Next LA meeting?

[JamesK840]

I'd tentatively figured the next LA meeting would be Thursday, Sept. 25th. We just had one Sept. 4th, but that was actually the August meeting, pushed back due to some members' schedules.

 

The considerations:

Numbers was chosen because it's a very 'friendly' place in a central location, it's been very cooperative, there's booze and food, and of course there are guys for rent there anyway. On the other hand, the location has scared some off who think it's too indiscrete, and there being guys for rent doesn't mean much if they are all huddling together afraid on the far end of the patio away from everybody...

 

End of the month was preferred with the thought there may be more eye candy at Numbers when rent it due.

 

Thursdays were chosen so that we could easily take over a nice section of Numbers (or anywhere else we chose to meet) which we very well may not be able to do on Fri, Sat or Sun--especially for 3 hours+...

 

None of this is set in stone, we still technically live in a democracy...

 

Things to consider:

A set recurring day, like 4th Thursday, makes it easier to plan in advance. Last time we shifted things back and forth and finally forward to the point several were confused, and while we'd included some we'd excluded others...

 

There has been some mention of making it a twice-monthly or even bi-weekly gathering. Is there enough interest? The second meeting could have differences, such as: It could be on 2nd Tuesdays or something, for those unable to make Thursday meetings, and could be at a different place (for those afraid of Numbers) or even a different area, such as Santa Monica or the Valley... though it'd be hard to find a place as accommodating as Numbers has been, especially because I don't think we'll ever have a firm idea how may will be at a meeting...

 

What do you guys think? Any other issues to consider?

[JamesK840]

LA Gay Erotic Expo...

 

One thing we may wish to effect September is the upcoming Gay Erotic Expo... http://www.gayeroticexpo.com/

 

It's been suggested we may get pornstar attendees by trying to set something up closer to it's date, not to mention people that don't drive into LA much may not be interested in making the trip twice in two weeks if they're also coming to the Expo.

 

LA convention center isn't next door to Numbers though, and I kind of think something in concert with the expo should be done at the HooBoy level if done at all...

 

Then again, if people think they can lure in some pornstars with promise of a free meal... (I have my doubts... who all is coming to this, and do they have any interested contacts?)

 

But where would the gathering be? It could be a lunch too, and it doesn't have to be related to the regular Numbers meetings, just have site visitors going to the expo pick a day, enjoy the expo, and meetup for lunch... Maybe even not go out, just gather in a section of a particular food court or something...

 

I don't know, somebody is welcome to take this and run with it...

[Guest mondo]

RE: LA Gay Erotic Expo...

 

Hey James while I missed this last meeting due to circumstances I really had no control over I dont feel the logic for Numbers makes sense.

 

If we get together as a group no one is really going to be hiring ont he spot. This should be a meeting for clients and escorts to get to know each other in a fun atmosphere. Not to hopefully look for some guy trying to pay his rent.

 

For me and maybe others the time starts too early - I'm in Orange County and work doesn't even end till 7pm. I am very shy, as you are aware, and don't like to be 2 hours late to an event.

 

I don't mind the WEHO location I enjoy the area and heading up that way isn't an issue. But I also like the west side Santa Monica/Westwood too. While the eye candy is mainly straight no real hiring is happening at Numbers anyway during the meetings from what I have read. I thought the object was to get together with a group of guys who have at least one common interest .. not for a gang hire :0.

 

Maybe the date of the month should remain the same but the location and time of the meetings could change for variety and to attract others who have no interest in Numbers.

 

Well these are just my thoughts and I know with such a diverse group of people with various priorities they are hardly that important. But since you asked for some feedback I decided to pipe in.

[jackhammer91406]

James,

I enjoy the location using Numbers as a base for several reasons. One is, they have a perfect set-up for us. As you said they have been very accomodating to us. I also enjoy the food and the drinks poured are very generous. Having said that, I would also like to address the concerns that Mondo has. At both previous meetings, we haven't even sat down at the table until well after 8PM. This last meeting, our idol, "Frigate Bird" didn't even arrive until 8pm. We spent the first hour or so outside on the patio having drinks and getting to know each other and meeting AAron and Dax. You may also recall that at our first meeting, even after we had gathered at the table for dinner , Joel arrived coming from the theater that evening. At both gatherings at least a few of us have stayed well after 10PM. I think we could push back the time until 7:30 and still use the first hour for drinks, making it 8:30 before we head for a table. As to Mondo's other concern that people who aren't going to hire might feel uncomfortable, I am one who really isn't looking to hire anymore , and I have still felt comfortable there. I enjoyed the fact that AAron and Dax joined us. It was fun talking to them. I think other escorts could attend without fear of making themselves appear to be on the hunt for clients by simply coming for the fellowship aspects. If Dan Dare or Franco attended, I wouldn't assume they were trying to "make the rent" but there to meet some of the guys who post on Hooboy, and maybe as clients might be interested in some future arrangement. I dunno, it just seems a natural to me to have the meeting there. But, I am cool with moving it if that's what the "democracy" wants. Just don't give me decision by "fiat" and a supreme court ruling...heheh. }(

[Guest mondo]

It really makes no difference to me. I was just giving my thoughts. Another reason to move the meeting from time to time is so we can include the San Diego crew. Dave from Man to Man ha several escorts who might want to join in plus there are a group of intelligent posters here that are located in San Diego. Maybe Long Beach somewhere on Pine Street would get them up this way? Again just a few ideas.

[+ deej]

RE: LA Gay Erotic Expo...

 

Since I suggested considering the Gay Erotic Expo, let me just say it was just something to consider. If nobody's interested, fine.

 

I know I'll be down for it (working), and I hate the 405 enough to try to consolidate trips.

 

(If anyone wants a free ticket, I have access to a couple. Email me.)

[FrancoDiSantisxxx]

Random Musings

 

As someone who has spent too many years to count running and organizing volunteers and meetings, it is going to be impossible to accommodate every concern:

 

Monthly meetings for some will likely seem too much at some point, whereas for others not, particularly when it is a purely social function. Even when individuals have made a commitment to a cause, it is too easy to find too many other obligations to intercede at one time or another.

 

Los Angeles is a very fluid geographic place, to say the least. West Hollywood is certainly more convenient for me, but I think you should mix up your locations a bit; this will not only allow for some diversity, but allow for some opportunity for people for whom Numbers s not convenient.

 

The Abbey has a huge patio and a lot of space and they would be as amenable as Numbers to a large crowd; Here as well. For that matter, Rage has an entire upstairs area they might be willing to provide on slower nights.

 

What some of these areas do not have is a table that you all might be able to gather around and establishments in other locations (the Valley, Long Beach, San Diego, etc.) would be similar.

 

You all need to sit down and think (or discuss on here) what you want from these meetings.

 

I do think you need to take into account that some clients may not want to meet at a place like Numbers OR any other bar. In that regard, the Abbey is perfect since it is a cafe.

 

Right know, you have one or two individuals doing all the "heavy lifting" it appears, and a number of other individuals who are willing to participate at one level or another.

 

The idea of such meetings has long been discussed and there obviously is a clear hunger for such gatherings. Because Los Angeles is so fluid and traffic can be so bad, I do not think you should seriously expect people to drive up from San Diego to Long Beach or from the Valley to Long Beach.

 

I do think the idea of organizing one time meetings in San Diego, in Palm Springs (perhaps in November for their gay pride) and in the Valley or Santa Monica will probably go well. Some of these events could also happen on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon or early evening when any number of places were otherwise dead.

 

If you go to an establishment on a slow night and offer them the possibility of some eye candy and a good size number of men who will want to eat and drink, I think you will find many establishments will be happy to make themselves available for you. In Palm Springs, for example, any number of guest houses will likely do a bar-b-q type environment and you have a number of adult film actors and escorts there, plus good weather and other reasons for clients to make the trip.

 

Finally, yes, I would go, I just have not been able to and I think a number of other escorts would also go, but I would suggest that you consider that for most escorts, Monday or Tuesday would be slower nights than say Thursday or Friday.

 

I do not think any escort would expect to get hired right then and there (and I think only an appearance by Kristian would actually make that eventuality occur) and I doubt the clients go for that reason. I would not even give that any consideration. An escort might view it as an opportunity to "network" for future opportunities, which the clients certainly would do as well.

 

Notice, I said "random"

I did not say "brief."

[JamesK840]

RE: LA Gay Erotic Expo...

 

>I know I'll be down for it (working)

 

Hooboy related or personal project?

 

I'm kind of interested in going, anybody else? I was thinking Sunday afternoon...

[JamesK840]

LA meetings, thoughts so far...

 

Some good thoughts so far.

 

Well, my opinions on the issues raised already...

 

San Diego can start their own damn meetings! Really it's not that hard, start a thread, say where you'll plan to be, show up and have fun!

 

I have nothing against Numbers myself, and I think it'd be hard to find a place as accommodating... if somebody here had an "in" with an owner similar to what some of our members have with Tony at #s it may be worth considering, but otherwise I think the WeHo meetings may stay where they are for the moment (not really up to me though, and not many have weighed-in yet...). It's not so much about hiring as knowing you could that is part of the fun, and once in a while one of our group has been known to get a phone number from a working guy... As I get more comfortable (or if they get less shy) I may do it myself. But Numbers really is a pretty upscale place otherwise, I think it's a lot less intimidating then people who haven't been there yet think. There are plenty of people that just go there for the good food or to have a drink.

 

It is a lot of fun where board (or recruited Craigs List...) escorts join the group, and we would love to have more. It may give the escort an additional client or two (has for the first meeting, probably will for the second...), but the meetings are not really about that. A bunch of guys into similar things having fun is the main thing, and the first two meetings have been great.

 

There hasn't been any reply to the mention of two a month, the discussion does make it sound like having it in an alternate location on an alternate night may be a good idea... IF there is enough interest...

 

So now the question is, where? I don't mean the area... Is anybody a regular of a nice restaurant (pref. with a bar) outside of WeHo that has a nice quiet area where 10-15 people can gather and will not get bent out of shape if not so many show? Gay friendly is good, but more discrete then Numbers would be a plus... A second-tuesday meeting starting next month sounds like fun, especially in Santa Monica or Westwood...

[jackhammer91406]

Not to be misunderstood....

 

Hey Mondo,

I guess it may sound like I am tied into staying at NUmbers. I'm not and I'm good with any place that guys want to go. I am so jazzed about the "making new friends" aspect of these meetings and I can do that anywhere. So, buddy, I don't want you to misunderstand...I am good anywhere ...I also like the idea of maybe doing a special event kind of thing (a la "The Rio Soiree" ) maybe once or twice a year in some place like the springs or San Diego or where ever. Kind of has an appeal to it. Franco, Look forward to maybe seeing you if you are in town.

 

As for other local suggestions, our very own Frigate Bird (or Big SLut) has a number of places he is "known" at including cafe D'etoille (sp). Had a great time there one night with he and a few other friends and we were treated like royalty in Tomcal's court. Since I am not WeHo savvey, I haven't ever checked out the local hotspots like here, and the Abbey. Have wanted to, but not confident enough yet to do those on my own. Let's see if Tomcal has any suggestions when he gets back from London (BTW, you should see the pic of his date for last Sunday night in London..his first night in town!!!! No moss grows..etc.)

James, let me know if there is any heavy lifting or something I can do to help. And BigGuy, whenever the paperwork is ready I can make copies. At least let me make a $$ donation.

 

[chrismac]

Count me In

 

Whenever a final date and place is decided, I'll try to make this one, and schedule myself for a workday in Los Angeles.

 

Franco - will you be there to hold my hand? I'm very shy...

[IM_Moore]

RE: Count me In

 

Where ever you guys pick I might just show up to ruin everybodys night.

[FrancoDiSantisxxx]

Ruin

 

Only if you, Woodie and F Cubed all showed up in drag to perform Like A Virgin and ended the routine with your tongues down one another . . . .

[chrismac]

RE: LA meetings, thoughts so far...

 

>San Diego can start their own damn meetings! Really it's

>not that hard, start a thread, say where you'll plan to be,

>show up and have fun!

 

There's no way that's going to happen - not enough people down here.

 

But if you guys up in LA just want LA people, well, then I'll just stay away...sniff...sniff...;(

 

:+

[jackhammer91406]

RE: LA meetings, thoughts so far...

 

Hey chrismac,

Don't go away..this is all about making new friends who share things in common...addresses don't have to be one of them. I would love to come down to San Diego sometime and see the town through the eyes of a local. Maybe it won't be a formal meeting of the L.A. Chapter, but hey...I have only been to San Diego twice and it was for work both times, and I never saw the city at all....I have been in California over 30 years, guess it's about time I saw San Diego as long as I don't have to watch the Padres...heheh.

 

 

 

}(

[chrismac]

RE: LA meetings, thoughts so far...

 

Hey jh - actually meeting in LA is no problem for me - I work there just about every week, and can schedule the days I am there with great flexibility. So after working then hitting the gym, I'd be more than happy to attend one of the LA meetings - if you don't mind someone from San Diego being there, of course.

[bigguyinpasadena]

RE: LA meetings, thoughts so far...

 

Hello Boys,well I have been following this thread for a few days now and thought it time to post.

The reason Numbers was chosen as the meeting place of choice for the groups first effort was that a few posters(who have since come out of their shell a little)were interested in going there and putting the Hooville group together was a way of doing that-and of forming a more socialized pack than can be provided by the internet.That was admirablly acomplished in our first two meetings.

I have a few concerns about a new location for these meetings,Namely-that wherever we choose should provide us with a comfortable place to talk to each other-while not being seen as offensive or corupt by other diners/patrons within earshot.

My few visits to the Abbey-while it is full of beautiful eye candy,do not lead me to think that it is conducive to conversation at a large table-especially as the evening progresses.Great to go to wit a smaller group.

Also,I want a space where folks of all ages/physical types can gather without feeling out of place.

Naturally,the cleanliness and atmosphere of the meeting spot are important to me.

Since our group includes folks who like a cocktail,a full bar is a plus.

As the number of people in our group is rather nebulous,an understanding owner/manager is a plus

And also,It is important to me that it be a gay owned/friendly establishment-I give enough dining out dollars to "non-gay"buisinesses-restaurants included-but I fell this is important for this group.

So here are some suggestions,Cafe L'etoile(fine for dinner-I cannot stand the queen who waits tables(HAH)there at Sunday Brunch!!!!!!)

Blue Palms/great gay owned place on La Cieniga.The owner is a really nice guy and the food can be good.

Marks-just up the street,I do not know the new owners,but it is still gay owned(a little pricey-esp. the drinks)

Benvenutto Cafe,I am not crazy about the food,but it is a fun space.

There is a Gay owned Brazzilian place in Glendale,Gouchos Villages,that is a lot of fun(and a good bargain also-the owner will give us a discount)

My NUMBER ONE CHOICE still continues to be Numbers-it fits all the requirements listed above,and I have gotten a few phone numbers during our meetings as well.Also,many of the escorts who may join us can feel comfortable-and maybe drum up a little buisiness for themselves.

I will not be a spoil sport about this-wherever y'all decide to meet is fine.If I did have to choose anouther place it would probably be the Blue Palms.

Just my(opinionated but knowladgeable)two cents.

Boy,If enough folks throw in their two cents we could by a "table host"for the evening!

[Guest Tomcal_]

RE: Ruin

 

Ok, I will weigh in on this. I am in Paris right now and got on at the cafe and saw the thread. First, who are these queens that are afraid to be seen at numbers?? Who are you going to be seen by??other gay guys that are going to report you to the Outing Police?? Please!

Numbers has a good restaurant space and fun to watch the action. And I am not lobbying because I am a local.. I come up from O.C. for this, not a big deal once a month. The Abbey I go to with friends about every other week, fun to watch the crowd, terrible to try and talk, especially with 8 to 10 of us! Secondly, one of our group did hook up last week after we walked out to the patio area, that's not going to happen at the other restaurants mentioned for those of you interested in hiring(I'am not, so again not an issue for me)I like Blue Palms, know the owner, but it is closing in a week and moving up to Sunset next to the Henry Fonda theater, which he also owns and is only going to be serving appetizers.

We will never get a place that suits everyone, you won't be able to please all the guys. This is in Weho, happy to accomodate us even when our resv. numbers are off, as they have been each time and it's fun! that's my vote!

[bigguyinpasadena]

RE: Ruin

 

Tom,I do hope you are having fun in Paris.

Sorry to hear Blue Palms is moving/closing.Tad has always been a great host,and he is a really hard worker/smart buisiness man.

Now shoo----off to the Flore with you to oogle some cute french guys!

[JamesK840]

RE: LA meetings, thoughts so far...

 

>I'd be more than happy to attend one of the LA meetings - if you >don't mind someone from San Diego being there, of course.

 

NO! Stay away! SD people have cuties!!!

 

Hehe, I never mean to say that anybody is unwelcome at our get-togethers, and visitors are great! I just meant I wasn't planning to drive down there that often myself! I think you'd be surprised how many you have down there (and in OC) that would be open to a meeting... there is one way to find out! And you could 'fluff' the number of attendees by inviting cute SD escorts too!

 

But anybody that wants to drive to wherever we have our meetings is more then welcome to, doesn't matter where you're coming from (anybody visiting from Hawaii is advised to take a plane though!)!

 

I tend to agree that I doubt we could do much better then Numbers in WeHo, only concern I have is when we get more then 12 people showing up, but I'm sure we'll work something out. BGP puts my main reasons for preferring it very eloquently below. Strangely, it's more escorts that are worried about 'being seen in' Numbers then others... I think Numbers is actually great for those that are very discreet, because it's unlikely there are any straight or at least not very 'gay friendly' people about.

 

Not much interest in an additional meeting, in Santa Monica/Westwood/Wherever (could be at Numbers too...)?

[Funseeker 22]

Well I`m back from Europe , remind me to tell tell you about Sauna Casanova in Barcelona and my "friend" from Portugal.

Is 9/25 at Numbers a firm date yet?

And since I missed the last get together who are Aaron & Dax?

Do they teach Portuguese also ?;-)

[JamesK840]

Dax:

http://babydb.male4malescorts.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=7&topic_id=38072&mesg_id=38072&page=

 

Aaron:

http://babydb.male4malescorts.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=7&topic_id=38077&mesg_id=38077&page=2

 

:9 !

 

Welcome back! It's starting to firm up... (THE 25TH!)

[Guest random]

I like Numbers too but would like to see the meeting begin later in the evening.

[Guest msclonly]

Sept 25th meeting!

 

What time will it happen?

 

Is it still being held at the Numbers?

 

I don't want to eat alone.

 

Thanks

 

:* :9 :+

[JamesK840]

RE: Sept 25th meeting!

 

Yep, Thursday the 25th, at Numbers. Some expressed concern about getting there late, here's the sequence:

 

People start showing up around 7-7:30... Usually hang out at the little tables in front, have a drink or two. We go in around 8, sit at the long table in back near the windows, have a couple drinks, talk for a while, so that often dinner isn't on the table until 9 or so. We stay at the table until 10-10:30, then some head out, others spend another 30 minutes or so talking outside again, it's often 11 before we leave.

 

So show up when you can, Numbers is pretty accommodating!