Back To The Grind

My first day back at work was as uneventful as ever. My "manager" is still there, but still not permanent as of yet. I was bored for most of the day, no changes there either then. I spent most of the day looking for jobs to do, ending up checking on things that didn't need checking, but could possibly save me time down the line (should I ever be busy enough to need time saving!).

Bored! Bored! Bored!

But at least my eyes held up nicely!

30th September [Death]

LGBT people who died today:
1955 – James Dean – US Actor – Born 8th February 1931
1987 – Geoffrey Burridge – UK Actor – Born 1949
1989 – Virgil Thomson – US Composer – Born 25th November 1896
1990 – Patrick White – Australian Author – Born 28th May 1912
1997 – Ernst van Heerden – South African Poet – Born 20th March 1916

30th September [Births]

LGBT people born today:
1924 – Truman Capote – US Actor / Author – Died 25th August 1984
1935 – Johnny Mathis – US Singer
1960 – Nicola Griffith – UK Author / Editor
1971 – Miguel Leon – Venezuelan Porn
1971 – Jeff Whitty – US Playwright / Librettist
1977 – Maia Brewton – US Actress
1986 – James Barnett – US Activist / Entrepreneur

Eye Check-Up

I went for my 1-week check up at Optimax this morning and was told that my eyes are healing well and on schedule. I can stop administering one lot of the eye drops that I have and the other I will just use until the bottles are empty. Apparently the trouble I am having with my night vision (having a halo effect around lights at night), should ease after about a month, so I will have to wait and see. My eyes still feel tired all the time, but that is just down to the eyes not being fully healed yet I guess.

I really am not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow, especially after 12 days off AND having my eye procedure done. I will find out if my "boss" is still there, and, if he is, how he will act when I am back (after his homophobic comment on my last day). He went for an interview for the position he was temporarily covering in the last week that I was there, so it should either be him or someone new doing his job. I can't wait until my first day off again on Sunday and I'm not even there yet!

29th September

LGBT people born today:
1955 – Ann Bancroft – US Polar Explorer / Author / Teacher
1956 – Carol Blazejowski – US Basketball
1958 – Jahna Steele – US Entertainer – Died 24th January 2008
1964 – Jeanna Fine – US Porn / Dancer
1964 – Trojan Rock – UK Porn / Producer
1965 – Boris Izaguirre – Venezuelan / Spanish Screenwriter / Author / Journalist
1967 – Brett Anderson – UK Singer / Songwriter / Musician
1969 – Kelly Robbins – US Golf
???? – Kalman Faludi – Hungarian Porn

And those who died:
1967 – Carson McCullers – US Author / Playwright – Born 19th February 1917
1973 – WH Auden – UK / USA Poet – Born 21st February 1907
1987 – Elizabeth Eden – US Transsexual – Born 19th August 1946

Mystery Object?

Yesterday evening I went into the bathroom that I share with my 5 flatmates to find this mystery object sitting in the sink:

Initially I thought that it was very inappropriate to leave such a device laying around after using it, not to mention unhygienic! Then I realised exactly what it was (instead of what my obviously filthy mind THOUGHT it was!).

Can you guess? Or is it too obvious?

28th September

LGBT people born today:
1914 – Denham Fouts – US Prostitute / Muse – Died 1948 / 1949
1952 – Kurt van Eegham – Belgian Singer / Presenter
1953 – Keith McDermott – US Actor / Author
1970 / 1977 – Chad Adams – US? Porn

And those who died:
1986 – Sir Robert Helpmann – Australian Dancer / Choreographer / Actor - Born 9th April 1909
2004 – FannyAnn Eddy – Sierra Leone Activist / Hate Crime Victim – Born 14th June 1974

What I Need

Bored (Aren't I Always?)

After today I have just 2 more days of my 12 days off of work left and, apart from the eye correction procedure (I feel like a fraud if I say eye surgery, even though technically it was), I feel like I have once again wasted my time off.
I did go out at the end of last week, but I was hoping to get out a bit more and see lots of people. I have been to see Tim, which is something that I had wanted to do since he came out of hospital. But, overall, I have done nothing and I am bored.
I am slightly limited by what I can do, because I have to administer eye drops every 2 hours. Yes, I can take the drops with me, but it isn't really ideal, or always hygienic. I suppose I am just making excuses. I could have gone to the rugby yesterday. I could have tried to arrange to meet people for lunch (though this never meets with success with the people I know, it's drinks or nothing!). I'm stuck in a rut I think. I even have a legitimate excuse not to join the gym at the moment, as Optimax tell me to avoid exercise for 3 months.
I guess what I really need, what I have wanted for a long LONG time, is someone to be HERE for me. Someone to hold me. What I need (and needed especially in the 3 hours after my eye procedure) was someone to look after me. Sometimes I just need a hug from a strong man. I can't remember the last time I had that.
All I have to look forward to, on my last 2 days off, is another appointment at Optimax on Tuesday morning. It's times like this that make me want to go cottaging / cruising again, for the thrill of it and for the possibility of human contact, no matter how unemotional it may be. I'm desperately trying to avoid this temptation though.

27th September

LGBT people born today:
1937 – Robert Patrick – US Playwright / Poet / Author / Songwriter
1940 – Rudolph Moshammer – German Fashion Designer / Murder Victim – Died 14th January 2005
1965 – Rhona Cameron – UK Comedian / Presenter
1974 – Carrie Brownstein – US Musician / Actress / Blogger
1975 – Tim Campbell – Australian Actor

And those who died:
1961 – Hilda Doolittle – US Poet / Author – Born 10th September 1886
1992 – Keith Prentice – US Actor – Born 21st February 1940
2001 – Dafydd Jenkins – UK Club Manager / Editor – Born 20th December 1946
2002 – Charles Henri Ford – US Author / Poet / Director / Photographer / Artist / Editor – Born 10th February 1913

Strictly The Right Result

Tonight's Strictly Come Dancing as just finished and, I have to say, it finished with the right result. The contestants' dances were unspectacular overall again, but it is early days. Phil had poor posture; Craig could have danced a bit more; Laila didn't stretch her talent enough, she made it look easy (and thus boring); Zoe's dance was, in my opinion a bit boring too, though the judges loved it; Jo's rumba was just okay (though much better than her effort yesterday); Richard was awful, it looked like he was forcing himself to do something he didn't want to do, he was out of time with the music and many of his moves were horribly telegraphed. He looked like an embarrassing uncle dancing at a wedding; Ricky Whittle was the only breath of fresh air, and that is not just because he is gorgeous, it is because he can actually dance (though Natalie, his pro partner, did look really cheap with her hair done as it was), and the end of the dance was a bit strange, more of a non-ending; Natalie's performance was a bit stilted and her nerves were showing through some of it.

The two main dances done by the professionals though were absolutely amazing. First came a Paso Doble, which is a dance that usually makes me cringe (when the celebrities do it, at least!), but this was amazing. Then came a quickstep which was almost as good as the legendary Jive of 2 years back. At this stage of the competition, the pro dances are the only real reason to watch this show I think. I love their dances.

When the dance of came along, it was between Craig & Flavia and Richard & Lilia. Luckily, and righteously it was Richard & Lilia who had to go.

Next week I think we are back to normal with just one show each week on the Saturday. Let's hope that the standard improves noticeably and the dances are more entertaining, and not for the wrong reasons!

Not Trying Hard Enough

I decided this morning, given that it would be great weather again today, that I would like to go and watch the Kings Cross Steelers play. I was intending to go and watch the first team play at home. Geraint had already told me that he would be going, so I was going to watch it with him. I put a message on Facebook saying I was thinking of going and was contacted by RJ who said he was going to watch the second team, who were playing away. I was then torn between which match to watch. Ronan also send me a message to say he was possibly going to go and was also undecided which to go to.
Before I made a decision I did some more stock taking of my Star Wars figures and got completely carried away. When I finished the box that I was working in it was already 14:30, so I didn't really have enough time to get to either match in time for kick-off (bearing in mind I also had not had any lunch at that point!).
I decided instead to go into Soho and had a good long look around Forbidden Planet and Orbital Comics, picked up some free gay magazines and then had lunch in Soho Square before heading back home. At least I managed to get some sun (and I remembered to put my sunglasses on too!).

26th September

LGBT people born today:
1907 – Anthony Blunt – UK Spy – Died 26th March 1983
1937 – Joop Admiraal – Dutch Actor – Died 25th March 2006
1942 – Gloria E Anzaldua – US Author / Poet / Activist – Died 15th May 2004
1946 – Andrea Dworkin – US Author / Activist – Died 9th April 2005
1947 – Arnie Zane – US Photographer / Dancer / Choreographer – Died 30th March 1988
1953 – David Clarenbach – US Politician
1958 – Darby Crash – US Singer / Musician – Died 7th December 1980
1962 – Patrick Bristow – US Actor
1966 – Scott Heim – US Author
1967 – Rich Merritt – US Marine / Lawyer / Blogger / Activist
1976 – Orville Lloyd Douglas – Canadian Poet / Author
1976 – Olivia O’Lovely – US Porn

And those who died:
1937 – Bessie Smith – US Singer / Actress – Born 15th April 1894

Strictly Friday

Tonight's Strictly Come Dancing was, overall, pretty uneventful. The show started with the professional dancers performing a lovelly group dance to Three Times a Lady, which made me cry from the off, because I remembered that it was one of my mum's favourite songs.
First up this week was Natalie Cassidy, who I want to do well, so I was a bit upset when I found her dance slightly average.
Zoe Lucker was second and was surprisingly sweet and delicate.
Craig Kelly, who was doing a tango, was about what I expected, i.e. not too good, with poor posture and it was an unusual song for a tango. Bangra, hello?
Richard Dunwoody was the worst of the night I think, so he is my bet for the one to go at the end of tomorrow's show.
Laila Rouass was pretty good, though she did forget her moves at one point (though the judges were confused rather than disappointed by this!).
Phil Tufnell was better than I had hoped he would be, as I don't actually like the guy.
Jo Wood looked lost and she would be my second bet for the celebrity to leave the show this week.
Last up tonight was sexy Ricky Whittle who looked very natural on the dance floor (though he is a bit cocky with it). He, unfortunately, slipped at one point, though this did not detract from the overall beauty of the dance.
I am also getting pretty fed up with Len, as he spends far too much time picking on what Craig has said in his criticisms and not enough time giving his opinions on the actual dancing. Get over it Len!
The other group of celebrities performed a group dance which was actually quite good, no one looked terrible which is great at this stage. But, let's hope that tomorrow's show is a bit more entertaining.

Tim - Update

I finally got around to going to see Tim at home. He has been out of hospital for weeks now (it is hard to believe that it is almost 3 months since his accident!), and today was the first time I've seen him since. I sent him a text at around 11:00 to see if he was up to having a visitor today. He replied at 12:00 to say that he had just got up and yes, I could visit any time I wanted. So, I got ready, printed off a map of how to get to his (despite knowing Tim for about 8 years now, I have never seen where he lives!), and set off.
It was a beautifully warm day today with not a cloud in the sky, which I really wasn't expecting, being the end of September, but by the time I got to Tim's I was sweating. It was nice seeing him, although he has lost a lot of weight. He is, however, talking more like himself now, not so much in almost a child-like voice as he was before. But he does still had his flat head, which he obviously will have until he has the metal plate put in on 1st December.
It was really good to see him, and his home which is nice and a good size place, but I am glad that I didn't move there when I had the chance a while back as I am not too keen on the area, Brixton. It's probably just because I was not familiar with the area, having not been around there since Gay Pride was held in Brockwell Park nearly 20 years ago. I am longing to move still though.

Why Do I Hate This Flat So Much?

I sometimes wonder if I am being too fussy when I moan about this flat that I live in. I moan about the tiny bathroom, and the fact that you can never get enough hot water to have a bath, the tiny kitchen, and the fact that my flat mates congregate there to chat, despite the fact that other people want to use the space, the fact that we have no double glazing, making my room noise polluted and cold in winter, etc etc etc.
Today I was reminded of another factor. I was in my room, about to go and have a shower. I was sat there just in a towel when I heard Kevin, my landlord out on the landing talking to someone. All of a sudden, he knocked on my door, and despite me saying"Just a minute" he walked in with a guy in a suit doing a survey! It f*ck!ng pissed me off. It would have pissed me off even more if the guy had been sexy!
I have no privacy here, Kevin just comes and goes as he wants. And then there is the fact that my door handle broke 3 weeks ago (well a screw came out and disappeared), he keeps saying he will get it fixed, but still hasn't. Luckily I can still lock the door, but when it first happened I was stuck in my room for 10 minutes while I had to use a coat hanger to force the door open.
I need to move. I think I'll start looking at prices this week, so that I know what I need to aim for wages-wise in a new job. (Oh, by-the-way, I applied for another administration job yesterday, so fingers crossed).

25th September [Deaths]

LGBT people who died today:
1626 – Theophile de Viau – French Poet / Playwright – Born 1590
1967 – Lota de Macedo Soares – Brazilian Aesthete – Born 1910
1968 – Cornell Woolrich – US Author – Born 4th December 1903
1987 – Gerald Chapman – UK Director – Born 8th November 1949
1987 – Emlyn Williams – UK Actor / Playwright – Born 26th November 1905
1989 – Jack Smith – US Actor / Playwright / Director / Photographer – Born 14th November 1932

25th September [Births]

LGBT people born today:
1914 – Robert Wright – US Librettist – Died 27th July 2005
1937 – Ronald Robertson – US Figure Skater – Died 4th February 2000
1952 – Cherrie Moraga – US Author / Playwright / Poet / Activist
1962 – David Bedella – US Actor
1968 – Mark Slade – US Porn
1974 – Sebastian Cole – Australian Porn
1977 – Oras Tynkkynen – Finnish Politician
1981 – Danny Hunter – US Porn

Halos

I had a check up today at Optimax, which took about 10 minutes and then I was kicked back out into the street again. Basically everything is going according to plan, I have some inflammation in my right eye but other than that it all looks normal for the day after the procedure.
On the way home I purchased some sunglasses in Boots, the kind that are tight around the side of the head too, so as not to let any bright light in. I hate wearing them though, so have to force myself. I can see the irony of having this procedure so that I don't have to wear lenses or glasses and, during the recovery period only I hope, I HAVE to wear sunglasses whenever I go out!
I also brought some swimming goggles which I have to wear in the shower apparently.
Tonight I have noticed that all light sources have their own halo now, which I hope will be a temporary side effect as part of this treatment, which made the cost soar, was to eliminate the possibility of this halo effect! If it doesn't ease off I will be kicking up a stink!
I am also feeling incredibly horny at the moment. I'm not feeling up to going out for the night yet (I still have to apply eye drops every 2 hours), but I could do with some physical company, i.e. some hugs, a few kisses and maybe something a bit more intimate. I guess I'll have to check to see if Mythos Man is back on-line yet. I bet it isn't.

24th September [Deaths]

LGBT people who died today:
1494 – Poliziano – Italian Poet – Born 14th July 1454
1963 – Una Vincenzo – UK Sculptor / Translator – Born 8th March 1887
1981 – Patsy Kelly – US Actress / Singer / Comedian – Born 12th January 1910
1996 – Zeki Muren – Turkish Poet / Singer / Composer / Actor – Born 6th December 1931
2006 – Patrick Quinn – US Actor – Born 12th February 1950

24th September [Births]

LGBT people born today:
1899 – Sir William Dobell – Australian Sculptor / Painter – Died 13th May 1970
1923 – Louis Edmonds – US Actor – Died 3rd March 2001
1940 – Yves Navarre – French Author – Died 24th January 1994
1949 – Pedro Almodovar – Spanish Director / Producer / Screenwriter [or 25th September 1949]
1951 – Mark Leno – US Politician
1954 – Eric Stryker – US Porn – Died 19th February 1988
1961 – John Logan – US Screenwriter / Playwright
1969 – Chad Beguelin – US Playwright
1976 – Michelle Ferris – Australian Cyclist
1979 – Ross Matthews – US Presenter
???? – Jake Gianelli – US Porn / Bodybuilder

I'm Okay

I had my appointment at Optimax today and, despite being incredibly nervous, worried and, at time, unimpressed with the service, I am fine
I arrived at their office at 09:30 and had some more forms to fill in before seeing the surgeon for a final consultation. He was happy to continue (which I had no doubt about considering the amount of money they are getting from me!). I had to wait about an hour and a half before the procedure even began, and lost track of time while I was in there, though it probably wasn't more than half an hour. I was allowed to rest alone in a side room for a while before being taken downstairs for a brief check up before being chucked out the door (at least, that is how I perceive it now!).

I was regretting it slightly once I got home (via taxi) as my eyes were incredibly sore and, at the appointed time, I could barely open them to administer the eye drops that I had been provided with. I finally managed to get an hour of sleep after I'd put the drops in and when I awoke (or was woken by my flatmates should I say) my eyes felt much better.

I have bandage contact lenses in at the moment, which I presume is what is making my vision slightly blurry, but other than that my vision is great, not perfect I don't think, but great. I have to go back tomorrow for a check-up and then again in a week and 3 months.

All through today I have been thinking that things are really bad, lots of "worst" moments:

I thought spending all that money for vanity's sake was the worst.
I thought the waiting was the worst.
I thought the smell of burning from the laser was the worst.
I thought that navigating down a long staircase with plastic cups on my eyes was the worst.
I thought that the hours of discomfort was the worst.
I thought the frustration at not being able to put my eye drops in was the worst.
I thought that coping with this on my own was the worst.

All in all though, it was the discomfort that was the worst. But at the moment I am thinking that it is all probably worth it. We shall see though if I feel the same in the coming days and weeks.

p.s. I have been told not to read, watch television or use the computer today, but I was so bored and needed to vent a bit I had to get on here and let you all know I was fine. I have, if it is any consolation, turned down the contrast on my laptop so the glare is not too bad. I won't be on here too long either.

23rd September

LGBT people born today:
1923 – Anita Cornwell – US Author
1954 – George C Wolfe – US Playwright / Director
1967 – Michael Soldier – US Porn / Actor / Drag Queen / Musician / Singer
1968 – Adam Price – UK Politician / Columnist
1970 – Ani DiFranco – US Singer / Songwriter / Musician
1972 – Sarah Bettens – Belgian Singer / Musician

And those who died:
2004 – Margaret Sloan-Hunter – US Activist / Poet / Journalist – Born 1947

Freaking Out..... a bit

I have been trying to avoid thinking about it all day, but tomorrow morning a complete stranger is going to be slicing and dicing my eyes in the hope that it could possibly (I repeat, possibly) improve my eyesight! All for the price of a holiday in Australia!! Am I f***ing mad?
I haven't even been allowed to talk to the surgeon yet, and already I have handed over £1000 in my desperation to be free of the inconvenience and discomfort of contact lenses and glasses. I really am beginning to think I may have been hasty in my decision, despite the fact that I have been thinking about this for about 4 years!
I just hope that it doesn't end up in the worst possible scenario, because if it does then this could well be my last blog posting (not gonna be able to do it blind now, am I?).

22nd September

LGBT people born today:
1900 – William Spratling – US Artist – Died 7th August 1967
1910 – Gyorgy Faludy – Hungarian Poet / Author / Translator – Died 1st September 2006
1938 – Hilton Brown – US Artist / Activist
1946 – Maurice Richard – Canadian Politician
1953 – Richard Fairbrass – UK Singer / Presenter / Activist
1955 – Lilo Wanders – German Actor
1958 – Tim Miller – US Performance Artist / Author
1969 – Sue Perkins – UK Comedian / Presenter / Actress / Scriptwriter
1972 – Matt Rush – US Porn / Personal Trainer / Actor
1979 – Ron Link – Dutch Actor / Singer 1984 – Ole Henrik Gronn – Norwegian Politician
???? – Sebastian Rivers - Porn

When You Wish.....

I just took a look out of my bedroom window and noticed, in the pitch black sky, that there was one point of light shining quite brightly to the south. I have no idea which star (or planet) it may have been at this time of year, but it was stationary and really quite bright considering there were no other stars showing here in the middle of the city. After a couple of minutes and the light still being there, I decided to be a bit silly and make a wish on it. It couldn't hurt could it? Just as I decided what to wish for (and no, I'm not telling you!) the star disappeared and didn't reappear. How typical is that? It just goes to show that indecision is a wasteful thing sometimes!

My New Number One Man

Almost since I began this blog, back before time began, I have been obsessed with a certain American actor, namely Mr Jake Gyllenhaal. There is something about him in each of his films that I have seen that draws me to him (and it's not his body, as he rarely strips for his films). But, I have not seen anything new about Jake for months, probably going on for a year, and I am beginning to think that he just does not care anymore.

Therefore I have replaced him in my heart with a new man.

An Australian man.

An Aussiebum man.

Toby Barnett is my favourite Aussiebum model, every time I see him I have to pause to take in his aura of overwhelming sex appeal. I love going into Rupert Street lately as they are almost always playing an Aussiebum promotional video and Toby is invariably in there somewhere. It's not a good marketing tool for Rupert Street though as having those videos playing makes the clientele look that much less appealing!

Toby has leapt ahead of all competition and is now officially my number one man of the moment.

Optimax

I've not long been back from my consultation at Optimax, to see about getting my eyes lasered so that I don't have to wear lenses or glasses any more (or at least for the foreseeable future). They advertise their prices as starting at £390-ish per eye, but don't advertise the prices of other treatments. Stupidly I anticipated increments of around £250 for each treatment. How wrong was I?
My treatment is going to cost £2570 in total (and that is the discounted price!!!).
I am in shock.
I can't quite believe that I am going through with it, but I am really sick of lenses (£2.5K sick apparently!). With this money I could pay for a decent holiday in Australia, or I could continue paying for contact lenses for nearly the next 11 years!! I really hope that it works out, otherwise I will still be blind (maybe more-so) and even more bitter than I am at the moment. It is a risk that I have to take though.
I have paid a £1000 deposit, and will be paying the rest off with 12 monthly payments of £130. My treatment will be on Wednesday morning and I am not to wear my lenses during the interim time. I will need 2-3 days recovery time afterwards, so I won't be out in Soho during this time, and will need additional aftercare at specific intervals.
Hopefully though, I will be able to get out into Soho early next week before I have to go back to that hellhole called work on the following Wednesday.

21st September (Deaths)

LGBT people who died today:
1327 – Edward II – English Monarch – Born 25th April 1284
1996 – Henri Nouwen – Dutch / Canadian Priest / Author / Theologian – Born 24th January 1932

21st September (Births)

LGBT people born today:
1898 – Pavel Tchelitchew – Russian / US Painter – Died 31st July 1957
1902 – Luis Cernuda – Spanish Poet / Literary Critic – Died 5th November 1963
1926 – Don Dunstan – Australian Politician – Died 6th February 1999
1944 – Fannie Flagg – US Actress / Author
1945 – Kay Ryan – US Poet / Teacher
1967 – Christopher Price – UK Presenter – Died 22nd April 2002
1967 – Alan G Rogers – US Soldier / Activist – Died 27th January 2008
1968 – Jinx Titanic – US Composer / Singer / Songwriter / Author / Actor / Comedian / Presenter
1970 – Melissa Ferrick – US Singer
1977 – Johnny Hazzard – US Porn / Singer
1983 – Scott Evans – US Actor
1984 – Jonny Makeup – US Musician / Presenter / Columnist

Vanity

I have my appointment tomorrow with Optimax, to see whether I can have the laser procedure to correct my vision (and mean that I won't have to wear contact lenses again). It is in the early afternoon and I've been told not to wear lenses for at least 24 hours before the appointment. I hate going out in my glasses so this means that I will be spending the day indoors. Now that is nothing unusual for me, but it is so much more annoying when you HAVE to do it! I guess, if I need to, I feel confident enough in my glasses to go down to the local Tesco, but that is about it. I am going to absolutely hate going all the way to Finchley Road and back tomorrow in my glasses! But, if I can have the procedure done, it will certainly be worth it.

20th September

LGBT people born today:
1869 – Emma Willits – US Physician – Died 9th April 1965
1918 – Gordon Heath – US Singer / Actor / Director – Died 27th August 1991
1918 – George Mosse – German / US Historian / Author – Died 22nd January 1999
1924 – William John Christopher Vassall – UK RAF / Spy – Died 18th November 1996
1925 – James Bernard – UK Composer – Died 12th July 2001
1930 – Richard Montague – US Mathematician – Died 7th March 1971
1948 – Chuck Panozzo – US Musician
1952 – Molly Cutpurse – UK Author
1955 – Jamie Lee Hamilton – Canadian Politician / Activist / Author / Entertainer / Lecturer
1958 – Mike Roberts – US Porn
1961 – Bo Dixon – US Porn 1976 – Lesley Brehm – Dutch Presenter
1977 – Lane Fuller – US Porn

And those who died:
2005 – Tobias Schneebaum – US Artist / Activist – Born 25th March 1922

Strictly Lucky

I watched the second of this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing episodes earlier this evening and was relieved at the happy ending it provided.
The same celebrities as yesterday were dancing their Latin dances today. Jade really looked like she enjoyed her Cha-Cha-Cha.
Ali looked incredibly nervous again before and after her Rumba, but had an amazing dress on and performed brilliantly again.
Lynda was wearing a red dress with a fish-scale pattern on it (I'm saying nothing about old trouts!), she looked happier performing this type of dance, rather than the Tango she did yesterday.
Rav looked so sexy again, but once more was a bit clumpy, when he was allowed to dance by the poor choreography.
Chris was really good again today, I think he could be going all the way, and giving Ali a run for her money. Ola's dress was so sexy too, what there was of it.
Joe's dance was more of a walk, but still really really awkward.
Martina's dance passed me by and left as much impact as her personality, i.e. none.
And poor Ricky was mouthing his counting all the way through the dance "one, two, cha-cha-cha," not good.

We were also treated to a dance by last year's champions Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup, which, despite a mistake on the lift towards the end, was still great and very entertaining.
Catherine Jenkins sang, with Vincent and Flavia dancing beautifully in accompaniment. Flavia's dress was incredible too, the costume department are outdoing themselves this year already.

At the end of the show the two celebrities in the dance off were Martina and Rav (for some reason the public saved Joe, despite him being so obviously the worst dancer, I think Christina may have another John Sergeant on her hands!). I was so hoping that Rav would not leave this early in the show, as he is the sexiest thing on there, and luckily he was saved by Bruno and Len's voting.

Strictly Back

I hadn't realised that Strictly Come Dancing was on last night, fancy starting the new season on a different day of the week. Luckily I have BBC iPlayer to help me catch up. I watched it this afternoon and here is my brief overview of what I saw, with more to come I'm sure after tonight's performances:

The show was kicked of with a medley dance, by the professionals of all the dances that will be performed by the contestants during the series. It was an amazing dance, but still not as good as the famously great Jive from two years ago.

The first of the celebs to dance was the incredibly sexy Rav Wilding. He is such a gorgeous guy, with a great body, beautiful smile and down-to-earth attitude. I have a (not so) soft spot for him because of his background in the Armed Forces and Police, two groups which need all of our support. He has not been too successful in his reality television performances to date (Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Masterchef), so I hope he does better here. He was, however, very flat footed when he was dancing, though it is still early days.

Ricky Groves, from Eastenders, was surprisingly good, I thought. Though the judges did not tend to agree with me. And Erin Boag was looking just beautiful. I'm not normally one to notice, and I havn't paid attention to her before, but she is a stunning woman, with a sexy voice too.

Chris Hollins was someone who I expected to be awful (along with Ricky Groves), but was surprised by how good he was, though initially he did remind me of John Sergeant.

Jade Johnson was very elegant.

Martina Hingis was elegant, apart from one fairly major mistake at the end, but her for some reason I don't like her.

Lynda Bellingham is a very funny woman and I want her to do well, especially as she is paired with the gorgeous and sexy Darren Bennett who I love. Unfortunately for a lot of her dance she looked like a rabbit in the headlights of an oncoming car! She was incredibly emotional once the dance was over, relief that she had got through it I guess.

Ali Bastion is one of the celebs that I had not heard of, though I have probably seen her in The Bill at some point. She looked absolutely petrified before taking the stage, but was amazing once she was dancing. The most natural dancer of the celebrities so far. I hated the song that she had to perform to though, very jumbled.

The last of the celebs to perform in this show was boxer Joe Calzaghe. I like Joe, he is pretty down to earth, one of the UK's best sportsmen (results-wise, as he is undefeated in his field), and he is a good looking guy too. Unfortunately, his dance was cringe-worthy to watch: bad posture, bum sticking out, looked petrified, and like he was trying to remember the steps and not just dance all the time. Hopefully he will relax or I can see him going out in the first round tonight (which will be a first for him!).

I was pretty unimpressed with the group mambo performed by the other celebs. I don't know if it was particularly good or bad because the camera work was terrible so I never got to see anyone dance for more than a second, so I couldn't tell.

I shall be watching the show tonight to see what happens.

My name is Alex and I am a Strictly Come Dancing addict!

Great Night Out

I was due to meet up with Richard last night for drinks, we had arranged to meet at 19:30 and I was running around like a headless chicken to get ready as I hadn't realised the time. While I was getting ready I happened to look out of my window and saw a nice looking guy walk past and he looked up at my window, so I smiled. He quickly looked away so I thought he was obviously straight. A few minutes later he walked back the other way and looked up again, before sitting on a wall outside the YMCA next door. His face was obscured by the wall, I assumed on purpose, and I just thought that he was waiting for someone. And then a couple of minute later he walked back past and looked up again, so I gave him another big smile and he responded, then looked nervous.
I think it may be the same guy who I had the same dance with about 6 months ago, and I was really tempted to run downstairs and chat to him. I chickened out though, justifying my decision with the fact that I was running late.
As it turned out I could have done it, because Richard was half an hour late getting to the Duke of Wellington. So I was kicking myself. Hopefully this guy will stroll past again next week (I am guessing that he was on his way home from work) and I will certainly go and talk to him if I see him again. I need to be more daring with this type of thing if I am ever going to get new friends and that ever elusive partner.

When Richard did turn up he had a work colleague, Grace, in tow. She is a nice enough woman but I really do not like having to feel responsible for "breeders" while I am out on the gay scene. She left after we'd been to Comptons and Ku Bar for one drink in each bar. Richard and I could then relax and so went on to Barcode, where the gorgeous bar manager, whose name I don't know, allowed us to get in for free, which was amazingly nice of him. I'll have to think of a way to thank him!!!
There were a few nice guys around, but none of them where interested in me at all. I began to feel a bit down when Richard suggested that we go on to the 2 Brewers. This is a place I have only ever been to once, almost 20 years ago and I wasn't impressed, but I am really glad that I went. It was a great place, with a fun crowd, great music and a few nice looking guys. I, and I hope Richard too, had a great time singing along to the "golden oldies" that were playing and it didn't matter that I wasn't pulling, which made a fantastic change.
I did, however, get talking to a guy who lives near me in the Barbican. I had "chatted" to Ronan on Facebook, sometime before I was banned from it last year, but we never got further than suggesting a meeting. At the end of the night, Richard went home and I went over to Ronan to suggest sharing a cab back to the Barbican. It turned out that he was with friends and one was driving, so I got a free lift home. Ronan sat in the back with me and we were holding hands for most of the journey. We went back to his place and chatted for a couple of hours and it was really nice, except that I discovered that one of his friends was actually his boyfriend! I felt a bit awkward when I found this out but it seems that they have an open relationship, which is fine, but it felt weird thinking that he was sitting across the room from us. I certainly do not want a threesome as his boyfriend, whose name I have forgotten, is not my type at all. I think it will just be a case of friendship for everyone.
I didn't get home until 07:00 and was still a bit drunk, despite only having a couple of orange juices at Ronan's. I had nothing to eat except crisps so when I woke later in the morning I was a bit hungover and didn't get out of bed until gone 13:00!

I had been considering going to watch the Steelers play today, as both teams were playing at home, but I am couldn't face getting ready and travelling to West Ham this afternoon. I've stayed in and watched last night's Strictly Come Dancing instead (more on than in another posting!).

All in all, last night was a fantastic night and I really had a great time. Cheers Richard.

19th September

LGBT people born today:
1876 – Ethel Mars – US Artist – Died 1956
1910 – Margaret Lindsay – US Actress – Died 9th May 1981
1934 – Brian Epstein – UK Artists’ Manager – Died 27th August 1967
1962 – Gottfried von Bismarck – German Aristocrat – Died 30th June 2007
1963 – Inge Diepman – Dutch Presenter
1974 – Sam Jensen Page – US Journalist / Personal Trainer 1978 – Michael Bihary – Slovakian / Dutch Singer
1980 – Tegan & Sara Quinn – Canadian Singers / Songwriters / Musicians


And those who died:
1990 – Stephen F Kolzak – US Director – Born 19th February 1953
1992 – Frederick Combs – US Actor – Born 11th October 1935

Mythos Man [R.I.P.?]

I'm a bit miffed (to say the least) that one of my favourite blogs has been suspended while it is under investigation for "possible Terms of Service violations." Mythos Man has the best gay porn clips anywhere [see the link on the right hand side, in case it does come back!]. They are sourced from everywhere and he always managed to find at least one video each day (out of about 10 that he posts), that really gets me off. Shame, but I guess the videos may have been copied illegally, so it probably was only a matter of time.
Now, though, I have to search around for decent videos, I'm certainly not paying for them!!

Distractions

For Mark

I meant to find this video and post it last week to mark the anniversary, but I'm ashamed to say that I got sidetracked and forgot. This is a tribute to Mark Bingham who was one of the passengers on Flight 93 who fought back and prevented their plane from being used as a weapon against others. It was a selfless act by a group of people, whatever their background, religion, sexuality or political beliefs. Although this song is about Mark, because of his sacrifice despite the fact that his country denies certain rights, it is in memory of all the passengers and crew on that flight who died so that others might live.

Tuesday Morning - Melissa Etheridge

Thanks to RJ for reminding me about this song.

18th September

LGBT people born today:
53 – Trajan – Roman Emperor – Died 8th August 117
1883 – Baron Berners (Gerald Tyrwhitt-Wilson) – UK Composer / Author / Painter – Died 19th April 1950
1905 – Greta Garbo – Swedish / US Actress – Died 15th April 1990
1925 – Pia Beck – Dutch Pianist
1928 – Jack Robinson – US Photographer – Died 15th December 1997

And those who died:
1935 – Alice Dunbar Nelson – US Poet / Journalist / Activist – Born 19th July 1875
1983 – Jose Perez Ocana – Spanish Painter / Drag Queen – Born 24th March 1947
2002 – Andreas Burnier – Dutch Author – Born 3rd July 1931

And Again With The Homophobic Comments!!

[Apologies to those who have read an almost identical rant that I sent out by email!]

Today was a pretty average day at work. I am constantly stressed at the thought that we are not being given the tools, training or respect to be able to do our jobs to the best of our ability. I am stressed because I am certain that my holiday pay (for my upcoming 4 days off) will not be paid in full. I am stressed because I know that some of the guard force will lose there jobs because my employers are trying to fit two buildings-worth of guards into one building, and giving priority and choice (choosing day or night shifts) to the other buildings' guards only. And now I am stressed because my inept manager has made a homophobic comment in front of me and I'm not sure what to do.

I was in the control room this afternoon, when he entered with another guard after they had taken a cigarette break together. I don't know who he was talking about [though I have been told since who it could be], but my manager said to the other guard, "What do you expect? He's a fucking poofter!"
I immediately said "I'd mind my language if I were you!" to which he responded, "Why are you a poof?"
I was angry that I am having to put up with this sort of comment for the second time at this site, the first time being at the beginning of last year when I was employed by a different company on the same site.

I don't want to work with people who think this way and verbalise it, but I am wary of making "a big deal" about it for a few reasons (none of which excuse what was said, I know);

1) I know some people make these type of [homophobic, racist, sexist] comments without thinking, and sometimes just as a vent of their frustration. I have done it myself.
2) I am stressed enough because of work at the moment (see the above reasons).
3) He is a Union member and I am not, so I would not be represented by anyone and he would if it came to a disciplinary!
4) I sometimes think that it is better to educate than alienate people.

I'm really not sure what to do. If I leave matters too long it will be too late.

I am off work for 12 days now anyway, and I don't feel that I can leave it for the whole 12 days if I do want to report him.
I know he is not up to doing the job properly, as he is also not very savvy on computers at all, is dyslexic and takes credit for other people's work, (i.e. mine!), but even so I don't know if this should figure in my decision.

I am considering speaking to his manager, who seems switched on and pleasant, and mentioning that I have a situation that I may want to report but am unsure at the moment, without mentioning any names. Unfortunately, I don't know her well enough to know what she would do about it or who she would talk to.
My manager doesn't have the job permanently yet, but his interview is this week. If I say something now it could rule him out of the running completely!

I've written out an incident form already for this, just in case I do take it further, and I have told 2 colleagues about it. But I still do not know what I should do for the best for me!

17th September (Deaths)

LGBT people who died today:
1921 – Philip, Prince of Eulenburg – German Politician – Born 12th February 1847
1948 – Ruth Benedict – US Anthropologist / Author – Born 5th June 1887
1994 – Glenn Steers – US / UK Porn – Born 3rd October 1958
2008 – Tony Randolph Hunter – US Hate Crime Victim – Born ?

17th September (Births)

LGBT people born today:
1884 – Charles Griffes – US Composer / Pianist – Died 8th April 1920
1904 – Sir Frederick Ashton – Ecuadorian Dancer / Choreographer – Died 18th October 1988
1928 – Roddy McDowell – UK Actor – Died 3rd October 1998
1943 – Gilbert Proesch – Italian Artist
1958 – Chris Burns – US Porn – Died 26th February 1995
1962 – Michael French – UK Actor
1963 – Tim van Zandt – US Politician / Nurse / Accountant
1965 – Bryan Singer – US Director / Producer
1965 – Manvendra Singh Gohil – Indian Prince
1971 – Nate Berkus – US Interior Designer / Presenter
1974 – Mirah – US Singer / Songwriter / Musician
1975 – Jade Esteban Estrada – US Singer / Comedian / Actor / Dancer / Choreographer / Author

16th September

LGBT people born today:
1856 – Baron Wilhelm von Gloeden – German Photographer – Died 16th February 1931
1882 – Freda du Faur – Australian Mountain Climber – Died 11th September 1935
1922 – David Noyes Jackson – US Author / Artist – Died 13th July 2001
1954 – Michael Nava – US Lawyer / Author
1970 – Sandi Simcha DuBowski – US Director / Producer
1974 – Monique Brumby – Australian Musician / Singer / Songwriter / Music Producer
1977 – Justin Deabler – US Reality TV [Real World: Hawaii]

And those who died:
1994 – Richard A Heyman – US Politician – Born 1935

15th September

LGBT people born today:
1889 – Claude McKay – Jamaican / US Author / Poet – Died 22nd May 1948
1932 – Ann Bannon – US Author / Professor
1937 – Jacques D’Ancona – Dutch Journalist
1956 – Cathy Connolly – US Professor / Politician

And those who died:
1983 – Beverley Nichols – UK Author / Playwright / Actor / Composer – Born 9th September 1898
2007 – Osvan Inacio dos Santos – Brazilian Hate Crime Victim – Born 1987 / 1988

I Dread Dealing With Stupid People, But Have To Every Day!!!

I was woken this morning by my alarm clock which used to be a rare thing, as I always used to wake up at least 5 minutes before it sounded, but is becoming more common. I was immediately filled with a feeling of dread at having to go back to work at that awful place.
I felt a bit sorry for the team during the first couple of hours I was there as I was snapping at every little thing they did wrong, which is probably how I am getting a reputation as the most feared supervisor (mainly stated by the newest supervisor there!). I don't know whether that reputation is a good or a bad thing to cultivate or not, but at the moment I don't really care as I don't particularly like anyone so I don't care how they perceive me.
My breaks are always the last to be taken from the whole team, which means that my lunch is not until 15:00, despite starting at 07:00. This does mean, however, that once my lunch break is over I only have just over 3 hours until I can go home, which almost always speeds past.

When I got home I found that Penny, one of the banes of my "home" life, had decided to clean the bathroom and the kitchen at that time. What a bloody stupid time to do it, just as everyone is coming home from work. She really can be thick bitch sometimes! It means that I felt guilty that I had to use both the bathroom (for ablutions) and the kitchen (to cook my dinner), but then I thought that she shouldn't have been so stupid to have done the cleaning at that time.

14th September (Deaths)

LGBT people who died today:
1927 – Isadora Duncan – US Dancer – Born 26th May 1877
2008 – John Burnside – US Inventor – Born 2nd November 1916

14th September (Births)

LGBT people born today:
1769 – Alexander von Humboldt – German Explorer – Died 6th May 1859
1908 – Peter Watson – UK Art Collector – Died 3rd May 1956
1916 – Eric Bentley – UK Actor / Singer / Playwright / Critic / Translator
1930 – Allan Bloom – US Author – Died 7th October 1992
1934 – Kate Millet – US Sculptor / Author
1935 – Amanda Barrie – UK Actress
1954 – Michael Patrick King – US Director
1954 – David Wojnarowicz – US Painter / Photographer / Author / Director / Activist – Died 22nd July 1992
1955 – Pier Vittorio Tondelli – Italian Author – Died 16th December 1991
1958 – Robert McCall – Canadian Figure Skater – Died 15th November 1991
1977 – Ruthie Alcaide – US Reality TV [Real World: Hawaii]
1980 – Rhett O’Hara – US Porn

Family Time

I've not long been back from visiting the family in Essex (on the way there and back, still reading about Michael Tolliver's visit back home to see his family). It wasn't too bad, the worst part was the journey, especially when I realised that the Circle Line of the tube wasn't running today and I had to walk to Fenchurch Street!

Maxine picked me up at Basildon train station and drove us straight round to Mikala's place to see the new arrival (who I almost forgot about when I got there as she was asleep in the corner and the other two baby girls where making all the noise!). She, as is usual with me, just looks like a baby. I have no affection for them and no desire to pick them up, but was forced to by my sister so she could take lots of pictures. I'll share those when I have them (and if they are flattering of me!!!).

After a few hours and a visit by Lynn and her brood (of four), Maxine took me back to her place for dinner and a bit of television (Dr Who followed by Warehouse 13, which I hadn't seen before and thought the guy was cute).

Maxine did drop a bit of a bombshell on me before reassuring me that it wasn't as bad as it could be, she likes to be dramatic, always has. She told me that she is going to be having a hysterectomy, then explained that it was because of a couple of (non-cancerous) cysts that had been found. My mum had had a hysterectomy when I was still at school, and later died of ovarian cancer as they had only taken the womb and not the ovaries out. Lynn had a hysterectomy a couple of years back as a precautionary measure. I did briefly wonder if Maxine was having it done because Lynn had (she has a habit of copying my sister in anything from tattoos, to clothing to jobs), but then I thought that this was going further than she would do for that reason. I'm sure that she will be fine. She's doesn't have a date for the op yet.

She dropped me back at the train station at 09:20 and I was home by 22:45! I am really tired and really DO NOT want to go to work tomorrow. I so hope that the next four days go really quickly, that my employers confirm that my holiday dates will be paid at 12 hours per day and that while I am on my 12 days off following that I find a great new job which will be the start of all things bright and wonderful for me. What are the chances, eh?

Woken Again

I have had trouble sleeping this week, getting back onto track from working nights gets more and more difficult with each passing week. Last night, somehow, I managed to get to sleep at a decent hour (before midnight) but was woken at around 02:30 by my (often) drunken housemate Penny. She had some visitors and they began by talking in stage whispers at the top of the stairs leading down to the pub. Unfortunately for me, this is right outside my room. They also kept going down to the pub and back up again, banging the door every time, and then, after he guests had gone she was talking to them on her phone for a while (not in a stage whisper this time). What with that, the passing traffic (which is considerable at that time, with lots of people headed home in taxis from the bars / clubs), drunken b@st@rds shouting outside and further banging of the pub door, it was about an hour before I managed to get back to sleep again.
So, I am really tired and I have to go to my sister's today to see my niece's newest noisemaker, baby Hannah. Then, joy of joys, back to work tomorrow for 4 days. Then, luckily, I am off for 12 days, 4 of which are holiday days that my employers tell me I will not be paid in full for as I am not entitled to it (an on going argument that reminds me of the stress I had with my previous employers not honouring the amount of holiday days I should have received). I really need a new job, but still have found nothing to apply for recently. Help!

13th September

LGBT people born today:
1928 – Robert Indiana – US Artist
1944 – Bettina Aptheker – US Author / Activist
1948 – Nell Carter – US Actress – Died 23rd January 2003
1952 – Randy Jones – US Singer [or 23rd July ????]
1973 – Mousbah Baalbaki – Lebanese Belly dancer

And those who died:
1959 – Adrian – US Costume Designer – Born 3rd March 1903
1940 – John Brooks Wheelwright – US Poet – Born 1897
1991 – Peter McGehee – US / Canadian Author – Born 6th October 1955
2007 – Danny Roddick – US Porn – Born 1978 2007 – Gordon Sloan – Australian Architect / Reality TV [Big Brother] – Born 31st October 1972

Too Much Thinking

I've only gone and got myself into a depressive funk now, haven't I?
I thought that I would make the most of the great weather, while we still have it, and grabbed a book, bought some sandwiches and went and sat on a bench out in the middle of the Barbican.
I am in the middle of reading Michael Tolliver Lives, the latest in the Tales of the City universe. I am at the point where Michael, and his husband Ben, are visiting Michael's mother as she is close to death. He describes it as visiting his biological family, as opposed to his logical one. Biological being the family you are born into, and logical being the one you choose and surround yourself with.

This got me down on two levels, especially with the fact that I am visiting my biological family tomorrow:

One, because I know that, even though it is great seeing my family and knowing that they are all well and happy. I know that there will be virtually no mention of my sexuality. No one will ask if I am seeing someone, or understand if I explain to them that I am missing Soho Live for their benefit. One of my nephews will inevitably describe something he doesn't like as "gay." And I will feel pretty much the same way as when I moved away from them to be myself back in 1994.

And two, because, unlike Michael, I don't have a logical family. I don't like the people I work with. I don't want to spend time with the people I share the flat with. And I have very few friends in total.

The only people I would describe as my logical family are Alexis and Francis and I left them behind when I moved away from Torquay (the place that I had moved to to escape my biologicals).
My family may ask what I have been up to, which is something that I get asked every time I see someone I've not seen for a while. And my answer is always the same: Nothing.
I do nothing.
I go nowhere.
I know (almost) no one.

I am slowly making changes to improve my life, but it is hard going on my own. I have paid off my debts, which is a massive thing that I am glad of and also proud about. But most of the changes I want to make depend on me finding a new job, which I feel like I have little control over (I know a lot of people would disagree with this statement, but I have changed my C.V. so many times and no version seems to get me an interview!).
I don't want to move until I know where I will be working (and what hours). I don't really want to join a gym either as there is no knowing if there will be a gym of the same group where I move to (though I will join a gym soon, probably a Virgin Active or Fitness First as they are everywhere, and I'll just hope for the best).
And, once I've changed jobs, and I'm working the same sort of hours as most "normal" people, then I can start to make more plans and meet up with the few friends that I do have in London more often.
I'm just impatient for this "new life" to begin as I am fed up of my old one. It all hangs on me getting a new job. That is what I need the most. Well, that and someone's strong chest to rest my head against.

What Alex Did

I tried to get myself a new television yesterday, but failed miserably. I found the perfect one in Curry's, but they only had the display one left and the salesman (boy) wouldn't reduce it any further than the £149 price it was showing. I would rather not spend that amount of money on a second hand telly, especially as I would have to buy an aerial to get Freeview as well. I couldn't find another decent one under £250 so I gave up. I may try Argos, though it is not easy to ask questions there (though I could ask Francis).

I was debating all day whether to go out last night and, in the end I decided that I should. I had already made the mistake of saying I would go and see my niece and new great-niece on Sunday (which I had forgotten was Soho Live day), so I thought I needed some fun.
Once again, I never actually talked to anyone for any length of time, but there was plenty of people watching to be done and lots of nice men to ogle. I did the usual round of Rupert Street, Comptons and then Barcode. I saw the muscle guy who had smiled a few times at me last week when I was out and he smiled again, but I never got to talk to him (and he did seem to be spending rather a lot of time in various toilets!!).
Once Barcode was closed I made a conscious decision to go to Chariots (as opposed to my drunken mindless trips in the past). Yes, I was drunk, but not as bad as I have been. I had a good time and felt quite confident while I was in there and, shall we say, I got my money's-worth!!! I still do not want to make Chariots a regular trip.

Today is another glorious day and I have, sadly, not even stepped out of the flat yet. I really should have made an effort to get out, even to get down to see Kings Cross Steelers play their first match of the season. But I was too lazy. I must get out though, as this sunshine is bound to be the last for this year.

Already though, I am dreading going back to work on Monday. It is annoying me at the moment because of the lack of basic support we are getting and because they are trying to cheat us out of holiday pay (trying to pay us 9.6 hours for each holiday day instead of 12!). Why is it that every security company treats its best resource so shittily? I haven't found any jobs recently that I wanted to apply for either. It is so frustrating.

12th September

LGBT people born today:
1946 – Minnie Bruce Pratt – US Author / Poet / Activist
1954 – Robert Gober – US Artist
1956 – Leslie Cheung – Hong Kong Actor / Singer / Producer / Musician – Died 1st April 2003
1957 – Tony de Vit – UK DJ – Died 2nd July 1998
1963 – Paul Bellini – US Presenter / Journalist
1964 – Chip Kidd – US Author / Editor / Graphic Designer
1970 – Jens "Turbo Slut" Hammer – German Porn

And those who died:
1992 – Anthony Perkins – US Actor – Born 4th April 1932
1993 – Raymond Burr – US Actor – Born 21st May 1917
1995 – Jeremy Brett – UK Actor – Born 3rd November 1933

Michael John Cahill

Michael John Cahill

I originally honoured Michael John Cahill in 2006 for the Project: 2996 tribute and have been granted the honour again. As before, I hope this tribute honours him as much he deserves. Grief is such a personal thing it affects us all in different ways. Grief can affect you for people you do not know as well as those you do. I have experienced a fair amount of loss in my life, but you can never truly equate your loss with that of someone else. It is also difficult to pay tribute to someone you didn’t know and never met. All you can do is research and hope you get all the facts straight. I could, however, find no fresh information about Michael since my original tribute.


Michael John Cahill was in Tower 1 of the World Trade Centre, based on the 99th floor. This floor was in the upper area of where the first plane hit the tower.
I can’t even begin to imagine what Colleen, his wife, must have been thinking when she first heard the news and saw the pictures.
Michael was 37 years old and, from what I can tell, a REAL family man. He had a wife he loved and two young kids who he loved spending time with and wanted to be a good role model for. To this end he rejoined his high school cross country running team as its captain, as he believed that sports were important in their development.
Michael worked hard, often out of his house for more than 12 hours and regularly taking work home with him, but his family knew that it was all for them. Colleen, his wife said, "We knew we came first. He would always make a point to tell me, 'I know it's hard for you being home with the kids,' so he would always make time to be with them so I could take a break."
Even his sister, Denise Troise, was amazed at her brother’s devotion to his family, saying “I can’t even imagine a more dedicated father and husband.”
He was known for his weekend barbecues which usually brought together his close-knit family, neighbours and friends.

Posthumously, Michael has been awarded a promotion to Managing Director by his firm, Marsh & McLennan. He has also been awarded the Dean Award from St John’s University Law School, from which he graduated in 1991.
But, possibly the most telling award made to this loving family man is the bench and plaque placed in his East Williston village green by his friends and neighbours, and the fact that around 1000 friends attended the memorial mass at St Aidan’s Roman Catholic Church in Williston Park.
Jim & Evelyn be proud of your son, you must have done good raising him.
Colleen be proud of your husband, you picked a good one. One who loved you enough to spend time away from you to provide the things you needed and deserved.
Connor & Fiona, be proud of your daddy. He was a good man. Ask your family about him. Find out all that you can and fix him in your mind, that way, he will always be with you.

You will never forget.
We will never forget.
Michael John Cahill

Please don't forget to check out Project 2996 for all the other tributes that have been made today to honour those who died on that awful day.

Michele Ann Nelson

Michele Ann Nelson

7th December 1973 – 11th September 2001

Michele Ann Nelson was a benefits specialist, working in the Human Resources department of Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center. She had been there since 2000.
Michele formerly worked at J & W Seligman and County Seat Stores and lived in Valley Stream, New York.

She left behind a younger sister – Monique, and her mother – Mrs Winsome Nelson, along with a vast network of family and friends.

Some words used frequently to describe Michele were:

Beautiful, intelligent, hilarious, thoughtful, caring, punctual, giving, forgiving, positive, & spiritual.
Once again, for me, it is difficult writing an honest tribute to someone who I never got the chance to meet.

The overwhelming impression I get from the tributes that I have seen and the thoughts that have been written, is that of an incredibly caring person who always thought of others. Whether it was giving good advice to someone considering quitting college, or kind words on the death of a co-worker’s relative, she made a difference just by being her own caring self. She is an example that we should all follow.

Michele seemed to make an impact on the lives of everyone that she met. Even brief acquaintances were influenced by her shining example of how to live life. Even now, 8 years on, her example is being spread via her family and friends, and via tributes on the internet that give a multitude of examples of the kindness, generosity and her incredibly caring nature.
Excelling in her studies at school, graduating from Pennsylvania State University, then Baruch College of the City, Michele was constantly trying to improve her skills, shown also by her attendance of New York Restaurant School, from which she posthumously graduated in December ‘01.

I think that we can all learn from the example that Michele set during her brief life. She had a mantra that she would repeat three times a day:

"This is the day the Lord had made, I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Please take time to read tributes left to Michele and her family at Legacy.com and at the memorial site set up by Cantor Fitzgerald. And don't forget all the other victims of that terrible day, all of whom will be paid tribute to via Project 2996.

11th September (9/11 LGBT Deaths part 2)

These are the known LGBT victims who were passengers and crew on the planes and workers in the Pentagon in the terrorist attacks on this terrible day in 2001:
Graham Berkeley – UK – Flight 175 - Born ?
Mark Bingham – US PR Executive / Rugby / Hero – Flight 93 - Born 22nd May 1970
Dan Brandhorst – US – Flight 175 – Born ?
David Charlebois – US Pilot – Flight 77 – Born 29th August 1962
Jeffrey Collman – US Flight Attendant – Flight 11 – Born ?
James Joe Ferguson – US – Flight 77 – Born ?
Carol Flyzik – US Nurse – Flight 11 – Born
Ronald Gamboa – US – Flight 175 – Born ?
Sheila Hein – US Army Staff – Pentagon – Born ?
Waleska Martinez – US – Flight 93 – Born ?

I have put the victims of that day into two separate entries so that each name can be shown in the Labels section (there is a limit of 200 characters and I didn't want to leave anyone out). Please check out Project 2996 for tributes being paid to ALL the victims of this terrible day.

11th September (9/11 LGBT Deaths part 1)

LGBT people who died in and around the World Trade Center on this day in 2001 during the terrorist attacks:
Pamela J Boyce – US AVP of Accounting – WTC – Born ?
Eugene Clark – US – WTC – Born ?
Luke A Dudek – US Catering Manager – WTC – Born ?
Eddie – US Firefighter – WTC – Born ?
Mychal F Judge – US Priest / Hero / Firefighter – WTC – Born 11th May 1933
Tony Karnes – US – WTC – Born ?
John Keohane – US – WTC – Born ?
Michael Lepore – US – WTC – Born 1962
Patricia McAneney – US – WTC – Born ?
Wesley Mercer – US Army / VP of Corporate Security – WTC – Born ?
Seamus O’Neal – US Army / Actor / Dancer – WTC – Born ?
Philip Paul Ognibene – US Bond Trader / Softball – WTC – Born ?
Catherine Smith – US – WTC – Born ?

I have put the victims of that day into two separate entries so that each name can be shown in the Labels section (there is a limit of 200 characters and I didn't want to leave anyone out). Please check out Project 2996 for tributes being paid to ALL the victims of this terrible day.

11th September (Deaths)

LGBT people who died this day:
1935 – Freda du Faur – Australian Mountain Climber – Born 16th September 1882
1971 – Bella Darvi – French Actress – Born 23rd October 1928
2001 - 9/11 LGBT victims listed in separate entry
2008 – Nils Johan Ringdal – Norwegian Author / Historian / Bodybuilder – Born 6th March 1952

11th September (Births)

LGBT people born today:
1864 – Marc-Andre Raffalovich – French Poet / Author – Died 1934
1911 – Bola de Nieve – Cuban Musician / Singer – Died 2nd October 1971
1948 – Jewelle Gomez – US Author / Activist
1957 – John Moss – UK Musician
1965 – Axel Schock – German Journalist / Author
1967/9 – Arpad Miklos – Hungarian Porn 1969 – Gidget Gein – US Musician – Died 8th October 2008
1978 – Shawn Legend – US Porn

Anakin's Speach

I am watching Attack of the Clones for the first time in at least 3 years and had to pause the film after hearing the speech that Anakin makes to Padme declaring his feelings for her. I forgot how beautiful the speech was and how Shakespearian it seems. I thought I would share it with you, for those who had not seen the film:

"From the moment I met you, all those years ago, not a day has gone by when I haven't thought of you.
And now that I am with you again, I'm in agony. The closer I get to you, the worse it gets. But, the thought of not being with you.... I can't breathe.
I'm haunted by the kiss that you never should have given me. My heart is beating, hoping that kiss will not become a scar.
You are in my very soul, tormenting me.
What can I do? I will do anything that you ask.
If you are suffering as much as I am please tell me."

There was a time when I felt that way, or thought I did, about someone, but knew that they didn't feel the same. I hoped to change that person's mind, but realise now what a foolish hope that was to have.

Missed Moaning

I wasn't able to blog at all yesterday, because Blogger wouldn't allow me AGAIN, so you missed out on me moaning about work again. I'm sure that you are gutted!
I am now off for 4 days and luckily I was up at a decent hour today, which means that I will probably get a reasonable sleep tonight. Getting back into the "day pattern" after my night shifts isn't always this easy.
So far today, I have managed to do some basic chores to get them out of the way (i.e. shopping, washing etc.) and have finally filled in my application form for the Kings Cross Steelers (as a supporter only). I am feeling restless though, and feel like I want to get out into town for some gayness, but I don't know if I can be bothered to go on my own. We shall see, I may just kick back and watch another Star Wars film, now that I have the DVDs.

10th September

LGBT people born today:
1487 – Julius III – Italian Pope – Died 23rd March 1555
1886 – Hilda Doolittle [H.D.] – US Poet / Author – Died 27th September 1961
1935 – Mary Oliver – US Poet
1951 – Kris Kovick – US Author / Cartoonist – Died 26th October 2001
1960 – Alison Bechdel – US Cartoonist
1961 – Karla Drenner – US Politician
1970 – Jeff Marx – US Composer / Librettist
1979 – Amanda Moore – US Model

And those who died:
1948 – Ferdinand I – Bulgarian Monarch / Author / Entomologist / Philatelist – Born 26th February 1861

9th September

LGBT people born today:
1898 – Beverley Nichols – UK Author / Playwright / Actor / Composer – Died 15th September 1983
1911 – Paul Goodman – US Author / Poet / Sociologist / Activist – Died 2nd August 1972
1943 – Bryan Derbyshire – UK Journalist / Editor / Entrepreneur – Died 1st May 2001
1949 – John Curry – UK Figure Skater – Died 15th April 1994
1955 – Edward Hibbert – US Actor / Literary Agent
1956 – Arjan Ederveen – Dutch Comedian
1965 – Jesus Vazquez Martinez – Spanish Presenter / Model / Singer / Actor 1967 – John Paulus – US Porn
1968 – Jamie Pedersen – US Politician / Lawyer
1974 – Ana Carolina – Brazilian Singer / Musician
1977 – Mark Ferrandino – US Politician / Fiscal Analyst

And those who died:
1999 – Steen Fenrich – US Hate Crime Victim – Born 1981

Hannah Ellie Scott

I almost forgot to mention that I got a text from my sister Maxine this morning (which is probably what woke me up initially!) to tell me that my niece has decided on a name for her latest hatchling:

Hannah Ellie Scott

I'm not quite used to it yet, and it doesn't roll off the tongue, for me anyway, but Hannah is a nice name. Mikala had said previously that she was considering using a name to honour my mum (her nan) Christine Autumn Louise Robins, but obviously she changed her mind. I'm slightly disappointed with that. Still, I guess that she is still remembered with my other niece, Molly Louise. My dad is remembered with my eldest nephew, Arron. My dad was Ronald, but Lynn, my sister, thought this was a bit old fashioned and so used the "ron" part of Arron to remember him.
I have not been sent any pictures yet, which is unusual for my sister, but will try to obtain some at the weekend for the baby-fanatics among you.
I have told Maxine that I will go and visit the family, especially Mikala on Sunday, but have now just realised that it is Soho Live on that day. I may change my mind, but then again I think I might just forget about Pride events until next year now.

I Just Want To Sleep

I was woken this morning at about 11:30 by noise from the construction work going on two storeys above me, hammering, drilling, sawing, planing. I don't know what the hell they are doing, but apparently we have another 3 weeks of it! I managed to stay in bed dozing for another hour and a half, but had to get up as the noise was annoying me, combined with the fitness instructor across the road in the YMCA shouting his head off and the cloying heat that the last throws of summer has sent our way, my room is like an oven.
I also have aches in both my shoulders, which have been there for the last 3 days, so that is also contributing to keeping me awake. I need a good long massage to ease the tension there. Any offers?
I am gonna try and get some more sleep now, though. I've opened the window and turned on the fan so, hopefully the rhythmic sounds of the traffic and the fan will drown out the other noise and allow me some much needed sleep before I have to go back to work tonight.

8th September

LGBT people born today:
1873 – Alfred Jarry – French Author – Died 1st November 1907
1886 – Siegfried Sassoon – UK Poet / Author – Died 1st September 1967
1934 – Sir Peter Maxwell Davies – UK Composer / Conductor
1940 – Elly de Waard – Dutch Poet
1953 – Sunil Gupta – Indian / Canadian Photographer
1954 – Mark Foley – US Politician
1967 – Kimberly Peirce – US Model / Director
1972 – Daniele Capezzone – Italian Politician
1978 – Alicia Rhodes – UK Porn

And those who died:
1991 – Brad Davis – US Actor – Born 6th November 1949
1996 – Eyre de Lanux – US Author / Artist – Born 20th March 1894
2006 – Frank Middlemass – UK Actor – Born – 28th May 1919

Danyl

You may think I am just a bit slow on the uptake with this, but I actually try to avoid watching X-Factor whenever possible as the format of humiliating people (or persuading people to humiliate themselves) really galls me. But I was Googling Danyl Johnson's name as I read last night that he may be bisexual. I watched this whole clip, despite it not being my type of song, and I think that this is an amazing performance for an "amateur." Almost certainly he has had previous performing experience, but if X-Factor had this quality in all the singers I might just watch it. As it is, even though he is an amazing singer (on the basis of this ONE song), and very easy on the eye too, I won't be watching the rest of the series.

Setting Achievable Goals

I was feeling my usual emotions when I went back to work last night after my four days off: nausea, repulsion, hatred, boredom, lethargy, a sense of pointlessness, desperation etc etc etc. It didn't change when I got there. Everything had been moved around, some paperwork lost, handovers had not been done properly (meaning the supervisor I was taking over from didn't know what I needed to know), and after about 4 hours I had exhausted every avenue of finding something to do to contribute to the running of the site.

I decided to make a list of things that I really want to achieve in the very near future. So here is the list, in no particular order:

• Join a gym (though this isn't something I feel I will enjoy, it is something that could improve my physique, give me something to do in my bored moments, possibly get a new circle of acquaintances, if not friends, and give me something different to talk about). I just need to find the right gym, as I don't want to be tied into a long contract with a crap one. I'll probably go with Virgin Active, as it is close and there are loads of them around, in case I manage to achieve my next point.
• Move. I am sick of sharing the flat with so many people (especially sharing this tiny bathroom and kitchen with slobs). I cannot really make a proper decision on this one though until I have achieved the next point.
• Change job. Probably the most important of all the things that I want to achieve. I need to find a job that is challenging, but within my grasp, that pays enough do more than just survive, and which I will enjoy and flourish in. If I don't achieve anything else in the next 6 months I want to have achieved this one.
• Eye surgery. I want to be free from contact lenses and glasses and have made the first step toward this goal. I have an appointment at the same place that my sister, Lynn, had her eyes lasered, so this should be achieved by Christmas hopefully.
• Holiday. I haven't had a holiday abroad for about 16 years. The closest I have achieved is a long weekend in Torquay!! I need to get away, preferably with good company as I did my travelling alone when I was younger (albeit within this country) and I really don't want to do that alone again. Hopefully, next year could be my year to get to Aus.
• Improve my skills. If I can't do this through changing jobs (or maybe in addition to doing it through changing jobs) I want to learn a skill or do a course to show future employers that I am still willing to learn, and to give me more scope in job hunting in the future should I need it.
• Friends. Increasing my circle of friends is vital to my happiness. I currently have very few people who I can meet up with regularly, so new friends are a godsend. I am making some progress in achieving this and hopefully joining a gym, and becoming a supporter of Kings Cross Steelers should aid in this goal.
• Reduce my junk. I have a very large collection of comics, action figures and other assorted junk. I need to reduce this down as it is a pain to shift every time I move home, it collects dust and takes up a lot of space. Though I don't think I could part with it all, I could certainly get rid of a few hundred comics (mainly the DC ones), and some of the action figures, as well as old stuff like videos, magazines etc. I just need a push to do it, and some luck selling on eBay!!
• New Television. I never got around to replacing my old, bulky television after I ripped the aerial out of the back (I can still use it to watch DVD's). But I would like to replace it with something that takes up less space and is able to be used for the purpose it was intended. Something not too big, and with Freeview.
• Clothing. I need to update my whole wardrobe. I have been trying to do this gradually since I had more money free, and I am getting there. But I need to buy outfits for ALL occasions (i.e. parties, winter, holidays, gym etc).

As you can see, all of the above goals are achievable, some easier than others, but will take time and some will take a LOT of money! Wish me luck as I think that it may be a long hard slog to achieve this list in total.

7th September

LGBT people born today:
1928 – Alfred Chester – US Author – Died 1st August 1971
1956 – Michael Feinstein – US Singer / Musician / Composer
1957 – Jermaine Stewart – US Singer / Songwriter / Dancer – Died 17th March 1997
1961 – Jean-Yves Thibaudet – French Pianist
1969 – Rudy Galindo – US Figure Skater
1979 – Owen Pallett – Canadian Singer / Violinist
1982 – Jason Tiya – US Porn [or 1st September 1982]

And those who died:
1971 – Spring Byington – US Actress – Born 17th October 1886

6th September

LGBT people born today:
1947 – Sylvester James – US Singer – Died 16th December 1988
1960 – Patrick Lindner – German Singer
1966 – Joan Guetschow – US Biathlete
1986 – Tony Mason – US Porn
???? – Richard Barr – US Producer – Died 9th January 1989

And those who died:
1990 – Issan Dorsey – US Drag Queen – Born 7th March 1933
2007 – Ronald Magill – UK Actor – Born 21st April 1920

I Feel .............. Pathetic

I don't know if I will be able to, but I am going to try to convey just how pathetic I feel today. (B.T.W. I'm not after sympathy or platitudes, I am just venting and maybe searching for an answer):

I spent the whole day doing nothing because I have no friends locally to do anything with. I felt like I should go out tonight as it is Saturday and that is what "normal" people do on a Saturday.
I was really bloated from my dinner, though I still felt an obligation to myself to go out as I don't get may weekends off, so I should make the most of it.
Just as I was leaving for my night out I realised that I had forgotten to pick up my dry cleaning today, which means that I have no trousers to wear for work tomorrow night. Therefore, I will have to get up earlier than expected tomorrow to hunt down Oxford Street for a pair of black trousers, that I really do not need, to tide me over until Monday when I can collect mine from the dry cleaners. Realising this made me even less inclined to go out, but I still did.

I got to Rupert Street, the only bar I feel remotely comfortable drinking alone in, and it was really quiet. I was bored within 15 minutes, but decided to give it at least 2 drinks before I came home. It eventually began to get busier, on and off, and there were even a few guys that I fancied, about 5 in total. I had gone from bored, when there were no guys I fancied, to hopeful, when one of the 5 even gave me a big smile and said "hello". He was good looking with big muscles, so I knew he was out of my league, especially as he was with another cute, very muscular guy. But just the fact that he had smiled and acknowledged me had reassured me.
After a third drink and being too impatient to wait at the packed bar for a fourth, I headed off to Barcode (mainly so that I didn't have to pay to get in, as I wasn't expecting to stay long).
In Barcode only one of the many guys I had been looking at in Rupert Street turned up, though there were a few others there towards the time I left that were also very nice, though they were so obviously gym bunnies and so not the type I would have any chance with.
The one that I really liked, who had also been in Rupert Street, was so blatantly not interested in me though. Either I was so far off his radar that I hadn't even registered, or he had seen me staring at him and was totally ignoring me. Either way I knew I wasn't going to get anywhere with him. Pity, as all I was looking for tonight was good conversation and a laugh!
What really pissed me off though, after spending about 2 hours more than I should have out in town, was at around 23:30 I was stood in the upstairs bar of Barcode, finally having gotten this sexy fucker out of my head when, lo and behold, he comes walking across the whole bar to talk to me. I thought, for one fleeting second that I had been totally wrong about him and that he really did like me. He asked me if I had some gum I could spare, he had obviously seen me chewing, so I gave him some gum, and then he disappeared without so much as his name or a shake of my hand. Next thing I know, he is back over the other side of the bar, doing the "hands in each others back pockets" thing with another cute guy. That really pissed me off and made me feel even more pathetic than I was already feeling. I finished my drink and came home.
I managed, somehow, to hold off my tears until I got into the flat and then they flooded out. I feel even more pathetic admitting that, but I do like to be honest on here.
All I want in life is someone special to share my time with. If there can't be a special someone then I would like a nice group of friends to spend time with. At the moment I don't have either. I feel totally alone sometimes and it really is pathetic! I am getting to the point where I feel like I should accept the advances of anyone who makes them, as I am feeling so lonely. Though I know I should wait until I meet someone who ticks, at least, most of my boxes. I just haven't met anyone who even comes close.
I am at the point now, where I feel like I have no choice but to go and join a gym, because that seems to be the only way that I will ever attract anyone, by looking exactly the same as they do!
I don't have a complex about my looks, though I did for a long time when I was younger. I know that I am not a bad looking guy and sometimes I can even look fucking hot!! But that doesn't seem to matter with some people if you don't wear the right clothes, go to the right gym, drink the right drink etc etc etc. I do wonder what the point is sometimes. I'm not really depressed, as such, so don't worry. I am just really tired, emotional and fed up with never being able to get "it" right. Life is far too complicated for me. I never seem to be able to manage the things that other people take for granted, like dating and relationships. Just once I would like to feel normal about these things, to be part of a couple, at least for a little while (preferably more than 3 months, which is the length of my one and only relationship in my 37 years on this planet! See what I mean about pathetic).

Word of the day (week, month, year, decade, life ........): PATHETIC. Look in the dictionary for the description and you will see a picture of me!

To Go, Or Not To Go?

I spent the whole day doing pretty much nothing, with the intent of going out tonight (as I am not back to work until tomorrow night). But, after having fish fingers and chips for my tea, I feel far too bloated to move from the flat and am considering staying in and watching Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones instead. What to do, what to do? I really do not know what to do!

5th September

LGBT people born today:
1912 – John Cage – US Composer / Philosopher / Poet / Artist / Printmaker – Died 12th August 1992
1928 – Walter H Breen – US Author – Died 28th April 1993
1934 – Russell Harty – UK Presenter – Died 8th June 1988
1944 – Dario Bellezza – Italian Author / Poet / Playwright – Died 31st March 1996
1946 – Freddie Mercury – UK Singer – Died 24th November 1991
1975 – JP Calderon – US Volleyball / Model / Reality TV [Survivor: Cook Islands]
And those who died:
1947 – Mary Anne Woolley – US Activist – Born 13th July 1863
1983 – John Gilpin – UK Ballet – Born 10th February 1930

Who The F**** Dressed You?

I've heard of Dress-Down Fridays, but this is ridiculous!

Bits & Bobs

I've just got back from a trip into town, doing a bit of shopping. I wanted to get something for the baby, for when I visit next week and managed to find a lovely set of baby clothes in BHS, all matching (trousers, sleepsuit, bodysuit, t-shirt, bib, mittens and hat) and a pack of socks too, very cute. I also got myself a new bath sheet, as it has been a while since I bought new towels.
I treated myself, at last, to the full set of Star Wars DVD's as I only have the films on video (and have no video player to play them on!). I will start watching them again tonight, I have only seen Revenge of the Sith (the third film in the prequel trilogy, for those who don't know) once, which was when I saw it at the cinema when it first came out, back in 2005!!! So I really can't wait to see that again.
And I also got a comic (a reference once of course), though I was tempted to buy more, and to restart my collecting, now that I can afford it. But I picked up a couple of comics and flicked through them and found that although some of the issues had stories I was still interested in (i.e. the Initiative), I am not impressed with the artwork in most of them now.
I wanted to get myself a new coat (I'm still after a nice lightweight one for Autumn) and some going out shoes (not too flashy, not to casual), but had had enough of shopping on my own, so I had a sandwich in Soho Square and then came home.
Despite the blowy weather, it was still quite warm when the sun was out (which it was for most of the time I was out). And there were so many sexy guys around too! Everywhere I looked there were guys who were (looks-wise at least) boyfriend material! Unfair that none of them gave me a second glance though!

To Sir With Love, Finally I Get To See It!!

I am so glad that Deano has finally got his shit together to get a video on YouTube so those of us stuck on the other side of the planet get to see him performing. I really hope that he does bring the show, To Sir With Love, over to the UK next year, because I really want to see it AND him!

Catching Up

I had a nice night out last night with Stephen. We met up at just after 19:00. I was running a little late because, as I was getting ready I got a second text from my sister, Maxine, to say that Mikala had given birth to a healthy daughter. Mikala has to stay in hospital for a little while as the baby had "pooed inside of her." Nice!
We spent the whole evening outside the Duke of Wellington and by the end of it I was pretty cold, as the nights are now drawing in and the wind was whipping up last night too! Stephen had to go just after 22:00 as he was working this morning quite early. I decided to go on to Rupert Street for one before going to Barcode.
There were quite a few sexy guys around in both, but unfortunately not in the DoW (there never are, it always seems to be a "sexy-free zone," except for myself and my friends obviously!). I stayed out until Barcode closed, but didn't talk to anyone in particular all night after Stephen left.
I was pretty drunk when I got home, but remembered to have something to eat and drink before going to sleep. Luckily I had no hangover to speak of this morning, though I am incredibly tired still!

4th September

LGBT people Born today:
1891 – Lyle Chambers Saxon – US Author – Died 9th April 1946
1900 – George Hoyningen-Huene – Russian Photographer – Died 1968
1905 – Mary Renault – UK Author – Died 13th December 1983
1920 – Craig Claiborne – US Restaurant Critic / Food Writer – Died 22nd January 2000
1937 – Virgil A Richard – US Soldier
1938 – Leonard Frey – US Actor – Died 24th August 1988
1945 – Brian Williamson – Jamaican Activist / Hate Crime Victim – Died 9th June 2004
1970 – Ione Skye – US Actress

Amd those who died:
1991 – Tom Tryon – US Actor / Author – Born 14th January 1926
2005 – Todd Wilson – US Director – Born 1963

At Last

I have literally just had a text from my sister, Maxine, to say that my niece, Mikala (her daughter), has finally gone into labour and is at the hospital. Her contractions are four minutes apart, so it shouldn't be long before baby number 3 is here (only 9 days late, I think!). Apparently the head has been engaged for about 3 weeks, whatever that means, so it really is about time.
I probably won't go down to see them this week though. I am out tonight and back to work on Sunday night. I will however, be off work again from Wednesday morning and so will pop across to Essex to see them both for the day (don't really want to make a night of it as it will be my first full weekend off for weeks! I only get 3 full weekends off every 14 weeks!! No wonder I don't get any invites to parties!).
Maxine should keep me informed of any developments and I shall pass them on to you. Fingers crossed, but not the legs (just yet!!).

3rd September

LGBT people born today:
1849 – Sarah Orne Jewett – US Author – Died 24th June 1909
1901 – Kurt von Ruffin – German Actor / Singer – Died 17th November 1996
1944 – Brian Linehan – Canadian Presenter – Died 4th June 2004
1947 – Michael Huffington – US Politician / Producer
1950 – Doug Pinnick – US Singer / Musician

And those who died:
1843 – Percy Jocelyn – Irish Bishop – Born 29th November 1764
1974 – Harry Partch – US Composer – Born 24th June 1901
1990 – David J Acer – US Dentist – Born 11th November 1949

Oops

I am just watching some more episodes of Sex and the City, from my complete box set, and I began to think that it is really sad that I never get invited to parties.
I know some people may have got fed up of me declining invites because of the stupid hours that I work, but the last party invite I had, was for my sister Maxine's wedding. And, just as I thought of this, I realised that their first anniversary was last week and I forgot!! She is going to be so pissed off with me.
No one else I know worries about anniversaries too much, but Maxine thinks that everyone should remember it and send her cards. My other sister, Lynn, told me that she doesn't expect cards from anyone except her hubbie on their anniversary, as it is something for them to remember between them, which I think is romantic, don't you?
So I'm not going to worry about forgetting the anniversary. I'm just going to worry about why I never get invited to parties!
And, why is it that even though I constantly complain that I have no boyfriend and have never had a boyfriend (apart from a three month period when I first moved to Devon 15 years ago), but would like to be in a relationship, that no one ever, EVER, introduces me to any potential "suitors"???!!!! What is up with that?!?!?!

Off Again

Am on my first of four days off again, but this time I wish I was still working days shifts (instead of having to go back to work on Sunday night). Yesterday was quite a good day again. The first 10 hours of my shift flew by, I was so happy to be busy for a change, normally I am bored out of my tiny mind!Work
The last two hours though really dragged their heels as I was being trained, and not very well. I had waited since 11:00 to be trained on the access control and CCTV systems, but only managed to get an hour of training from 17:00 before the guy had to go. We both just kept getting interruptions meaning that the training couldn't start.

What to do for the next few days? Well tomorrow I am going out for drinks with a friend I'd lost track of over the last few years. We bumped into each other back in June and have finally arranged a time for catching up over drinks. Should be nice.
I'm still a bit sniffly and have a dodgy stomach still (not as bad as it was), so I really don't want to transfer that to Tim by visiting, even though I do want to go and see him (I've still not actually seen him since he left hospital!).
My niece is 1 week overdue, despite the baby's head being engaged three weeks ago (whatever that means?) and so could have the baby at any time, so I could be rushing down to Essex at any time, though it certainly doesn't look like baby is in any hurry.
Other than that I have nothing planned, as usual.

2nd September

LGBT people born today:
1887 – Willem de Merode – Dutch Poet – Died 22nd May 1939
1894 – Bryher – UK Author / Poet / Editor – Died 28th January 1983
1925 – Russ Conway – UK Pianist – Died 16th November 2000
1949 – Frank Ripploh – German Actor / Director / Author – Died 22nd June 2002
???? – Casey Williams – US Porn

And those who died:
1943 – Marsden Hartley – US Painter – Born 4th January 1877
2006 – Willi Ninja – US Dancer / Choreographer – Born 12th April 1961

1st September (Deaths)

LGBT people who died today:
1967 – Siegfried Sassoon – UK Poet / Author – Born 8th September 1886
1977 – Ethel Waters – US Actress / Singer – Born 31st October 1896
2006 – Gyorgy Faludy – Hungarian Poet / Author / Translator – Born 22nd September 1910

1st September (Births)

LGBT people born today:
1612 – Nicolas Chorier – French Lawyer / Author / Historian – Died 14th August 1692
1815 – Emma Stebbins – US Sculptor – Died 25th October 1882
1864 – Roger Casement – Irish Poet / Terrorist – Died 3rd August 1916
1868 – Adolf de Meyer – French / German Photographer – Died 6th January 1946
1904 – Karl Ernst – Germany Nazi officer – Died 30th June 1934
1928 – George Maharis – US Actor / Singer
1939 – Lily Tomlin – US Comedian / Actress / Author
1949 – Leslie Feinberg – US Author / Activist
1966 – Stanley Burleson – Dutch Singer / Dancer / Actor / Choreographer / Director
1975 – Nomy Lamm – US Singer / Songwriter / Musician / Activist
1976 – Babydaddy – US Musician / Singer / Songwriter

Request For Info - September - Part One

Can anyone help with the following information for my LGBT database?

I would like to know the dates in September that the following people were born:
1974 – Tori Fixx – US DJ / Record Producer / Songwriter
1982 – Richard Said – Czech Porn

And which year the following were born:
2nd September - Casey Williams - US Porn
6th September - Richard Barr - US Producer - Died 9th January 1989
7th September - Brent Everett - Canadian Porn / Director / Actor [though possibly born 10th February 1984
22nd September - Sebastian Rivers - Porn (and his nationality please)
24th September - Jake Gianelli - US Porn
29th September - Kalman Faludi - Hungarian Porn
(can you see a trend?)

Request For Info - September - Part Two

I would also like some help finding the full date of birth for the following LGBT people who died in September:
9th Sept 1999 - Steen Fenrich - US Hate Crime Victim - Born 1981
15th Sept 2007 - Osvan Inacio dos Santos - Brazilian Hate Crime Victim - Born 1987 or 1988
17th Sept 2008 - Tony Randolph Hunter - US Hate Crime Victim
23rd Sept 2004 - Margaret Sloan-Hunter - US Activist / Poet / Journalist - Born 1947
25th Sept 1626 - Theophile de Viau - French Poet / Playwright - Born 1590
25th Sept 1967 - Lota de Macedo Soares - Brazilian Aesthete - Born 1910
30th Sept 1987 - Geoffrey Burroughs - US Author / Screenwriter - Born 1949