I’m not exactly sure who votes for People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive”.  But I don’t mind that this year the plaudit goes to Chris Evans, another Boston boy.  Here’s a fun fact – Chris and I often frequented the same pizza joint in Somerville.  That he became Captain America and I became the World’s Most Beloved Columnist might be due to the mozzarella.  Chris was modest as ever when he said, “It’s something that as I become old and saggy I can look back on and say, ‘I remember then…’”  Trust me, Chris, it ain’t so bad.  Plus, we can eat all the pizza we want!

North of the border, Justin Trudeau will make an appearance on Canada’s Drag Race – the Mounties’ version of RuPaul’s Drag Race.  This makes him the first world leader to appear on the show.  Well, you didn’t expect Angela Merkel or Benjamin Netanyahu to lip sync for their lives, did you?  The show debuts next week in a special season entitled Canada vs. the World.  And I thought Canada was only competitive in ice hockey and curling!

Speaking of world leaders, I’m troubled to discover that Queen Elizabeth II was a fan of Tom Cruise.  Reportedly, QEII was upset that she didn’t get to meet Cruise during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations (he went to an equestrian event at Windsor Castle, which she bowed out of).  To make up for it, she invited him for a private tour of the castle – and even served him high tea and finger sandwiches!  And, as you know, Cruise loves a finger…or two!

He’s not a world leader.  In fact, he’s no leader at all.  But former Pope Benedict finds himself in a heap of trouble.  And I’m seeing a trend – because this also goes back to Boston.  Remember the Catholic sex scandal?  When members of the church who were accused of molesting young boys were simply taken out of one church and moved to another?  It was all immortalized in Spotlight – good movie.  This game of musical clergy was not limited to Boston.  A German man is suing for the cover-up of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his parish priest back when Benedict was Archbishop of Munich.  And according to the Vatican, Benedict plans to defend himself!  Now, don’t get too excited – it’s not like he’s gonna slip on his red shoes and go all To Kill a Mockingbird on us.  Ben’s going to personally hire an attorney.  Everybody had better move quickly – Benedict is currently 95!