In the USA, tomorrow is Election Day. In every voting district, the entire U.S. Congressional House of Representatives is standing for election. In the U.S. Senate, many Senators are also facing their constituents today. It is not a presidential election year (we could not be so fortunate), but we do have a duty and obligation to determine policies and governance for the next two years. Please, do not stand around waiting for others to decide for you. Please get out and exercise your choice for our future if you have not already done so.
Category: reflection
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?
Thursday Footnote: Ton Dou Arrest
This “Friday Footnote” post I’m publishing here a day early, Thursday. I’ve already composed my “Bare GLBTQ History Month” feature for tomorrow (Friday). Rather than update or trying to re-schedule, it is far easier for me to publish this now. Many of you commented and/or contacted me on Anthony Lynn Douglas’ arrest in New York City in early September at the petition signing for his Bare Body Freedom movement rally in Times Square. He and others were permitted by the New York City to be completely bare at that rally.
New Class This Year!
The new academic year began for me almost weeks ago. A new journey with new faces and new students to enlighten and to inspire (hopefully). It is also exciting for me, personally and professionally, as I am one of a team of three professors collaborating on a new class being offered this semester. As this upcoming November 11, 2018, marks the centenary of the signing of the armistice that ended the Great War of 1914-1918 (World War I), this particular class offers a retrospective on that event, the “war to end all wars.”
Reflections: End of August, 2018
Aretha Franklin
Queen of Soul
1942 – 2018
The entertainment world collectively mourned the loss of Aretha Franklin, affectionately known as the Queen of Soul, during this month. Ms. Franklin, born on March 25, 1942, died after entering hospice care on Thursday, August 16, 2018. She was 76 years old. I personally never knew her, but I grew up in the era of her music. Being Deaf, I never heard her sing but I did read the lyrics to her songs and fully recognize and understand her tremendous impact on the popular culture.
Dive Into August!
It’s now or never, folks! Let’s get ready because before we all know it, there’s a very massive change approaching and time is running out. The clock is already ticking and the next we know, it will be the beginning of Autumn, 2018! There, I wrote the unspeakable! Today begins the first day of the final full month of Summer, 2018. Next month, the seasons will change and this one will be over. History. Past. For a summer-freak as myself, the days of doom and gloom are upon us all.
Skinny-Dipping Photos
As unbelievable as it may seem to some, there are instances where we may encounter a less-than-blissful skinny-dipper (naked or nude swimmer). More often than not, there are usually extenuating circumstances that create this anomaly. Most people are sublimely relieved to be experiencing clothes-freedom and a leisurely swim simultaneously. When we think of recreational swimming, it is associated with freedom from stress and other worldly cares and responsibilities. It is, under normal situations, an activity that is performed after our toils and professional duties are long over.
Reflections: End of June, 2018
We are now facing the end of June, 2018 – and the end of another wonderful month of GLBTQ Nude Pride. Reflection means many things to almost every person, it even has multiple definitions for every one of us. The image above depicts three different men holding a mirror. However, upon close inspection, only one image is reflected on the mirror itself. Yet that image isn’t one of the men above. So the question then becomes: Who’s image is it? And that answer we may never know.
Reflections: End of May, 2018
Sometimes, even just thinking about how it feels to be bare is almost as good as actually being clothes-free. I’m referring to those times in our lives when being nude just simply isn’t a viable option – such as work. Even though I am open about being a naturist/nudist (bare practitioner) with most of my co-workers, I still don’t have the option of coming onto campus in just my birthday suit (skin). My university and the District of Columbia don’t extend to me that freedom.
Reflections: End of April, 2018
April has come and gone. One of the shortest months of the year, it is the very shortest month of the Spring season. June is another 30-day month but as Summer arrives on June 21, it technically isn’t an entirely Spring month. What matters most, at least in my humble opinion, is that the weather becomes warmer and the daylight lasts longer. At long last, the outdoor temperatures here have finally turned pleasant. This is absolutely my time of the year!
ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! 