KISS alum Peter Criss tells his breast cancer story

Peter Criss, the former KISS drummer whose signature song "Beth" helped many a high-school guy act tough but sensitive in the 1970s, is a breast cancer survivor.

Yep, you read that right. Now just nod and act cool, as if the idea of breast cancer in men occurs to you all the time.

It doesn't happen often, but it does happen, and it can be fatal. The cat-faced rocker's cancer was diagnosed early, he told the Associated Press, and as of last year he was cancer-free -- so if you'll allow, we'd like to treat this with a touch of hindsight-illuminated lightness.

Because if you're female, this quote from Peter Criss is kind of awesome:

"It's amazing how they can get a guy's little pecs in that thing that the poor women go through," he told the AP. "They are so medieval! I have a whole new respect for women going through mammograms."

Check out all the serious medical dish (symptoms, treatment) on breast cancer in men ...

Mario Lopez to host Miss America -- will they add a lingerie round?

Mario Lopez has been tapped to host the 2010 Miss America pageant, Gossip Cop and others are reporting, making that his third time in the job.

Yes, we refer to the same Mario Lopez who donned a leather corset and garter belt for a recent episode of the FX series "Nip/Tuck."

Wait, aren't people supposed to wait till after they're done with the whole Miss America experience before they get caught posing in that kind of get-up? Maybe it's just a "third time's the charm" thing for Mario.

An interesting competition might be shaping up among some of these event hosts, you know. Ricky Gervais is no stranger to embracing his masculinity (to accompany an interview in the UK's Observer Magazine).

Alec Baldwin's been working his hairy chest for years. Hey, whatever works.

And last year's Oscars host, Hugh Jackman, clearly set the bar nice and high for everyone involved.

So, um, we're thinking maybe Daniel Craig should get to host the Grammys or VMAs or Country Music Awards or something?

Please?

And as for Steve Martin ...

Chaz Bono speaks out -- happily, and in a much lower voice

Chaz Bono's interview with Mary Hart airs later today on "Entertainment Tonight," and from the teaser video, it's interesting stuff -- perhaps even more so for those of us who remember Chastity Bono fondly from when she was just a little thing (like we were at the time) on "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour."

"I am literally going through puberty," Chaz tells ET, with negative side effects limited to "just muscle aches… growing pains."

The 40-year-old LGBT activist, who came out 15 years ago, started the sex-change process in March. 

For some reason -- maybe just a sentimental mood -- the ET teaser video put a big smile on my face. Along the lines of "dreams really do come true" and all that.

Call me Pollyanna. I dare ya. 

We now return you to your regularly scheduled snark.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

 

Photo: A 1971 portrait of Cher, then-Chastity and Sonny Bono, painted in acrylic by LeRoy Neiman. Credit: LeRoy Neiman.