text:
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
November Bottoms Out With A Chill
In keeping with my practice over the past years, I'm trying to keep a positive outlook about the approaching winter. Experience has taught me that remaining upbeat is far better than allowing myself to slump into a state of depression. It also somehow manages to make the dreary days pass a little bit faster than they would otherwise. Anything to ward off those dreadful winter blahs.
Recently, I published here a technique that I use to help maintain a positive attitude during the wintertime. I research, plan and implement nakations for the upcoming year. That process is already underway; albeit slightly behind schedule due to my taking advantage of the unseasonably comfortable weather. I'm not a complete fool and whenever possible I'm outside and engaging in any nude activity available. I know colder days lie ahead and I can postpone travel plans for at least one more day! I maybe Deaf but I'm not stupid!
I know that many may think me silly for despising winter. That maybe true. However, I am who I am. This task to relieve my misery over this idiosyncrisy probably seems simplistic to others. Again, that, too, undoubtedly is an accurate observation. But this works for me and that's what counts. Whatever floats your boat, right?
I'm posting this entry here in the chance that some of you reading this share my aversion to cold, dreary days. Hopefully, you can use this suggestion to ease your suffering or to modify it and develope one on your own. Regardless, it's offered as a tool and offered out of compassion. Incidentally, while composing this article, I took a minute to glance at my diary. I have a total of twelve different days in November that I was able to be nude and outdoors either on a picnic, hiking or playing a sport. Not too bad for a month that I usually write-off as a lost cause!
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Please remember: Tomorrow, December 1, is World AIDS Day. Please wear a red ribbon to show everyone that you are both aware of this disease and that you care about efforts to ease the suffering of others and your concern for research to find a cure.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Living In A Glass House: Newt And DOMA
The 2012 contest for our next president is now upon us. With slightly over a month left before the January 3, 2012, Iowa caucus, the Republican Party is still scrambling to find a suitable candidate to challenge the re-election of President Barack Obama. The most current hopeful in that bid is none other than Newton Leroy Gingrich (Newt). He's back on the fast-track to leading the pack of wannabes after a campaign that almost disappeared from view this past summer. Proof positive that the GOP is either desperately out of touch or losing it's mind or, in my view, a combination of both.
No one can argue that the core base of this particular political organization is the Christian extremist machine. Those who hold dear to the belief that it is their way or the proverbial highway. In other words, it's not about dialogue and compromise but about their philosophy of exclusion and damnation only. There is no middle ground. No diversity. No exception. You either talk the talk and walk the walk or else you're inferior and of no concern. Forget the Constitution and basic human rights. It's their narrow and bigoted interpretation of The Bible that counts and that's that.
Most of us are familiar the popular wisdom: People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. This old adage has been passed down through generations reminding us all to defer judgment against others until we're absolutely certain that we, ourselves, are above reproach. In a nutshell, simply practice what you preach. That ancient moral is understandable and compatible with the values of the Christian extremists. After all, it was Jesus who admonished us that only those among us free from sin to cast the first stone. Hell, that even makes sense to me. What's even scarier, I actually subscribe to that practice in my own life.
Consider this thought for a moment. If elected as our next president, Newt will have to reverse the directive of President Barack Obama and force the Justice Department to defend the archaic and discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the Federal legislation that defines marriage as strictly between one man and one woman. DOMA also expressly forbids Federal recognition of marriage equality legally binding in six states and the District of Columbia. Newt and his band of quasi-religious fanatics have no choice in this matter. It's a part of their rhetoric of exclusion and inequality. If he wins, there's no other option for him and the haters.
My question is: Can Newt actually do this? My next question is: How credible a defender of marriage is he? Newt has been married a total of three times to three different women. His first vows were exchanged with Jackie Battley in 1962. That union ended in divorce in 1980. During that time, he engaged in an extramarital affair with Marianne Ginther. He wed Marianne barely six months following his divorce. During the 1990s, while harshly condemning then-President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, he began another affair with Callista Bisck (twenty-three years younger than himself). He then divorced Marianne and married Callista in 2000. Creature of habit? Isn't he due for yet another fling outside his marriage about now?
Obviously, Newt takes his marriage vows seriously. He loves them so much that he keeps coming back to do it all over again. Christian fundamentalists and any other Republicans are entirely right in supporting Newt as their champion of family values and the sanctity of traditional marriage. He takes his promise to love, honor and cherish to a whole different level. There's no doubt about it: He's the one with the most experience. Practice does equal perfection. Most definately, people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
By the way, in case you didn't know: President Barack Obama has only been married once.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Congressman Frank To Retire
Thank you, Barney Frank!
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Anticipating December 1: World AIDS Day
What we have come to know as AIDS was first identified in 1981 among homosexuals, hemophiliacs, IV drug users and Haitians in this country. This stigma remains to this day in the eyes of many, not only here but also on foreign shores. This marginalization hindered early efforts to curb transmission and even now, all these years later, continues to divide societies and provide a stumbling block in treatment programs and research for a cure. In some ways, as a global community, we remain as ignorant now as we initially were back in 1981, when we didn't even have a proper name for this disease.
Thirty years later, despite medical advances and scientific discoveries, HIV/AIDS continues to cause controversy and discrimination throughout our world. Prevention strategies and educational programs have been ignored and rendered ineffective due to opposition from the uninformed who waste more energy on fighting people with AIDS than on fighting the disease itself. Many persons have to combat not only the infection with HIV but likewise discrimination, isolation and judgment. Thirty years later and we still take two steps backward for every step forward in trying to overcome the tragedy of HIV/AIDS.
The Red Ribbon Campaign
Since it's inception, the global symbol for World AIDS Day has been the red awareness ribbon. The Red Ribbon is worn all day as an emblem of solidarity with persons living with HIV/AIDS, of support for those providing care and research in the field of HIV/AIDS, and of those providing prevention education concerning HIV/AIDS. It also symbolizes remembrance of all those lives lost to HIV/AIDS. It also demonstrates compassion to those who have survived the loss of a loved one as a result of AIDS.
Although available for purchase commercially, often as a fundraiser for AIDS service organizations, the red awareness ribbon is easy and simple to make. Cut a strip of red ribbon into a length of approximately one-and-a-quarter to one-and-a-half inches. Loop into the design shown above and attach with a safety pin. Wear on the left side of the torso or on coat lapel.
Individual Involvement
Wear a Red Ribbon all day on Thursday, December 1, 2011, to show to all that you are both aware and care about the many social issues surrounding HIV/AIDS (briefly enumerated above). If you are creative and industrious, make several extra to take to class or to the jobsite and distribute to classmates or coworkers. Familiarize yourself with the information contained herein in order to respond to any questions. An additional resource is: www.worldaidsday.org. Visit this site for ideas, suggestions and facts relating to HIV/AIDS.
Be prepared to interact should you receive queries about your Red Ribbon and HIV/AIDS. Viewing the above listed website will help prepare yourself. Keep in mind the following brief key points about preventing transmission of HIV/AIDS:
1. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
2. AIDS is a result of HIV infection.
3. HIV can not be transmitted through everyday casual contact.
4. HIV transmission can be prevented. The most effective tool in prevention is factual education.
5. Prevention is an individual responsibility. Respect and protect both yourself and your partner(s).
Bear in mind the following fact: It's not who we are, but what we do, that puts us at risk for HIV infection.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Happy Shopping Day!
The Day After Thanksgiving Is The Traditional Beginning Of The Winter Holidays Gift Shopping Season.
Happy Shopping While Nude!
I will resume publishing on Monday, November 28, 2011.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving Day, 2011!
A Naked Turkey
Publishing will resume here on Monday, November 28.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thankful For Nudity
This is the day before the Thanksgiving holiday here in the USA. A time when we pause and ponder the things that we are grateful for having in our lives. Personally, there are many people and aspects in my life that I appreciate, among those being each and every one of you, the readers here at DQN In Northern Virginia. A special thanks to all of you for your love and support throughout the past two years of my publishing this blog!
At this time, I also have reasons to be happy in the fact that I am a naturist/nudist. I'm taking this opportunity to share the most important of these with all of you here. Remember, this list includes those reasons that mean something to me. Many, if not most, of you will have others. Of course the list is in no way inclusive; it's simply a brief look at the top five in my own life.
Freedom: My nudity affords me freedom from the restriction of clothing. I am no longer restrained by those artificial items that conceal our natural bodies and contain and limit our freedom of movement. I am unencumbered as I go about my everyday business or as I participate in a social environment with others. I am free from the imposed condition of body shame.
Honesty: I am finally able to be the true me whenever I am nude. I am no longer hiding the man that I am under layers of deceit and disguise. I am able to be open and truthful about my physical appearance and my physical being. The real man that is me is exposed for all to see. I am concealing nothing from my fellow man. My body, with all imperfections, is visible to all.
Equality: While nude, I am the same as all my my naked brothers. I am no different from you nor you from me. In our nakedness, we are all equal. True, there may be variations in our sizes and skin tones, our height and our weight; but basically, our bodies are all the same. The body that I have is essentially identical to the bodies of all my nude brothers. Race, religion and ethnicity are unimportant when I am naked. The socio-economic division created by the artificial trappings of clothing is absent and of no consequence.
Fraternity: Nude, I am merely one among many. When I am naked with all my nudist comrades, I celebrate and embrace a bond of unity and brotherhood that is rarely experienced by those who separate themselves from others by their garments. Our camaraderie is enhanced by our nudity and in the fact that we are sharing with each other a special gift: our true physical selves. Our collective nakedness combines us all, individually, into a body of one.
Liberation: I have ended the enslavement of my body and spirit in my nudity. The bondage of consumerism and commercialism is broken while I am naked. As a nudist, I have severed the chains that constrain me physically when circumstances demand that I be clothed and covered. My total liberation is expressed and experienced with my complete nakedness.
During this season when it is customary for us to count all the blessings in our lives, I invite each of you to pause for a moment to consider the ones in yours. Especially, reflect briefly on the benefits of nudity and the pleasure that it brings into your own existance. As I offered in the opening to this article, some of your reasons may be the same as mine. Many of you probably will come to a different conclusion. Regardless, all of these contribute towards our combined rewards of our membership in our unique and shared culture of nakedness.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Photoessay: Quote Of The Day
"NOT ALL THE GREEK RUNNERS IN THE ORIGINAL OLYMPICS WERE TOTALLY NAKED. SOME WORE SHOES." Mark Twain
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Monday, November 21, 2011
DADT: 60 Days After
On September 20, 2011, the official U.S. Military policy known as Don't Ask Don't Tell, prohibiting GLBT people from openly serving in the Armed Forces, USA, ended. Sixty days later, barely two months, and I'm still shocked at the absurd injustice of the whole charade. Since the implementation of the policy under then-President Clinton, our nation struggled through a failed military intervention in Somalia and active wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq. A total of three overseas campaigns that resulted in American fatalities. The death toll in Afghanistan and Iraq escalated to the point that then-President Bush (George the Second) actually forbade the media from filming/photographing the coffins being returned from the foreign battlefields.
Yet there is an issue that no one, either pro or con to the now defunct policy of DADT, has addressed nor apparently is interested in doing so. In all the discussion and debate leading up to President Obama signing the repeal on December 22, 2010 and its ending sixty days ago, there seems to be a collective silence on the topic of our GLBT community's heroes who sacrificed their lives in service of a country that blatantly didn't want them.
These brave men and women willingly paid the ultimate price for a nation that was so unconcerned about their plight that it permitted DADT to survive for seventeen years before reluctantly recognizing its inequality. These GLBT not only surrendered their lives, they also served under inhuman conditions. They were forced to hide. They had to constantly wonder if they were ever going to be the subject of an administrative investigation the following day. They could never be truly honest with themselves nor their comrades-in-arms. They spent their days and nights, not only under enemy weapons-fire, but under the stress of concealing their identity in order to perform their patriotic duty: protect and defend a country that they loved but didn't love them.
Detractors of ending this discriminatory practice argue that: They knew what they were getting into and they chose to be deceptive. That's absolutely correct. These men and women answered the call to serve, responded to their sense of patriotism and willingly laid down their lives in order that their very bigoted opponents could exercise their right of free speech. They elected to deceive so they could perform their higher duty: the defense of freedom for us all to enjoy. In my mind, there's no greater proof of their dedication and loyalty.
Yet no one appears interested in recalling their heroism and patriotism. No one wants to acknowledge their courage and the ultimate price they paid. Some aspiring politicians even desecrate their sacrifices by publicly stating that they want to reinstate this exclusive and unfair regulation if they are elected to office. That's their right under the Constitution that these same men and women defended with their lives. These politicians indeed have a strange way of showing their gratitude.
No one else may want to state it; that's why I will here. This citizen appreciates your efforts and the hardships you suffered. Thank you for your sacrifice before the altar of freedom and democracy.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thanksgiving Shopping And Schedule
Get the supplies for your Thanksgiving meal done early in order to avoid the last minute crowds!
It's probably a great idea to get what you need for your Thanksgiving feast now. Accomplishing this task in advance significantly reduces the stress level and permits us the opportunity to prepare those time-consuming dishes beforehand. It also allows us time to double check our ingredients and make sure that we have all that we need. We're able to avoid the extra-long lines at the supermarket checkout and still have a chance to pickup anything that we may have forgotten. Planning ahead affords us the luxury of having a few moments to sit down, relax and breathe.
Next week, I'll publish here on the beginning days of the week, up to and including Wednesday. Then I'm enjoying the remainder of the weekend (and a long one) and a break from blogging. I'll resume posting here the following Monday. Every turkey deserves a turkey-holiday, right?
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Fall Foliage
A few images of the colorful foliage change taking place in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Surviving The Coming Winter
This is the time of the year that is generally depressing for me. Daylight Saving Time has ended, so all the hours of daylight are now less and will continue to decline. Summer is long over and the days for an Autumn frolic outdoors are scarce. The thermometer isn't moving very high; as a matter of fact, it's hardly moving at all. The winter season is just a little over a month away and that means one-hundred cold, dreary days accompanied by snow and ice. Not a promising picture, right? Who wouldn't sink into a state of depression?
With more than three months of frigid temperatures looming on the horizon, it isn't a particularly inspirational prospect and in the past, I would always end up being a perpetual unhappy camper throughout the entire winter season. This also meant that most of those close to me had hell to pay as my attitude went from bad to worse. I wasn't a very pleasant man to be around; my family and friends weren't too pleased to be anywhere near me as well.
All of changed a little over ten years ago when I decided that even I was sick and tired of my own foul mood during this time. Searching for whatever tools possible to improve my outlook at this season, I began by using this time to plan and finalize my nakations for the upcoming year. I generally start the week of Thanksgiving (next week) collecting information of different destinations and using the month of December to investigate, research so that by the beginning of January, I'm ready to start making reservations.
By the middle of the month, all is set as to destinations and I use the remainder of January and into February checking flights, comparing prices and finalizing details. Usually, everything is done by the President's Day weekend. By that time, there is less than a month of winter left. Bearable as opposed to the former three months timeframe.
The nakation planning solution isn't the only winter survival strategy that I employ. There are others equally effective and the combination works fine for me. I'm able to maintain a positive outlook and to endure the harsh winter weather. Needless to add, my family and friends are relieved that my attitude has adjusted and I'm no longer a winter bear!
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Tough Decisions
However, some of the current ones are absolutely frightful. If elected, I shudder to think of what's in store for us all. Rick Perry can't name the three Federal departments that he'll dismantle. What if he wakes up the day after he's inaugurated and has a complete memory loss and eliminates the wrong ones? And then, there's Herman Cain's pregnant pause when questioned about President Obama's Libya policy. Actually, he wasn't even certain as to where Libya is located. If elected and we need to intervene on some foreign shore, what happens if he again suffers from "those things twirling inside his head" and gives the order as Commander-in-Chief to bomb the wrong country?
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Cartoon Day
A few cartoons to brighten up your day and, hopefully, put a slight grin on your chin. Something a little irreverent concerning our contemporary events:
And then of course, a dose of sarcasm concerning the current state of the politically absurd:
And then of course, a dose of sarcasm concerning the current state of the politically absurd:
And lastly, the regular lapse of thought and intelligence from the latest idiot exported from Texas... by the way, did we ever get any clear indication of what the third department he plans to eliminate?
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Nude Novice Notes: Smoking
The majority of us need no reminder of this basic rule of etiquette. However, several incidents recently brought to mind that perhaps assumming that it's understood is perhaps not in the best interests of our culture. This past summer, at a couple of different outdoor social situations, I witnessed times when a guest was inadvertently burned by someone puffing away on their cigar, cigarette or whatever. Fortunately, no serious injury was sustained; but, the next time the same may not be the case. Then, this past weekend, the same happened to me (and I, too, am a smoker).
True, all of the above instances were held primarily outside, in the open air. I guess that's why individual party-goers thought that smoking their item of choice was acceptable. Perhaps this was indeed the case. But those of us who do smoke need to be cognizant of the presence of others and be respectful of their space. Outdoors and open air does not necessarily equate with wide open spaces. Most of the time, a number of guests are confined to a finite area that doesn't allow for easy maneuvering. Those of us who smoke should remember this and limit smoking to a certain corner. Trying to navigate our way through a crowd of others, carrying a lit cigarette, is not considerate nor safe.
Unless the social gathering is clothing-optional or mixed, all of us attending are nude. Bare skin offers no protection from any burning object. Let's keep in mind that a burn is a burn, no matter how severe. It's unpleasant physically and socially insensitive. Most of us don't want to cause injury to others. Nor do we want to be thought of as rude.
Now that the temperatures are becoming cooler, social events are relocating inside. Whether public or private, in a confined and enclosed space, it is important that we remember our fellow guests. If smoking is even permitted in an assigned area inside the facility/residence, adhere to the rules and respect the rights of all. After all, we want them to reciprocate and show the same for smokers. Bear in mind that it is even more hazardous to work through a group of naked people inside with a lit cigarette than it is outside. Whenever possible, stay in one place and limit movement and gestures.
Of course, if smoking indoors isn't allowed, regardless if it's the decision of the host or mandated by law, then don't. No exceptions. Remember, we're all naked here. There's no justifying indulgence based on the lame excuse: I'm wearing blue boxers/briefs (etc.), therefore that rule/law doesn't apply to me!
The above situations deal primarily with nude social settings held in private homes or in public facilities. Yet, the same considerations are applicable in open spaces such as nudist and/or clothing-optional beaches, campgrounds and resorts. Again, we are all, smokers and non-smokers alike, sharing a designated area. Most of us are nude, so those of us who smoke still need to think of others around us. When we feel the urge to smoke, we should move as far away from others and not walk among people with a lit cigarette. Manners are the same, regardless of our environment or location.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Friday, November 11, 2011
In Honor Of ALL Who Serve
This year, 2011, is a first in the history of the United States of America. In all the years of honoring our national veterans, this is the first time where we, as a country and as a people, truly are able to officially pay tribute to ALL those who presently serve and who have served us in the past while wearing the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. The sexual orientation of our troops is no longer an issue. Thank you, Mr. President Barack H. Obama! We appreciate your efforts to bring our nation one step closer to total equality.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a debate regarding the proposed Respect For Marriage legislation today. This draft, if accepted unaltered, will repeal the Defense Of Marriage Act (DOMA), now the law of the land. DOMA prohibits the Federal Government from recognizing any form of GLBT marriage. When DOMA was enacted during the 1990s, marriage equality was nonexistant anywhere within the United States.
Since DOMA went into effect, six states (Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Connecticutt, Iowa) and the District of Columbia (Washington, DC) have recognized same-gender marriages. Thus, DOMA denies Federal marriage benefits to all those same gender loving couples legally married in those jurisdictions. Bottom line: DOMA discriminates against gay married people who are otherwise eligible for those benefits by law.
While reading the transcripts of the debate, I was once again confronted with the lies and hypocrisy of the republican (intentional lower case) senators as they argued against passing the proposal from committee. Their tired old reasons for dismissing this equality legislation are almost as tired and old as the senators, themselves. First, they sought to discredit the committee for even considering the change as there were "more important issues facing the country as a whole." Since when, in the U.S.A., has equality not been a pressing issue? Gender equality, racial equality, age equality, the differently enabled equality have all taken precedence in the past, as well they should. That set aside, it is the same republican (intentional) party that is currently conducting public debates for its presidential hopefuls who are using anything vaguely resembling GLBT equality as a battle standard for their campaigns. If the topic is important enough for the presidential wannabes, why not for the senators?
Next, the self-righteous used the religious excuse to enhance their opposition to Respect For Marriage. Abstinence from sexual intercourse until marriage; marriage is solely between one man and one woman; the purpose of marriage is for procreation; we all know that lame litany by heart. Rarely in human history have the majority of the population remained abstinant until marriage, even during Biblical times. The ancient Hebrews and Christians were never a majority save in their geographic region. One man and one woman? Please! Both men and women have been cheating on each other since the beginning of humanity. What about the sacred marriage vows? How conveniently they can be broken in one word: d-i-v-o-r-c-e. Perhaps we should amend DOMA to outlaw divorce, period. No exceptions. Now that would certainly d-e-f-e-n-d marriage!
All I'll visit on the procreation topic is this: how can those senators even think that when I'm certain more than just a few of them have paid for sex at one time or another. That little tryst was absolutely not intended for procreation!
Fortunately, enough Democratic senators voted in favor of Respect For Marriage that it passed out of the Judiciary Committee.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Legend Of The Woodsman
The Woodsman is the forest guardian of all nude hikers. He lives wherever there is a trail through nature that is used by any nude hiker. He accompanies any naturist/nudist hiker as they traverse through his domain. He wanders barefoot and invisible along the trail in advance of any hike and maintains the path in passable condition. He keeps hikers safe from any natural or unsuspected interference and is the protective spirit for any nudist who ventures into his domain. The Woodsman tirelessly labors day after day so that all may enjoy his kingdom and have a pleasant commune with Nature, naturally. The Woodsman is the angel and friend of all nudist hikers, everywhere.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Streaking Revival?
Hayden Panettiere demonstrated her ad-libbing skills throughout this dialogue. She remained composed and in control as Monahan professed his love for both her and her now cancelled TV show, Heroes. She even publicly invited him to join her for a beer after the awards presentation was over. Evidently, she has a strong comfort level with nakedness as many in both the live audience in Northern Ireland and the international viewers assumed that the entire episode was planned and a part of the ceremony production.
Although the fine art of streaking, running naked in a very public setting, has been around for as long as humans have inhabited this planet, the term wasn't applied to this activity until 1973. The popular fad peaked during the mid-1970s and then faded from the international media spotlight. It has emerged sporadically since that time as a collegiate prank, a form of protest or as a means of gaining attention, the proverbial "fifteen minutes" of fame. For some, streakers (people who participate in streaking), are considered temporary or part-time exhibitionists. Others think of them as full-fledged exhibitionists. Either way, streakers don't appear to be bothered with sharing their nakedness in front of an audience for whatever reason.
This incident started my thought process about the relationship between naturism/nudism and the streaking past-time. Of course, we all know that not all streakers are nudists; just as all nudists aren't necessarily streakers. But, since they both involve being naked, I was curious as to any additional common ground the two may have. Does one cause the other or vice versa? Can a naturist be a streaker or is that a mute issue? All sorts of questions popped into my weary brain and while performing a limited research on the topic, I really wasn't able to completely locate a definative answer to many of my queries. I did, however, gain some insight into this clothing-free activity and learned some interesting facts as well.
Secondly, just as I thought and wrote above, contrary to widespread popular myth, streaking isn't a new nor recent phenomenon. On July 5, 1799, a naked man was arrested in London, UK, and sent to jail for public nudity. Our early trend-setter had accepted a ten-guinea bet to stroll nude along the City's streets. Was he the first? More than likely not. Whether Lady Godiva was real or myth, the fact that she was naked and protesting an injustice let's us know that nudity was used to make a political statement long before the ten guineas were ever waged.
In the USA, the earliest documented instance of a college student engaged in streaking, (remember, it wasn't called that until more than a century later) was in 1804 at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia. George William Crump (1786-1848) was arrested for public nudity and suspended from the college for a semester. He later became a US Congressman. After the Civil War, while president of the institution, Robert E. Lee condoned this activity as an accepted rite of passage for students at this then all-male college. He's a different man from the stern-faced Confederate general pictured in history books!
The streaking.org website identifies the activity as "the non-sexual act of taking off one's clothes and running naked through a public place." Streaking differs from nudism as social or private nudism generally occurs within an accepted environment or a clearly defined area. Naturism/nudism is also considered a lifestyle choice of an individual whereas streaking is usually a one-time or infrequent indulgence. Streaking isn't flashing because the flasher is sexually aroused and is searching for a sexual respondent.
Pictured left is a 2006 streaker at the Harvard-Yale football game doing his thing and getting everyone's attention. Thrill-seeker or attention grabber? Probably a little bit of both with a touch of boldness mixed in. Does he have anything in common with queer social nudists? Aside from the fact that we're nude, there's one possible connection. After strutting his stuff in front of all the fans packed into the bleachers, he may realize that he actually likes hanging loose and free and just might show up at one of our next nude socials! Streaking, no different from skinny-dipping and/or being s'naked, might serve as an introductory course into the wonderful world of social nudity. Therein, my nude brothers, lies the major benefit to streaking. That, and any career advancement made by Irish actor David Monahan when he streaked across the MTV awards stage. If you'd like any additional information on streaking, click on any of the two separate streakercentric websites listed below.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!http://www.streaking.org
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Tuesday Chuckle
It's becoming increasingly apparent that the fledgling 2012 presidential campaign for Herman Cain is quickly fading into the sunset. First the allegations of sexual improprieties were strongly denied, then there was the possibility of perhaps one with no substantiation, then maybe two with mutual non-disclosure agreements and hush money, now, there are as many as three with the strong possibility of an anonymous public disclosure. Too many people already suspect where there's smoke, there's fire.
When will our political aspirants ever learn that the truth, upfront, is your best and only possible response? Once the half-thruths and lies begin, any credibility rapidly departs. Most people can forgive a transgression. Few, if any, can excuse a deliberate cover-up. The end result is: if you tell one lie, how many others will follow?
An acquaintance emailed this cartoon to me yesterday. I thought it appropriate for sharing here. Too many of Mr. Cain's political party want to portray all GLBT people as sexually irresponsible. Before they open their collective mouths to malign others, they should make certain their own house is clean and in order. Hold our community to whatever standard you deem necessary; however, make sure that you meet that same standard as well.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Nudecentric Briefs
San Franciso, California
The City of San Francisco, California, Board of Supervisors in a vote last Wednesday, November 2, 2011, approved two proposed changes to the city ordinances regarding public nudity. The amendments to the City Code were introduced this past September, 2011, by Supervisor Scott Wiener of the City's 8th District, which includes the predominantly gay Castro neighborhood. The official vote this past week was unanimous, 11-0.
The changes do not outlaw nor prohibit public nudity as erroneously reported in some media outlets. The amendments simply require nudists to use a towel or some appropriate barrier before sitting on public seating. This measure received minimal opposition from naturists as the practice is a traditional element of nudists etiquette. The second item prohibits nudity in all city restaurants. This particular aspect of the initiative was widely supported by restaurant owners. Both measures were introduced by Supervisor Weiner in the interests of public health. The proposals must pass a second vote by the City's Board again this week before they can be signed into law by the Mayor, Ed Lee. The second vote comes without public comment as it is merely a formality and the changes are expected to again pass without any opposition. Once the Mayor signs the legislation, an enforcement date is assigned.
Under the pending law, there will be fines for infringements. For the first offense, the mandatory penalty is $100. The second one, the penalty doubles to $200. Three or more offenses and the fine is $1,000 and a possible jail sentence of up to one year.
Source: United Press International
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Congratulations to the Sunboys! The first gay male social nudist group in Australia celebrates their 20th Anniversary this month, November, 2011. Best wishes to all of our naked queer brothers Down Under! The group observed its founding with a gathering in a private residence this past Saturday, November 5.
The group was organized by member Rod Spark in 1991. He describes the beginning of the Sunboys as this: "After travelling extensively in both Europe and North America in the 1980s, I discovered gay nudism. When I returned to Australia in 1990, I asked myself why there are none here. I collected a group of friends together to host the first event and it has been a lifelong experience since then." Great job, well done to our brother nudist Rod and to all the naked Sunboys!
The Sunboys describe themselves as a group of men who want to explore being naked with other men in a nonsexual environment. On their site is a brief history of the organization, membership information and an events listing. Sunboys has been the prototype for other queer nudist organizations throughout the South Pacific, specifically Melbourne Sunboys, Auckland Sunboys and Brisbane Sunboys. In the Sydney area, several naturist/nudist groups are offshoots of the Sunboys, including Gay Sydney Nudists (currently active), Gay Naked Buddies (inactive) and NudeDudes (inactive). To visit the Sunboys blog, click on the link above or go to: http://www.sunboys.nu.
Source: Sydney Star Observer, Sunboys.nu
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
|Sydney Sunboys Anniversary Invitation
Friday, November 4, 2011
Photoessay: Autumn Weekend Afternoon
A look out the exact same window in the early morning gives us another sign that summer is now long gone. The view that we behold then is one of frost layered across the ground and on our vehicles. And if there remains a lingering doubt about this being true, a brief step outside will offer proof positive that this is indeed the case. The temperatures have dropped and we now face cooler mornings and chilly evenings. Change is not only in the air but is also all around us.
There is a small consolation that is available for us to relish. On sunny days, usually by the early afternoon, the thermometer does reach a point where a few hours of outdoor nudity, especially if accompanied by some type of movement or exercise, is tolerable and pleasurable. These days are numbered, so it's best to take advantage while it's available. It's too cold for a swim at the beach, but jogging along the shore is a possibility.
A picnic with friends is another option. As the leaves fall off the branches of the trees, shaded areas begin to diminish and we're able to appreciate the warmth of the sun longer than before. Hiking both to and from our favorite picnic location provides both exercise and a colorful panorama.
On these brief autumn afternoon excursions, the opportunity for moments of quiet solitude and exploration are always present. These times can be used as we like for whatever need we have; from reading a book, writing, painting or reflection.
Activities for the afternoon may include cycling for those of us who prefer something slightly strenuous in nature. In the couple of hours open to us, you'd be surprised at the distance you can travel in this short span of time. Bicycle trip with friends, nude or clothed, are fun and a great form of exercise.
Another premature snowstorm like the one many experienced this past weekend opens up the chance for the bold among us to engage in s'naked (snow+naked) play long before the winter season even begins. Just beware of the melting snow! Believe it or not, I honestly have fun during s'naked games!
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Invisible Life
As 2011 slowly comes to a close, the 2012 presidential elections loom on the horizon. The once-every-four-years event when we, as a country, go to the polls to decide who will lead our nation for the next executive term. Do we opt to return the incumbent for another period in office or do we want to decide to bestow that burden on someone else? Go with what we know or take a chance on a new candidate? As voters, these are our choices.
For many of us, this decision is a no-brainer. Rather than cast our ballot for an individual, we instead cast it in favor of the political party that traditionally is receptive and favorable to our culture and our community. There's nothing wrong with this option and it does make sense. Why support the mouth that inevitably will turn against us and then bite us on the hand? After all, self-preservation is a very strong instinct.
Others thoroughly weigh all the issues, research the various political platforms and seriously contemplate their individual situations. Then they decide which candidate they feel will offer the best leadership for themselves, respectively, and the nation in general. This is their constitutional right and their civic duty. Once again, there's nothing wrong with this option and it does make sense.
Some remain undecided until the moment-of-truth arrives. They tend to follow their gut-feeling the actual minute that they vote. They make a spur-of the-moment decision and that's it; life goes on. It's their priviledge to do so and they exercise that choice. As discussed above, there's nothing wrong about this method of voting. Still, there are also those who vascillate somewhere in between all of the three previously addressed circumstances and, again, this is a legitimate decision and a basic right.
However we choose to make our selection on which candidate to support, there is one consideration that escapes my understanding. This thought has baffled me over the past several elections and is becoming increasingly disturbing as this electoral cycle gets underway. Is it just me or does anyone else notice that one particular political party seems to talk about same gender loving people as though we're totally invisible? As though we're really not there but, rather, just merely out there, all of us someplace else besides the here and now?
The candidates of this political structure rant and rave against us like we're all a mythical being. While they're doing this, both you and I know that to them, we must be real. Otherwise, why are they so obsessed with us? Obviously, we, the queers of this nation, present a real and viable threat to them. As a matter of fact, it's plain to me that we pose enough of a threat that these politicians honestly are overcome with insecurity which leads to their devoting an inordinate amount of energy in attempting to demonize us. Regardless, they continue to avoid addressing our gay community directly and instead choose to refer to us in the abstract. To me, it's apparent that they foolishly believe that all their hot-air and empty rhetoric will literally blow us all away.
Now, I know that this political party is dependent on radical Christian extremists as the base of support. Naturally, they have to play to that audience and give to them the performance that they have come to expect. After all, where else would they be without that fringe element? I know that much is reality and understand all that is a part of the nature of the beast we commonly refer to as politics. That's the name of the game, right?
What continues to elude me is the reason for our collective invisibility. Are these political aspirants and their followers so afraid of us that they're forced to keep us all as a concept and not challenge us individually? Leadership inspires courage; where's the leadership skill in keeping our community anonymous and impersonal? Where's the courage in attacking us in the abrtract as opposed to standing up against us one-on-one? Surely, as a minority segment of the entire population, we don't wield all that amount of power. Or, do we?
Both you, the reader, and I know that the meaning of homophobia is the unnatural fear of homosexuality. In keeping our same gender loving culture invisible and obscure, the rank and file of this political party and its presidential hopefuls try to hide our good works and achievements. In keeping us nameless, they're hoping to deny our humanity. In keeping us subhuman, it's easier to deny us equality. Simple fact and honest truth. We're unworthy of the basic freedoms; we don't matter.
Well, this proud queer isn't playing their game any longer. I've no need to hide anything from anyone and certainly not the little bit of good that I've accomplished in my life. I'm creating a new game and writing my own rules. Go ahead and lump me into the category of those homosexuals. Rest assured, this proud homosexual will bring you to task when I need to and will flaunt his individual goodness whenever possible. I will not be invisible. I may be Deaf, but, I will not be silent.
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Blue October Sky
Blue October skies, on an usually warm day,
Beckon me outside, make me want to play.
I answer the call, and I begin to roam,
I'm drawn to the river, my home away from home.
I sit on a rock, the sun warm on my skin,
I've heeded the call, and I'm naked once again.
The foliage and water, a paradise of tranquility,
My soul is at peace, content with nature and my nudity.
Sitting in the sunshine, the sky without a cloud,
Beside the flowing river, I'm naked and proud.
My nakedness is my armor, it helps define me,
For when I am nude, all can see the true me.
I savor this moment, my quiet interlude,
Limited are the days to be outside and nude.
I strive to to be myself, to live life with honesty,
To be a complete man, no shame with my nudity.
For each minute is a gift, each day is a treasure,
I try to make them count, to give them all full measure.
Roger Poladopoulos, October 26, 2011
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Naked Follies
As a part of the registration process, most amateur races and/or walkathons provide a complimentary T-shirt for competitors. Some, especially charity fundraisers, do so contingent upon a certain amount of funds collected. I understand all this. It's fun and for a good cause, so why not give an incentive.
I've been a participant in more than a few nude races. Nude races for nude runners, right? So, can someone please explain this to me? Why does a naked run/walk event offer a T-shirt to its naked runners/walkers? After all, we're all naturists/nudists! Theoretically, what do we need with a T-shirt? Part-time nudists, anyone? Or maybe just another piece of useless fabric to toss into the pile of other useless fabrics that can be used for cleaning rags? Reuse, recycle. As for me, I simply cut off the sleeves and make them an exercise shirt to wear at my gym. I'm unable to think of any other viable way to make use of them. I suppose that I could wear them in the supermarket to promote nude racing. Does anyone really read the messages on the T-shirts of others?
Trust me, that's not the only reason for my confusion here. There's yet another source of bafflement for me. As nudists, we all subscribe to the belief or philosophy that there is no shame with the naked human body. Nude isn't lewd, right?
Have you ever noticed that no matter where we are, whether it's a naturist/nudist social function, a special event, at a clothing-optional beach or a nudist-only resort, there's always a few people present who literally stand out in the crowd. What makes them noticeable from all the others gathered? They're the ones who intentionally or subconsciously are making the effort to conceal their genitalia. their junk, their privates. How does this make them distinguishable from all the rest? Well, we're all just as naked as they are. So, what's the purpose with even attempting to hide anything at all? By their actions, they are bringing more attention to themselves. They fail to seem to recognize this. Solution? Stand in front of a mirror and practice where to place those arms and hands.
Personally, I've never been a Halloween enthusiast. This particular festivity has held no appeal for me. It's usually too cold, I don't like concealment nor clothing, so what;s the point? Not even a ton of free treats (candy) was able to entice my fancy. So, what better way to appreciate the date than to add some frivolty once it's all over?
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Questionable Family Values...Again
Yet, this holy promise is only a family value until someone else catches his eye. Candidate Cain is against marriage equality for ALL couples but is free to make inappropriate and suggestive comments to women outside of his matrimonial promise. While serving as CEO of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s, Mr. Cain did just this to two female contractual employees. They filed complaints, were offered and accepted five-figure settlements and signed the requisite silence agreeements.
After spending almost two weeks denying these incidents, last night Cain acknowledged the existance of the settlements but insisted on his innocence. If he was truly free from blame, then why the gag-payoffs? Is it necessary to pay for something to go away when it never really happened? If this took place during his forty-year plus marriage to his wife, how many other times has it occured? If he is really blameless, then why try to conceal the facts when the issue first surfaced? Why deny marriage to an entire minority when the institution essentially doesn't have your full respect?
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Rabbis Gaylia Rooks and Joe Rooks-Rapport
You could consider their marriage a bit of a forbidden love. Not that it was truly taboo, but Rabbis Gaylia Rooks and Joe Rooks-Rapport's relationship was certainly frowned upon when they first began dating. As the first husband-and-wife reform rabbi team, their rabbinical school teachers were none too pleased to find out the two were dating, nevertheless engaged.
But, after 30 years of marriage, they've proven that a husband and wife can not only work together, but also guide their community successfully as they live their lives in tandem.
How did you meet?
Apparently Joe met Gaylia before Gaylia met Joe.
"It depends on which of us you ask," Joe said.
"We were both first year rabbinical students at HUC (Hebrew Union College) in Jerusalem," Gaylia explained.
Joe first saw Gaylia at a student get-together.
"She walked in, the Jerusalem Orchestra was playing in the background, because we were just down the street from there, and I decided I was going to marry her. I said 'hello' – she doesn't remember this at all."
Gaylia doesn't remember this first encounter but definitely remembers their first date, which she agreed with me was an "epic first date."
"The first date was the fifth night of Hanukkah," she said. "He heard that I had stopped going out with my boyfriend and he said, 'Oh, does that mean you'll have lunch with me?' And I said sure.
"We had lunch, then we went shopping for Hanukkah presents and to the post office to mail them back home to the States. Then I promised I'd have latkes and stuff with my roommates, so he came. Then we went to a movie theater that I had found when I was a Brandeis student (abroad). Then we went to a place called 'Don't Pass Me By Tea and Pie' … "
" … Which was spelled out phonetically in Hebrew letters," Joe clarified with a laugh.
"Everything in Jerusalem in those days closed at midnight because the buses stopped running at midnight. He was in the middle of a great story and said, 'Well, we can just walk back. I'll walk you back to your apartment.' Then the guy who owned the (pie) place said 'I'm gonna be here until 3 or 4 in the morning baking fresh pies for tomorrow, so if you wanna stay, you can stay."
So they stayed. The owner even brought them fresh pie and told them they had to name their first born Zev, after him.
"We named our first new car after him," Gaylia explained.
They walked home in the rain, got to Gaylia's apartment and decided to keep talking until sunrise.
How did he propose?
They were engaged three weeks later.
"While I was in Jerusalem, I was looking for a Ketubah for my parent's anniversary," Joe said.
A Ketubah is a special Jewish prenuptial agreement that outlines the husband's rights and responsibilities to the wife.
"I asked her to come with because her Hebrew was a lot better than mine," he explained. "When we found this amazing shop – this was before there was a ketubah.com – I said, 'You know, it would probably make better sense if we could get a deal and got two.' She said, 'Well why would you need two?' And I said because we were gonna need one."
He admits that Gaylia was a bit freaked out and stopped seeing him for a – gasp! – a full day.
How do you make it work on a day-to-day basis?
The pair work hand-in-hand every day. In fact, they even share an office. But it truly doesn't take a toll like it might with other couples.
"When we were in rabbinical school, we had one key to the apartment, one car; we were together all the time," Gaylia explained.
Their classmates called them "The Newlyweds" even after another couple was married.
"They used to say that he should kiss me goodbye when he went to the men's room because it was the only time we were apart," she said with a smile. "So our first four or five years of marriage, we were together probably more than most couples are in a decade."
Having spent almost all of their time together since their first date, they know each other's strengths and weaknesses like the backs of their hands. And they know exactly how to complement each other.
"Odd as it may seem for people who share the same career and the same passions and the same interests, we actually are very different," Joe said. "So it makes working together very good. She learned from the very first date that I'm the study geek. We have very complementary skills. We're somewhat naturally interested in different things. We're good at different things. I would never have passed Talmud class if she hadn't dragged me through it. She wouldn't have gotten through history class without me. When we melded our libraries, we had like only one book in common. Given that we studied the same things, that's pretty odd."
They've learned throughout their years as a couple, and as rabbis leading the same congregation, which roles are better suited for each other.
"She's inspiration and I'm perspiration," Joe explained. "Even the things that we actually work on together, she comes up with the creative ideas, and I kind of put the wheels under the cart and make it happen."
How do you divide up household chores?
"We don't do them," Joe joked.
"We used to have a nanny for 17 years. So we had like a third parent in the house," Gaylia said. "And our son has autism, so it was very important to us to have a stable other person in the house."
The two spend so much time at The Temple and working in the community, that they don't even have time to cook. Gaylia admitted she's a good cook, but simply doesn't enjoy it.
"We wish we could still have a nanny, but we don't have kids (living at home). So people would probably talk if we still had a nanny," Joe said.
But since their youngest, Lev, left the house for Centre College, they've slowly figured out their roles in the housework. But they laughed at themselves for being unable to compromise when it came to their chores.
"There are still things that the nanny used to do that neither of us has picked up because, for example, if I pick it up then it becomes my job," Joe said, mocking both himself and his wife.
Where do you like to go when you're out 'n' about?
The pair admitted that they eat out often but are hesitant to disclose their favorite places.
"We don't wanna tell you because just last night we bumped into a million congregants," Gaylia joked.
"My father was a professor of Shakespeare, so we go to the theater a lot," Joe said. "We're members of Actors Theater."
But, in order to enjoy their favorite places, the two must work with their busy datebooks.
"We find that if we lock it into our schedules, because things are so crazy time wise, it works," Joe explained.
Of course, they also do a lot of work in the community.
"A lot of our social life is geared around The Temple, obviously, and the community things we're involved in," Joe said. "So there's events at the University of Louisville, Crusade for Children, the hospital."
"We also do a lot of work with STAR (Support and Treatment for Autism and Related Disorders)," said Gaylia, who is STAR's co-chair. "We do a lot of social justice work and we enjoy that."
What is one thing you always do as a couple?
"We always watch Jon Stewart and eat Shabbat dinner together," Joe said.
"Even if I'm working or he's prepping a class – whatever we're doing – we stop at least for the first 15 minutes of Jon Stewart," Gaylia explained.
"For our 25th anniversary we went to Tahiti because I always wanted to go there," Gaylia said. "I grew up in Boston, so if it doesn't have a beach, it's not a vacation. But he hates sun, sand, sea, the whole thing. So he said that for our 30th he wanted to go to Iceland."
"She thought I was kidding because it's the opposite of Tahiti," Joe said.
But they went to Iceland and Stockholm and had a blast.
What is some advice you would offer couples – new or old – who desire to walk through life in tandem?
With jobs that entail quite a bit of counseling and 30 years of marriage, the couple has some sage advice for couples.
"Don't always compromise," Gaylia advised.
"I was just going to say, we just had this conversation," Joe interjected.
"Sometimes when you compromise, nobody wins … " Gaylia started.
" … You end up getting half of what you want," Joe finished. "We invented this thing, it's called 'punting.' Like in football, when you're not getting anywhere, it's better for you to give the other team the ball because you're not getting anywhere with it at the moment. When you get to one of those places where cutting it in half isn't going to make anybody happy, one of you needs to decide to punt. Which means, 'No. I want you to get what you want. I want you to get all of what you want so that I can feel good about you getting what you want.' And then the receiver needs to get what they want with no guilt."
"You've gotta be open and honest," Gaylia encouraged.
Joe agreed, "Whatever it is, being honest about it is better."
"Communication is in the ear of the hearer," Gaylia added. "So whatever I said, and whatever I meant is irrelevant. It's what he heard and how it made him feel."
"If you're hurt, don't hurt back," Gaylia said.
"Don't assume," Joe said. "One of the problems with treating people how you want to be treated is that it assumes that they're like you and they want the same things that you want. You should treat people the way they need to be treated."
Aug. 10, 1980
Yael, 24, a rabbinical student at the Hebrew Union College in New York, N.Y.; and Lev, 21, a rising senior at Centre College.
Louisville's East End.
Senior rabbis at The Temple.
Cards or Cats
"Cards," Joe said undoubtedly.
"Oh, I thought you were talking about pets!" Gaylia admitted.
Category: In Tandem
About the Author (Author Profile)
Comments (1)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
Well at last I have found another woman named Gaylia. It is my wife's first name. Even though we are Gentiles.
Her mother (also Gentile) was in a play and played the part of the character named Gaylia and thus named her first daughter. I thought you might like tyo hear this story.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Utica Weather
Current Temp 29.0 °F
Wind : East at 5.8 MPH (5 KT)
Humidity : 78 %
Pressure : 1028.1 mb
DEC investigates work at city councilman's property
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The same City of Utica Codes Department that issued Utica First Ward Councilman Frank Vescera a permit for demolition work at his property at 635 Mary Street has issued a stop work order, compelling him to halt the work.
Over the weekend, someone called 9-1-1 to report smoke in the area of Vescera's business, K Music, at 1155 Mohawk Street. City firefighters who responded noticed a wood stove and what appeared to be wood construction debris near a pile of firewood outside the building. The wood was determined to be from Vescera's property at 635 Mary Street.
"I received an email, from the responding officer, stating he was concerned there might be some sort of construction debris being burned," says Chief City Fire Marshal Raymond Beck.
The Oneida County Health Department tested paint on wood at both Mary Street and K Music and found that both contained lead.
"We don't burn anything that has lead on it, that we know. We've been doing this since the mid 70s," says Vescera.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating. D.E.C. officials there say that it's illegal to even store wood with lead-based paint; they say that, by law, it has to go directly from its original setting to a landfill.
Vescera says the entire investigation is politically motivated by a fire department that is no fan of him.
"And I find it very coincidental. The fire department's been here many times....never brought it up now until this time when I've been very vocal about doing away with overtime at the fire department," says Vescera.
Chief Fire Marshal Beck says it's just business as usual.
"I received an email and read the narrative from the responding officer and he did have concerns and I just forwarded these concerns to the proper agencies. And we do this on a daily basis," says Beck.
Vescera has complied with the stop work order and is waiting to hear back from the city as to what he needs to do to resume work at 635 Mary Street.
No tickets or citations have been issued, by NYS DEC, as of yet.
More On Demand mini
Most Popular
What's On


text:
I learned of this two page pdf, dated June 2011, not from NGAC's website/reports but from Esri's Pre-UC Q&A. I could only find a copy on Esri's website. I should think the federal government might want to share it, too.
I learned of this two page pdf, dated June 2011, not from NGAC's website/reports but from Esri's Pre-UC Q&A. I could only find a copy on Esri's website. I should think the federal government might want to share it, too.
Pictometry CEO Richard M. Hurwitz. who took the reigns a little less than a year ago, addresses the company plans in an interview with the local paper including discussion of last month's acquisition of Indiana-based GeoEstimater (press release).
Pictometry is spending a lot of time moving from a visualization tool where we can look at that unique data to a company providing solutions. (With the GeoEstimator acquisition), Pictometry is now delivering answers to a targeted customer base. The insurance industry is prepared to go 100 percent toward remote measurement of roofs. We're in all the Lowe's stores around the country. If you want to repair your roof, you can walk into Lowe's, order a report and there are all the metrics for you to buy all the right materials at the right price.
- (Rochester NY) Democrat and Chronicle
One of LightSquared customers, the first one, is speaking up on the GPS interference issue. Open Range Communications offer rural WiMAXand signed on with the carrier in March.
In an open letter [currently unavailable on website] released yesterday, Open Range CEO Bill Beans said the portrayal of the issue as a win-lose dilemma with a winner-take-all outcome "is unfortunate, shortsighted, and just plain wrong. It is not true that for one technology to exist, the other must not."
The Save Our GPS Coalition continued its PR campaign with yet another press release highlighting a founder member addressing the SAFECOM Emergency Response Council.
Jim Kirkland, vice president and general counsel of Trimble quoting a National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) report said LightSquared's planned deployment of 40,000 ground stations "could literally become a matter of life and death" when it affects communications and location technology used by first responders and other public safety officials.
- press release
In New Hampshire, there is love for the potential jobs and Internet access LightSquared could bring, but a reticence about interference with GPS.
U.S. Rep. Charles Bass, R-N.H., held a press conference at Concord's Municipal Airport on June 29, to discuss the potential impact a new company trying to build a national broadband network may have to global positioning systems [GPS].
Bass is on the Communications and Technology House Subcommittee and is a pilot; he sent a letter to the FCC several weeks ago.
The City of Toronto's long-awaited Wellbeing Toronto map site launched today (in beta), giving users the ability to map 140 officially-defined neighbourhoods by dozens of different data points, from arson to breast cancer screening to sports facilities. It's a much more user-friendly approach to open data than we've seen in Toronto (and elsewhere) up till now.
In Lansing, MI GIS is the bad guy; it's tech told the city two fire stations should close and which ones.
The decision to close two stations came after a GIS mapping study. The idea is if you have to close two stations, shutting down numbers five and seven would have the least impact on coverage.
The Pottawattamie County Board (NE) amended its budget to put $200,000 the County Attorney's Office and Geographic Information Systems and Information Technology. The funding is in support of response to the current flooding.
"Once the river crests, a pictometry flight will give us elevations of the flood," Supervisor Melvyn Houser said.
India's national GIS is expected to be online within 3 years.
Called National GIS, this geographical information system powered service would be the first one-stop database of India's natural and physical assets, providing information and services about government schemes and businesses -- right from locating malls, hospitals or ATMs to lodging complaints. ,,,
The government already has a sizeable resource of multi-resolution satellite images and topographical and thematic maps. There are also GIS initiatives of the Natural Resources Management System , National Spatial Data Infrastructure and National Urban Information Systems .
However, none of these are integrated with each other, making it impossible for one government agency to use information of another while alienating private stakeholders altogether.
Romania's Green Register project is planning to use GIS to ensure Bucharest meets EU requirements for green space.
The Green Register project's objectives include creating a digital map of protected trees and compact green spaces on public and private land, as well as trees planted near roads, public institutions, public schools, culture institutions, housing complexes, churches and in cemeteries. The map should also cover damaged land that can be converted into green space.
Another objective is developing a dedicated geographic information system (GIS) application, to keep the map up to date and allow a user to generate and print reports, and read about documents issued by City Hall's Environment Department on cutting/planting authorization.
The results of Mongolia's 2010 Population and Housing Census are in – at present, there are currently 2,754,685 individuals in Mongolia, up from 2,373, 493 people from ten years ago.
Following the recommendation of the United Nations that countries should conduct a census every 10 years, Mongolia was among the 53 countries to do so by conducting its population and housing census using a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the first time based on best practice case studies from other countries.


text:
For dry or very dry skin. Cleans and softens without irritation.
At Cleure, we know how vital sensitive skin soap can be to having beautiful, soft skin. Regular soaps just don't cut it for most of us with sensitive skin, so we formulated our soaps and face wash for sensitive skin to give our customers all of the cleansing power that comes with most brands of soap, without all of those harsh, breakout-inducing chemicals. Many soap manufacturers use sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) to formulate their soaps, but this harsh detergent is known to cause irritated skin. Our SLS-free soap can help you maintain beautiful — and clean — skin every day.
Our SLS- and fragrance-free soap can help you have the beautiful skin you've always wanted, cleaning your skin without the use of harsh, irritating detergents. Try Cleure skin care and you'll see how beautiful your skin can be. Join our community on Facebook for skin care tips, special offers, contests and more!


text:
Celtics coach Brad Stevens recently suggested that he is responsible for improving his team's defense. But on Friday, there was little evidence of progress by either Stevens or his team.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens recently suggested that he is responsible for improving his team's defense. But on Friday, there was little evidence of progress by either Stevens or his team.
A sometimes-lethargic Celtics team was manhandled in Memphis by the Grizzlies. The C's, who entered the contest having permitted the third most points per game in the NBA (107.5, behind only the 3-7 Timberwolves and 3-9 Lakers) once again permitted an opponent to score at an alarming rate. The Celtics lost, 117-100, with Memphis shooting 52.7 percent for the night. The defenseless Celtics fell to 4-7 on the season, with the kind of defensive night that screams lottery.
Four other takeaways:
Rondo's far-reaching skills were nowhere to be found. In 28 minutes, he scored four points with five boards and four assists, just the 15th time in his career and the second since 2008-09 that he's had no more than five of any of those categories in a game where he played at least 24 minutes. The four assists matched his fewest in a game since he had a three-assist night on Nov. 28, 2012.
Marc Gasol scored 32 with eight boards, while Zach Randolph had 16 points and 16 rebounds in just 27 minutes. A Celtics team that had been effective on the glass instead was pushed around, getting outrebounded by the Grizzlies, 50-38.
The Celtics, of course, are an offense built around point-guard distribution, particularly when Rondo is on the court, but at times when Rondo wasn't in the game, the team looked to others to generate movement and passing. When Avery Bradley was charged with that task, however, the results were poor, as Bradley endured his third game without an assist this season. He is averaging 1.1 assists per game. Entering the night, he was one of just six guards in the NBA to play at least 10 games this year while averaging less than 1.5 assists per game.
The 7-footer went 3-for-5 from behind the arc and scored 18, stretching the floor in a way that allowed the Celtics offense to be successful while he was on the floor. Olynyk had a +2 plus/minus; the rest of the Celtics starters were no better than -14. Olynyk is averaging 12.9 points per night while shooting 56.7 percent from the floor, including 46.7 percent from distance. His 3-point field goal percentage could put him in historic company. Just one 7-footer has ever shot 45 percent or better from long range — Zydrunas Ilgauskus, who made 47.8 percent of his shots behind the arc in 2009-10.
The Celtics arrived in Philadelphia on a three-game losing streak, but they had to feel confident knowing they would be facing off against a horrid 0-10 76ers team.
The Celtics arrived in Philadelphia on a three-game losing streak, but they had to feel confident knowing they would be facing off against a horrid 0-10 76ers team.
In the end, it wasn't pretty, but the Celtics got the job done with a 101-90 victory for their second road win on the season. The Celtics are now 4-6 on the season. Here are five things we learned in the victory:
The Celtics came into the game sporting the third-best offense in the NBA, but the scoreboard read just 46-46 at halftime. The C's matched the 76ers with 10 turnovers while getting outrebounded 27-19 by Philly — never good things when facing a winless opponent that ranks last in the league in rebounding.
Had it not been for 12 points from Brandon Bass off the bench, this one could have slipped away early. Bass was really the only player that put forward a noteworthy performance in the first half; he shot 5-for-8 in his 13 minutes.
Brad Stevens would have been in a whole lot of trouble in this one without key contributions from veterans off the bench. Bass' strong first half carried over to the second half, while Marcus Thornton came up big as well.
Bass wound up with a game-high 23 points to go along with six boards and Thornton finished with 13 while also coming up with four steals.
After letting three home games in a row slip through their fingertips, the green finally sealed the deal on a win. Sure it was against a brutal opponent, but in was a win on the road in the NBA. Stevens will take it. After a string of frustrating late losses, this victory could offer the Celtics some positive momentum going forward.
Jared Sullinger was key in making sure Boston cam out victorious, putting up 18 of his 22 points in the second half.
You can look at the turnovers in the box score, but that won't tell you the full story of this game; it was ugly to watch. Despite their record, the Celtics have been an exciting team to watch so far this season. They are fast paced, young and athletic, but it was tough to tell on Wednesday.
Boston missed a lot of easy shots, but struggled even to get off a shot on other possessions. The C's are going to have to tighten up their game when they play in Memphis on Friday. The Grizzlies currently have the NBA's best record.
Entering Wednesday's game, Philly was already just one of six teams ever to begin a season 0-10. One of those teams was the 1972-73 Philadelphia squad that finished with a record of 9-73, but this team might be worse. They are an average defensive team, but given how much they struggle to score, it's tough to see them winning their first game anytime soon.
This speaks to how poorly the Celtics played to make this game a contest until the end. However, when a below average Celtics team can come in and pick up a road win on what was clearly an off night, that's never a good sign for the home squad.
Follow Sam Packard on Twitter @SPackGuy
In the NBA, the worst place to be is the middle of the pack. If you are not contending for a championship or tanking, in my mind, you are not relevant. Because of this, each week I will rank the top five and bottom five teams in the league. The rankings are based entirely on my own observations and opinions, so please feel free to call me names in the comments section.
1. Grizzlies (10-1)
The Grizzlies have started the season on fire, and the only explanation I can offer is the addition of Vince Carter. On Monday they dropped 119 points on the Rockets, who had been playing exceptional defense. Last Thursday against King Boogie, the Grizz erased a 26-point deficit before Courtney Lee hit this buzzer-beater with three-tenths of a seconds remaining.
2. Warriors (8-2) If the season ended today, Steph Curry would be the MVP. I know Anthony Davis is putting up absurd numbers, but the Warriors are actually winning games. Just watch this video of Curry dismantling the Lakers and tell me you are not impressed.
3. Trail Blazers (8-2) Portland has won its last five games, including absolutely embarrassing the Nuggets on their home floor, putting up 84 points in the first half. THE FIRST HALF! The 76ers only average 88.5 points per game.
4. Rockets (9-2) Despite their surprisingly great defensive play, the Rockets are extremely hard to like and the blame falls squarely on Dwight Howard's mutant shoulders. The entire league hates him. We expect Kobe to talk smack to his former teammate, but when you have soft-spoken, momma-loving, all-around nice guy Kevin Durant calling you a p*ssy, you know you have a problem. And all of this hate has nothing to do with the fact that that "Superman" allegedly beats his illegitimate children.
5. Mavericks (8-3) The Mavericks starting five is dominating on the offensive end. The Mavericks are scoring 115.5 points per 100 possessions, the next closest team is the Cavs with 109.7. Plus, they lead the league in hokey promotional videos, and that's always fun. (They couldn't have shot a second take for the "We are Chandler and Chandler" line?
Frankly, I am sick of having to write anything about the 76ers. Until they win a game, their place as the worst team in the league will be assumed. Instead I will rank the six second-worst teams, just for the sake of variety
6. Pistons
Good news: Brandon Jennings is playing a lot better, limiting his turnovers and shooting much more efficiently. Bad news: Andre Drummond can't stop fouling people and has taken an inexplicable step back. Good news: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has shown flashes, including a 20-point performance against the Wizards. Bad news: Josh "Candy Necklace" Smith is still on the team.
5. Knicks Don't worry Knicks fans, it doesn't matter that your team can't learn the Triangle Offense, Andrea Bargnani is coming back! Also, Seth Rogen is apparently a fan?
.@carmeloanthony @I_Am_Iman @TheRealJRSmith I got that pipe. Enjoy the movie. pic.twitter.com/MTglY5zEoX ' Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) November 18, 2014
4. Nuggets
I already mentioned the Nuggets giving up 84 points in a half. That happened before I read this horribly depressing article about the downfall of the Nuggets franchise. Why would you sign the Manimal Kenneth Faried to a $50 million extension if the organization doesn't particularly like the player. If I were Danny Ainge, I would gladly take Faried of their hands. Heck, I'd even take Javle McGee purely for entertainment purposes.
3. Timberwolves
If I was a Timberwolves fan, or their NBA2k owner, I would be very happy with their play this year. At this point, with a young core of Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, Zach LaVine and Gorgui Dieng, tanking is their best strategy. I have no idea why they re-signed Ricky Rubio. I know Flip Saunders wants to win now, but its simply not going to happen soon, especially not in the West.
2. Lakers
The "lamestream media" refuses to accept that the Lakers are a horrendous excuse for a basketball squadron. Well, they may have accepted it, but they continue to talk about it incessantly. Each week, there is a new think piece or analysis of why this Lakers team is struggling. I think the answer is pretty simple: Kobe is paid too much and no one wants to play with him. They have no talent and their fans are jerks. That is certainly a better explanation than Harvard-educated Jeremy Lin was able to provide.
1. 76ers
I don't think they would lose to Kentucky, but the game might be interesting.
Tyler Zeller has always had the trust of coach Brad Stevens, but his minutes have yet to put that trust on display — until Monday night.
Zeller had his coming out party in the Celtics' 118-114 home loss to the Suns, playing a total of 27 minutes. Although Boston came up short in the win column, Zeller surely was not at fault, while Stevens was rewarded for trusting his fellow Indiana native.
The UNC product finished Monday's game with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists, to go along with a block and a steal. However, it was how Zeller got those numbers that made it so impressive. Besides playing with unmatched hustle — whether is be changing a shot on the defensive end or tipping a rebound to a teammate — Zeller shot an incredibly efficient 8-for-9 from the field.
As crazy as it sounds, that has been an average game in terms of shooting the ball for Zeller this season, just in smaller samples due to playing fewer minutes.
As of Tuesday, Zeller is shooting an eye popping 25-for-29 from the field in nine games this season. That's good for 86.2 percent — tops among players in the NBA who have attempted more than four shots on the year.
"Some of it's [knowing what you can and can't do]," Zeller said following the loss. "Some of it's my teammates, again, do a great job of getting the ball to me on time where I have time to make plays."
"Some of it's just taking easier shots," he added.
So, will we see any bad shots from the seven-footer this season?
"Give it time, it will happen," joked Zeller. "But, I mean, you've just got to take smart shots and make the plays you can."
In case you were wondering, Cedric Maxwell shot 60.9 percent from the field in the 1979-80 season, which is the Celtics' single-season record for field goal percentage.
Let's face it: This is the season of Rajon Rondo. As interesting as it is to evaluate the frontcourt progress of Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk, Avery Bradley's offensive potential and Jeff Green's surprising consistency, the biggest questions the Celtics must answer all involve Rondo. Just how good is he? Will he be traded? What can they get in return? In a weekly feature on Green Street, we'll take stock of the Celtics captain's status every Tuesday.
Eight appearances into his contract season, the Celtics captain remains equal parts brilliant and baffling. In one breath, we can confidently say there's never been another NBA player like Rajon Rondo, and in the next we rail against his three straight missed free throws in the final seconds of a two-possession game.
Rondo is averaging 11.6 assists, 10.6 points and 8.4 rebounds for a Celtics (3-6) squad that arguably should have won its last six games. The only player to produce those numbers over a full season was Oscar Robertson, who did so twice for a middling Cincinnati Royals team as a 6-foot-5 point guard in a league featuring just nine teams in the 1960s. Half a century later, a 6-foot-1 Rondo leads all 30 teams in assists per game, assist opportunities per game (21.6) and points created by assists per game (27.1), according to NBA.com's stat tool.
Yet, it's somehow reasonable to expect even more from Rondo. His 30 percent free throw shooting (6-20 FT) is the league's worst among players who have attempted 10 or more free throws this season. While his jump shooting from the elbows had risen well above the league average prior to his ACL surgery, he's seemingly reverted to the version of himself who was timid attempting jumpers earlier in his career.
All of that adds up to this: The Celtics are scoring 110.6 points per 100 possessions with Rondo on the court and 110.7 without him, according to Basketball Reference. In other words, they would own the NBA's sixth-most efficient offense regardless of whether the four-time All-Star was on the court. Likewise, the C's defensive rating without their captain (111.2) is slightly better than with him (113.8), and both numbers would rank among the league's five worst.
So, we're left with lines like his 14-point, 10-rebound and nine-assist effort in a 118-114 loss to the Suns on Monday night. Except, he a) committed a game-high five turnovers, leading to 13 Phoenix points; b) missed eight of 10 free throw attempts, including all three with two seconds left in a four-point game; c) took just three shots outside 10 feet (missing two), despite opponents playing an average of seven feet off him; and d) shared the defensive load against a starting backcourt of Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic, who combined for 37 points (on 63.6 percent true shooting), 14 assists (against six turnovers), 11 rebounds and five steals, effectively negating Rondo's near triple-double.
It's important to remember the Celtics are nine games into the season, and Rondo missed the entire preseason with a broken bone in his left hand, so it stands to reason his performance should continue to improve on both ends.
Still, in the C's last three games — collapses against the Thunder, Cavaliers and Suns — Rondo has been countered by Reggie Jackson (28 points, 8 assists, 3 rebounds), Kyrie Irving (27-5-4) and Dragic (22-7-6), all of whom have signed or are expected to sign deals worth millions less annually than the Celtics point guard's potential maximum deal.
Value: Descending
Few NBA teams are in desperate need of a point guard, which makes it all the more difficult for the Celtics to deal Rondo should they choose to go that route. Even fewer of those teams are close enough to contention to be willing to take on Rondo for half a season while possessing enough cap space to keep him around long-term and make a trade worthwhile. And even fewer of those teams have the assets to swap in return. So, Ainge would need to get creative.
And how's this for creative?
The Thunder seem set at the point guard position, what with Russell Westbrook signed through the next three seasons, but isn't it possible Westbrook and Rondo could make one helluva backcourt? Rondo's pass-first approach seems more likely to complement Westbrook's scorer's mentality than Jackson's similar shoot-first mindset, and a starting lineup featuring Rondo, Westbrook, Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka is a fascinating force.
Of course, Oklahoma City must be willing to pay Rondo his money this summer, a tall task with Westbrook, Durant and Ibaka slated to make a combined $49.25 million next season. Still, the league's latest television deal and a soon-to-be skyrocketing salary cap will make that a whole lot easier, and trading for a name of Rondo's caliber might help convince Durant the organization means business before the reigning MVP's own contract comes up in 2016.
The Thunder are among the few teams with enticing enough assets to land Rondo. Let's say OKC general manager Sam Presti offered Celtics counterpart Danny Ainge a package of Jackson, old friend Kendrick Perkins' $9.4 million expiring contract and a 2015 first-round draft pick that projects to be the Thunder's lowest selection in years. The Celtics would effectively replace Rondo with a point guard four years younger and roughly two-thirds the cost, adding a third first-round pick to the mix this June and maintaining cap flexibility for the summer.
"He is one of these guards that can attack you downhill, attack your bigs and score on them like the Kyle Lowrys of the world, Monta Ellis, guys like that," C's coach Brad Stevens said prior to last week's loss to OKC. "With the ball, he's a great rhythm player. He's obviously being asked to do a lot, and he's obviously very capable of doing a lot."
Idea: Long shot
Both the Celtics and Rondo are still in a feeling-out process, determining whether each wants to spend the next five years with the other, and the first few weeks of this season haven't provided many more answers than the previous seven.
Suns backup point guard Isaiah Thomas' admission on Monday that Ainge was the first person to call him at 12:01 a.m. on July 1 — the moment free agency opened this past summer — at least hints at the possibility the Celtics are preparing for life without Rondo in the future.
While they've remained competitive, the Celtics have begun to slip in the standings. If they start trending toward another 25-win season with a healthy Rondo in the mix, it seems more likely Ainge would start shopping his point guard rather than seek another star to pair with him.
On the other hand, should Rondo and Stevens right the ship and compete for a playoff spot, as appeared to be the case in Friday's battle against the Cavaliers, the reverse seems a safer bet. So, while we may be one week closer to February's trade deadline, the event horizon remains an awful long ways away.
Odds: 30-1
Last year, Jeff Green began the season with a 25-point effort against the Raptors. "Maybe this will be the year that Green pulls it all together," many said.
Green then scored 13 points in the second game of the year, followed by just seven points in his next game. Concerns about Green were answered early; he still couldn't preform with the type of consistency that many hoped and believed he would upon arriving in Boston.
Coming into this season, there was no reason to believe anything would change, but clearly, Green has found his groove.
The season is still young, but nine games in, Green has been remarkably consistent, despite the Celtics' 3-6 record. Green has scored no less than 14 points in a game, and has carried the load on offense most nights — like his season-high of 35 points in the Celtics' failed comeback in Dallas or the 28 he scored in Monday's loss to the Suns.
Green has displayed jaw-dropping athleticism on many of his plays this season, specifically getting into the lane for powerful dunks, and on LeBron-esque chase down blocks. Green doesn't feel he has done anything differently this season during his hot start, though.
"I'm just doing the same thing and that's just being aggressive. There's no difference," said Green, after the demoralizing loss to Phoenix.
Green may be taking the same approach as last season, but something has been different on the court this year. Scoring 19.9 points per game through nine contests, Green is more than five points better than his career average thus far.
Again, the season is long from over, but Green is off to the best start of his career. Fair is fair. If we are going to bash Green for what he has failed to do in the past, it's time to give him some praise for what he is accomplishing now.
Other than the late addition of Evan Turner at a bargain basement price over the summer, the Celtics came away from NBA free agency empty-handed, but presi
Other than the late addition of Evan Turner at a bargain basement price over the summer, the Celtics came away from NBA free agency empty-handed, but president of basketball operations Danny Ainge made at least one attempt at a big-name player of small stature.
Moments after free agency opened on July 1, Ainge called point guard Isaiah Thomas.
"Danny Ainge was the first person to call me at 12:01 a.m.," Thomas said, "so if that's interest, then I guess so."
Thomas actually missed the call, but exchanged messages with Ainge before his agent Andy Miller took over negotiations. So, was the feeling mutual?
"I was interested in whoever was interested in me," Thomas added, "so he was definitely a little interested if he was the first one to call me, but they went their ways and I went mine."
Thomas' way ultimately took him to Phoenix, where he landed by way of a sign-and-trade deal with the Sacramento Kings. His agent reportedly reached a four-year, $28 million deal with Suns general manager Ryan McDonough, who worked under Ainge for 10 seasons before finishing runner-up in the NBA's Executive of the Year voting in his first season in Phoenix.
Thomas was notably one of six players last season to average 20 points and six assists per game. The others: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Russell Westbrook. Had Thomas not been 5-foot-9, he would have easily commanded double-digit millions annually. Instead, he joined Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic to form Phoenix's potent three-guard attack.
(For the record, Bledsoe, a pricier restricted free agent, said Ainge did not contact him directly this summer. What about his agent? "Not that I know of. I don't think they did.")
As for the Celtics' way, it's unclear why Ainge had so much interest in Thomas. They were five days removed from drafting point guard Marcus Smart. Presumably, the C's had a deal in place to re-sign Avery Bradley, since news of his four-year, $32 million deal broke on July 2. Thomas would have been a massive upgrade over Phil Pressey, but the logjam in the Celtics backcourt currently limited their own diminutive point guard to a total of three minutes with a healthy Smart in the lineup for the first four games. All of which brings us to Rajon Rondo.
The Celtics captain is entering the final year of his contract, and Thomas had been rumored to be part of a package the Kings offered in exchange for Rondo this past February. It's a bit presumptuous to assume Ainge was calling Thomas about a sign-and-trade deal that would have shipped Rondo to Sacramento, but it's not out of the question the phone call to Thomas at the moment free agency opened was insurance for Rondo's potentially imminent departure.
After all, it's hard to imagine the Celtics would enter this season with Rondo, Bradley, Smart and Thomas all in the fold. Likewise, it doesn't make much sense for Ainge to place his first call of free agency to Thomas unless he was serious about signing the 25-year-old, especially when the C's had so many other needs on their roster other than point guard.
So, while nothing ever amounted from the C's interest in Thomas, the fact they called in the first place is fascinating.