Monsignore ~

WA St Leather Pride Week

2008-03-19T01:52:00Z

Seattle, WA –- Washington State Leather Pride Week continues with several events scheduled through the week. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining events:

Daddy’s Leather Tag Sale
Wed 19 Mar 2008 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm
In conjunction with Washington State Leather Pride Week at the Cuff Complex Black & Blue Room, the past Seattle Leather Daddy titleholders and Washington State Mr. & Ms. Leather Organization host a Leather Tag Sale during the March Community-Wide, Dress Code Leather Social, with the proceeds benefiting the Leather Archives & Museum. Donations may be made year round. Contact Daddy Jeff at lthrdaddy@aol.com.

Coming Out in Kink (above)
Thu 20 Mar 2008 from 9:00 pm to Midnight
Titanmen Tony Buff & Derek da Silva host a kinky night out at the Cuff sponsored by TitanMen.com to benefit the Scott Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St Joan’s Sisters’ Charity Fund with TitanMen product raffles, demos and twisted surprises.

Washington State Mr. & Ms. Leather Contest Public Meet and Greet
Fri 21 Mar 2008 from 8:30 to 10:00 pm
To be held at Lifelong Seneca Conference Room, 1002 East Seneca Street, Seattle, WA 98122. (Entrance via sunken parking lot. Cross streets - 10th Ave and Madison). No Charge. More Info at www.wsmlo.org.

The 26th Annual Washington State Mr. & Ms. Leather Contest (left)
Sat 22 Mar 2008 from 7:00 to 9 pm (Doors at 6:00 pm)
To be held at The Cuff - Dance Club, 1533 13th Ave, Seattle, WA. $8.00. More Info at www.wsmlo.org.

The Leather Emerald & Community Service Awards Victory Brunch
Sun 23 Mar 2008 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (Awards at Noon)
Join WSMLO, Generic Leather Productions of Washington, Seattle Men in Leather, Seattle Women in Leather and the Seattle Boys of Leather at The Cuff Dance Bar for a light brunch and awards ceremony. Enter on East Pike Street side, Seattle, WA. No Charge. More Info at www.wsmlo.org.

Making History & Award Nominations

2008-03-19T01:49:06Z

Seattle, WA –- After returning home from San Francisco, I learned Titan Media and the cast & crew of Breakers had made history. On Wednesday, Titan released Breakers on Blu-ray making it the first gay adult feature released in the new high-definition format. You can read the official Press Release from Titan here.

In other news: I was involved with two of the eight features from Titan to receive Graddy nominations. Breakers has received three nominations including: Best All-Sex Video, Best Director- Bruce Cam, and Best Videography-Brian Mills/Paul Wilde. Fear was nominated for Best Fetish Extreme Video. You can read about all the Grabby nominations received by Titan in the Press Release here.

An excellent review of Breakers on ManNet.com was also pointed out to me after I got home. The “Highly, Highly Recommended” review reads, in part:

In the finale, horny and unstoppable Tony Buff takes on two bottoms again, this time François and Darius. The back of a battered old pick-up truck is the setting, and with François and Darius on all-fours, Tony has all the hot ass anyone could possibly need to get off. Cocksucking gets things rolling, and Darius in particular has a great time downing Tony's thick meat. That juicy slab of cock meat also looks amazing when it's sliding in and out of François, his pucker opening up wide to take it all in. Not that he has anything else to prove, but Tony's stud status is further affirmed when he lines up François and Darius side by side to fuck them missionary-style. The dude certainly has the credentials to be a power top. He even kisses the two men he's just fucked while their cum is still dripping. There's a man who can have any ass he wants, more or less.

The review in it’s entirety can be found here.

As Requested

2008-03-19T01:46:24Z

San Francisco, CA –- Several readers have requested more pictures of my rope work. Some have asked that I elaborate on using rope to seduce. Lo’ and behold, the universe has granted an opportunity to comply. After helping friends move a refrigerator, brunch and meeting up with more friends in the Castro, my boy and I went to the Eagle for Beer Bust. The place was crowded. Cheer San Francisco was having a fundraiser. Mama Reinhardt and members of the family were there.

Derek and I finally worked our way into a corner of the patio with the help of some of our cohorts. I ran another variant of the quick arm binders Mark Yu taught me on Derek (right). I did it primarily to have some fun and entertain our friends. This attracted some attention. Enter Rich Stadtmiller and a group of boys that included Joseph. (below). Rich is a photographer that chronicles community events and posts the pictures to his website at RichTrove.com. Joseph is the boy seduced.

The first thing you need to do in order to seduce a boy with rope is get his attention. Sometimes this is as easy as wearing a couple coils of rope on a carabineer attached to your belt. I’ve gone as far as standing on a bench in a crowed bar holding a coil above my head but then I’m subtle like a brick to the face. I get the best results attracting the attention of a new boy, however, by running rope on someone I already know, like Derek. This inevitably sparks an interest. Generally, I’ll stick to quick binders and fast tie-downs for this purpose... remember, boys have short attention spans. I run the rope with confidence and clearly answer any questions from the folks watching. This helps assure the boy that might have the courage to step up.

When I finished the binder on Derek, Joseph’s buddies pushed him forward and it didn’t take long to get his shirt off. I learned as I uncoiled my line that Joseph had never been in rope bondage before. I make my physical assessment as I ask him about pertinent health issues and injuries. I talk him through as I run the rope across his body and stay close to give him a sense of security.

Sidebar: Do Not Touch the Boy in Bondage. If you are out and come across a boy in bondage (handcuffs, shackles, restraints, rope, a collar), don’t fucking touch unless you get permission. This isn’t some abstract SM/leather culture etiquette; it’s common courtesy.

With Rich’s permission I’ve posted a few of the shots he took to a gallery under my pics page to share them with you.

San Francisco Fetish Ball

2008-03-19T01:43:53Z

San Francisco, CA –- After Derek and I got into town earlier this week we scored tickets the the San Francisco Fetish Ball from Fivestar, courtesy of SocialKink.com. We spent the evening hanging out with her, Mr. Pam and Julian from NakedSword.com. What a night; spectacular outfits, an amazing stage show, Sister Roma hosting and a whole lot of fun.

I could fall in love/lust with Fivestar. She is so sexy. Julian and I got a chance to discus MOD San Francisco’s BootCamp and the invitation extended to this year’s event for my boy and I. And of course, Mr. Pam radiates an aura of joy that just encompasses everyone around her. Derek and I even got to play a little in the Ball Room. Rope work and flogging a la cart for one, please.

Afterward we went down to the Powerhouse and had a few drinks with Sister Roma. Good times.

Production Code: PRISON

2008-03-19T01:40:13Z

San Francisco, CA –- Part of Titan Media’s Folsom series of features, the prison themed production is scheduled for release over IML weekend in Chicago, IL. While I’ll reserve my expectations of how it will be received by my peers until I view the finished product, I am confident it represents the best effort and contribution I have added to a production thus far.

We finished principle photography yesterday after completing a scene I pitched to Director Brian Mills during the trip back to San Francisco from the Titan ranch following a shoot in January. I was thrilled to learn we would get a chance to create it while I was down for a scene with Alex Baesi and Vinnie D’Angelo in February. What I didn’t expect was the unprecedented latitude Brian granted me to structure the scene, block the action and work with my fellow performers to capture the experience.

I wish I could elaborate on the details of the scene but I don’t want to speculate upon the content of the final edit or spoil the release. I think it’s safe however to describe the setting as a communal prison shower and that my scene partners were my boy Derek da Silva, Chad Manning, Damien Crosse and Dominic Sol. I will also add that the beat-down sequence may very well be unlike anything you have ever seen captured before on DVD. It was electrifying and the energy flows directly into the sexual chemistry that unfolds.

Once the feature is released, I’ll break down the various risk-mitigation efforts employed to ensure no one was injured during the action.

Which brings me to my Buff Enough, Recommendation of the Week: Derek da Silva. If you are a producer of director of BDSM features, I highly recommend casting my boy in your flick. He is one of the most skilled practitioners I have ever met. When paired with me, or a master like Roger from Shotgun Video, Derek will suffer outrageous fortune. Whether topping or bottoming, he brings a vast skill set and creativity to a scene.

Today I have a breakfast meeting with Bruce Cam the President of Titan and prep work for the scene we’re shooting next week for another feature. Sorry folks, no photo for this post. I did however see a copy of one of the stills from the shoot and it’s really good. Ciao.

Predicament Bondage with Midori

2008-03-08T00:53:04Z

Seattle, WA –- Jeff and I drove Derek to the airport after brunch yesterday then went to Midori’s Predicament Bondage workshop at Seattle’s Center for Sex Positive Culture. This was one of the many Bondage Lessons organized by my friend Max. I am grateful to him for providing these educational opportunities. Whether he is teaching or the class is taught by one of the many accomplished individuals he brings in, you are guaranteed some of the best presentations available.

This particular class was a special treat for me. I have long admired Midori; she is a world-renowned master of the erotic arts. During the class I had the distinct pleasure of bottoming to her, with the assistance of my boy Jeff, for one of her demonstrations (photo above). In addition to learning a lot about predicament bondage, I confirmed that Midori is truly twisted and sickly sadistic. I think I’ve fallen in love.

The best part of Midori’s teaching style is her ability to break down the fundamental elements of a scene and offer ways to approach it that leaves the details to your own creativity rather than simple How To’s. I got a lot out of the class and am looking forward to applying my learning. Thanks Midori and I’m looking forward to seeing you again at Thunder.

A Family Affair

2008-03-08T00:47:24Z

Seattle, WA –- Last night was the show for NW Sash Bash followed by the Extreme Play Party, both hosted by GLPW. My brothers, Gene and Odie pulled together the show and I MC’d. The show itself was cabaret-style with performance pieces, live auctions, introductions of current title-holders and raffles.

The performance pieces included Derek locked in a cage while I worked the microphone, Odie and Gene mummifying Rich (photo right), a flogging by Russell Harmon, rigging featuring my boy Jeff and a fantasy performed by US Daddy and Daddy’s boy, Erik and Earl (respectively).

All the events this weekend were fairly intimate gatherings and the show was no exception. While the audience was small, the enthusiasm and generosity was anything but. Our charity this year was Camp Ten Trees, a non-profit summer camp in the Pacific Northwest featuring a week for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their allies, and a week for children of LGBTQ families.

Since our sponsors covered all our expenses, all the proceeds raised throughout the weekend will go to support this worthy charity. Once again Bear Leather Works, the Cuff Complex and Dog House Leathers have made positive contributions to our community and for that I am personally thankful.

Derek, Jeff and I went back to my place after the show to decompress a bit before the play party. We had a couple cocktails, listened to music, talked and fooled around, laughing the entire time. I know it seems too mundane to even mention here, but honestly it took a play party to pull us away we were enjoying our time alone together so much.

I was happy we went to the play party though. I got in two solid scenes, one with each of the boys. Derek and I hadn’t done our dynamic suspension scene here in Seattle and several of my friends that were in the dungeon had asked to see it, so we acquiesced to the requests. The rigging went smoothly and faster than the last time we did it in December. It still amazes me to watch him move in the rigging; it’s quite the sight (photo left). While there is a part of me that would have liked to do a heavier scene, I’m glad we did the suspension since we’ll be performing it as a demo at CLAW in April and this was probably the last time we’d get the opportunity to practice. Not to mention we have a shoot coming up in a couple of days.

The second scene with Jeff was spectacular; his first flogging. Free standing against a rack, naked except for his boots, I took after him with the Buffalo hide flogger. Alternating through the back, buttocks, thighs and controlled wraps to the front torso (please note I wrote ‘controlled wraps’) I worked him over. His reactions were beautiful to behold and as easy to read as if we had been playing for a year or more. I brought him to the point of breaking and back again as Derek sat on the floor and watched, his dick growing hard as he took in Jeff’s experience. The shudders came. Jeff’s entire body shook uncontrollably, the convulsions marking his limits. I have him count out ten more lashes, each building in intensity. He takes them like the butch little fuck he is.

Derek joined us on the floor afterward. The three of us huddled together in the middle of the dungeon then soon after in bed.

Nature’s Wrath & Needles Scorned

2008-03-08T00:37:54Z

Seattle, WA –- We got off to a late start on the NW Sash Bash Education Series this afternoon but even help from my adopted boy Rich and his boy Steven couldn’t stave off mother nature. As soon as we got set-up it started to rain and as Derek ran the first needle in his demo the hale started falling. I don’t mean little pellets either; this was a fingernail-sized hale. We were fine continuing until the thunder and lightning. Given the fact we were working under double stack metal scaffolding, I had to call the scene.

It was a cluster fuck to say the least. But, as my brother Odie likes to say, ‘It is what it is.’ If you top scenes frequently enough you know they don’t always go as planed and when shit happens you’ve got two choices. You can call it quits or you can improvise, adapt and overcome. The picture (left) was taken just before we had to move the event inside.

Because there are no hard points in the Cuff dance bar we had to cancel my Shibari suspension demo and time constraints after the move precluded replacing it with another demo but Russell Harmon was able to deliver a highly educational presentation on advanced flogging techniques and there was a well-attended panel discussion on bootblacking.

Next two stops tonight: NW Sash Bash Cabaret and the Extreme Play Party.

Meet & Greet All I Could Hope For and More

2008-03-08T00:28:04Z

Seattle, WA –- Derek arrived yesterday morning and Jeff joined us shortly thereafter. I couldn’t have asked for a better initial exchange. The physical attraction between the two boys was immediately palpable... a good sign. We broke bread. We had sex. We talked. It was easy and enjoyable.

This was important to me. Derek wears my collar of commitment; there is a special bond between us even though we live two thousand miles apart. I have no boys in collars of consideration and this is only the second time Jeff has worn my scene collar, one I purchased especially for him. I have grown extremely found of Jeff over the course of the past several months and I am ready to invest more in the relationship and perhaps take it further. I know from past experience that this would be very difficult if animosity, discomfort or jealousy e the case.

We attended the NW Sash Bash Meet & Greet last night and then went out to the Cuff. At the Meet & Greet the boys made themselves of service to our guests at this semi-private event by keeping the buffet and bar stocked while getting to know each other better. They are both so good with people and seemed to work well together. As I would mingle with the people I knew from around the country and Canada I would steal glances of the two of them chatting or smiling at one another.

Later at the Cuff, the three of us hung out with the crew and danced until we decided my apartment would be a better venue for the progression of things.

Busy day tomorrow with the Education Series, Show and Play Party.

An Intimate Evening with Midori

2008-02-29T20:45:49Z

Seattle, WA –- Last night brought two very distinct pleasures: visiting with Midori and Jeff in my collar (both pictured right). All this at an evening organized and hosted by friend and inspiration, Max of BondageLessons.com.

Midori is an educator and columnist on adventurous sexuality, the author of one of my favorite books on Shibari, The Seductive Art of Japanese Bondage and one of the individuals I most respect in the scene. If I had to describe her with one word, it would be 'brilliant.' I hadn’t seen Midori since the Devil Card shoot with Artana about a year ago, so this was a special treat. Midori gave a preview of her Pink Japan lecture, introduced me to the work of an amazing Japanese erotic artist, Tagame and inscribed my copy of her book.

Accompanied by Jeff at my side and the weekend ahead with both him and Derek, I’m a very happy man.

I Love Rope

2008-02-29T18:33:42Z

Seattle, WA –- As you may have guessed, rigging gives me a hard-on. Whether used to reel them in, tie them down or string them up, I love rope. And my favorite type of rope is hemp. I’ve used many different types in the past but a few years ago I started using hemp and never went back.

There is a natural beauty and organic quality to hemp. The look of the twisted cord, the feel of the fibers, the taste of it when used as a gag, even the sound it makes as it hits the floor or is pulled tight against itself gives me focus and connects me to my nawa juujun as I use it to bind them. My rope flows like chi, a part of me, in a way that leather restraints or steel chains will never match. The rope runs through my hands, over their body and becomes part of the scene, as unique as each individual and situation.

Chances are if you see me out at the bar, you’ll find a couple of coils attached to a carabineer on my belt. I use the rope to attract like-minded spirits like Fivestar, the videographer I met during the GayVN after-after party at Mr Pam’s Playhouse who filmed and posted the video blog here, and to seduce boys like Brandon who I met at the San Francisco Eagle several weeks ago (pictured above).

And, if I could take only one thing to a play party, it would have to be my rope bag. I can take a novice player, new to the scene, like Steven (pictured below) and introduce him to bondage and submission while exploring his body and state of mind by connecting with him through the rope. Or, I can use the rope to structure more elaborate scenes that include all manner of nasty things.

All of this brings me to my Buff Enough, Recommendation of the Week: TwistedMonk.com. Twisted Monk is a local, Seattle artesian and nawashi who provides high quality, conditioned hemp at a reasonable price. As anyone who has conditioned his or her own hemp can attest, it is a long and labor-intensive process. Having a resource for superior, pre-conditioned hemp rope is a value to anyone with a busy schedule or lacking the facilities to condition their own.

For those of us that play with male subs, my recommendation is going to go a little future with suggestions for a couple of different, custom kits. In my experience I’ve discovered that the common lengths and diameters used in Shibari (generally 6 mm lengths of 30 and 10 feet) are often insufficient when applied to the larger, more muscular men with whom I play, so these suggested kits incorporate two important variants. First, I have found that 8 mm diameter lines provide better surface area coverage to compensate for the additional weight of these bottoms. Second, I utilize longer lines to ensure there is enough rope to complete basic ties when working with the girth of these men.

Most of the rigging you have seen here in these posts or in my play across the country can be completed using the following kit; we’ll call it the Tony Buff Men’s Kit:

1 - 50 foot length of TwistedMonk 8 mm Natural Hemp;

4 - 36 foot lengths of TwistedMonk 8 mm Natural Hemp;

6 - 18 foot lengths of TwistedMonk 8 mm Natural Hemp; and,

1 - Aircraft Aluminum Suspension Ring.

For those of you who are just curious about Shibari or are not quite ready for an investment of several hundred dollars, I suggest the Tony Buff Men’s Starter Kit. This will put enough rope in your bag to structure scenes and build your enthusiasm.

2 - 36 foot lengths of TwistedMonk 8 mm Natural Hemp; and,

4 - 18 foot lengths of TwistedMonk 8 mm Natural Hemp.

Remember, these are custom kits, so you’ll have to special order these lengths by following the link for custom orders on the products page of TwistedMonk.com.

Happy rigging.

NW Sash Bash this Weekend

2008-02-27T18:48:53Z

Seattle, WA –- This weekend, Northwest Sash Bash comes to Seattle. The weekend will be filled with events, beginning with a Meet & Greet Friday evening; includes a tour of the city underground, education series, show and extreme play party on Saturday and concludes with a brunch Sunday morning.

It’s going to be a very special weekend for me. Not only do I get to see my friends from across the Pacific Northwest, two amazing boys will be joining me. Derek is flying in from Chicago and Jeff, the local boy I’ve been courting for several months, has agreed to join us. This will be their first opportunity to meet and I’m confident they’re going to hit it off.

In addition to assisting me throughout the weekend, both boys will be featured in the Shibari demos we will present as part of the education series and Derek will be presenting a workshop/seminar on advanced needle play. You can join us at the Cuff on Saturday from 3 to 6 pm for this series of educational workshops that will also include a presentation on flogging techniques by Russell Harmon.

I’ve also been given the honor (read: been drafted) to serve as your Master of Ceremonies for the show Saturday night, so expect a spectacle. For more information, visit the Northwest Sash Bash website.

Sidebar: Check in tomorrow for my Buff Enough Recommendation of the Week.

Straight Razor Fade

2008-02-22T01:59:16Z

Seattle, WA –- Back in boot it was a High & Tight. After, it became a High & Tight Flattop. Then when I became a NCO, I started wearing the Straight Razor Fade. It’s one of my favorite haircuts of all time (right after the Mohawk and before Shaved). It’s a military regulation haircut with a masculine, commanding look and feel... a good, clean cut with a little bit of an edge that can fit in just about any situation or environment, from dungeon to theater (oh, that’s a jump!).

I love it and immediately knew the Straight Razor Fade would be the right look for my current art film project in which I play a dirty Corrections Officer. Unfortunately, it’s also a difficult haircut to get; most places won’t even attempt it with an actual straight razor. And, I was a little worried, because the boy that had been cutting my hair was no longer available.

Enter a blast from my past and adorable, little muscle stud, Nick the Barber (pictured above). I ran into him at the market and learned he has been working at the Acme Barbershop, right down the street. I went in a couple of weeks ago before we starting shooting Folsom Prison and got the best haircut I’ve had in a long time. I’ve been in a few times since (including this afternoon) and Nick has been totally consistent.

Nick and the crew at the Acme get my Buff Enough Recommendation of the Week. If you live in or visit Seattle and find yourself in need of a Barber, check them out at their location on Denny & Bellevue. Walk-ins only at this barbershop, but you can call ahead and get your name on the board.

Capping Off the Weekend

2008-02-20T04:17:45Z

San Francisco, CA –- What’s the best way to cap off a weekend at the GayVNs? Why, with a beating, of course.

After Derek and I checked out of the W, scheduled a shuttle to the airport and grabbed a bite to eat, we headed over to the Eagle. We got there before the beer bust started. It wasn’t very busy, so there was plenty of room. The Sisters were setting up for the fundraiser. The Bootblack was preparing his station. We staked out a space out back by the stage. Good elevation to put on a show.

The boy stripped to the waist and stood with no restraints and only a railing for support. The blows delivered with the Buffalo hide flogger were varied. Rhythms changed. The strikes danced across his back, thighs and ass a mix of thud and sting. Intensity builds and wanes then builds again. I put the whole of my body behind the blows. The only sight that will stop me is blood and tears.

Both came in time. No, the tears didn’t come from the blows alone; the boy is too much the pain pig for that response. No, his emotional state helps push him over the edge. Goodbyes are never easy, but I’ll work with that too. The Sadist and the Masochist, dancing together.

Some of those around us don’t know what to make of the scene. Others understand, “Love is Pain.”

I love you, boy.

And the Winner is...

2008-02-20T04:10:43Z

San Francisco, CA –- The entire Titan crew rallied en masse in front of the Giftcenter then made our way down the red carpet together, stopping only to give our regards to Tim & Roma. Once inside Derek and I got cocktails and mingled a bit visiting with friends before congregating the front table reserved for Titan. Excellent seats. I had the honor of sitting between studio owner Bruce Cam and director Brian Mills. Because of the number of presenters and nominees from Titan there wasn’t room at the front table and Derek had a ticket for the back table, so I rigged one of those quick binders I’ve been so fond of lately and he spent the show bound on his knees behind my chair. It was too cute and very much in keeping with our reputation.

TitanMen exclusives Dean Flynn, Rick Van Sant, Alex Berasi, Diesel Washington and I presented three awards including Best Music, Best Screenplay and Best Foreign Release (photo above). That was fun. I’m wonderfully comfortable on stage thanks to all the time I’ve spent working within the Leather/SM community. I tend to be a little more reserved than the other guys, but I think I did a good job controlling the pace and flow on stage.

Best news of the night, Titan brought home three GayVNs including Best Specialty Release (Extreme) for Fear, Best Leather Video for Folsom Leather, and Best Videographer to Brian Mills and Paul Wilde. Derek and I got a photo op of our own with Bruce Cam, Keith Webb and the awards (right). Congratulations to everyone involved with the productions and to Brian and Paul specifically.

Afterward, the two of us were invited for a celebratory limo ride across the Golden Gate Bridge with friends from Chicago. What a beautiful sight. Then we made our way to the Powerhouse to catch the end of the Mr. Powerhouse Leather contest where many of our friends in San Francisco were meeting. We stayed until last call when Mr. Pam invited us over for an after party that included some impromptu rope bondage and punching instruction by yours truly. I can report that Mr. Pam packs a good punch.

Rock Hard with the TitanMen

2008-02-20T04:07:01Z

San Francisco, CA –- The first official event of the weekend was a public appearance at the Rock Hard in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. It was a promotional event coinciding with the VOD premiere of Breakers exclusively on NakedSword.com.

Breakers Director and Titan Media studio head Bruce Cam was present with Vice President Keith Webb, Director Brian Mills, Cinematographer Paul Wild and Production Coordinator Ed Vincent. The TitanMen on-hand included (as pictured from left to right): Damien Crosse, Rick Van Sant, Dean Flynn, Diesel Washington, Alex Berasi, Derek da Silva, Tony Buff, and Bjoern Giger. Sometimes I still find it hard to believe I’m associated with a studio of Titan’s caliber and included with performers like those pictured above.

As Breakers played in the background on a large flat-screen TV inside the shop we were occupied by signing autographs, photo ops and questions about our work. While Dean, Alex and I were taking our turn inside we got a chance to snap this picture (left) with Julian from NakedSword.com.

As those of you who read my journal regularly already know, I really enjoyed working with Dean Flynn; he’s a beautiful, intelligent guy and talented performer. What I haven’t shared yet is what a pleasure it was working with Alex Berasi. I got a chance to complete a scene with him and Vinnie D’Angelo for Folsom Prison (in production now) a couple weeks ago. I was a bit concerned about the size difference (Alex is a gorilla of a man) but the connection between us was so good I think it’s is one of the best scenes in which I’ve been. Not to mention he’s so sweet, I just want to lock him in a cage and shove bananas... but I digress. Folsom Prison is slated for release over IML weekend. If the energy of that scene is any indication of film as a whole it will be well worth the purchase price.

We left immediately following our appearance for rehearsals at the Giftcenter. No comment on that particular cluster-fuck. We’ve got a little over an hour to get ready for the show. Wish us luck in the extreme category.

Not the Best Start to the Weekend, But...

2008-02-20T04:03:39Z

San Francisco, CA – Derek was waiting for me when I arrived at the Oakland International airport. It was so good to see him standing there in baggage claim. The time apart is rough on both of us and it had been three weeks since we last saw each other. After the short shuttle into San Francisco we checked in at the W and found our room.

What I didn’t find in my luggage nearly wrecked me. While unpacking I found the notice from the Transportation Safety Administration Notice indicating that my bag had been inspected at Sea/Tac Airport. What I didn’t find was my six-foot David Morgan Bullwhip. Panic struck when I didn’t immediately see it after I saw the Notice and pulled out my CHC colors vest revealing my boots and the three smaller bags containing my head kit, rigging kit and miscellaneous equipment.

Side Bar: I tend to be a very organized packer. I served as the Embarkation NCO for my artillery battery in the Marine Corps. Even the NATO style backpack I use for carry-on contains a smaller bag for socks and underwear (if any) along with my neatly rolled clothing for the trip... a place for everything and everything in its place.

So, the sinking felling of loss came before I even pulled the last item out of my checked bag. Apparently somewhere between Check-In at SEA and Baggage Claim at OAK someone with access to my bag had stolen the bullwhip I had spent nearly $700 purchasing and countless hours conditioning for use of the past year. Those of you that throw single-tails will understand the crushing effect this could have had on my spirit.

I called TSA. Right. I called lost and found at SEA/TAC as directed. Give me a break. Once I finally got through the automated system after being directed back to a second number for the same TSA call center and being effectively disconnected through a dead-end menu option, the ever so helpful representative informed me that no one had turned in a (What color was it again?) black whip. Check back in on Tuesday and thanks for calling. Click.

Stand up, step back and take a deep breath. In anger management I was taught that Rule #1 was Don’t Put Yourself in Situations that Piss You Off, but you can’t always avoid those situations, so I employed the backup plan. I counted to ten then reviewed my options and analyzed the efficacy of each before acting impulsively.

I call Alaska Airlines’ MVP Customer Care. Christine was far more helpful. She took my report, initiated a corporate investigation and suggested I download, print, complete and submit a few forms to the TSA when I got home. I called the Port Authority Police Department after that and filed a Stolen Property Report. Do you think if I filed a request to waterboard every agent that had access to my bag with the Department of Homeland Security to determine any information relating to the theft on the item in question would place me on a watch list?

Punish-fucking Derek like he was a baggage handler and dinner followed.

As it turns out, the GayVN Summit held before the awards show, was located at the W this year and as we walked back into the lobby we ran into Mr. Pam (pictured on the left) the Director of the Tim & Roma Show and were quickly invited up to the Falcon Personals sponsored cocktail party upstairs. Derek and I got to see a few of our Industry friends. While there, Stacey from Gay Chicago Magazine and the Producer of the Grabbys asked Derek and me to be presenters at this year’s event and we agreed. I also got to meet Jonah Davies, the author of the Unzipped Magazine interview in person and thank him for the article.

One rather shocking moment came when Michael Lucas introduced himself, said he knew who I was and congratulated me on my performance in Breakers. That was followed by an involved conversation with one of the executives from Falcon about niche markets, movies that feature heavier play and his perception of my introduction into adult films. It was an interesting event to say the least.

We’re off to the Eagle and then the Powerhouse for some playtime.

Up & Coming Unzipped

2008-02-15T16:43:07Z

Seattle, WA – The March issue of Unzipped Magazine is on newsstands now and contains two features of interest: an Up & Coming interview with yours truly; and, a Dirty Movies review of Titan Media’s Fear.

The interview by Jonah Davies covers a variety of subjects ranging from my penchant for and approach to extreme play through my break into the adult film industry to my objectives moving forward. The conversation also includes some of my thoughts on risk mitigation in scene, polyamorous relationships, the importance of personal integrity and the portrayal of safer sex practices on film. I was also able to get some shout outs to my boy Derek and friends Daddy Zeus, Roger from Shotgun, Joe Gage, Brian Mills and the crew at Titan. I encourage you to read through it and toss any questions or comments my way.

The issue also contains a positive review of Fear by Andrew King. King does a good job giving a synopsis of the film without giving away some of the more spectacular details. My favorite part of the photo spread accompanying the review is the shot of Derek from behind. I can’t wait to hook up with him later today in San Francisco and take part of that view in person.

I’m leaving for the airport in just a few minutes. I’ll be meeting Derek to attend the GayVNs and have some fun. I’ll also be making a public appearance with Bruce Cam and some of the other performers from Breakers at Rock Hard tomorrow afternoon and then presenting one of the awards at the show tomorrow night. It should be an interesting weekend.

Expect a couple of posts about the events over the next couple of days. Ciao.

Back to the Good Stuff

2008-01-28T20:35:04Z

Chicago, Il –- Getting over recent losses has been slightly more difficult than I anticipated, but I’m working through it by getting back to the things I enjoy... my boys in Chicago, rigging and beating on Derek in a manner that most people wouldn’t understand.

I flew to Chicago on Friday for my boy Derek’s big birthday party and it was a party. Doug, Derek’s boy friend of over twelve years did an amazing job pulling together the event at the Jackhammer, complete with three punk bands, huge birthday cake and after party in the Hole. The bands Plasma Drive, Daylight Robbery and Vee Dee were incredible, rocking the house in that old school punk fashion. Then we continued the party down in the Hole where I taught Derek one of the Hojojutsu inspired arm binders I’ve been practicing by using Doug and another boy at the bar named Tony as stunt bottoms after our buddy Vinnie D'Angelo, who’s nominated for a Best Actor award at the GayVNs this year, graciously declined.

I also finally got a chance to meet Chad, a boy Derek has been playing with in Chicago. He’s a very sweet boy and we enjoyed a little impromptu suspension scene not long after being introduced (photos above).

Other than the party it was a fairly quiet weekend. Doug, Derek and I hung out and played at home on Saturday. Then on Sunday, while Doug was with his Volleyball team, Derek and I went to the CHC Clubhouse for a heavier scene. It was a good weekend, although a little short, especially since I won’t be seeing Derek again until the GayVNs in San Francisco next month.

Now it’s back to Seattle and hopefully some time with Jeff over the next couple of days.

Happenings

2008-01-24T01:48:03Z

Seattle, WA – Much has happened since my last entry. Rather than post-dating several detailed entries, I’ll just summarize the highlights in the interests of saving some time.

Titan Media’s FEAR has received four GayVN nominations including Best Packaging, Best Videography, Best Specialty Release and Best Specialty Release (Extreme). I’m not sure what factor the scene my boy Derek da Silva and I did with Tober Brandt had in the nomination for best extreme (photo right), but I’m happy the film has received such high recognition. In all Titan, its performers and crew received 23 2008 GayVN award nominations. To learn more, check out Titan’s press release on the subject.

Derek and I flew into Washington, DC last weekend for Mid-Atlantic Leather. We stayed at the host hotel, visited many of the local attractions and spent a lot of time with old and new friends. Brother Odie and his boy Aaron were there as well and it was a blast playing and raising hell with them through the weekend. We also had fun hanging out with the New York Boys of Leather who kept us in a good supply of Jack Daniels and mischief. Derek and I didn’t make it to the play party on Saturday but we did get plenty of play in and even did an impromptu flogging demo at the Fort Troff booth in the vendor mart on Sunday.

Before I left for MAL, TJ let me know he wanted more than I was willing to offer and that he needed to move on. Then, after I got home from MAL, Christopher came over to tell me he didn’t want to continue in the direction we were going, either. TJ was a bit of a surprise, but I’m glad he was able to recognize what he needed and had the courage to make that happen. I’ve been expecting Christopher’s realization for some time now. Truth is we aren’t looking for the same things in a relationship. I’m a little disappointed he has decided to forfeit any continued contact but I guess sometimes it’s better to just walk away. I hope he finds what he wants. I’m resolved to invest my time and energy in something that might actually turn into what I’m looking for here in Seattle.

Last night Jeff took me to dinner and we got to play a bit afterward. It was good to see him again and always a pleasure to get him into my rope. He is now the only experienced nawa juujun (rope bottom) I’m playing with in Seattle with any regularity. I love the quick binders I learned at the beginning of the month (photo left). I’ve gotten quite a bit of practice in and can now rig either of my two favorites in about 45 seconds while standing and even faster when executed on the deck. This will definitely come in handy for the film work where speed is a key to having any rigging actually captured on video.

Continuing Education

2008-01-08T09:39:45Z

Seattle, WA -- This past weekend was devoted primarily to a series of workshops, social events and play sessions focused on one of my favorite BDSM activities, rope bondage. While rope is not always present, it is a component of most of the scenes I create. Rope is one of my passions and I am always eager to learn more whether it is from structured training or the exchange of ideas with other riggers. The last few days provided many of these opportunities.

Max, who produces the Bondage Lessons series, brought in Mark Yu to present three workshops: Basic Body Assessment for Rope Bondage, Anatomy of a Suspension, and Hojojutsu Arm Binders. The photos above and below should be a special treat to a few of you that requested them and shouldn't come as much of a surprise. That's me in one of the Arm Binders taught by Mark. They are simple, fast and beautiful.

Yes, I'm a switch. Although there might still be some members of the broader BDSM community that would consider me a "second class player," in accordance with the Old Guard protocols identified by Guy Baldwin's article, "The History of Leather Traditions," I can assure you that is not the case within my community of family and friends. While my brothers and I carry on many of the Old Guard principles that we were brought into the scene with, this is one of those we have discarded over the years as not applicable for a variety of reasons. First, we believe in the value of experiencing the elements of our play from both perspectives. Second, it makes no sense to discourage those of us who have grown into our dominant roles through years of service, training and experience as boys and in relational based roles from their continued growth. Moreover, some of the heaviest, most experienced and respected players we know are switches... far from second-class players that can't make up their minds.

For me, as a true sadomasochist I derive pleasure from both inflicting and receiving pain and wouldn't let some social construct prevent me from perusing my personal enjoyment. I've always learned from the bottom up, as it were and I don't top scenes I haven't bottomed to, so if I want to continue to develop new skills switching is my only choice. Luckily, I've found a community that understands and respects these things and hope you do as well.

Bringing in the New Year

2008-01-02T20:57:41Z

Seattle, WA -- My boy Derek was in town from late Friday night through the New Year. I was so happy to see him again and couldn't imagine a better way to bring in 2008 save for one exception... I would have preferred Christopher had been able to join us New Year's Eve. I've missed him this weekend and was looking forward to seeing him when he got off work last night.

Saying goodbye to Derek yesterday afternoon was tough, but we had a wonderful time together this weekend. The connection we share is of a nature I have never experienced before and I cherish the time we can spend together. We played a lot at home and talked for hours but also got plenty of social time in as well.

Saturday evening we joined brother Gene and his boy Mitch for Berry & Timm's holiday party then out to the Cuff. The party was a blast and we made a spectacle of ourselves at the bar. I guess I'm an exhibitionist. I like to help create a show. I'm pretty sure that's way I got into theater, one of the reasons I decided to do 'art films' and why I enjoy playing in semi-public environments. I love showing off the skills I've learned and get off on entertaining the people I care about.

Speaking of the people I care about, on Sunday Derek and I joined brother Odie and his boy Aaron for dinner then hooked up with Gene and his boy Mitch at the Cuff for what I like to call Mass with the Sisters on Coat Check. The six of us were trouble by the half-dozen. I love to play with my brothers, Gene and Odie. We talked about the future of SML, played with our boys and Odie put me out with a chokehold. While there my boy Rich who works security at the Cuff, gave me a gift bag containing lead weights and twelve, red & black wrist bands that say, "ragazzo del babbo' for the boys.

Derek and I went to Max & Matisse's party for New Year's Eve and brought in 2008 by carving my initials in his chest (photos above). After waiting a while for the wounds to clot, we had a good punching scene punctuated with electrical blasts from the remote controlled dog-training collar. It was a heavy scene that left the boy rather fried and me quite drained. Odie & Aaron were playing next to us in the space, another display of heavy BDSM action. It was beautiful. It was the best New Years I've ever had thanks in large part to Max & Matisse.

Personal Website Launched

2007-12-31T00:27:20Z

Seattle, WA -- You may have noticed that my last couple of entries were post-dated. I don't generally like to do this, but I've been completing content for the launch of my new personal website at tonyBuff.com.

Back in September, my boy Z (Jake Zukowski) told me he wanted to gift me the design and hosting of a personal website. Jake is an accomplished user experience designer and I jumped on the offer. We've been working together for the past few months on the site and now it's up and running. He's done an amazing job and I'm really happy with the results.

My blog entries comprise the core of the site's content. It also includes photo galleries, details about the 'art films' I've done, biographical information, links to various press pieces and a calendar of up coming events.

I'll be posting directly to the site moving forward but will probably set up a feed into my LiveJournal. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Post-Christmas Post

2007-12-31T00:24:33Z

Seattle, WA -- About five years ago, I stopped celebrating the Christmas holiday. No big family gatherings. No indulging in the commercialism of the season. While the madness of the holidays cannot be completely avoided, I am happy to report the last few days have been very enjoyable.

Monday night I took Christopher to meet up with brother Odie and his boy Aaron at the Eagle. The four of us created quite a spectacle. Are you catching a recurring motif? That's Christopher in a modified Kotobu Ryo Tekubi (modified in that there is no crotch rope). Odie followed suit with Aaron and then another boy. I love to see boys in bondage. It's a true pleasure.

Around midnight, the four of us along with another boy we met at the bar went down to Lady Lydia's dungeon and played until about dawn. Christopher got a taste of the six-foot bullwhip as a warm-up. The boy is definitely developing a palette for heavier play. He took the lashings free standing with no restraints. We closed the morning with a suspension scene.

Yesterday Christopher went out to his parents so I took Jeff to the Runes for dinner. The Runes is a whimsical, private supper club here in Seattle. They put on a wonderful holiday experience. We had cocktails, a four-course meal and Champaign at a quiet table for two. I really enjoy Jeff's company and I'm happy he was able to join me.

All in all, I spent the last few days doing the things I love with people I care about. No drama. No issues. No stress. The only thing missing was Derek, but I'll get to bring in the new year with him.

Needles for Christopher

2007-12-31T00:21:46Z

Seattle, WA -- Testing the new floating bondage table went exceedingly well. I had promised first blood to Christopher (pictured right and below) and we finally had an opportunity to run a needle scene Thursday morning. The boy was excited and definitely in the right headspace.

After setting up I improvised a configuration to string weights from using bungee cords, four carabineers and a suspension ring. Typically, I've seen crib bars on bungee cords for this purpose, but the arrangement worked fine so there's no immediate need to find another solution.

We ran about fifty needles all together starting with 25-gage and quickly working up to 19-gage. The weights were used to maintain stimulation until it was time to extract the needles and bring the scene to an end. As promised, Christopher's blood was the first spilt on the new table. From the look on his face I will assume he was pleased.

Last night, Christopher was off so I took him to the Eagle. We had some fun entertaining the locals with a little rope work. Christopher looks good in an ebi (shrimp tie) on top a speaker.