“I Mean…What?!?” – Abe Gurko

Guy Trebay wrote an interesting article in The New York Times Style (?) section yesterday. The essence of the story is that men with bellies are on trend, sporting “the Ralph Kramden”. Though it’s called It’s Hip To Be Round, I think the better title is Belly Up. He explores several reasons why this might be the case, and as much as I enjoyed the article because the topic is top of mind (I have been belly conscious my entire life), what he doesn’t address are the critical health issues related to having a belly. As a fat kid, I… Read More »

Looking through the Vanity Fair International Best Dressed List was a bit of a head scratch-er for me. First of all, can we eliminate men from this challenge? When I think of Best Dressed lists, Mr. Blackwell’s Best Worst Dressed comes to mind as does Eleanor Lambert, who originated the Best Dressed List in 1940. Rarely do I think of men when we speak of Best Dressed lists. This year’s list in Vanity Fair had too many men, the images are lame and frankly, I don’t look to Vanity Fair for their opinions on fashion. I loves me my Vanity… Read More »

Nothing brings me more joy that the lovely notes and requests for answers that I receive directly into my mailbox. I’ve been the go-to person for “matters of the heart” and “what to” or “what not to wear” my whole life and fielding your requests is in line with what I do best. Please keep those cards and letters coming. Hi Abe, How come you didn’t do an I Mean…What?!? on Barack Obama’s “mom jeans”? Surely I though you would have jumped all over that. Maureen Dear Maureen, I thought about that plenty. But the reason I passed on it… Read More »

One would have to be living under a rock not to know that I have taken issue with The New York Times Style section as of late. I have accused it of being not style conscious enough, behind the trend curve in its reporting, not fierce, old news, and under fabulous. And today is not any different. There are two stories that bugged me to no end starting with the lead article about “marijuana”.… Read More »

Just about everyone on Earth has been affected by Michael Jackson…somehow. Whether it’s your fondest musical memories, your endless, desperate, unsuccessful attempts to do the “moonwalk”, singing songs from Thriller in the shower to test your vocal chops or dancing in the mirror, alone in your room, grabbing your crotch. Michael Jackson is there, in your system, in your heart, and surely everywhere in the pop culture vernacular. We all adored him until we began to despise him. Reading all the reports, headlines, glowing life stories, endless news coverage of the late, great King of Pop, I could not help… Read More »

Everyday there is at least one story in the headlines that peaks my interest…rather…hits my annoyance bone…hence, my daily I MEAN…WHAT?!? Today was special. Nothing really struck my fancy. Sure, I could go on and on about Barack Obama’s little speech in Cairo (and when I say little, I mean that in the most loving way) but, eh, I’ll let the Republicans and Israelis chew on that one. I saw part of the speech and have no opinion either way. He’s a fabulous speaker, so what else is new? The issues with the Muslim world, especially beyond their own borders,… Read More »

Honestly, I am the only one outraged about the endless talk about racism these days? Sure, there are the few bloviators expounding on MSNBC and Fox News, so what else is new? But where is the outrage from the people? Where is the backlash? Where are the boycotts? Where are the demonstrations? How have we as a nation become so complacent with everything. As a remnant of the 1970’s, I remember all to well how amazing the energy was when we took to the streets against the war in Vietnam. Or when the women’s movement was in full bloom complete… Read More »

Call me crazy…you wouldn’t be the first…but the members of the “Axis of Evil” are yay interested in Obama and his minions. Kim Jong-Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad don’t give a hoot about this new administration and are hell bent on acting like peacocks and showing off their lovely feathers. That or, “My dick’s bigger than yours, Barak Obama”, is the message here with all these nuclear threats and tests. (Clearly the bigger dick thing is not the case with Kim Jong-Il, but I digress.) So, what are we supposed to do with these mother fuckers? Can’t we just take them out?… Read More »

I have avoided commenting on American Idol but couldn’t resist after last nights hullabaloo? What in tarnation was that horeene Kara DioGuardi song? She’s a judge because why? Couldn’t you just see Simon barfing at that song? I sure wish he would have been his usual twitty self with her as he’s been with every contestant since the show began. “Kara, that was self-indulgent nonsense.” With the extensive world-wide attention that this season has garnered due to the Gay vs. Christian debate, I doubt if I could add anything to what has already being said by millions of obsessed fans.… Read More »

There’s two things captivating the headlines. Swine Flu (you know how I stand on that issue) and Barak Obama’s 100 Days…which has now been celebrated for the 100th day. And just when you thought that there was nothing else to commemorate these 100 Days, comes fresh from the White House Press Office, 100 pictures of his 100 Days. Has anyone bought the commemorative plates yet? There’s a plate for every flush of the toilet…they are numbered…they’re amazing. Oh, and by the way, it’s not the only thing on Earth having a 100th milestone and to these other accomplishments, I’d like… Read More »