StevieB: Defending Socrates' Virtue

By StevieB

In my mind I am waging a heated war. In my mind.

The unlawful combatant that is preemptively attacking my reinforced boarder, you ask? My Ancient Philosophy Professor. Okay, so mostly I’m killing him twice weekly with my mind powers. Okay, so I’m mostly staring down his evil gaze whilst he attempts to teach me Plato’s Republic. Yes, I’m learning new definitions and arguments for how we as a society define our concepts of “intent” verses “action” but, still that’s not the point. I hate this professor with every fiber of my knowledge yearning being.

The most important thing to pass along to you in this blog post is that, yes; it is widely known that Socrates liked his guys young. Real young. But, in Protagoras, by Plato I have learned that Socrates was not a Pedophile. It is clearly written that Socrates’ latest boyfriend has a beard. Stating that his taste in men is when the beard first grows in on the face. But, heaven forbid you bring this fact up in the middle of class! This Professor sure likes to box up the world’s strongest and most quoted philosopher as a boy licker. Lasers shot from my eyes. In my mind.

Okay, this isn’t really the reason I want him dead. It is because I wrote an eight page paper on the concept of Akrasia. You know, the state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgment through weakness of will. I stopped myself from using example of dating dudes ten-fifteen years younger to explain this concept. Instead maintained a professional tone. At the end of this project I submitted a paper I was really proud to complete. I got a C. Okay, a C-. I would share with you why I got such a low grade, based upon his full-page hand written tear down, but I cannot possible read his handwriting. I can make out “I know you can do better than this…” What??? You don’t know me!!! Jerk. Upon my failure to read his comments, he then announced that he will not review any student papers. “Not my policy.” He stupidly announced. 

I have one more paper to write before the semester ends on the 13th of December. I’m sure “I can do better” not that I know what that is.

Small Business Saturday: Shop Small at More Than 175 Small Retailers in Cherry Creek North

In 2010, American Express founded Small Business Saturday to help businesses flourish by encouraging people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In 2016, 112 million people shopped at small businesses around the country on the day and spent an estimated $15.4 billion. Seventy percent of the retailers in Cherry Creek North are small businesses.

In celebration of Small Business Saturday and with proof of purchase, Cherry Creek North will be giving away four CCN gift cards, two valued at $250 and two valued at $500. After making a purchase at a Cherry Creek North business on November 25, visitors can stop by the Small Business Saturday Headquarters at 2nd Avenue and Fillmore Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., show a receipt and be entered for a chance to win.

When visiting Cherry Creek North, it’s easy to park or valet once and walk the 16 blocks to everything Cherry Creek North has to offer. Many public parking garage options include $5 flat rates on weekends and evenings or valet opportunities at numerous locations throughout the area. Many small businesses offer free parking for customers and visitors can also hail a free Eco-Ride USA cart at Moxy Denver Cherry Creek, which is offering free parking for the first 30 cars, and ride for free to their favorite local business in the area.

For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit the website, or the Facebook, Twitter (@AmericanExpress) or Instagram accounts (@ShopSmall). Take part in the conversation using the hashtag #ShopSmall.

Are You Gay With Something To Say? Bloggers Wanted For Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Are you a new or experienced writer or blogger? Do you want to be? Or maybe you're just some gay guy with something to say? Well, what better forum for you than MileHighGayGuy?

MileHighGayGuy is looking for regular and guest bloggers to write about local news and events, do music and movie reviews, or write opinion or feature pieces from a gay perspective.

These are unpaid positions but offer the opportunity to be published in Colorado's Best Gay Blog (2010, 2011, 2012 OUTstanding Awards, Denver 2012 #WebAwards), expand your audience and gain valuable experience. There's also swag available in the form of free movie and concert tickets, music, books and other cool stuff.

If interested, shoot an email over to Drew Wilson at drew@milehighgayguy.com. And if you've got column or story ideas to pitch, this is the place to do it.

Koelbel Urban Homes: The New Modern in Denver

Koelbel Urban Homes (KUH) has quickly emerged as a leader in creating urban neighborhoods that promote community and synergy by integrating life, work and play.

As the newest division of legendary developer Koelbel and Company, KUH is focused on in-fill properties, designing and building innovative homes tailored to each unique site.

Offered homes run the gamut of detached single-family homes to svelte modern attached designs featuring today's popular spaces, such as rooftop decks and open-plan concepts. All KUH homes, of course, are designed for optimum living and with respect for the surroundings.

Upcoming Webinar: Connect for Health Colorado 101

Do you or someone you know still need to get health insurance for 2018? Do you have questions about Colorado’s open enrollment period and how to use our state's exchange, Connect for Health Colorado? Are you a transgender Coloradan worried about getting coverage for the care you need?

Join One Colorado and the Colorado Health Network on Wednesday, December 6th, 2017 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM for a webinar on navigating Colorado’s health insurance landscape as an LGBTQ individual. During the webinar, you’ll learn how to get enrolled in the best insurance plan for your needs, about the policies and protections in place for you as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer patient, and get other important resources and deadlines for this year’s open enrollment season. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask a health navigator questions related to your care and review the 2018 Transgender Health Insurance Buyer’s Guide.

Time is running out! You must enroll by December 15th if you want to have health insurance coverage as of January 1, 2018, and open enrollment ends for everyone else on January 12th, 2018.

Honor Transgender Resilience Today

Today, November 20, we remember those transgender and gender non-conforming people who have been killed by violence in the last year, and celebrate the resilience, strength and beauty of the trans community.

Tonight, we encourage you to join trans people and their allies at a vigil in your community for the 18th annual Trans Day of Remembrance (TDOR), an event to commemorate transgender and gender non-conforming people murdered by anti-trans violence worldwide.

2017 has been the deadliest year on record for the trans community in the US, with over 26 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed by violence— almost all of whom were Black, Latinx, American Indian, immigrants and/or disabled. This continued a tragic pattern from the last 2 years, each of which were previously the deadliest years on record.

Yet during this tragic time, when we’re so frequently fighting against attacks on our communities, art has the power to show us who and what we’re fighting for.

Our vision is a world where everyone can be their full selves, in every aspect of their identities, without fear of discrimination, harassment or violence That’s why, for four years, we’ve partnered with Forward Together’ to create a space for transgender and gender non-conforming artists of color to celebrate their identities.

This year, 10 visual artists and writers of color from across the country created five stunning images and five gorgeous poems for TDOR. We hope you’ll join us in lifting up their visions of trans liberation.​

Will you SHARE this year’s TDOR artwork and writing with two people you know to show your love for and solidarity with trans communities?

Best Things to Buy on Black Friday’ Report: 10% of Items Offer No Savings

Source: WalletHub

With 53 percent of American consumers saying that Black Friday no longer offers the best deals of the year, the personal-finance website WalletHub took an in-depth look at 2017's Best Things to Buy on Black Friday. WalletHub determined that 10 percent of items offer no savings compared with their pre-Black Friday prices.

To find out whether shoppers are really getting the best deals, WalletHub analysts compared the “Pre-Black Friday Price” against the actual Black Friday price of a broad selection of items. In doing so, WalletHub identified the offers that are truly worth the hassle of partaking in the year’s biggest shopping craze.
  Top 10 Deals (Additional Discount for Waiting Until Black Friday)
 

1	Dell™ Inspiron 15 5000 Gaming Laptop ($369)		6	HP Z240 Tower Workstation ($1,234)
2	Sony - 70" Class Smart - 4K Ultra HD TV ($800)		7	Disney Minnie Mouse Hot Rod Coupe 12 Volt ($291)
3	Whirlpool 6.4-Cu.-Ft. Electric Range ($316)		8	Lifetime Combo-Four 8'  Tables and 32 Chairs ($459)
4	Canon EOS REBEL T6 DSLR Camera ($300)		9	Kenmore 26.1-cu.ft. Side-By-Side Refrigerator ($551)
5	Vitamix A3500 Blender #062944 ($250)		10	HP PageWide Pro 477dw Printer ($200)

 

Top 5 Product Categories			Worst 5 Product Categories
1	Books, Movies and Music (53%)		6	Consumer Electronics (16%)
2	Video Games (only the software) (38%)		7	All Other Product Categories (12%)
3	Toys (24%)		8	Furniture (8%)
T-4	Consumer Packaged Goods (19%)		T-9	Apparel & Accessories (7%)
T-4	Computers and Phones (19%)		T-9	Jewelry (7%)

For the full report, click here. And for the latest Black Friday deals (updated daily), click here.

Trey Pearson - Love Is Love

 

Openly gay artist Trey Pearson has released the music video for "Love Is Love," the title track off of his debut solo pop album, available now.
 
Trey says, "I wanted the music video to be a tribute to all LGBTQ sacred spaces. Gay bars and queer spaces have been a refuge for me over this last year, and it is where I have been able rebuild my life after losing so much when I came out. I'm overjoyed to be able to make a video about a gay love song that takes pride in these spaces that mean so much for our community."

Recently, Trey came out of the closet to make national news. His announcement started a national conversation with a television appearance on The View. It has been covered by The New York Times, Billboard, CNN and more, as he became the #1 trending topic worldwide on Facebook. Trey cites his journey of coming out - from the initial pain to eventual freedom - as the inspiration that lead to the creation of his upcoming album.

Why I stand with LGBTQ youth and One Colorado

By Tracy Selph

I am an ally, a parent, and a teacher who has seen firsthand the positive impact that inclusive and supportive school environments have in a child’s life and community. I started teaching in 1991 and through the privilege of getting to know hundreds of families, I’ve learned how important it is that all children feel supported at home and in school. That’s why I’m proud to work with organizations like One Colorado who are committed to protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students.

Support One Colorado’s safe schools program by scheduling your Colorado Gives Day donation today.

As a teacher and parent, I work with One Colorado to create Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) at different schools in Jefferson County. In addition to professional training for educators, GSAs are one of the best ways a school can guarantee an inclusive and supportive environment for our LGBTQ youth and One Colorado works in communities across the state to make sure that every student has access to a supportive student club.

  We want our schools to provide a quality education and a supportive environment for our children. For LGBTQ youth, the typical school day brings even greater challenges in addition to the enormous stress of balancing academics, athletics, work, home, and social lives. Our state needs advocates like One Colorado to show students that they’re not alone and that they have allies.
 
  One Colorado is an essential link in educating our school community, creating social connections for the LGBTQ community, and advocating for equal protections with legislators and businesses.

Whether it’s with our vote, our actions, or our wallets, let’s support LGBTQ Coloradans and their families this year on Colorado Gives Day. Please consider a gift to One Colorado’s vital work in empowering LGBTQ students.

Do You Want To Reach Denver's Gay Community? Advertise With Denver's Best Gay Blog!

Do you want to advertise to Denver’s gay community? Of course you do, it’s the 7th largest in the United States! And the best way to reach them is with MileHighGayGuy – Colorado’s Best Gay Blog.
 
Just click the Advertising page or email sales@milehighgayguy.com to get started today.

A Peek Inside Undies & Lube - the Gay Underwear Store

Undies & Lube is not an underwear store, it's a gay underwear store. 

To the average man, underwear is a utility. Something they need. For gay men, however, underwear is often much more. It's a big part of the show - used to display the goods, make a statement, and get that hottie's attention.

The Undies & Lube team is mostly gay men. So they know that underwear only part of the experience. Eventually you want the underwear to come off. As a gay underwear store, Undies & Lube provides gay men with information and tools for great sexual adventures ... in addition to stylish underwear.

We spoke with Undies & Lube to find out what's hot, what's not, and what's new in the world of mens underwear.
 
What are some of the most popular trends and brands in underwear these days?
A fantastic underwear trend we're seeing right now is the fusion of comfort and style. Sometimes underwear that looks great isn't comfortable to wear all days.

That's starting to change with new fabrics and cuts. We greatly appreciate this trend on days when you're hoping to find some fun. But not sure when (or where) it will happen.

New pouch construction is another great trend. Gone are the days of smashing your junk against your body. These new pouches keep your boys from your body. Keeping you cooler, avoiding swamp crotch, and even making them look better.

Any types of underwear guys should stay away from?
Of course there are trends of which cuts are shrinking in popularity and those that are growing. We just recommend staying away from underwear that you're not comfortable wearing.

We believe that confidence is the most attractive quality in a man. That includes being confident in the underwear you choose to wear because you want to. Not because the majority of guys say you should.

Know yourself and be confident in yourself. That's when you'll be the most attractive.

What should be in the well-stocked underwear drawer? The well-stocked underwear drawer should have a variety of pieces. Pairs that match the occasion, activity, or your mood.

Your "every day" underwear should be comfortable for work, sitting, and walking. We recommend a modal spandex or supplex nylon fabrics. 2Undr and 2(x)ist offer great modal spandex underwear. Cocksox uses supplex nylon in their underwear.

Your underwear drawer should have pairs that make you FEEL sexy. These could be jockstraps, jockbriefs, or even thongs. But they should feel different than your every day underwear.

Through the day, you'll notice the different feeling of the underwear. When that happens, remind yourself how sexy you are feeling. And believe it. It's a real confidence booster.

Own a few pairs of underwear that make a statement and show personality. These are the pairs that you wear to the underwear parties or events. They should communicate your interests or personality. Such as humor, sports, or activities.

Wearing these pairs makes it easier for that random cutie to start a conversation with you. Jor offers a wide variety of conversation starting designs and styles. 

And how do we know when it's finally time to retire a pair of underwear?
When there are un-intentional holes or un-enjoyable stains. Unless you're into that look.

What do you do you underwear experts know that we underwear civilians do not?
When we started, our biggest surprise was the amount of variety of pouch sizes in men's underwear. It makes sense since we all know men vary in "size." But we hadn't paid much attention to it before. It's not something other underwear stores and companies talk about either.

We are working on a shopping guide to help guys decide which pairs show their goods the best. Based on their size and the look they're going for. We all know presentation is important. 

What else should readers of MileHighGayGuy know about Undies & Lube?
Our goal is to give gay men the right tools for great sexual adventures. Information is one of the most meaningful tools. Our blog contains huge amounts of helpful information about gay sex.

There are two massive articles about lubes every gay man should read ... Ultimate Lube Introduction for any Position, Pleasure and Passion and Best lube for 9 kinds of sex and ultimate pleasure.  We are adding more posts all the time. Check it out often. Or follow us on Twitter or Instagram for updates.

High Tea & Fall Lavender Graduation

Victory Fund Endorses Jared Polis in Colorado Governor’s Race

Today Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, endorsed Jared Polis in the Colorado gubernatorial race. If elected in 2018, Polis would become the first openly LGBTQ person to serve as governor of Colorado and one of the highest-ranking LGBTQ elected officials in the country.

Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement about Polis’ endorsement:

"We are thrilled to endorse Jared Polis in his historic bid to become Colorado's next governor. Jared is someone we can all count on to fight and win the tough battles. Whether as an entrepreneur creating hundreds of jobs, a superintendent at a school for vulnerable kids, or a representative fighting on the front lines for LGBTQ equality, Jared's entire career has been defined by turning bold ideas into real results for Americans from all walks of life. Jared broke a barrier when he became the first openly gay person ever elected to Congress, and we will be proud to stand by him when he becomes the first openly gay person to be elected governor."

Victory Fund will provide campaign, fundraising and other support to Polis as an endorsed candidate. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of openly LGBTQ candidates win local, state and federal elections.

Exclusive: Pentagon to Pay for Surgery for Transgender Soldier

By NBC News’ Courtney Kube (@ckubeNBC)

An active-duty service member was to undergo gender transition surgery Tuesday in the first such procedure approved under a waiver allowing the Pentagon to pay for the operation, according to a Defense Department document.

The patient is an infantry soldier who identifies as a woman, according to a source close to the service member. She got her Combat Infantry Badge in Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in 2003, the source said.

Vice Admiral Raquel Bono, head of the Defense Health Agency, which provides medical care to active-duty personnel, approved the waiver request for the surgery Monday, defense officials said.

NBC News has reached out to the Pentagon and is awaiting comment.

In August, President Donald Trump signed a memo to halt future funding for sex-reassignment surgery and also bar the Pentagon from accepting transgender recruits. Two organizations filed lawsuits challenging the move, and a federal judge blocked both bans last month.

A RAND Corporation study last year found that allowing transgender people to serve openly in the military would "have minimal impact on readiness and health care costs."

The study estimated there are between 1,320 and 6,530 active-duty members out of 1.3 million service members, and predicted that hormone treatments and surgeries would cost about $2.4 to $8.4 million a year — a tiny sliver of the Pentagon budget.

"Like NPR On Poppers"

The Food 4 Thot podcast will debut their second season on December 10, after a much-anticipated wait from its global audience and highly dedicated following on social media. This season will also be distributed in partnership with INTO, Grindr’s newly-minted digital lifestyle magazine for the global LGBTQ community, and will now take the big step of being weekly instead of biweekly. This media partnership is the first of its kind in the queer media world. INTO and Food 4 Thot are doing things differently by joining forces to continue a shared mission of diversifying LGBT representation with intellectual rigor to the current administration.

Self-described as “like NPR, on poppers,” this independently distributed roundtable discussion podcast quickly became the indie darling of the podcasting world hit #19 on iTunes within its first month, beating heavy hitters like Malcolm Gladwell and Lena Dunham on the podcasting charts, and garnering press from places like Vice, Vulture, AV Club, and The New Yorker. Its audience is vast, gaining listenership in places where it’s illegal to be queer, like Australia, China, Uganda, and Saudi Arabia.

“Working with INTO is a thot-crossover come true. It’s such a relief to work with a brand that shares the same value sets in sex-positivity, multiplicity of perspective in the queer community, thought-provoking queer content, resistance, and incorporation of trans and nonbinary voices,” says co-host Fran Tirado. “We have a lot of surprises in store, and we’re positively stoked.”

“Over at INTO we have all been great fans of Food 4 Thot since the premiere episode for its fab hosts, hot topics and exemplary writing,” said INTO Editor-in-Chief, Zach Stafford. “This partnership is an example of INTO’s openness to partnering with the broader LGBT media community to bring only the best in queer writing, information and culture to our readers.