What exactly is “The Dagger?”

Click here for the trailer!

The Dagger is a Queer experimental platform that allows Queer multimedia art projects to evolve and take lives of their own. Regularly scheduled programming will feature short films with musical composition and art direction by none other than Charlie Demos, and videography by the talented I.R. Marin.

See Charlie Demos being interviewed with QUEERAI.

To many, and more to come, The Dagger represents “determination to become courageously close to one’s enemy.” This new program will certainly give the GLBTQ community an alternative platform to experience experimental artistic multimedia.

The Dagger is a crucial “weapon” for GLBTQ people everywhere; it strikes a note toward balancing our representation in the media.

Click here for more on Charlie Demos.

Here it is again … THE DAGGER: EXPERIMENTAL QUEER PROGRAMMING.

Here is MNN.org.

The Dagger will be premiering on public access on March 25, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. – MNN 2 channel 56.

- Joseph Achille Federico

With the holidays rapidly approaching, so is the promise of wintry weather which includes snow, ice, and freezing rain. That being said, chances are you will head to the gym less and less as the weather gets worse and worse. Why head to the gym when you could purchase an elliptical machine?

Compare and review elliptical reviews.

The holidays are a time for seeing family, old friends, and sharing stories about the good old days. Lots of traveling may be involved, but it’s so worth it when there are homemade pies to be tasted, mulled cider to be drunk, and turkey and stuffing to be enjoyed by all!

Holiday food is wonderful, but no one likes to be out of shape come January 1^st of the New Year. It’s a proven fact that we as humans have a tendency to over eat, then overeating leads to depression, and that’s just an all around bad combination. The key is to indulge but in moderation, and keep yourself fit as a fiddle through it all.

How to stay fit through the holidays? Find out more…

It is quite important to not forget about one’s health, even the health of others during the joyous and cozy holiday season. And after the holidays, like we stated earlier, who really has the patience to head to a gym to work off all of those holiday cookies and egg nog?

By purchasing home equipment such as an elliptical machine, it’ll be a wise and smart investment for those who like to work out in the comfort of their own home. Heck, you could even work out in your favorite holiday pajamas! Also, by purchasing an elliptical machine, the more you use it, the faster it pays for itself. Wouldn’t you much rather buy your own fitness equipment than wasting thousands of dollars on a fancy and lavish purchase that won’t be used all that much anyway?

Here are some elliptical machine maintenance tips.

The main point of all of this? We want you to stay as healthy as can be this holiday season without breaking the bank … leave that to Santa and his elves!

Source

The staff at Boy Butter was kind enough the send over a wonderful variety packet of Boy Butter products; and well, it was our job to use it and abuse it, and review it for our wonderful readers.

Boy Butter in the News!

Here’s the lowdown on what kinds of Boy Butter was sent to Equal4all:

Boy Butter Original

This oil-based lubricant was the first of its kind. The yellow packaging is quite recognizable and when first applied to the right area(s), we felt right at home. The Boy Butter Original had a light scent and was light and creamy-as a matter of fact, almost too light to the touch. It was a good thing that when finished, the lubricant washed right off as if nothing happened at all.

Boy Butter H2O

A condom was used for this product and all that really has to be said is that both lubricant and condom held-up to the test. This Boy Butter H2O came out clear … no pun intended.

Boy Butter Warming Lubricant

To be honest, this kind of lubricant was our favourite one of all. It wasn’t clear, which is OK, but when applied, it was like the Fourth of July down under if you catch our drift. After rubbed-in completely, the warming sensation took over and the overall experience was most pleasurable. We highly recommend the Boy Butter Warming Lubricant.

Note: Boy Butter Lubricants and the website recommend taking part in safe sex at all times. Eyal Feldman is a mastermind, truly getting to the heart of personal lubrication for all to enjoy.

Purchase your piece of heaven today!

Have you ever tried Boy Butter? Let us know how you enjoyed it!

-Joseph Federico

When you hear the name “Randy Jones,” a sexy disco-encrusted cowboy should come to mind. Best known for his role as the cowboy from the group the Village People, Randy Jones also has had many pokers in the fire of life since the 1970s; he’s still singing but he’s also an actor and writer. Randy was gracious enough to stop by and discuss what Pride means to him as well as what he’ll be up to within the next few years.

Equal4all: How do you feel that the Village People changed the path of music back in the 1970s?

Randy Jones: I’m not so sure that we changed the path of music in the 1970s. However, I do think that from the beginning, I realized that we were embarking on something rather unique in showbusiness. It was perhaps an early version of a “boyband,” although I’m not sure I would accept the responsibility of being a fairy godfather to “The Backstreet Boys,” “Nsync,” etc. When we/VP were in the early stages, in my thoughts, we took inspiration from the Marx Bros, the Three Stooges, The Ritz Bros – combining it with the moves from some of the cool soul groups of the 60s and 70s like the Coasters, the Temptaions, The Four Tops – tossing in the knowing wink and a wiggle from some County Fair Strippers and topping it off with a heavy dollop of Chippendale’s … which we as a group truthfully inspired!

Click here for Randy Jones’ website!

From the beginning, I viewed what we were attempting as essentially a comedy act with some very well crafted and deceptively simple Pop Songs, like “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” and “Y.M.C.A.”! How could we go wrong? Nobody else gave us an ounce of credit … nor did any of the critics ever think we’d succeed. But we did. We did … far beyond anyone’s expectations.

Currently, my solo sales combined with Village People sales have surpassed more than 100 million units world-wide to date. I’m in the Guiness Book of Records. I’ve performed for the Queen of England, as well as at a U.S. Presidential Innaugural. I’ve appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, the Merv Griffin Show, the Tonight Show, Midnight Special, among hundreds of other television programs worldwide. I even appeared on The Love Boat a couple of times with Betty White and Andy Warhol!

Follow Randy Jones on Myspace!

And I’ve got a star on Hollywood Blvd … one of 2,500 in its 50 year history. Ours is located at 6529 Hollywood Blvd, right between movie star Betty Grable and music personality Liberace. Now, ain’t that the coziest spot one could imagine?! On one side Betty has legs insured for a million dollars and on the other side Liberace with a million dollars worth of sequins and crystal chandeliers!

E4A: Do you feel that the music you record today appeals to a wide mainstream audience and not only to members of the GLBT community?

RJ: I certainly believe the music I record and have recorded over the past four decades has been music recorded for the enjoyment of ALL people who give it a listen. I’ve never felt that I was recording music for any particular group of people or segment of the population. I really like POP music; that’s the music to which I like to listen, to perform and to record. I look for songs that have a story which resonates with me, that I feel I can tell and to which I can relate. Just give a listen to my most recent CD, “Ticket to the World.” Among the selections on it you will find “Your Disco Needs You,” “If I Can’t Have You,” “Sleeping,” and ”Rhinestone Cowboy,” just to name a few!

E4A: Pride … what does it mean to you?

RJ: Pride … to me, means living an honest and open life in the light.

E4A: Tell us about your new show “When Joey Married Bobby.”

RJ: “When Joey Married Bobby” has gone on hiatus for the summer, but the producers are planning to take it to Atlanta, Orlando, and Dallas later this year. I let ‘em know that I’m on board if all the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted. So be out there lookin’ for me!

E4A: Please give advice to those who may be struggling with who they truly are:

RJ: Make the honest choices that resonate with truth in your soul and be comfortable in your own skin. And remember that everyone is engaged in the same struggle … to exist, and that it is not always easy.

E4A: What is the famous Randy Jones up to within the next few years or so?

RJ: My career is and has been extremely satisfying. Fortunately, the VP time has provided and will forever provide me with financial security and freedom to pursue whatever project in showbusiness that interests me. I’m truly a very lucky dawg in that aspect. As you mentioned, I’ve just finished starring in an Off-B’way play, “When Joey Married Bobby” in the heart of Times Square. I’ve got a film that was just at Cannes, “My Guaranteed Student Loan” with Richard Pryor, Jr., Oscar winner Celeste Holm, and Kate Luckinbill (Lucille Ball’s grand-daughter). June 4th, a film in which I play an attorney, An Affirmative Act premiered at The Hoboken Film Festival, and two others, Violet Tendencies and Bear City premiered at NewFestNYC Festival this month.

Why don’t you IMDB Randy Jones!

I have a new book, “MACHO MAN: The Disco Era,” which is in its second printing and is in nearly 20,000 libraries around the world. It has been chosen to be included in University pop culture and LGBT courses and I am booked  frequently to appear to speak with college students who use the book in their courses. Later this year I have two film projects booked. One to be shot in Arizona is Cafe A Go Go in which I co-star with David Bowie’s ex-wife, Angie Bowie. Another is a contemporary telling of the Edgar Allan Poe tale “The Cask of Amontillado”… I play ‘Fortunato.’ Early in 2011, I’m booked to play the warden in a prison thriller, untitled as of now, and and then Spring 2011, I’m booked to play a deputy sheriff in another thriller, House of Whispers. I also have two reality/documentary projects in development with A&E/The History Channel.

Purchase some Randy Jones music!

Of course in my moments that I get to breathe, I love to do dates out performing my music – like the Classic Disco Nightclub Reunion Concert on July 2nd out in Melville Long Island. It’s a great roster of classic 70s acts like The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes, France Joli, Carol Williams, Musique, First Choice, and of course me doing “San Francisco/Hollywood,” “Macho Man,” “In the Navy,” “Go West,” “Can’t Stop the Music” and “Y.M.C.A,” along with several other selections from my current CD. I get to do about 30 music dates a year. And of course, I’ll be appearing at ROCK CON, the National Rock & Roll Fan Fest , July 30, 31, and Aug. 1. My new CD is also being readied for release in Spring of 2011!

-Joseph Federico

Being an uncle myself of two beautiful, bouncy nieces, I am no stranger to the likeliness of hearing children’s songs blasting from the television speakers first thing on a weekend morning. Whether it be the tunes of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Imagination Movers, or my eldest niece dancing around the living room singing a Kidz Bop version of Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend,” there’s no escaping the fact that kid’s songs are where it’s at.

I cannot even fathom being a parent who counts on these lively songs to get through a short trip to the grocery store in “peace” or even a long family road trip to see Aunt Rhoda 16 hours away in Iowa.  No thank you – I’ll stick to being the cool uncle who spoils my nieces on occasion and when the going gets tough, run to the nearest bar for a brewskie and count my blessings that I have not tied the knot yet and started a family all my own.

However, if you are a mommy or daddy, and are planning that trip to see Aunt Rhoda 16 hours away, I have some good news for you; I polled some of my nearest and dearest parenting pals (I also did some personal research on iTunes) to come up with a list of 10 songs that will not have you admitted to the children-tunes overload loony bin.

10. Bubbly – Kidz Bop Kids – Kidz Bop Vol. 13
9. Belly Button – VeggieTales (Veggie Tunes) – VeggieTales: Greatest Hits
8. Fruit Salad – The Wiggles – Live- Hot Potatoes!
7. Yellow Submarine – The Beatles – 1
6. ABCD Medley – The Laurie Berkner Band – Whaddya Think of That?
5. Captain Feathersword – The Wiggles – Yummy Yummy
4. Monster Hoe Down – Happy Monster Band – Playhouse Disney: Music Play Date
3. Jump Up! – Imagination Movers – For Those About To Hop (Songs from the TV Series)
2. Hot Dog! – They Might Be Giants – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
1. Victor Vito – The Laurie Berkner Band – Victor Vito

Do you have any other suggestions? Share them below!

Source 1, 2, 3

Ryan Colford is a New York City-based fashion and art photographer. He has been published in fashion and lifestyle magazines in America, England and Australia with a variety of features on international and local websites.

Currently, he is simultaneously working on two separate coffee table books. One collection is tentatively titled “The Candy Shoppe,” and blends vibrant colors, sexuality, texture and irreverence. The second is the “Glimpse of Man” collection and is a classic styling of fine art imagery of modern day man exposed.

His artwork has been exhibited in New York galleries and businesses. It has been used for everything from the promotion of art fairs to being auctioned off for charity events. Ryan Colford has also done advertising campaigns for women’s clothing, actors, musicians, key art for movies, corporate and small businesses as well as personalized individual shoots from weddings to specialty concepts.

To me, Colford undoubtedly portrays not only “man” through his eyes, but makes a bold statement about the evolutionary process and how far we have come have as a society.

Let’s get to the Q & A, shall we?

What does Pride mean to you?

It’s funny but Pride means so many things and really it changes depending on where you are at in life. Over the years, it’s changed for me and yet in other ways it’s remained ever the same. 

For me Pride is all about living honestly and openly and loving yourself. I can’t stress the importance of that one sentence! I can’t imagine not being honest about who I am. When I came out at 18, I had to reinforce being proud of myself and to break down doors and stereotypes. I was the ice breaker for my family and quite a few friends!

Now a thousand years later, I have a different perspective. I’m not proud of being gay anymore than I’m proud of having legs or that the sky is blue – for me, it just is. I’m proud of the man that I’ve become and still yet to be.

As a photographer, how have you implemented the idea of being proud into your work?

As an artist, I’m proud of the work that I do that speaks to people on that deep profound deep level. As a gay man, I’m proud of the work that I do that makes people think, that questions their beliefs, that exposes them to imagery they are not familiar with (and maybe uncomfortable with too!)

I think there’s a certain rawness to some of my images that are gay themed. I feel like I pull the shadows away for people and make them realize that at heart we are all the same.

As a gay man, do you feel that your work can be more easily scrutinized than that of a straight man?

I don’t know if it’s more easily scrutinized, but it’s definitely more likely to be classified as gay. I mean a picture of a man (naked or otherwise) isn’t really homoerotic unless he’s maybe sucking dick; it’s up to the interpretation of the viewer. So yeah, I get that reaction from a lot of straight people but I don’t really care. Art is all subjective and I create it because I can’t imagine not doing it.

What has been your favorite photo-shoot to date and why?

Shh, that wouldn’t be nice! It’s funny though, because every artist gets that question in one form or another; seriously though, I don’t have just one (besides you’re only as good as your last photograph).

I have moments though. There are times when I can connect with a model and draw out that creative spark and capture it for the world to see; to show them that beauty, that one amazing image that will always stay with them!

Who would you love to get your claws into and do a photo-shoot with? Why?

The list could be endless from musicians and superstars to men I’ve seen at the gym. I want to shoot so many people … really. I know it’s kind of a pat answer, but I love shooting so much, I can’t imagine just picking one person.

Let me give you a better answer I suppose. It’s more the energy of the model, their look, that certain “it.” Some models just have that light about them that I want to capture that moment in time forever.

Please tell us about your upcoming Pride exhibition:

Gladly! The name of the collection that will be up all month is “Glimpse of Man.” The “Glimpse of Man” series is an intimate and sensual look at the male form. There is an element of barriers removed and inhibitions cast aside. My focus on the male form is to expose the beauty of man without shame. Society and culture has de-sexualized the male form – from the clothing choices to interactions with other men.

One of my main goals is to present a positive and acceptable image of male sexuality. The “Glimpse of Man” is an exploration both for the model and the viewer. Each image has its own context and story that can be felt and interpreted on various levels. I invite the viewer to truly appreciate the life, sexuality, and energy of man.

Of course at midnight one night only, there’s going to be an adult show called “Raw Sugar.” These are selections of shots from “Candy Shoppe” that includes images that have been censored (and some that have not) for one reason or another. So it’s honest and open and blatant! LOL! “The Candy Shoppe” is all about color, texture, vibrancy, sex and fun. Come check it out!

Follow Ryan online:

RyanColford.com

Ryan Colford Photography

A note from the Photographer: “All photography simply involves evoking an emotional response. Whether that response is desire for a product or appreciation of beauty comes from the ability to tell a story with one simple image.” -Ryan Colford

The “Glimpse of Man” Gallery Exhibition will be held at 25 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10301 at 9PM Friday June 4^th, 2010.

-Joseph Federico

Photographs courtesy of Ryan Colford Photography, Other information provided by the Downtown Staten Island Council

Some of you may have already been invited to join the Facebook group entitled “Gulliver’s Travelog.” This is not your ordinary group, nor is Gulliver your ordinary gay boy. The Facebook group is meant to gather fans and future friends of a young man that took life by the balls and decided to document his adventures every step of the way.

Equal4all: As a gay individual, do you feel that New York City has better opportunities than California?

Gully: There certainly are MORE opportunities. California right now is being ravaged by a piss-poor economy. Also, California is perfect if you’re looking for a job in television or film (or assisting in television or film); try looking for anything else and you’re shit out of luck.

In NYC, I received a job offer (and a job!) just by luck while walking my roomie (and fraternity brother’s) dog. That rarely if ever happens on the streets of LA and thereabouts. Meanwhile, you never know WHO you’ll crash into while you’re going about your day.

E4A: What made you decide to blog about your moving experiences?

G: Well, despite landing a job somewhat quickly, I’ve been having a tough time here in NYC. I figured it would be an excellent way to deal with my trials and tribulations – by documenting them online. It’s also led to a lot of friendships and relationships already. You’d be surprised by the sheer amount of people that have found me through the blog and extended a hand in friendship (you and your blog included!). I’m also a big fan of storytelling, and nothing makes for a better story than actual life.

E4A: What were you doing in California before deciding to make the big move to the Big Apple?

G: To be honest, I was doing nothing …that’s sort of why I moved. Like in the Savannah when a water source dries up, the herds move elsewhere. A potent combination of drama and joblessness, as well as a generous donation from my loving parents enabled me to pick-up and move … something no one thought I’d ever do, and something that everyone said I would quickly regret.

E4A: Tell our readers what the perfect date means to you:

G: A perfect date has a backbone of excellent conversation. I LOVE human interactions. I want my date to be up on pop culture and news. They’d be funny and our jokes would build off of one-another. Maybe we’d see a movie, play, or a musical; we could even go to a museum and have lots to talk about afterwards. I also love walking, so there should be some of that – in a preferably scenic locale such as Central Park or along the Hudson or East Rivers. Good sex is always an added bonus, too…

E4A: Please give advice to someone who may be struggling with who they truly are:

G: I think “who we truly are” is a problematic concept. Our cells live and die every day; after a number of days we are physically and technically a different person. Likewise, I believe who we are is just as fluid and changing.

I say focus on what you’re doing – who you’re with – and spend time creating such things as a statue, a painting, and a poem. We get closest to who we are at that exact moment while we are creating something … it’s not a “window” to the soul, but rather it allows you to chase your creation down to the roots within you that gave rise to what you made. If you spend a lot of time being emo and wondering “who you truly are,” you run the risk of answering the question with “nothing and no one” and that’s scary.

E4A:  Let’s be honest … top or bottom?

G: I’d define myself as a bottom with versatile tendencies … maybe a 75-25 split.

E4A: What can we expect from Gully within the year?

G: That’s a good question! Probably a lot of adventures … I have a habit of getting myself into intriguing situations. It took me a number of years to wear myself ragged in LA, but NYC moves at a far quicker pace. Hopefully I don’t wear out my welcome here too quickly.

People can keep track of me through my blog, my Facebook, and my Twitter. They can also ask me questions like you just did on my Formspring.

-Joseph Federico

Cory Monteith of Glee (a.k.a Finn Hudson) took time out of his busy schedule to talk to Equal4All. Monteith plays a character who struggles with who he is, even though he used to rule the school in his jock ways with a gorgeous blond bombshell by his side. Check out what the handsome, fresh actor had to say!

Equal4All: As per your appearance on The View several months ago, you were telling your fans that you auditioned for Glee by playing percussion on Tupperware with pencils. Can you tell us why that was so important in order to get the part of Finn Hudson?

Cory Monteith: The director and producer always told me that I stuck out in their minds BECAUSE I did do that instead of singing for my first audition. Personally, I think that setting yourself apart from other people in auditions or anything really will help you stick out in people’s minds.

E4A: Your character has some underlying issues going on, and one of them is not feeling completely satisfied with who you are. Can you please tell us how you draw out emotion week to week and portray such a complex being?

CM: When I play Finn, I really like to get into his head; I try and feel how he would feel. Like any human, I have had times when I’ve felt like I wasn’t enough, and I wasn’t 100% satisfied with who I am. I just try and tap into Finn’s mind, and my mind, and I guess it works.

E4A: Two words: Kurt Hummel. Tell us how you feel about having a fellow male be completely head over heels for your character?

CM: Honestly, it doesn’t affect me. One thing I love though is that Finn has NO idea. Kurt puts himself out there, and has told Finn how he feels but Finn just doesn’t pay attention.

E4A: Quick, on your toes … Finn Hudson ACTUALLY got a girl pregnant … what would he do?

CM: If Finn actually got a girl pregnant, I think he would just keep doing what he was doing when he thought he had gotten Quinn pregnant – always be there for her, and hold her hand through the way. Finn is just a caring guy, and you really see that when he thinks he is the father.

E4A: Please give advice to anyone who may be struggling with who they truly are:

CM: Always, no matter what, be true to yourself … no matter who that is. You are you for a reason. And never think that you’re not good enough, because if you do then other people may just start thinking that … and who knows, they may even tell you someday.

E4A: Can you offer any juicy gossip about your fellow cast mates?

CM: Ooh, juicy gossip? Well, you guys should know that we all hate each other! Just joking! Honestly, we are like one big happy family; it’s kinda sick actually. The whole cast and crew gets along great.

There ya have it, folks … words straight from Cory Monteith’s mouth to your screen (well, Monteith’s hands to your screen, but whatever)! After the second Glee interview, I’m really starting to think that the cast is made-up of a bunch of sweethearts!

Disclaimer: The above answers may or not be those of the actor Cory Monteith of Glee. It sure as hell sounds like it could be him, don’t you think? Social networking sites have a funny way of taking part in guerilla marketing tactics…

-Joseph Federico

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

When I was a senior in high school, I admittedly opted to take an independent study class – that class was choir. Back then, there were no shows on television such as Glee that my fellow students and I could turn to for support and encouragement. With that being said, that’s why Equal4All did some digging and asked Lea Michele (aka Rachel Berry) to talk to you lovely Gleeks about her roots, how she relates to her character, and then some.

Equal4All: You had your start in Les Misérables; how do you feel that experience has prepared you for playing the role of Rachel Berry?

Lea Michele: Yes, Les Mis was my start. I think by doing this, it helped me get used to performing in front of crowds. My mom used to tell me, “No matter what, do your thing and don’t let ANYONE get you down.” So I generally follow that motto.

E4A: What top qualities of your Glee character can you most identify with?

LM: Hmm, leadership and the controlling factor. That’s pretty much me.

E4A: Rachel Berry has two gay dads and mentions it every chance she gets; how do you feel putting something like that out there with no apologies or regrets is perceived by the fans of the show?

LM: I’m 100% for Gay Rights and such. That’s their decision, and I have NO problem with it.

E4A: When I was in high school, choir wasn’t the most popular extra curricular activity on the list. How do you think Glee is changing the face of high school choirs in this country?

LM: Glee is letting people know that it’s okay to be who you are. Shine and be yourself – don’t change for anyone.

E4A: Please give advice to anyone who may be struggling with who they truly are:

LM: Be yourself! Don’t go around trying to be other people – be the real you. If someone doesn’t accept you for that, then they’re pretty stupid.

E4A: Can you offer fans any juicy details about the upcoming episodes of Glee?

LM: Hmm, well in the next episode airing May 4th in the United States it’s all chaotic! We’re doing a super cool Gaga episode … be sure to tune in!

Isn’t Rachel Berry (I mean Lea Michele) such a doll? I really hope I get a chance to meet her someday … or if not, I guess watching Glee Tuesday nights will have to suffice; I better get my singing voice ready!

If you had the chance, what Glee character or actor/tress would you like to interview? Comments are encouraged below!

Disclaimer: The above answers may or not be those of the actress Lea Michele of Glee. It sure as hell sounds like it could be her, don’t you think? Social networking sites have a funny way of taking part in guerilla marketing tactics…

-Joseph Federico

Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Sunglasses are meant to protect the eyes, plain and simple. But have you ever wondered when they became so popular and an emblem of one’s status symbol? After some digging around the internet, I found out that it wasn’t until the 1920’s, when movie stars and starlets sported specs on red carpets and to movie premiers that the sunglass movement really took off.

The above mentioned makes 100% sense … even in today’s celebrity-obsessed society, we turn to Hollywood for the latest trends in fashion, music, and the like. With that being said, I always look forward to the changing of one season to another to see what styles are going to be most popular in the upcoming months.

After making contact with international headquarters of major fashion labels, calling the UK, and doing some other personal research of my own, I can now present to you a list of men’s sunglasses that are bound to fly off the shelves this summer. I hope your credit card is paid off and you have some checks coming in because you won’t want to miss out on these select styles.

Ed Hardy- The Director of Key Accounts has promised that the following models this year are customer favorites: EHS040, EHS041, EHS043, and EHS044. These sunglasses range anywhere from $190.00 – $260.00; that may sound a little steep in this economy, but a good, sturdy pair of sunglasses can last a lifetime. The Director personally stated, “We are also launching Affliction Sunwear next month, which will really bring men’s sunglasses to a new level.”

Ray-Ban- According to several internet sources, the Ray-Ban RB 3194 62 is the company’s next most prized possession. These have G15 XLT lenses for ultimate ultra violet protection, which is very important now that we’re smack dab in the midst of global warming and all. The frames seem quite light weight which is good for travel purposes. The new Ray-Bans start off at about $125.00.

Sports Sunglasses- For the sport-loving, rugged type, the X Loop X63 Sunglasses Wrap Style UV400 is going to be the summer’s hot ticket item. With a shatterproof polycarbonate frame, shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, and a 30 day money-back guarantee, I’m sure you can afford the $13.00-$14.00. This specific style can also be purchased over the internet.

Top Man- Any of the current sunglasses on the Top Man website are in style and will be throughout the summer months. May I suggest such names as Black Wrap, Navy Plastic Wrap, and Black Clubman Sunglasses? These styles range from around $24.00-$60.00. Also, if you find yourself in SOHO, New York City, stop in and try some shades on at that location (478 Broadway (between Grand St & Broome St)); it’ll be an adventure, I promise that much.

Personally, I like to stay within budget while shopping around for the perfect seasonal sunglasses but sometimes it’s hard not to splurge. You just might see me picking-up a pair of Ed Hardy’s or even the Sports Sunglasses for my surfing adventures. Either way, I better be the talk of the town … no questions asked.

-Edited and written by J. Federico