Jake's our favourite fella while Maggie takes a break

In response to People's poll for the Sexiest Man Alive (which, I believe, extolled a man named Matt), AfterElton called on its gay and bisexual male readership to vote for its own Hot 100. Apparently, despite thousands of votes, Tom Cruise got zilch - not a single vote - and even George Clooney had to wait in the wings. But at number one is our very own Jake Gyllenhaal - named AfterElton's Favorite Fella because he fulfils every requirement for heat. That means pretty on the inside just as much as on the outside, being inspirational to the gay community and not being afraid to be associated with that community or gay stories. Jake fulfils every requirement and is adored by the gay and bisexual community, just as he is by every other part of his unique fanbase.



This is the verdict on Jake: 'It might seem like we only love him for playing a gay rancher in Brokeback Mountain, but really, we love Jake Gyllenhaal for being our favorite boy next door. Born and raised in L.A., Jake grew up around the business; his father was a director and his mother was a screenwriter. Not only is he sexy, but, before moving to Hollywood, Jake was saving lives as a lifeguard. Bet you didn’t know he’s sweet, too? (He gave ex girlfriend Kirsten Dunst a lovely little kitten for her birthday one year. Altogether: "Aaawww....") Jake is a matinee idol with legit acting chops (he was nominated for an Oscar for Brokeback) and a genuine respect for his gay fans; not only did he make a surprise appearance at this year's GLAAD Awards, but he also dedicated a rousing (and impressive) performance of Dreamgirls' showstopper to his gay fans — in drag — on Saturday Night Live."


Maggie takes on Katie

I fear that neither Jake nor Maggie were on Tom and Katie's party list for the Welcome Posh and Becks to LA Bash. Maggie has been heard throwing some doubt on Katie Holmes' thespian prowess as Rachel Dawes in Batman. According to WENN, Maggie said: "I’m not walking into Katie Holmes’ performance,... I’m thinking of it as an opportunity to play somebody who’s alive and smart. Chris (Nolan the director) asked me to do this because he wanted me, not because he wants some generic lady in a dress.” Of course, we all know how easily innocent remarks can be taken out of context but Maggie's statement does seem to me to have an edge to it and no-one could ever accuse Maggie of not being brave enough to express an opinion.


The Nantucket idyll

Talking of Maggie, she and Peter have recently been spotted in 'a Nantucket love nest', 'in one of those charming rose-covered cottages at the Summer House in 'Sconset.'. As is my wont, this set my mind wandering to the idyll that is the Summer House, which includes white beaches, elegant and historic streets and cottages, and the Pineapple Inn, which was 'built for prominent whaling captain Uriah Russell and has been completely restored as a grand traditional inn featuring four poster canopy beds with goose down comforters, handmade oriental carpets and 19th century antiques and artwork. The bricked patio with its pineapple fountain and the formal dining room each offer a unique ambiance to linger over a cappuccino in the morning along with fresh squeezed orange juice, home made muesli and pastries that rival any bakery.' For the culinary amongst us, here is a menu from the restaurant. The whole place sounds absolutely delightful and relaxing and conjures up memories of reading Moby Dick - one of my favourite novels - as well as visiting B&Bs in the English countryside. A strange mix but it seems to work.


Includes pictures from IHJ and JJ.