Still here. Just busy busy busy. In a nutshell I’m:
There probably won’t be a WWMD this month as I haven’t gotten around to fleshing one out so-to-speak. No worries, I’ll get to it on the next go-round.
The new roomie is working out exceedingly well so far. We rarely see each other because of opposite schedules. Last weekend, he took it upon himself to do a very nasty chore, steam cleaning th e common areas. I was so surprised (happily so) to come home from my moto-ride and discover he’d done it for me. What a trooper! The old roomie is doing ok too.
The new rims for the bike are on back-order and won’t be here until September. I’m sad but can’t help it.
The boy is doing well. I miss him at times but we still talk daily.
Ok, that is about it for now. More later when I have some more time.
Oh, here. Enjoy a ‘purdy picture!
In news of the probably not-so-exciting category, I’ve noticed a huge jump in scam related spammy email lately. My email filter does a pretty darn good job of filtering out the crap but I do often quickly scan thru it to catch any false-positives. So anyway, you probably remember the old Nigerian money scam and its many 100’s of variants. Usually written in poor English about someone somewhere in the world trying to access or “free up” millions of dollars from a deceased/deposed person of some sort and “if only you would help” you could have a small percentage (in the millions) for your time and effort.
What this tells me is that people are once again falling for crap like this. It could also just be unscrupulous souls trying to take advantage of the poor economy and people who are desperate for cash. While I’m sure the latter is part of it, these folks focus on scams that work. I get about 10-20 a day now which is a huge spike. Used to, I’d see one every week or so. To see this many all at once is scary to think about.
If you’ve been living under a rock somewhere just try to remember “if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is”. In other words, don’t be an idiot. Of course, I prefer my granny’s version, “believe none of what you hear and half of what you see.”
I’ve gotten quite a few inquiries on the non-profit I was trying to start a while back. Actually, I got quite a bit of stuff in the mail too. A big thanks to everyone who contributed, I appreciate it and your items have been ferried off accordingly. You should have received your receipts by now.
The bad news is I’ve had the job on hold for several reasons, the primary one being cost. Good lord, its pricey to form a non-profit! Not to mention incredibly confusing and tedious. The IRS code alone was 125 fraking pages! And that’s just for forming and operating one. Not having money to throw away on attorney’s to do the work for me, I read most of’em too. On a side note, I see now why churches get to act as political engines w/o fear of penalty.
I could see my out-of-pocket cost(s) quickly skyrocketing and I’m not willing to fork over that much dough in this economy. Plus, I’m still leaning toward trying to buy a condo around year end. I gotta prioritize a bit. I learned a lot and hope that I can pick it up again later on. While reading thru the tax code was a total pain, it was also very informative. It is amazing what you can legally classify as a “charity”. If the rest of our tax code is as poorly written, no wonder the greedy keep finding loopholes. If our current Prez was smart, he’d work w/Congress to have the tax code completely re-written and updated. I’m quite sure we could solve a massive amount of our national debt this way.
Anyway, I’m still doing my part. And if you are local, I can give you recommendations on where to send stuff for recycling, donating, etc. If not, I highly recommend you google it before throwing your tech junk away. Not only is it tax deductible but you are doing a good deed for the planet. And frankly, our planet needs all the help it can get right now. Its frightening to realize we could see a natural disaster on a global scale caused by pollution in my life time! Every little bit helps, so do your part.
Another Dore Alley [1]Its officially called Up Your Alley now but locals still refer to it by its original name. fair has come to a close. Everyone I talked to thought this year’s fair was a bit subdued. A quick scan of Facebook and twitter afterwards revealed an over all consensus. For my part, I agree but it made it more enjoyable for me.
As ho hum as I was feeling earlier, I did have a good time. I even stayed beyond my normal 2 hour limit. I ended up hanging out with Chris aka @Wildcuddler from twitter and his friends @bucknsj and @puppychow79. Even better, they are both on twitter so now I get to stalk them. heehee. Seriously though, they were both very nice and made such an adorable couple. We were also joined by a tag-tail. [2]someone who attaches themselves to you or your group in the hopes of hooking up. *g* but even he was sweet and I rather liked having him along.
The event itself was a bit smaller this year. And while it did get crowded, it was so nice not being jam-packed in wall-to-wall bodies with barely enough room to breath. It might sound hot but after about 15 minutes of it, you get rather annoyed. Normally, I can go the whole circuit twice and be lucky if I run into 5 people I know. Not so this time. I ran into a whole slew of friends (and bloggers) in the span of about an hour. I ran into roblog and his hot husband entering the gates. Shortly beyond that I ran into Victor from v-hold and his scruffy hubby and then Wade from beyondbuffalo. There was @repete from twitter and his hubby, several random tricks from years past and even a co-worker. lol It was a whole stream of walk, stop, flirt, chat, flirt some more, then continue on your way. I even saw my ex. I ran into my flickr buddy Andy, who I totally have the hots for. His smile is even more endearing in person. Such a sweetie he was. I could go on and on but you know I am not a name-dropper … heh heh
There was plenty of the obvious. A grope here, a smile there, a quick chest or butt rub followed by grunts and groans. Oh yes, it wouldn’t be Dore w/o the blatant sexual innuendo and aggression. There was one beefy guy wearing ass-less chaps that I would have followed around like a puppy had he already not had a hubby in tow. Bastard. lol
**Interjection – I’m sitting at Firewood in the hood as I write this and I’m sitting next to a group of guys who are whining about not being part of the ‘pretty crowd’ yet they can’t stop talking about all the ‘hot’ guys they saw. I’m half tempted to lean over and point out the stupidity of their conversation. Its one thing to not go and ridicule but its another thing entirely to go and then whine about it because you weren’t the center of attention. And that’s forgetting for a moment that ‘pretty’ is a subjective term at best and two, if you’ve ever been to Dore or Folsom, you know the mix of guys is amazing. You see everything; freaks, cock, boobs, piss, average, bears, muscle, hair, smooth, porn, drag, leather, sex, etc. Oh did I mention porn? [3]That said, there seemed to be fewer porn boys out and about this year as well. It runs the entire gambit so going and then whining about not being ‘included’ just annoys me to no end. /rant **
Ok back on topic, sort of. I was particular struck this year by how pervasive our technology has become in our everyday lives. For my own part, I was twittering and texting at down times throughout the day. Of course, I had to stay in contact with the boy. Then there was the moto group, coworkers inquiring if my ass was hanging out, and random tweets and FB updates. I had 3 different random strangers stop me to tell me they read my blog, which tickled me to no end. (Eddy, Derrick, Paul, I told you I’d mention you!) I also met several folks who met thru the various online social sites. One might say, it was a cornucopia of interconnected web-addicts all decked out in leather, lace, and gear!
All said, it was a good event. Fun, frolic, and friends all at one time. What’s not to like? [4]Oh, there will be a forthcoming ‘post’ in a few days about other activities, so you know what to do. It was a nice end to my rather uneventful but extremely well-timed vacation as I go back to work tomorrow. I’m back on my new (old) shift which I’m very excited about.
And how was your weekend?
References
| ↑1 | Its officially called Up Your Alley now but locals still refer to it by its original name. |
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| ↑2 | someone who attaches themselves to you or your group in the hopes of hooking up. *g* |
| ↑3 | That said, there seemed to be fewer porn boys out and about this year as well. |
| ↑4 | Oh, there will be a forthcoming ‘post’ in a few days about other activities, so you know what to do. |
I can’t seem to get overly worked up over Gay High Holy Day #2 [1]Up your Ally street fair, formerly known as Dore Alley this year. I think it stems mostly from my schedule. I’ve been pushing myself these last few months and I’m realizing I’m a little burned out. Being the typical Aquarian that I am, I hate rigid schedules…ugh. The change of watch at work couldn’t have come at a better time.
I’m also not hosting anyone this year either for GHHD2. I think some of my excitement often comes from out of town friends who come up for the event. Seeing them excited gets me excited. Its like living in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, after awhile it just gets old. I do have a couple of friends coming up though. Chris aka Wildcuddler from twitter and the adorable Andy, both from Austin, are gonna be here.
I was originally supposed to go up to TN this weekend to see my younger brother while he is up there. But he was having drama so I decided against it. I was hoping to meet another famous blogger but he has his hands full with other stuff at the moment. Maybe after I’ve adjusted back to my old schedule, I can plan again. I have several more opportunities coming up before year end anyway.
While not unexpected or surprising, my blogging has suffered too. I don’t much mind as it ebbs and flows like everything in my life but it is a goo indicator. And you’ll get a kick out of this part, even my naughty time has suffered. Less trips to bb’s, less shenanigans at the gym, and even less online hookups. Relatively speaking, I’ve practically become celibate lately. lol If that doesn’t shock you, nothing will! Frankly, the boy has been the only real consistency in that area at all lately.
I’ll be honest, I’m irritated with myself. I didn’t realize how much my schedule was stressing me and seeing it now makes me angry. I really didn’t have a choice the last time as I got bumped off my days off but I did this time and I can’t believe I almost stayed on my current shift. What the hell was I thinking? The other irritating part is my vacation slots have to be planned a year in advance [2]We sign up once a year for all of our allotted vacation slots. We can take extra unplanned time but it is based on staffing levels which fluctuate wildly. and I’ve totally blown thru two of them already!
Lesson learned. Being off this week has been a god-send. And even though I haven’t done jack shit, it feels so good. I can slowly feel my energies returning and am looking forward to getting back on the shorter shifts come Monday.
References
Funny moment.
The boy asks me other day, “Daddy, why do people blog or read blogs?” He actually prefaced it with a request not to get upset. I guess he thought I might have been offended. lol He was so adorable. Anyway…
Don’t go getting irate. It was an innocent question. He has just recently started making the transition to online social/networking sites. I answered but was amused because blogging is such a pervasive part of our culture, I was surprised he honestly didn’t know.
I explained about how I got started, how it helped me, and how it has enriched my life in so many ways. He had the typical outside-looking-in look on his face but he seemed to understand.
Give me time and I’ll convert him! heh heh
This weeks ride was one of the biggest yet. We had nine guys (and girls) this time around. Even better no one got separated from the group. heh heh.
Actually, it was a lot of fun too. The moto group (Facebook link) is slowly expanding to include a bigger variety of riders but maintaining its close-knit feel. This week’s course was kind of the reverse of last week, with a few modifications. The weather was a teeny bit hot but bearable. I think at one point it was up in the 90’s. Oy!
Here we all are at lunch. We stopped at Mr. Pickles sandwich shop again. Man, those people go apeshit when we show up. lol The owner runs out and takes our pics and told us she was getting it framed for their wall. I have one pic where her head basically covers the whole shot. She was sweet though. We laugh and cut up obviously, which I’m sure might have something to do with it. heh heh So starting with me going clockwise, Moby, ‘bekah, Tom, Don, Stephen, Kevin, Patrick, William, and Michelle.
I’m a little sad as next week is my last Friday off before my schedule changes. I won’t get to ride w/the guys as much anymore. I talked it over w/William and we might host double rides, one on a weekday and weekend. At least this way, I’ll still get to ride with some of the gang. There are also a few riders I know who can’t ride weekdays so maybe we’ll get some new folks too.
Here I am checking my phone. The boy was flying off on vacation but he worries about me when I ride. I’m also updating my geo-location. I know, geek! What ever did we do before the advent of the internet and text messaging? Seriously, how did we survive? LOL
More pics on ride on the stream, if you care.
*Long rant today. Informative if you care to read, otherwise skip down if you aren’t in a ‘heavy reading’ mood*
A small firestorm was set off yesterday in the twitterverse w/the announcement of IML banning the sale of bareback [1]sex w/o condoms videos in the future. (It would probably help if you read the article before continuing) You can also read the fallout from Joe.my.god. I bounced it over to him and he posted it as well.
I thought I’d give it a thorough beating here rather than endless broken comments on twitter and elsewhere. Personally, I have mixed views on the decision. While I support the idea, in theory, I honestly don’t see it having any real affect as is on the problem. Educated informed adults watching a fetish barebacking video does not necessarily equate having unsafe sex in person.
Had this decision been part of a broader effort to unite the neg/poz camps thru acceptance and education, I think it might have had much more of an impact. As is, it 1) is divisive thru the prevailing but misguided belief that blame and finger-pointing is productive, 2) fetish’izes (made up word of the day) the taboo further, and 3) caters to the failed idea that censure has ever worked w/human behavior. Sexuality is tied to our base instincts as human beings and has never been as easy as right from wrong. If it were would the Catholic church still be fighting the ‘abstinence only’ fight? Oh yeah, they’re really winning that battle. /sarcasm
As usual, there are several important distinctions overlooked in the often heated battle over barebacking. From my perspective, the good/bad sides of barebacking, seeing boths sides of the issue (neg and poz), societal re-enforcement of conflicting do’s and don’ts, and finally dispelling the myth(s) often propagated thru irrational fear and ignorance. Otherwise, we end up bickering and solving nothing. Meanwhile, HIV continues to rise in the gay community.
Continue reading Bareback Banned
References
| ↑1 | sex w/o condoms |
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When attempting to leave a comment, you will now notice a tiny checkbox below the “add comment” button.
I added a nifty little plug-in that allows users to subscribe to a particular post’s comments. [1]Keep in mind this has nothing to do with subscribing/registering as a user. So now anytime you comment on a post, follow up comments will be emailed to you, if you so choose. This is a post by post option and you have to post your comment for it to function.
I find this a very useful feature on other blogs as it saves me the effort of having to track other user comments to my replies. I figured why not add it here as well.
I had a little confusion this morning as it only shows the checkbox if you are NOT the administrator. I kept thinking it wasn’t working. Live and learn.
References
| ↑1 | Keep in mind this has nothing to do with subscribing/registering as a user. |
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