Thanks to everyone who has emailed me or commented on the free iPod program! I've had one referral and I am extremely greatful to whomever it was that used my link to sign up!

For the dubious among you, I am including 4 links below from bloggers who have actually received their free iPods! I'm going to post the link on the left for the iPod program. You have to click on my link for me to get credited properly.

Those of you who sign up through me, I'll be happy to post your referral links as well as soon as I reach my 5 referral quota.

Thanks!!!!
lockergnome
Matt from 3GDU
aardvarkind
Chris

Yes I've done it. I've become one of the lemmings. Now I have to tell you that I am extremely skeptical and dubious, and yes I did research before I took the plunge, but I have signed up for a free iPod.

Bottom line is, the marketing company is paid for you trying their clients' services for a period of time. Do that, and get 5 referral signups, and they ship you the iPod.

Wired.com has this article talking about it.

So if any of you want to give it a shot, please feel free to use my link or click on the image and be one of my referrals! Sometimes you just have to take a risk.

Wanna Dance?

Wanna Dance?

....Dancing as fast as I can

It's been a maddening week and I was spending a lot of time trying to catch up on all those areas that I have let go. Still not quite caught up, but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I had a fantastic Thanksgiving and will catch you all up tomorrow. But I thought I would bring you a picture of one of the many things I am thankful for - Summer Men like Kenny Chesney...

Stop the Madness...

No not the Republican Administration. On my lovely commute ( otherwise known as "that which sucks the life right out of me"), I was flipping channels on the radio trying to find some sort of music when I stopped on something hauntingly familiar. Yes, several radio stations in the Philadelphia area have decided to start playing Christmas music all ready. All day. All night. In stereo. I have it on very good authority that this began right after Halloween.

This made me think about how I would be spending the holidays alone. Well family will be involved, but there will be none of the "couple" festivities. Since I have spent many years handling all of this, I thought I would share some advice, over several posts. Hence I bring you.... The Single Gay Man's Guide to Surviving the Holidays. Part the First - Shopping for Family.

Now it is quite well known that we Guppies have what is known as "disposable income". For the single gay man, there is even more since we don't have to buy gifts for a siginificant other. How do we spend all of that extra cash. It's simple. Two words. "Sibling revenge". Do you have brothers or sisters? Did they, while growing up, find the greatest joy in life was to make your life miserable? Do they now think the greatest joy in life is to make you an Uncle (I think they refer to it as - procreating)?

Well here is the best advice of all that I can give you for this entire holiday season. Spend lots of money on your nieces and nephews. Lots. Buy things you know they will enjoy. Like a nice new drumset. Or an electric guitar. Or lots of those nice new versions of toys that stelch all creativity and original thought by making sounds on their own, like fire trucks and race cars. Getting the idea? The louder or noisier the toy/gift, the greater the reward and satisfaction for you! Your siblings will just adore you for this, he said with a smirk and evil grin. Last year, I bought them all Karaoke machines. Now there's a gift that keeps on giving!

Oh and don't forget that not only do you want to spur the Sibling Spawn's musical growth, but you should encourage them to explore art as well. Non-washable markers, finger paints, bead kits, tye dye, and that perennial favorite Play Doh (that sticks in carpets and dries to become a permanent addition to the pattern) make awesome gifts that will expand their creative brains.

Now don't get me wrong, I love my brothers and sisters. And the looks on their faces when they remember back to when I said at age 11, "Someday I'll get you back, just you wait".

Ah, the holidays. They really can be a time of joy for the single man!

Part two coming soon...

...It's just a moment in the woods.

I sat down to write about music today. But I decided to put that off because there is something I can't get out of my head. I have what one would call, very eclectic tastes. I can't say I particularly care for one genre of music or another. I like what I like. Same way with cars, clothes, movies... and men. I don't have a type. Well, actually according to Jen I do. Breathing. She's right, I do prefer them warm. I'll even settle for hot when I can get it. I once went on a date with a hot undertaker. Okay ponder that for a minute!

Two recent men came into my life who I would not have said - yeah, he's my type. We all know the story of the drag queen. Okay, look, once they have their makeup off they can be butch. No, really. Shut up. Stop laughing. Don't make me pull this blog over.

The other was the supermarket guy. Hey I am really into anyone who thinks I look good when I'm non-showered, non-combed, non-primped, and non-cologned. No we have not done the deed. We have had coffee, we have talked, we took a walk. All-in-all nice guy, and for the record, I am still masturbating.

The point of this is, that I didn't seek them out. I didn't go to the club thinking, "I'm gonna bag me some drag queen meat tonight". I did go to the supermarket for meat, but not of the 6' 2" kind. Today I am primped, cologned, and looking pretty damn good (for me anyway). I was in the cashier line at the mall, paying for my salad. The guy in front of me, who I had not noticed (so naive I am) dropped his wallet and bent over to pick it up. That made me notice.

He stood up, greek god that he was - body like a quarterback, and I realized then and there that I was no longer hungry for salad. I wanted meat. Greek meat. I followed him to get a better look (no ring on the finger, no one with him). He sat at a table in the food court. I sat discretely right next to him, facing him, full view of his crotch of him as he ate. His eyes caught mine and in that moment I realized that we were destined to be together always. His eyes looked deeply into mine and realized in that moment, that I was a stalker. At least, that look of curiosity, followed by understanding, followed by annoyance, spoke volumes.

Sigh. Not all moments are meant to be. And I can't get this song out of my head...

Was that me? Yes it was. Was that him? No it wasn't..
Just a trick of the woods!
Just a moment,
One peculiar passing moment.
Must it all be either less or more,
Either plain or grand?
Is it always 'or'?
Is it never 'and'?
That's what woods are for:
For those moments in the woods...

...come to bed

I absolutely love movies. There is nothing I enjoy more than getting lost in the dark in another world for two hours. So what better way to kick off my "Sex on a Stick" posts, than to post a pic of my latest movie crush, Steve Sandvoss from Latter Days.

Random Sex and Violence and Ramblings

To start off, let me just say that - I have a hit show!!! It was very well received and everyone raved. Wow. I'm a happy boy.

Now not all of the weekend was spent in theatrical reveling. I actually did get to go out and relax as well. Nothing overly remarkable, just a normal late night with the boys.

Sunday, I was at the supermarket, feeling a touch hungover and tired from the past two weeks' strain. Now I never ever pay any attention to the people around me in the store. I usually want to just get in, get stuff, and get out. I was cruising the meat, meat case that is, totally engrossed in reading labels. I reached for some pre-cut chicken to use for soup/stew, and just as I did, the person next to me grabbed my package. Of chicken.

That really threw me. I have never had anyone invade my space at the market let alone grab my meat. Ummm, poultry. As I turned to give this guy a few choice pieces of my quickly deteriorating brain, I was staring straight into the most gorgeous eyes I have ever seen. Okay, this week anyway. The gorgeous eyes lived above a gorgeous sheepish smile. As he started to apologize, I realized I no longer had the capacity to speak. But as the words refused to stream confidently out of my mouth, words from everywhere screamed through my brain. Why oh why didn't I....shower, shave, match my outfit, come here in the first place?

It only took a few seconds but the brain shut off the voices. Except for his. Those deep resonant syllables quickly made me melt. I said-okay grunted-something in response, and started to run away before I could in any further way completely humiliate myself. I turned, and ran straight into his cart. Oh dear lord could I be any more of a sitcom character?

He apologized again. I said something in some language, Klingon I think, pushed the cart out of my way, and took off for safer parts of the store. Okay by now, you can probably guess what happened. Yes, I came around a corner, and ran smack into him. Literally. He apologized. Again. I said something in return, Swahili I believe. I was about to run again (wishing teleportation was an option) when he gently grabbed my arm and insisted that I let him buy me a coffee to calm down. I think he said, "repay me for the damage", but by that point, I needed to calm down. But I managed to find a more suitable language that he seemed to comprehend, thanked him, declined the offer, and was about to drop my purchases and run for the door. And at that moment every sound in the world was silenced. Except for his voice. His lips actually formed the words, and his breath propelled them out of his mouth, "I think you're cute".

Sweet Ally McBeal.

Later, after a shower and an hour primping, I called him. I got his voicemail. I simply said bravely into my phone, "How did you know?" That evening he text-messaged me. "Your shirt. Call me."

And there, on the back of my bathroom door, hung my "Boys will do Boys" t-shirt.

The night before the curtain goes up...

Well finally a night to relax. Not really, because I have actually been working on a number of things that have to get done before tomorrow night. The show is ready. I have an awesome cast performing a fantastic script. And now it all comes together, in front of an audience.

Acting is cathartic. Becoming someone else and sharing that with the people in the seats is the magic. It's an awesome feeling being the wizard that controls the magic. Being a director however is like being a parent, and opening night is graduation. I am extremely proud of my entire cast.

The downside of all of this, is that I am drained. I have spent a lot of time and energy on this project and I am exhausted.

I wouldn't trade it for the world.

The day has come. Please vote. Your voice does matter.

Back to Normalcy

Well it's sure been a busy week - and next week is going to be just as busy. Once this show gets on the boards I'll be a much happier JD. Still not sure what, if anything, I am going to wear to the party tonight but I may be able to scare up something. Y'all have yourselves a very Happy Halloween. And here is your treat, the art of Steve Walker, from the boy who still dreams of endless summer.....

I need a calendar...

It's one of those weeks. I barely have time to check my to-do list. I promise discussion will ensue regarding my weekend. But trust, it was not planned, nor do I expect it to have a replay.

I just found out that the party I am attending Saturday night is a costume party. Being busy, and dense according to friends, I didn't actually realize that it's Halloween weekend! (I have a show opening next week, ok)

I can't wait till the election is over.

Once the show opens I will have time to read again. Anyone wanna play Oprah and give me suggestions on what book to read next?

I'm just too busy...

I'm just too busy to write. No really. I have no time to tell you:

1. I had to do tech for a drag show this weekend.

2. Saturday morning there was a boy in my bed.

3. It wasn't a friend.

4. I didn't find out until later that day that he had been one of the performers.

5. My friends think I am incredibly dense.

6. I think I underestimated drag queens.

Sometimes I am embarassed by the fact that I grew up in this area, but indeed, I do have relatives in this extremely small town below. I have to say - isn't a good thing he didn't have one of those newly legal assault weapons around?

CONFLUENCE, Pa. - A man missed a mouse he was trying to shoot with a small-caliber handgun and wounded his girlfriend instead, state police said.

Donald Rugg, 43, of Confluence, was trying to kill the rodent with a .22-caliber handgun when his girlfriend, Cathy Jo Harris, 38, apparently went into the line of fire and was hit in the arm early Tuesday morning, state police said.

She was taken to Somerset Hospital where she was listed in fair condition Tuesday, said hospital spokesman Greg Chiappelli.

Neither Rugg nor Harris could immediately be reached for comment.

State police said they won't charge Rugg, but advised against people shooting firearms inside.

Ummm. Do ya think? Gee, I would never have thought of that advice. Thanks for letting us know, dear PA State Police!!!!

This is a very well done (in my opinion) commercial that is is airing on MTV. It would be interesting to see it air in other venues as well. It has one of my favorite songs as its background. You'll recognize it from Donnie Darko.

Permission

No.

What a great word. I've been told if I work on it, I can actually say it. I have also been told, that if I say it, miraculous things will occur. Like having time to myself to do things that normal people have time to get done. Also, saying no up front means not empowering people with the chance to complain when that which I accomplish does not meet up with their expectations.

So where is this coming from? Well, basically there are things that I do in my life that involve another word, volunteer. However, I am spending much of my time providing services that normally would require the recepients to spend a great deal of money. When I am behind for whatever reason, or I give them exactly what they asked for (which is not what they actually wanted), then they feel the need to complain. And the complaints are in the method that I would only expect from a boss. You know, the word boss, the person who is actually in charge of whether I receive the compensation that pays my mortgage.

So today I am adopting this new word, No. I figure with the commitments that I currently have responsibility for, then starting to use this word today will mean that I will again have time to water my plants, clean my house, figure out where the dog is under all of that laundry, possibly get laid - I mean date, 'round about June 2005.

Sigh. Maybe I just need a houseboy.

First incarnation is finished. Enjoy.

About Me

Streams of semi-conciousness...

Yes it's been a long rough weekend and I am exhausted. I need to do some serious studying for school. I still have laundry to do unless I want to "go commando" to work tomorrow. It's not a feeling I enjoy - at least not at work. And besides, it's cold out. The boys need to be warm!

I wish I had time for shopping this weekend. I don't need a new mattress, but I would like to have someone other than friends sleeping on mine. I did buy new flannel sheets last week just in case it's me and the dog all winter. Do they make dog nose covers?

Is it possible to still have a hangover from Friday night. My brain is still fuzzy. I'm not sure I can concentrate on homework. Football is on, but I just realized I haven't been paying attention to it since the first quarter. A little over two minutes left. Wow, I can make out the outline of the ref's dick in his white pants. I've never dated a football player. Slept with one once. For several weeks actually. Forgot about him. Hmmm. Do I have his number? Oh wait, schoolwork.

1 yard to go, 43 seconds, they send in The Bus. TD! Steelers leading 30 seconds to go. Cool! I guess homework can wait another 30 seconds.

Man that new QB is hot! Love to be his center... I am never going to get my work done.

Just some random Saturday morning thoughts...

Unscheduled drinking happened last night. But all were had by a good time. Busy day today too, and I am not happy with myself.

I'm working on an "about me" page, because several people asked for one, and Thomas seems to feel that "A blog without a bio is like a stripper with a small dick, still interesting, but not nearly as satisfying". SO that is enough of a ringing endorsement for me. And an interesting visual I must say.

I'm hungry and I need a shower. Now if that boy would just get out of my bed I could get my day started.

Oh I know what you are thinking, "Hey good for you Joseph, you got some!". But alas no, just a friend staying over. Although in my alcohol-induced haze last night it crossed my mind. Several times. Ok - a lot, but the morning brings clarity and the happy feeling that I did not succumb. Besides, he has drool running out of his mouth and all over my pillow. I was kissing that mouth last night. Maybe we should have just... naw.

I hate watching TV these days. Everytime a political commercial comes on I hit the mute button. Yes I am voting, and I freely share my politcal thoughts as to why I am voting how I am voting. I don't want to belabor this page with all of that, but I will just say that my quality of life has not improved in the last four years, far from it in fact, and most everyone I know has employment issues. Do the math.

Cold out. I hate non-summer. Except for the snuggling. Maybe I should get in bed with... naw.

I hate giving out advice. I always wonder why people ask me, of all people. I mean, how stable is my life? Have I ever made the right decisions? Oh yeah. The night I skipped a family function because Mike, who I had lusted after for almost 2 years, when I asked the simple question - "What are you doing tonight?" - replied "Wanna get naked tonight?". I paid for that with my Mom for years but oh my it was so worth it. Mmmmmmmmm...

Oh wait, where was I? The reason I mentioned that I hate to give advice, is because I am going to give some out freely. The person who I am giving it to, will understand. The rest of you I am sure will not mind.

Loving someone else is such an awesome and rare gift and blessing. I have loved often in my life. Sometimes briefly. Sometimes too long. Sometimes too wrong. Sometimes so hard that it seems that if I died, my life would be completed by just that simple fact. I've loved unrequitedly as well. That to me is the most confusing of all, the feeling that if they would just take time to think it through they would realize that this is the love for them. A love to complete us both. I must admit, this has happened twice in my life. And one of the two of them I still think about every single day although he is no longer in my life.

My advice is just this. Be proud and grateful for the opportunity to feel. Yes it hurts and I so truly understand sweet boy. But if he does not see what an awesome chance he is missing, then there is nothing on earth that you can do to change that. Love him for who he is and allow yourself to grieve briefly for that which will not be. But most of all, realize that you can love, and will love, and continue to be an awesome human being. And some boy is going to see that shining light and want nothing more than to live within it's glow.

Time to get rid of the dark and the old. A new look for a new attitude. I'm not content with the look yet, but it's closer to what I want. Bear with me....