San Diego Leather Pride 2007 is just about put to bed, and they’re already working on Leather Pride 2008. You didn’t think they’d take a break, did you? Hell no! Real leather people don’t take breaks unless they’re novices who use “safe words.”

These people work hard and know that S and M means “shut up and make do.” Here’s hoping next year the “Ss” actually shut up and let the doers do. Wouldn’t that be nice for a change?

Leather Pride 2007 broke the attendance and financial records of all time, and if you missed it – don’t do it again! Mark your calendars now for Leather Pride 2008 taking place March 5-16. The specifics are being worked out, so check www.mrsandiegoleather.net for updates.

MEGAWOOF! was in town from London a few weeks ago, and the “hunks who funk” rocked our asses. Seeing hot, hairy men getting dirty on the dance floor warms the cockles of my heart. (There was going to be a joke in here about Elbow Grease Hot Light warming my “cockle,” but I’m leaving it out since it would be cut by my editor anyway.) Come to think of it, there were quite a few warm “cockles” and really, really friendly men willing to share them! Ah, men sharing and giving freely of themselves. It just chokes me up! Tito, give me a tissue.

If you missed MEGAWOOF! – don’t do it again! More dance parties will be coming our way. There are plans to bring one of the infamous Tom of Finland parties to San Diego, so get your “cockles” ready. You have been warned!

Now that we’re talking parties, a couple weekends ago, Mr. L.A. Leather Week took over Southern California, and in the words of the late, great Ed Sullivan, “It was a really big shoooo!” What else would you expect from L.A. besides bar parties, huge dance parties, bus tours, S&M demos, an awards dinner and a street fair? Somewhere in the mix was a contest with 10 contestants. Yes, 10 contestants! The new Mr. L.A. Leather is Mikel Gerle. I’m sure he’s heard all the jokes about his name, but if leather men were able to have a sense of humor without threatening the stability of the entire leather universe, we’d all be giggling over the fact that Mr. L.A. Leather’s name is Mikel Gerle! Congratulations, Mr. Gerle!

Mr. San Diego Leather 2007’s name is Lee Butler. Now that’s a butch leather man name if I’ve ever heard one. Even last year’s “Buster” is sort of butch – if you say it right. Buster is planning a Winner’s Circle party for Lee and the new Ms Leather, Alissa Mae, on Friday the 13th at the San Diego Eagle. The Winner’s Circle party begins at 9 p.m., and Buster has promised to do something other than the usual “congratulations” party that we all dread but are afraid to admit.

Could exciting and new bar parties in San Diego become a trend? First, MEGAWOOF! and now this. Just when I’ve discovered video chat on Bigmuscle.com we have to start going out again. It’ll be like the old days when we met real people face-to-face. It’s been so long. Will we know how to act?

The next night at the Eagle, boy ron will be stepping down as Knight of Leather – finally! In all my years of leatherness, I’ve never heard of the title, but I understand San Diego needs a Knight of Leather to act as a liaison between the Imperial Court and the leather people. Can you believe there’s a title in San Diego that doesn’t exist in L.A., San Francisco, D.C. or anywhere in Florida? Their leather people either don’t want a liaison to the Imperial Court or… I think they just don’t want a liaison to the Imperial Court.

Speaking of Imperial Courts, Nicole was at the Mr. San Diego Leather Contest and is very supportive of the San Diego leather community. Guess that Knight of Leather thing works after all. Maybe L.A., San Francisco, D.C. or anywhere in Florida should try it. Just what they need – another title. San Diego could host the first International Knight of Leather Contest. We know it’ll happen sooner or later!

Thanks Nicole for all you do and especially thank you for your support. We appreciate it. And for those people who find reasons to criticize you, tell them to read my last column in Rocket issue 049! Damned cockroaches!

See ya at the Winner’s Circle, Knight of Leather Contest and In The Pit. You can always e-mail me at inthepitsd@aol.com.