatical error --and that includes my friends and ME.

-- Nanci

Greg's reply: Me, myself and I thank you for the tip!

Nanci then writes: And there, my dear, is precisely why I like reading your blogs, your sense
of humor! Call me your grammar consultant any time!

Kind words from readers...

Greg,

I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoy your blog Out in Hollywood. As a huge tennis fan, Big Brother watcher(how did we come to like Jen, anyway?!), political junkie, and movie goer, it is so much fun to find a place where they are all written about! A photographer myself, the photos you use of the tennis players are always first rate. Another passion of mine is the band Heart. I think Ann and Nancy Wilson are legends. We have so many other shared interests, I thought I would throw that your way!

Anyway, thanks for all the good work. I will keep reading and share your site with others I meet.

Thank you,

Doug

**********

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much I enjoy your website.
I've been visiting it for the last couple of months and just wanted to say keep up the good work.
Cheers,

Bobby

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Greg,

Thanks for writing about the Noah & Luke story line on As the World turn. I haven't watch soaps in years and I am recording the show every day. I too have been brought to tears a couple times. I admire both actors ability to portray these characters.

I check your blog every evening. Thanks again and hope I run into you again.

Brian

**********

Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say I'm loving your Out in Hollywood website. I used to read it here & there, but I've become a devotee. Love your content -- fun and intelligent. Keep up the great work!

Cheers,

Eric

**********

Greg,
Your post just gets better and better. I especially love the Nip Tuck post. Keep up the great work. XOXO! You're the Best

Don!

Reader wants to know who's gay...

Greg,

Just wondering about Matt Lauer.....he is so sweet and kind on tv and you can see he is real.....but....I don't think he is gay....or is he? Also Anderson Cooper...so much Gay talk....what do you think Anderson thinks about all this "talk" about him being Gay or not? And of course now all of us know that Kenny Chesney is not gay....what a shame.

Keep up the good work....it is great that people like you get the real stories without them looking cheap and out of sort.

Yours, Vern

Greg's reply: I do know that Anderson Cooper has never confirmed or denied being gay which has annoyed a lot of people - especially after he released his book last year. I think he's a real silver fox! Know nothing about Matt Lauer or Kenny Chesney except that both are very attractive men.