Naked hugs! Yesterday, January 3, 2019, was a very special day for my friend, Jay, and myself. It was the tenth anniversary of the day that we met and for the both of us it seems as though we were the best of friends from the first moment that we met. For those reading here, I’ve written several posts on the circumstances surrounding our first meeting and its aftermath that were posted here last year. In case you missed those posts, I’m offering those links below.
Category: Aaron
Bottom’s Up! End of December, 2018
As difficult as it is to believe, we’re now at the end of yet another calendar year and the end of December, 2018. That means it’s time to post a Bottom’s-Up! tribute not only for December but for all of 2018, as well. The man in the image above demonstrates what many of us are feeling this time of the year. Serious fatigue of the past year and the need for a serious rest to face the adventures and challenges as we embark into a new one. This unfortunate soul is unable to muster the energy to finish crossing the stream without taking a brief nap!
We’re At War!
December is one of those rare months during the calendar year that offers a profusion of holidays. So much for “hot fun in the summertime” as here in the Northern Hemisphere, usually the opposite is true. However, our same gender loving (gay) and bisexual brothers in the Southern Hemisphere have the opportunity to enjoy both the festivities and the warm weather simultaneously! “Go for the gold, Down Under!” You now are responsible for enjoying the season for all the rest of us!
Socialization Required!
There has to be a better method to gather together a very diverse and sometimes dysfunctional community of academics to socially interact with one another. The president of my university this year sent out a very disturbing and somewhat insulting memorandum to all staff entitled: “Mandatory Holiday Luncheon.” In it, this generally respected and revered leader bemoaned the fact that the annual presidential holiday luncheon, held every December, has suffered from declining attendance and disinterest. Therefore, this year’s gathering, held earlier this week, was mandatory.
Southern Hemisphere Bare Salute!
As we in the Northern Hemisphere begrudgingly prepare to weather the horrors of the 2018 – 2019 Winter, I feel it is only fitting to par homage and tribute to all of our bare counterparts in the Southern Hemisphere as they joyfully prepare to frolic into their well deserved Summer-time. After all, they have been patient with me as I gloat over our past two summers – I should at least recognize their patience and tolerance and offer them their due. After all, fair is only fair when it works both ways!
Black Friday: The Madness Begins
Despite what the featured photograph and title may infer, the designation “Black Friday” has nothing whatsoever to do with a racial reference. Instead, the term “Black Friday” is what is known in the U.S. retail industry as the official first day of the Christmas holiday shopping season. It is the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday (always the fourth Thursday in November) which means it is always a Friday. The “Black” designation is in reference to the customary business practice of posting commercial profits in black ink and commercial losses in red ink.
Thank You!
I am sincerely grateful and humbled by all the comments on my post from one week ago, entitled “My Father.” (Click the link to view). The encouragement and love that inspired that post sustained me through a very difficult and painful transition in my life. I am grateful to all of you who read the post and especially those who left a message. There are no words to express the appreciation and comfort that I felt simply in knowing that others were sharing in my own pain.
My Father
On the day of the recent USA congressional elections, I received a text message from my oldest brother that summoned me home (Greece) immediately. My father was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in his lower abdomen (one kidney, his liver and his colon) three weeks prior. Instead of the couple of months remaining (as the oncologists had advised us), the prediction was changed to “a matter of days.” I caught the earliest flight to Athens available and Aaron, my spouse, was followed me a day after.
A Penny For My Thoughts: Are We Muddying The Rainbow Flag?
Last year (2017) when a revised version of the rainbow flag was unfurled in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA in honor of Gay Pride, it generated quite a controversy. It continues to create heated debate now, more than a year afterwards. This uproar is all centered on a version of the rainbow flag that Philadelphia chose to symbolize their support of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, and their commitment to respecting diversity. Honorable intentions and no disrespect were intended but obviously not taken by everyone.
Continue reading A Penny For My Thoughts: Are We Muddying The Rainbow Flag?
Autumn, 2018
The seasonal change from Summer into Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere isn’t as obvious or pronounced as it appears in the above image. Overnight, the grasses didn’t suddenly fade as they did in the picture but like it or not, the seasons have started to transition from one into the other. Before the passage of many more days, we’ll all begin to notice the thinning of the foliage and the dropping of the outdoor temperatures. The reality is that the days for outside nudity are seriously numbered.
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 