Well, another summer has come and gone, and it was a hot one at that! We really did have some great weather these past couple of weeks though, and things have certainly quieted down for the time being. But not along the Gulf Coast. They are still trying to clean up after Katrina. I’m sure we are all concerned about everyone there. And we, as good Americans, are generous in donating our time and money to a good cause. I’ve seen pictures in the newspapers and on TV of the many animals that were left stranded and homeless. The human toll is hard to take, but dogs, cats, and other kinds of pets are wandering around lost, confused, and I’m sure very hungry. That is why I urge you to also donate to the organizations that involve the rescue, feeding, and care of those poor displaced pets. Go online to find the organization that suits you best. The human tragedy is certainly heart breaking but those poor pets—my heart goes out to them all.

And speaking of animals, did you know that there are many crocodiles that inhabit the swamps and bayous? Now here is something I find very interesting. It seems that Australian crocodile blood could lead to powerful new drugs for humans. That’s right—crocodile blood! Scientists in Australia’s tropical north are collecting the blood after discovering that the immune systems of crocodiles are much more powerful than that of humans. The croc blood prevents life-threatening infections from setting in after, say, a savage territorial fight—which is what crocs do quite often. Angry crocs can tear off each others limbs. Despite the fact that they live in a very hostile environment, filled with deadly microbes, they heal quite rapidly. Scientists are hoping to develop powerful new drugs for humans—even one for HIV. If you take a vial (test tube) of HIV and add croc serum, it seems to have a greater effect than human serum. So, it seems that crocodile blood kills HIV. And you thought these things were only good for designer handbags!

Boy we do like to smoke cigarettes, don’t we? Smoking rates among gay youth are reportedly at 59% versus 25% for the general youth population. Now, I know its really tough trying to stop smoking. My entire family smoked— my dad and mom each smoked two packs a day. My seven brothers all smoked, I was the only one who did not. Just smelling the smoke made me ill and made my eyes water. Three brothers have quit smoking and I say good for them. But smoking and its related diseases killed both my parents. It also, just recently, killed beloved ABC news anchor Peter Jennings. I can remember watching him on the nightly news—not even knowing that he had the dreaded lung cancer that would take his life eventually. But some good has come out of his untimely death by the Big C. It’s what is being called the "Jennings Effect." It seems that with the death of this handsome host of ABC news, many gay and lesbian smokers have vowed to change a dirty habit, quit smoking, and come clean. To that I say—wonderful! It seems that the Quit Smoking Program at the New York City GLBT Community Center has seen a large increase in the amount of calls from smokers seeking ways to help them kick this dirty habit. Hopefully other cities are reporting the same inquiries and will report their info to the gay and lesbian community. Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston; are you listening?

Is it me or have you noticed a lot more hard liquor commercials on TV? They were banned for the longest time, but now they’re back, and with a vengeance. You could see a vodka commercial, followed by a rum commercial, and then followed by a beer commercial. And boy are these commercials loud. The volume seems to be twice as loud as the program you are watching. Bush’s government has approved the advertising of hard liquor at all times of the day. Hey kiddies are you watching your favorite shows and they’re followed by a booze commercial? Hey kids—drink up but don’t have sex. Yea, sure. And these government politicians call themselves moral? Hey, I’ll drink to that...not! And while you’re at it light me up a ciggie...not!

And lastly (after my previous rant), but not least, I’d like to thank the many, many, many great men and women who stopped at our booth at Gay Pride in the park. The weather was terrific, the inquiries were fun, and Nick and I got to work on our tans for our upcoming photo shoot in Las Vegas with the Bear Media people. And you all thought we were coming to the beach to enjoy the water. Well yes, and to work on our tan—it’s a big requirement for the photo shoot. Seems these people saw my profile on Bigmusclebears.com and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse—a trip and CASH. Now, we were told these pics would be tasteful and not smutty—Nick and I have our standards. We also have reputations that are good and we plan to keep them that way. And we wouldn’t want to cause any embarrassment to family, friends, co-workers, or ourselves. So, we’ll let you know when the cards and calendars will be ready—hopefully by Christmas. Hey, I know the perfect present this year for you all. Hmmm.