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Leaving For One Mighty Weekend
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Well this is it, the event we've been planning since last fall, One Mighty Weekend in Orlando. Paired along with Gay Days Disney World, One Mighty Weekend is one of the largest circuit party events in all of North America. Starting on Friday and running non stop through Monday morning, it's been described to me from many reliable sources as a must attend event.
Buena Vista Palace (One Mighty Weekend Host Hotel)
Typhoon Lagoon (Friday Evening Party)
Reunion Pool Parties (Friday, Saturday & Sunday Days)
One Mighty Party (Saturday Evening)
Colosseum Party (Sunday Evening)
Justin, Jerry and I are flying out Wednesday morning where we'll be meeting up with the rest of the gang in Orlando sometime between Wednesday and Friday. On Thursday Justin, Jerry and I along with Bernard, Philip, Tony, Dallas Justin are heading over for a day of fun and excitement in the park. The rest of the San Diego boys will be arriving sometime on Friday.
It's panning out to be a fun filled weekend with both old and new friends. For more information about One Mighty Weekend, check out their website at http://www.onemightyweekend.com So until I return from my party weekend, cheers!Labels: Bernard, Circuit Party, Gay Days Orlando, Gay Life, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, One Mighty Weekend, Philip, San Diego Boys, Tony
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Long Beach Pride
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Here are some photos from Long Beach pride last weekend. Justin, Jerry and I met up with the San Diego Boys and Mike from Phoenix. It was a good time with everyone dancing their asses off under the dance tent the entire day.
Long Beach Pride wrapped up around 10PM with an amazing performance by Jennifer Hudson. The San Diego boys packed it up and headed home, and Justin, Jerry, Mike and I headed over to the Queen Mary for another night of parties and debauchery at the remaining Tribe parties.
The Tribe closing party was in the Boiler Room of the Queen Mary and all I could think of was the Simpson's episode where it turned 5PM in the Steel Factory and the disco ball lowered and the song "Everybody Dance Now" started playing. It literally was in the former Boiler Room of ship and we were encased in pipes, steel walls and shimmer red lights aglow. It was hot, very hot. Cheers!Labels: Circuit Party, Gay Pride, Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, Los Angeles
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Sex & Drugs in the Gay Community
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 It's the topic everyone wants to know about, but the one no one will ask or openly talk about. I've restlessly debated with myself for over a year now if I was ever going to bring up this issue in my writings. I've even gone as far as toying with the idea of creating a completely separate, anonymous blog to discuss some of what's been on my mind, but came to the conclusion that another blog would just be a drain of time and ultimately take away from all the work I've already put into this site.
For those of you who have been waiting in eager anticipation to find out what I've been hinting about over the last few posts you don't have to wait too much longer. My blog is about to get much more racy then it's ever been. I've decided that very soon I'm going to start talking more openly about sex in the gay community, my relationship, my sex life and some of my more explicit experiences as a gay male and someone now heavily involved in the circuit party scene.
I know this course of writing is probably going to steer some of my current readers away, and entice others to read more frequently, but I really have been weighing the pro's and con's of self-censorship as of late and it's time for me to really take my own advice and starting living my life out loud. My biggest fear in the past has been a negative impact on my corporate career and thus why I kept things pretty tame by only touching on certain topics from a very high level and barely hinting about others. Since I'm no longer a slave to the man or corporate America, and I'm no longer repressed by fear of what people will think, I'm ready to start talking. I've discussed this with Justin, and my friends and while I will never compromise the privacy of anyone, I can still give you some interesting stories on both my personal experiences and observations.
I apologize in advance if this is something you would rather not read about, but again it's my blog and I can and will write about pretty much whatever I want. I promise that my titles will be intuitive in the event you see something you may not care to read you can feel free to pass.
Lastly I know I put it in the subject, but this is the only thing I'm going to say about the drug culture as it pertains to the gay community. If you haven't figured it out yet, drugs and sex go pretty much hand in hand in this subset of the gay community especially among the party goers, the underground club scene and historically throughout the circuit. While I am going to write openly about sex, the drug culture will probably be the one area in which I will continue to self-censor my writing, and most likely the last time I mention it here. I just wanted to mention it because people have asked me about it, and I've hinted about it, but really when it comes to any knowledge I may have regarding the drug culture in the gay community I'm going to first and foremost invoke the 5Th amendment, as it would just be completely irresponsible and inappropriate of me to openly talk about. Like it or not, in the interest of many, a few stories really are better left to remain in the shadows.
So with all that said, this post was merely a teaser of what's to come very soon. Before I can start giving you something to sink your teeth into I have to resolve with myself just how much detail I want to provide. After I figure that out over the next few days, I'll start spilling the stories I've been wanting to share and start down a virtual path of no return in my writings. Stay tuned and have a great weekend. Cheers!Labels: Circuit Party, Gay Life, Gay Sex, Random Thoughts
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My Visual DNA at Imagini
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Try it out ... This is pretty damn cool!
Labels: Random Thoughts
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My Life Has Been Changed Forever
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I was telling Justin the other day that ever since we decided to get into shape and start down the path of the Circuit Party Scene our lives have been pretty much changed forever. For starters I just can't imagine not being an active participant in the community that revolves around travel, dance parties and what is formerly known as the Circuit.
While many people have been saying as of late that the Circuit is dying, I would disagree to this fact. I believe it's simply being redefined and evolving to fit the needs of the new generation of gay party boys. The traditional Circuit Party has now extended to the Atlantis and RSVP Gay Cruises, local dance club parties with guest DJ's, and monthly events in various cities such as Fresh in San Francisco and Alegria in New York. From what I've seen lately the Circuit is far from dying. As the first generation of gay party boys are starting to minimize their attendance at most of the major events, a changing of the guard is taking place and the baton is now being handed down to us newbie party'ers to take it, run with and transform things to better suit our needs and desires.  The Crowd of Party Boys At the White Party Palm Springs 2007
I give a lot of credit to that first generation who started these events originally based on fundraising and creating a sense of community during a time where HIV & AIDS was ravaging almost an entire generation of men. They were truly pioneers, and paved the way for the rest of us to have these parties to enjoy. Now it's our turn to support our community, participate, and continue the legacy started by our fellow brothers. We have to show the younger generation that we can evolve, dance, party and celebrate life to the fullest while maintaining our successful careers, deep seated friendships and personal relationships.
Because of the Circuit, my life has been changed forever and I will never be able to go back to the way things used to be in my life. While the working out, dieting, and body conscious image may seem like a chore to some and vain to others, it's now a lifestyle for me, and gives me the drive to continuously better myself while striving to get the most out of my body, my mind and my soul. What more could I possibly want out of life? Cheers!
Labels: Circuit Party, Gay Life, Random Thoughts
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Dancers In West Hollywood Are Hot!
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Jerry and I have made it a tradition to hit up Mickey's on our first night in West Hollywood. While Mickey's might not be the bar of choice for Los Angeles gay socialites, we like it because the drinks are cheap and the dancers are hot!
 
 
This guy in the photos is just one of many guys who dance there. Jerry and I hung out in his corner for a bit to admire his cute face, smooth skin and charming personality (among other things!) Need I say more? I love those Los Angeles boys. Cheers!Labels: Jerry Timms, Los Angeles
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So Many Things To Say
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Justin, Jerry and I finally got back in from Los Angeles last night around 9 PM. It was a difficult drive with only a few hours of post-party sleep before heading back to Phoenix, and as much as I love Los Angeles, I'm really glad to be home.
I had a lot to think about during my time in Los Angeles and I have quite a number of things to say, it's just going to take some time for me to post. I'm back in the mood to write a little but I don't want to just throw everything out there in one day. Over the next few days I'm going to write a little about my thoughts, and my experiences over the past week so stay tuned. Cheers!Labels: Gay Life, Los Angeles, Random Thoughts
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Los Angeles Like a Native
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Sometimes it's very nice to completely immerse yourself into a culture, a community or a city and live life like a native. I've been here for a week now, and it only seems like a few days. I was thinking on Monday that I couldn't believe it was only Monday because at that point it had felt as if I had already done so much. I realized today it's now Friday and I'm thinking that once again I haven't done enough. It's interesting how perception of time spent changes the longer you spend time somewhere.
It's been a good trip so far, but feels like I've been on the go the entire time. I can't really remember a moment where I've really been able to sit down and relax, which is not necessarily a bad thing at all, it's merely a statement that I like to maximize every opportunity I have to explore the city and live life.
The trip so far hasn't been boring. We started last weekend by accompanying Philip to a charity event called Streets of New York on one of the sets at Paramount Studios to benefit ProjectALS. We mingled with the likes of Jimmy Kimmel, Richard Hatch, Adam Corolla, Penelope Ann Miller, and Marisa Tomei, whom Jerry and Philip will tell you that I verbally accosted when I politely asked her if I could take a photo, but don't believe a word they say, it's all a lie.
Since then Jerry and I have been spending the days working and the nights hanging out with the locals. Thursday night was an interesting experience when we accompanied Philip and some of his co-workers to a social event at Medieval Times. Yes, the same Medieval Times you may be familiar with from the movie 'Cable Guy.' That was an interesting experience starting with the alcohol filled party busy with stripper pole which shuttled us there to the actual restaurant/show itself. I will be the first to attest that since there were no utensils in Medieval Times there were no utensils at Medieval Times, but yes they do indeed serve Pepsi.
The week now seems to me to have gone by so fast and yet we still have yet to attend the events we're really here for, the Tribe Parties at Long Beach Pride. Justin flew in yesterday afternoon, and we'll all be headed down to San Diego to hang out with Tony and crew tonight before coming back up tomorrow for the main Tribe dance event.
Anyway I just wanted to post a quick update. I have pics which I will upload after I get back. The trip is going well and I'm looking forward to a jam packed weekend with my friends. More to come later. Cheers!Labels: Los Angeles
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Leaving For Los Angeles
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Jerry and I are driving out to Los Angeles this evening where we'll be staying with Philip and working over the next week. It's part get-away, part retreat, part excuse to go out to Los Angeles and party it up for Long Beach Pride and the Long Beach Tribe Parties.
Justin has to work early in the week, but he'll be flying out next Thursday to join us for Long Beach Pride. So heads up, hopefully I'm in store for a fun weekend, a good week and a few new adventures. I'm sure I'll have some fun pics to post from Los Angeles. Cheers!Labels: Jerry Timms, Justin Chanley, Los Angeles
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Self Censorship?
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 I've really been thinking a lot lately about what I write about in my blog, and I guess more importantly, do not. I've really considered as of late the thought of perhaps discontinuing the self-censorship I've imposed upon myself with regards to my blog.
I'm really torn on this point, and to understand why I'm torn, you would have to be privy to the things I do not write about. Let's be honest here, most people keep their blogs at a 'G' rating and choose to do so for good reason, but the reality of what goes on in people's lives is not always going to garner a 'G' rating. For some yes, I imagine it would, but for others the face the put forth is obviously only one side of their real lives. When it comes to my blog, it's about as racy as PG-13 movie, but as any of my close friends could tell you, that couldn't be farther from truth when it comes to my personal life.
I've touched on this one time before when I made a reference to the movie 'When Boy's Fly' and the Circuit Party culture. Anyone who has ever had any experience or involvement with this sub-set of gay culture is well aware of what actually goes on in this scene and how it carries forward into our personal lives. I've read bloggers who've openly written about these things things, and I've known other bloggers like myself who have not. I guess to some degree I feel as if I have some responsibility to both myself, my friends and my community to keep things private, however I'm starting to feel a strong desire to really want to just throw myself out there and write about the things I believe would completely shock most people. As you can possibly only imagine aside from the more outward aspect of the party scene, there is the behind-the-curtain aspect, where among other things, sex flows freely. I am not innocent from that standpoint, I just have made a conscious choice to not discuss.
There are some things about my life that I will never feel completely comfortable making public, that's just the way it is. I am however thinking about throwing open the door a little wider to my life and talking about the things I've not previously talked about.
I also have intentionally avoided talking about any issues in regards to my friends, my relationship with Justin and my feelings from that standpoint. Just like any other couple, Justin and I have our ups & downs, and I think it's important for me to write about some of what we're going through from time to time to both get it off my chest and help other people understand that it's not always rosy, but you can certainly work through it.
So with that said, I do think I'm going to lift some aspects of my self-censorship and start writing a little more freely. I will say as a precursor that some of what I'm going to write may be a little too much for some to handle, but alas it's my life and I feel like it's finally time to talk about it. Cheers!Labels: Gay Life, Random Thoughts
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Working Out With A Vengeance
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So yes it's true, Justin and I have been working out with a vengeance lately. No carbs, double duty in the gym with extra reps, extra weights and doubling up on our sets in a week. It's been incredibly grueling for us both, and I even pulled a muscle in my wrist last week which as me set back a little bit from where I want to be with my arms, but regardless ... we absolutely LOVE it. We love working out and we love being able to see the results of all our hard work finally paying off.
Just to show you how we're progressing ... I took these photos yesterday afternoon in our bedroom. The light coming in through the window was amazing since it was a typical sunny southwestern afternoon providing us with a picture perfect photo opportunity.
Justin
Photos from our room on May 6th 2007 ... Damn he's so fucking hot!
 
Rich
Photos from our room on May 6th 2007 ... I think I'm looking pretty decent these days.
 
So yeah that's us. Neither Justin nor I claim to be 'perfect' or 'finished' by any means, and we both know we're going to continue to be a work in progress for probably forever. What's most important to us is that we're happy, we feel better, clothes fit much better on us, and we really love the way we look. In addition too all of that, our new found energy and testosterone levels from working out has certainly helped to improve our sex life too, we're totally oversexed. Haha! If only everyone had that problem right? Anyway I just wanted to post a little update to show our progress and to say that I'm so proud of both Justin and I because we've come a long way since last year. Cheers.Labels: Gay Life, Justin Chanley, Working Out
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Back To Blogging Basics
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So I realized today that I haven't posted in nearly a month. Frankly the allure of the web and blogging has lost a little bit of it's appeal to me. Bucking for top stats, keyword competitions with friends to rank higher for meaningless words and phrases, trying to grab one of the coveted top 10 Google page positions, page rank, search engines, blog directories, etc.
I just realized a few weeks ago that I was getting too caught up in the other side of the blogosphere, the business side, and it's not the reason I started my blog. The reason was plain and simple, to say what was on my mind without any regard for negative perception or, negative comments or social approval. As I mentioned countless time before, I started this with paper writings in 1992 and then moved to electronic format in 2000, and the bottom line is that I'm doing it all for myself. I'm not keeping this blog as an attempt to make money, local celebrity status, or any other reason for that matter. All the extra work to keep up with the back end requires an amount of energy that I'm just not committed too. It's simple to say I got caught up, and it ends here. I want to keep it simple. I want to go back to writing about things that affect me, my life, my friends and family, and gay men in general. Now once again my I reiterate that I am not stopping blogging, while my posts my lag sometimes I will never stop blogging. I'm redirecting my limited time and energy to focus on some photos and more importantly my writings.
Hopefully this will be a new beginning for me to get back to the basics for a little bit. Cheers!Labels: Random Thoughts
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