Ballers: Final Four

It's the final weekend of March Madness and the race for the NCAA Basketball Champion is in full swing. The Final Four games are tomorrow, March 31.

Kentucky vs. Louisville

6:00 pm

Kansas vs. Ohio State

9:00 pm

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Nude Novice Notes: Now What?

COME ON OUT OF YOUR CLOSET OF CLOTHES AND WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF SOCIAL NUDITY!


During the past two-plus years that I've blogged here, every several months, I receive emails from some of those new to naturism/nudism asking that now that they're naked, what to do next. Of course, the very name social nudity implies that the logical second step is to experience being nude in a social environment with like-minded men. However, some have either not reached that comfort level yet or, for one reason or another, may not have the opportunity to attend a clothes-free function immediately. So, for those who may fall into one of the above-mentioned categories, I'll review here several options to occupy your "naked time" until you're able to step into the world of social nudity.

Please keep in mind that what I'm offering to you are merely suggestions. Feel free to add or delete according to what works best for you as an individual. There is no concrete instruction book that is going to serve as a step-by-step guide. We're all different and what's good for one may not benefit us all.

Now that you've removed your clothes in the privacy of your home, keep them off and begin to enjoy feeling free from any artificial restrictions. I often encourage new nudes to relax by grabbing a camera and photograph yourself naked. This simple exercise gives those who are clueless as to the next step a definitive project. It also allows newbies to get comfortable with images of their natural bodies. Go ahead and "ham-it-up" with some creative poses. Grab a few props from around your apartment/home/room and have fun being clothes-free. Before long, you're actually having fun and will more than likely even forget that you're naked.

All the pictures don't have to be photographed at the same time. Try some, review them (while still nude) and then make others on a different day. There's no need to load the entire memory card in one session. Space out the activity. I do this periodically and encourage fellow veteran nudists to do the same. It's fun and also interesting to see ourselves through the eyes of others.

Another nude past-time is to stand in front of a full-length mirror and look at yourself. This isn't done out of vanity but as a means of permitting us to enjoy ourselves while naked. In a social environment, others will be viewing our nudity; there's no reason for us to deny ourselves the same chance. Several times every day (minimally), we take a moment to observe our likeness in a mirror. There's no logical reason for not doing so simply because we're naked. As a matter of fact, it is precisely because we are standing there without the concealment of clothes  that this is important. At this time, we're inside our residence and alone. The moment will soon come (hopefully) when we step out and face our naturist brothers for the initial nude social gathering. When this day arrives, many first-timers feel some anxiety and apprehension. The familiarity and knowledge of our nude appearance instills confidence and pride when this opportunity presents itself. There's truth in the ancient words of wisdom: practice makes perfect. Now, all of us understand that none of us are totally perfect. But, having the practice of seeing ourselves totally naked and from different perspectives reduces stress and enables us to relax and enjoy the freedom. It also helps to remind us of how utterly foolish we all look with our hands locked over our genitals. At some point, we're going to have to shake hands with another.  Again, this is another suggestion that I practice even today at encourage seasoned nudists to do likewise. It helps us all keep ourselves in perspective.

As being naked at home becomes less of a novelty, new to the nudist life will now have attained a certain amount of familiarity with their nakedness. It is no longer the extraordinary but rather the routine. Once this happens, a sense of normalcy will return and the novice can really commence to living life in the confines of four walls while clothes-free and experiencing the pleasures of nudity.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  

NOM: Exposed

The old cliche`s absolutely hold some eternal truth. Take your pick: "He who laughs last, laughs best" or "What goes around, comes around." No matter, they both essentially are identical and both fit the fine kettle of fish that NOM (National Organization for Marriage) now finds itself. And I can think of no other organization that is more deserving of that pungent, smelly fate than all those self-righteous and hypocritical pretenders that constitute the membership of NOM. They're finally getting exactly they all fear the most: the truth exposed for all the country to see.  

NOM is fighting a GLBT initiated referendum being placed on the ballot in November in the State of Maine. The electorate are being asked to decide whether or not to allow same gender loving marriage.  Under Maine law, NOM needs to release its' list of donors. The case was contested in court and NOM has lost on every level. The Supreme Court refused to hear their appeal, letting stand the decision of a three-judge federal circuit panel that ordered compliance. Needless to add here, the National Organization for Marriage is not accustomed to being told what to do nor having its' financial business made public. Well, they met their match when they went to Maine.  

The documents released involuntarily by NOM when compliance forced them to be unsealed have not only opened the door by showing us who's bankrolling their campaign of discrimination, it is also revealing other unsavory secrets of naughty NOM. In the now-public records, a "bag of dirty tricks" plan by NOM to specifically divide the traditional Democratic voting base in order to achieve its' political ambitions is available for scrutiny by all. Such tactics put discredited and disgraced  former President Richard Nixon to shame.

The organization advocated identifying and recruiting attractive and influential African-American celebrities, such as entertainers, athletes, etc., to represent and oppose marriage equality. The written objective was to pit the Black and Gay communities in opposition to each other. The African-American population wasn't the only one targeted for manipulation. The same strategy was in play for the Hispanic/Latino people as well. Not only are their actions homophobic; clearly, this policy is likewise racist.

When this tactic was publicized yesterday, the result backfired and leaves NOM with a proverbial face drenched in mud. The African-American Ministers Leadership Council responded: "African American men and women of faith are not a political football to be tossed around in a cynical game of resentment and division. We, like all Americans, struggle thoughtfully with issues of faith, family and politics. Anti-equality activists such as NOM consistently attempt to use a deeply cynical 'wedge' strategy to divide African Americans and the gay community by playing up what are now old and tired cliches."

Julian Bond, President Emeritus of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) responded in a statement: " NOMs underhanded attempts to divide will not succeed if Black Americans remember their own history of discrimination. Pitting bigotry's victims against other victims is reprehensible, the defenders of justice must stand together."

Not only did the National Organization for Marriage insult the intelligence of voters, it tried to obtain their votes under completely false pretenses. The organization, which publicly espouses "traditional family values," is evidently creating a set of special values exclusively for itself. This unique attribute is aptly spelled: d-e-c-e-i-t. I don't recall finding that one in The Bible.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!    

Photoessay: GOP Principles Exposed

As the contest of the GOP caucuses and primaries continues to unfold, the TRUE principles of this political party are now being exposed to the American people and to the world. As a result, what we're now seeing isn't very flattering nor pretty. It does beg the question, what else are they attempting to conceal from us all?

This toy will replace the body known as the Presidential Cabinet. Gone are the days where it is necessary to consult persons with minds and skills when determining national policy.

This volume will replace the U. S. Constitution as the basis for the law of the land. Gone forever is the time-honored democratic tradition of separating the sacred and the secular. Justice and legality will now be determined solely on the religious beliefs of the sitting President.

Forget any pretense of the existance or hint of equality and fairness. The protections of the Bill of Rights disappeared along with the Constitution. Those who have power are able to arbitrarily deny and ignore at will the basic human rights of the majority.

Back to the bedroom and kitchen! There's no other place in society where you belong aside from the traditional domestic duties and complete obedience.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Eloquent Poetic Tribute

Exactly one month ago today, on February 26, 2012, the life and future of a young man, still in his teenage years, was senselessly and tragically cut short in an incident that has rocked both this country and the world. Trayvon Martin was shot to death while walking home after buying a soft drink and some candy at a local business. This killing has sparked a national cry for justice and energized a call for an end to racial profiling, racism and unequal treatment under laws that are supposed to protect us all.


Since that fateful event thirty days ago, the circumstances surrounding Trayvon's shooting are slowly emerging and what is unfolding unfortunately leaves more questions than answers. The credibility of the local law enforcement agency was so compromised that both the state of Florida and the federal government were moved to intervene after the local municipal council voted "no confidence" in their police chief, who has now "temporarily resigned." All this and the alleged shooter, George Zimmerman, hasn't even been formally charged.

None of this benefits Trayvon Martin. He was barely seventeen years old when killed. Nothing can undo this tragedy and restore his life. While trying to make some sense of this untimely death of one so young, I read a poem created as a tribute to him by a fellow blogger and published author (he's one of my all-time favorite authors), L.M. Ross, on his blog: moanerplicities. This poetic memorial is entitled, Endangered at 17: Poem for Trayvon Martin. I was so moved by the eloquence and truth that I encourage all of you to visit there and read this just tribute to a young innocent who was brutally gunned down before he was able to even begin living his life. Mr. Ross' homage to Trayvon speaks to my personal feelings better than my own inadequate vocabulary permits.

Scroll down My Blog List on the left side of your screen and click on moanerplicities or visit from here: http://www.lmross-moanerplicities.blogspot.com

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  

Greek Independence Day: March 25

The Greek culture has survived in civilization for thousands of years, despite centuries of foreign domination and occupation. From prehistoric times to the present day, the triumphs and tragedies that celebrate the Greek people have inspired art, legends, the media and folklore as well as influenced the cultures of peoples all over the world. Even into our modern times, the legacies of the ancient Greeks are present in our architecture, art, literature, mathematics, philosophy, fashion, language and athletics. The international Olympics movement acknowledges this heritage as the Greeks lead the parade of nations at every Olympiad. Of course, no one can dispute the contributions of the Greeks in the contemporary worldwide naturist/nudist culture.

For multiple centuries, classical Greek civilization celebrated, embraced. practiced and revered not only male public nudity, but also same gender relationships. Much of what we know about these ancient traditions has survived to our current times through Greek customs and literature.

The Ottoman Turks began the occupation and oppression of what is now Greece with the fall of Constantinople (modern day Istanbul) and the collapse of the Byzantine Empire in 1453 AD. This event marked a dark period in history as the Turkish conquerors and their successors initiated a systematic campaign to eradicate Greek culture, religion and traditions. Hundreds of thousands were killed and many others tortured for refusing to abandon their heritage. Successive generations of Ottoman sultans and repeated repressive measures failed to eliminate the passions of the Greeks for their identities and their historic legacies. It was the Greek Orthodox Church that spearheaded this preservation with its' institution of Crypha Scholia (Hidden Schools).

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Mother of God), honoring the day that the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would birth a son, is observed in the Eastern Orthodox Church on March 25. This event is depicted on the icon to the left and is one of the holiest days for Greek Orthodox Christians. On this feast day in 1821, Bishop Germanos of Patras seized the opportunity for freedom in holding in one hand the icon of the Annunciation and with the other hand, raised the blue and white banner of the Greek revolution in open defiance of the Turkish occupation. This moment marks the beginning of the Greek War of Independence against the domination of the Ottoman Empire. The struggle that followed lasted for eight bitter and bloody years until 1829 when the Sultan Mahmud II, with Russian troops laying siege to Constantinople, accepted and acknowledged the birth of the modern nation of Greece, by signing the Treaty of Adrianople.

The signing of this treaty was celebrated with the unfurling of the Greek flag over the rooftops of Athens and other major cities throughout the Greek peninsula. The flag of Greece, shown below, has not changed since the commencement of the revolution in 1821. The white cross in the upper left hand corner covering one fourth of the banner represents the Cross of St. George and signifies the importance of the Greek Orthodox Church in the formation of the fight for independence. The blue and white alternating stripes represent the sea and the cresting waves of the Aegean Sea surf. In Greek legend, the deity Aphrodite, Goddess of Beauty, emerged from these waves. There are nine stripes, one for each letter of the Greek word for freedom (Eleftheria).

Happy Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos! Happy Independence Day!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

  

Thursday Thought: Michelangelo on Nudity

"What spirit is so empty and blind that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe and the skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed?"

~ Michelangelo~

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!



Desperate Times...

This image of a political bumper sticker began appearing on various media late last week. When I first saw it, I shook my head in disgust. To be honest, I wasn't surprised in the least. Desperate times call for desperate measures and it's quite plain for everyone, regardless of political affiliation, that the person(s) behind this message feel so threatened by the possibility of President Obama's re-election that they'll stoop as low as necessary to prevent that from happening. The weak will stop at nothing when they perceive power slipping past them.

Obviously, the individual(s) behind this offensive statement are angry and upset over the fact that President Obama is inside the White House and isn't mopping floors nor waiting tables. I pity them and their misery. No matter how hard they attempt to do so, they'll never be able to erase history and reality. The election of 2008 happened and Barack Obama was elected to the presidency. The fact that he was the first African-American to accomplish this secures his legacy for all eternity.

This will fuel the resentment that these pathetic individuals will have for the rest of their lives. They were powerless when President Obama was voted into office and they remain powerless to alter his place in posterity. They witnessed a moment in our nation's history that they will never be able to forget, no matter how hard they try. They'll have to live with this and it will cause them suffering for which there is no cure.

Does my pity for these miserable and tormented souls excuse their bigoted, hateful and racist behavior? No way. Instead, it energizes me. Am I shocked by their ignorance and blatant inferiority complex? No way. Instead, it empowers me. I supported and voted for Mr. Obama in 2008. I plan to do the same this year. Instead, their desperate and pathetic tactics encourage me to go out and work harder to ensure our President's re-election.

Evidently, these poor fools failed their physics class. They never understood that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy! 

Photoessay: Spring, 2012, Is Here!

Today, March 20, 2012, is the first day of Spring!

Welcome Spring!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Uncovering Truths: Kony 2012

Last week, in my Wednesday, March 14, 2012, post: Join The Fight: Kony, 2012, I endorsed the Invisible Children's YouTube campaign to serve justice for past crimes against humanity and child abuse on Joseph Kony. I continue to advocate to prosecute Kony for all his atrocities. This much will never change. Due to recent events, I am seriously rethinking my support of the entire Invisible Children organization. I'm updating all of you here in order to review the situation and provide as many details as possible.

First, it is becoming apparent that Invisible Children has received significant funding from individuals and organizations notoriously anti-gay and associated with a bill under consideration in the Ugandan Parliament that would criminalize even being homosexual. The Caster Family Foundation and Terry and Barbara Caster, individually, have made sizable contributions to Invisible Children. The Casters were very prominent in the fight to ban same-sex marriage in their home state.

Next, the National Christian Foundation donated $350,000 to Invisible Children in 2007 and the following year gave $414,000. The National Christian Foundation has also given large amounts of money to anti-gay groups and their proponents. One of these groups is Ed Silvoso's Harvest Evangelism, who actively support Julius Oyet, a leading advocate for the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda. The bill, as presented in Parliament, outlaws homosexuality and allows for cases of "aggravated homosexuality" to be punished by death.

Invisible Children has addressed this issue with a statement that includes "hate in any form is counterproductive to our mission." Chris Sarette, the charity's vice president of business operations added: "Invisible Children is not an anti-gay organization and has in fact publicly spoken out against acts of violence on members of the GLBT community in Uganda."

I was aware of criticism of the video when I initially published this past Wednesday. I included a summary of these issues in my post. Only later did I learn of the close ties between the charity and homophobic individuals and organizations. Now that this information has come to light and the extent of the relationship is revealed, I am withdrawing my public endorsement of Invisible Children. I apologize for any confusion and/or harm this has caused.

I understand the position of Invisible Children. As a charity, they need donations to conduct their mission. However, as a group that seeks to serve victims of abuse, they are responsible to ensure that no funds received are from others who advocate abuse or hatred. Period. Personally, I make it a policy not to support any cause deemed worthy by the National Christian Foundation. Period.

Lastly, the recent detention and public disturbance created by the video producer for Invisible Children is a bizarre epilogue to this complete drama. He was originally taken into custody for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace. He is now in a treatment facility for rehabilitation. Charges are pending at this time.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Mr. St. Patrick

Happy Birthday to one of my all-time favorite actors, Mathew (that's correct, one "t") St. Patrick, one of the starring actors on HBOs groundbreaking TV series: Six Feet Under. Mathew St. Patrick was born March 17, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Olney High School there. He is best known for his role of Keith Charles, partner of David Fisher in the HBO TV series.

Prior to his HBO appearance, he was Detective Marcus Taggert on General Hospital (1997) and as Adrian Sword on All My Children (1998-2000). He was the voice of Skulker in Danny Phanton (2004) and starred as a detective in Reunion (2005). He portrayed Seth in the 2008 science fiction horror film, Alien Raiders.

St. Patrick starred in Six Feet Under for all five seasons of the series. The show was broadcast on HBO from June 3, 2001 until August 21, 2005. In the series, Keith and David eventually married in the final season and adopted two sons. The role of David was played by Michael C. Hall and the two are pictured below.

The HBO series was groundbreaking in many ways, one of them being it was the first time a mixed-race gay couple was featured with starring roles in a TV series. It was also the first time a series presented a same gender loving African American man as a positive and major character.

Most recently, Mathew St. Patrick portrayed an FBI agent in War. He also played with Eminem in the skit "Mr. Mathers" on his album Relapse.

Happy Birthday and Happy St. Patrick's Day, Mathew St. Patrick!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

 

Before Saint Patrick...

Long before Saint Patrick graced the shores of Ireland and cast out all the snakes, the leprechauns frolicked freely in the forests, without a care in the world. These liberated spirits knew only good times and good deeds and every year, during the month of March, made nocturnal visits to the destitute and needy inhabitants of the Emerald Isle delivering pots of gold in order to eradicate their poverty and suffering. These charitable acts kept both the leprechauns and Irish residents extremely happy and the two populations dwelt in harmony and peace for centuries.

Out of respect for the generosity of the leprechauns, the Irish people never harassed the woodland playgrounds of these people. They were allowed to live and to play without fear. One of the many lost facts of the leprechaun culture is that they existed totally nude, free from the restrictions of clothing. None of the Irish pressured them to cover-up, so their lives were free from body shame. They spent their days and nights engaged in fun games within the confines of the forests.

This ideal and mutually beneficial relationship between the Irish and the leprechauns remained undisturbed for so long that trust and respect became a foundation among the two cultures. The leprechauns even allowed the locals to observe their antics in the woods. Often, the Irish brought picnics and stayed all day watching the leprechauns at play. Rarely had this comfort level existed between leprechauns and other native peoples anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately, the days of this heaven on earth environment were numbered and soon about to change for the worse.

One day, St. Patrick arrived on the shores of the island of Ireland and in doing so, unleashed a terrible plague upon all the inhabitants of the isle. When the saint left his boat and waded through the water to reach Irish land, the sight that he saw both offended and shocked his puritanical sensibilities. He witnessed the leprechauns and indigenous peoples in peaceful coexistence, supporting and tolerant of each other and their respective differences. Not only did that upset him; he was disgusted with the innocent nakedness of the leprechaun men and their excessive practice of unrestricted charity towards the Irish folk. This indecency and indignity simply could not be permitted to continue!

St. Patrick couldn't allow this barbarous and uncivilized practice to continue. He immediately set into motion ways to eliminate and exterminate the peaceful centuries of tradition of trust and good faith. He unleashed a devious plot to undermine this behavior. In exchange for removing the pestilence of snakes from the island, he forced the peoples, leprechauns and Irish alike, to accept a new religion in stark contrast to their usual custom.

This new belief system introduced the habits of envy and greed into the hearts and minds of all the Irish. They immediately became jealous of the wealth of the leprechauns and began to hunt them in order to steal their pots of gold. The leprechauns were to suffer an even worse fate. They were cursed with body shame and could no longer live cloaked in the innocence of their nudity. In humiliation, they were forced to all adopt the custom of concealing the purity of their nakedness under the burden of clothing. The great deception he unleashed he named the "luck of the Irish." They were so fortunate to have him bring civilization to their shores.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

 

Nudecentric Briefs: Southern Hemisphere

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

NUDE NEWS

World Naked Bike Ride: Southern Hemisphere

This past Saturday, March 10, 2012, was the scheduled date for the World Naked Bike Ride throughout most of the world, south of the Equator. The secondary date for this event in this part of the world is this upcoming weekend, on either Saturday or Sunday. San Francisco, California, USA, also organized a bike ride through its' streets in solidarity with peoples below the Equator.

The World Naked Bike Ride is held annually in more than 80 cities worldwide. It is organized to focus attention of our global dependence on fossil fuel and those effects on our environment. It increases awareness of the "nakedness" of cyclists and pedestrians against the worldwide explosion of automobiles and aggressive drivers.

In the Northern Hemisphere, World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) is scheduled for Saturday, June 9, 2012. The secondary date is Saturday, July 28. For additional information of the WNBR and updated schedules, visit: http://www.wnbr.org

Lima, Peru

More than 300 bicyclists participated in the WNBR in the Peruvian capital this past Saturday. Octavio Zegarra, one of the event organizers, said the participants rode nude to show the public that "this is our body. With this we go to the streets. We don't have a car to protect us." An anonymous rider added: "Please respect us." Almost 3,000 people were killed in cyclist related accidents in Peru in 2011.

Santiago, Chile 

This year was the second annual WNBR in Chile's largest and capital city. Hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts took to the streets in the ride billed as "1.5 Kilometers For Life." Last year, dozens of riders were arrested for public nudity contrasting with this past Saturday's action in which none were arrested or harassed. This year, a banner proclaiming: Ciclistas Empelotados (naked bikers in rage) accompanied the ride.

Australia and New Zealand  

Melbourne, Australia, saw a record number of participants for WNBR since the city first hosted the event in 2006. A total of 262 riders registered in advance with more than 300 actually pedalling through city streets.

New Zealand's North Island had two different scenes for the World Naked Bike Ride, 2012. The one in Takalea/Golden Bay (Bay of Plenty and Nelson regions) took place without incident with more than a hundred cyclists. A smaller ride was along the Pacific Ocean at Tauranga for the 7 kilometers between Ormanu and Papamoa. The South Island will have a bike ride on Sunday, March 18.

Cape Town, South Africa  

World Naked Bike Ride-South Africa saw hundreds of cyclists winding through city streets with the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, pictured below.

Naked Boys Singing! Australia 

Another production of Naked Boys Singing! is taking place this week, March 13-18, 2012, at the Seymour Centre in Sydney, NSW, Australia. This cast features a resident nudist philosopher among its' members. Elijah Rohner, immigrated to Down Under from the former East Germany, where nude beaches are the norm. "I grew up feeling comfortable being nude and not making it a big deal," Rohner said. "With clothes we put on a persona that doesn't necessarily reflect who we really are but when you're naked, there's nothing else there."

Elijah then explained: "Nakedness can be a window to the soul because you truly can't hide behind anything. That's the real message of this show."

On March 15, (tonight), there is a special performance that is restricted to naturists/nudists exclusively. Both the cast and entire audience will be completely naked, with only the cast singing.

Elijah Rohner, pictured below, is the only member of the Sydney cast who's not in the least bit nervous about being nude performing for a live textile audience.   

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Sources: Reuters, whereilive.com.au, Associated Press, The Mail

  

Join The Fight: Kony 2012

Join the international effort to bring a war criminal to justice and to end the horrendous practice of kidnapping children to serve as soldiers! That's the essence of the YouTube launched campaign: Invisible Children: Kony 2012. The purpose of the grassroots movement is to raise awareness of the career and inhuman crimes of the Ugandan indicted war criminal, Joseph Kony and his rebel Lord's Resistance Army, in particular, their practice of abducting children, forcing them to kill their parents and then enslaving the boys to serve as child soldiers and the girls as prostitutes. The video, Kony 2012, has gone viral with more than 100 million views and climbing.   The media features a Ugandan, named Jacob, whose brother was killed by Kony.

Long a scourge on the inhabitants of his native Uganda, Joseph Kony and his guerilla army have also committed similar atrocities in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Rwanda. Although seriously weakened now, Kony needs to be brought to justice as a means of giving closure to surviving victims and their families as well as demonstrating to the world that these inhuman and barbarous practices will not be tolerated.

The culmination of this global mass action is on April 20, 2012. On this date, advocates hope to flood communities across the world with posters, similar to the one shown above, demonstrating the urgency in bringing Joseph Kony to trial and ultimately, to justice for his barbarism. This global action day also serves notice on other international criminals that we, the collective human community, will no longer tolerate abusive and brutal behaviors against our lives and our peoples.

This campaign has come under criticism from some government officials, both in the USA and abroad, as oversimplifying events in the affected region. This is partly based on the absence of including references to actions by the Uganda military or those of rebel Sudanese paramilitary groups. Others argue that Kony's influence and following is waning and now believed to number a few hundred at best. Given the isolation of the region and the elusiveness of rebel networks, some question the remote possibility of success in ever apprehending Kony.  

While I respect the professional opinions of foreign policy experts, I applaud, respect and support the work and mission of both Invisible Children and the producers of the Kony 2012 film. This grassroots action shows us the power of the media in raising awareness and that yet another generation is capable of initiating responsible activism. The sheer magnitude of this effort is sending a powerful message to those who endorse and engage in cruelties against children specifically and humanity in general that the entire world is watching. Their actions do have consequences and they are accountable for their atrocities. It also alerts the governments who would otherwise turn the proverbial blind eye to such abuses that the entire world is watching and judging their indifference. I wholeheartedly am proud to be a part of any undertaking to stop Joseph Kony and his ilk now.

Over the past 100 years, humankind has witnessed far too many acts of genocide and the accompanying assault on human rights: Armenia, Cambodia, Chile, Darfur and Rwanda, to name a few. Then there is the entire concentration camp/slaughter debacle from World War II where multiple groups were singled out for extermination. Kony, and the Lord's Resistance Army enslavement, abuse and rape of children and of its parallel crimes against humanity is no different.

For additional information on this web-based initiative, visit http://www.kony2012.com  . An online petition is located there where individuals may sign to indicate their concern. Materials for the April 20, 2012, action day are available to download for free and items are featured to order to show support.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  

 

Nudists Embrace March Madness

Uncover the connection between nude recreation enthusiasts and college hoops jargon.

March, originally from the Latin word Martius, named for Mars, the Roman god of war, has new meanings in modern society. For gardeners it's the start of the spring planting season. For college basketball fans, March means only one thing...March Madness!

Nudists, however, think of March Madness a little differently. Here are the top 10 March Madness words and their meanings to nudists:

1)  NCAA: No clothes allowed anytime (no clothes at all)

2)  March Madness: a nudist's state of mind after having been bundled up all winter long. Some northern nudists have even been known to have March Madness set in so bad, they run outside naked and make snow angels.

3)  Free Throw: Throwing your friend into the pool without them knowing it

4)  Point spread: The distance you have to walk from your nudist resort hotel room to the pool.

5)  Guard: Covering your skin with lots of sunscreen.

6)  Rebound: Regaining your sanity by relaxing, restoring and rejuvenating your mental well-being by taking a nakation.

7)  3 Point Play: Getting to play volleyball, tennis and play in the sand naked all day long.

8)  Foul: Having to wear clothes all week long (at work) while waiting to get away to your favorite nudist resort.

9)  Fouling Out: Having to cancel your nakation because your boss says you have to work overtime.

10) Tip Off: Telling all your friends about the fun nakation you just came home from. And this will be the first time ever your friends will really want to see your vacation photos. Source: American Association for Nude Recreation

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!  

Get Naked For March Madness!

March Madness is the basketball frenzy that grips the nation from mid-March through early April. It is the culmination of the collegiate basketball season and is sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The name is equally applied to both men's and women's tournaments but is almost universally used exclusively for men's basketball.

The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, the official name for March Madness, is a single elimination collegiate tournament held annually. Games are not played in any one location but are spaced throughout the country. This year, 2012, the competition begins on Tuesday, March 13.

The term, March Madness, wasn't used to identify the NCAA men's championship tourney until the 1980s. At that time, Bruce Musburger, a sportscaster for the CBS Network, utilized the term throughout the telecast of the contest. The media and fans adopted the moniker and it has been with us ever since.

As an avid hoops fan, both as participant and spectator, I've always advocated for totally nude March Madness games. Let's all hang out all over the court, players and fans alike. As a matter of fact, I've felt that all NCAA events should be nude. I favor changing the association's name to: No Clothes Allowed Anytime!

Here's the 2012 March Madness Tournament Schedule:

First Four:          March 13-14

Second Round:   March 15-16

Third Round:      March 17-18

Sweet 16:           March 22-23

Elite 8:               March 24-25

Final Four:          March 31

Championship:    April 2

Unfortunately, neither the rest of the world nor the NCAA are interested in my innovations for either the March Madness tournament or for the NCAA name change. It's indeed a pity but rest assured, I'm not giving up the fight! In the meantime, I'll be happily watching the games from the comfort of my home; conveniently naked, of course!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Spring Ahead!

It's time to jump forward into Daylight Savings Time!

Turn your clock ahead one full hour for an extra hour of daylight!

Don't be late!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Saturday Cartoon



A reader sent this cartoon to me yesterday. Given the state of the GOP and the disgraceful hate spewing forth from the mouth of a broadcast media personality, considered by many to be the reigning monarch of that political party, I thought some of you may enjoy it. It's awfully sad, but so true. This entire situation manages to continue to get worse with each and every passing day!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

When Two Nude Dudes Reconnect

As naturists/nudists, despite what some paranoid gymnophobes may think, we're not totally unlike other people. We simply don't particularly appreciate wearing fashion. Otherwise, basically we're all about the same. For example, sometimes we meet someone, discover that we have a few common interests and then, for whatever the reason, we somehow lose the connection. Conflicting schedules, outside influences, family problems; the causes are many but we just lack the extra energy necessary to stay in touch. It happens all the time.

Two years ago, just as I was beginning to blog here, I became acquainted with a guy with similar interests surrounding naturism/nudism; he was also same gender loving. At that time, I was busy trying to get a handle on the blog publishing intricacies as well as balancing both my personal and professional lives. He was already experienced with his blog and patiently awaited my responses to his communications. I found him to be interesting and wanted to learn more about him: I hoped we could become friends.

Then, almost as suddenly as he appeared in my life, my new nude friend disappeared. Kaput. Vanished. Not only did he not reply to emails, he discontinued his blog, also. It was like he was never there to begin with: a void. By the time this reality started to sink in, his blogsite was closed and all methods of communication were severed. I should add here that although we both lived on the East Coast, our cities were thousands of miles apart. I didn't have hisFacebook username; there was no way possible to locate him. I wondered what had happened. Had I inadvertently offended him? Did my slow response time cause him to lose any interest in building on our budding friendship? These and many other questions popped inside my head. However, life goes on and over the years his memory faded into the deep recesses of my mind as I struggled with surviving in a rapidly changing world. As time passed, I ocassionally thought about him but had no idea how to undertake locating a means of reconnecting.

This past weekend, I spent time with friends in a rural location with extremely poor wi-fi and broadband connections. We were, literally as well as figuratively, isolated and cut off from the world. Upon returning to civilization earlier this week, imagine my surprise discovering that I had an email waiting for me from my resurrected acquaintance!  A preseason Springtime miracle! Cool!

My recently resurfaced buddy and I are now in the process of exchanging emails and generally rebuilding our connection. A few years have passed so there's quite a bit of catching up to do and to fill in the remaining gaps of our acquaintance. It's too early to know exactly what direction our friendship will take. No matter where we go from here, it is nice, during this time of renewal and rebirth, to have the mystery of a disappearing acquaintance resolved. Hopefully, as the flowers around us blossom, so will our friendship! Two nude dudes renewed (renude)! Happy Spring!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Author's Note: The image of the dual buttocks above was sent to me by my nudist brother.

Nudecentric Briefs: Dr. Seuss Goes Nude

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


NUDE NEWS


Theodor Seuss Giesel, better known as the beloved and revered Dr. Seuss, author and illustrator of children's books popular the world over, was born on March 2, 1904. Last Friday, on what would have been his 108th birthday, we observed Read Across America Day, celebrated annually on Giesel's birth date. Dr. Seuss was an advocate for early childhood literacy and multiple millions of people learned to read through the fruits of his labors.


What many of us don't know is that Dr. Seuss, early in his career, wrote an adult book that miserably failed. Released in 1939, The Seven Lady Godivas: The True Facts Concerning History's Barest Family had 10,000 copies printed, of which only 2,500 were actually sold. The remaining volumes were later simply pulled from bookseller's shelves.


The Seven Lady Godivas: The True Facts Concerning History's Barest Family was a tale of seven naturist/nudist sisters who, following their nobleman father's death, promise not to marry until each one of them has "brought to the light of the world some new and worthy Horse Truth, of benefit to man." An example of a Horse Truth: never look a gift horse in the mouth.


This adult book was based on the Lady Godiva legend. According to folklore, in 1037, in Coventry, England, the Earl of Coventry's wife rode nude on horseback through the town to protest his unfair taxes. The townspeople were ordered to remain indoors during her ride so as not to witness her nudity. One man, Peeping Tom, disobeyed and was immediately blinded by the sight.

After this publication, Giesel wrote strictly children's books and became quite a wealthy man. He later remarked on this venture: "I attempted to draw the sexiest babes I could, but they came out looking absurd." You be the judge on the sex appeal on the pages below.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Source: The Atlantic



Taking It Off, Part I

I'm offering this post and a few subsequent ones (to be posted later) for those who hesitate to explore nudism. I've been a practicing social nudist, in one form or another, for almost my entire life. Secondly, I'm starting to realize that there is some part of me that's a bit of a closet exhibitionist. Oh hell, there's a part of me that's an exhibitionist, period. Who am I trying to fool, here? I actually like having others, clothed or naked, view my nakedness. But then, that's a topic for another time.

What I'm refering to in this post is how easy it is to join life as a social nudist. Something so simple as removing all our clothes and just being our natural selves among others seems, at times, to be so intimidating and overwhelming to so many. I mean, getting out of our shirts and pants, etc., is no big deal. We spend most of our lives doing just that. Taking it off. We do it when we prepare to step into the bath/shower. Many of us do it when we arrive home after work. When we return home from a particularly special date and prepare to take the evening to the next level, we waste no time in stepping out of our ensemble or having the object of our affection peel us out of it.

For most of us, once we remove our clothes, what follows is the ritual of slipping into something more comfortable. Often, these are garments that conceal our nudity and are generally looser, softer while at the same time permitting us to relax and be ourselves. For many, this is automatic, performed without thinking: a habit. It's a part of our everyday routine. While the vast majority of us feel secure with the familiar, we frequently suffer boredom at the same time. We look for ways to add a little difference in order to spice up our lives.

If the idea of introducing variety into what is now habitual is appealing, then maybe taking the first steps towards social nudity is an option. With the impending arrival of the Spring season, this might be the perfect time to experiment with a change. Try something new for a new season; allowing our natural skin to serve as a part of our wardrobe instead of another garment.

I suggest that instead of taking off our clothes and immediately covering up again with others, just strip them off and leave them off for awhile. Enjoy some time being comfortable nude within familiar surroundings and doing things that relax. Watch some television or review personal emails without any textile restrictions. Have a snack, a cocktail, a meal or all three while naked. Just hang loose and be loose alone as a part of winding down from the stress of the day. Incorporating nudity into comfort rituals eliminates the awkwardness of suddenly being naked with "nothing to do."

I think that once naked and engaged in a stress-free activity, a number of men may be surprised at the lack of tension and discomfort. The fact that nudity is involved suddenly doesn't feel quite so strange. It doesn't take more than several times for the sheer naturalness of the moment to overcome any body shame that is too often ingrained through upbringing. Soon, most will have completely forgotten that they're nude. Some may even begin to wonder as to why they never tried this earlier in their lives.

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

March Comes And...?

Many of us are familiar with the expression: "March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb." All in reference to the strength and belligerence of the winds this time of year. But, what most don't realize is that those same March winds are necessary to remove all the dead, dried leaves that linger on oak trees. If new growth is to happen, the old has to go! Think twice before you curse those pesky winds during March. They do have a purpose.

March is the transitional month between winter and spring, between the old and the new. The month starts with the waning days of the winter season prevailing. Yes, March can be bitter, brutal and cold; fortunately, this reality is usually tempered by the fact that Springtime is rapidly approaching. For many, myself included, even the thought of warmer temperatures is comforting. Accompanying March are slowly moderating daily temps that mark the changing angle of the sun in relation to the earth.

During this transitional month, the return of a pleasant climate heralds the rebirth of flowers and trees. In the short span of just a few days, in some cases, overnight, new growth and foliage cover the landscape with splashes of color and freshness. All this scenery serves as a backdrop to the renewal of life that seems to encompass all of us as we welcome rejuvenation into our daily lives. The drab mediocrity of winter surrenders to the brilliance of sunshine and the return of natural beauty.

Last year, in the course of just one short week, I experienced first-hand this phenomenon of Mother Nature. The above photograph was made during the first weekend of March just as the weather began to warm and the daffodils blossomed. The picture below is from the same location (different angle) exactly one week later. The thermometer had climbed enough that I could uncover my "chrome dome" while the flowers bloomed to cover the ground. A welcome change from all the misery and cold! Hello, Spring! Hello, nudity in nature, 2012!

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!



Mark Your Calendars: 2012 Nude Events

We all know that none of us need a special day to enjoy the pleasure of our nudity: most of us indulge on a daily basis. There are several nudecentric dates throughout the calendar year that naturists/nudists all over the world celebrate our culture of nakedness in various ways and activities. In order NOT to overlook a special occasion to demonstrate both our community and our pride, grab your tablets, mobile devices or old-fashioned calendars now and reserve these dates for 2012. Not only are these opportunities to try something new; they're also terrific reasons to host a nude social for friends in honor of the occasion.

World Naked Bike Ride:
Southern Hemisphere
Saturday, March 10, 2012

We face automobile traffic with our naked bodies as the best way of defending our dignity and exposing the unique dangers faced by cyclists and pedestrians as well as the negative consequences we all face due to dependence on oil and other forms of non-renewable energy.
http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org

Northern Hemisphere
Saturday, June 9, 2012

Due to the possibility of chilly and/or unfavorable weather, in 2012, an alternate date for the Northern hemisphere is on Saturday, July 28, 2012.

World Naked Gardening Day:
Saturday, May 5, 2012

For the Eighth Annual World Naked Gardening Day, people across the globe are encouraged to tend their portion of world's garden clothed as nature intended: that is, unclothed: nude.
http://www.wngd.org

World Naturist Day: (traditional: first Sunday in June, annually)
Sunday, June 17, 2012

The annual world-wide day to celebrate naturism, first observed on June 4, 2006. Clubs and federations organize events, including open (free) days to encourage people to experience naturism for themselves. Check with local clubs, groups and federations. Sponsored by the International Naturists Federation.
http://www.inffni.org

World Nude Hiking Day: (annually on the Summer Solstice: First Day of Summer)

Sunday, June 20, 2012 (alternate: June 17)

The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, naturists/nudists take advantage of the extended period of daylight to experience the beauty and wonders of nature, naturally. Hikes and nature walks are organized along scenic trails all over the world. Consult local groups for times and activities.
http://www.hikingnaked.com

National Take A Nakation Month:
July, 2012  (entire month)

Month dedicated to the promotion of nudecentric travel, in particular naturist/nudist destinations both domestic and abroad.  Many resorts may offer special promotions during this time.
http://www.aanr.com

National Nude Recreation Week:
July 9-15, 2012

A week during the peak of the summer dedicated to nude leisure activities and fun outside, whether at beaches, campgrounds or resorts. Coincides with July being National Take A Nakation Month and National Recreation And Parks Month. Sponsored by the American Association for Nude Recreation.
http://www.aanr.com

International Nude Day:
Saturday, July 14, 2012 (this date, annually)

This date is also National Nude Day in the Dominion of New Zealand. A day to encourage the practice of social nudity internationally, this observance originated in New Zealand. In the United States, it is celebrated within the gay nudist community as Get Naked With A Friend Day.
http://www.deafqueer.org

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!

Prayer Week For AIDS Healing: March 4-10, 2012

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is March 4-10, 2012. This is a community of faith based response to the AIDS pandemic that is engulfing both the USA and the world. Many churches, synagogues, temples, etc. throughout this country and around the globe annually participate in this prayer and missionary action.


Originating within Black churches at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, this outreach and healing ministry was organized by Ms. Pernessa Steele and initially sponsored by the organization appropriately named The Balm in Gilead, Inc. This grassroots movement by lay persons within various congregations of established religious denominations in the African-American community soon mushroomed and spread across both racial, ethnic and faith boundaries. Next, it crossed international borders and was embraced by parishes and religions in lands outside the USA as the pandemic unleashed itself on all of humanity.


For persons of faith, this observance represents a logical and natural response to this health crisis. This movement in many cases opened the hearts, eyes and minds of traditional religious institutions and clergy who had previously remained indifferent and unresponsive, if not openly hostile, towards the plight of persons living with HIV.


The 2012 theme for the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is: The End of the AIDS Epidemic is in Sight With Prayer, Education, Testing and Treatment. The Balm in Gilead, Inc., also sponsors a church affiliated program entitled: Our Faith Lights The Way. This is a national faith-based HIV testing initiative.  To receive additional information on these and other HIV related efforts, please visit: http://www.balmingilead.org or go to: http://www.nwpha.org

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!