Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Hands-On Flogging with SDLOG

Hands On Flogging – Friday March 2nd. @ 7:00 PM. at the Joyce Beers Center behind Trader Joe’s – Hillcrest.
by Mike Underwood and Bryan Teague - Mr San Diego Leather 2009, American Leather Boy 2010)

This is Men's-only meeting

Description:

If you have a flogger,  please make sure to bring it! 

Flogging,  it is one of the corner stones of BDSM play.  It is used to warm someone up for play with other things,  it can be a scene unto itself. 

Hands on flogging is all about you.   We will go through the basics on using a flogger, and safety issues and concerns,  then you will have the opportunity to experience being flogged, and with throwing a flogger.  

Experienced with a flogger?  Come out and join in!  Share your knowledge and experience! 


Presenter Bio's

Mike has been an active in the community since he arrived in San Diego in 2006.  He lives his life in leather, whether he is wearing it or not, and embodies the concepts that are the foundation of Leather, trust, honor and respect. He owns two boy's.  He has worked diligently in the community both as a leader and volunteer for organizations such as the Beat and Greet, San Diego League of Gentlemen, Club-X, San Diego Leather Realm.  He holds a firm belief that as a community, we need to work together, but at the same time, each group needs its own safe space for play, education and socializing.

Bryan Teague, American Leatherboy 2010, has been involved in the Leather Community since 1990. He and his Daddy moved to San Diego, CA in 2006.

He is the workshop coordinator for the San Diego League Of Gentlemen, webmaster for the San Diego Leather Pride and the Mr. San Diego Leather websites, host for the monthly Beat and Greets, and is a member of Club-X.  Bryan has presented workshops on Fisting, Flogging, Piercing and Electricity, and is currently presenting on Daddy/boy relationships.  

Review of the Desert Fetish Authority Kickoff Event

I drove up from San Diego to show support for Desert Fetish Authority (DFA), which is FetishMenSanDiego's new brother club. Their kickoff event on Thursday, February 9th, 2012 in the back room at Hunter's bar attracted around 120 men, which was an excellent, exceptional beginning. This photo (taken toward the end) shows about 1/4 of the men who attended:


I spoke to many of the men in this picture, and I am certain that DFA will succeed, with fine, honorable men like these at the forefront.  In order to explain why, I will have to start with a bad example:
I attended the Mr. Toolshed 2012 contest a few months ago, and it was a horrid experience… Not because of the contest, or the bar, or anything like that. I just hated how little brotherhood was exhibited. It was a chaotic and stressful night, with the emcee screaming "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" at the drunken, rowdy and disrespectful crowd multiple times. I wanted to yell it too, and I even got into a fight with a bitter old queen who insisted on yelling out crap just to be a prick during the contestants' 90-second speeches. I left directly afterward, grieving for a community so broken-apart.
I have seen the same thing everywhere for years, outside of San Diego. FMSD has had such brotherhood, kindness and respect for a while now that it makes other cities look like the Law of the Jungle has prevailed. That's what happens when nobody takes conscious responsibility for the safety, well-being and success of every event.

Every city's fetishmen community has been starving for a safe series of spaces where we can just R-E-L-A-X and be happy. Nobody wants to be stressed-out and off-balance, but we never know when it's okay to be sweet, brotherly and comfortable. So, we put on our self-defensive behaviors, and nobody has a nice time.

And now, DFA has arrived, and their first event was peaceful, effective, joyful and 100% solid. Why? Because THAT WAS WHAT WAS PROMISED. They stayed in integrity. The guys of all generations who participated fully, mingling, laughing and hugging, are the future of our community.

The old "A-List" paradigm used to be restricted to whoever had the "best" genes, or the most money, or the biggest muscles. The new paradigm rewards those who are most authentic, most fully self-expressed, and with kindness above all. DFA is clearly all that.

I heard that some guys left the DFA kickoff event early because they were bored. They must not have read the original publicity, which clearly spelled out what to expect. Every promise made was kept, but these guys arrived expecting a HAWT PARTEE.  I think we have plenty of those, and that need has been met.  We all know what a dick looks like, and where to get more. Maybe those guys weren't yet ready for the next phase in our community's history, but they may get to that point some day.

As word gets around (and it will, very quickly), more and more well-socialized grownups will start turning up and staying around. More young guys will gather around DFA, because of the need for admirable role-models. More older, wise and experienced men will get involved, because they will be celebrated for the wisdom they can share.

How do I know? Because that is what happened when we did the same thing in San Diego. FMSD's kickoff event only attracted 53 men, but it has avalanched into almost 1,700 followers in the last year and a half. Palm Springs clearly has the numbers to match or exceed us.

I look forward to years of relaxed, unified and brotherly events in Palm Springs!

Cigars & Boots at the Hole

The monthly Cigars & Boots event is now being held at the Hole.  We will meet early, at 2PM, on the upper deck, in fetish gear if at all possible. That way, we get our choice of good parking, and can socialize before the big crowds arrive to admire the hot kinky men above them.
Having hot men in leather/uniform/fetishwear at the Hole on a Sunday is a great way to attract more men to join our list, so they can attend FMSD's other events later on. When hot men show up in a group, newbies start gathering around us fast!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Upcoming Events

-=-=-=-=-=- SOCIAL COLUMN

I've added a LOT of information about the big annual events coming up, that tend to attract a lot of San Diegans. If you are going to attending the out-of-town events, NOW would be a good time to make travel plans.  Hotels fill up fast, and last-minute airline tickets ain't cheap!

Los Angeles Fetish Pride 2012 is coming up in late March. The Events Listing is pretty comprehensive. It's well-worth planning your schedule around, and I hope to have updated information as the weeks go by. I am definitely planning to attend the events during the final weekend (particularly the Anvil Club party). It's wonderful see so many friendly faces each year!

FMSD's brother groups in Palm Springs are doing very well - Palm Springs Leather Order of the Desert (PSLOD) has proven itself over years and years as being the classic-style men's brotherhood, hosting Palm Springs Leather Pride on the second weekend in November each year. As of this Thursday, Desert Fetish Authority (DFA) is officially starting in a different direction, just as SDLOG and FMSD cover different needs for the same community in San Diego. There is a need for experimentation and risk-taking in 2012 and beyond, because we have guys among us who haven't got the same baggage as us older guys.  New times demand newer thinking!  Check out DFA's newest information-blast, and see some new thoughts being expressed.  All groups mentioned here are dedicated to brotherhood, Tribe, and being proud of who we are!

The Imperial Court de San Diego Coronation XL is coming up this weekend. Mr. San Diego Leather 2002 Tom Dickerson is running for Emperor, and 
details may be found here if you would like to show him support.

The STUD NIGHT party at the Eagle on Friday, March 10th is going to be crazy-busy, which is why they are starting a bit early. Their special guest is (LINK SERIOUSLY NOT SAFE FOR WORK) Michael Brandon.

One more change for the Feb. 15 Men's Discussion this upcoming Wednesday, Feb. 15: Sam's chosen topic is in honor of Black History Month, where we will discuss Racism (and racism play).

On Sunday, Feb. 19, our own DJ Shane Stiel (who seems to be providing the FMSD soundtrack these days) is requesting that his brothers on this list tune into GayInternetRadioLive.com to listen to an hour of his music, starting at 11am. The more listeners he has, the better his chances of winning a DJ contest.

-=-=-=-=-=- UPCOMING EVENTS

Thu. Feb. 9 at 9pm till 1am; Red Hankie Social Night at the Eagle.  Second Thu. of each month

Fri. Feb. 10: Mr. San Diego Eagle 2012 Contestant Registration Deadline. The entry form can be downloaded here.


Fri. Feb. 10, 9PM-1AM: DRESS IT UP/STRIP IT DOWN at the Eagle; 2nd Fri. of each month. Hosted by Eli. It's the nicest, friendliest crowd you'll see at a leather bar. Here are a few reviews, if you haven't been to one yet. Dress to impress if you've got the gear, or show us some skin - I promise you'll be glad that you did. Here are some pictures from Oct.FebruaryMarchAprilJune and September. Notice how HAPPY everybody is. You deserve to be that happy too.


Sat. Feb. 11, 9PM onward: UNIFORM NIGHT at the Eagle. Wear Military Gear or Civil Uniform Gear. Second Sat. of each month.

Sun. Feb. 12, 5PM, CIGARS & BOOTS on the patio at Redwing Bar & Grill. First Sun. of each month. If you like a low-pressure, comfortable event with men that you can relate to, this one is for you. 



Wed. Feb. 15, 7-10PM: FilmOut San Diego presents Breakfast at Tiffany's at the Birch North Park Theatre. $10 cash at the door, and bring extra cash for the fabulous raffle items!   I will be there at 6:45PM SHARP with free tickets for my FMSD buddies, so get there early!  Upcoming movies: Mar 14th-HAIR, Apr 18th-Cry-Baby, May 16th-Sordid Lives.

Wed. Feb. 15, 7-9PM: MEN'S MONTHLY DISCUSSIONS. Moderated by California LeatherSir 2012 Sam. This has turned out to be ideal for building friendships by getting to know men outside of the bar/cruising scene. First and third Wednesday of each month. Topic of discussion is Racism.


Wed. Feb. 15, 7-11PM: TNG social event at Bamboo Lounge. TNG stands for "The Next Generation", which is a kinky social group for younger men and women from 18 to 35 years old. This particular event is in the style of a group discussion. Third Wednesday of each month.


Thu. Feb. 16, 9-PM-Midnight: Yellow Hankie Social Night at the Eagle. First and Third Thu. of each month.


Mr. San Diego Eagle Contest Weekend:
Fri. Feb 17, 10pm: Mr. San Diego Eagle MEET & GREET @ The Eagle
Sat. Feb 18, 9pm: Mr. San Diego Eagle 2012 CONTEST
 @ The Eagle

Sat. Feb. 18, 9:30PM-2AM: LL Bear Dance Party @ Rich's San Diego w/ DJ Shane Stiel. Shane is the excellent DJ that played for the BELT party, and he's a member of FMSD. Here is my review of this event.

Sat. Feb. 25, 10pm: Underwear Party and Contest at the Eagle. Hosted by the new Mr. SD Eagle 2012. Fourth Sat. of each month.

Fri, Mar. 2, 7-9PM; SDLOG EDUCATIONAL EVENT.  First Friday of each month. at the Joyce Beers Community Centerby the Aladdin restaurant near Ralph's supermarket on University.

Sat. Mar. 3, 9PM-2AM; BearNight Dance at Numbers. $5 before 10PM. First Sat. of each month. Lots of leathermen attend this event, and it comes highly recommended… Here are some reviews.


Wed. Mar. 7, 7-9PM: MEN'S MONTHLY DISCUSSIONS Moderated by California LeatherSir 2012 SamThis has turned out to be ideal for building friendships by getting to know men outside of the bar/cruising scene. First and third Wednesday of each month. Here is a picture from the December 21 event. It's a great excuse for the generations to meet, build friendships and share mentoring. 

Wed. Mar. 7, 9PM: PUPPY NIGHT at the Eagle, hosted by Beep and San Diego Puppy Patrol (SDPP). First Wed. of each month.

Thu. Mar.8, 9-PM-Midnight: Yellow Hankie Social Night at the Eagle. First and Third Thu. of each month.

Fri. Mar. 9, 10:00PM: STUD Night at the Eagle.  Come out and play with the BAD BoyZ of Porn!  Tonight's special guest is Michael Brandon.

Sat. Mar. 10: BELT Party at Numbers. I will be celebrating 35 years in the Leather/Kink/Fetish Tribe that evening, so come help me celebrate a life well spent!

Fri. Mar. 16, 8:30PM-1AM: FRIDAY NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy 2010, tiger - Ms San Diego Leather 2010, caryl - San Diego's premier Sea Monkey Trainer, and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. Third Fri. of each month. This is a GREAT educational event if you want some hands-on training in a safe environment.

Mr. LA Leather 2012 Contest Weekend Highlights:

Thursday, March 22: 
Southland Honors - Awards Party

Friday, March 23:
BBQ Bondage Throw Down - Pansexual bondage play party at Sanctuary LAX
Mr. LA Leather Cigar Social - The LA Eagle
Uniform & Leather Party - Formal uniform and leather reception with the Regiment, California B&B Corps & BLUF

Saturday, March 24
Tow to Tow - Mr. LA Leather Contest and Meat Rack - Off the Hook
Anvil Club - Men only Extreme Dress Code Party at Threshold

Sunday, March 25
Mr LA Leather Victory Brunch - Celebrate with the new Mr LAL at Oil Can Harry’s
Street Fair - Pansexual, multi-fetish street fair at Threshold

March 29-Apr. 1: International Ms. Leather 2012 contest in San Francisco.

Fri. Mar. 30, 8:30PM-1AM: MEN-ONLY Fri. NIGHT BEAT AND GREET, downtown, hosted by Bryan Teague - American Leatherboy and Mike Underwood - San Diego's very own Curmudgeonly teddy bear. The Men-Only version is on the FIFTH Fri. of each month, such as June 29, August 31 and Nov. 30th of 2012. There will be hands-on training for folks who want to learn from experts in a very safe environment. I will be there, teaching flogging as usual.

Sat. Apr. 21, 9PM-3AM: ANVIL CLUB up in the San Fernando Valley. I give it a rave review here. Upcoming dates include June 23, August 24 (Rubber), Oct. 20 (Uniforms) and Dec. 15.

May 25-28: International Mr. Leather 2012 Contest Weekend in Chicago.

Sunday, July 29: Up Your Alley Street Fair in San Francisco.

Sunday, September 23: Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco.


Coronation XL in San Diego

From: Kurt Wendelborg

The Imperial Court de San Diego is a very important part of our community with strong ties to our Leather Community. Our connection grows stronger this year as our own Mr. Tom Dickerson (Mr. San Diego Leather 2002) is running for Emperor of the 40th reign (2012-2013). Our dear friend Lady Ajax (AJ Turner) is running for Empress. This is an important year for the Court and the San Diego Leather Community so we look forward to your attendance.

Our own Kurt Wendelborg (Mr. SD Leather 2011), Beanstalk (Ms. Sd Leather 2011) and Mike Russell will be the Honor Guard at the Friday Night State Dinner opening the weekend. JKurt, Beanstalk and Mike along with Adam Latham, Annie Romano, Anthony Rollar (SDL 2010 and IML 2nd Runner Up 2011), Mickey D and tiger will be the entourage in Tom's stage presentation on Saturday night at Coronation XL.

The structure of Tom and Ajax's bids for Emperor and Empress are ticket sales for the Saturday night Coronation XL event. Each ticket they sell for Coronation XL counts as one vote. Members of the Imperial Court each get two votes, then all votes tallied. Coronation tickets are available from Tom Dickerson by emailing him at LetsBeHeroesAgain@yahoo.com.

There are two main events over Coronation Weekend ending with a casual brunch. The weekend opens with the State Dinner on Friday night (Sold Out) and more importantly Coronation on Saturday night. Weekend ends with a Victory Brunch.

CORONATION XL:

What: Imperial Court de San Diego Coronation XL - 40th anniversary of this event
When: Saturday, February 10, Doors at 5 PM, Dinner at 6 PM, Event at 7 PM
Tickets: General Admission $75, VIP Admission $95

VICTORY BRUNCH (knowing Tom will be our new Emperor)

What: Victory Brunch at Numbers on Park Blvd.
When: Sunday 11AM - 2PM
Tickets: $25

If you have any other questions about Coronation weekend or general Imperial Court upcoming and ongoing activity, please email Kurt Wendelborg at kurtwsd@gmail.com. Kurt has been attending Court events and collaborating with members of the Court all year.

Men's Discussion: Racism

Hosted by California Leather Sir 2012 Sam

WHEN: 7-9PM, Wednesday, February 15, 2012

HOW MUCH: Free of charge, with an entirely optional donation to show appreciation for the use of the space.

In the spirit of Black History, this is a topic I feel people tend to overlook. This discussion is meant to bring awareness that some aspects of our community may be stuck in "old ways". Race play as a fetish: where are the lines drawn between play and life? This is not a one-sided issue but there are many facets to this.

Let us come together and expand our minds and hearts to the possiblity that racism may be alive and "well". But let us also come together as the strong brotherhood that we are and discuss this potentially touchy subject.

Past Discussion Topics: Long-Term Relationships, Vanilla/Kink Relationships, Titleholders/Community-oriented, Puppies, Transmen.


Future Possible Discussion Topics: HIV-positive guys, HIV-negative guys, military and veterans, rubber men, boot fetishists, Masters/slaves, Bears, younger/older relationships, Know-It-Alls and Newbies, and on and on…

Monday, February 6, 2012

Desert Fetish Authority Launch Party

(Note from Tony - I will be at this event, to show support. This is a kickoff of an entirely new paradigm for Palm Springs' kinky gay male community. They deserve to succeed BIG, and I urge everyone to attend if they can, and to get on the DFA email list for future events.)

Written by Rik Jammer

Desert Fetish Authority (DFA) Launch Party
Thursday, February 9
7:30-9:30 pm

Hunters
302 East Arenas Road
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(760) 323-0700

It’s only a few days till Thursday’s DFA Launch Party and we couldn’t be more excited! As of today, 135 of you have subscribed to our email updates and 55 more of you have joined our Facebook Group. That’s pretty incredible, given that we’ve only been around a couple of weeks!

We’ve gotten plenty of requests for more information about the party, so here are more details:

What’s Gonna Happen?

Our Launch Party will be just that—a party! Expect a casual, social atmosphere filled with sexy, geared-up guys! Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a hardcore player or a curious newcomer who wants to learn more about gear and kinky play.

Speaking of kinky play, we’ll have two demos. One will be a more formal flogging demo, but the other will be an experiential electrical one. We’ll actually wire up one of our organizers and set him loose in the crowd so that anybody who wants to can feel the sparks fly from his finger tips!

We’ll have survey cards around and ask you to fill them out so that we can learn more about what you’d like out of the group—stuff like when, where and how often you’d like to get together and what sort of things you’d like to do! We’ll also ask you to tell us about your skills and interests and give you the chance to offer help in organizing future activities.

More than anything, though, the night is about making friends and building community. We’ll keep talking at you to a minimum, because we’d much rather talk with you! Like all of our events, the DFA Launch Party is about enjoying each other, our fetishes and our gear!

What Should I Wear? 

What makes you feel hot and sexy? Put it on! We don’t have a dress code!

We’re hearing from lots of guys who say that they don’t own any gear and are afraid to come. You’re welcome too! Everybody owns something that makes them feel studly and confident! Wear it!

The only restrictions we have are the laws regarding public nudity. Bare asses must have a one inch strip up the crack.

Who’s Gonna Be There?

All we know is that the buzz has been huge and that this is likely going to be the biggest fetish night since Leather Pride! Guys from as far away San Diego and Phoenix have told us that they’re coming to wish us well!

Regardless, we need you! Come show the Valley that you want and need an organization like DFA!

What Can I Do to Help?

Join us, and invite your friends! Don’t take it for granted that they already know! Tell them about our Web site and our Facebook Group.

Then gear up, come out, smile and have fun!