01. MS. VIOLA DAVIS:
After seeing many of the “frontrunner” films for this year’s awards season, I am still completly blown away by Viola Davis’ turn in ‘Doubt’. I’m going to just say it. It’s the best performance by an actor in any film this year. That’s a major statement to make considering the short on-screen time Davis has among a triad of powerhouse actors. Yet having seen the film twice now, I can say that both times Davis’ character shows up on screen the air is completely sucked right out of the theatre. Her performance is so powerful and heart-wrenching that I felt sucker-punched both times. It is one of those very rare film moments where actor and script meld perfectly and movie magic happens. Simply electric!

02. MS. MELINDA DOOLITTLE:
I’ve been lucky enough to have an advanced copy of American Idol alumnus Melinda Doolittle’s debut album, ‘Coming Back To You’, for a few weeks now. I can’t even begin to guess how many times I’ve listened completely enthralled. It’s very much what you’d expect if you were a fan of Doolittle’s soul-drenched AI performances–and yet, it’s completely surprising at the same time. The material chosen for the album is perfection. It goes with the voice and stays true to the R&B/Soul genre. Having been a session singer earlier in her career has given Melinda Doolittle a true appreciation for how important things like melody, timing, pacing, and harmony are to creating a successful track. Take a mix of songs that are throwbacks to the girl groups of the Sixties, throw in a dose of sexy and smoky, gorgeous orchestrations and a woman who knows to handle her instrument and you approximate the sounds of ‘Coming Back To You’. Among the stand-out tracks, my favorites include: ‘Declaration of Love’, ‘Wonderful’, ‘I Will Be’, ‘We Will Find A Way’ and ‘If I’m Not In Love’. ‘Coming Back To You’ hits stores on February 3, 2009.

03. GARNIER NUTRITIONISTE ANTI-PUFF EYE ROLLER:
I think it’s safe to say I spend more than the average gay on cosmeceuticals. Men (of any persuasion or age) should have a skin care regimen. Word. My bag of tricks runs the gamut from the high-end lines (Peter Thomas Roth’s Unwrinkle Serum) to drugstore must-haves (Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm). I recently picked up one of these eye rollers and have been pleasantly surprised. It’s a definite weapon to add to your arsenal for those regrettable morning-afters and lack of sleep. For $12-$13, the cool gel de-puffs and curbs the dark circles rather well (and feels great going on). With its pen-sized applicator, you can hide it in a pocket or manpurse for a quick touch up anytime you need it.

04. ‘CAUGHT RUNNING’ by MADELEINE URBAN and ABIGAIL ROUX:

I recently finished reading this sports-themed/gay romance by the female duo of Urban and Roux. If we’ve established anything here, it’s that I’m a hopeless romantic–and a sucker for a good love story (*sigh*). Somehow high school teachers, baseball coaches and the proverbial jock and nerd from a senior class long ago, meet in the present to form a completely believable and sighable love story. While Urban and Roux don’t eschew sex, the focus is quite clearly on the characters and the realization that they are undeniably falling in love with one another. At 236 pages, the tale of Jake and Brandon is a light read. But, nonetheless, an airy sweet diversion perfect for warming up your cold winter heart.

05. MR. JESSIE PAVELKA:
Do I really need to explain it?