Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Male nudity comes out of the closet

Spartacus: Blood and Sand is the latest in an exceptional line of television series starting with Sex and City and including Weeds, L-Word, Queer as Folk, True Blood and Nurse Jackie, that graphically depict sexuality, drug use and other tabu topics so honestly that we blush - and recognize in them situations from our own life experiences.

Based on the legend of Spartacus, a gladiator who led an uprising of slaves against the Roman Empire in 73 B.C., the hit series starring Andy Whitfield, Lucy Lawless and John Hannah is full-on sex and gore with brilliant writing, superb acting and magnificent art direction.

Among the more exciting developments from a gay world point of view is the nudity of male stars and extras. Of course we've seen masculine botbots and peepees in other programs, but this marks the first time male nudity is consistly presented in the context of non-sexual situations, and where groups of heterosexual men are shown au natural without a hint of awkward sexual inuendo.

This is not to say that the scenes of hunky gladiators cleaning up after bloody bouts in the arena are not sexually arousing - I've hit rewind more than few times during the course of season 1, rather the scenes are not gratuitous exploitation. We see the gladiators as they more than likely would have been in the baths after training or a fight.

The flesh is part of the story. Indeed, nudity - both male and female (we are also treated to a fair share of tits) - is an integral element of the plot and crucial to narrative accuracy. And yes, many more gay men and straight women are probably tuning in than otherwise would if the show only presented female nudity, as is so often the case.

The unadulterated portrayal of male nudity is, without a doubt, one of the most positive things about Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The show manages to acknowledge homoeroticism without offending heteronormative propriety. Gay men can view it and get turned on. Straight men can admire the male physique without it being a challenge to their sexuality.

Times have changed. Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a starz production.

My Bruins in the playoffs

Well, the Boston Bruins made the NHL playoffs, finishing sixth in the East Division in a battle for the last three spots that went down to the wire. They'll be opening at Buffalo against the Sabres in a series that should be a tight checking, low scoring thriller for fans in both cities.

I'm predicting Boston in six because they are my favorite team. The key matchup is in goal where each team is backstopped by two of the most consistent netminders in the league: Finn Tuuka Rask for the Bruins and American Ryan Miller for the Sabres. Miller is widely acknowledged to be the better of the two, but Tuuka's riding a hot streak right now and is definitely the one to beat.

The Bruins will be without their leading scorer, the playmaker Marc Savard, who is still recovering from a concussion, but speedy Patrice Bergeron along with Marco Sturm and big Zdeno Charo on the blue line should be enough to power the B's past Buffalo.

Wishful thinking? Maybe. But it's Gerry's world.

Hotel Zu Hause - Make yourself at home in Berlin!

Two Dansih expats, Christian Groot and Jørgen Bay have opened a charming bed and breakfast, Hotel Zu Hause in Berlin

Situated in the historical heart of gay Berlin near the Nollendorfplatz at Kleiststrasse 35, Hotel Zu Hause is ideally located, reasonably priced and homey.

Airy, roomy, clean and stylish, you'll feel comfortable enough here to make yourself at home during changes between shopping, sightseeing, dining and partying. And when you can't hold your eyes open, the beds are also wonderful for power napping or a good night's sleep.

The hotel is straight friendly and offers a continental breakfast served daily from 8 - 10 in the morning.If you decide to sleep late, there are a variety of cafés and resturants in the neighborhood from which to chose.

Internet is available free of charge in every room, so you're connected to all online listings and dating services. Public transportation to every part of town, including major train stations and the airports, is in easy walking distance.

If you know Christian and Jørgen, you'll want to stay there. And if you don't know them, you'll be glad you made Hotel Zu Hause your holiday home in Berlin.

Book early to guarantee your room during special events. Auf wiedersehen.

Pusher Square

Pusher Street on Christiania was shut down only to be replaced by Pusher Square. Although hash prices have gone up and gang violence on the streets in Copenhagen has increased, people are still smoking hash and Danes are the happiest people in the world.