No matter what the time of year, a good snack appeals to most of us! And there is no better place to search for one than our refrigerator! A nutritious and tasty treat offers us energy to parade our bare buttocks all day long!
Lounging away!
During the “transition seasons,” the Autumn and the Spring, many of us find the need to lounge and to conserve energies for the major seasons, Summer and Winter. There’s nothing wrong with allowing our bottoms to prepare for being up!
Bottoms-Up! Natural lounging!
Those of us who live near the Equator have the distinct ability to chill and relax in the bottoms-up! tradition practically all year long!
Benefits of group tanning!
An advantage of unseasonably warm weather is the freedom to go outside and absorb the sunshine and the comfortable temperatures – all while working on tanning our skin!
Floral highlights!
The growth of flowers allows us to adorn and decorate ourselves in a festive manner while being completely bottoms-up!
Fitness!
Early in the season is a great time to use exercise to tone-up our appearance when we appear bottoms-up!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, May 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “May Day!”
The month of April, annually, is the first full month once Spring arrives. In keeping with the promise of the rebirth and renewal of our natural habitat, there are two events in April that afford us all the chance to join with others in renewing our local world.
Arbor Day is observed nationally on April 28, 2023. Arbor Day is most often celebrated by a public tree planting according to municipal custom and needs. As growth patterns vary from state to state, individual communities frequently host the local events without national fanfare. Arbor Day enables preservation of one of our most vital national resources: trees!
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Seashore clean-up!
Earth Day: April 22, 2023!
Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. The event seeks to raise the level of environmental awareness globally and it is thus far, successful. It focuses on the various adaptations and innovations that not only improve our quality of life but also impact our physical surroundings – earth and nature – in a positive and productive manner.
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Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “April Appeal!”
Wait a minute! The topic for today is: “April Showers!” As in precipitation from the clouds above. Not skinny-dipping in an indoor pool! Please! Stay focused!
Confusion!
Luckily, the title for today’s posting here on ReNude Pride is both inaccurate and misleading. Weather-wise, rain showers aren’t limited or restricted to just this month alone. They happen frequently – all year long. During the winter months, they appear as snow showers if not blizzards! Thankfully, they are highly unlikely now that Spring is here!
Hygiene-wise, my spouse, Aaron, and I shower daily – all year long. Cleanliness is important to the both of us, personally as well as professionally. As we are both dedicated bare practitioners, our preference is without clothing (whenever possible). Therefore, our natural (unclothed) appearance is a priority!
April shower!
So, a follow-up question is this: How did the phrase “April showers” originate? I’m sorry to admit that I have absolutely no theory to offer. However, I do have some images I’ve collected over the years that clearly show that bare practitioners do indeed make plans to protect themselves from rain-showers, no matter in what month they occur.
Which lead us into another group of questions: If we’re bare practitioners, don’t we skinny-dip? Why then do we need protection from a shower? Another valid question that I really don’t have a plausible answer. Perhaps it does have a relationship as to the availability of cotton towels for everyone?
May I borrow your towel?
I readily confess that neither Aaron nor I own raingear designed “nothing to hide.” However, we each have rainbow flag inspired umbrellas. After all, patriotism is important! Bare practitioners are a very loyal and proud community!
Bare transparency!
Perhaps there is some creditability in the childhood rhyme: April showers bring May flowers!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 3, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “ReNude Pride: Personified!”
Daylight Savings Time (DST) returns to the USA on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 2:00 a.m., local time!
At 2:00 a.m., advance your timepieces exactly 1 full hour ahead!
The purpose of the time change is to theoretically add one hour of natural daylight each and everyday until the time changes back in November. During the Great War – World War I – this measure was adopted in order to increase the production of war supplies to ensure victory.
There is a growing movement to make the time change a permanent fixture in our daily lives. Until that becomes real, we need to endure the time changes as they occur.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, March 13, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Spring Resolutions, 2023!”
African-Americans constitute almost 13% of the population in the USA yet they represent almost 50% of all categories in HIV/AIDS related statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 1999, alarmed over the effects of HIV/AIDS on the Black American community, the CDC, U.S. Public Health Service, representatives of organizations serving African-Americans and persons of faith met to address concerns over rising infection rates. One of the results of these meetings was the decision to observe February 7, annually, as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). The first NBHAAD was conducted on February 7, 2000.
Working together to preserve our future!
NBHAAD mandates four (4) key components present for a successful awareness campaign. Each component is designed to build individual and community strengths in combatting HIV/AIDS. The four elements are as follows:
Get educated: know the facts about transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Get involved: learn about opportunities available in community prevention efforts.
Get tested: know your status and encourage/empower others to do the same.
Get treatment: to receive proper healthcare and support needed to successfully live with HIV.
KNOWLEDGE = POWER!
Get tested in order to know your status.
Get active! `~ Get involved! ~ Take control!
Testing!
Basic Facts: HIV/AIDS:
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is a result of HIV infection.
HIV is not spread by everyday, casual contact. HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
Only a doctor can diagnose AIDS.
Remember: It is not who we are but rather what we do that puts us at risk for HIV infection!
Analysis proves that people learn and retain knowledge most effectively from people they perceive as most like themselves. NBHAAD is an African-American based organization to provide direction, guidance and implementation to the Black American population specifically. It represents a resource that is accessible, authentic and dependable.
Kory Mitchell: The “Magic Johnson” of the Gay Porn Industry!
Legendary openly gay film star, Kory Mitchell, (sometimes known as “Kory Kong”) born in Germany of African-American and German parents, became an HIV+ gay porn industry advocate and educator of HIV/AIDS prevention skills. He was quickly identified as the “Magic Johnson of Gay Pornography!” On the very first NBHAAD, Kory and Magic appeared together throughout the day to encourage involvement with NBHAAD and the options available to living and thriving as HIV+.
Kory Mitchell: tattoos!
No matter his career in gay pornography, after Kory became established professionally, he had “blessed” tattooed on his back shoulder and a cross tattooed onto his abdomen. The purpose was to remind his fans of his Christian faith. Shortly after his diagnosis as HIV+, he had the word “hope” tattooed onto his neck. Instead of the letter “o,” he had a red AIDS awareness ribbon used.
U = U!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, February 10, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “S’Naked!”
The wearing of a facial mask reduces the transmission of germs both to and from the person wearing the protection.
All Northern Hemisphere residents are aware that the influenza season is now underway. Not only are questions now posed as to the effectiveness of the current flu immunizations; serious doubts are constantly expressed. Additionally, concerns and fears are arising due to the unknown numbers of variants to the recent coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. A report of the global precautions implemented almost three years ago are critical to a disaster of a repeat outbreak on the economic, social, political and countless other sustaining systems worldwide.
China, our world’s mega-entity continues to remain vulnerable to the initial coronavirus COVID-19 . Another major eruption could prove catastrophic for us all, no matter where we live. Continued diligence and monitoring is essential for the well-being of humanity (and this means us all)!
There are some facts we should all know about disease transmission (spread) that can help us prevent extra discomfort and misery, or worse, in our daily lives. First, there are four criteria that need to be met in order for diseases to be transferred.
Germs
No difference whether bacterial or viral, a pathogen (germ) must be present.
Susceptible
The person needs to be vulnerable (receptive) to the infection. A strong immune system and/or vaccination reduces the reception to a disease. Sometimes, a recent bout with the disease creates antibodies that immediately fight off any new infection.
Quantity
In order to become sick, the pathogens need to be in enough amount (quantity) for the infection to occur.
Entry
There needs to be an opening or point of entry for the germs to infect the body. These can be minor skin abrasions, an open sore, an oral cavity, etc.
If any of these four conditions are not present or met, disease transmission (spread) does not happen!
There are some often overlooked possibilities that all of us encounter in our everyday lives that expose us to all types of nasty microbes that can make us sick. Below are some cesspools of germs just waiting to enter our bodies.
Kitchen sponges and dishrags: According to some, these contain more germs than those found in a toilet bowl. Worse, strains of the drug-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) – also known as “flesh eating bacteria” – have been found in not only commercial eateries but in household kitchens as well. Sanitize (wash) the sponge every time you use your dishwasher or microwave it after dampening it. Throw the dishrag into the washing machine.
Kitchen sinks, toothbrush holders and countertops: Clean these regularly. For sinks and countertops, a tablespoon of bleach in a quart (liter) of water once or twice a week is sufficient. Clean the toothbrush holder weekly in the dishwasher or wash with soapy dishwashing detergent.
Public electronic “touch spots”: Keep personal size hand sanitizer available and use immediately after contact. Wash hands with hot water and soap as soon as possible after contact (in addition to hand sanitizer).
Bathroom faucets, TV remotes, refrigerator handles, doorknobs, etc.: Cold and influenza viruses can live up to 24 hours on these surfaces, perhaps even longer. Regularly clean with a disinfectant disposable wipe or bleach and water.
Shared items: writing utensils, tools, grooming items, etc.: Avoid multiple person use as much as possible. Use disposable gloves, a new pair for each item shared. Throw away immediately after use.
Spatial reserve/social distances: Avoid congestion and keep a safe space all around you when out in public. Maintain a respectful distance from others when waiting in lines to enter or to exit.
Fortify your immune system: One of the most effective ways is diet. Also, orange juice (Vitamin C) helps to keep the immune system operating efficiently.
Frequent handwashing: Wash with hot water and soap as often as possible every day and throughout the year.
It is vital for every one of us to recall the recent practices and routines concerning health to ensure our immune system’s optimal efficiency. We all need to keep our local health services aware of any deviations or inconsistencies in our own health as well as that of those we hold dear and love.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, January 20, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Hot!”
Our last month of 2022, and our last Bottoms-Up! feature for this entire year! A new series begins with the beginning of a new month and a new year tomorrow! Time for us to usher one farewell to buttocks and to prepare for another season of appreciation for our anatomy!
A farewell grin for 2022!
Buttocks out of the closet!
Full buttocks viewing is a great way to spend the time each day! We can accentuate our thrills in being completely clothes free and without any guilt and/or shame!
A new rear for an entirely new year!
As we all “kiss” 2022 farewell, we can utilize the same pair of lips to welcome us all to 2023!
Happy buttocks for all of 2023!
Bottoms-Up! can be admired and appreciated by all of us, whether inside facilities and homes or outside with only nature and other bare practitioners around us!
Bottoms-Up! Pyramid construction!
Naked hugs to all!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, Sunday, January 1, 2023, and the proposed topic is: “Happy Nude Year, 2023!”
Both my spouse, Aaron, and I now fanatically disregard and/or ignore the inconvenient habit of “new year’s resolutions!” We live in the Northern Hemisphere; it is barren and cold here. Neither one of us is motivated enough to initiate any life altering changes during this period of frigid outdoor temperatures. Additionally, the hours of natural daylight is reduced due to the position of the sun. Who needs another impediment?
Instead of trying and then trying, again, to introduce a change in our daily routine, Aaron and I opt to focus on the positive and play (have fun or “make mischief”) while we’re confined indoors due to the inclement weather conditions outside. Our goal is to survive the hibernation as best as we possibly can and introduce the practice of “Spring Resolutions” – change as the climate and daylight improves!
This alternate plan not only reduces the risk of failure and frustration of these resolutions. The mental process of adaptation is better in Spring than it is during the Winter which greatly adds to the chances of success.
Also, the return of colour, as in the flowers and the foliage, to the natural environment enhances productivity and an encouraging outcome. This helps us to stay positive and resourceful. The longer spans of daylight boosts our flexibility!
Reduce the number of goals! A lower amount increases both achievement and concentration! One step forward makes the result realistic!
Interested? Would you like to try it? I’ll publish a gentle reminder this upcoming March!
Play naked!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 16, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Good-bye Boxers!”
This past summer, Mystic, our Siberian husky, had to be placed to rest. She was originally Aaron’s dog but when we moved in together in 2010, she welcomed me into the family. As a matter of fact, she’s probably slept with me more hours than she did with Aaron. And we have absolutely walked/ran more miles together she ever did with Aaron.
In all fairness and objectivity, Aaron is much better in the kitchen than I will ever hope to be. Although I do a terrific kettle of boiling water – my cup of tea has men lining up outside our condominium’s door! Aaron does the meal preparation and I take Mystic for the boring time of meal preparation!
We both miss Mystic: seriously and tremendously! It has now been more than four full months. While we were in Toronto a couple of weeks ago, we both agreed that enough time had lapsed from her leaving us.
It is now time to adopt!
We are both ready for another furry headmistress! Mystic was born blind. Our next one will also have a differing ability – we both recognize that distinct possibility. We both have the patience and the time to offer a special home.
Our search is underway with no timeline or deadline involved!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, December 9, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Bare-dom!”
The Red Ribbon symbolizes World AIDS Day and HIV/AIDS awareness!
Proudly show that you are aware and that you care. Wear your red ribbon!
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Basic Facts About HIV/AIDS:
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
AIDS is a result of being infected with HIV.
HIV is not spread through everyday, casual contact.
A physician is needed to diagnose AIDS.
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Red ribbon = HIV/AIDS awareness and concern!
“It’s not who we are, but rather what we do that determines the risk factor of HIV infection.” ~ Red Cross HIV/AIDS prevention education ~
Follow protocols for reducing HIV infections:
Do not share needles, syringes or drug use tools.
Avoid contact with body fluids.
Treat everyone with care and respect.
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Since the first World AIDS Day observance on December 1, 1988. The date was first conceived in August, 1987, by James Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Each year, Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis have released messages for both patients and health care providers on World AIDS Day. They have also publicly offered prayers for a world living with HIV.
In the USA, the White House (presidential home) began observing World AIDS Day under the administration of President Clinton and the iconic display of a 28-foot massive Red AIDS Awareness Ribbon on the North Portico of the building. It was the first banner to prominently hang from the White House since the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
Get tested! Know your HIV status!
Remember: a latex condom every time!
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A Red Ribbon on World AIDS Day!
Public Testimonial
by Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai
It was in the late autumn of 1978 that I came into this world. My mom would always tell me that I was an overdue birth; as it I didn’t want to leave the womb. I see it like being cuddled up in bed. Who’d want to leave such a comfy spot? To this very day, that has still remained my all-time favourite activity.
So being born in 1978 meant that I grew up in the 80’s. Wow! What a decade! Madonna, Punk fashions, Hurricane Gilbert and skyrocketing food prices – if you’re Jamaican – and…AIDS!
Being an island didn’t mean that we were isolated from world issues, especially when your island is renowned for its culture, its beaches, its sunshine and sex. I saw all the AIDS prevention ads on TV: “AIDS kills,” “stick to one steady partner,” “use a condom,” and “you can’t tell by looking.” I grew up scared! I grew up being scared of actually growing up!
Throughout high school, we teens would laugh about stuff pertaining to sex and sexuality, there was little or no sex education in school and what we learned came from porn, the dancehall music or the local pastor. The radio broadcast the death of Freddie Mercury. I remember that so well because I was wearing a Queen t-shirt at that very moment! I heard of Arthur Ashe; in school we talked and laughed about the death of Rock Hudson – I didn’t know who he was at that time. But the dearest tragedy for me was when I learned that Olympic diver Greg Louganis was diagnosed HIV+. I was personally touched because I knew who he was. He was my hero, a gay Olympic champion! And, of course, during the 80’s and 90’s, they constantly reminded us of the growing numbers of new cases.
Greg Louganis, Olympic gold medal winner!
So as I fast forward a bit to young adult, HIV/AIDS was less and less stranger. It was now a reality. It had faces! And faces that I knew!
I made friends with people working in the local AIDS support association and the church I attended did volunteering and outreach. Being scared didn’t shield me from the harsh realities of my life. I wasn’t going to be spared. AIDS was not going to have pity. Not on this little island boy. No sir!… Familiar faces kept vanishing, boys I fell in love with kept getting sick: Julian, Everton, Fred, Frank. A church member was dying. I saw their faces. I saw their bodies lying on the hospital beds. I saw them agonizing. I saw them dying…I loved them. I loved them as hard as I could. I held them in my heart; it’s all I could have done.
There was only love, that’s what they needed, not pity or shame, but Love. I understood that. I had that gift.
Allisson was my elder. She and I were friends, we weren’t that close. She was the first child my dad got from his first relationship, so, we were as close as two half-siblings who were ten years apart could be. She had her life and her family: boyfriend, son and daughter. I checked in with her as often as I could. I still thank God for that last moment I spent with her. It was in the local store where she worked. Allisson was standing there behind the counter. She looked so thin, so pale, so not all together there. Nothing could have prepared me for that grim phone call I’d received a few years later…AIDS took my beloved sister.
Princess Diana: first person of prominence to casually greet a person living with AIDS.
To be honest I did my best to play it safe, but I also took my fair share of risks. I even slept with the enemy. Why I didn’t remember all those faces, all those bodies I saw, covered in sores, laying on those hospital beds? Why didn’t I remember the agony? I should have ran! But I didn’t…I wanted cuddles instead. It only takes one encounter. I slept with this guy twice in the Summer of 2005 I was diagnosed in the Fall of that very same year. Painful urine and a creamy white substance leaking from my penis made me go to the doctor real quick.
I was alone when I went to the doctor’s, I was alone when the doctor broke the news, I was alone when I went to the hospital to have his diagnosis confirmed. I was alone to face the stark reality that I was not going to be living a normal life. Oddly though, the news that I was HIV positive wasn’t as earth shattering. It didn’t have that devastating effect as I had imagined. I didn’t scream, or cry, or ask God why? Maybe it’s my way of dealing with trauma: in silence.
My explanation is that, growing up gay prepared me for days like these. If I could handle growing up gay in a homophobic society such as mine, anything else would be a piece of cake. I kind of figured that, somehow it’s kind of logical, sad way to think. I agree it’s a bit fatalistic: being gay isn’t a death sentence! But for me it was. So I imagine I was accepting my fate. My mom was right. A gay life is one of damnation and hellfire. And this was exactly what I deserved.
Since then, I’ve celebrated seventeen birthdays, visited six countries and changed two jobs. I have met my beautiful niece who is also living with the disease as she was contaminated at birth and I am currently in a stable long-term relationship. I am disciplined regarding my meds and my combat still rages more than ever. I can’t say that I have had to face discrimination regarding AIDS as not that many people know. I do my best to stay healthy, “Sound Mind, Sound Body.” I workout regularly and I combat negativity. I have grown to love myself, understand and own who I am and cultivate self-worth. I was young but now I am mature, I have seen my friends fallen by the wayside but I am still here. I had to learn gratitude.
Living with HIV is a daily reminder that I need to turn fear and trauma into triumph. I have had a new beginning, renewed hope. A fighting chance. I have to believe, not only in myself but in whatever higher power there may be. I need to believe that somewhere out there and also within, there is a greater power…love! Doesn’t love conquer all?
Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai, our guest author!
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I am very appreciative of Rohan, the Nubian-Ikigai for sharing his personal testimonial with all of us here on ReNude Pride on the occasion of World AIDS Day,2022. His courage and honesty is a remarkable and significant accomplishment that indeed reflects his dedication to dispelling myths and misinformation about being same gender loving (gay) as well as about living with HIV. He is a commendable guest author and I sincerely invite him to contribute whenever possible!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride
Author’s Note: The next post entry for here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, December 2, 2022, and the proposed topic is: “Seasonal Signs!”
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 