NETFLIX: Coming only to Netflix December 11 is Jean-Michel Basquiat, hyped as the only authorized doc one of the most influential American artists who ever lived. You trade some objectivity with authorization, but it’s in exchange for a wealth of biographical, ephemeral materials that can truly help document a person’s life. Should be a must-watch.
ROGER EBERT: I saw and loved Avedon, the new Ron Howard doc about another massively influential artist of the 20th century, Richard Avedon. It perfectly expresses his work ethic and artistry while shedding insight on his family life.
My only criticism was the doc’s avoidance of any mention of his rumored bisexuality. It felt studiously silent on the topic.
ATTITUDE: I mean, we all know Madonna could not resist touring with Confessions II, her most critically acclaimed work in 20 years and on a par with all her best albums. After all, she already just gave us a hits tour, so by touring with a genuinely popular album, she can choose to perform most of it, maybe some Confessions I and just a few of her staples. She loves doing new stuff, and this time — fans want the new stuff. My total guess is tickets drop in January, or possibly around the Grammys (totally dependent upon her receiving lots of nominations and being a performer).
NEW YORK TIMES: Jensen Huang resigned from Nvidia as CEO over his affair with a Chinese spy — to whom he was introduced by her husband. Trump wants former Apple CEO Tim Cook to take the reins, further evidence of while a vile toady gay Tim turned out to be.
HUFFINGTON POST: Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen is formally challenging Sen. Chuck Schumer for Majority Leader. At the very least, this should light a fire under Chuck, who deserves (some) credit for the blue wave but who is not passing the vibe check for what Democratic voters want and need right now. If he does, indeed, have the votes, my hope is he will rise to the moment now that the writing is on the wall.
THE BULWARK: “MAGA Is Over.”
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE: First new gay bathhouse in DECADES for San Francisco.
LGBTQ NATION: Kim Davis has four court-approved days to explain why she hid her assets in case in which she owes a gay couple $565K.
INSTAGRAM: I love that Charnele Brown said, “Fuck you, motherfucker!” to Bill Cosby. Too bad she didn’t really mean it. But he for sure deserved to hear it.
NEW YORK TIMES: Inside the Hell’s Kitchen gay bar that’s been kind of randomly trashed online for seeming too “AI.”
JOE.MY.GOD.: Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of the Rev. Billy Graham and the daughter of Franklin Graham, is barking about religious freedom at the State Dept. — but don’t worry, she promises she doesn’t mean it to be anti-LGBTQ+. Jesus, please rid us of this poisoned, poisoned family.