Most viewed stories of the week
Reality sets in for CultureMap readers with NJ housewives, American Idol and gayHouston actors who tell it like it is
"The Real Housewives of New Jersey"
"American Idol"
Houston actor Walt Zipprian
This Oscar de la Renta ensemble was the first look at his New York Fashion Weekshow in February. Can Houston compete?
CultureMap readers love our contributors' take on pop culture phenoms. Theodore Bale and Joseph Campana's reports on The Real Housewives of New Jersey are attracting more fans every week. Their recap of the latest episode was the week's most viewed story, while Jane Howze's experiences from the front row of American Idol was a close second. And a lot of readers seem happy that former Houstonian Jim Parsons is striking it rich now that The Big Bang Theory set a record for television syndication sales.
But no story drew more curiosity than CultureMap writer Steven Thomson's poll of gay Houston actors on what they thought of a recent Newsweek column that alleges it's virtually impossible for gay actors to play straight. Getting the local angle on an important national story is one thing we plan to do regularly at CultureMap.
An interesting aside: Steven asked someone familiar with the Houston theater scene for some names of gay actors, but she provided him with several actors who, it turns out, aren't gay. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) They were surprised to be quizzed on the subject, but reacted with good humor at being mistaken for playing for the other team.
And I hear that my critique of what Houston needs to do to become a fashion center was a prime topic of conversation at a recent Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting. The bureau wants to tout Houston as a fashion center and I'm all for that. With the wealth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit here, all that's needed is someone in the power establishment to take up the cause and make it happen. We'll keep you posted on the progress.
Most viewed stories week of May 16-22
1. Aftershocks: Is Real Housewives of New Jersey veering into Roman Polanski territory?
2. On the front row of American Idol: Justin Bieber is a "no show" & Simon Cowell shows his nice side
3. Geeks get rich: Jim Parsons' Big Bang Theory sets syndication record
4. Trying to make sense of Erica Blasberg's apparent suicide
5. Lost season finale: Prepare to be disappointed
6. River Oaks millionaire John Goodman arrested and charged in fatal car crash
Editor's Picks:
1. Reacting to bashing Newsweek article, Houston's gay actors keep a straight face
2. Alley Theater flies high with a salute to Fayez Sarofim at "Jet Setter's Ball"
3. Steven Colbert sneaks in (and out of) Houston, shows astronauts he's got the right stuff
4. Where is the love? Feast heads to NOLA (but it's not giving up on Houston)
5. Will Houston ever be a fashion center? Here are some ideas to make it happen
