MAMBA GOSSIP

An Olympic tribute…

In tribute to our national Olympic team, headed by the previous gold winning duo of swimmers Ryk Neethling and Roland Schoeman, who are set to fly the flag in Beijing, we decided to highlight one of our lesser-known local swimming stars – Gerhard (Gerhardus) Zandberg. This quite delicious 25 year old specimen of manhood is among our finest Olympic hopefuls. He was born in Pretoria, is 2 metres tall, weights 100kgs and is an African Record breaker in the 50 and 100m backstroke. Regardless of how many gold medals they bring back from China (or not), there’s little doubt that we boast one of the hottest swimming teams in the world. And that’s something to be proud of. Good luck boys!

Neil Patrick Harris speaks Out…

Neil Patrick Harris smoulders on the cover of the latest issue of US gay mag Out. In the interview, the actor talks about coming out in Hollywood: “Part of the coming-out process is figuring out who you like and what that means and how to act upon it. Being an actor reduced my level of anonymity. I couldn’t just go to some bar and walk in and ask someone out on a date, because there was too much awareness of me. So it made it more difficult in that sense. I couldn’t be, like, “Maybe I like this kind of guy” or “Maybe I’m into this” — I couldn’t really experiment. I sort of had to narrow my gaze from afar. If I had any regret, it would be that strange lack of anonymity that created panic within myself that I would be found out. But I think that’s everyone’s big fear.” Thankfully the How I Met Your Mother and Doogie Howser, M.D actor did make it out the closet in 2006 – something which doesn’t seem to have hurt his career in the least.

Are Wham set to reform for one last night?

We doubt this one, but who knows: Reports have surfaced that George Michael will reunite for one last time with former Wham band mate Andrew Ridgley. Forty-five year old George has claimed that his current tour will be his last ever saying that pop music should be for the youth. The star has now added two concluding concerts for the 25 Live Tour on August 24 and 25 at Earl’s Court in London and there is much speculation that Andrew will join him on stage for a final reunions. George and Andrew formed Wham in 1981 and went on to sell over 20 million albums by the time they split in 1986.

Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson wedding talk

The Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson lesbian romance appears to be hotting up with a flurry of rumours that insist that the two girls are set to wed. The tabloids claim that they will be tying the knot later this year in Los Angeles. Neither 22-year-old Lindsay nor her 30-year-old constant DJ companion has confirmed that they are actually in a relationship, but it’s said to be an open secret. Lindsay has apparently chosen a white Chanel mini dress for the occasion. While her mom Dina is said to be supportive of the romance and is helping to plan the wedding, Lindsay’s estranged father Michael has said that he wouldn’t approve of a same-sex wedding. “…if she was marrying Sam, I don’t think she’d ask me to walk her down the aisle. She knows about my (Christian) faith… she just wouldn’t ask,” he told msnbc.com. Sies! There’s nothing worse than self righteous “moral” posturing from someone convicted of drinking and driving. Poor Linds… meanwhile Lindsay and Sam have been in Miami spending time with the Ronson family. Bless…

Jake Gyllenhaal and John Mayer to also get hitched. Apparently…

No, not to each other – sadly. Hollywood is abuzz with other marriage rumours. Brokeback Mountain’s Jake Gyllenhaal is all set to wed Reese Witherspoon. Sources say that the two have set a December date for the occasion. Apparently Jake had to repeatedly ask Reese before she finally said yes. Repeatedly ask her? What’s wrong with the damn woman! Meanwhile, singer John Mayer is said to be planning to marry his beau Jennifer Aniston, who is also reportedly telling friends that she is finally ready to become a mother (few doubt that she is rather bitter and twisted that her ex Brad shacked up with a veritable baby-making factory). Despite the reporting credibility (har har) of the American tabloids, Jennifer’s representative felt compelled to issue a denial: “She is not getting married. Both headlines are complete fabrications.”

Daniel Craig to play bi-emperor?

Following in the footsteps of Colin Farrell, who played the role of the bisexual Alexander, James Bond star Daniel Craig is reportedly close to signing on to play another man-loving emperor – this time Hadrian. The Roman leader, who ruled from 117 to 138 AD, was known for his relationship with a young male lover, Antinous. The 32-million-euro film version of Hadrian’s life is set to be directed by veteran John Boorman, who apparently wants Daniel to be his lead, and is expected to start shooting next year in Europe. It wouldn’t be the first time Daniel has played gay but it could well be his biggest homo role to-date. We’re already thinking of those love scenes in the Roman baths…

Playgirl to close down

After 35 year of presenting hundreds of men in all their buff glory Playgirl magazine is set to close down. Nicole Caldwell, Playgirl’s editor-in-chief, has confirmed that “the last print issue will be the Jan/Feb 2009 magazine,” which will hit American newsstands in November. The magazine, which started out as a feminist response to mags like Playboy but soon became more of a favourite among gay men than women, is said to be the latest victim of the declining fortune of print media in the US. The good news is that the Playgirl brand will continue to live – on the web. Caldwell revealed that the publication will continue to exist on the internet with a bigger and better subscription-based website – chock-a-block full of hunks in various states of undress no doubt.