18 August 2008 22:12
40,000 ft –- This morning I woke up in an unfamiliar bed with Steve Cruz in my arms. It had been a long weekend so it felt good to crawl into bed and share the warmth of someone I care about. Steve and I have known each other for years. We met in Seattle long before either of us ventured into ‘art films’. While I will admit working in the adult film industry has added common ground to our relationship, it has also created challenges to staying in touch, so working yesterday’s event together was a welcome opportunity to reconnect. We spent most of the morning together talking like old friends that haven’t seen each other in a while; laughing and commiserating over our varied adventures and shared passions. It was truly wonderful.
After my visit with Steve and our brunch with Faultline owner and PORNATHON organizer, Shawn Farnsworth, I spent most of my afternoon with Thorn, the publisher of Instigator Magazine. We discussed the second installment of the Anatomy of a Scene column my boy da Silva and I are writing for the magazine and I had the honor of providing Thorn with a second pair of eyes on the layout of the upcoming issue. As a bonus I got to model some gear for one of the features and was given the gear as a thank you. Thorn is very generous both emotionally and physically.
Throughout the day the conversations seemed to focus on issues of immediate and relevant importance to our communities. As I fly home to Seattle I am struck with one overwhelming thought: the only way those of us that are passionate about these issues can make a difference is if we coordinate our efforts and work together.
The only other thought in my tired mind is that I deeply miss my boy Derek and I can hardy wait to see him again on Thursday.
Tags: Art Films, BDSM, Boys, Events, Service
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17 August 2008 23:36
Los Angeles, CA –- In May of this year, the California Supreme Court overturned the state’s ban of same sex marriages as a violation of the state Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection guaranty. Duh. The backlash, of course, from those who would deny individuals their rights base on sexual orientation have taken to the political field with an initiative that that will appear on the November ballot. The initiative, Proposition 8, would amend the state’s Constitution to eliminate the rights of same sex couples to marry.
In response to the political and religious extremists’ efforts to deny gay and lesbian couples their equality under the law, a large and diverse coalition of allies, including civil rights organizations, faith leaders and groups, choice organizations, organized labor and community of color organizations in addition to LGBT community organizations and leaders. The leather/Sm and gay adult film industry are no exception to this coalition. This year Shawn Farnsworth and the crew from the Faultline bar in Silver Lake partnered with several studios and performers to present the 15th Annual PORNATHON Lot Party as a benefit for the No on 8, Equality for All Campaign.
Thanks to Titan, I had the honor of joining erotica legend Zak Spears, Dean Phoenix from Colt Studios, Johnny Gunn from Hot House and Steve Cruz from Raging Stallion to headline the event and offer our support. We were there all afternoon and early evening for photos, autographs and a fuck load of swag to hand out. Given the theme of the event, I couldn’t help tying the knot myself, with a little help from Johnny Dunn (photo above) and Steve Cruz (photo left). Special thanks to my buddy TBall for letting me use the photos he snapped.
All in all, the event helped raise $3,000 for the No on 8 Campaign. That’s great, but as I learned from Sabrina, the campaign’s representative at the event, swaying the one hundred thousand undecided voters in the Los Angeles area will be critical to defeating the proposition in November. So I was even happier to learn we helped sign on three times as many volunteers for the campaign than similar events. These volunteers will be vital to persuading the swing votes that will decide this issue.
Call to Action: Help defeat Prop 8! Visit EqualityForAll.com and volunteer or contribute in any way you can.
Tags: Art Films, BDSM, Events, Rigging, Service, Titan Media
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16 August 2008 23:45
San Diego, CA –- A couple years ago, one of the boys I had been mentoring in Seattle moved south to San Diego. I’ve kept in touch with this boy, Vladimir (pictured right). He has continued his activism in the leather/Sm scene (as much as he can in a location like San Diego) and has become quite involved with the rugby team in his new hometown. So, when Vlad asked if I would come down to San Diego to ‘check it out’ and assist with a fundraising event ha was organizing for the rugby team, I had to answer in the affirmative.
I flew in yesterday to meet some of the people involved, talk about ideas, scout locations and work through some of the details. Although the details are not totally solidified yet, it looks like I might be helping out with a bachelor auction later this fall. It should be a blast and I’ll keep you up to date as I learn more.
Of course the trip to San Diego wasn’t all community service work; we got to fit some personal time in, too. Today Vlad and I went to the San Diego Zoo (which I hadn’t been to since I was a kid, about thirty years ago). The trip to the zoo brought back some of my only pleasant memories of childhood, reminded me just how scared of heights I can be (the sky tram) and had me wondering which set of primates were more interesting to watch, the monkeys or the humans.
We also got a chance to cruise some of the local bars over the course of the last two evening. And, you know what that means. Yep you guessed it, boys got tied up. I’ve started to collect a picture montage of boys (and girls) in quick arm binders from around the country. The photo to the left is the latest addition, a beautiful Latino named Manuel who I met at Pecs bar. He took some convincing, but once he agreed to give it a try, he seemed to enjoy himself.
Tags: BDSM, Boys, Events, Rigging, Service
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11 August 2008 14:40
Seattle, WA –- Southern California is now on the agenda for this weekend. I’ll be taking a reconnaissance trip to San Diego to check out the leather/Sm scene and I’ve just been booked for a major event at the Faultline in Los Angeles this Sunday.
The trip to San Diego was set up by one of my boys that moved down there a couple years ago. He’s working to organize some opportunities for appearances and presentations in the city. This jaunt will give me a chance to meet some of the players, check out venues, make contacts and reconnect with him. It’s not a long trip, just Friday and Saturday, but I’m sure it will be both productive and relaxing. I’m really looking forward to hitting the Eagle while I’m down there. I’ve heard good things about the bar but never had a chance to go when I was stationed in San Diego.
Late last week I also got word from Titan that I was booked as their representative at the Faultlines’s 2008 PORNATHON Lot Party. The fundraiser, to be held on Sunday, August 17th at the leather/Levi’s bar in Silverlake starting at 2:00 p.m. will benefit EqualityForAll.com to aid in the campaign to defeat Proposition 8 on the November ballot, which would deny same-sex couples the right to marry. I’ll be headlining the event with my friend Steve Cruz, an exclusive with Raging Stallion, and the legendary Zak Spears, whom I’ve admired for the past fifteen years.
The Faultline is a popular gathering spot for the Los Angeles LGBT community with a long history of supporting the gay adult industry and the event is meant to honor efforts made by studios to promote safer sex. I’m told Steve is set to entertain on stage while Zak serves as a celebrity bartender and I’ll be on hand to give away DVDs and sign copies of the new 2009 TitanMen calendar (I just learned I’m Mr January).
Advocating safer sex and risk mitigation has long been a passion of mine and while I may personally choose a polyamorous approach to relationships, as one of the founding members of the Legal Marriage Alliance of Washington, I am a firm believer in the constitutional right to equal recognition for same sex couples under the law. I am very happy to be a part of this event and hope to see you there.
You can learn more about this event here.
Tags: Art Films, Boys, Events, Service, Titan Media
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31 July 2008 19:23
Seattle, WA –- It appears August is going to be a busy month filled with events at home here in Seattle and out of town.
First up on the calendar is Oregon State Leather Pride Week in Portland. I’m traveling down with several of my Dragon Clan brothers on Saturday for the Oregon State Mr & Ms Leather Contest on the 3rd and will be teaching a class on Interrogation Techniques subtitled Confession is Good for the Soul with brothers Gene and Odie for ‘Sunday School w/Bad Girls’. Click here for more information on this year’s Oregon State Leather Pride events.
On Saturday August 9th, I’ll be co-hosting the Queen City Cruise with (direct from Miami Beach) Marina Dennis. Marina and I will be introducing our lineup of performers for the Pre-Boarding Show including Poison Waters, Alexis Champagne, Chablis and Mark ‘Mom’ Finley. Then we’ll provide continuing color commentary aboard the cruise. I’ve been volunteering time to the cruise for several years now and always have a great time. The Queen City Cruise is produced by the Seattle Chapter of Tacky Tourist Clubs of America, an organization known for its imaginatively outrageous events and excursions. Since 1981, Tacky Tourist Clubs has donated over $275,000 to other non-profit groups. This year’s beneficiaries include Gay City Health Project, Gay World Series Organizing Committee and Action Northwest’s Backpack Project. I understand we still have some tickets left to this typically sold out event so you still have a chance to get yours now.
On the 22nd I’ll be heading to Indianapolis with my boy da Silva for the Great Lakes Leather Alliance Weekend where we’ll be presenting Shibari with Male subs. Fellow CHC brothers Rob and Joey will be stepping down as 2008 Great Lakes Leather Sir and boy (respectively) that weekend and I’m looking forward to seeing them and several other friends while I’m there. Brother Gene will be judging the contest and brothers Odie and Mark are planning to go as well so I’m sure the Dragons will find some trouble to get into.
Finally, Derek and I are back in Seattle over Labor Day weekend for the Northwest Leather Sir/boy & Community Bootblack Contest. The Meet & Greet will be held at the Cuff Complex on Friday the 29th from 9pm to 11pm. The main event will be on Saturday the 30th at the Cuff starting at 7pm (doors at 6pm). It’s my birthday that day so I’m intent to have a good time that evening and at the play party afterward. To learn more about Generic Leather Productions of Washington (GLPW), the producers of these events, check out What We Do and Why. Yes that’s me, naked in Cal Anderson Park smoking a cigarette. I am a whore.
Tags: BDSM, Boys, Dragon Clan, Events, GLLA, GLPW, Northwest Leather Sir/boy, Oregon State Leather Pride Week, Queen City Cruise, Service, TTCA
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30 July 2008 11:07
Seattle, WA –- When director Brian Mills told me Titan had plans to produce a prison themed movie for the Folsom series of leather/fetish films on the set of Home Invasion back in December, my mind immediately began racing with ideas. We discussed the project on the trip back to San Francisco from the ranch. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that trip because it was my first opportunity to really connect with Brian on a deeper level. It was also the beginning of what was to become the strongest and most rewarding collaboration of my ‘art film’ career to date.
Brian and I talked at length about what motivates me to participate in creating features that include my BDSM play and what drives him to capture that kind of action. We found common ground in both the personal and altruistic reasons that inspire us. From that conversation came the look and feel for Folsom Prison as well as the framework for my scenes in the movie. I had no idea at the time I was about to become a screenwriter or have such a huge role in creating, blocking and driving the action on screen.
There is an inherent challenge to producing features like Fear and Folsom Prison. These are not your standard sex films. They capture an aspect of male sexuality that many would rather condemn, censor and deny. They document the kind of radical sexuality that is at the heart of our queer liberation. They spark our sexual imaginations, confront social mores and present new constructs with which we can frame our lives. They engage us in a way that not only gets us off physically but mentally and emotionally as well. As such they become, in my opinion, a truly artistic medium.
Therein lies the challenge; these films must break through to an audience pre-conditioned to mass-market productions designed for consumer-consumption. To overcome this challenge everyone involved must commit and invest their talent. I believe that those involved in Folsom Prison have done just that. And I don’t think I’m the only one that shares that opinion. As Martin Cox writes in his review on ManNet.com:
As for the cast, there’s no arguing that this group of studs is one of the best Titan has ever assembled.
For one thing, these dudes aren’t just hot as hell, they can act. Take for example Tony Buff, who looks amazing in every scene he’s in and also makes us believe he’s as corrupt and sadistic as it comes as the prison’s corrections officer. Following Tony’s lead, in the opening scene two more ultra-bad guys, Markus Ram and Bjoern Giger abuse and use prisoner Diesel Washington.
Mr. Cox isn’t the only critic to recognize the effort. Harley Shadow’s review for XX Factor reads in part:
Kink, corruption and domination tossed in with a mix of blazing wall-to-wall sex equals the best film of the year so far.
It always amazes me when I see a porn star that has more talent than we’re used to seeing. Along with director Brian Mills, stars Diesel Washington and Tony Buff have written the jaw-dropping, rip-roaring epic, Folsom Prison. It takes place in a notorious prison where the warden may be the big boss, but it’s Buff’s correction officer who is in charge, and trust me, Buff is definitely large and in charge.
Not only did Buff star in and co-write the film, he appears on the DVD cover with his uniform unbuttoned to the beltline, sporting aviator sunglasses. Only a few people in the world could pull off this look and make it look fucking sexy instead of like a Village People rip-off, and Buff is one of them. In the film he growls, sneers and intimidates his fellow officers and inmates, and while he can knock the snot out you — as he does to Derek da Silva in the latter half of the film — he will still make your cock hard.
And as Rick Strokum (don’t you just love the nom de plume) writes in today’s Guilty Pleasures article for GayWired.com:
Fans of Titan’s more fetish oriented film will not be disappointed with this new release. Folsom Prison raises the bar for all films in this genre. Hunky cover man Tony Buff proves yet again that he’s more than just a beautiful face or body. Buff’s intelligent, thoughtful, educated and sex-positive approach to his performances in this film, and in all of his work with Titan, lay the ground work for a new kind of adult performer in this industry. Buff’s scene with Alex Baresi is raw, intense, and real. Superstars Diesel Washington and Rick Van Sant also turn in memorable performances. Two nightsticks up.
So say the critics. But I’m more interested in what prompted enough viewers to place Folsom Prison in blue-ray at the top of the JRL Weekly Gay Rental Charts for last week (screen capture above). Could my relationship with Titan actually be helping to broaden the understanding of this thing of ours? I certainly hope so.
For the Record: My boy da Silva is one hard corps fucker and the true star of that shower beat down scene in Folsom Prison. Not only did he let me take a three-hundred-fifty-thousand volt stun gun to his nuts and submit to being aggressively sodomised by both Damien Crosse and myself, but, if you watch closely you can see the moment I knocked him senseless with a face punch. Don’t try that at home without a mouth guard and, of course, the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
Tags: Art Films, Folsom Prison, Reviews, Titan Media
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28 July 2008 8:50
Denver, CO –- When I was asked to present at Thunder in the Mountains earlier this year I jumped on the opportunity. I knew by reputation that this event was among the most respected BDSM events organized and that it was known for attracting some of the best presenters in the world. This year’s presenters included some good friends, personally respected players and new acquaintances on the national scene.
Susan B, another Seattleite whom I’ve seen engage in some beautiful, intense and spiritually connected scenes, was there, teaching advanced cutting and suturing. Midori was there and while I wasn’t able to attend any of her classes (they were scheduled at the same time as mine), we were able to spend some quality time together and I was able to introduce her to my boy Derek.
Side Bar: We discussed performance art in relation to Sm, among other things. I’m sure I’ve already reported upon my respect for the intelligence of both Midori and my boy. Let me now state, unequivocally, that talking about any subject in the company of such intellectuals is a challenge to keep up. I am truly blessed by the company I keep.
Speaking of performance art, I got to judge the annual talent contest at Thunder and Felice Shays, another presenter, delivered a spectacular piece that included the fisting of a watermelon that is among the best performances I’ve seen.
I also got a chance to hang out with Mark Frazier, the new owner of the ILSb title which I’ll be judging in October, and Scott Smith, one of the most incredible tops I’ve ever meet. I can’t express how happy I am with the changes Frazier has made to the ILSb title, his efforts to reclaim it as a player’s title or my admiration for him as a person. Then there’s Scott, it’s always a pleasure to see him… he’s got some wicked skills and I love learning new, twisted shit from him. I lent Derek out to him for his class on using needles as anchors and even got to assist a bit. It was great fun.
As for my classes, they went very well. There were more people in attendance than I expected and both presentations were well received. It is so much fun to present before such an advanced audience. As promised, I’m posting the slide decks from both classes here for reference. Both the Shibari with Man subs and Full Suspension for Display and Play handouts are in pdf format.
I want to express my compliments to Rich Dockter, the Director of Thunder, and his entire crew of staff and volunteers, for putting on an outstanding event. I’m happy to report Derek and I have been invited back next year and we are already looking forward to doing it again.
Tags: Boys, Dragon Clan, Events, Service, Thunder
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24 July 2008 18:15
Seattle, WA –- Shortly after my last past while in Chicago, I learned that David Caldwell had passed away. David was a beloved member of our leather/Sm community and had been serving as Northwest Leather Boy this year. He was also a regular client and dear friend. Without going into the details of his death, I will simply state his passing was a senseless tragedy that left many of us emotionally wrecked… myself among them.
I haven’t felt much like writing the last few weeks. Truth be told, I hadn’t felt like doing much of anything.
Last Saturday we held a memorial at the Cuff for David. It gave us an opportunity to come together, remember and celebrate his life. I can’t say I’m not still angry, but I must say it’s time to let go.
Tags: Boys, Dragon Clan, GLPW, Service
1 Comment »
1 July 2008 22:13
Seattle, WA –- It’s been a while since my last post, I know. The past month has been occupied by my work with clients, another ‘art film’ with Titan, community events and reconnecting with my boys Derek and Jeff.
Business has been slow but the clients I have are all enjoyable to work with and incredibly understanding of my travel schedule. The economy sucks. There, I said it. I’m convinced the present leadership in the government (at least two of the three branches) has really fucked things up. I still have client openings and prospects are thin so I’m working to build (and diversify) my business.
Speaking of diversification, I did have another shoot with Titan last month. According to Brian Mills in the June issue of GayVN Magazine, Funhouse has been pushed off for a Halloween release date. This necessitated the production of another fetish release for the Folsom Street Fair in September, so I was brought down for a scene in early June. My scene partners were Dirk Jager, Frank Philipp and Tyler Peters. It was a challenging shoot because of the amount of action we captured but I’m confident we delivered. I’m sure I’ll post more on the subject once the movie is released.
Derek and I got to spend two extended weekends together without any official responsibilities last month. It was important for us to reconnect at that level after the extensive amount of time we’ve spent engaged in outside projects. The first weekend we attended BootCamp, a BDSM retreat sponsored by the San Francisco Men of Discipline. Held at Temptation Ranch in San Luis Obispo CA, the run was intimate, relaxing and filled with a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie. Derek and I got in several good scenes including an opportunity to co-top one of our best friends from San Francisco. If you hear one of the Men of Discipline talk about a fairly bloody needle scene during the closing hours of the run, be sure to ask him about the Family Recipe Rubbing Salts. The following weekend, Derek joined me in Seattle for some down time. Since he re-injured his medial collateral ligament while on maneuvers at BootCamp the week before, we didn’t get a chance to play too hard but we did manage to have a great few days together.
This past weekend I spent with Jeff. We went to the GLPW sponsored Seventh Deadly Sin Play Party Friday night and Twisted Family Picnic Saturday afternoon. On Sunday we attended the festivities downtown. It was actually a pretty low-key weekend. I’m not sure if Jeff has as good a time in my company as I do in his, but I hope so.
I’ve been reading through some reviews and will post some choice snippets tomorrow. Until then, I’ll leave you with the photos I promised from the performance at the House of Blues taken by Jerome of Chapter 9 Photography. You should check out his stuff; it’s pretty wack.
Tags: Art Films, Bootcamp, Boys, Dragon Clan, Events, GLPW, IML, MOD-SF, Pride, Rigging, Service, Titan Media
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26 May 2008 12:00
Chicago, IL –- Okay, I’m officially exhausted but it’s been totally worth it. We’ve had three very full days of work concluding with a performance at the House of Blues. It’s been a long but enjoyable weekend.
Derek and I had been looking forward to performing our dynamic suspension routine at the House of Blues for the IML XXX Victory Party since we first heard it would be a possibility several weeks ago. It’s a performance we’ve done several times at venues throughout the country but it almost didn’t happen at the House of Blues. The week before Derek suffered an injury to his left knee (don’t ask) and we didn’t know if he would be up for the performance until the day of the event. Then, we ran into some reservations from the powers that be regarding the scene. Luckily, Derek’s knee was fine and an in person meeting with the folks at the venue calmed all fears. The show was on.
And what a show it was. The place was packed; there must have been thousands. The music was great and the professional lighting and fog machine added to the theatrics. It was an exhilarating experience. The picture above is all I’ve got thus far, but I had a photographer friend snap some pictures I hope to receive and post to a gallery soon. I’ll keep you informed.
Tags: Art Films, Boys, IML, LeatherPost, Rigging, Titan Media
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by Titan Media
by Titan Media
by Titan Media
by Zeus Studios
by Titan Media
40,000 ft –- This morning I woke up in an unfamiliar bed with Steve Cruz in my arms. It had been a long weekend so it felt good to crawl into bed and share the warmth of someone I care about. Steve and I have known each other for years. We met in Seattle long before either of us ventured into ‘art films’. While I will admit working in the adult film industry has added common ground to our relationship, it has also created challenges to staying in touch, so working yesterday’s event together was a welcome opportunity to reconnect. We spent most of the morning together talking like old friends that haven’t seen each other in a while; laughing and commiserating over our varied adventures and shared passions. It was truly wonderful.
