TheOccasionalFag

TOF Video 69 Jack Price March and Rally: College Point, Queens

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:37:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

On October the 8th, a 49 year old gay man named Jack Price was savagely beaten within an inch of his life in College Point, a quiet neighborhood out near Flushing, Queens.

On October the 17th a march and rally were held to provide a focal point for the community's support for Jack and to let those who perpetrated this act and those who support them know that their violence is neither accepted nor welcome.

OccasionalFag Brian G. went to the march and rally. Here is a short video recap of what he found.

It should be noted that after having been placed in a medically induced coma to save his life, Jack Price is doing better and should recover. It will, however, be a long recovery...

TOF 75 Chatty

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:17:00 GMT

It's another one of those talking podcasts for David b and Brian G. Learn how to stalk Brian on the web at his new blog Entertaining the Dog, and maybe even on manhunt!!!

Joe.My.God post about queens demo.

TOF Video 68 National Equality March 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:20:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

We went. We marched. It was good...

Very little about the Rally in this video. You want to watch images of that then head over to CSPAN. They did an amazing job of covering it and if you look closely, at one point you can see OccasionalFag David b!

Enjoy!

TOF Video 67 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Grand Auction and Flea Market

Sat, 3 Oct 2009 01:25:00 GMT

If you couldn't make it to the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Grand Auction and Flea Market here in New York City this last Sunday, September the 27th, well... don't worry, we here at TheOccasionalFag did!

Flip Camera in hand, when not lending a hand to help set up the event, Brian G. was recording all that he could so that you can take in the experience vicariously. Aahh! And even with the rain, the show went on!

Enjoy!

TOF 74 Cleve Jones at NYC's LGBT Center.

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:05:00 GMT

Cleve Jones was recently at the New York City LGBT Center talking about the National Equality March. Listen here to that speech.

TOF 73 Equality March

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:04:00 GMT

Brian G and David b have a nice chat and invite you to join them at the National Equality March.

Call the complaint line 206.339.4512

TOF Video 66 Coney Island Strip

Sun, 6 Sep 2009 23:29:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

Each week through the summer, Coney Island USA presents burlesque shows of superlative quality and distinction, keeping the fine art of the striptease alive.

One of these shows is all men (Yeah, I know, just one? Ah well, striping is a woman's art form).

On a tip from our good friend Jon, TheOccasionalFags travel out to meet him in southern Brooklyn to take in an evening of boy-lesque. And, oh! What an evening it was!

Enjoy!

TOF Video 65 Illuminations at The Woods Campgrounds 2009

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:36:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

Many is the weekend this summer on the Northeast Coast that has been a wash out due to ungodly amounts of rain (global warming or weirding?). Fortunately we had one great one several weeks back in the middle of August that allowed for a truly spectacular Illuminations weekend at The Woods Campgrounds in the southern Poconos. TheOccasionalfag was there last year and we're here again.

Enjoy the video of the evening...

TOF Video 64 Fire Island Dance Festival 15/2009

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:03:00 GMT

In editing this year's video of DRA's (Dancers Responding to AIDS) 15th Annual Fire Island Dance Festival, Occasional Fag Brian G., who volunteers each year to help load in and strike the show, wanted to go back to making a series of still photos set to music, like the earlier videos of the festival that he has made.

Not gonna happen...

Just a few still Photos into the edit and Brian G. was bored. So he started playing with ideas of timing motion against stillness. Simple ideas, really. Then it became just about presenting the festival. And here is the video you get.

Enjoy!

TOF Video 63 Fire Island Diaries: Fire Island Dance Festival 15 - Load-in and Strike

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:22:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

Underlining a great deal of this year's Fire Island Dance Festival for OccasionalFag Brian G. - who volunteers to help set up and strike it every year - is how much he has become a part of the theatre community here in New York City. So much so that he forgets the he, like most of the theatre viewing public, used to have no idea how much work actually goes into putting up even the smallest of productions, like, say... umm, the Fire Island Dance Festival.

So, not that this video is going to rectify any such workload ignorance - especially with all the shots of Brian G. in the pool (hey, a girl's gotta cool off somehow), but it is a start. The video of the dance festival itself is to come, but for now, here are images of the men and woman who get this show on the road, or in this case, the boardwalk.

Enjoy

TOF 73 Bareback

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:09:00 GMT

(To listen to the podcast, click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

On July 15th International Mr. Leather announced that they would stop the sale of bareback porn at their event. Brian G and David b spoke with Will Clark and Eric Leven about IML's announcement, bareback porn and safer sex.

Will Clark blogs about IML's annoucement.

Eric Leven blogs about IML's annoucement.

Call our comment line at 206.3394512

TOF Video 62 LGBT Pride 2009

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:30:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

TheOccasionalFags take in Gay Pride Weekend in New York City.

Their Schedule?

Friday evening - the Drag March in the Village.

Saturday afternoon - the Church Ladies for Choice salute the Dyke March on Fifth Avenue.

Sunday day - The Pride March with the NYC Gay Bloggers and Digital Activists.

Enjoy!

TOF 72 Post Pride

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:23:00 GMT

Brian G and David b chat.

The links mentioned are Farmboys / Perge Modo and The Bilerico Project.

TOF Video 61 More Fags, More Fun!

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 23:41:00 GMT

What with Gay Pride weekend just a few days past, we've had no time to put together something of substance for you viewing pleasure. Don't fret though, we won't let that stop us from posting something; and something it is!

This is probably the worst video we've ever put up here at the OccasionalFag. These are sounds and images from our recent trip to Six Flags New England - one of the better Six Flags Parks. The oft repeated and incredibly annoying theme music is from a travel show for "the Gays" that must have been made in hell - gay hell. It all adds up to a bitter and biting time to be had by all. If only we really had more fags. Six Flags is only made palletable on Gay Days. Again, more fags, more fun...

Enjoy! (or at least try...)

TOF Video 60 Broadway Bares Load-in and Strike 2009

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:04:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download it from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

Once again it's back to the theatre district and into the Roseland Ballroom for another "Big Gay Bob the Builder" look into how Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS puts up it's huge annual fund-raising super show "Broadway Bares"!

There is an incredible set of photos from the show to be found here!

Enjoy!

NYC Drag March 2009

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:11:00 GMT

TOF Video 59 Queens Pride NYC 2009

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:48:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

Here in New York, LGBTI Pride comes early to the city in the Borough of Queens.

The first Sunday in the month of Pride (June) is always Queen's Pride in Jackson Heights, Queens.

Queens love LGBTI Pride in Queens, and flock to it by taking the 7 Train (the Queens express) to be with other Queens in Queens.

Here is a taste of this year's Queen's Pride Day.

Enjoy!

TOF 71 Pride.

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 03:46:00 GMT

Brian G and David b chat the recent coupe in the NY State senate, and things they are doing for pride month. Things like Broadway Bares, Pride48, the NYC Drag March, the NYC Dyke March.
Enjoy!

TOF Video 58 Storm King Art Center

Sun, 31 May 2009 12:03:00 GMT

What with Marriage Equality so under attack, we've all been so busy acting up, fighting back!

To recharge our souls and spirits, theoccasionalfags travel just one hour north of the George Washington Bridge to take in the Storm King Art Center: an outdoor art museum mostly dedicated to monumental sculpture and earthworks.

When it comes to talking about the art, please forgive Brian G. his ramblings. We all know that he is no Sister Wendy, and never will be.

It was a beautiful day and there was no better way to spend it.

Enjoy!

TOF 70 DAY OF DECISION RALLY

Fri, 29 May 2009 03:35:00 GMT

(To Listen to podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download from the itunes music store or from the link listed below)

Today we hear from Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum form Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, New York City's LGBTi Synagogue.

TOF Video 57 Marriage Equality Rally: The Video

Sat, 23 May 2009 11:48:00 GMT

(To view the podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download from the itunes music store or from the link listed below).

We've presented to you audio podcasts of the speeches from the majority of the political representatives who were present at the Marriage Equality Rally on sixth Avenue in Manhattan.

Now TheOccasionalFag presents to you a video of and surrounding the May 17th rallys, both pro and - unfortunately - against Marriage Equality.

Enjoy!

TOF 69 MARRIAGE EQUALITY RALLY part 4

Sat, 23 May 2009 02:53:00 GMT

(To Listen to podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download from the itunes music store or from the link listed below)

The fourth in our series of speeches from the May 14th marriage equality rally in NYC, today we hear form Christine C. Quinn.

TOF 68 MARRIAGE EQUALITY RALLY part 3

Thu, 21 May 2009 04:02:00 GMT

(To Listen to podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download from the itunes music store or from the link listed below)

Continuing our series of speaches given at the May 17th marriage equality rally in NYC, today we hear form New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

TOF 67 MARRIAGE EQUALITY RALLY part 2

Wed, 20 May 2009 03:06:00 GMT

(To Listen to podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download from the itunes music store or from the link listed below)

Today we hear form New York State assembly member Daniel J. O'Donnell, yes he's Rosie's brother!

TOF 66 MARRIAGE EQUALITY RALLY part 1

Tue, 19 May 2009 03:59:00 GMT

(To Listen to podcast click on small POD button in upper left corner of this post. You may also download from the itunes music store or from the link listed below)

Today we are at the ACTION = MARRIAGE EQUALITY rally held in New York City on May 17th and organized by Broadway Impact.

Hear some music from the cast of the musical HAIR and the speech given by New York Governor David Paterson.

More to come.

TOF Video 56 Fire Island Diaries Spring '09

Fri, 15 May 2009 03:24:00 GMT

Is there anything quite so fluffy as OccasionalFag Brian G.'s Fire Island Diaries?

We think not, but we also refuse to stop presenting them.

Why?

Because they, like Fire Island itself, are there, and that is Love, Valour and Compassion enough.

Enjoy!

TOF 65 Gay Getaway

Tue, 5 May 2009 03:38:00 GMT

OccasionalFags David b and Brian G. have a delightful First Monday chat about the origins of the First Monday chat.

The they each share, respectively, some of the going ons in each of their lives.

Brian G. talks about Gay Getaways, 33 Variations and Jane Fonda's birthday operation.

David b talks about cherry blossoms in Brooklyn and people who dress up as cartoons for fun.

Download from itunes or click on the small pod button in the upper left corner of this post to listen to.

Enjoy!

Jane Fonda's blog

Sakura Matsuri

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Taiko Masala

TOF Video 55 Mr Who and Brian G. go to Puerto Rico, Part 2

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 02:04:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Part two of OccasionalFags Brian G and Mr. Who's recent trip to Puerto Rico.

Enjoy!

TOF Video 54 Mr. Who and Brian G. go to Puerto Rico, Part 1

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:33:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Yes, it's true, OccasionalFag Brian G. wants nothing more in this life than to be Samantha Brown, that penultimately perky blond of a professional exhibitionist from the Travel Channel who goes everywhere and does everything. She is also, just about, on every channel on the television in your room if you stay at an on property resort hotel at the Disney World complex, but we digress...

So here is Brian G. on vacation (part 1) in beautiful Puerto Rico (you lovely island...) with his beloved life partner Mr. Who - who just so happens to be 1/2 Puerto Rican and paid for the vacation package during Brian G.'s work slowdown.

Both wish every day that they were back there now...

Enjoy!

TOF video 53 Last Week In Protest

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:54:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner, and then wait - for some, video must completely download before beginning)

We bring you a few of the protests that happened in NYC last week.

First, a rally to celebrate marriage victory in Vermont, and shame New York State for still not having marriage. Then a protest at the Iraqi embassy in response to the recent killings of gay men in Sadr City. Read more here and here.

TOF Video 52 Back to Stowe 2009

Sat, 4 Apr 2009 14:56:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

While at Winter Rendezvous, the gay ski week at Stowe Mountain, Vermont, OccasionalFag Mr. Who won two free evenings at The Inn at the Mountain along with two two-day lift tickets.

So, for Mr. Who and his Partner Brian G. it is "Back to Stowe!"

Actually though, with two two-day lift tickets, when you from as far away from Stowe as New York City is (around 340 miles), you really need three nights in hotel, so for their final evening in Stowe our TOF pair stayed back at The Commodores Inn, one of the host hotels for Winter Rendezvous.

Enjoy this short travelogue video...

TOF 64 Civil Service

Wed, 1 Apr 2009 03:51:00 GMT

David b got a parking ticket and Brian G sleepwalks. Have a listen and leave comments at the listener complaint line 206.339.4512!

TOF Video 51 The 16th Annual "Original" GLBT Expo

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:41:00 GMT

Join TheOccasionalFags as we take in The 16th annual "Original" GLBT Expo at the Jacob Javitts Center in New York City.

TOF Video 50 The New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Show 2009

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:14:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Is there any flower as gay as the stately orchid?

I mean, other than the riotous pansy, or, maybe, the stoic tulip, hasn't the orchid and its needs been compared throughout the ages to that of same sex love? Who knows... Maybe not.

We at TheOccasionalFag really aren't flower guys in the sense that we make a living out of their preservation and/or presentation. If you do work in this admirable field, leave us a comment about their history, if you could.

In the meantime, enjoy this short video of our recent trip to The New York Botanical Gardens (in the Bronx) for their yearly Orchid Show.

TOF Video 49 Life Of Brian, Gee!

Sat, 7 Mar 2009 14:14:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

A week in the life of OccasionalFag Brian G.

Knowing that some important life events were on the horizon for himself, Brian G. carried around the Flip camera for a week, editing it together into what you have here. A silly little fluff piece to be sure, but what do you want for nothing? Rubber biscuits?

(After discussion with David b it has been decided that the "Life Of David b" should be coming down the TOF pipeline soon. Leave some comments to encourage him!)

TOF 63

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:52:00 GMT

David b has a birthday and can no longer take baths in the sink. Brian G does his best to prop up the economy, even though he will soon be on unemployment. Have a listen and leave comments at the listener complaint line 206.339.4512!

TOF Video 48 Winter Rendezvous Gay Ski Weekend at Stowe Mountain 2009: Part 2

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:42:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

More of all the fun we had this year up at Stowe, Vermont.

You know, most times we edit these videos keeping the viewer in mind. A "you-are-there" pseudo journalist approach that gives you a sense for what happened and (maybe) why. These images are just plain and simple home movie fun, 'cause sometimes we're having such a blast that it's easy to forget to whip out the Flip camera and get the image.

We'd love for you to join us next year - or the year after that (and so on, and so on); Winter Rendezvous is now an official OccasionalFag tradition. It's just that good!

TOF Video 47 Winter Rendezvous Gay Ski Weekend at Stowe Mountain 2009: Part One

Sat, 7 Feb 2009 15:35:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Home movies set to song of TheOccasionalFags and VJ of vjnet.wordpress.com at the Winter Rendezvous gay ski week in Stowe, Vermont.

Enjoy!

TOF Video 46 Sunday Morning Gambling at CUP Diner in Astoria

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:24:00 GMT

A relatively new weekend tradition for TheOccasionalFags is Sunday morning Brunch at CUP Diner in Astoria where in which monies can be idled away on the vice of state sanctioned gambling in the form of quick pick numbers. Hey, you never know...

Actually, you do know, but still and none the less, even in defeat we have fun.

Enjoy...

TOF Video 45 Light Up The Night Demonstration for Marriage Equality

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:03:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Back in December OccasionalFag Brian G. made it to the Light Up The Night Demonstration for Marriage Equality in New York City.

Much has been made online about how these demos, that took place across the country (similar to the City Hall Demonstrations a month earlier), were not the best use of our community's limited resources. Not an easy call to make, but if nothing else, we here at TheOccaisonalFag bet that all who were involved with this demo here in NYC wish it could have taken place when the weather was a little less bitter and uninviting.

Enjoy...

TOF 62 Dinner Chat

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:29:00 GMT

Brian and David b have dinner (David cooked) with Jerry, one of the original Occasionals. We talk about Rick Warren and other things. Here is the link to the Max Blumtnthal article David b said he would put in the show notes.

TOF 61

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 04:29:00 GMT

It's the first Monday of the month, and the first Monday of the year, and it is a first Monday chat by the TOF boys.

TOF Video 44 A Very Gay Christmas

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 02:04:00 GMT

In truth Christmas has already passed, and you are probably as tired of the season as we are, but we have these video images to share, so share them we must.

A combination of video from David b's incredible Christmas evening dinner and video from Christmas window decorations around town. (If you have been with us all these years then you must have learned one thing - that we occasional fags love Christmas window decorations almost as much as we love to eat Christmas dinner!).

God rest Eartha Kitt and Andy Williams (even if he isn't dead - yet).

Enjoy...

TOF Video 43 Brian G. Showers for Christmas

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:21:00 GMT

In celebration of the new underwater/waterproof case for his Flip camera, Brian G. takes and records a shower this fine, blessed morning.

Have yourself a Merry Little War-on-Christmas, and a Happy New Wave!

TOF 60 Brain Farts.

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:03:00 GMT

David b listens as Brian brain farts. Go check out VJnetcast for the chit chat with Brian, David, JT and VJ.

TOF Video 42 Riding The Vintage Subway Train of NYC

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 23:40:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Each year the MTA (Metropolitan Transit Authority) of NYC (New York City), in a holiday celebration of itself, lets some of its antique subway cars out to play every Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM in December (on the "V" line between 2nd Avenue and Queensboro Plaza).

Geek out with Brian G., David b, Leon and Mr. Who, TheOccasionalFags, as we take an old fashioned ride, racing around under the Big Apple, in subway cars of the past.

Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:24:00 GMT

TOF Video 41 Stop the H8: Anti-Proposition 8 Demonstrations in New York City

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:54:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

In celebration of this, our 100th episode of TheOccasionalFag, David b and Brian G. sit down in front of the iSight camera and discuss last week's counter-demonstrations to the passage of Proposition 8 - the anti-gay marriage proposition in California - that took place here in New York City.

Celebrate with us and get to know two gay men who are good friends by watching the video.

Support Gay Marriage or Marriage Equality in New York State by Calling State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. (NYC - 718-991-3161/Albany - 518-415-2511) and respectfully demanding that he support the civil right for all to marry by supporting Malcolm Smith for Democratic Majority Leader.

TOF Video 40 A Morning of Clinic Defense with Brooklyn Pro-Choice Network

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:59:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

What with all the demos going on around the passage of Proposition 8 (the anti-gay marriage Prop in California) you'd think there wouldn't be enough time to throw in a counter demo to an anti-choice prayer vigil in front of a healthcare facility that provides abortions in Brooklyn, but for TheOccasionalFags there's always enough time to stand up for reproductive freedoms.

The video of the No To H8 demos is coming, but the counter demo to the anti-choice HOGPI's was such a pleasure to be at, we've edited and are presenting it first.

Invited by the Brooklyn Pro-choice Network, join the fabulous Church Ladies For Choice of NYC and the incomparable Rude Mechanical Orchestra in front of the Ambulatory Surgery Clinic creating a noise joyful enough (to these ears...) to drown out the anti-choicers and their sad (sad) hymns.

This all just went down yesterday, November the 15th, 2008. Maybe by watching this video, the spirit will move you and you can join us to demonstrate against the next anti-choice vigil. We'll keep you posted.

Enjoy

TOF 59 No to Yes on H8

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:04:00 GMT

OccasionalFags David b and Brian G. sit down at the family dining room table to discuss upcoming responses to the recent passage of Proposition 8 (the anti-gay marriage proposition) in California.

For those who like to read and don't have the time to listen:

- No on H8 Demonstration outside the Mormon Temple in NYC

(The Mormon Church donated 20 million dollars towards the destruction of marriage equality in California).

Wednesday November the 12th, 6:30 PM

125 Broadway (65th and Broadway)

- Brooklyn Ambulatory Care anti-prayer vigil Demonstration

(Come out and support a place that supports a women's right to choose. Reproductive Rights and Marriage Equality have the same ememies).
Saturday November the 15th, 8:15 AM
43rd Street and 3rd Avenue

- Nationwide No on H8 Demonstration outside City Hall

Saturday November the 15th, 1:30 PM
City Hall, Downtown NYC and all across this country!

TOF Video 38 Folsom Street East

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 00:31:00 GMT

Last June OccasionalFags Brian G. and Mr. Who went to the Folsom Street East Festival (New Yorkâs premiere s/m-leather-fetish themed street festival produced by Gay Male S/M Activists (GMSMA)) on June 22nd - one week before Pride!

These images have been rattling about Brian G.'s computer now for all this time and he has finally taken the time to edit some of them together for your enjoyment.

TOF Video 37 Halloween At Lake Compounce

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:01:00 GMT

TheOccasionalFags, with friends and family, once again have gone to Lake Compounce Amusement Park to partake in their Halloween Festivities.

Enjoy this video of their evening.

TOF Video 36 Fire Island Dairies Fall 2008

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:26:00 GMT

Hey OccasionalFag fans - don't expect too much from this video. It's just a collection of video images and video recorded thoughts from OccasionalFag Brian G. while he was out helping his friends close down their house for the season; you know, riding the ferry, walking on the beach.

That is to say that, maybe, what pod-casting does best is to present these simple mundane moments (leave the drama to major media), but in piecing these images together, Brian G. couldn't find the internal logic to the edit that he usually susses out of what he is editing. It is time to post though, so this vidcast is what it is.

A memory to share.

Enjoy...

TOF Video 35 BIG GAY CAMPFIRE!

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:25:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Need to get away from it all for a few minutes?

Well here is your solution: The Big Gay Campfire!

Five relaxing minutes of nothing else but a big pile of burning wood from a clothing-optional gay camping resort in the Northern Pocono Mountains. Think of it as a video yule log for the gay pod-casting community.

Enjoy!

TOF 58 Clothing Optional Camping

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 04:49:00 GMT

Listen in as Brian, VJ and David b talk about Brian and David's recent camping adventures at Hillside and The Woods. Other topics that come up:

Winter Rendezvous

Bill Elliot on Broadway

Bill Elliot the movie

TOF Video 34 Circus Amok

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 03:33:00 GMT

(to play video click on the small POD button in the upper left corner)

This week we run off to the Circus.

Founded in 1998, Circus Amok is NYC's internationally-acclaimed one-ring FREE traveling circus. They've been bringing wildly fantastical, funny, sharp, glamorous, compelling political circus spectacle to all. Watch now and see part of this years show SUB-PRIME SUBLIME.

TOF Video 33 Trip To IKEA (part 5): Let Me GO!

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:55:00 GMT

As our trip to IKEA finally draws to a close we find our OccasionalFags waiting for David b's shelving units, loading up the rented truck and driving back to Manhattan.

Hej!

Links to the previous Trip To IKEA episodes:

Trip To IKEA part 1
Trip To IKEA part 2
Trip To IKEA part 3
Trip To IKEA part 4

TOF Video 32 Coaster Hysteria: The Queens Tour 2008

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 14:42:00 GMT

The Recipe:

Put Four Queens in a car and mix liberally over a one week period of time with 14 new (to them) coasters to ride (and get credits on) in four different amusement parks in three different states.

Parks visited:

Knoebels
Holiday World
Indiana Beach
Cedar Point

Stir and enjoy...

TOF Video 31 Illuminations at The Woods Campgrounds 2008

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 11:41:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Occasional Fags Brian G. and his partner Mr. Who were invited to The Woods, a gay campground in the Poconos (or as he likes to refer to them - the "Poke-Oh!-Nos"), by friend Jamie L. for it's weekend "Illuminations" presentation: an evening when each campsite decorates it's grounds using lights and luminaries and a dance is held where all are invited to paint their bodies with day glo paints and dance under black lights.

Here is a video of that weekend.

Side Note: Brian G. uses plural pronouns like "we" and "us" to describe creating and setting up the decorations for the campsite he and Mr. Who stayed at, but it really was the people who invited them that did all the work conceptualizing and creating. Three cheers for Jamie L.!

Second Side Note: Occasional Fag David b and his partner Leon were also invited but couldn't make it this year. Next year for sure...

Third Side Note: The music that this video is set to is from Jerry Springer: The Opera.

Enjoy!

TOF Video 30 Fire Island Dance Festival 2008 Part 2

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:07:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Here it is, part two of this year's video of the incredible Fire Island Dance Festival.

It's kind of a jumble of still and moving images from rehearsals, performances and back stage, but then the Festival itself is such an incredibly jam packed weekend of so much going on if you are working it that, this is, to a great extent, what it feels like.

The dance companies featured this year included:

-Alvin Ailey American Dance Company
-Atlanta Ballet
-Bad Boys of Dance & Jerry Mitchell
-Ballet Hispanico
-Jermaine Browne
-Dance Plus Ballroom
-Vernard J. Gilmore
-Jacoby and Pronk
-Jennifer Muller/The Works
-Parsons Dance
-Jason Samuels Smith
-Ellis Wood Dance

(Note: OccasionalFag Brian G. and Ellis Wood danced together in the same piece back when he was in grad school at UCBerkeley! And yes it was great to see her again.)

The hosts this year for were Whoopi Goldberg and Caroline Rhea.

Performing at the Leadership Party (which was in video part one) were Felicia Finley and Jose Llana.

TOF Video 29 Waterfalls

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:35:00 GMT

Artist Olafur Eliasson has placed 4 waterfalls along the East River around lower Manhattan in collaboration with The Public Art Fund and the City of New York. Leon and David b saw these waterfalls one Sunday afternoon while aboard the Circle Line.

TOF 57 Chatting

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:24:00 GMT

Brian G. and David b chat.

Call the comment line 206.600.5504.

TOF Video 28 Fire Island Dance Festival 2008 - Part One

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 05:28:00 GMT

Well, TheOccasionalFags are back from their summer vacation, rested and ready for another round of Pod-casting.

If you are a regular follower of this Podcast then you may remember that each summer OccasionalFag Brian G. goes out to Fire Island to volunteer his time being a part of the Fire Island Dance Festival. This summer is no different. He was there, and when he wasn't actively working (and sometimes when he was...) he had camera in hand to record the event.

The Dance Festival is put on annually by DRA - Dancers Responding to AIDS - to raise monies for AIDS service organizations around the country. It's also a great show and a great time.

If you have seen the past videos that Brian G. has made of this event, then you know they were at first still photos of the festival that he put to music. This year, with FLIP camera in hand, there is more sound and movement than stillness, but the music is still all from the festival itself.

If you have enjoyed this video and its' second part about to come, then why not go over to the DRA website and donate a buck or two. Or better yet, save up and get a share next year out on the island so you can come and see the show. If you do, say "hi". Brian G. will be the one sitting stage-left during the shows, a camera or two in hand. Over on stage right, well, that will be Bill Cunningham. He'll have a camera as well, but he won't really know what you're talking about if you say "hi" other than you're being friendly. Nice to be friendly, though... May just get you in the New York Times Style section...

Enjoy.

TheOccasionalFag on vacation - The Coaster Hysteria: Four Queens Tour

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:55:00 GMT

No official podcast this week as we - David b, Leon, Brian G. and Mr. Who - are on vacation.

It is Tuesday morning and we are in Tell City, Indiana. In just hours we will be at Holiday World riding world famous coasters The Voyage, The Raven and The Legend (ranked number 1, 6 and 11 coasters in the world!) for the very first time.

Over the weekend we had our first coaster experiences of this trip at Knoebels with The Phoenix and The Twister. Occasional Fag Brian G. was near brought to tears by the incredible air-time racing over the hills on The Phoenix. Kneobels is great!

Pictures of the trip to be posted on our flickr page (click link in column at right) as we can upload them. We're having a time trying to find wifi that's not slower than the new Dark Knight coasters at the Six Flags parks.

Coaster love to all!

TOF Video 27 Loading in Broadway Bares 2008

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:36:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Each year OccasionalFag Brian G. volunteers his time to load in Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AID S "Broadway Bares" Fund-raising Burlesque show.

This is the 18th Broadway Bares and the seventh one Brian has been there to work on.

Sorry kids, no images of hot half naked dancers in this vid. The web site www.broadwayworld.com usually has some great pictures of the dancers and goings on... You want more than what I caught on the camera while loading in, go there...

Enjoy!

TOF 56

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:56:00 GMT

Brian and David b chat.

TOF Video 26 Radical Faerie/CLFC Drag March '08

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:08:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Each year for the past two years TheOccasionalFag.com has brought you a podcast about the Drag March. It takes place the Friday night before Pride Sunday - a little march from the East Village to the Stonewall Inn in the West Village.

This year we have video! Or we have what video OccasionalFag Brian G. - in the Drag March as the Evil Queen that she really is - could take whilst marching along...

And what a wonderful Drag March it was this year! Full of silly chants and bad singing and threatened arrests and, well... you'll see...

The March was originally created by the Church Ladies For Choice, but has since been lovingly taken over by the incredible Radical Faeries of NYC. Yes, the Ladies still show up, but it's the Faeries who make it happen. Viva Hucklefaery!

Enjoy!

For more pictures or video of the Drag March, goto:

TheOccasionalFag Flickr Page

VJNET Flickr Page

See-Ming-Lee's Flickr Page

KnuckleCrack.Blogspot.com

www.flickr.com

This is a Flickr badge showing public photos and videos from theoccasionalfag. Make your own badge here.

TOF Video 25 Church Ladies For Choice LIVE at Restaurant Florent Part Deux

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 22:03:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Part Deux of the Church Ladies For Choice (a performance activist troop dedicated to the blessed trinity of activist causes: Reproductive Freedoms, Youth AIDS and Condom Education and Queer Rights) performing LIVE at Restaurant Florent.

Enjoy!

TOF Video 24 Church Ladies For Choice LIVE at Restaurant Florent

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:34:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

New York City's own CHURCH LADIES FOR CHOICE LIVE and in performance at Restaurant Florent in the meatpacking district!

Restuarant Florent is closing at the end of this month (June). To commemorate its' many years of fine service to the community five evenings of performance were scheduled based on the five stages of loss set forth by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.

The Church Ladies were the first performance on the first evening of performances. They were in "Denial".

To be presented in two parts (damn the mariboo!), here is their performance for you.

Enjoy!

TOF Video 23 A Day In The Hersheypark '08

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:17:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

What could be nicer than a day spent amongst the coasters of Hersheypark, PA.

Join TheOccasionalFags for this brief video summary of our recent trip and of what coaster heaven would be like should you find it in central Pennsylvania and not on the northern coast of the state of Ohio (that would be "Cedar Point" in Sandusky, OH for all of you who think an ACE member is something you find in a deck of cards).

And yes, sometimes even we think that videos like this are all so travelogue that we should just change our name to TheOccasionalRSVP or maybe even TheOccasionalOlivia, but good lordie, these are roller coasters mary, real roller coasters!

Oh! and oh yes... The itinerary for what is now being named TheOccasionalFag "Coaster Hysteria Tour: The Four Queen's Leg" is provided below should it turn out you live somewhere near one of the parks we will be visiting in late July and wish to join us there:

Sat. July 26th - Knobels Park, PA
Tues. July 29th - Holidayworld, ID
Wed. July 30th - Indiana Beach, ID
Thurs. & Fri. July 31 & Aug. 1st - Cedar Point, OH
Sat. Aug. 2nd - Kennywood, PA
Sun. Aug 3rd - Lakemont Park, PA

Call the Hotline (206 600-5504) or email us at theoccasionalfag@gmail.com if you think you can join up with us on our week of coastering.

TOF 55 First Monday that's late

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 02:36:00 GMT

(To play podcast from this page click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Recorded on the first Monday and posted for the second Monday, it's a late first Monday podcast. Brian G. and David b talk about how they played hooky, what they are doing for Pride month and who got some stimulus!

TOF Video 22 Trip to IKEA (Part 4)

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 21:32:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

While waiting for David b to receive his larger purchased items Brian G. has a DSW Flashback.

TOF Video 21 Fire Island Diaries '08: The Video

Sun, 25 May 2008 12:39:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

Occasional Fag Brian G. made his way out to the Fire Island Resort Community, The Pines, once again this Spring.

This time, Flip camera in hand, he has made a video.

He wanted it to be a visual "tone poem" of the place, but since his friend Mark, whom he was staying with, had just seen Sunday in the Park with George on Broadway he has decided that it is to be a video "chromalume" (or however you spell it...).

Whatever... Enjoy!

(Occasional Fag David b is in the process of setting up his new computer making May a month heavy with vids with Brian G.)

TOF Video 20 Hey Brian G. What You Going to Spend the Money You Earned Loading in the Pope On?

Sun, 18 May 2008 02:42:00 GMT

(To play video click on small POD button in upper left corner)

This video is about Occasional Fag Brian G. being part of the stage crew that loaded in the Pope for his 60,000 person mass in Yankee Stadium in the Bronx during his visit to the USA. It's also about what Mr. G. then went and spent part of his paycheck on.

One thing, though:

After viewing this video, no comments please about lazy stage-hands just standing around in every shot. Think about it - the only times I could get the video camera out to record in the Stadium were during huge waiting patterns because something big needed to get done before we could progress or for lunch and coffee breaks. We worked our asses off getting this show up (and since it is a show, it must go on...). Brian G. earned each and every penny those two days...

That's all. Enjoy.

TOF 54 The Second Anniversary

Tue, 13 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Join David b and Brian G as they talk with VJ and David from That Blue Jeans Guy about the 2^nd anniversary of TOF and other things. At the end of the show we have a Go Go Boy Sonnet form Edmund Miller.

TOF Video 19 Trip to IKEA (Part 3)

Mon, 5 May 2008 02:17:00 GMT

Part three of our never ending adventure in the Scandinavian wilds of North-Eastern New Jersey.

For those of you looking for and expecting our monthly first Monday podcast there is to be a special event first Monday Podcast next week (the second Monday) in honor of our second anniversary of podcasting.

TOF 53 New York City Day of Silence Vigil.

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:51:00 GMT

On Friday April 25, the Day of Silence, a vigil was held in honor of Lawrence King and all LGBTQ youth victims and survivors of violence. Presented here are 2 of the speakers at the vigil, Pauline Park from NYAGRA, and Christen from SAFE HORIZON.

Also, watch Adrian Acostaâs video from the vigil.

TOF 52 Mini Fag-Fest at Florent with David b and Brian G.

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:19:00 GMT

After taking in - at the World Trade Center - an early morning of dueling professional homophobes, the Pope and Fred Phelps, TheOccasionalFags end up at restaurant Florent for Brunch.

Here is their chatter.

Enjoy!

TOF Video 18 Trip to IKEA (Part 2)

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:33:00 GMT

Our trip to IKEA continues as we discover, briefly, what David b is at IKEA to buy, and then ignore him at together. Not for the entire trip that is, just for this segment.

On with the Show (room...)

TOF 51 First Monday Faglife #4

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 03:15:00 GMT

Itâs a First Monday again. In this one we get a Listener call and talk about a few other podcast. Check them out, âA Walk in the Parkâ? and the soon to launch âDial H for Homoâ?.

TOF Video 17 Trip to IKEA (part 1)

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:19:00 GMT

What is it gay men of the urban Northeast do when they are not working, eating, sleeping, activisting or having sex? Why, fuck the stereotype, they're redecorating!

And when you have the budget such as the men of this podcast (and most New Yorkers for that matter 'cause we all don't work on Wall Street) that means just one thing - IKEA!

Besides, I don't know about you, but the first representation of a gay couple we ever saw in an advertisement on the tube (television that is, not You Tube) was in an IKEA commercial.

Think of all that fiber-pressboard!
Think of the meatballs!
Think of the lingonberries!

Think of this as TheOccasionalFag doing an IKEA commercial only with real homos, not just actors playing them on TV...

And it's only the first part of a multi-part epic presentation! (Brian G is really enjoying his new Pure Digital Flip camera, isn't he! A monster has been created!)

Enjoy!

TOF Video 16 Coney Island Cycone Opening 2008

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:32:00 GMT

Every year early Springtime one of the greatest roller coasters in the world, Coney Island's Cyclone, reopens to an adoring public. The first one hundred people in line ride for free.

TheOccasionalFag was there last year with sound and this year with video.

It was cold and slightly rainy, but - along with all the various ACErs and Coney Island USA folks - we got our ride. Enjoy it with us.

TOF 50 Staph, Bath and Beyond: The MRSA Symposium

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 01:24:00 GMT

David b was out of town on business during a symposium at the New York City GLBT Center on antibiotic resistant strains of staph or MRSAs and their relation to men who have sex with men. Brian G. went, Edirol recorder in hand.

Entitled, "Staph, Bath and Beyond," the forum was created to address recent misinformation about the "flesh eating virus" as a sexually transmitted disease. The evening was divided into two parts, one on MRSA, and the other on Bathhouses and rumors of the city's Department of Health's plan to close commercial sex venues.

We present to you here speakers from the first MRSA section. More on the bathhouse section will be posted in the coming weeks.

TOF Video 15 David b's B-day and Podcaster's Dim Sum Brunch

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:05:00 GMT

David b had a birthday. Many fellow podcasters were invited. Brian G shot video.

Fellow podcasters decide the following weekend to gather for brunch. David b suggests dim sum. Brian G shoots more video.

Edit. Keep it under eight minutes. Edit. Add fun music. Edit.

This is what you get...

Enjoy!

Featuring

TIm Corrimal & Ron

Chef Mark

Eric the confessing southern boy & Bret

Pinoyboy & Peter

John Ong

Mikeypod

TOF 49 First Monday Faglife #3

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 01:19:00 GMT

Birthdays, dim sum and questions, questions, questions - It must be First Monday with TheOccasionalFags. (First Monday's episodes being those in which we go over what is current or topical in our lives for all to hear)

Enjoy!

TOF 48 Presidential Health Care Plans.

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:21:00 GMT

This week we talk with Mark Hannay form the Metro New York Health Care For All Campaign about the difference health care plans of the presidential candidatesâ.

TOF Video 14 Skiing at Stowe.

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:59:00 GMT

As promised last week, here is the video from our weekend skiing at Stowe VT with the homos of Winter Rendezvous. Now you can see all the maple syrup covered cheddar scrambled eggs, icicles, and bank robbers you could possibly want. Also check out our flickr photo set. And VJ's flickr photo sets 1, set 2, and set 3.

TOF 47 First Monday FagLife #2

Tue, 5 Feb 2008 00:58:00 GMT

Got an invitation from our good friend Vj of vjnet.blogspot.com to join him for the Winter Rendezvous gay ski weekend in beautiful Stowe, Vermont.

Alpine-style Skiing, hearty-styled homos, spa-styling in hot tubs and all the maple syrup covered chedder scrambled eggs one could eat - needless to say, VJ had us at "hello".

Here is our second installment of of first Monday "FagLife" series recorded at the end of our weekend in Vermont with our good friend VJ.

Enjoy!

(Video of the weekend to come, ASAP).

TOF video 13 1995 Drag March

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:15:00 GMT

What with You Tube and video-casts and iPod videos and such, does anyone out there still watch Community Access Television on cable TV?

Apparently, there is an OccasionalFag by the name of David b who lives in upstate Manhattan (Inwood) who does. Thank the stars this is so! It was just a few weeks back that he discovered the footage on the tube we are presenting here to you now, that being images of the Second Annual Drag March in New York City held 13 years ago back in 1995.

As they were in the March, David b and Brian G. wax nostalgic and provide the necessary commentary so that viewers won't become lost in all the dark imagery.

Enjoy!

TOF46 Xanadu Cast Recording Release

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:56:00 GMT

Was he inspired by the artistic dictates of his own inner muse, or was it the need to spend yet another hour and a half in the same room as Cheyenne Jackson.

We'll never know, but what we've ended up with is Occasional Fag Brian G's trip to the Barnes and Noble on 60th Street and Broadway for the official release of the Xanadu on Broadway Original Cast Recording.

Now that you're here... Now that you're near...

TOFvideo12 Public Service Announcement

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 05:46:00 GMT

For this episode Sharon Flewitts has a Public service announcement for us.

Call our listener comment line 206.600.5504

TOF45 First Monday FagLife #1

Mon, 7 Jan 2008 02:23:00 GMT

Happy New Year!

And welcome to a new year of TheOccasionalFag.

Brian G had this idea that some sort of format for the podcast should be set up, and to those ends this is the first of the "Fag Life" first Mondays! Each first monday of the month the Occasionals will gather and converse about what is going on in life; so, it's not hard news, but it is about the first hand going ons of two contemporary urban Homos in the twenty-first Century.

TOFVideo11Holidays'07

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 02:29:00 GMT

When Brian G was a child there were two 8-tracks that dominated the stereo during the holiday season: the Andy Williams Christmas Album and the Barbra Streisand Christmas Album. Fast forward a decade (or two) and at family holiday gatherings all of Brian G's siblings are surprised to find that they have all purchased the Andy Williams Album to remind them of Christmas past; it is only Brian G who has purchased the Barbra Streisand Album.

Keeping that in mind, here is a last minute video holiday treat from TheOccasionalFag. Just a short little bit of visual love from us to you to keep the season bright and - how shall we say it - "gay"...

If nothing else, as we enter the new new year and this podcast gets closer and closer to finding out what it wants to be, we've noticed that it ultimately has much to do with the wonderful community we are discovering out there through its' creation. Many blessings to all of you and God(dess) bless us, everyone!

Share with us some holiday spirit on the listener line: 206.600.5504

TOF 44 Holiday Ramblings

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 07:18:00 GMT

Brian and David b talk about Christmas past and present.

Call the listener line: 206-600-5504

TOF 43 On Tour.

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:28:00 GMT

The world lost a Grand Old Fag on Wednesday December fifth when Bob Kohler passed away. Join us as we celebrate Bobâs life and political activism at his political funeral, held in the streets of Manhattan on Sunday evening December 9th.

New York Times article about the political funeral.

Village Voice article about the political funeral.

Words to YOUâRE A GRAND OLD FAG:

Youâre a grand old fag
Youâre a radical fag
On the front lines and kick lines with flair!
Youâve got loads of class,
A real cute ass,
And wit you so genârously share.
When the chips are down
You are always around
And we know we have nothing to fear!
We swear weâll keep our butt holes clean
And our eyes on the grand old queer!

TOF 42 Thanksgiving '07 Unplugged

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 02:10:00 GMT

Join Brian G and David b with family and friends for a bit of Thanksgiving Day dinner (with no special effects stolen from anyone or any other podcasts).

About half way through everyone has to exclaim what they are actually thankful for. Thank Goodness...

TOF 41 Broadway on Strike/Chitty Poppinoff Challenge

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 23:48:00 GMT

IATSE Local One, the Broadway Stagehand's Union is on strike closing 22 shows on Broadway. We comment... Kinda...

Plus, TheOccasionalFag invites those delicious darlings of Pro-Choice vocal stylizations - The Church Lades For Choice - to rise to the Q-Cast Connection's Chitty Poppinoff Challenge. Heaven help us!

NOTE: Donate money to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS! NOW!

Call the listener comment line 206-600-5504

TOF Video 10, Feeding Kimba

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Another installment of the daily hum drum chores.

TOF Video 9 Church Ladies For Choice/Xanadu/Harmonie Moore's Birthday

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:27:00 GMT

Well, if you have been to this podcast's Flickr account recently, you know from the many pictures taken that Brian G had a birthday in which he and the Church Ladies For Choice took in an afternoon of theatre at the Helen Hayes theatre here in New York.

They saw Xanadu On Broadway: The Musical!

And you could also surmise that if Brian G has a bunch of pictures of a single event, he is going to use them to put together one of those video montages of pictures set to music that he gets such a kick out of putting together.

And here it is...

Enjoy.

TOF 40 My Dinner with the Commander: Conversations with an Alien

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:48:00 GMT

This past summer Brian G traveled to Las Vegas with his partner David (Mr. Who) and David's cousin Annette.

While there, they took in the Star Trek Experience at the Hilton Hotel finding that it exceeded all of their expectations. All three being only part-time fans of the films and many series (enough to tell the difference between a Tribble and a bottle of Romulan Ale) they still had a amazing time.

During dinner at Quark's Restaurant in the Experience, they were chatted up by a blue skinned and antennaed Andorian from the icy moon of Andoria of the ringed gas giant Andor in the Procyan System. Brian G was wearing the binaural mics all night, so presented here is their conversation with the "Commander" about alien sexual politics, alien race issues and our favorite alien - "Admiral" Janeway.

Enjoy

TOF Video 8 About The Night

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:13:00 GMT

Brian G was playing on the computer with recent pictures from a trip to Lake Compounce Amusement Park; putting together a little video with still images the way he likes to do - very iMovie and all that.

Here is the results of his play.

Not to get too pretentious or anything, but during his years in film school - in the art department, not the journalism school - Brian G was introduced to a couple of the films of Stan Brahkage. One of them, "Anticipation of the Night", absorbed him greatly, and while this little video Brian G has made is not that movie he would like to think it shares some of its' concerns - aesthetic and otherwise. Brahkage made non-narrative films about light through a lens and on to a reflective screen, the formal elements of the film becoming both metaphor and anti-metaphor.

Hey, if nothing else, the sonic armature on which all the images hang is one of the all time greatest rock songs ever. Enjoy...

TOF video 7 Morning Coffee

Sun, 7 Oct 2007 17:35:00 GMT

David b joins other queercasters with this household chore video! This one is for you Tim Corrimal and Archerr.

TOF Video 6 Fire Island Dance Festival '07

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 01:24:00 GMT

Unlike last year's Dance Festival video where I (Brian G) waited 11 months to get around to editing the darn thing, this year's Fire Island Dance Festival Video is ready now and posted for your viewing pleasure.

As always, the Dance Festival is put on by DRA: Dancers Responding to AIDS.

It took place back in the middle of July on a perfectly beautiful weekend. Too bad the days surrounding that weekend were a little bit moist. Not that you'll be seeing any of the rain. This year's video is mostly about the dancers and the new Community Center out in The Pines. You will notice, though, that we did get one of the trucks stuck in and eventually out of the wet sand. All part of the fun...

TOF 39 Out at the Fairgrounds '07

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:12:00 GMT

"Out at the Fairgrounds" is our gay night at Six Flags Great Adventure here in the Tri-State/NYC area (would that we had a Disney Park close by to have a Gay Day at). It is a Fund-raiser for Heritage of Pride, the group that sponsors our yearly Gay Pride festivities.

Along with Brian and David B, this year our coaster loving congregation includes the delightful VJ of VJnet, Brian's partner David (also sometimes known as Mr. Who so as not to be confused with David B), David B's partner Leon and also his brother Eric and his partner Paul. Eric and Paul brought two friends (a couple) with them from Ohio, so it was Nine of us all braving the Russian Mountians together.

This podcast is of us in line for Medusa, a floor-less B&M Coaster towards the back of the park at Great Adventure.

TOF video 5 Circus Amok

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 03:39:00 GMT

Now through September 16th Circus Amok will be performing âBEE Dazzled!â? in parks throughout the borrows of New York City. Presented here is the opening number form opening day in Riverside Park. If you are in NYC go and get bedazzled!

A Fabulous Fundraiser for a Good Cause

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Join our friends the Church Ladies for Choice as they host a âchurch bingoâ? and raise money for Sylviaâs place, a shelter and drop in center for LGBT youth.

TOF 38 Amok & Stuff

Mon, 3 Sep 2007 17:31:00 GMT

Brian and I go and see a circus, talk about ourselves, and skulk through a cruisey area of Central Park. Go see Circus Amok if you are in NYC in September. Come see the Church Ladies for Choice at Will Clark's Porno Bing Sept 5th, itâs a fund raiser for Sylviaâs Place. Or ride roller coasters at 6 Flags Great Adventure on Sept. 14 with some queercasters, buy tickets here.

TOF video 4 Sunday in the Park

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 04:11:00 GMT

As summer draws to a close, we at TheOccasionalFag reflect on our outings in the park. Call our listener hotline 206-600-5504.

TOF 37 Interview with David Zinn

Sun, 12 Aug 2007 23:25:00 GMT

Both David B. and Brian first met David Zinn back in 1990 when we were all involved with ACT UP: The AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power. Mr. Zinn and Brian were both on the fundraising committee and worked together on many events for the group.

Back then, as now, David Zinn was an incredibly talented costume and set designer working with Regional Theatres and Operas across the Country. David has recently broken into Broadway with his costume designs for XANADU, THE MUSICAL, and, as we are huge fans of the show, we called to see if he would be up for dinner and an interview.

He was!

Okay, forgive the background noise. We should have found a quieter restaurant. Do we ever? Not really... But, enjoy the talk about an earlier show that David worked on, Chess, and then talk of Xanadu.

TOF 36 Backstage at Broadway Bares 2007

Sun, 5 Aug 2007 23:10:00 GMT

Broadway Bares is a yearly burlesque/striptease show put on by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS that is now in its 17th year.

It all started back with the first show where just eight gypsies at the Splash Bar (for a while known as SBNY, now, once again, known as Splash Bar) did two "filled to capacity" shows to raise over eight thousand dollars. The cast of this year's show topped 250 and raised over three quarters of a million to be distributed to AIDS Service Organizations around the country.

I (Brian) donate my time setting up the show each year (for the past six years) and was allowed this time to bring in the Edirol recorder.

What we have here as a TheOccasionalFag episode is a very loose editing of the almost eight hours of sound that I collected; most of it kinda useless, so I hope you enjoy some of this: there are snippets of the show itself, but being a strip show, it's much funner to watch than to listen to. There are two interviews with people whom I greatly admire, Armondo Farfalle, the acrobat, and Malan, the designer from Project Runway Season 3, and there is an semi-aborted interview with a big gay celebrity we all know and love.

And, through it all, commentary from David B and Brian - recorded at a different time just to make it sound oddly removed from the ongoing proceedings...

Enjoy!

TOF Video 3 Fire Island Dance Festival 2006

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 23:56:00 GMT

As you may remember from last summer, every year TheOccasionalFag, through Brian, goes to the incredible Fire Island Dance Festival to help set up the stage and house, run the show and then strike everything.

What you may not know is that he takes a great deal of pictures.

Then, when he gets home, he sits down to his mac and makes a little iMovie with them (much like Rosie always used to do on her talk show...). It really is his way of enjoying the weekend again as when you're in the middle of anything it is hard to stand back and view it for all the incredibleness that it is. This is his way of doing just that.

He started to share his little iMovies with the DRA (Dancers Responding to AIDS) staff and now he is sharing them with you. They're not much more than slide shows set to music, but they capture a bit of the magic and that is something.

This video is of images from last year's Dance Festival ('06). Brian just got back (2 hours ago) from this year's Festival ('07) and will be posting all from that (both a podcast and vidcast) as it gets edited.

Note: The emphasis of the '06 video presented here is of images of the DRA staff and volunteers. Not so much of the Dancers. That will be the '07 vid. To see similar videos of the '05 and '04 Dance Festivals click here (BG Videos) for Brian Griffin's personal website.

TOF 35 The Winner

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 04:30:00 GMT

We announce the winner of our Soy Candles by Phebes contest, and talk about upcoming podcasts. ddbean, our winner should email us at TheOccasionalFag[at]gmail[dot]com with contact info as we can put you in touch with Mike Hipp and arrangements can be made to send you your candles. Or call our listener hot line 206-600-5504.

TOF 34 Queen's Pride Day '07

Mon, 9 Jul 2007 21:04:00 GMT

Here in city of New York we've found a way to celebrate Pride all month long by having Pride Days in each of it's five boroughs. The first one to come each year on the first Sunday in June is Queen's Pride.

Join David B, Leon, Andrew and Brian as we enjoy this Reader's Digest abridged version of Pride in one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods on the planet - I Dios Mio!

TOF 33 Marsh P. Johnson Queer Youth Drop-In Center Painting

theoccasionalfag@gmail.com — Mon, 2 Jul 2007 01:07:00 GMT

Is listening to people (well, us, theoccasionalfag guys) paint the new Marsha P. Johnson Drop-In Center for Homeless LGBT Youth at 151 West 127th street in any way more exciting than watching paint dry? We hope so...

We showed up to pitch in and help out getting this new center open in Harlem - recorders in hand - and you know what? There is plenty of time for you to join in and show up to help as well. Contact Kate Barnhard at manager@sylviasplace.org to offer your time, things or money. As Kathy Griffin of D-List fame would say, "It's for the kids!" And it really is!

Side note: We'll be announcing the winner of the Soy Candles by Phebes next episode and we'd like to thank all who entered by leaving a review on our iTunes Music Store page.

TOF video 2 Pride07

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 06:08:00 GMT

Wishing you all have a great Pride, we did!

GLBT Pride Weekend Information

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 03:02:00 GMT

Want to join up with TheOccasionalFag in New York City over Gay Pride Weekend? Here is our schedule, feel free to fall in to it how ever you like:

Friday June 22nd - Drag March - 7PM

Meet up at Tompkins Square Park in the East Village just off of Avenue A and 8th Street at 7:00 pm. Wear your best worst drag and sensible shoes, we'll be marching from there to the Stonewall Bar in the West Village after the traditional Radical Faerie drum circle.

Saturday June 23rd- Dyke March - 5PM

We line up in front of Marble Collegiate Church on 29th Street and 5th Avenue to salute the Dykes as they March by. Wear your worst best drag and be prepared to sing the song "God Is A Lesbian" over and over (and over and over) until you fear you will be singing later in your sleep!

Sunday June 24th - Pride March - 1PM

Join TheOccasionalFag in the march itself as we are sponsoring and marching with Erin Davies and her Fagbug (see TOF 25 Fagbug). We line up at 1PM on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. We step off when we're told...

All who are reading this are welcome to all these events.

TOF 32 Activist Voices

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:08:00 GMT

At the ACT UP 20th Anniversary Demonstration, while David B. was collecting video images, I (Brian) was collecting sounds: the voices of those who will put their bodies and voices out there so as to be counted as someone still furious at the lack of global attention being paid to this plague.

You know though, once you are there, it's not always about AIDS. Sometimes, as you are marching along through the man made canyons of downtown Manhattan, there is time for talk of knitting, and maybe even a little bit of history about the buildings that surrounded us.

Slice-of-life-y and unfocused, this podcast puts you in the middle of the demo with some of our favorite people on the planet: Gilbert Baker, Karen Timore, Tad Loos, Donald Grove and others.

Enjoy!

TOF31 Church Ladies For Choice LIVE @ ACT UP 20th

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 03:08:00 GMT

New York City's own Church Ladies For Choice, those daring defenders of Abortion Rights, Youth Condom Distribution and Queer Hegemony (don't we wish there really was a "Queer Hegemony", I mean, there kinda is, but really, who's kidding who; takes some mighty rose colored glasses to see it... anyway...) were asked to entertain at the ACT UP Twentieth Anniversary Gathering/Party that followed their 20th Anniversary Demonstration/Action.

Now, anywhere that the Church Ladies For Choice go, TheOccasionalFag is sure - recorders in hand - to follow. Always seems to happen. Funny that.

Lucky you!

Well, maybe. The Church Ladies sing and recount tales of activism past and then sing some more - with the audience joining in. I'd say to "pray for pitch", but even heaven can't help us here. Remember in the end, its the activism that counts.

Enjoy...

TOF30 Bloomberg Pt 2

Wed, 6 Jun 2007 06:44:00 GMT

No show notes for today as they would be the same as the show notes for TOF29 Bloomberg Pt 1.

TOF29 Bloomberg Pt 1

Mon, 4 Jun 2007 03:53:00 GMT

On a recent ArcherRadio gang bang show, Mike Hipp of Podcastsoup.net asked something along the lines of, "Who really is New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and what would he have to offer if he were to run for the Presidency?"

David B. decided to pick up this ball and run with it. Invited into this "Fone-in Fag Fest" on the concept of a Bloomberg candidacy and administration are Mike Hipp himself, Mark Tafoya of Remarkably Mark, Archer of Archer Radio, our friend Jon, the "Occasionals" themselves David B. and Brian and - later in part two of the podcast - Ann Northrop of Gay USA.

-Does the conversation get heated? Yes!
-Do people talk over each other? Oh yes...
-Does the conversation get messy? Well...
-Do things get personal????? Not really by New York standards...
(Is that a cop-out?)
-Should TheOccasionalFag learn to moderate things better... Hey, there is a learning curve here and evolution does take place!

-Did all who participated in the conversation come skidding out of it charged up and wanting more? We think so, which is why we're posting it, in the hopes that it charges up our listeners.

Points are made from all sides about personal responsibilities, whether that be the individual's responsibility to educate themselves and participate politically, or the responsibility of wealthier individuals not take unfair advantages of the ambiguities of huge collective activities such as voting.

Hey, If you already miss Rosie and Elizabeth going at it on The View, download and tune into this podcast! Ahh, if only we had a split- screen of sound on hand. We don't... but we did split this podcast in two with the second half being posted this coming Wednesday, the 6th of June.

Leave comments or call the listener Hot line 206-600-5504.

TOF 28 Coney Island: Cyclone Opening and Kate Dale Interview

Mon, 28 May 2007 03:22:00 GMT

Many have asked, "So what about this 'occasional Roller Coaster'? What's this all about?"

We here at TheOccasionalFag are proud to introduce our very first roller coaster podcast, and where else would we record from first other than that East Coast Mecca of all things carnival, Coney Island, NYC.

On the opening day of one of the best woodies on the planet, the Coney Island Cyclone, the first one hundred people in line ride for free. We were there as well as many ACE'rs (American Coaster Enthusiasts) and Brooklyn-ites celebrating that little bit of "good-to-have-wood" heaven in their own back yard. Interviews all around at the Cyclone and later at Nathan's Famous over Hot Dogs and Frog legs.

Also, we interview Kate Dale (Pictured), mermaid extraordinaire and Board Member of Coney Island USA, about the up and coming changes sweeping through the area (developers have purchased Astroland making it this park's last year) and what it means to be the best mermaid in the yearly Mermaid Parade three times over!

(If you are anywhere near New York City this summer, come see what Coney Island is before it does what it has been famous for in all of it's history: becoming something else. The Mermaid Parade is always on the Saturday of the Summer Solstice (this year - June 23, 2007) and always the most fun.)

Enjoy the ride!

Call the listener line and leave comments 206-600-5504
Email your comments to TheOccasionalFag@gmail.com

For more images of Coney Island and Mermaids, click on Flickr badge below:

www.flickr.com

This is a Flickr badge showing public photos from theoccasionalfag. Make your own badge here.

TOF 27 Fire Island Diaries '07: Opening Weekend

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:10:00 GMT

It's not always about changing the world. Sometimes you just have to take a break and get away from it all.

Here in the tri-state area, if you wish to invest the money, or - like me (Brian) - you have friends that have invested the money, you get away for the weekend out on Fire Island.

My friends Mark and Jay have me out each year at the beginning of the season to help them open up their house. This podcast is an interview with Jay Pagano about the new community center in The Pines, and a, on my part, stream of consciousness "sound-seeing" walk along the beach wearing the binaural mics.

David B. is out of town the weekend of this posting, so - like it or not - this is a Brian podcast. (I hope David B. likes it... ).

Enjoy!

TOF26 The Radical Homosexual Agenda

Mon, 14 May 2007 04:27:00 GMT

We here at TheOccasionalFag pride ourselves on our activist pasts, but what about the activist future?

In this episode we interview members of a relatively new group to emerge on the Queer Activist horizon, the Radical Homosexual Agenda, who describe themselves thusly:

The Radical Homosexual Agenda (R.H.A.) provides grass-roots support for queer youth and adults entrenched along the frontlines of the homophobia crisis in America. Frequently recognizable by our regulation pink army helmets, we believe in education and advocacy via direct action, sensationalism, and participatory arts-n-crafts for all. With over 23,000 Google results and counting, the Radical Homosexual Agenda has long been a household name from coast to coast.

Call the listener line and leave comments 206-600-5504
Email your comments to TheOccasionalFag[at]gmail[dot]com

Assemble for Rights NYC

WNYC RADIO

TOF25 FagBug

Mon, 7 May 2007 02:57:00 GMT

On April the 18th of this year, the 11th annual Day of Silence (a national youth-run effort using silence to protest the actual silencing of LGBT people due to harassment, bias and abuse in schools), Erin Davies VW Bug was spray-painted with the words "FAg" and "U R gay" because of a rainbow sticker she had previously placed on the bumper.

The vortex of emotions that anyone of us would be feeling at having been violated in such a way coalesced into a determination that not only would Erin not "fix" her car, but work to fix her world instead. Thus was born the "Fagbug". This summer Ms. Davies will be driving her modified automobile cross country to generate dialogue about the oppressive conditions GLBT people still live with day to day.

We discovered her story on the web, asked for an interview and are happy as could be that we got to speak with Erin.

Part of The FagBug project is to include in the coming weeks the creation of VW shaped rainbow Fagbug stickers of support that will be available at Erin's website. Just as all forms of sexual expression are welcome into the Queer community, the Fagbug sticker will be for anyone standing (or Driving) for cultural and sexual diversity expressed without fear (Gilbert Baker - our rainbow flag Betsy Ross - would be so proud!).

TOFvideo_01ACT_UP_20

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:43:00 GMT

On March 29 2007 ACT UP New York held its' 20th anniversary demonstration; a call for Universal Health Care for each and every one of us.

Presented here is video from this demonstration book ended with video from a previous action by ACT UP when a different Bush (the elder one) was in office and also - no surprises here - at war with Iraq.

(Please note: this file is over 60MB, so it might take a while to download. Give it some time.)

TOF24 The Morning After

Mon, 9 Apr 2007 01:52:00 GMT

Well hung over and ravenously hungry, our occasional fags: David B. and Brian, meet at the Tick-Tock Diner at The New Yorker Hotel in the morning just before the Podcamp NYC "Un-conventional" conference which took place at said hotel.

This, of course, makes it the morning after the Queercasters "Meet and Greet" at Therapy lounge in Hell's Kitchen that went until well past midnight the night before.

We both had a great time as you are soon to hear - if you listen - so enjoy!

TOF23 Health Care For All

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 02:48:00 GMT

This week we have a round table discussion with Mark Hannay form the Metro New York Health Care For All Campaign and ACT UP, & Kenneth R. Weinberg MD from Physicians for a National Health Program. We discuss the need for universal health care and the ACT UP demo that is happening this Thursday March 29th.

Related Links

HR 676

The Library of Congress THOMAS

United States House of Representatives

UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE ACTION NETWORK

Healthcare-NOW

TOF 22 Larry Kramer

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 04:31:00 GMT

Larry Kramerâs speech at the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community center commemorating the 20th anniversary of ACT UP.

OUT FM

Podcaster Meet and Greet

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 19:37:00 GMT

Meet and Greet
Friday April 6th

10pm to Midnight

THERAPY
348 WEST 52nd St
New York City

www.therapy-nyc.com/

Harm Reduction

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:47:00 GMT

Today Brain and I talk to our friend and Harm Reduction guru Donald about - of all things - Harm Reduction... and sex... and drug use; all without once mentioning Ann Coulter, Matt Sanchez or Scooter Libby!

Harm Reduction Coalition

Technical Difficulties

Mon, 5 Mar 2007 05:04:00 GMT

Due to technical difficulties (I screwed up the recording), the podcast that should be posted today will be delayed.

David b

A Fabulous Weekend

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 02:44:00 GMT

The Occasional Fags, Brian and David, have a "fabulous" weekend in the city (New York City to be exact!) and are sharing it with you this episode.

Saturday evening is the Manhattan World's Fair, an open house party to introduce a new performance/art space to artists who eventually might make use of it. The performance presented that evening might have been lacking, but the music - a retro-80's sound - was just too much fun.

Sunday afternoon was a screening at St. Bart's on Park Avenue of "QueerStreets", a documentary of some of the residents of Sylvia's Place, the homeless youth shelter we visited in TOF episode #18.

CLFC Fag-Fest at florent

Mon, 5 Feb 2007 01:03:00 GMT

CLFC, of course, is the Church Ladies For Choice of NYC: those darling defenders of Women's Healthcare facilities and the cheerleaders for a Pro-choice America. A "Fag Fest" is our tribute to the weekly "Gang Bang" on ArcherRadio.

As you may know, even a lady has to eat, so why not sit down with the "Creatrix" of all us Church Ladies, Sister Mary Cunnilingus herself, and have a civil Civil-disobedience conversation. What better restaurant to have this conversation in than florent in the Meat Packing district of Manhattan.

Enjoy!

Additional Links:

Candles by Phebes, PodcastSoup, Brian's little "Cult of Mac" Blog

Sylvia's Place

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 06:50:00 GMT

This week Brian and I bring you audio we recorded this past summer when we visited Sylvia's Place, an emergency night shelter for self identified Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, trans-gendered, trans-sexual and questioning youth from 16 to 23 years of age. Go to their web sight and click on the pay pal button at the bottom and make a donation.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 20th Annual Broadway Flea Market.

Mon, 8 Jan 2007 04:21:00 GMT

Recently, for a friend, I summed up TheOccasionalFag as, well, all about either sex, activism, or Broadway. His response was, "Yeah, your point?"

So this is one of those Broadway episodes.

Join TheOccasionalFag as we journey to Shubert Alley in the Heart of Times Square to partake of the sounds (and the windy weather...) of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 20th Annual Broadway Flea Market.

Held each year in late September, the Flea Market has booths for Broadway Shows to sell their wares and both a silent and live auction.

As always, Enjoy!

Some related links:

The Actor's Fund of America
N.Y.State Theater Education Association
Judy and Me
Theater Development Fund
Film and Stage Jobs
Release Lestat
Naked Boys Singing
Marc Shaiman
Momma Mia
Patrick Quinn

CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 00:45:00 GMT

What could be more urbane and civil than taking in the window displays in all the major shopping meccas of Metropolitan New York for the Holidays?

Well, many things actually, because as you will hear, TheOccasionalFags, Brian and David, get pushed, shoved and then run over by multiple strollers as they step out on the town to bring to you a little bit of crass capitalist Christmas fun.

Hear why one major department store arrested Santa back in 1991 and also why some of our good friends are now banned from ever shopping in Saks Fifth Avenue again - God Bless them!

This is a - as David puts it - cult of Mac "enhanced" podcast with pictures and binaural sound. So try to listen to it with headphones and enjoy the picture show.

Drives The Right Wing Crazy

Sun, 10 Dec 2006 06:02:00 GMT

On the way back from doing clinic defense Saturday morning, the Church Ladies for Choice wrote a new song. We present it here.

World AIDS Day

Fri, 1 Dec 2006 06:34:00 GMT

December first is World AIDS day, so Brian and David get cynical with James Wentzy, a friend they met back when they were all active with ACT UP in the 90âs, about what World AIDS Day means today.

Mr. Who Learns To Drive

Sat, 18 Nov 2006 14:35:00 GMT

Traveling back from Brian's 43rd birthday celebrations in Ohio - Cedar Point! - with David and Brian's Husband, Mr. Who, Brian dons the new (for us!) binaural mics and records one of those slice of life, get to know us, narcissistic sound "see-ings" that podcasting does so well.

Included as well are the new faggot national anthem (so say we!) and, for all you erudite mo-fos, a Go-Go Boy Sonnet, RE: Edmond Miller and TheOccasionalFag Episode 9

Smokey and the Bandit

Gumball Rally

Shut The Fuck Up

Going to Hell

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 11:27:00 GMT

Goblins and ghouls, witches and vampires, demons and devils are the stuff from which contemporary Halloween horrors are made, but is there anything as truly terrifying as an Evangelical, Right-wing, Fundamentalist Christian. We here at TheOccasionalFag think not. So when we heard of Les Freres Corbusierâs authentic reproduction of Pastor Keenan Robertsâ Christian HellHouse - a haunted house with scenes depicting iniquities such as cheerleaders getting abortions or gay men suffering through AIDS - we were practically the first ones in line.

Like always, when we go there, so do you. The producers of Hell House gratefully allowed us to bring our recorder with us.

Joining us for phone interviews on the history of Halloween and Hell Houses past are Gavin and Jamie.

Happy Halloween!

Fire Island Dance Festival '06

Sun, 1 Oct 2006 00:18:00 GMT

The thought of taking the recorder out with me to the dance festival - for which I have been volunteering as a tech since 2001 - passed my mind, but it wasn't until David suggested it as well that the idea grew on me as a good one. Boy, I'm glad that I did. - Brian

In this episode we join occasional fag Brian out on Fire Island for one of the "premiere cultural events of one of the most prominent gay communities on the planet", DRA's (Dancers Responding to AIDS) Fire Island Dance Festival 2006.

Snippets of the show, interviews with organizers (and those whom are organized!) and behind the scenes collected sounds all make for an interesting look at what it takes to get this show on.

Enjoy!

CIRCA

Axis Dance

Yana Schnitzler

Verb Ballets

Meat Rack Diaries

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 02:44:00 GMT

Join TheOccasionalFag.com on our very own Blair "Bitch" Project as we invade the Meat Rack - that wooded space on Fire Island, NY between The Pines and Cherry Grove - with mic in hand and recorder hidden in a backpack.

For the uninitiated, this is where men go to have sex. Want more information on that? Read Larry Kramer's "Faggots" for a start...

This is a direct, unedited recording, about twenty minutes long, with afterthoughts recorded later mixed in - mostly to fill in the dead air space.

Let's see what sounds we can gather...

Mick Powers

OMEGA

Christian Action Network

Go-Go Boy Sonnets

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 04:50:00 GMT

The Occasionals (Grace, Tom, Jerry, Raju, Brian and David) continue the go go boy theme with this episode of TheOccasionalFag. We talk to Edmund Miller about the writing and publishing of his book The Go Go Boy Sonnets.

www.gogoboysonnets.com

Byron photographed by Hans Farmeyer

Gregory photographed by Daniel Perry

Giovanni photographed by Daniel Perry

Carlos photographed by Daniel Perry

Zaki photographed by Brick Jones

Sea Tea

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 02:50:00 GMT

A GLBT Pride street interview with porn star and activist, Will Clark, led to an invite to join his crew on the "Sea Tea / Bad Boys on the Hudson" floating sunday evening tea dance.

Through the magic of podcasting, we now extend that invite to you! Join David and Brian (mostly Brian, again...) as they swab the decks and shiver the timbers (whatever that means) of the "sweetest" bad boys to ever bubble up on TheOccasionalFag.

"I'd like to ask you some porn-star questions, if I might?"

The Sea Teas are ongoing throughout the summer months, so you don't need to be Johnny Depp if you want to get out on the water to make merry with a bunch of salty dogs and other such pirate-like things...

Scott Spears
El Mirage
The Peacemaker
Duke Rivers
Tre Xavier
Manuel Torres
Kyle Douglas
Anti-Violence Project
Jeff Palmer
NYU School of Medicines Center for AIDS Research
www.stepstudies.com
Project Achieve
Mick Powers
Max Scott
Enrico Vega

Pleasure and Political Demonstration

Sun, 23 Jul 2006 03:26:00 GMT

This week we talk to Benjamin Shepard, Ph.D., fresh from his arrest at Ambassador Boltonâs office. We talk about the play aspect in political activism and demonstration.

For additional reading see the article by Ben at DRAIN magazine under ârelated essaysâ?

LINKS:

YIPPIES

The Clandestine Insurgent Rebel Clown Army

John Bolton

Gay Pride March 2006

Sun, 9 Jul 2006 15:51:00 GMT

Gay Pride "Two Thousand and Sex" bonus special!

Brian and David (mostly Brian) stood out on 5^th Ave between 34^th and 35^th street and chatted up some of the Pride Marchers.

Hear are links to some of the people we talked to:

The North East Two-Spirit Society

"Sylvia's Place", an emergency night shelter for self identified Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, trans-gendered, trans-sexual and questioning youth.

New York City Gay Men's Chorus

Will Clark

Frank DeCaro

Another Gay Movie

Gay Male S/M Activists

Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club

Sun Dance Outdoor Adventure Society

Cheer New York

14th Annual Dyke March NYC

Tue, 4 Jul 2006 16:24:00 GMT

The second sound scene from "Church Lady Pride Two-Thousand Sex" is of the 14^th Annual Dyke March down 5^th Ave.

"Just look for the flashing lights"

Additional Links:

Dyke Tv

13th Annual Drag March NYC

Sat, 1 Jul 2006 01:15:00 GMT

Sharon Flewitts and Harmonie Moore of the Church Ladies for Choice, the premiere Pro-choice Performance Activists of New York City, celebrate GAY PRIDE 2006, or as we like to call it, Church Lady Pride, Two Thousand SEX!

Here is the first of two resultant soundscapes:

The Friday night DRAG MARCH, organized this year by the Radical Faeries of NYC.

Additional Links:

Church Ladies for Choice Sacred Songs

www.submitparty.com/spam

http://somytherapistsays.blogspot.com/

Gay Pride

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 00:52:00 GMT

TheOccasionalFagâs sonic impressions of New York Cityâs Gay Pride 2006.

To be posted this Friday 6/30.

THE SUPERLUBE

Fri, 9 Jun 2006 03:40:00 GMT

Microbicides is hardly a word to inspire the lighting of candles, dimming of lights or turning up of soft music for. It sounds more akin to something you would spray on the plants to keep away potato bugs. Someday, though, it may be something you spray on or squeeze in yourself to keep away the dreaded HIV or a bothersome sexually transmitted disease.

This Episode's Roundtable segment is all about Microbicides as The Occasional Fag crew verbally greases up Mitchel Hawkins from the New York Microbicides Working Group, a local site of the Global Campaign for Microbicides, about possible super-lubes of the future, and maybe one or two emollient failures of the past.

Also, as always, this week's Church Ladies For Choice Song of the Segment: a rousing anthem recently written to inspire for more super-lubrication. From the top of the heap, to the bottom of the pile and around the world, start spreading the lube!

Orisa! Orisa! Orisa!

Sat, 27 May 2006 20:47:00 GMT

Perhaps in your youth you saw Larry Wilcox on The Tonight Show telling Johnny Carson about what Eric Estrada did with live poultry in his off hours, or maybe the last time you were in Cuba enjoying a cup of tea with Fidel you noticed all the coconut shells and lit candles in the back room? Speaking of Cuba, does Ricky Ricardoâs rendition of Babaloo in old reruns of I love Lucy stir some form of unnamed longing down in your soul?

If so, youâve come to the right place for our latest episode of The Occasional Fag.

This episode's roundtable is all about the Orisia or Yoruban Religions as practiced by members of the GLBT community in New York City. We chat up David, an Lucumi Priest of Oya and Michael, a recent initiate and iyawo (novice) about this ancient African religion transplanted to the Americas and how this pertains to fags.

We end the episode with the Church Ladies for Choice Song of the Segment: a celebration of Yasha Bunchik, founding mother of the Church Ladies, known also as Sister Mary Cunnilingus, but also now known to all as Madge R. Deagan.

For more information see the web sights below that David recommends.

www.bahia-online.net/Candomble.htm

www.geocities.com/axeopoafonja/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candomble

Whores Will Be Whores

Fri, 12 May 2006 23:58:00 GMT

The Occasional Fag Pilot Episode B: Whores Will Be Whores.

As diverse as the GLBT community gets, the one thing we all still have that we share a common interest in is sex, so why not open The Occasional Fag with an all male roundtable about communal erotic intimacy in New York City. Sure, we should have had a female fag or two on the panel, but sometimes, like not being able to pick and choose who in the sex club is brave enough to climb up in that sling, you have to play them as they lay.

Also enjoy the musical tidbit from Harmonie Moore of New York City's own Church Ladies for Choice. You just may find it to be a little piece of heaven, but then again you just may find it to be a piece... Heaven helps us!

Coming Soon

Sun, 7 May 2006 13:11:00 GMT

Just a test posting to see how this works.