Holiday Fridays: Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2012!

Bid the old year a fond farewell and welcome in the new! May peace, happiness, prosperity and success follow you and your loved ones throughout the coming year and beyond. May your days in all of 2012 be naked and in good health!

Thank you, one and all for all of your love and support through this past year! I appreciate your kindness and look forward to sharing with you in the upcoming new year!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

The hand-sign in the above photo is the inverted American Sign Language "I LOVE YOU"

Nude Year Customs

Our culture of nakedness includes its' own traditions for welcoming in a new, nude year. These are especially true in the Northern Hemisphere where this time of year usually is accompanied by cold, if not frigid, temperatures. The resolve and commitment of naturists/nudists is further challenged by the weather designed, figuratively and literally, not for the faint of heart. These traditional nude year activities are the ice plunges, annual polar bear plunges or nude year skinny dips. They occur across the northern regions all around the globe. Participants range from several hundred to several thousand in number with almost an equal crowd of spectators.

Now, some of these events include plungers who are dressed in swimsuits; definitely not nudecentric. However, most also have a significant, if not majority of, participants who are completely naked except for a hat and/or pair of gloves that are removed prior to entering the body of water. There are no statistics available as to how many of the nude enthusiasts are honestly practicing nudists and how many are once-a-year opportunists. What is obvious to everyone is the popularity and boldness of engaging in aquatics while clothes-free, otherwise known as skinny-dipping, regardless of the heat of summer or the cold of winter.


Ice Plunges are exactly what the name implies and for the bravest of our naked brotherhood (or, as some may argue, the most foolish). This event takes place in the areas closest to the Arctic Circle and involves cutting a whole or square into the frozen body of water and plunging in, all while nude. Obviously, it takes more than one or two men to make this happen as the sheer effort of creating the opening in the ice takes both time and energy. This custom probably originated in Finland where it is popularly known as avantouinti (ice-hole swimming) and isn't restricted to just the first day of the year. It mostly follows a nude visit to a public sauna and is a social ritual thoughout the season. In Russia, it is a winter sport and also associated with religious custom in the Russian Orthodox Church for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. In the former Soviet Union, it is sometimes called walrus swimming when done on January 1. In Russia, Scandinavia and elsewhere, it is gaining in notoriety as a way of ushering in the new year.

Polar Bear Plunges or New Year's skinny-dipping is done in bodies of water that may or may not be frozen. Generally, it involves merely skinny-dipping in cold water in outdoor temperatures at or slightly above the freezing point. Primarily, these events occur in North America and Western Europe. Canada is apparently the point of origin for the popular New Year's skinny dip or polar bear swim. The Canadians living below the Arctic Circle participate on either of the dominion's coasts, the Great Lakes, Hudson's Bay and in numerous rivers and inland lakes. Vancouver's BC, Polar Bear Swim Club has been in existance since 1920 and typically attracts around 2,000 swimmers or more. Other Canadian observances are held in virtually every province and sizable city, the most notable outside Vancouver taking place in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec, Edmonton, Calgary and Ottawa. Both nude and swimsuit-clad swimmers take part in all locations.

In the United States, they are usually associated with large charitable fundraisers on the first day of the year. The Coney Island Polar Bears Club is the oldest winter bathing organization in the USA and includes both naked and textile members. It began in 1903 and sponsors swims not just on New Year's Day but every Sunday afternoon from November throug April. The second oldest winter swim group is from Boston and it was organized in 1904. One of the most famous Polar Bear Plunges happens in Minnesota every New Year's Day which is a major revenue source for the Special Olympics. The winter swims that attract the most media attention are, understandably, those held in the colder climates. The New Year skinny-dips found in southern and Gulf coast states generally spark only local media coverage.

Among Europeans living outside Russia and Scandinavia, the Dutch and Germans are the people with the most enthusiasm for nude swimming to celebrate the new year. In the warmer climates surrounding the Mediterranean, skinny-dipping and even, in some cases, sunbathing is a comfortable option way to spend the holiday.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Sources: BBC Online, Wikipedia     

Where Do We Go From Here?

Like many others, at this time of year, I engage in the process of reveiwing the year about to end. In the past, this has been an automatic assessment; it's the waning days of the old calendar, why not take stock of what was and think about which direction to move in the new? This is what most people do so just follow the crowd and do the same. It's a tool to use to try to improve, enrich and educate. Learning from the past in order not to repeat the same mistakes and move on.


Often, for myself and countless others, this retrospective would lead to creating a list of goals and objectives for the future year. What is referred to as resolutions for the new year. I know that for me personally, this resolutions plan was an industrious and overly optimistic exercise in wishful thinking and dreaming.  Well intentioned beyond any doubt but at the same time a totally unfair and unrealistic setup for failure not only on my part but likewise by many. Changes and improvements that we all wanted to happen. Things that we all hoped would occur. Unfortunately, many of these desired results fell by the wayside within the first month of the new year.


So why even bother to waste the time and effort with this process that more than likely would end in failure and disappointment? Why add this frustration into our lives? If the undertaking is doomed, then why even go through the motions? This custom, possibly as old as "Auld Lang Syne," with such a low success rate, isn't all that attractive or productive. Why do we even bother?  The only answers that I can think of are tradition and a hope for a brighter future.

Practically all of us recognize the benefits of making a positive change in our lives. All of us have improvements that we can undertake for happiness and success. It comes with maturity and is a part of our growth and development process. So why not merge this natural progress with the habit of creating resolutions to accomplish in the new calendar that comes annually? Let's give some meaning to this yearly ritual and empower it to succeed rather than simply go through the motions of lofty goals with little chance of happening.


In 2004, I decided to modify my method of participating of this custom. Instead of designing an endless list of behaviors and practices to adopt, I choose to focus on two or three of these through prioritizing let the rest go, at least for the time being. Next, I developed a back-up plan in case I became sidetracked in the early months of the new year. By reducing my "to do" list and including an alternate or secondary strategy, I felt confident about achieving my objectives for 2005, the following year. With an abbreviated agenda, I was able to incorporate steps or measurements towards reaching my desired results that enabled me experience periodic positive reinforcement throughout the year,  bolster my resolve and keep me focused.  


Since implementing this system, I've enjoyed an effective and encouraging success rate with new year resolutions. It's no longer a hallow, meaningless process filled with discouragement. I've accomplished the majority of my goals and have remained committed to the changes throughout successive years. My personal attitude has DEAFinitely improved along with my health and my relationships with family and friends. Of course, there have been a few setbacks but having a second option, the backup, in place has kept me oriented in reaching my original objectives.


If this suggestion looks appealing, try it for yourself. Feel free to make any adaptations that fit individual situations. After all, the ultimate result is both a positive change and a success. Put those empty resolutions in your past and move onto a newer and happier 2012!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!   

When Morality And Religion Diverge

I think that the accompanying image depicted to the left delivers an important thought for us all to consider. The message can do one of two things: it can be a Pandora's Box that brings out the hate of any and all the religious fanatics or it can be a point of truth that begs organized religion to re-examine the bigotry and intolerance that it espouses. Ideally, I hope that the latter would occur. Unfortunately, the former usually triumphs.

Religion is defined as the belief in and reverence towards a supernatural power understood to be the creator and ruler of the universe. It is the collection of doctrine that supports the belief system.  Religion is the shared emotional and spiritual beliefs held by its' followers. Morality is a system of ideas and values concerning what is right and wrong behavior. It is the quality of being in accord with this particular standard. The American Heritage Dictionary.

I need to add here that I am not anti-religious. I consider myself a spiritual man as opposed to a religious man for purely personal reasons. I am a member of a faith community and I try to do what is good and right. At the same time, I am a man with a mind and not a meek sheep. I have a brain, a mind and I use it. Simply because a human being in clerical guise tells me that I need to think this or do that doesn't mean that I'll automatically do it. I balance what I am told with my core religious beliefs and respond accordingly.


In an ideal world, a perfect world, morality and religion should be compatible. What is good and right is good and right, across the board, regardless of a belief system. Faith and morals supposedly work together to guide our lives toward the common good and the benefit of all, equally and unconditionally, without qualification or exclusion. Unfortunately, none of us live in a perfect world. Our lives are influenced and corrupted by humans with their own private or political agendas. All too often, these selfish ambitions are offered in the name of religion.

I am amazed at the hatred and intolerance directed towards the GLBT population by religious institutions, especially the extremists elements of Christianity. My experience with the Christian tradition is that it is a community of believers in the doctrine and message of inclusion and love. Yet the gift of love and compassion, acceptance and tolerance that's been the basic teaching of this faith for over two thousand years is completely ignored and, in many instances, cast aside by self-absorbed church leaders in their quest for power and worldly gain. These people condemn an entire population of God's children and reject the core pillars of their religion in order to spew hatred and, in some cases, death for fellow humans and abuse and blaspheme the name of God and teachings of Jesus in the process.

After all, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are also children of God and human beings. We, like other believers, were created by God in His/Her image. We, the GLBT population, are no different than anyone else. We breathe, eat, feel and live the same as everyone else. Just as my fellow humans, I celebrate joy and endure suffering and pain. The only thing that separates me from my community of faith is that I am shunned and cast aside by my religion.

Before I continue, I acknowledge that not all religions are intolerant towards same gender loving peoples. Within certain religions, some communities of faith lovingly embrace and welcome GLBT faithful while others do not. In faith communities that promote hate and exclusion, there also exist a few parishes/congregations that bravely defy the norm and accept queer members and refuse to participate in the dogma of rejection and disrespect. I salute and admire all the believers who follow the truth and cast aside the marginalization of their fellow humans.

The false prophets and deceivers who espouse condemnation and exclusion of queer people use the Old Testament prohibitions of ungodly practices while totally neglecting the New Testament as the new law which replaces the former. They ignore the commandment of Jesus that is recorded in The Gospel of St. Matthew: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (St. Matthew: 22:37-39) They would much rather recall the God of vengence instead of the God of compassion.

When religion allows itself to be contaminated and manipulated by humans, it loses sight of its' collective tenets and truths. The contaminators and manipulators become the cancerous cells infecting the body of the faithful thus religion becomes blinded by the destructive invasion. The result is that religion becomes separated from morality. The two no longer work together for the greater good and benefit of all. When this happens, religion becomes an instrument of hate and evil as it has severed itself from morality, that what is good and right.

When any religion, whether it is Christianity, Islam, Judaism or any other, divorces itself from morality, it surrenders its' authority, credibility and legitimacy. Without morality, religion becomes a bankrupt cause that only exists on bigotry and discrimination. Without morality, religion sinks into godlessness and is eventually overcome with despair. Faith is replaced by fear; hypocrisy becomes the compass.

Once it abandons morality, religion loses its' validity. It no longer enjoys the goodness and righteousness that gives faith, the belief system, its' essence. It is a ship adrift without captain and crew. Religion has no reason to exist as it has undermined itself through hatred, decadence and false prophets. There is no longer the truth as a basic foundation because the truth was discarded, ignored and forgotten. The God of Love; of acceptance, tolerance and understanding was rejected just as the followers of the hypocites and haters turned their backs on their GLBT brothers and sisters. The message of fairness and justice that religion once delivered to the faithful no longer has any meaning to its' flock nor to the world-at-large.

I'll continue to participate in the ceremonies and rituals of my community of faith. This is out of habit; not of any clear devotion to a belief of exclusion and segregation. I believe that change is best conducted from the inside of any institution by putting a face on the victim. However, I also know that communities of faith are at a crossroads in their history. They survive through love or decay into ruin through hate. Their destiny and their legacy is in the hearts and minds of the faithful; it is obvious that the leadership is no longer practicing its' beliefs..

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Happy Kwanzaa!

HAPPY KWANZAA, 2011

A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday that is observed from December 26 through January 1.

The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa are:

Umoja: Unity

Kujichagalia: Self-determination

Ujimaa: Collective work and responsibility

Ujamaa: Cooperative economics

Nia: Purpose

Kuumba: Creativity

Imani: Faith

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Holiday Fridays: Happy Christmas!

Happy Christmas to all who visit here!

May the joys of the season be with you!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Holiday Goodies!

Some holiday treats to share with all of you that will hopefully enhance your seasonal spirits. These cute elves pictured above are busy preparing sweet surprises that will please your eyes and bring you joy and happiness.

Some holiday lights that will delight you eyes and brighten your celebration.

And a nudecentric present that will conveniently fit underneath your brilliantly lit tree.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

Nude Tourism Public Funding

In a move that can benefit naturist/nudist resorts everywhere in the USA, the Pasco County, Florida Board of Commissioners is considering a grant of local tax revenues to promote itself as a destination for nude vacationers. Pasco County includes about a dozen nudist resorts, among them Lake Como, Caliente and Paradise Lakes, respectively. The county is located in the Land O'Lakes region of the Tampa Bay area of the state.


The county commissioners are reviewing the grant proposal and a decision is expected within the week. The tourism development funding request in the amount of $4,000USD is being sought by the Pasco Area Nudist Development Association (PANDA). The association is comprised by the local resorts and is a member of the local chamber of commerce and Tourist Development Council. If awarded, this will mark the first time public funding is used to market travel specifically for the culture of nakedness.

PANDA President Paul Brenot said the funds would be used to promote the "Eurobird" tourist season. In July and August, traditionally the slow tourist period in Florida, Europeans usually travel for weeks at a time. PANDA plans to target naturist/nudists from Germany, Great Britain and Ireland to use the clothes-free resorts in Pasco County as their home base while they venture out to visit local amusement parks, beaches, museums and the Space Coast. The European nakation market is virtually untapped by US visitor bureaus and councils.  Although the travel plan isn't specifically directed to the gay nudist audience, it is expected to garner a significant number of our community.

The proposed legislative grant initiative stands a reasonable chance of being passed by the county commissioners. As of Sunday, December 18, 2011, three of the five voting commissioners, including Commission Chairwoman Ann Hildebrand, have publicly spoken in favor of the request. Other board members backing the awarding of the grant are Pat Mulieri and Jack Mariano. The measure is endorsed by Tourist Development Council Director Eric Keaton.

Chairwoman Hildebrand has stated the grant makes good business sense. "Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who come to Pasco County to go to our nudist resorts. They pay a hefty amount of tourist tax dollars. The whole purpose of the tax is to bring in more out-of-town tourists." Florida law reads that income generated from the 2 percent tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals may be used to fund activities, services venues or events that foster tourism. Tourist Council Director Keaton added that the nudist resorts have paid into the fund for years.

PANDA was recognized by the Pasco County Board of Commissioners this past April. A resolution was unanimously passed and signed by all commissioners honoring the association on the 70th anniversary of naturist tourism in the county.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Source: Tampa Bay Online 



Holiday Laughter

Note: I saw this cartton and wanted to post it here. I am aware that Christmas is misspelled; however, I thought the humor trumped the error. Please, no offense intended. Merely enjoy the laugh.

In keeping with the theme of this posting, I couldn't resist the temptation to include this piece of political satire. Unfortunately, it is often all too true.

This cartoon needs no explanation. Usually, by this time of year, many feel this sentiment, at least for a brief moment.

 Finally, one parting jab at the now inconsequential and insignificant political campaign of the notorious bigot and idiot, Rick Perry. Remember, he who laughs last laughs best.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!







Happy Hanukkah, 2011

HAPPY HANUKKAH, 2011

The Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, begins at sunset today, December 20, 2011. This holiday is in honor of the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem in 165 BCE.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Newt: The Hypocrite And The Adulterer

As most of you are already aware, I'm no fan of the Republican Party nor of their twisted value system; however, I do respect their rights to their beliefs. It's hypocrisy and deceit that I detest and I've finally had it from Newt Gingrich. This man who has his eyes on the White House is perhaps the greatest deceiver of them all. The sad fact of the matter, the man is fairly intelligent. The inexcusable offense is that he honestly knows better.  His big mistake is that he hopes the rest of us aren't aware that he knows better. Please refer to the November 29, 2011 post here: Newt And DOMA.

I've been reading the transcripts of an interview given by Newt Gingrich last week. When questioned by reporters about his position on marriage equality, Newt the candidate-hopeful stated that he was against legalization of gay partnerships because it went against "two-thousand years of Christian tradition." Fine, if that's what he really believes. But, does he truly buy into that value system of that faith community? His actions and his behavior call his beliefs into question.

You see, Newt is an habitual adulterer. He's been married three times. Twice, he wed his mistress with whom he had an affair while still married to wife number one and wife number two. That's right, he's flaunted and violated two thousand years of Christian tradition by breaking one of the Ten Commandments, a basic tenet of Christian family values: Thou shalt not commit adultery. Now, the way that I see all this, these are the two affairs outside of his sacred vows of marriage that we know about. Given his penchant for looking for sexual gratification away from his marital bed and wedding promise, how many others has he had? Newt the Adulterer needs to get over himself and his hypocrisy. Happy Holidays, Newt!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Ode To A Naked Reindeer

ODE TO A NAKED REINDEER

This little naked reindeer,

Comes to visit once a year,

This silly naked reindeer,

Comes to deliver holiday cheer.

This little naked reindeer,

He isn't very bright,

This silly naked reindeer,

Visits only in the dead of night.

This little naked reindeer,

Is dumb, yet very bold,

This silly naked reindeer,

Only comes out when it's cold.

This little naked reindeer,

Comes calling when there's snow,

This silly naked reindeer,

Has a message for you to know.

This little naked reindeer,

Warns: "Please, it isn't lewd!"

This silly naked reindeer,

Adds: "To celebrate in the nude!"

This little naked reindeer,



Cautions: "Please, don't be crude!"

This silly naked reindeer,

Adives: "Enjoy the holidays nude!"

This little naked reindeer,

Comes to visit once a year,

This silly naked reindeer,

Comes to deliver holiday cheer.

This little naked reindeer,

Wants to make one point clear,

This silly naked reindeer,

Wishes all of you: "Happy New Year!"

Roger Poladopoulos

December 19, 2011

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!



Holiday Fridays: Holiday Delights

"When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below,

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted and call'd them by name.

Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer and Vixen,
On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem;

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!

As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys - and St. Nicholas too:

And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound;

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all covered with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys was flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack:

His eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry,
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face, and a little round belly
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly:

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle:

But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight-
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

A Visit From St. Nicholas
Clement C. Moore
1822

Santa Claus, that delightful mythical creature that has evolved over the ages to become the official mascot of the winter holiday season. That silly man who rides in an open sleigh in the dead of a cold night, powered only by reindeer, for what? To deliver toys for little girls and boys, ages newborn to 99 years young. What foolish and deranged individual thought up a tale such as that and expected people to honestly believe the nonsense? That idiot must be high on drugs or worse! Surely, no one in their right mind, young or old, would possibly fall for such garbage as this.

Obviously, something is terribly wrong with this hypothesis here. Why? Because humanity apparently has become fanatically enamored with the very thought of this fantasy. Every year at this time, all we have to do is look around us and we find the Santa Claus/St. Nicholas likeness everywhere. Step back and people watch, we'll notice almost everyone, all ages alike, actually break into a slight smile each time they encounter either his image or someone dressed (or undressed, for us nudists) in his ridiculous costume. What's up with all of this?

The way that I see it, I'm faced with two choices as to thinking about this topic. The first possibility is that I'm totally crazy and completely out-of-touch with the world. The second is perhaps the most likely reason but really scary: the rest of my species is totally deluded and is absolutely off its' collective rocker. Sadly and unfortunately, more than likely, it's me and not the remainder of the universe that's out of place and abnormal. How else can I justify the mass hysteria that seems to envelope all my fellow humans during this season of the year?  Simple as I am, even I know that an invasion of extraterrestial aliens isn't plausible.

The only explanation for all this madness that's left for me is the probablitity it's all part of our basic need, as humans, for the ideal of hope. The wish for a better world. The desire for the innocence of being a young child and honestly believing in the goodness of all of humankind. The ultimate dream, regardless of our age, in the distinct desire and wish for tomorrow being a brighter day and the dawning of a promising future.

So, what's left for me? What are my options here? I truly see no other way than to go-with-the-flow, embrace the spirit and the magic of the holiday season. Trust, it does get tiresome always going against the grain of the rest of humanity. I may not always agree with the myth of a jolly Santa, reindeer and a multi-tasking cadre of elves, but I do recognize when I am outnumbered and overwhelmed. I'll even sport a grin on my chin the next time I meet a Santa out in public. By the way, as a naturist/nudist, I prefer my Santa Claus/St. Nicholas at the very minimum semi-nude, if not altogether costume-free. I'm willing to compromise; I'll never surrender!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Deaf Queer Nude: Holiday Compromise

Photoessay: Nude Novice Notes: Holiday Gift Ideas

There's no doubt about it, the winter holidays are rapidly approaching. At this time of year, the gift-giving season, many of those new to the naturist/nudist life often face the question: what can I give to my nude friends that's both useful and appropriate. Baffled as to how to resolve this issue? What can I give a follow nudist? At a loss for an option for this problem? This is especially the case when the nude novice has been mentored/guided through their navigating the customs and practices of gay social nudist culture by a particular veteran(s) of our community. They want to demonstrate their appreciation within the spirit of the season.

I've often been asked this question over the past several years by some of these curious individuals. A box of candy is always in good taste but isn't always appealing for "newbies" searching for something meaningful. A gift card is another option yet many consider it too impersonal. However, most of those seeking answers are actually soliciting ideas for gifts that are more or less nudecentric and therefore somewhat more personal in nature.

I've talked this over with several friends throughout the year. Together, we developed some practical suggestions to offer these novices that aren't too expensive but most nudists, novice or experienced, would appreciate and probably use at some point in time. Please keep in mind that this is just a compliation of a couple of ideas and is by no means inclusive of all possibilities. Feel free to use any of the choices included here or permit them to inspire you to think of a gift along the same concept.  Always remember the traditional adage: It isn't the necessarily the gift but rather the thought that counts.

Idea #1: The Fanny Pack: The fanny pack is also sometimes known as the hip pack. It is used by many naturists/nudists for valuables/essentials storage at social occasions and for outdoor activities. This item comes in different sizes and often with an adjustable belt (check for this before purchase). It's also available in many styles from nylon to leather and in various colors.

Idea #2: The Pouch Necklace: This one, like to suggestion above, is found in a varity of styles, designs and colors. The necklace varies from the basic which holds ID and keys (pictured here) to more elaborate that has space for cards/cash and keys. It also can range from nylon to leather and can be used both inside or outside.  

Idea #3: The Key Lanyard: This suggestion is as basic and is exactly what the name implies. It is a lanyard (different lengths available) that hangs around the neck and secures the keys to the individual. As are the previous ideas, it can be used at a variety of functions in all settings.

Idea #4: The Towel: The personal towel that is a custom within our culture of nakedness. It is used to cover seating at our social naturist parties and events, whether indoors or outdoors. The one displayed above is a nudecentric specialty. However, regular household towels make excellent gifts, too. Mix up the colors to offer some variety.

As I mentioned previously, listed here are a few suggestions and these are by no means the end-all of gift possibilities. Use your imagination and bear (not bare, no pun intended) in mind all gestures are always appreciated.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Why Can't We Communicate?

Communication is the act of transmission. It involves the exchange of thoughts, ideas, information and solutions. It includes the use of speech (oral and manual), signals and writing (data entry). To communicate is to participate in this exchange, regardless of method used.

There's no doubt about it, we live in an "instant" age. An era when everything imanageable takes place in real time, including our ability to communicate not only within our communities but globally as well. This freedom from having to wait has revolutionized not only how we as a people interact with one another, but how we conduct business as well. As I type these words or while you're reading them, more changes are underway. Already, even the keyboard is becoming completely obsolete. The sizes of our communication devices are shrinking while the functions are expanding. Progress.

Yet, is it really? Several days ago, I had lunch with some professional colleagues at a mandatory departmental holiday gathering. The setting alone mandated polite, impersonal discussion and I was well prepared to remain cordial while completely disinterested and bored. I viewed the entire ordeal as a courteous waste-of-time. After all, nothing worthwhile or ingeneous would be offered here. How wrong I was.

One of my senior coworkers remarked that his holiday plans included extended time with both his family and the family of his spouse. Okay, what else is new? He then announced that within both family units, there were certain topics that are absolutely tabboo; forbidden. What the fuck? Wait a minute. This was now becoming mildly interesting. What does he have mixed with his iced tea to loosen his tongue this much?

Others nodded in assent and soon everyone at the table were sharing a list of topics that were to be avoided within their respective family situations. This conversation, by now, held my undivided attention and was proving very interesting. Better than I could ever have imagined. At this point, I simply sat backand watched as the discussion unfolded before my eyes. Allow me to add here that at our particular table at this faculty luncheon, I was the sole gay man present.

Mentally, I began compiling a list of the various topics precluded from family discourse. As the dialogue progressed, I learned that these themes were not only avoided at the dinners, but in general also. Not surprisingly, sex was the subject that everyone agreed upon. This was followed by politics, sports (that one shocked me), religion and finances. My senior colleague added that in his familial unit, they didn't publicly share health issues. Another stated that her family steered clear from talking about job information. Almost all of those present agreed that potentially embarrassing family predicaments were not discussed.

After the holiday meal, I continued to think about all that was said. Mulling over the mental list I had made, I started to wonder: exactly what is left to talk about when these respective families come together? Grocery prices? Gas prices? Paranormal phenomena? My mind then transferred to my own family. I know that we are a dysfunctional and motley tribe; perhaps we are abnormal as hell. In my family, there are no subjects that are off limits. Everything and everyone's business is up for scrutiny. I can't imagine anyone trying to silence any of my relatives over any topic of interest.

So what do these familes talk about when they're together? The migratory patterns of birds? Aren't families supposed to be the testing ground where we all learn manners and civility? How can we practice these principles when we can't even speak of certain things? No wonder, as a nation, we are so divided and filled with hatred and mistrust. In the basic unit of our broader society, our families, we sidestep and ignore the issues rather than bring them into discussion and learn of different perspectives. Small wonder the partisanship of our political structure and the narrowness of our individual minds. We've all neglected the art of compromise for so long that it has escaped our collective memory.

In my family, both immediate and extended, except in the presence of young children, we discuss, argue and debate most subjects and thus far, no one has been murdered, attacked or dismembered. True, some exchanges have become heated, but never over-the-edge or threatening. I do need to add here that most families are not nearly as diverse as my own. We include both Deaf and hearing, of all ages and sizes. A few have other differing abilities and not all of us are Greek Orthodox. I have an older brother who is married to a woman who is Jewish and an aunt who is married an Arab Muslim. One of my paternal uncles is married to a Nigerian woman, who happens to be Anglican. At least three members of the clan are naturists/nudists. Despite these differences, we manage to survive our family celebrations and conversations and to still remain bound in love and respect.

Perhaps if we all practiced actually communicating within our families, then we, as a society, can then begin to solve some of the serious concerns and policies that keep us apart and divided. Then we all can start to heal and to realize progress towards resolving the major problems that face us as a nation. There is a proverb from Ghana that reads: The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its' people. Let's hope this isn't the case here.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 


Cooking Up Love

During this holiday season, many of us often find ourselves rushing about trying to find gifts for not-so-close friends and acquaintances. You know the ones I mean, those people in our lives that we want to show love but really don't know all that well. We socialize with these guys, may even travel together and hang out on weekends, but we don't share the intimacy (and I'm not referring to the physical) that we have with our closer circles of friends.

These types of men always presented me with a dilemma: what to give in this the traditional season of giving? How to demonstrate my best wishes and affection when I don't really have any idea about what they already have nor do I truly know what they like or want? I'd usually end up taxing my poor over-worked brain searching for a present that was both thoughtful, tasteful yet impersonal so as not to offend.


I suppose I should add here at this juncture that most of these acquaintances are also brother queer social nudists. By and large, this reality eliminated the possibility of a scarf or any kind of garment as an option. For the most part, that left a box of candy as the choice of last resort and that soon became boring for me as the giver, not to mention the recipient. This task was getting too old too fast and the joy of giving was long gone.


It was ten years ago (I remember, it was shortly after the Twin Towers/Pentagon attacks) that I was discussing this problem with two close friends. Both expressed similar sentiments to mine and one admitted to feeling the identical level of frustration. It was then that the other buddy offered an idea which seemed to provide a solution and at the same time was unique and appealing.


My friend suggested that rather than purchase a generic token of  affection, maybe prepare a gift to show our feelings. Not the usual candy or cookies one bakes and gives to co-workers, but a meal served at home in a relaxed atmosphere. An appealing solution that was creative, different and at the same time included a personal touch above and beyond a box of candy or homebaked treats. A social opportunity as opposed to a tangible yet impersonal object. This idea definitely held some promise.


I considered the proposition and decided to give it a try. At the very least, it was innovative and absolutely better than anything I had attempted thus far. I designed invitations, inserted them into holiday cards and distributed them to recipients. Each one who received the invite was grateful and all but two were able to accept. The planned luncheon was a success and I'll admit to having as much pleasure from hosting the gathering as the guests had in consuming the meal. We all seemed to enjoy the social nude experience. This was definitely a viable alternative to frantic shopping during the busiest retail period of the year.


I did feel some disappointment that two acquaintances were unable to attend my initial get-together. The following year, I scheduled this as a Saturday function the weekend after the New Year Day, as opposed to during the hectic holiday time. This proved a wise move as everyone I invited was able to participate. This now is an annual tradition for me and one that I eagerly anticipate. Apparently, my guests like it also. Several acquaintances have graduated to closer friendships and beg to be invited year after year.

Since I started this custom, I've made some additional modifications. I still insert the invitation inside a holiday card. Now I include an oversize candy cane along with the card. The meal has now evolved from a luncheon into a mid-day meal along with some games. The possibilities are endless. It does beat the mindless foray into the combat zone of shopping hell and is decidedly less stressful. Besides, the gift of food and friends, especially while nude, always has a special appeal!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Nudecentric Briefs: Ringing In The New

FOR A NATURIST/NUDIST, THE ONLY REASON FOR OWNING A PAIR OF BRIEFS IS TO TAKE THEM OFF!

NUDE NEWS


New York City, New York


For a second consecutive year, the metropolitan New York City chapter of Young Naturist America (YNA) is offering a New Year's Eve bash for the under 35 year-old nudist enthusiasts in the tri-state area. The party is for the fun of the naturists/nudists and for a local non-profit benefit. In keeping with its' New Year's resolution from last year, the group is helping to re-build a women's shelter located in New York City while at the same time allowing members and guests to welcome 2012 enjoying the atmosphere of social nudity.

The holiday bash takes place in a secret Keanesburg, NJ, location and is open to the young nudist public. The pre-registration fee is $40.00 USD per person, if tickets are purchased either in advance or online by December 17, 2011. The gathering features an all-you-can-drink open bar from 8:00 pm through 3:00 am. Complimentary snacks are provided and inexpensive finger foods are available for purchase. Raffle tickets are offered for sale to enhance the fundraising efforts. Prizes are massages from local sponsors and yoga lessons.

To ensure that party attendees act responsibly before driving, a "Nudie Bus" is giving shuttle service to participants from a Downtown Manhattan location convenient to rail and public transit. The service operates beginning 7:30 pm outgoing. The cost is $10.00 per person roundtrip.

Southern California

The Southern California branch of the YNA organization is hosting a New Year's Eve Launch Party to celebrate their newest undertaking, the publishing of an online naturist news publication: "The Bare Times." This event is taking place at the Olive Dell Nudist Resort located in Colton, CA. The featured guest comedian is Tim Chizman. A raffle is offered as part of the evening festivities to benefit a local charity.


The nudist social gathering consists of a comedy show and raffle auction from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. After the entertainment, dancing is until the stroke of midnight with affordably priced cocktails (beginning at $3.50 each and higher). As 2012 arrives, there will be a complimentary midnight buffet prepared by the Olive Dell resort staff. Admission for The Bare Times Launch Party is $10.00 per person and on-site campsites are available to rent for an additional fee. All resort rooms are booked.

Web streaming for the Launch event is LIVE from 7:00 pm until midnight on the Bare Times website (PST). This marks the first time in this country that web footage is streamed live from a private nudist/naturist resort.

Tickets and additional information on the New York and California events available through the YNA website: http://nudistnaturistamerica.org . To view the web stream of the Launch Party, go to their site: http://www.baretimes.org


Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!




Saturday Satire

It's the weekend, exactly two weeks from the winter holiday. I know that many are rushing around trying to finish all their shopping or making final preparations for seasonal gatherings and socials. I decided to make a little offering here of some humor and political satire. Hopefully, it will give you cause to pause and grin, even if for one moment. In your frantic schedule, please remember to b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Be safe. There are thousands out there trying to accomplish the same tasks as you.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Holiday Fridays: Dreaming Of Sugar Plums

"It was the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled, all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

With Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap,
We'd just settled in for a long winter's nap."
A Visit From St. Nicholas 
Clement C. Moore, 1822

Most of us are all too familiar with the excitement of young children as the holidays draw near. We can see it in their eyes and in their actions. I often wondered why all the focus on the young. I've many adult friends who are just as thrilled about the season as are children. Maybe this is where the phrase originated: young-at-heart. At any rate, it is indeed a phenomenon that occurs year after year, through countless centuries and generations. This remarkable time on our calendars that seems to capture the hearts, imaginations and minds of us all, young and not-so-young alike.  

Regardless of the age, gender, ethnicity, race or size of the individual, there's no denying that this particular season has the ability to generate pleasant and comfortable dreams to many. That's a fact that is evident to all. It's what most of us know as the magic of the holiday. It creates a cozy and soothing feeling for the overwhelming majority. This infectious sensation affects not only our nocturnal fantasies but our actions while conscious as well. This unique spirit that has the power to instill in the dreams of all "visions of sugar plums, dancing in their heads." I guess this is what most everyone means when they mention the miracle of the season. The dream and hope of goodwill towards all.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Deaf Queer Nude: Sleep in heavenly peace!