Lucky

The trouble with commitment is that things change. And people often mix commitment with fidelity. I know that we could play lawyer games and find ways to say that commitment thing no longer exists. For me, it is basically a promise. I always try to keep my promises unless the other person relieves me of the commitment. And even then, if he were in danger, I'd try to honor it. The 'in sickness and in health" one is very hard. We see all of the time older couples staying together even as one's health falls apart. But I think it is a noble commitment, to be honored unless the person's health begins to damage the partner's health. You don't have to die to honor a commitment. These are major life events, usually between married folks. What about commitments made to friends?

mediamatters.org has provided one of the attorneys for Mathew's killers a forum to express his view on this book: The appellate attorney who represented an accomplice in the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard assailed author Stephen Jimenez's book suggesting that Shepard's murder was fueled by meth, not anti-gay hate. In a statement provided to Equality Matters, attorney Tim Newcomb - whom Jimenez lists as a source in The Book of Matt - responded to Jimenez's claim in a recent interview that Newcomb's criticism of the book is invalid because Newcomb was an appellate attorney and not involved in the Shepard case from the beginning. As a longtime resident of Laramie, the small college town where Shepard was brutally murdered, Newcomb said in his statement that unlike Jimenez, he has a long-standing familiarity with the tight-knight community: Unlike the author, who visited Laramie from New York a year and a half [after Shepard's murder], I was an attorney living in Laramie, and had been for several years, when Matthew was murdered. I mention that only because Laramie has few people and we tend to know of each other. Hidden truths behind notorious crimes are as rare as windless winters. Moreover, as the appellate attorney for Russell Henderson, Aaron McKinney's accomplice in Shepard's killing, Newcomb dealt with one of Jimenez's apparent sources, who claimed to know the "hidden truths" in the murder. In his statement, Newcomb described how -- like many of Jimenez's other sources -- this man put forth multiple shifting stories, including the theory that Shepard's murder wasn't motivated by homophobia: During the time I represented Russell, a man called his grandmother, saying he had been Matthew's lover and had his diary. I called him and asked if that was true. He told me it was, so I asked for a copy. His story shifted; his sister had the diary. I asked that she send me a copy. His story shifted again. She wouldn't show it to anyone because she feared for his life. I asked why he called Russell's grandmother then; eventually, he seemed to suggest that he didn't have enough money. Our conversation ended but I'm told he became a source for a recently published book rewriting Matthew's murder, claiming that McKinney did not target Matthew because he was gay. Newcomb remains convinced that anti-gay hate was the central motive for the crime. And unlike Jimenez, Newcomb can point to verifiable evidence supporting his theory. In his transcribed confession, McKinney derided Shepard as a "fag." Jimenez asserts that McKinney's claim of a homophobic motive was simply part of an effort to cover up an extensive meth underground in Laramie, concocted as a legal survival strategy in the weeks and months after the murder. But even after being sentenced to life in prison, McKinney continued to refer to himself as "homofobick [sic]." As Newcomb notes, McKinney defiantly stated years after the murder that "Matt Shepard needed killing," and that "[t]he night I did it, I did have hatred for homosexuals." Explaining why he targeted Shepard, McKinney said it was because "he was obviously gay. That played a part. His weakness. His frailty." Jimenez may wish to cast doubt on the reality of Shepard's murder as a hate crime, but his narrative is undermined by McKinney himself, who boasts of his status as "the poster child for hate-crime murders."

We have among us a poster who spent considerable time in India. Maybe he will chime in and tell us his experience. Personally, I have never had the desire to go there. But let's not forget what an adventurous traveler Totally Oz is. He will make the most of the situation, and he will use the experience so as not to make the same mistake twice. As far as I know, he plans to spend five weeks there, a place with no McDonalds! He will have to bathe in the dirty Ganges River. Oh well, it might beat getting sick in Cambodia. I just hope that he doesn't like beef. Jesting aside, I can't wait for the stories of his adventures to continue. Perhaps the worst has already happened and only good things wait for the rest of his visit. I hope so!

The NY Post columnist Adrea Peyser has lent what credibility she might have to author Stephen Jiminez. Not sure what credibility he has, but he has written an entire book to advance his theory that Mathew Shepard tried to exchange sex for crystal meth, a choice that led to his death. It's a shame that after 15 years someone is trying too make money off of a tragic death. And more of a shame that Jimenez claims to be gay himself. I hadn't heard of this book until now, but others have, and Jimenez is met with protests at various book signing events he creates. Amazon actually carries the book, and describes it thus: " The Book of Matt is a page-turning cautionary tale that humanizes and de-mythologizes Matthew while following the evidence where it leads, without regard to the politics that have long attended this American tragedy." So far, among 40 customer reviews, it gets 4 stars out of five. Amazon says that People magazine calls it "a gripping read." Even gay magazines are in on the praise: “Jimenez does a masterful job of unspooling this haunted narrative like a puzzle, giving you seemingly disparate pieces that take a while to form a larger picture... Anyone interested in the Matthew Shepard case needs to read this book.” – Jeff Walsh, Oasis Magazine, an online publication for LGBT youth "What if nearly everything you thought you knew about Matthew Shepard’s murder was wrong? What if our most fiercely held convictions about the circumstances of that fatal night of October 6, 1998, have obscured other, more critical, aspects of the case? . . . None of this is idle speculation; it’s the fruit of years of dogged investigation by journalist Stephen Jimenez, himself gay. In the course of his reporting, Jimenez interviewed over 100 subjects, including friends of Shepard and of his convicted killers, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, as well as the killers themselves. . . . In the process, he amassed enough anecdotal evidence to build a persuasive case that Shepard’s sexuality was, if not incidental, certainly less central than popular consensus has lead us to believe." — Aaron Hicklin, Editor-in-Chief of Out magazine, in The Advocate One of 7 unfavorable reviews has it thus: Before purchasing this work, please read this commentary ... This work, "The Book of Matt", attempts to show that Matt Shepherd was murdered as part of a methamphetamine related hit ... that Matt and his killers knew each other ... and were lovers. Strange that not of this speculation came out in the trial" It's all a mystery to me, but I have no plans to read the book. I think the facts came out a long time ago.

I think this indicates the fluidity of the situation.

One of the things I have enjoyed in the past are the discussions between various members of topics that carry a little more weight than some of our more light-hearted topics. Sadly, we see fewer of these. I think one reason is that there are members who simply don't want to get serious, which is fine. But sometimes they express that by participating in the thread without any real contribution other than to sabotage it. So, I would ask anyone who does not want to participate if they would refrain from doing so, My question is this: Does commitment mean anything anymore? So often commitment has meaning in the abstract, or when it is easy. But, when the going gets tough, people run. There are probably numerous examples, and i welcome you to suggest them, of how people find ways to avoid commitments they have made. Given the divorce rate in this country, it is clear that for some people marriage commitments are simply made tongue in cheek. Yet we hear of many instances of divorced partners helping out when the former spouse encounters trouble that you cannot make an absolute statement on that. So, how about starting with this one and going from there: I, Lucky, take you, Gorgeous, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. That's a pretty firm commitment, so it seems. What do you see as loopholes? ( I realize that this may be the last post in this thread, but thanks for reading this far.)

Next time fly Air Pakistan!

HOW DOES ONE LEAVE HEATHROW MYSTERIOUSLY, ESPECIALLY IF ONE IS A BIG PLANE?

Contact travelguard.com. They will provide options on insurance, and, if you book within 14 days of making your first reservation, will cover pre-existing conditions.

It's a bitch to be sick in a foreign country. Firecat, get well soon!

Has anyone checked to see if firecat is okay? He's been very quiet. I hope he isn't tied up and being used by Thai men with dildos....

...but, he has been known to rent it out for parties!

The Thursday night street fair is,in my opinion, not at all gay, even though some gays go to it. it's mostly for the tourists. Otherwise, I thought the first guide is just fine. On the gay listing guide, other than quibble if Kaiser grill is a gay place, I don't go to those bars so I don't know how they rank., Some I have never heard of!

Has it been three years already since the Prince of Poppers offed himself? After researching on the reports on various gay blogs, JRL can now confirm that the Rush brand owner and distributor of the product known as poppers, committed suicide. You can find the RUSH brand at online E-Retailers, adult video and adult novelty stores nationwide. The brand is distributed by Pac West Distributing (PWD). The Great Lakes Products owner Joe Miller was considered the world’s largest manufacturer of poppers with his headquarters based in Indianapolis. Joe Miller committed suicide two weeks ago on Wednesday August 25, 2010. Miller was a gay man and lived in Indiana. He made his fortune from the manufacture and distribution of poppers. Gay pioneers can research an archive article Joe Miller wrote back in 1983 letter to The Advocate, boasting of the money he spent in the gay media marketplace. An inside source sent the following email to the JRL corporate offices last week in regards to Miller’s passing. “You’ve probably heard that Joe Miller died late last night. Joe was a controversial figure in the gay community—I’m sure you’ve heard of his travels and tribulations. He made lots of money and spread it around. Rumors about his lifestyle are rampant, and always have been. Yet, he was largely known to be a recluse.” He was indeed a huge contributor to the Democratic party and through his foundation, he was also well known for his donations to various HIV/AIDS education and children’s groups. Because of the manner in which his money was made and the stereotype myth of poppers spreading the HIV/AIDS virus, Miller was considered by some in the conservative arena controversial. You’ll remember abou the story that was reported earlier this year about the Atlanta gay activist died after using Poppers while he was on the prescription drug Levitra. Alledgedly, Miller’s Great Lakes Products was illegally distributing Poppers/RUSH as a recreational inhalant largely in the gay community, where it was sold in gay bars, adult video and novelty stores and over the Internet. Miller once boasted that he was the largest manufacturer of Poppers in the world and spent more money than any other business on advertising in gay publications. Miller gave large campaign contributions to politicians like the late U.S. Rep. Julia Carson (pictured with Joe Miller – right), former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and U.S. Rep. Baron Hill. Miller’s company also fronted capital for web sites that downplay the negative effects of the RUSH brand known as poppers on the street. While evidence linking the RUSH brand to HIV/AIDS contraction, has been mostly debunked. Consumers were always warned that the use of Poppers with Viagra/Cialis/Levitra can possibly cause you a heart attack and could possibly kill you. Apparently the Indianapolis Star pulled its online obituary for him. Rumors are in the comments of the blogs quoted above of his company being raided by the federal government, sexual tourism, and using influence to suppress “anti-poppers” regulation and media coverage. (Source JRL is unknown to me. I posted this from a post at POZ Forums.) RUSH is still sold in Palm Springs, btw.

I hired a masseur once who had also just started his own porn company. He would go to Thailand, film guys for little money, and then come home and sell the videos through his production company. The best part of his massage was the bargain price I got on two videos. They were awful, as it turned out, yet I think his company is still in business. A friend and I sat by Michael Lucas at Viceroy in Chelsea once. He is quite handsome, but I can see the stuck-up part easily. Yet, another successful gay entrepreneur!

And you went there for the clothes! The Priape chain of gay merchandise stores has shuttered. Although deeply in debt to start with, it could not continue if the highly profitable amyl nitrates were not bought by its popper-happy customers Poppers cost pennies to make, smell horribly, burn easily, and apparently keep gay merchants alive. According to gay Canadian magazine Extra!, Priape didn't have much of a chance after health advocates hit on poppers. "A fixture of gay villages, Priape says it has been struggling since Health Canada demanded retailers take poppers off the shelves. In June, just before the Pride season, Health Canada issued a warning asking retailers to stop selling and distributing alkyl nitrites or, as they are more commonly known on the party scene, the popular drug “poppers.” “For us that represented a huge amount of sales and profit, so that’s what triggered it all,” Leblanc says. “It’s not so much percentage of sales, but the gross profit it brought in, and proportionately it was very significant.” Extra! reports. 58 employees are now unemployed, and numerous creditors, including many gay businesses, will be short almost 3/4 of a million (apparently Canadian) dollars. I hate poppers for many reasons, yet I used them for quite awhile until it just seemed so stupid to be inhaling directly into my brain crap made in a bathtub. At least that's how the first popper salesman I knew made it. He could get $20 a bottle at the gay nightclub, even more if it was late and guys going home needed the rush. This individual eventually became a millionaire, supposedly a philanthropist, yet he was not well liked. But, an entrepreneur he was, and I'll bet many an orgasm is credited to him as the popper rush kept guys going and going and going all night long.

Ah-choo!

A former soldier who showed up in a pink polo shirt at Michael Lucas' Hell's Kitchen studio ended up going to jail on September 12th after things got out of hand when he demanded to know why he was not getting more work. 28 year old Michael Caswell “...just stormed into our offices and started beating people up,” claimed [Michael] Lucas. “Several people locked themselves into the editing suite. You had to see his eyes the veins bulging on his forehead. It was scary.” (Gallo's bulging forehead not prominent here.) Gallo was charged with trespass, not assault, and ended up in jail, pink shirt and all. “It was a nightmare,” he said of the ordeal made no easier by his flamboyant attire. NY Post The Post further reports that happy ending may be in store for all: "The 28-year-old makes approximately $1500 per film and is a top model at the multimillion-dollar agency. We were using him all the time,” said Lucas. “He’s very popular, he’s very good looking and he’s one of my top four performers. We’d love him to return if he goes through very serious anger management and see a shrink.” So goes another day in the glamorous life of a male sex god. Caswell was honorably discharged from the Navy after he confessed his orientation to a navy chaplain in November of 2010 shortly before President Barack Obama ended Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. http://nypost.com/2013/10/21/jail-a-nightmare-for-gay-porn-guy-thrown-into-lockup-while-wearing-pink/ No doubt that Gallo still looks pretty in pink, but I couldn't find that shot!

I am still signed in every time I visit, despite signing out when I leave. I don't want folks thinking I spend my whole day here!

That was my understanding as well. Not so much a sauna scene as a street scene.

Welcome to the site. Enjoy Rio, but I do not know that scene. Surely they have it though!

It just sunk in on me! Five Weeks in India? By yourself? How adventurous. Given your health problems in Cambodia, be extra careful in India. I am jealous!

Moot question.

I wonder if he had become too hot for The Guardian to handle. In other words, forced out.