The Sling Room Upgrade

[+ Lucky]

The Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago is the scene of this weekend's Mr. International Leather Contest, a now legendary annual event. Not being into leather myself, I have some curiosity about the event as it is so popular and talked about. I found this article in the San Francisco BAR newspaper which I thought you might enjoy as much as I did:

 

That toddlin' town Mister Marcus

Published 05/24/2007

by Mister Marcus

 

Even as you read this, hordes of leather men and women are standing in line at the registration desk of the Palmer House Hilton, one of Chicago's best hotels. It's the 29th edition of International Mr. Leather, and people from all over the world are arriving almost every minute to participate in the festivities of the world's biggest leather contest. The staff at the Palmer House is a "seasoned" one. The leather community has been here before. They've all been through it, and newer employees have been briefed on what to expect from a big, boisterous crowd that is hell-bent on having a great time.

 

The hospitality staff and bellhops know what to expect when they see hammock-like slings set up; an array of "toys" laid out and awaiting the "action" sure to take place. The hotel bartenders and restaurant staff know they will get good tips from this crowd and the management is not a bit nervous.

 

Tomorrow night (Friday, May 25) at the opening ceremonies, expect the general manager to address and welcome the crowd. This bonanza of leather folk bodes well for the city of Chicago, with its magnificent architecture, cultural ambiance, and the friendliest of natives. It's a given that if you don't have a good time in Chicago on IML weekend, it's your own fault. The leather bars and other venues are geared up for the invasion and you can expect to stand in long lines to get in anywhere. It's in keeping with the slogan: "Keep Chicago Green. Bring money."

 

Inside, some 50 contestants will not admit that they are a bit nervous. After all, this is the Big Ball Game for leather. The judges are here, perusing the application forms of the hopefuls. Billy Lane, the judges' coordinator, has his crew prepared to make sure the judges are where they are supposed to be.

 

Joey MacDonald, the contestant coordinator, has his crew prepared to brief the contestants, make sure they are where they are supposed to be at all times and help them with any problems they may encounter. The deadliest sin any contestant can commit is not to be where they are supposed to be and not to be on time. It could be a cause for disqualification. It has happened before.

 

Each contestant starts at zero points. The interviews and the "Pecs & Personality" segments will determine who will make the cut and emerge in the Top 20. The Top 20 is announced on Sunday night after all the contestants are introduced and spec

The young, energetic ad-lib king, Brad Balof will be the Master of Ceremonies at IML 2007 in Chicago this weekend. He wowed the crowd last year.Meet Paul Freeman, Mr. North Woods Leather who will be among the IML 2007 Class this weekend in Chicago.

ial announcements are made. Except for the announcement of the winner of the title, this segment is one of the most suspenseful of the weekend.

 

Some men have had their titles for over a year. Some have just made it under the wire by winning their titles a little more than a month ago. It can be a blow to the ego of some; others will be surprised they made the cut. Some will create a scene and stomp away from the venue in a rage. There will always be the utterance(s): "How did he make the cut?" Or, "How could they not choose me?" Various reasons are postulated every year and it is also a given that a different set of judges would probably have picked a different set of men to go on in the competition.

 

It's difficult to predict who might prevail. Every once in a while, there is one man who stands out over the entire IML class. I've seen it happen on more than one occasion.

 

As soon as the contestants are introduced, people start speculating, making bets, and cheering loudly for their particular favorite. While the judges are not aware of the crowd favorite(s), they alone have had the opportunity to interview each one. They know that in spite of good looks, great physiques and outgoing personalities, this is not the best choice to make. It's a crapshoot for sure. You never know who will be lucky enough to grab the golden ring and win it all.

 

Almost as soon as IML 29 is over, the planning for next year begins. In 2008, IML will reach its 30th anniversary. The Palmer House Hilton will be the host hotel and you can expect a spectacular 30th anniversary edition of everyone's favorite leather competition.

 

As for the contestants, it is hoped their sponsors, producers, and their own community have prepared them for the competition. It is prudent to learn not only about the leather lifestyle, but information on the judges, the current national and international news and developments in legislation on both foreign governments and U.S. After all, this is an international competition.

 

Leather makers from one end of the world to the other have been producing leather apparel for the contestants. You'll see innovative outfits and, of course, there are always a few that are "unclear on the concept" and show up in western gear, rubber, and brown leathers. Some with an exhibitionist bent choose to strut around all venues in as little as possible. One year, a contestant from Italy made the error of appearing in all segments in suede outfits. It was all stunningly fashioned, but suede is not considered leather as far as IML judges are concerned. It will be interesting to see what the contestant from Italy this year will wear.

 

Of course, probably not all of the contestants have read the two bibles of leather competition, the book by former IML Guy Baldwin and the book by former IMsL Jill Carter. These two tomes give helpful hints and suggestions to anyone who is competing for a leather title at any level, but are just as helpful for IML contenders.

 

And so it goes. IML 2007 is in progress. By Sunday evening in your time zone, the winner and new icon will be known. It is prudent to wish them all well in the competition. May the best man win!

[+ deej]

One of the funniest things I've ever seen in the Palmer House was two blue-haired old ladies, obviously in the hotel a day longer than their travel agent intended, who observed the sign saying "LEATHER MART" going up.

 

They looked at each other and squealed "FURNITURE!" and made a bee-line for that escalator.

[Guest zipperzone]

>The young, energetic ad-lib king, Brad Balof will be the

>Master of Ceremonies at IML 2007 in Chicago this weekend. He

>wowed the crowd last year.

 

I'm sure he will do a great job.

 

Personally I find all this leather stuff to be a little bit "over the top" My twisted mind would love the MC to be Ryan Seacrest. Wonder how he would handle it?

[+ purplekow]

>>The young, energetic ad-lib king, Brad Balof will be the

>>Master of Ceremonies at IML 2007 in Chicago this weekend. He

>>wowed the crowd last year.

>

>I'm sure he will do a great job.

>

>Personally I find all this leather stuff to be a little bit

>"over the top" My twisted mind would love the MC to be Ryan

>Seacrest. Wonder how he would handle it?

 

Would give his signature signoff a new meaning: "Seacrest Out"

 

 

I have never seen a purplekow;

I never hope to see one;

I can tell you anyhow;

I'd rather see than be one

 

Help there is a purplekow in my mirror

[Guest zipperzone]

>Would give his signature signoff a new meaning: "Seacrest

>Out"

 

I think he probably is gay. How unfortunate for him that he is working in an enviorment where outing himself would probably be a direct hit on his paycheck.