...
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
LEATHER 101: The Fun Side
1:26 AM
Geoff
Okay okay....The Village People weren't a "leather group", but they had a leatherman so it counts.
Aside from the movie Crusing, I can't think of another instance where gay or leather entered the countrys psyche.
I remember The Village People back in the day (though I was but a small child), and I even went to see "Can't Stop the Music", the horribly wonderful movie (starring the group, Steve Guttenberg, Valerie Perrine, Bruce Jenner and director Nancy Walker) with my sister and friends and btw we hated it!
Back then I had a crush on the Construction Worker played by David Hodo mainly because of his jeans and sunglasses. I...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
LEATHER 101: Whatcha Pleasure?
9:54 AM
Geoff
Back when David Letterman was on NBC, Bill Maher was a guest and did a funny bit during his 'sit down' about how gay men have it all figured out.
He read a personal ad out of a newspaper (yes Mary......that's how they did it before the internet) where the guy gave a list of everything he was looking for in a match.....and it was a loooooong list. He appeared to read it verbatim and it was full of the usual height requirement, weight limit, hair and eye color etc along with an alphabet soup of abbreviations a young boy from Idaho had no clue about. The ad placer was even looking for a guy into watersports which got an...
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
LEATHER 101: Cruising
1:15 AM
Geoff
During a hot New York City summer, body parts of men begin showing up in the Hudson river. Police develop a theory it’s the work of a serial killer picking up gay men at S&M Leather bars like The Eagle’s Nest, The Ramrod and the Cock Pit, taking them home and then stabbing them to death after tying them up. Officer Steve Burns (Al Pacino) is sent deep undercover into the Leather underground in order to track down the killer.
Cruising was released in the 1980s and followed the typical treatment of gays in film, portraying them as comic foibles or as murderous deviants. The subject matter of the film struck a nerve with gay leaders of the...
Monday, February 22, 2010
LEATHER 101: Primer
11:36 AM
Geoff
To those just coming out, and the rest of the world, the multitude of subcultures within the gay community is often shocking and daunting.
How do you accept, or even fit within such a rainbow of interests and desires that go against the 'norm' of society?
Is it any big wonder that a minority who is victimized and reviled by just about everyone, (I'm talking about gays in general), would come up with a way of life that would fly in the face of so called "decent" and "moral" people?
Rupal has a famous saying, "you're born naked and the rest is drag"....and there's a lot of truth to that.
Mention leather,...
Theme Week
2:09 AM
Geoff
I thought it might be fun to shake things up a bit and try something a little different.....like a theme week for the blog.
To kick things off, the first Daily Aural is a video produced by LTHRScorpion. His vid (set to some good house music) takes you into the London leather scene. If you're not really familiar with the leather life, or just have a passing fancy, his vid is your chance to check it out from the safety of your laptop.
For the Gay Artist Spotlight this week, I'm featuring the work of Tom of Finland. His highly stylized works had an enormous impact and influence on gay culture as it was developing. His work is a part of our history even if you're not into his particular brand of homoeroticism.
There's more to check out so look for multiple daily updates throughout the week. ...
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
HUNG
11:51 AM
Geoff
Now I wanna make it clear......I'm not a 'size queen'....unless it comes to advertising. I saw this on Queerty a few days ago and my jaw dropped. (ooh....that reads kinda dirty, but true)
Apparently the public advertising codes and ethics regulations in New Zealand are somewhat.....lax when compared to the US. but I think this is just funny....and yet also inappropriate at the same time.
This bilboard was put up but NZ's Auckland ad agency 'Collenso BBDO' and it's advertising the show HUNG on HBO.
If you haven't seen Hung, it's about a divorced High School basketball coach who decides to capitolize on his enormous God-given attribute...
Friday, February 19, 2010
Brutally Cool
12:43 PM
Geoff
Remember when you were a kid and the thrill of a vending machine?
Using your allowance or a coin begged from your parents for toys gum, treats or trinkets?
For me it was every trip to the grocery store. I had already staked out the best machine whichever store we went to, and knew that a calm pre-meditated approach for the money was waaaaay more effective than a frantic begging session. After all, if the first tactic didn't work, incessant begging could always be used as a backup plan.
As an adult, I don't get excited about vending machines anymore....it's the price of growing up I guess. However.....I...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Empathy On Both Sides Of The Aisle
11:53 AM
Geoff
I found this on CNN today and can empathize with both sides of this situation.......(and I don't think the guy is 'that' fat btw).
Kevin Smith's most famous role is a guy who rarely speaks. But he's got a lot to say -- much of it profane -- after being kicked off a Southwest Air flight because he didn't fit comfortably into the seat.
Southwest said in a statement airline officials had called Smith to offer their "heartfelt apologies," but also stated his removal was for the "safety and comfort of all customers."
Smith, 39, originally purchased two tickets "as he's been known to do when traveling Southwest," the airline noted,...
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Rest In Peace
10:26 PM
Geoff
Michael Phelps, who started at The Advocate in 1996 and worked up the ranks to become publisher before being let go from the magazine, was found dead in his Los Angeles home Wednesday. He was 45.
The cause of death is unknown.
Phelps demonstrated a commitment to fitness and athletics. He was also a philanthropist and an ardent supporter of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Cent...
Danger Of Facebook
12:50 PM
Geoff
I'm assuming by now, just like in the movie "The Body Snatchers" you have slept next to your alien pod and are now on Facebook, right? If not, don't worry......you soon will be.
I'm on Facebook, and I have to say I'm not a 100% fan of the site. Not because you have to understand the privacy settings, or because it can take over your life...but because of the emotional crap it brings up.
It used to be, when you were done with High School, other than class reunions every ten years or so, you were done. Now, not so much. Thanks to facebook, people you knew eons ago...some barely so, are now...
Friday, February 12, 2010
Lead Legs
10:13 AM
Geoff
6 miles yesterday, leg presses, extensions modified squats, standing and seated calf raises.
Today?
Barely able to walk.................and on a friday. I just want to eat and go back to bed!
My legs feel like aching lead today......I'm not complaining....just sharing. Really. &nb...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
RIP
8:38 AM
Geoff
British fashion designer Alexander McQueen has been found dead after taking his own life. He was 40 years old.
His death comes just days before the start of London Fashion Week and weeks before he was due to unveil his new collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9.
Lady Gaga wore McQueen’s signature stilettos in her “Bad Romance” music vide...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
On My Bookshelf: My Lives by Edmund White
11:18 AM
Geoff
I was SO excited to find this book AT THE DOLLAR STORE no less AND in hardback because I'd read the reviews and thought it sounded like a good read.
Welllllllllllllllllllllllllllll let's just say the jury is still out.
Edmund White's work is known for mixing fiction with factual elements of his own past. He's a famous and well received author who's novels include: A Boy's Own Story, Our Paris, and The Married Man among others. While I recognized his name, this is my first read of his, and I'm not happy.
I'm not stuipd, and have a fairly well developed vocabulary, but I don't like having to slog through a novel...
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Clean Out Your Computer Day
12:45 AM
Geoff
Cleaning out your computer may be a chore, but it sure speeds things up. Deleting junk, moving files, uninstalling all the apps you thought were cool but never used all make a huge difference.
One thing that's often overlooked though is your monitor. Don't forget to clean the inside of your screen. If you don't know how, it's easy.
Watch this:
http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean....
Monday, February 8, 2010
Human Is Okay
9:30 AM
Geoff
I'm a little old to be going through the kind of angst I've been experiencing with my mother lately. The kind of angry exchanges we've had were probably better suited to the teenage years, but being the WASPY family we were......that was taboo.
All in all, our conflicts have been childish at times, vicious at others, and overall hurtfull.
One of the lessons I've learned is women do not fight fair. Instead of sticking to the issue, they employ what I call a 'scatter techique" which is meant to 'shock and awe', and WOW is it effective. They'll pull 15 things out of the air and throw them at you to knock you off guard.... and it works. ...
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Think You Have It Tough?
5:08 PM
Geoff
Malawian police have arrested a man for allegedly putting up posters supporting homosexuality, which is illegal in the southern African nation.
Peter Sawali was charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace, said police spokesman Davie Chingwalu.
Sawali, 21, was putting up posters that read, "Gay rights are human rights," on a busy road in the city of Blantyre, the spokesman said.
The man had stacks of glossy posters with the same message in his possession, according to the spokesman. An investigation is under way to seek more suspects, because Sawali said he was not acting alone.
"Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi and is punishable...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Rays Of Light
10:04 AM
Geoff
When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one. ~Epitaph of Leonard P. Matlovich, 1988
Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law. ~Boethius, The Consolation of Philosophy, A.D. 524
No government has the right to tell its citizens when or whom to love. The only queer people are those who don't love anybody. ~Rita Mae Brown, speech, 28 August 1982
War. Rape. Murder. Poverty. Equal rights for gays. Guess which one the Southern Baptist Convention is protesting? ~The Value of Families
What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it's...
Friday, February 5, 2010
Earwax; Natures Evil, Sick, Twisted Sense Of Humor
6:19 PM
Geoff
Amazing how such a little, seemingly inconsequential thing like earwax can make such a huge impact on a person's sense of well-being.
After using some earplugs to go to sleep last night, I think I must've pushed some wax deeper down the canal and now it's like half my head is stuck in water. Really thick.....sound deafening water, totally on the right side, partially on the left.
The day started out with such promise too! I've been working on that resolution list I began in feb and despite the weather, I managed 5.36 miles this morning, AND stuck to my diet! Now this pesky petroleum in my ears is bringing...
Smart Thrifty
7:21 AM
Geoff
Just about everyone I know is a little snooty when it comes to shopping at the dollar store. I know I know…..they’re all stocked with boatloads of crap, but be forewarned…..don’t knock the dollar store, when you’re around me!
I became an uber shopper when I was laid off, and I’m proud to say I’m continuing that frugality now that things are better. It took abject poverty for me to truly understand the value of a dollar.
First thing to remember is just because it’s a dollar doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. You have to factor in value and durability but if you’re smart about shopping, (meaning you know what things cost elsewhere) you can find...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
On My Book Shelf: The Martha Rules
12:10 PM
Geoff
Love her or hate her, Martha Stewart rules her queendom with a lovely embroidered iron fist. It's a good thing to remember, and if you own a business, are starting one or even managing one, this is a great book to have.
" In 2004, I entered a Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia." is how Martha begins "The Martha Rules" and by kicking off the book with that sentence...that information, you know she's going to be candid....well mostly.
I'm a huge Martha fan, and if you've read this blog recently you know I met her some years ago, and really enjoyed the experience.
Yes Martha has her faults, some minor, many glaring...
Monday, February 1, 2010
ROFL
10:53 AM
Geoff
It's no secret I'm a HUGE Varla Jean Merman fan, and she literally just posted this about an hour ago so it's still got that "fresh youtube smell". This was a great addon to my day, and then tonight Rupal's Drag Race is on Logo! February is starting out very well for m...
Shattering The Old Resolution Track Record
12:49 AM
Geoff
I didn't make a New Year's Resolution this year, did you?
Since almost all resolutions fail, I thought a change of strategy was in order, so I decided to try to circumvent fate, and save my resolutions for February. Perhaps giving the new year a monthly breather might bode well for the life changes I want to make.
I'm keeping my finger's crossed.
This year, I want to take my health seriously. I want to finish droping the extra weight I've been working on since the summer, and I want it off permenantly.
This year, I want to finally learn a second language......fluently.
A new job has been in store for...
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