Shopping with the Buffed

First, a note on World AIDS Day. I've only known one person who has died of AIDS-related complications. That was Paul, who was the first drum major I had in college. I currently know one or two people living with HIV right now, but I'll have to admit, the disease hasn't really made a major impact on my life, personally. When you consider culturally what this plague has done though, the effect is devastating, and it's getting worse. The current state of AIDS in Africa is alarming, and it's not a "gay thing" there. I know some would diss President Bush's proposal for $15 million for AIDS relief in Africa as a hollow gesture, especially since there hasn't been much support from this administration for AIDS related causes at home. True, but what helps them, helps us. The biggest disappointment is that Bush's promise was probably made with the knowledge that it would never make it through Congress, and so it sits.

Well, I have to get moving, so here's one story from the weekend.

On saturday, Chris (oakleycub) had to work, so Matty (mattycub), Randy (rooooo), Sean (schnitz_mi), Skye (cristalskye) and I went out to have a late brunch and went off to shop, as Matty needed some new jeans. We went by Super Gay Restoration Hardware and saw Chris working there amongst the over-priced objects (but he sold a lot, and we're very proud). Sean had been there the day before to check out one of Chris' co-workers, and found him totally creepy, as advertised. It was fun to see Sean try to hide behind Christmas Trees as to not be seen by Creepy Larry.

We crossed the street to the Galleria, and at Abercrombie and Fitch that had three shirtless models. The Models, obviously working to attract the young girl and confused boy crowds A&F seem to sell shirts too, were buffed and Naired perfectly. I'll admit some attraction as Muscle and Fitness Magazine was my first gay porn. These guys would never look my way anyway, so no big deal. Randy suggested that we go get our picture taken with them and take our shirts off, too.

Too bad we didn't do that.

We went to the Levi's store with it's overpriced jeans (the regular ones are towards the back) and watched as Matty tried on several pairs. It was obvious we were all commenting on how Matty's rear looked in each pair. A bearish salesman came to help and was totally flirting with Matty, as Sean was trying to flirt with the salesman. Matty was trying to stay out of the whole thing as Randy was there, and Matty was not trying to pick someone up right then. Sean was making a big effort. Skye was trying to tell the clerk that Matty was single. I was looking at the younger guy who was still folding stuff. I have no idea weather Matty found him attractive or not.

As we were leaving the Galleria, we noticed that the A&F models were gone. we assumed they must be on break, re-waxing and oiling themselves. Matty stated that they were "getting some water and throwing up lunch." Heh.

Nice weekend. good to see Chris, and still, there wasn't enough Chris due to the big after Thanksgiving shopping hell. Oh well.

Needing a New Headlamp for the Car

From the "greeters" to the too-full aisles,
to the long lines and stupid "smiles",

With broken products and people who won't help,
the miles-long hike is enough to take the jolly from this big elf.

With trailer-park trash selling the clapper,
and another in express with 50, don't you want to slap her?

With Kathy-Lee fashions and 40 gallon drums,
you still have little to sell me, not even the guns.

I hate you Wal-Mart, from your toys to your tires,
I wouldn't really care if your superstore caught fire.