HOTTER IN HOLLYWOOD

Giveaway Alert: Win a Signed Copy of Ned Vizzini's 'The Other Normals'

And be sure to like us on Facebook.

Hot Wholeness: Soul Cycle

Soul Cycle, the latest fitness center to cause a stir in Los Angeles and New York City, has become so popular that it’s been difficult to meet public demand. Indoor cyclists attending Soul Cycle classes are treated to a full body work out, combining a cardio workout with core-strengthening arm weights, and in select studios, “SoulBands” – a resistant band that hangs above the bike that is utilized during a 60-minute workout. Hopeful attendees, unable to reserve a bike online, are lining up around city blocks, inspired by the immaculate studio space, the supportive community, and top notch instructors at Soul Cycle.

Nicholas Pratley, a former HIH hottie, is one of Soul Cycle’s finest instructors and was recently recruited by the fitness giant to instruct in their NYC studios. Fortunately for the Soul Cycle community, he offers many classes to evoke the soul in your cycle!  HIH recently attended one of his classes, and we were floored – this guy has it all! The voice, body, look, dance, inspiration and motivation makes for a most invigorating and amazing experience. His ability to get you to work harder than you’ve ever worked, to understand that it will make you feel powerful as an athlete and a person, is masterful. And he does this all while providing the happiest dance party celebration you'll ever have in class.

“One of the many things I love about Soul Cycle classes is that we always ride with intention,” Pratley says. “If you ride with intention, the energy completely changes. It comes from inside you. That's when you feel something awaken in you and we feel that in the room, because we all do it together. Then we simply dance and have fun. I really believe it's the dance, the letting go, that surrendering, that let's the intention in. It’s the surrendering that opens up a whole new part of ourselves. That’s when we see our soul.”

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to discover your true self with Nicholas Pratley at Soul Cycle. While he is based in New York City, he will be making guest appearances at the Los Angeles facility throughout the year. Learn more about his classes as well as the dozens of instructors working at Soul Cycle throughout New York and Los Angeles. Visit their website and sign up today: www.soul-cycle.com

LIFE LESSONS FROM 'REVENGE'

I had my doubts about The Primetime Soap making another comeback to television. With Desperate Housewives on its way out this season, I was concerned that a juicy, adult serial wouldn't make an impact in the 2010s, especially on network television. And I'm not talking about a drama that involves doctors, lawyers, Upper West Side rich kids, or bloodsucking hotties. I'm referring to a straightforward sudser, chock full of sex, bitchy vixens, and old fashioned backstabbery. A more meticulously plotted Melrose Place. A dishier Dynasty people could tweet about...You know what I'm talking about.

That said, Revenge has been quite the surprise, a thrilling, soapy ride that just gets better with every episode. It seems to have avoided the mistakes of its predecessors and is now delivering twist after turn after twist. And let's hope it isn't a one-trick (or one-season) pony. While Revenge may have learned a few lessons from the soaps of yesteryear, I've learned a few of my own from the drama that continues to prove rich, white people got some effed-up problems:

1. Hire security for your parties. This covers all charity events, birthday soirees, lavish holidays, and intimate family dinners. And it's not just a matter of dealing with party crashers. This is for those run-ins with crazy, gun-toting social climbers...or your husband's ex-mistress...or the pissed-off brother of your daughter's boyfriend.

2. If you feel like you're being watched, you are. If you're a particular person of interest, whether because you're hiding something or holding the key to a long-buried secret, chances are someone is keeping tabs on you. That China doll sitting on the fireplace mantle? Yep, it's a hidden camera.

3. Are you an only child? Think again...because meet your long-lost sibling!

4. Give the peeping rich bitch next door a show every so often, especially if it involves her smokin' hot son.

5. Don't cross Grandpa. He might just come back to blackmail you.

6. Mistresses are hard to kill. Forget about pushing them off the ledge of a high-rise. It. Won't. Work.

7. Trust your dog. If your pet takes a strong liking to the new girl in town, choose her and not the trashy wench posing as your childhood crush.

8. Befriend a prison warden who looks like CCH Pounder. Girl will hook you up once you're out of the slammer and starting a new life.

9. Sign up for self-defense lessons with a Japanese mentor. Dude will Kill-Bill your ass till it hurts. He'll also prove to be a valuable ally when he strikes a business deal with your fiance.

And finally...

10. The truth will come out. No matter how deep you bury it, that shit will be exposed. So brace yourself for the consequences, or plan a clever getaway so no one can find you...until you decide to pop up for a surprise appearance in the season finale.

- Hiko Mitsuzuka, Executive Editor

THE STRAIGHT GIRL'S GUIDE TO GAY BARS

 

It has come to our attention that the single ladies of Los Angeles (and most metropolitan areas) are frequenting gay bars and clubs more than ever (Exhibit A: The Abbey in WeHo on any given Saturday night), and HIH's Sarah Evans has a few words to share with her ever-growing sisterhood of the traveling boybarhoppers...

DEAR LADIES:

As a genuine ladyperson with gay friends and member of the interwebs community, I’d like to apologize for Gawker’s Zach Rosen and his mostly-insulting-not-very-helpful post on Jezebel a few months ago. I took issue with his rant for many reasons – not the least of which was his assertion that gay bars are a “safe space” being infiltrated by horrible, icky creatures with more boobs than manners.

On the other hand, I do agree that it’s important for The Ladies to recognize/realize that you are a tourist in a foreign country, and respect for the local customs is necessary. More than that, going out with your gay friends should be fun for you as well as for them, albeit for different reasons.

Given my frequent forays into both NYC’s Chelsea and LA’s West Hollywood with my local sets of gay pals (I mean, seriously, they don’t even card me at Factory anymore), I’d like to furnish you (especially those first-timers) with some helpful guidelines for enjoying what should be a totally rad night out for all involved.

1) Heels – don’t bother. Really, it’s not worth it. As a regular wearer of impractical footwear myself, you are not fooling me that you’re comfortable. And, frankly, the line between Drunk Walk and My Feet Are Killing Me becomes perilously thin after a while. And trust me when I tell you, no one there is impressed.

2) Don’t bring a purse. It’s unnecessary and impractical. Nothing makes me sadder than watching some girl try and dance while weighed down by a messenger bag the size of an Olsen twin. Here is the correct distribution for the only things you need: Keys – front right pocket. Phone – back right pocket. Cash & ID – back left pocket. Done and done.

3) Now is not the time for any drink involving more than two ingredients. As counterintuitive as it may seem, the cocktailing skills of the scantily-clad gentlemen tending bar are usually pretty poor (we’ve had many truly atrocious gimlets at Factory). Safest bet – any flavored vodka and Sprite. It’s fast, fool-proof and gets the job done.

4) Know your role. You are officially the winglady for the evening, so it’s important to know when to step aside and let your boys do what they (more than likely) came there to do. 10 feet – the minimum safe distance to stand while your best friend makes out with the go-go boy.

5) No, the hot guy by the window is not straight. Nope, not him either. I don’t care how much flannel he’s wearing or how manly he seems. There is nothing here for you.

6) Tips are appreciated. By all means, go give the smokin’ hot platform dancer a dollar, even if the odds are miniscule that he wants anything to do with your lady parts – he’ll pretend he does, which doesn’t suck. I always tip the foxy lady dancers, especially if they have killer moves – they’re working extra hard for less attention.

7) “How Many Licks” by Lil Kim will be played. I have yet to figure out why.

8) Do not stare at the drag queens in attendance. Odds are any lady over 6 feet and wearing sequins is not a lady (unless, you know, it’s me). A sincere “Girl, you look fierce” is an appropriate acknowledgement. Pointing from across the room while debating this person’s true gender is disrespectful.

9) “Get Me Bodied” by Beyonce will be played. You might want to go ahead and study up on the dance at home. This is the Electric Slide of gay clubs:

10) Dance! For the love of Kylie, get out there and shake it. I don’t care if you don’t know how, aren’t very good at it or have no idea what song that is. If there is a dance floor/area and something with synthesizers being played at high volume, it is your duty to get down on it. This is also where Tip #1 will come in handy.

- Sarah Evans (@heyjustsaying on Twitter)

TONIGHT IN WEST HOLLYWOOD...

Tonight at Recess we are celebrating the release of the latest CD from Selena Gomez & the Scene, When The Sun Goes Down. In stores now, the CD features the top 40 single "Who Says" along with a handful of other brand new tracks from the group. Win When The Sun Goes Down CDs and posters tonight at Recess, courtesy of Hollywood Records.

Also, make sure to enjoy the drink special...$5 well drinks from midnight until 1am!

Our friend DJ Ray Rhodes will be on the turntables tonight with your hostesses Ingenue and Samantha Starr.

Eleven Nightclub is located at 8811 Santa Monica Blvd (just east of San Vicente Blvd.) in West Hollywood; 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM; (310) 855-0800. $5 cover.

THE HIH HOTLIST: NOVEMBER 2010

1. Katy Perry's video for "Firework" - Elevating the song to new heights, this beautifully shot vid is a timely and much-needed motivator for teens and young adults across the world:

2. Halloween photos on Facebook - Simultaneously serving as proof of your drunken mishaps, a way to track down that costumed stranger you hooked up with in the bathroom, and a showcase for the hours of hard work you put in at the gym.

3. Venice Grind - This non-descript coffeeshop in Mar Vista (near Venice and Centinela) is one of those blink-and-you'll-miss-it places. Just look for the large, retro COFFEE sign blinking and pointing towards this little Westside getaway (pictured). There's a sizable outdoor patio in the back if you'd like to avoid the busy storefront (take note screenwriters). And yes, there is free wi-fi.

4. Toy Story 3 on Blu-Ray & DVD - Take home one of the best films of 2010 and see why this threequel became the most successful animated film of all-time. And we're guessing that incineration scene is still more gripping and emotional on repeat viewings than any other drama or tearjerker this year (we're also tempted to buy the entire boxed-set trilogy).

5. The trailer for Rabbit Hole - Speaking of tearjerkers, John Cameron Mitchell's adaptation of the award-winning play becomes prime Oscar bait with its pedigreed cast (Nicole, Dianne, Aaron!). And major props for using that Broken Bells song in the second half. Just watch:

BE FINE: V-DAY TIPS FROM MARCELLAS

Our resident cultural attache, guest blogger and all-around romantic, Marcellas Reynolds, is back, ready to help y'all make this Valentine's Day one for the books. M, take it away...

You can do something normal for your lover like go to the Longs Drugs on the corner and buy a pre-printed, mass-produced card and whatever Gund teddy bear is shoved down your throat...or you be imaginative. Think outside the box. Do something extraordinary for the one you adore. I suggest you do what I'm doing for my men (yeah, I said men). I'm going to pair a romantic lyric from a song with a gift. Then, burn a CD tailor-made for that lover.

Here are five of the most romantic songs ever with a gift tailored to each. Without further flourish, here are my suggestion for a happy Valentine's Day:

The Faraway Lover: Call Me by Aretha Franklin

Armand Diradourian Travel Pillow - It comes in a variety of colors, is 100% cashmere, comes with an eye mask and both are lined in silk. No one wants to use the blanket and pillow given on the plane. This is a super luxe, super chic alternative. So as your love's neck and cheek nuzzles the soft cashmere and is engulfed in it's warmth they can't help but think of being in your arms.

The Seduction: Me & U by Cassie

It's nighttime, and you're gonna get it on. It's just the two of you. Set the scene.

Dom Perignon Champagne & Godiva Truffles - What could possibly be sexier? Dim the lights, take out a chilled bottle of champagne and feed your love the most decadent truffles on Earth. The way the truffles compliment the champagne is culinary magic. When two greats get together magic is made. Wine.com ships a vintage bottle of Dom and an 18 piece Godiva signature truffle box to you. At $199 it's an elegant steal.

The Introduction: Crush by Jennifer Paige

Sometimes you have to introduce yourself. Valentine's Day is the perfect day to tell that guy you're eying, it's so on.

Navy Bamboo Rings Flat Card by Boatman Geller - Everyone should have monogrammed note cards. They reek of class and sophistication. They are also practical. Use them as a Thank You card, calling card or just to send a friend a hello. In this case use it as a valentine's card. Find a romantic quote or song lyric and ask your object of desire "Will you be mine?" 50 for $96 at Lemontreepaperie.com.

Charlie Brown Valentine Be Mine Stationary - Be a big kid. No cartoon character is more romantic (or so gay) than Charlie Brown. Yeah he "pined" away for the the Little Red Haired Girl but you know he grew up and moved to NY with Schroder. Schroder plays for the NY Philharmonic and Chuck (as he goes by now) is a DM for Abercrombie & Fitch. Tell your crush you dig 'em with this adorable printable stationary. It's free at i-love-cartoons.com . Don't say I never gave you anything!

The Puppy Love: The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson

Kent Dualdrive Tandem - It seems silly but this is adorable. Yes it's made for two but this bike looks modern and ultra-cool. It's packed with features, including a low step-over frame for easy mounting and dismounting, a 21-speed Shimano drive train and alloy wheels. If you think the bicycle made for two is too kitschy/hokey then try matching cruisers. Schwinn makes several at a wide range of prices. You can find the Kent Tandem on-line for under $300.

The Proposal: At Last by Beyonce

When you found the one, nothing is more romantic than a Valentine's Day marriage proposal. Get those wedding announcements out now!

Garrard Half Eternity Band & 3 Stone Diamond & Platinum Ring - Established in 1735 Garrard is the oldest jewelery house in the world. It is home to the Crown Jeweler. If you want to make a statement go seriously old-school. Forget Tiffany's. Harry Winston? Eh… That's for Hollywood trash. I want to start a new trend; huge diamonds on men. And that Half Eternity Band? That's 5.19 carats. Price available upon request.

Don't worry readers I'm not buying anyone a ring. I'm still playing the field. Still desperately searching for the one. But when I find him, I'm ready! I know what boys want. And for Valentine's Day, boys (and girls) want a quirky, fun, thoughtful gift. If you wanna be my valentine, drop me a note at marcellas@marcellasreynolds.com. Happy Valentine's Day!

*M

A Few of My Favorite Things Hot Net by G. Charles Wright

I spend a lot of time online. Most of it (sadly) on FACEBOOK, and checking my emails. I'm also totally OCD about checking this site to see who's commented on my blogs (again, sadly.)

I do have a few other favorite web addresses that I like to visit, and I wanted to take some time to tell you about them. Some of them, you've probably read about here before!

www.madameandme.com

This is the official site for the Madame puppet and her creator, the late, great Wayland Flowers. This site is overseen by Wayland's long time friend and manager, Marlena. She has resurrected Madame's career and partnered "her" with a new comic/puppeteer. They're currently playing in Atlantic City.

www.veganbodybuilding.com

This site has it all. Kitsch factor, information factor, and useful. Although I am not a vegan (anymore) I do believe most of us eat too much meat, and most of that meat comes from sources that are just not sanitary ($5 foot longs, indeed.) The vegan bodybuilding site gives you some great resources and alternatives to help shake up your diet...and your workout! I love the looks and comments I get when I tool around town in my VEGAN BODYBUILDER t-shirt. high-larious.

www.lindablairworldheart.org

America's Scream Queen Sweetheart is also a sweetheart to dogs. She has literally given her life over to caring for dogs. Ms. Blair's dog rescue is really amazing, and so is she. I had the privilege of visiting her and her rescue about 8 months ago, and I was really impressed. If you can afford to give anything to help her, please do.

www.bestfriends.org

This is the rescue group that I adopted my dog, Dr. Bombay from. They're fantastic.

Because We're Givers...Part 2 Hot Tips by The HIH Family

If you're still looking for gifts for your loved ones (or frenemies), then let the HIH Family help you out with some last-minute ideas (c'mon people, we're less than a week away).

HIH is excited to have teamed up with Shout! Factory to present 6 titles that are perfect for holiday gift giving:

Debuting on ABC in 1998, Sports Night was an innovative half-hour program about a team of smart and likable people who put on a daily live sports cable newscast, much like ESPN’s SportsCenter. This team is funny, disciplined, capable and fast-thinking—a group of consummate professionals, but in their personal lives...not so much. There they operate in apparent chaos, communicating every uncensored thought and feeling through a libretto of witty and honest chatter over the hum of the separate-but-integrated live show-within-the-show.

With breakout and memorable performances by Josh Charles, Robert Guillaume, Felicity Huffman, Peter Krause, Sabrina Lloyd and Joshua Malina, this was writer/producer Aaron Sorkin’s (A Few Good Men, The American President) first television series. He may not have known it at the time, but with Sports Night they defined a new style and raised the bar for all television programs to follow.

Previously available in a limited Internet-only run and long out of print, this second printing of the Freaks and Geeks Yearbook Edition is now making its debut at retail. Containing all the episodes, commentaries and special features of the Complete Series 6-DVD set, plus two extra discs and deluxe packaging, it’s the ultimate tribute to one of the greatest TV shows ever. Many of the cast and creators of the show are currently enjoying major Hollywood careers—including Judd Apatow, Paul Feig, Seth Rogen, James Franco, Linda Cardellini (and HIH alum), and Jason Segel — ensuring the show’s continuing appeal to film and TV fans.

The Home Movies 10th Anniversary Box Set features all four seasons of [adult swim]’s hit animated show—every single episode, commentary track, and other bonus feature, including the 52-song CD included in the Season 4 box set, all housed in a special collector’s box. The set also includes a Home Movies canvas bag and director’s clapboard. Now the show’s uber-fans and curious newbies alike can own the entire run of Home Movies in this special limited edition box set.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 comes to Shout! Factory just in time for its 20th anniversary, and we’re celebrating with a specially packaged Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition, a 4-DVD set featuring four of the show’s most-requested episodes—First Spaceship on Venus (1960), Laserblast (1978), Werewolf (1996), and Future War (1997). The Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000 became a pop culture landmark in the ’90s by poking fun at horrible movies of every genre and time period, and letting us listen in. They made the unwatchable essential viewing.

The Gonzo Tapes: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson was released by Shout! Factory on October 28. The 5-CD box set of previously unreleased recordings includes original cover artwork by Ralph Steadman, an introduction by film director Alex Gibney, and a 44-page booklet with never before seen photos from his estate.

James Brown concert DVDs from the ’70s to the ’90s have scanned as many as 50,000 units each, but there’s never been a DVD collection that focuses on James Brown in his 1960s peak. Until now. Shout! Factory is proud to correct that with the release of the 3-DVD set I Got the Feelin’: James Brown in the ’60s, the definitive look at JB’s on-stage prowess, including an acclaimed documentary, two previously unreleased concerts, and more. With full-length versions of many classics, including “I Feel Good,” “Out Of Sight,” “Cold Sweat,” “Try Me,” “I Got The Feelin’,” “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” “Bewildered,” and “Please, Please, Please,” I Got the Feelin’: James Brown in the ’60s is an essential part of any music lover’s collection.

Happy Shopping!

THE FIRST ECHO

Dreaming of a Green Christmas Hot & Green by Leslie and Baylen Thomas

Newsweek this week asks the question, how do we celebrate Christmas without trashing the environment?

Here's our take on the Things to Avoid list.

Artificial Christmas Trees: See last year's condemnation.

Tinsel: Who the hell still uses tinsel?

Conventional Incandescent Lights: Seriously, LEDs are way cooler. (Literally, too - so little fingers won't burn. You'll use less energy, the bulbs last longer and they're Energy Star Approved.)

Store Bought Ornaments: Now take it easy, we know. Who has time to make your own ornaments? Just use them for at least 20 to 50 years.

Spray-on Snow: Stop it!

Inflatable Lawn Ornaments: HAHAHAHAHAHAHOHOHO!

For information on recycling Christmas lights, click here.