'What's Morally Wrong with Homosexuality?'
Remember those ho-hum philosophy classes where you brushed up on your doodling skills instead of the history of Freud? Too bad John Corvino, associate professor of philosophy at Wayne State University, wasn't your professor. And if he was, then there's no better way to thank him than by picking up his latest DVD, "What's Morally Wrong with Homosexuality?" He opens with an "imagine-this" scenario, where the audience envisions thousands of people fornicating (not all together, of course).
"It's kind of disconcerting when you think about it – especially when you realize you're sitting here listening to me," he quips. The lecture is sprinkled with zingers as he discusses arguments against homosexuality with an every-man approach, offering personal anecdotes (like his experience while briefly attending the ueber-Catholic University of Notre Dame) and witty sarcasm. He mentions the common belief that lesbians are immune to HIV when discussing the virus' stigma ("Think about it: Surgeon General recommends lesbianism"). Corvino's engaging lecture, which examines the theological, social scientific and "unnatural" arguments, pushes people to reconsider their assumptions without forcing them to think a certain way. Sure, sex is pleasurable, but for a mind-orgasm, Corvino's your man.
'The Tudors: The Complete First Season'
Showtime knows how to lure the gay guys: Get cutie-patootie Jonathan Rhys Meyers to play a slutty king, and toss in some horny queers. And lots of boobs! For the ladies, of course. We promise there's more to this 10-part first season that details the political and sexual (!) escapades of 16th-century England's Henry VIII – but now, on DVD, count on abusing your freeze-frame button.
Olivia Newton-John Live …
Admit it: The only good thing about Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" was the sweaty, shirtless men. Without them, the song's nothing more than a bland way of saying, "Let's screw. Now." Here, on (deep breath!) "Olivia Newton-John and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Live at the Sydney Opera House," the Australian songstress successfully does country (Bob Dylan-written "If Not for You"), Cuban ("Not Gonna Give in to It") and corny ("I Honestly Love You"). She's also a comedian ("If you want to clap – please don't!"). And ageless. Thanks, Botox!
