It’s me. I’m back. No more gratuitous links like this or this or even this. A heartfelt thanks to my guest blogger for the weekend, who, by the sounds of it, may be bloggin’ away at his own home one of these days.

It’s official: I’m on Ian’s official list of Minnesota blogs. I’m deathly afraid of what the “description” of my blog will turn out to be … all I can say is what Ian has right now (Sit amet, consectetaur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat) is quite appropriate, seeing how I majored in Latin and all.

When I agreed to serve as substitute blogger for a few days, our hostess said, “I can’t wait to hear all about your weekend with Chris!” Well, honey! Here ya go. (And, lest I shock, the following post is rated PG-13 for the inclusion of gay themes.)

Saturday, I was meeting some friends from Louisville so that we might attend the Northalsted Market Days Street Fair (or something close to that effect). North Halsted is the heart of what is commonly referred to as “Boystown” in the Windy City and the August street fair is pretty much like Gay Pride: Part Two, except there isn’t a parade.

Most of the day was spent wandering the streets, enjoying the booths, music and shopping. At some point, we were approached by an activist for the Human Rights Campaign. And just to squash any rumors or gossip that heads your way, it should be known that I have made contributions to the HRC in the past and I strongly support their diligent work in the fight for equality. My decision to renew my membership this weekend has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that this particular activist was about as charming as could be and looked a bit like . . . .

After freshening up and dining, we headed out to the clubs around 11 p.m. We began at Circuit (formerly, the Vortex). It was rather hot and lound and pretty much what you’d expect from any night club. (Although, I suppose all the shirtless, gay, eighteen year-olds may be slightly different than some Fresh! readers are used to.) Next it was off to the Lucky Horseshoe where no one in our little group found anything remotely resembling luck. We swiftly went on to Spin where things were beginning to wind down. By 3 a.m., the ugly lights were starting to rise and our stamina was failing. It was the end of the evening for all.

And that’s about it. And what a riveting tale it was.

Before leaving today, I did need to share just a bit of gossip. I’m sure you’re all wondering why the Fresh! Madam has been neglecting her duties this weekend. Well! I’m certainly not one to spread rumors, BUT it seems that Ms. Fresh has been a little preoccupied lately by a certain young man. Diligent readers of Fresh! will of course be shocked to hear this news since this little sweetie of hers has yet to be given adequate recognition on this site. But I digress. It seems that Ms. F has taken away for the weekend in order to meet with certain familial relations to Mr. Sweetie. Personally, I believe Fresh! readers deserve a full blog about the entire trip, don’t you?

That’s right! The keys to the old blogger-mobile have been tossed in my direction. And I can’t wait to take this baby out for a test spin!

Alas, I am running short on time, so I’m resorting to the lazy writer solution to deadlines: a list. Namely a list of thoughts after watching the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia.

I Liked George W.’s description of the wall between the prosperous and less prosperous in our nation. I thought it was beautifully written, capably delivered and extraordinarily important.

I Disliked the Britney-like outfits worn by the Dubya daughters. You’re still Republicans, dears! Less skin! More smiles!

I Liked Colin Powell reminding the audience that if they object to racial preferences for the poorest members of our society, than they should detest the blatant priveleges given to our most powerful and wealthy.

I Disliked being talked to like a third grader.

I Liked George P. Bush.

I Really Disliked the fact that this party may have succeeded selling the American people a view of the Republican Party that cares about education, the poor and racial issues when, at every opportunity to make a difference on these issues, their Congressional representatives stand in opposition. I dislike the harsh contrast between the words of this appealing (and, I like to think) genuine, candidate and the actions of his party brethren.

End of Soapbox! Happy Saturday.

I’m leaving for the weekend and have left Fresh! in good hands. I think. We’ll find out Monday. Cheerio, all!

The rest of my Torchlight Parade pictures are now up. None any more exciting than the first batch, but I do take a liking to this one. You gotta love a man swinging a live snake around.

The digital camera which I finally ordered has been oversold, so it will be a few weeks before I can get the pierced navel pictures online. (Oh, did I mention I pierced my navel?)

Because I’m busy, that’s why.