December 14, '98
NEWS FROM THE NATION'S CAPITAL The Holidays, begining with Thanksgiving and continuing through to New Years always seem to bring out the best in people. Good will and supporting charities seems to shine at this time of year. Such was the case in the nations capital. Leather clubs and organizations reached deep in their pockets to assure that children in the area, and others less fortunate, did indeed have a Merry Christmas. For the first time in quite some time, the local gay paper, The Washington Blade, featured a story and photo on the front page of a member of the Defenders Leather Levi club playing Santa and huging a child, with mention of two other leather clubs SigMa, and the Potomac M/C donating toys and cash to local childrens organizations. Good show guys!!! This only shows once again, our leather men are out there on the forefront!! Centaur VP, Steve Kenny, held his annual Christmas Party, As did Jose Ucles and a host of other leather Luminaries. From the reports of those attending the various parties, a good time was had by all. Much to the dismay of some, Cobalt, a bar frequented by the younger non-leather crowd, closed, due to a extensive fire, which affected Sol Restaurant located on the ground floor of the building. At this date, it is not known when the establishments will reopen. Excitement is building, as Mid-Atlantic Leather weekend quickly approaches. If you have not registered for the weekend, you may be left out in the cold, as the club cuts off the registration at 1,100. The host hotel is sold out as well as several overflow hotel's in the area. The Leather Rack (Washington's Premiere Leather store) is gearing up for all the leathermen and women who will be shopping for leather accessories. Two other businesses not to miss this time around are, Omega (formerly the Frat House) and Mr. P's. Omega has a great bar that has been remodeled, and several of the bartenders there make it well worth your time to stop by. Craig, and Andreas are sooooo nice!!!!! Mr. P's has some hot dancers in the upstairs bar. Video Star Dan Simmons is now a featured performer there as well. Nice to know there are still some dancers without attitude!!! If you like line dancing and CW music, Remingtons is still the place to go. The staff there is very friendly and you will be guaranteed a good time. After 27 years, the DC Eagle is still "THE" leather bar and it will be packed all weekend. Bill Cappello, and staff are looking forward to meeting and greeting old and new friends once again. By the time you arrive for Mid-Atlantic Leather weekend, the district, will have a new Mayor, (Anthony Williams) who courted the gay vote during his campaign. Everyone is waiting and watching to see how he will perform his duties. Meanwhile, poor President Clinton, is trying to hold his head up after being impeached by the congress. Christmas must have been something else at the White House!!! To bringin the New Year right, Jose Ucles is presenting Dungeon Dance X X Saturday Jan 2, 10 pm until ?????. The EDGE will be the place, and the dress code will be "HIGH COW"!! Kwanzaa celebration began Dec 26 and will continue until Jan. 1st. A happy Kwanzaa to one and all. WE WISH YOU A MERRY "DISHMAS" While Santa was dashing hither and yon, he flew over Nutley, NJ, to drop off gifts to a fabled pair, only to discover, one of the love birds had flown the coop! Packages addressed to "Sonja Hennie" AKA, ED VAN CAMPEN, were returned with a notation ADDRESSEE UNKNOWN!!! It is rumored that the Ricci household is minus ONE!!! ooops!! Is it true, that the next Mrs. Ricci, is waiting in the wings??, the "boy" of a former Intl. Mr. Drummer, from Southern California???? Stay tuned in 99 for these developments!!! Even Mr. Maryland Drummer emcee, (Dan Noel) does not have a clue as to what a "DRAG BRUNCH" consists of!!!!! I guess he will let us know, when he finds out!!! OR, IS GIVEN AN OUTFIT TO WEAR!!! HOW TO RUFFEL FEATHERS DEPT Many members of the local leather community , are expressing their distaste of a memo directed to IML 98, informing him of what his responsibilities will /should be when selecting the new MAL. This memo addresses the BDSM aspects. While Mr Mills, will be serving in the capacity of head judge, he is only one judge on the panel!! Who died and made this person the self proclaimed "arbitrator" of leather ethos, is the question being asked by some members of the best and largest produced regional contest in the U.S.?? FASHION DEPT: Be on the lookout, for the new uniforms that the MOD (Men of Discipline) will be wearing hopefully at MAL. The club has become very visable in the past few months, and the membership is growing. WEDDING BELLS DEPT: This time the bells are ringing for the upcoming commitment vows of Intl Drummer boy 98, Ryan Goldner, and his Daddy Scott Reiskofski. The ceremony will be held at the world famous leather wedding chappel (The Bike Stop) in Philadelphia, Jan 2, 99. All that attended the Centaur Olympia run in Sept got a sneak preview of Ryans wedding outfit, tasteful green satin, and a tiara!!! STRANGE CARD DEPT: How many people received a un signed Christmas card with a condom and a JFK half dollar taped to it?? Now what was that all about??? What queen who postmarked these cards from New Hope, Va. did this??? SAY IT IS NOT SO DEPT: One vendor that will not be seen at MAL, RCL (Rochester Custom Leather) according to my sources, RCL will be closing it's doors at the end of the month. All the staff of that establishment, which I have known for years, are just delightful. I am sorry to hear that news, not to mention all the customers that have shopped there over the years. It has been said that Mgr. Rick Streb will handle some leather work on his own. Details will be forth coming.
AND FINALLY, IN THE HOW UNPROFESSIONAL DEPT:
Leather title holders, who do not have the common courtesy, to send out
simple thank you notes to those businesses that have so graciously
donated prizes. Is this something that you have to be told to do??? All
of you KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! Names need not be mentioned at this time!!!!
Have a Happy New Year
The Holiday spirit has decended upon the nations capital. The Nation's Christmas Tree on the ellipse, was lit by the President, and invited guests. Meanwhile at the Capitol, that tree was illuminated with thousands of lights. The switch was turned on by outgoing Speaker of the House, in one of his final acts. Strangely enough, the amount of residences decorated seems to be much less than in previous years. Christmas parties abound thoughout the city. The DC Eagle hosted their annual "Animal Party". Tons of food graced the tables. Many in attendance, bringing a special dish for all to sample. The Staff, and management once again did a marvelous job putting all this together. With the weather being unseasonably warm, operators of Christmas Tree lots, were seen spraying the trees with water to keep them moist and green! Most unusual for Washington at this time of year. The holiday brings out people that one may not see again for another six months. Ray Hall, a former Mr. DC Eagle, was seen shopping for goodies at the Leather Rack. John Garger, Mr. Drummer '83, stopped by the Eagle for some Christmas Cheer. John informed us, that he and his other half are moving to Ft Lauderdale. Florida's gain and DC's loss. The man is still a HUNK!! As has been reported here previously, the Pittsburgh MC, to the communitys disatisfaction, has not settled, or really sent a letter of apology with MEANING, to those that were involved and insulted!! In fact, two of their members of long standing resigned in protest of the treatment shown to out of town guests!!! Hey, PMC, wake up and smell the coffee!!!. A letter has been circulated far and wide asking that all leather people boycott any event sponsored by that club, until the members issue a genuine and heartfelt apology to the entire leather community!!!! HELLO?!!!! I can only say, that I am ashamed of an organization that would blatantly allow this type of verbal assault on anyone, and still consider themselves a represenative of the leather community. I am not instructing, or telling anyone to boycott their events, I am only reporting the facts!!! In a little over 4 weeks, Mid Atlantic Leather weekend will be upon us. Hundreds of leathermen and women from around the country, will be attending.. A word to the wise about Taxicab drivers here. some independent cab drivers have been over charging customers three to four dollars more than what the fare should be. Cabs in DC are not metered, and the fares are based on area distance. Therefore, from Dupont Circle (the Fountain) to the DC Eagle should be NO MORE than $8.00!!! Although, The Centaurs will have buses, to transport you to various bars, and events, should you desire to hail a cab, just be aware!!! The 1999 DC Eagle Calendar of Bar and Club events is on sale at the Eagle and at the Leather Rack. the cost is 8.00 and half of all the proceeds benefit Metro Teen Aids, and Josephs House. Great Calendar, make sure you get yours. This calendar will ensure that no one (including titleholders) misses local events!!!! DISH- CAPITOL STYLE---- Yes, that was a Ryder rent-a-truck, parked near the south portico of the White House several days ago, and no, they were not moving Bill and Hilliary's furniture out........at least, NOT YET!!!! Talk about strange bedfellows / roommate? A member of the MOD (Men of Discipline) 'and' a member of the Centaur MC!!! Now would'nt you love to be a fly on the wall in that household? Included in the upcoming Maryland Mister Drummer weekend package--- a DRAG BRUNCH??? Dare we ask who, or what will be attending??? I suppose only Dan Noel will know for sure!!!! Is it true, the new Mr DC Eagle is designing and making his own sash?? Will the bartender / barback at the Eagle who mooned his fans, grace the cover of the Next Great Buns calendar now that he is SINGLE?? Will the Knighthawks of Virginia, and the Potomac MC have a combined run next year? or will the feud continue for another year?? Will Mr Virginia Drummer move to Washington DC. to be with his titleholder lover, or, just purchase a new set of tires, and commute each week from North Carolina???? Did a former Centaur "TIFEL" REALLY BURN HIS blue feather chapeau, and mail the ashes to Philadelphia, along with a voodoo doll???. Conversation overheard----"The bitch is cheating on me, but I ain't putting her out, nor will there be a divorce, until after I have gotten my Christmas Gift"!!!!! Overheard at a local sex store---"DOES THIS DOUBLE HEADED DILDO come with an instruction sheet"???? (and the person was serious). AND FINALLY, IN THE STUPID ANSWER DEPT-----local LEATHER title holder was given the date to attend one of the biggest fundraisers in DC next year, and his reply was: "DO I REALLY HAVE TO GO TO THAT TOO"?? UNTIL NEXT TIME
THE WICKED WITCH OF THE EAST
NEWS FROM THE NATIONS CAPITAL As was expected, the DC Eagle, 27th Anniversary Weekend, was a smashing success!! Begining with all club night, on Wednesday, and black out night onThursday, Meet the contestants, and DC Eagle Cocktail party on Friday. The Mr DC Eagle contest, was the highlight of Saturday evening!! Six contestants were competing for th title of Mr DC Eagle. Robert ("Iron Balls") Ehrlich, Patrick McGiffin, Glen Mlaker, Don Mease, David Bernard, and Brian Middleton. The contest this year eliminated the Formal leather portion, which I believe was to save some time, and not drag the contest on!. Street / Cruise wear,and leather jock were the two catagories. All the contestants looked terrific in both the catagories! The bar was filled to capacity, and the impressive group of judges were quite busy LOOKING AND SCORING!!! When all was said and done, Ken Snowden (THE HUNK) emcee, announced Glen Mlaker, of Washington, DC. as Mr DC Eagle 98/99. The first runnerup title was awarded to Brian Middleton, of Richmond, VA. and the second runnerup was David Bernard, of Washington, DC. The judging panel included, Allan Peterson, Peter Lloyd, Neil Alexander, Ed Moore, Joe Morris, Carl Baldwin, Ken and Mark, members of the Lost Angels. Glen Mlaker, is a member of the Centaur M/C, and is the first Centaur member to win the coveted title in about 10 or 11 years. The last Centaur to win that title was Glen Corsini. Previously to that, Al Santora held that title in 1984. The contest was not without it's special moments. Out going Mr DC Eagle, Wayne Nesbitt , had the joy of sashing the new successor taken away from him when he learned of the passing of his Father, just days before the contest and was unable to be there. However, in the grand tradition, Wayne did prepare a touching and moving speech, which yours truly read to the packed house. Applause erupted upon several occasions as the audience was savoring his words. It can be said, that Wayne, was and is, the role model of what a leatherman is all about. We wish him well during this sad time for him. Another highlight was, the donation by the Hiwaymen TNT, of Washington, DC. of $100.00 to the well known local charity GRAMMA'S HOUSE. Way to go Hiwaymen!!! The staff and management of the Eagle, did an outstanding job of putting this contest together. I might add, the anniversary pins this year are very nice. Perhaps if you flutter your eyelashes the right way, to either Bill Cappello, or Michael Evans, you may be lucky enough to get one, IF, any are left!!! Many may have heard of the outrageous comments that were made to a current titleholder, who was attending the Mr Pittsbugh Leather contest some weeks ago. I am pleased to inform you that do to the diligent persistance of Ms. Mercea (American Leatherwoman 98) and Larry Everett, (IML95), an apology has gone out to Ryan Goldner (Intl Drummerboy 98) and the Pittsburgh MC, are on the road to closure of that tasteless scene! Emails, were just flying around the U.S. last week, with regards to the Leather Anthem once again. Contrary, to what you may have read, those responsible for the Leather Anthem, DO NOT, want the entire universe, to cancel all plans to attend other events, just to come to Albany, NY. to witness the recording of the Leather Anthem!!! So, do not cancel plans to attend MAL, IML, or American Brotherhood or any other event!! The email was meant in fun and a way of letting everyone know that it is being recorded!! So, everyone, PLEASE REST!!! We all know that everyone is not thrilled with the anthem for their various and personal reasons. Love it, or like it, or leave it alone. Life is too short to worry about that!!! On another note, Several articles ago, I mentioned that a member of the Potomac MC had been badly beaten in a gay bashing in DC. I am pleased to inform you that the Centaur MC donated all their receipts from their Bar night to Scotty Callis, to help with his sizable medical bills! I understand that it was a handsome amount!! Lets hear it for the Centaur MC!!!! In Utica, NY. the Utica Tri's are busy putting everything in place for the debut next year of the North Atlantic Leather Contest (formerly known as Mr Upstate NY Leather). Be on the lookout for lots of advertisements on this event which will take place next October. Another club to keep an eye on is, the New Hampshire Minontaurs. Although not well known, the club has a anniversary coming up very soon. I can tell you that I have met several of their members and what a fine group of leathermen they are!! More on them at a later date. OF COURSE---A LITTLE DISH AND A BIG SPOON!!!! Mystery of the week------ The new Mr DC Eagle has informed several of his fans that he slept with his medallion on the first night after winning the title! You ask why????? Because there was no SASH!!! FORTUNATELY, it was not the Eagle's fault!! No one has seen or heard from the sashmaker, who did not show that night as a judge!!!! Hello??? Also missing from the titleholder ranks that evening was Mr Ebony Leather 98!! Obviously, he is thrilled with his VANISHING CREAM AWARD!!! That award is shared with DC Drummerboy 98!! Overheard at the grand Thanksgiving dinner at the Troy Taylor (Mid Atlantic Drummer 97) residence, "If my lover is going to get another Afghan, then I am going to get a Hyacinth Macaw"!!! Oh Frank Nowicki , are you listening?? On the Leather Rascals, the newly formed production group---Is there one rascal who is not, and does not know it yet??? One of DC's better known bar, The Circle, has closed it's doors!!!! Whats Gregory Adams going to do now?? Make another movie??? Any rumors that the Circle is going to turn into another leather bar , are just that----RUMORS! If Neil Alexander, president of the Hiwaymen, is looking for something to do when he steps down, as president, He could consider entering a leather contest-------!!! after all the president of the ICON's in Detroit did, and will be going to IML next year!!!!----I, SEE!!! Overheard at a tasteful dinner in San Francisco, last week--- Gee, Mr Marcus, when you going to put some "DISH" IN YOUR COLUMN?? All I can say to that is-----WATCH OUT!!!! FINALLY------ A dungeon dance promoter in DC , will have to remember that some people may get a bit testy, when a dance is scheduled on the same night of a leather contest!!!! After all, the contest has only been held that same weekend for 27 years!!!!
Until next time----
The Wicked Witch of the East
NEWS FROM THE NATIONS CAPITAL The broom was busy this past week. Flying to Ottawa to witness the sashing of the new Mr Leather Ottawa- Hull 1999. The annual Mr Leather/M. Cuir weekend, sponsored by the Ottawa Knights was definitely the place to be. The schedule of events, left no time to be bored. Friday nite everyone attended the meet the contestants party at Xena's, then on to the Knights home bar (Cellblock) to continue the party til 2am. Friday and Saturday, the Travelodge, which was the host hotel, also was the site of the Leather Fair. Shoppers were purchasing leather items at a brisk pace. Saturday morning the judges were putting the contestant through their paces in the interview portion of the contest, This years judging panel consisted of James Anderson, Mr leatherman Toronto 1998, Frank Supplie, writer The Netherlands, Ms Stacey, Ms NLA, 1996, Erich Prohaska, Mr Leather Otttawa 1997, Brodie Anderson, Ottawa Knights, who flew in from Bangkok, Thailand, Roger Fleming, Utica Tri's, and "Bald Knight, VP, Ottawa Knights. Early Saturday evening, a scrumptous dinner was served, followed by a Pre-show cocktail party. The contest and show started as scheduled at 10pm. The site of the show, Barrymore's Music Hall, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful halls to have such a contest. A "Grand" former movie palace completely restored such as it was in the "Roaring 20's". As for the contest, there were six contestants, and any of them would have been a fine representative.The contestants were Norm Breau, Roch Fournier, James Morgan, Dean Ross, Pierre Teck, and Jacques Lagace. All six strutted their stuff, and worked the stage, as well as the audience!! The standing room only crowd, was so very supportive of every contestant. It was no wonder that the judges were shaking their heads when scoring. Outgoing Mr Ottawa Leather, Thom Lockwood, who is such a wonderful, handsome man, gave his very upbeat farewell speech, and received a lenghty standing ovation. The announcement of the winner, Dean Ross,gave the audience a chance to roar their approval. Dean is a hunk of the first degree!! First runnerup honors went to Jacques Lagace, and second runnerup was James Morgan. Both did the leather community and their friends proud. Once the contest was over, the stage was dismantled, and the dance floor appeared in a matter of minutes. The DJ kicked it off with the gay anthem, IT'S RAINING MEN, and the dance floor was packed! for those not into dancing, at the Barrymore, dashed to the infamous afterhours party. This was held just walking distance at the Steamworks!!! An open bar (all nite) and three floors of what were once leather clad men, now in hanky size towels!! Need I say more??? Not wanting to miss anything, I stayed until the sun came up!!! Trying to slip into the hotel unseen at 9 am is not an easy thing to do!!!. The "Survivors" brunch started at noon on sunday, and in the two private dining rooms at the hotel, e-mail, and snail mail addresses and phone numbers were being passed out at a record breaking pace! What a weekend!!! Those French Canadians really know how to make you feel comfortable! A special thank you to John Purdie, producer, and the entire membership of the Ottawa Knights. A special thanks to Derek S, my personal tour guide!!! From this point on, whenever I hear the Canadian National anthem, starting with the words---"Oh Canada", I can sigh and smile!!!! Now, we are in Boston, where yours truly decended upon the newly renovated Ramrod. What a shock!! The Ramrod as I once knew it, has undergone a complete face lift. the words entertainment complex would be more appropriate. The establishment now has 5 bars, a huge dance floor, a coffee bar, 7 pool tables, video screens galore, every conceivable video game imaginable, and a soon to be opened cyber room, with computers for your pleasure. Oh, there still are leather events,and the dress code bar, but the bldg, now caters to a much more diverse crowd. One nite per week there is the 18 plus crowd. Yes, teenagers can get in to the dance floor. there is a separate entrance for them, and they can only order soft drinks, but they are there!!! So if you like them young-------Well !!! Should you want to shop for a few leather items, yes, there is a leather shop there as well. Should your travels happen to take you to Boston, It is worth a trip to the Ramrod just to see for yourself. not to mention the bartenders and barbacks, are very easy on the eyes!!! OF COURSE THERE IS DISH!!!!! The Leather anthem was introduced to the Canadian Capital, during the contest. several locals were undone when the Canadian National Anthem was not sung as usual at the leather contest. The producers opted for the Leather anthem instead!!!! The "Andrews sisters" as they called themselves, sang the anthem!!! Patti, and Laverne, sang, but Maxine (Joe Ricci) was no where to be seen!!! Another match made in heaven? Out going president of the Hiwaymen TNT and a member of the Philadelphians, making goo-goo eyes at each other at the Maryland Leather contest. The paper Wedding dress award, may be in order for these two!!!! Stay tuned!!!! People are talking about the rude treatment received by two current title holders who were invited to be part of the judging panel at the recent leather contest held in Pittsburgh, PA. at the Pittsburgh Eagle. Shame, shame Eagle management!!! I understand a letter to that establishment is forth coming!! Intl Drummerboy, and American Leatherwoman have moved this establishment to the top of their list-----Yes, THAT LIST!!! About that new bar in Ottawa, The Village Pub (open only 7 days) management and staff sure are friendly!!! (Not to mention the customers) you are lucky if you are able to finish your drink, before being invited to someones home to look at their ETCHINGS!!!! If you are in the area, Make sure to say hello to David and Tony , the owners and the blonde bombshell Brian, the bartender!!! Will someone please inform Ms Stacey (Ms. NLA for life) to write down the name of the hotel that you are staying at, and the phone number, so you will not have to sit in an airport for two hours, waiting for a ride!!!!! and having the producers of the contest wondering what happened !!!!!
Certain people are wondering what excuse a past IMSL is giving to
her current beau, when she failed to return home from San Diego,
in a timely fashion? But then again, a current IMSL failed to return
to her home from that same city in a timely manner. but then again,
she does not have to explain to anyone---she's DIVORCED!!! Will
there be a moving van, or a U-Haul truck in her future heading for a
Nebraska city ???Stay tuned....
Every city across the U.S. had halloween revelers doing their thing well into the wee hours of Sunday morning. Washington was no different. Although, i witnessed fewer children doing the trick or treat door to door thing, adults made up for anything lacking. Boufant Circle, aka; Dupont Circle was running over with costumed gays, lesbians, and straights. Each trying to out do one another. Parties abounded in every corner of the city. One of the biggest, and best attended was the annual Leather Sabbat party held at the DC Eagle. the contest brought out Leathermen and women in a vast array of costumes. The contest hosted by the Hiwaymen TNT, of DC and the Shipmates of Baltimore. Several out of state men entered wearing near to nothing, and giving the audience a real treat! Big Jim McGlade, owner of the Leather Rack was squiring around two Lovely hunks, one on each arm!! One in full leather, and the other one with much less, However, that one did have a tasteful white boa, to keep the winter chill off his body!! The DC Eagle, is still the most popular leather bar in the area. The bartenders, barbacks, and bootblack, make it very easy to have a terrific time at that establishment!. |
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