YOUR FIRED...

Seems as though that phrase had a much larger meaning this past week. Donald Trump's favorite two words floated all the way up to the executive board rooms of CNBC and CBS in New York City. By now nearly everyone in the United States has heard the story of Shock Jock Don Imus and his racist comments regarding the female basketball team from Rutgers University. Oddly enough this is not the first time. I suspect that it will not be the last.

  Hip hop rap artists and the music industry should be the next target to be taken down a notch or four. But the public's memory is very short and once this has blown over, racist comments will once again surface from those in a position of influence and power. Who can remember the slur that Jimmy (the Greek) Synder made about black athletes? or actor  Ted Danson. What is even more outrageous is the fact that we cannot single out just whites. Blacks have had their hand in disrespecting females and members of their own race under the guise of comedy.

   We must take a long hard look at ourselves. Members of the gay community both leather and otherwise cannot turn their heads and shut off their hearing to the racist comments that are uttered on a daily basis. Last year the Baltimore, MD. gay community experienced a  racial situation. Members of a Los Angeles gay club subjected guest to an outrageous display of ignorance by making disparaging remarks concerning blacks.

   The nations capital has suffered it's share of racial epthets from some of the members of so called leather and gay community. Of course it was swept under the carpet and life went on. San Francisco handled their discrimination problems upon several occasions by boycotting the establishments involved.

   Members of our society who are uncomfortable with prejudice and racism, can look at Don Imus and hope that other DJ's and radio and TV commentators who think that speaking their mind and spewing their personal prejudices is what the American public accepts and wants to hear ignorant comments. Pink slips are printed in large stacks.

   On the leather agenda, IMsl 2007 returned to the city of it's orgin. San Francisco rolled out the red carpet. IMsL owner Glenda Ryder did a hell of a job bringing the city together. A large attendance of both guest and contestants made it a success. The announcement that it would be once again held in the City by the Bay next year insured that the attendance will be even larger.

The Wicked Witch

The Centaur M/C of Washington, DC hosted Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend. The weekend seems to draw more and more enthusiast every year. It is the one event where you can actually meet and talk to people without feeling like you are attending a circuit party.

The event even includes FOOD! and drink which is nearly something of a bygone era at these leather events. All included with your weekend package. Washington, DC rolled out the red carpet and fun was had by all who attended. It can truly be said, you get your moneys worth at this event.

The selection of Mr. Mid Atlantic Leather 2007 the highlight of the weekend, honors went to Gary Samuels, Mr Double L 2007. Runner ups were Brian "Captain" McCoy, (first) and Rudy Benavides second.

This was the third time in a row that the Double L Bar in Rehoboth Beach, DE. has had a winner at MAL. Although the District of Columbia smoking ban went into effect January 1, the Centaur M/C was ready with a huge smoking tent located by the outdoor pool with a bar located inside the tent.

Leather cocktails went off as smooth as usual, with the open bar and plenty of food...However the greatest thing about the Alma's Temple site, is the grand staircase where everyone can make a Scarlet O'Hara entrance and boy did they ever! We all know how former title holders live for the moment to be announced at these big events.

The Vendor mart did a brisk business throughout the weekend. Many DC metro residents stopped by the hotel simply to shop for something new. Members of the MAL judging panel included IML Bo Ladashevska, IMsL Lady Faye, Mary Elizabeth Boyd, Wayne Nesbitt, Bill Stadt, Dexter Edmond and outgoing MAL 06,Scott Harris.

Jim Raymond and George Wong were the tally masters and Justin Costello served as judges boy.

IML staff member Jon Krongaard made the announcement of the selected judges for IML 2007, Bo Ladashevska, IML 06, Matt Forman of the NGLTF, Ted Lausen, Denver, CO, Gil Kessler, NYC, Glenda Ryder, Baltimore, MD.,Joe Reusch, Pittsburgh,PA. Matthew Johnson, NYC. The tally masters are American Leatherman 2005, Blackkat, NYC, and Jim Kiley-Zufelt, Philadelphia.

The question of weather ABW will or will not happen this year was a burning issue during MAL weekend. It was announced that the event is undergoing "renovation". But no mention was made as to if it will take place in April, as was announced last April during the 2006 event.

In the bible story, Lazarus arose from the dead. Hopefully the same thing will happen with ABW.

Deepest sympathy go to Wayne Nesbitt, and Brian Dawson. The loss of their partners Glenn Carpenter and Jeff Burnam is a great loss to all who knew them. It is nearly an unbearable situation. Our prayers are with both of you.

THE DISH, THE DISH

As is always the case, comparisons pop up regarding MAL 06 and MAL 07 .....The music in the tent did not really make anyone want to dance this year so it was said. And even for smokers, it was unbearable without ventilation...

At least the Drag entertainment held most of the audience's attention at MAL this year. Varla Jean Merman was her name. Is this a sign of the entertainment to come at future MAL events?

Thanks to several members of the Potomac M/C, one "virgin" attendee to MAL is no longer that. At least not in the beer drinking department. What did you all try to do? Kill him? He did not have a clue to who had even won the contest, or that it was over! Hmmmmm that Mama Shell at it again!

Patrick Grady, the MAL weekend chairman was so worn out and exhausted when it was over until the two who were chasing him around to get into his knickers gave up. They were afraid he would fall asleep before they could get the key in the lock of their room.
Leather contests are happening all over the country in the next few weeks. Perhaps we will see some new faces running for titles instead of the same ones who keep entering over and over and doing nothing with the title when they win except prance around with a sash.

What's with these sashes that are as wide as a toboggan run?
Are they reconverted into slings once their year is over?

A position appeared in a London publication recently.
Assistant private secretary to the Queen.
Was that our Frank Nowicki seen rushing to Fed Ex with resume in hand?

The Wicked Witch

MAL '07 Contestants

MAL '07 Contestants

Al Washington Mr. Cap Cities Lthr.

Judges/Tallymaster blackkat

Al Washington contestant

Double L Owners & Their Winner

L-R Rudy Benavides (2nd Runner up, Gary Samuels (MAL 07), Brian McCoy,(1st Runner up

The Crew/Geo. Wong

2006 Disappeared , What Happened

Gee, it seems summer becomes shorter and shorter each year. Poof, and it was gone. Leather contests and new titles have emerged. Everyone knows there is now a Mr. World Leather 2006 to reign with Ms. World Leather. Jae Januse grabbed the Ms. title, and Kevin "Mufasa" Tindell won the Mr. title over three other contestants. Philadelphia was the site of this years contest. Two contestants for the Ms. title, and four men for the Mr title.

A week later the Centaur MC of Washington, DC hosted their Olympia run located near Oxford, PA. That is always a fun relaxing weekend to bring summer to a close Labor Day weekend. The weather chose not to cooperate that weekend. Lots of wet leathermen and women were hovering under umbrella's a good portion of the weekend. However, considering the events scheduled, many were able to proceed, and the Centaurs and guest had a good time regardless. Many of the events were held inside and one would have thought they were planned that way.

The only disappointment this year, was the food. which I am certain will be rectified before the opening of Olympia 2008. Goodness knows there were enough cocktail parties to make nearly everyone forget the meals.

Now moving on to Rehoboth, DE. where the Mr. Double L contest was held, from all the reports that was a smashing success and Gary Samuels was named Mr Double L and he will compete at MAL in January 2007.

The next series of events made for decisions on which one to attend. Scattered in several cities across the US and on the same Columbus Day weekend. Intl. Leather Sir/boy was in Dallas TX, Blackout Weekend sponsored by Onyx, was held in Atlanta, GA. and Mr. Eagle NYC contest which included celebrating their 36 anniversary. Judges Michael Egdes, IML 05, Jessi Holman Ahart, IMsL 05, Bennett Long, Mr DC Eagle 06, Max Gregory, Mgr. of The Leatherman, Christophe Andre, Mr. Eagle NYC 06 had no easy time in selecting a winner. Contestants Mick Maurer, Osito, Quincy Russell, and Rick Weber competed, and when the scoring was completed it was announced that Rick Weber was the new Mr Eagle NYC 07, and Quincy Russell was the runner up, Michael Marino was the Tally master, and Hilary Williams handled the Den Daddy chores. Boy Matt was the judges boy.

In Atlanta, Doc Hoskins took the title of Leatherman of Color at the ONYX Blackout Weekend. Intl. Leather Sir/boy in Dallas announced Anthony Kalan as Leather Sir and Marshall Roberts as Leather boy.

In a new contest in Arlington, VA. Mr. Old Dominion Leather 2007 title was claimed by Rudy Benavides of Laurel, MD. This title is a feeder contest to Mid Atlantic Leather in Washington, DC next January.

2006 seemed to be a rerun of former contestants, former titleholders competing yet once again for another leather title....sigh... If they did not get it right the first time, or win, then try, try again. Evidently the phrase "give it a rest" is foreign to many.

There was a time when dedicated leathermen did strive to compete for a title that they believed in and wanted very much to represent. Now it seems whoever is producing a contest, wherever, even if they have entered previously and lost, go for it again.

One of the most distasteful and disgusting leather contests was produced in Baltimore during the mid summer of 2006. A former Baltimore male titleholder elected to compete for a Ms. leather title and unfortunately, winning the title. Needless to say the fallout from that contest was nearly more than a heart could stand. Nasty published comments from the winner, cost him the title. Fortunately a real female (first runner up) accepted the title and has done an extemporary job.

Finding contestants to compete in leather contests has been like pulling hen's teeth. Many contest in 2006 have had but one contestant. Perhaps rather than attempting to find contestants, the focus should be on expectations of a titleholder instead ot standing around with a sash doing nothing.

Of course some of the blame (if there is some) can certainly be placed on the producers and sponsors of some of the ill fated events. It is easy to advertise a contest, but much more difficult to find qualified people to uphold the title and it's meaning. Many former sponsors have washed their hands of producing contests. Especially when contestants have not a clue as to why they entered if they win.

When the question on many contestant applications ask why do you want to be the representative of said title, the responses are astounding. It is amazing how many contestants who have gone on to win their contests have accomplished even half of what they have assured the judges that they would do during the interview process.

Fortunately not everyone of the contestants entering leather events fall into that situation. But there are far more that do than do not. Imagine being a title holder representing a large community that has a number of events that would benefit him to attend, remaining at home to work in his yard and pull weeds. Pulling weed and gardening are generally a day time chore not an evening chore.

One leather contest during 2006 had judges questioning the qualifications of two of the contestants. Neither one of the contestants it was felt, were ready to assume the responsibilities of the title. However one was selected in order to assure there would be a titleholder...What does that say about titles?

YEAR END DISH.......

Mid Atlantic Leather is just around the corner....Should the weather turn bitter that weekend, make sure all you smokers bring a jacket, because you will be smoking outside bars and restaurants. Yep, the non smoking law will be in effect by the time you arrive.

The best kept secret..............Will there be a American Brotherhood Weekend?

The Drag shows have come to an end at Titans/Ramrod. All the Bears coming for MAL will have a new place to hang out. Rumor is Friday nights, the place is packed. Also since MAL 2006, two new bars have opened..Flab Lounge on Connecticut Ave NW (a block up from the Leather Rack) and Be Bar (across the street from the Convention Center)

Imagine being invited to a Christmas party and once arriving discovering that it is a fundraiser and you left your checkbook at home. Wouldn't it be nice to know that before you left home? Some people have not read a book on social etiquette...Harumpf!!

Here's wishing everyone a most successful and prosperous New Year.

The Wicked Witch

Emcee Brian Kent NYE Contestant

Runner-up

Contestent

Click on image to enlarge

NY Eagle Judges Bennett Long (Mr DC Eagle '06) And IMsL 05 Jesse Ahart

Runner-up Quincy Russell NY Eagle 2006 Rick Weber

Ms. World Lthr Jae Januse Mr. W. Lthr.Kevin "Mufasa" Tindell

Ms./Mr.World '06Contestants