Once again, Chuck Renslow, President of IML (and self-proclaimed world representation of all leatherman) is trying to force the leather community to do as he commands, as you can see in the note below from IML's home office:

Dear Vendors:

On behalf of International Mr. Leather, Inc., I would like to thank you for your past support and in particular for your participation as a vendor in our annual Leather Market. We are writing you today to inform you of a policy change affecting next year (2010) and all future markets.

Though we are now three decades into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, no cure has been found. The CDC and local health officials inform us that new infections are on the rise. And, while we have had some success developing medications that might make infection more manageable, that accomplishment comes at a price. Not having experienced the deaths - the loss of loved ones -- which preceded these medications, we have an entire generation who may not fully appreciate or comprehend the severity of the situation.

Too many in our community believe HIV/AIDS is curable or manageable. Too few understand that HIV/AIDS infections dominate life. We believe that it is our duty to inform and educate. Several years ago when “Meth” was the scourge of our community, IML drew a line in the sand and raised awareness and used all our influence to try and stop this addictive madness. As is the case with HIV/AIDS, we believe it is our further obligation to do everything in our power to prevent future infections.

To that end, after considerable discussion, the Executive Committee of International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking. This restriction will also apply to distribution of gifts, post cards or any other information via our facilities.

This policy takes effect immediately.

Sincerely,
Chuck Renslow, President
International Mr. Leather

Although I don't personally agree with barebacking/barebackers, outlawing the sale of bareback media at IML is unconscionable. He's not going to stop nor prevent barebacking, just as he didn't stop the use/sale of methamphetamines in the leather community three years ago with his little speech about the evils of them. He's only going to push the barebacking community deeper underground.

It's virtually the same as when Rudy Giulian closed all the bath-houses in NYC when the AIDS epidemic started. It didn't stop sex from happening -- it just pushed it underground. When something is underground and hidden from view, there's no way to easily educate men who are partaking in such events...

Barebacking videos, photos and stories provide a safe alternative to the real thing. Any adult (and only adults are allowed into the marketplace) knows the risks of barebacking. Censoring barebacking media from IML is NOT the answer!!

If Chuck succeeds in getting his way, what's next? No fisting or watersports? No bondage or S&M? This is a slippery slope, Chuck. Who are you to dictate to the leather community what they can buy, watch or do behind closed doors?

Furthermore, consider that IML (in general) has been losing touch with it's roots, as can be seen in what Vern Stewart wrote: "For many hardcore leather men attending IML 30, thoughts and questions ranged from; is this a costume party? to, what has cartoon characters and spider man dress ups have in common with leather? The curious came in droves and departed with their mouths hanging open. Hardcore leather men, spent most of the weekend shaking their head and ‘ trying to remember if ever in their life had they ever dressed like who they were looking at. Leather has taken on a completely new look with the youth of today. Our future leather leaders will have their work cut out for them in attempting to bridge the gap from yesteryear to the future."

Spiderman costumes? What's next? Wonder Woman?

For the past ten years, the IML beauty pageant (contest) has been a joke. Most people going to IML don't bother going to the contest portion of the event -- they go to the leather market, local bars and private parties in the host hotel... Over the same weekend is the Chicago Bear Weekend. At least they're more masculine than someone in a Spiderman outfit!

You'll find me at Bear Weekend instead in 2010!

Thanks to Andy, the entire new Torchwood mini-series, Children of Earth is now available for download at chazhome.com at this link.

Download these files:

Torchwood - 03x01 - Children of Earth (1 of 5).avi
Torchwood - 03x02 - Children of Earth (2 of 5).avi
Torchwood - 03x03 - Children of Earth (3 of 5).avi
Torchwood - 03x04 - Children of Earth (4 of 5).avi
Torchwood - 03x05 - Children of Earth (5 of 5).avi

Be the first to see it (without commercial interruption) before it airs on SyFy channel in the United States!

Enjoy!

Happy American Independance Day
I just locked in a trip to Boston, London (Sept '09) and San Francisco (Folsom St '09) into Where's Chaz! Check my schedule at http://chazhome.com/WheresChaz -- maybe I'll be in your neighbourhood soon!

Happy Canada Day, eh?

I rode my motorcycle from Manhattan, NY to Lyndonville, NY on Thursday/Friday with a Thursday night stop-over in Hemlock, NY, then drove straight home from Lyndonville, NY to Manhattan yesterday (the 28th of June). I just managed to stay behind of one storm-front and ahead of another storm-front, thus avoiding wet roads, rain and nasty riding conditions.



The Rams' Run was rather lightly attended this year, with just 33 persons (including the members of the Rams!); however, that didn't stop us from having a great weekend! (For the sordid details, you'll simply have to ask me in person, as I was sworn to internet secrecy!)

We lucked out and is did NOT rain on us at all during the weekend; however, the rain from the prior week caused a lot of standing water in the swamp, which bread mosquitoes that could carry away a small child!

I'm currently home doing laundry and housekeeping.

Did you know that Chaz' Jukebox is back online with more songs than ever?

Thousands of FREE songs! Many ORIGINAL RE-MIXES! Check it out!

Sigh... I've joined the rank of non-travelling, ordinary people (at least for now).

All my travel plans are 'up in the air' for now, The 2009 "Where's Chaz" calendar has been mostly cleared.

Dave was hospitalized while I was in Asia for unknown back/chest pains shortly after he was laid off from work. (This is a recurring theme lately, isn't it? When is the economy going to recover for us?) Dave and I are still planning on going to the Rams' Run -- 26-29 June 2009.

No one has enquired about my trip to Asia; therefore, I'm not going to bother to write about it here. If you see or call me, ask me about it, if you care to.

My parents are visiting me this weekend -- if the airport ever resumes flights in the wind and rain of today. We've got a full long weekend planned.

Next week, I'm going to start to hunker down and job hunt...

On a happier note, the new CHAZHOME01 super-server is online! It has over 5TB of RAID 5 storage and a screaming dual-core CPU with dual-channel memory -- all this power (Marvin: "the brain the size of a planet.") to serve your websurfing needs. Chaz' jukebox is back online!

Photos from my recent trip are online here!

I'll do a text entry later this week...

Spanish Harlem Street Festival
(a series of four) all photos are click-able for a closer view









Spanish Harlem - Kids AIDS Remembrance
These painted clay discs were affixed to a chain link fence. I had to take 8 photos and merge them so you could see them all...

CanAm Weekend: 14-18 May 2009

Over Victoria Day weekend, I was in Rochester, NY visiting my parents and friends. The Ottawa Knights hosted the CanAm Barnight this year, but there were many Spearhead members and other Canadians present as well! See all the photos here.

Motorcycle Retrieval & Storm the State House: 20-21 May 2009

I flew to Boston and got my motorcycle out of winter storage. It's here in NYC now. I'm still waiting for a permanent parking solution from the building management... Sigh. Of course, there was drama getting my bike started (the battery died over the winter).

Orlando Trip - Memorial Day Weekend: 22-24 May 2009

Then over the next weekend (Memorial Day weekend), KK and I went to Orlando Florida! KK recorded a complete video of the two best coasters at Universal Studios from our Memorial Day Weekend trip there -- check 'em out:

Photos from our trip can be seen here. We also took a helicopter ride -- which you can see in its entirety here.

Prop 8 Protest in Union Square: 26 May 2009

On Tuesday we got the devastating news that California upheld Prop 8. We marched and protested in New York. See photos here.

ECMC Biker Weekend: 29-30 May 2009

This weekend is the 45th Annual Empire City Motorcycle Club's Bike Blessing and Biker Picnic! For details, please read this or CALL ME!

Chaz in Asia: 01-13 June 2009

Tue 02-JUN-09 I arrive in Bangkok around midnight and meet up with KK. - Check into the Babylon B&B

Wed 03-JUN-09 Leisurly stroll around Bangkok, dinner with KK's local friends... most likely at the Navy Pier, behind the royal palace grounds, adjacent to the river.

Thu 04-JUN-09 Leisure day around Bangkok. Check out of Babylon B&B and check into Dusit Thani hotel.

Fri 05-JUN-09 Touring sights outside of Bangkok: the floating market in Damnersaduak, bridge by River Kwai and tiger sanctuary in Katchanaburi.

Sat 06-JUN-09 A nice, lazy morning, checkout and last minute shopping. We then depart for Hong Kong. I will be on Emirates EK384, KK will be taking Kenya KQ860. Take express train into Hong Kong island, check into IBIS Northpoint. We'll have dinner and laze around until Susan's arrival (a friend from NYC).

Sun 07-JUN-09 Dim sum in Hong Kong with Tina. Most likely going to the south side of the island (Aberdeen or Stanley) for dim sum. May be able to take a sampan ride and see the boat village. Shopping in Stanley Market. Dinner and cocktails in Central/MidLevels on Hong Kong island.

Mon 08-JUN-09 Kowloon/TsimSaTsui. Exploring the side streets.

Tue 09-JUN-09 A day trip to Macao. Perhaps a little gambling action on the side.

Wed 10-JUN-09 Trip to Ocean Park and ride the roller coaster!

Thu 11-JUN-09 Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island. Check out of IBIS Northpoint Hong Kong island, check into Novotel Citygate Lantau island.

Fri 12-JUN-09 I depart to return home....

Where's Chaz (When in NYC)?

Several folks have asked me: Where exactly do I live in Manhattan? Well, here are two angles of my flat:



The first photo is a view of our building from the south, looking north. The second photo is from the east, facing west.

I know my blog entries have been sparse lately -- sorry about that. At least my photo album is filling up!!

FYI: Chaz' Jukebox remains OFFLINE until I get a new hard drive for the RAID array for the new Chazhome server.

GBBB12 Great British Bear Bash!

After recovering from my UK trip (London, Salisbury, Bath, Cardiff, Nottingham and then Manchester for the Great British Bear Bash #12), it was the New Star Trek movie with Empire City Motorcycle Club & the New York Bear Den, The Urban Bear Weekend and Furball in NYC!

No time to rest -- it was off to Rochester, NY for the Rochester Rams CanAm weekend (hosted by the Ottawa Knights) for Victoria Day Weekend! Tomorrow it's up to Boston and New Hampshire to get my motorbike out of cold storage for the MMA's Storm the State House run! Then -- I return to NYC Thursday night to pack for Orlando, FL for Memorial Day weekend!

... but wait, there's more!

Friday the 29th is ECMC's Bike Blessing at Ty's and then on the 30th, the Biker Picnic!

I have ONE day of rest, then it's off to Hong Kong and Bangkok! As always, http://chazhome.com/WheresChaz tells all!

I am back from England -- however, I'm quite busy catching up on things that have been happening whilst I was away...

This is Urban Bear Weekend in New York, as well as Fur Ball weekend in NYC, as well as the AMCC All-Club Bar Night at Triangle Cafe in Danbury, CT.

Tonight, a group of New Yorkers will be joining me for a trip to see "Star Trek: The IMAX Experience"

Phew! My plate's quite full!!!

On Thursday, I do a mileage run on Delta Airlines to Rochester, NY for The Rochester Rams' CanAm weekend!

On the home-front, literally THOUSANDS of new songs have been added to Chazhome! Be sure to check out the new HedKandi sets in Various Artists -> DJ HedKandi.

While I'm busy, check out new photos from my trips at:

2009-05-02 GBBB 12
2009-04-25 Cardiff & Cardiff Castle
2009-04-24 Roche Court - East
2009-04-21 Bath, UK

Enjoy!

I depart for England tomorrow! I hope to see some of you at GBBB12!

Tomorrow, BBC1 13:45 (EDT), 18:45 GMT+0.



When a London bus takes a detour to an alien world, the Doctor must join forces with the extraordinary Lady Christina. But the mysterious planet holds terrifying secrets, hidden in the sand. And time is running out, as the deadly Swarm gets closer...

Looks like Red Dwarf is finally returning! "Red Dwarf: Back to Earth" is airing in 3 parts in the UK starting this Friday. It seems to be a 3-parter followed by a 'making of' special. Not trying to give away any more of the plot than the title does, but it does involve the crew finally returning to Earth...

BBC: "To celebrate the 21st birthday of Red Dwarf, we're bringing back the original cast for a three part special over Easter. Check out the Red Dwarf on Dave Easter schedule.

Plus - make sure you join us for a Red Dwarf Live Chat from 9pm on Friday 10th April to tell us how your celebrating the crew's return and what you think of the new shows!

Over the last few months we've been bringing you a weekly update on how the production is going packed with all the latest news, gossip and first-look images as well as a smeg load of Red Dwarf Quizzes to keep you entertained. Plus - we've got some exclusive Red Dwarf: Back to Earth Videos in our Cinema.

Back to Earth is going to be a Red Dwarf epic. The show as you have never, ever seen it before. Oh smeg, yes."

Friday, April 10th from 9pm (GMT+0/4pm EST)
Back to Earth – Part One
Gunmen of the Apocalypse
Quarantine
Tikka to Ride

The boys are back and while they may be older they’re still none the wiser. Their spectacular return in Back to Earth – Part One is followed by a triple-bill of classic episodes.

Red Dwarf’s Emmy-award winning ‘roast beef western’ Gunmen of the Apocalypse is followed by fan-favourite Quarantine, featuring the terrifying Mr Flibble. The evening concludes with the time-travel epic Tikka to Ride where the team accidentally prevent the Kennedy assassination.

Saturday, April 11th from 9pm
Back to Earth – Part Two
Smeg Ups
Polymorph
Emohawk – Polymorph II

There’s one planet Dave Lister has always called home, and he finally makes it there in Back to Earth – Part Two.

Then Kryten, Lister and Rimmer settle down to watch a classic selection of Smeg Ups – in space no-one can hear you scream cut! Then it’s a monster double-bill with the emotion-sucking Polymorph and Emohawk – Polymorph II.

Sunday, April 12th from 9pm
Back to Earth – Part Three
The Making of Back to Earth
Back to Reality
Marooned

The Back to Earth story concludes in shocking fashion, bringing this all-new adventure to a close. But stick around for The Making of Back to Earth, going behind the scenes on Red Dwarf’s most amazing adventure.

After that we pack in a couple of fan favourites. The top-voted brain-melter Back to Reality is followed by Rimmer and Lister’s confined confrontations in Marooned.

Monday, April 13th from 9pm
Back to Earth – Part One
Back to Earth – Part Two
Back to Earth – Part Three
The Making of Back to Earth

A chance to relive the entire three-part adventure on Dave – from deep space in the far future to Earth in 2009 – in Back to Earth parts one, two and three. Plus a second chance to see how the whole thing was made.

As a cheeky bonus, here's the lads in their brand new sleeping quarters:



You can see ALL of the original Red Dwarf on chazhome.com

Sorry, the video is blocked (due to copyright) in: Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey and the United Kingdom
If you're there, you can see it here!
Speaking of piracy, have you seen X-Men Origins: Wolverine yet? ;-)

---

Oh, yes...

Happy Birthday
Dave Richard!!!

... just imagine what 'bottled exchange student' would taste like!




... yes, that's a Windows XP error on an ATM.




... Hail Who?!? That's a cute advert next to the church!




Only in New York City do the graffitists correct spelling.
No wonder I like it here!