tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-142964982024-03-13T17:51:37.504-07:00NaturistMusingsNaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.comBlogger428125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-69218703255854610312008-08-12T19:16:00.001-07:002008-08-12T19:16:49.646-07:00Oldest in the USA<a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><table style="border:0px; padding:0px;"><tr><td><span style="font-size:13px; font-family:Verdana; font-weight:bold; font-color:#293546">The Sky Farm Nudist Club</span></td></tr><tr><td><script type="text/javascript" src="http://tribeca.vidavee.com/advance/trh/embedAsset.js?vtagView=on&embedded=yes&showEndCard=off&loadStream=off&autoplay=off&width=470&height=264&shareWidgets=${shareWidgets}&vtag=yes&startVolume=50&hidecontrolbar=no&textureStrip=yes&displayTime=yes&volumeLock=off&watermark=yes&skin=v3AdvInt_nj.swf&link=http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2008/08/the_sky_farm_nudist_club.html&dockey=C59E8EEE195C6C6831D0871BCA330289"></script></td></tr></table><br /><br /><br /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-77423209611288319722008-06-21T08:07:00.000-07:002008-06-21T08:10:47.400-07:00Caliente Homeowners Fight Back: De-Swing This Place!<a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><h1><a href="http://http://www.tampabay.com/news/growth/article636151.ece">Caliente is handed a task list</a> </h1> <blockquote> </blockquote> <p> By <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/writers/article380980.ece">Chuin-Wei Yap</a>, Times Staff Writer<br /> In print: Saturday, June 21, 2008 </p> <hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> <!--BEGIN GR INCLUDES--><!--The GR contains static content (medium rectangle ad and ap video include) also optional content (story enhancement, full-width and 300 wide image, caption and credit packages for graphics)--><!--BEGIN GR300--> <!--BEGIN MED RECTANGLE AD STATIC CONTENT--><p>LAND O'LAKES — An attorney for 351 property owners at Caliente Resort & Spa has laid down a list of conditions for the nudist resort to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> repair its reputation or face a lawsuit</span>.</p><p>Calling it a way to "open the door for dialogue" between the resort and its homeowners, Anne Hathorn, of the Clearwater firm of Becker & Poliakoff, said <span style="font-weight: bold;">the resort must cut off ties with Web sites that promote the swinger lifestyle, tighten control on the use of Caliente's name in event advertisements and where the ads are distributed, and get Caliente reinstated in the American Association for Nude Recreation.</span></p><p>Caliente Resort said it plans to keep on marketing to those it calls "nontraditional nudists."</p><p>Caliente was embroiled in controversy last month when the association temporarily suspended its membership and opened an investigation into sexually charged monthly parties at Caliente organized by Aahz Party Lifestyle Group, a "lifestyle," or swingers, group with Caliente's blessing.</p><p style="font-weight: bold;">The association promotes family-friendly nudism. Its investigation puts at stake Caliente's access to marketing assistance and membership subsidies for tourists, among other advantages.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Caliente is not just a resort. It is also a full-time home for hundreds of people,</span> many of whom objected to the swinger parties, called "Swingfest." They hired Hathorn, who wrote on June 10 to R. Gale Porter, Caliente's attorney, demanding the resort clean up its own image.</p><p>"If the reputation of the club changes to something more risque, people will worry about bringing their kids," Hathorn said Friday. "The board wanted to open the door for dialogue and come to a reasonable resolution. So far, we haven't heard back."</p><p>Angye Fox, Caliente's spokeswoman, said Friday that the resort is a family-friendly place with rules that create a safe environment, but the resort refused to scale back what it called a brand campaign focused on "nontraditional nudists."</p><p>"Caliente has an aggressive marketing plan that targets outside the traditional nudist clientele," she said. "This has created dissatisfaction with a minority of homeowners in the Caliente community. Caliente intends to move forward in expanding our brand to nontraditional nudists and people who want to enjoy occasional skinny-dipping in luxury both here and at our resort in the Dominican Republic."</p><p>Hathorn acknowledged in her letter that "the resort has recently taken (actions) to alleviate the members' concerns, including withdrawing the resort's direct participation in Swingfest and continuing to communicate with the (property owners' board) about its concerns."</p><p>But she warned of legal consequences.</p><p>"The board of directors has a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of the (homeowners) association members, and the board will not hesitate to do so in this regard, to whatever extent is necessary, including legal action for violation" of the declaration of restrictions and covenants for Caliente, Hathorn wrote.</p><p>"They will realize they need to work together," Hathorn said Friday. "It's in everyone's best interests for the two entities to work together."</p><p><i>Chuin-Wei Yap can be reached at cyap@sptimes.com or (813) 909-4613.</i></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-55761059653194340032008-06-07T07:22:00.000-07:002008-06-07T07:41:22.206-07:00Caliente: Throw the Book at Them<a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article607872.ece">News of the suspension of Caliente Resort in Florida hit the net this week. AANR has suspended the resort due to their open catering of sexual deviants (swingers).</a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a radical departure from what might be called the naturist/nudist ideal: non-sexual social nudity, accompanied by body-acceptance. Sexualized nudity always rejects body acceptance since attraction is selective (and rejective). <br /><br />Caliente is not alone. It is always disturbing to see sexualization of nudity, and NW will publish credible reports of the same. Place your report in comments, and if I can confirm it I will publish it.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">I call upon the Naturist Society to also make a statement regarding Caliente, and to join with AANR and clothesfree.com. This letter is now on their website:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><b style="font-family: arial;">An Open Letter to All Nudist Resorts... </b></span> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"> <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> <span style="font-size:100%;">A few nudist resorts are going into a direction that has caused many to no longer recommend them. We also will no longer recommend some resorts in response to their sexually explicit ads we have seen. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Why sexualize something that is not sexual? Especially since we are already fighting the false notion that nudity equals sex. Why fuel the flames ourselves? Of course, we believe the human form is neither immoral nor inappropriate and endorse the culture of positive body acceptance. But we protest the “pornification” of the human body. There is a line to not cross and it is simple where it is drawn. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">We need to set a good example! People will discover that nudism is good for the whole family and allows everyone, including children, to have a better body image, learn respect and have more self esteem. Present yourself as an exemplary naturist resort by fully abiding by all the standards of naturist behavior. Keep sexuality where it belongs, in private. Don't mix it with nude recreation and cause others who are just discovering it to leave. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Nude beaches and resorts are typically family-friendly places. Children benefit from the experience through improved self-image and confidence. But if we blur the lines between sex and nudity we will not gain society's respect and could lose many of our rights. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>The core of our philosophy must be strong. </strong> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">We believe swingers and others seeking sex is the biggest threat to nudism. If the "nude equals sex" idea is the biggest threat to our lifestyle, should we allow swinger or sexual activities of any kind at family nudist resorts and beaches? Nudists enjoy sexuality as much as anyone but should we give in to those who would sexualize nudism? It might make more money for some but it will destroy us starting at the foundation of our philosophy. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>In order for nudism to really grow and gain acceptance in the long run, we need to keep it wholesome at all costs.</strong> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">Some say adults want to have places for these "adult" activities. But should they be at family nudist resorts at the expense of our lifestyle? When sexual activity of any kind happens at a nude beach or a resort, the public uses that to attack us. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">We also need to stay united with our core beliefs. It is necessary that we keep strong in numbers. We all may not agree on every nudist philosophy but we must not let that divide us. Friction among ourselves will hurt us all in gaining respect and credibility with the population at large. As always, we fully support and belong to great organizations like the Naturist Society, the American Association for Nude Recreation, Federation of Canadian Naturists, and the International Naturist Federation. </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">Our society is obsessed with hiding what they call the "indecent" body. Together we can fight that. It is such a worthy cause. </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">CFI Staff</span></span> </p>Good for CFI! <br /><br />Until then, regards Caliente, I say,<br /><br />THROW THE BOOK AT THEM!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-45446912471197871702008-05-06T07:12:00.000-07:002008-05-06T07:16:48.156-07:00You're Kidding, Right?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaRorIiba3g4JMG3DFArnTg7Kw-GmICEMYfC4glwFM2C66VhZaxpU_j7gX0T2jbuY-r1RvkQSm7JBoePL1PwQQHU76kdo13KSI12KZJaLg5O0Qajsh3uqv0DEIPQDdiDiVho0UA/s1600-h/nudebeach_050608_big.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197268205115338434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaRorIiba3g4JMG3DFArnTg7Kw-GmICEMYfC4glwFM2C66VhZaxpU_j7gX0T2jbuY-r1RvkQSm7JBoePL1PwQQHU76kdo13KSI12KZJaLg5O0Qajsh3uqv0DEIPQDdiDiVho0UA/s400/nudebeach_050608_big.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><em>From the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:</em><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://http//www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=747155">Barenaked beer</a> </strong></div><strong><br /><div><br /></strong></div>Stevens Point Brewery's newly released Nude Beach beer attracts nation's nudist organizations<br /><div>By TOM DAYKIN</div><div><a href="mailto:tdaykin@journalsentinel.com">tdaykin@journalsentinel.com</a><br />Posted: May 5, 2008<br /></div><br /><div><em>Stevens Point Brewery's newest beer leaves little to the imagination, and that's drawing admiring glances from an unlikely group of beer drinkers: those who imbibe sans clothes.<br />Nude Beach Summer Wheat<br /></em><a href="http://www.jsonline.com/multimedia/graphic.asp?graphic=http://graphics.jsonline.com/graphics/bym/img/may08/nudebeach_050608_big.jpg"></a><br />Quotable<br /><em>It's a whole subculture that I didn't know existed.<br /></em>- Joe Martino,Stevens Point Brewery operating partner<br /><br />Nude Beach Summer Wheat is the latest seasonal beer launched by Stevens Point Brewery, which has launched three other seasonal craft brews over the past year. The ale's name popped up during a brain-storming session, said the brewery's operating partner, Joe Martino.<br /></div><br /><div>"We decided to have a fanciful name," Martino said. That's a common marketing gimmick used in the brewing industry, where you don't even have to leave Wisconsin to find colorfully named beers such as Louie's Demise, Spotted Cow and Bitter Woman.<br /></div><br /><div>The beer's label features a nude beach scene - although the beachgoers have their naughty bits covered by such objects as a surfboard, towel and volleyball. The full monty would have not amused the federal regulators who approve beer labels, Martino said.<br /></div><br /><div>Nude Beach's recent launch quickly drew attention from the nation's nudists, said Carolyn Hawkins, spokeswoman for the American Association for Nude Recreation, a group that claims 47,000 members who enjoy sunbathing, swimming and other activities au naturel. The Kissimmee, Fla.-based group bills itself as "a trusted source for nudist information on such topics as what to expect at a nudist club, a nudist resort, or even from a skinny dipping experience."<br />"Our members have bombarded us with messages" about Nude Beach, Hawkins said.<br /></div><br /><div>And that led Hawkins to contact Stevens Point Brewery about providing some free beer for the association's annual convention. The event, which usually draws around 1,000 people, will be held this year at Turtle Lake Resort in Union City, Mich., which is south of Battle Creek, from Aug. 11-17.<br /></div><br /><div>Stevens Point, based in the central Wisconsin city of that same name, will provide 25 cases of Nude Beach in return for some ads in the group's newspaper, and in the convention bulletin.<br />"We're glad to get the help," Hawkins said. Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing Co. couldn't supply its Skinny Dip Beer to this year's convention because New Belgium doesn't distribute its brands in Michigan, she said.<br /></div><br /><div>Nude Beach will probably see a spike in sales thanks to the buzz among nudists, Hawkins predicted.<br /></div><br /><div>"The nudist organizations all stick together," she said.<br /></div><br /><div>Martino welcomes the fans of his nude, uh, new beer.<br /></div><br /><div>"It's a whole subculture that I didn't know existed," said Martino, whose company is probably best known for brewing Point Special Lager.<br /></div><br /><div>However, Martino doesn't plan to attend the August event.<br /></div><br /><div>"I might have attended 20 years ago, when my body was in better shape," he said</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-90008318166842394242008-05-06T07:05:00.000-07:002008-05-06T07:10:10.054-07:00Naked Life Changes<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3q9mapXrUKuNdTuxKKd54b7bcq27mE6y8nFutDW1AVQLq-NUhE_4KigavGhM0dKRGU_CExW-N4_vwJeuOiQ6pauQkOKjh3Tp7_-fvG5aqmnlfjBvHxSYtc7m-0TOstKbjOgxoA/s1600-h/BN.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197266482833452722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3q9mapXrUKuNdTuxKKd54b7bcq27mE6y8nFutDW1AVQLq-NUhE_4KigavGhM0dKRGU_CExW-N4_vwJeuOiQ6pauQkOKjh3Tp7_-fvG5aqmnlfjBvHxSYtc7m-0TOstKbjOgxoA/s400/BN.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> Photo from the Bare Necessities Website<br /></em><div align="left"><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><em></em><br /><br /><div align="left"><em>From CNN.com:</em></div><br /><em></em><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>'Honey, let's become nudists'</strong><br />By Sarah Jio<br /><br />(LifeWire) -- In 1989, Nancy Tiemann was 36 and living in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Tom. "We were both desperately in need of a getaway," says the one-time banking officer. When Tom suggested they join a boat trip to Belize chartered by a group of nudists, Nancy was<br />horrified.<br /><br />Tom, 66, a former lawyer, handed her a brochure on nudism and told her he thought the trip could be a lot of fun. After many discussions, she reluctantly agreed to give the experience a try -- under one condition: "I won't tell a soul; no one ever needs to know!"<br /><br />Your marriage vows may have spoken of hanging in through sickness and health but what about stomaching extreme life makeovers?<br /><br />"The prevailing message of our time is that you can be whoever you want to be," says Dr. Scott Haltzman, a clinical assistant professor in Brown University's department of psychiatry and human behavior. "The problem in relationships is that some partners change in ways their mates wouldn't have chosen for them. They begin to form new likes and dislikes, new tastes and ultimately new identities."<br /><br />For Nancy, something unexpected happened in Belize.<br /><br />"It was so refreshing to find out how wrong I had been with my preconceived ideas on nudity and being nude with others," she says. "A nudist was born."<br /><br />Had it not been for her husband's dramatic suggestion, Nancy, 53, says she might never have discovered nudism, which is now a source of joy in her life -- and career. Shortly after their trip, the couple launched Bare Necessities Tour and Travel, a travel agency devoted to the nudist vacationer. It has since chartered more than 40 cruise ships carrying more than 25,000 nudist travelers.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-65741573495676871422008-04-24T18:46:00.000-07:002008-04-24T18:50:20.637-07:00"Desert Sun Resort" (AKA Desert Shadows 2.0) Hits Mainstream Media<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-bqSv-Nj-8rAJe4sx0xE2MnMSlHx6uDbU7gkdtDfxfyJaemzdikKnOVBHKovflfC7vdnK4m8icK_AL3TAdxbPJsz_ust9OONcpYB9rJGTaVda-AERDFU4tEGBFKdiFlTHBy3Ww/s1600-h/bridge.jpg"><em><span style="color:#000000;">The famed “naked bridge” attracted international attention in 2003, and a few jokes from Jay Leno, when it opened. The 140-foot-long pedestrian bridge crosses over Indian Canyon Drive and allows resort users to cross in the buff, shielded from view by a 66-inch protective canvas.</span></em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192994115655364258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-bqSv-Nj-8rAJe4sx0xE2MnMSlHx6uDbU7gkdtDfxfyJaemzdikKnOVBHKovflfC7vdnK4m8icK_AL3TAdxbPJsz_ust9OONcpYB9rJGTaVda-AERDFU4tEGBFKdiFlTHBy3Ww/s400/bridge.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><a onclick="window.open('','popup','scrollbars=yes,width=650,height=600,left=5,top=5,resizable=yes')" href="http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?template=zoom&Site=J1&Date=20080423&Category=BUSINESS01&ArtNo=804230310&Ref=AR&Profile=1006" target="popup" xloc="751" yloc="-112"></a><br /><div><br />Debra Gruszecki, <a href="http://http//www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080423/BUSINESS01/804230310/1006/news01">The Desert Sun</a></div><br /><div>PALM SPRINGS - The sun has set on Desert Shadows Resort & Spa, a clothes-free retreat on Chaparral Road, but only because there's been an ownership change.<br /><br />The resort, known for its famed Lee Baxandall Memorial Bridge - the "Naked Bridge" or "Bridge of Thighs" - over a main thoroughfare into Palm Springs, noted in its Web site that it had closed.<br />Reservations weren't being accepted, it said.<br /></div><div>But Michael Williams, hotel manager, said Tuesday that it only appears that way: The naturist resort will reopen Friday as the Desert Sun Resort.<br /></div><div>The ownership transition was not seamless, Williams said.<br /></div><div>That's because John and Elizabeth Young, who bought the resort at an April 8 auction, learned afterward of the need to negotiate the purchase of furnishings in the resort that included office equipment and the phone line for reservations, Williams said.<br /></div><div>"Our phone service arrives on Thursday,'' he said. "We've had a few people getting a bit panicky over their future reservations, and we're doing everything we can at this time to confirm these reservations over our personal phones."<br /></div><div>The Youngs, naturists for about five years, declined to cite the purchase price at this time.<br />Former owners Linsu Corp., which filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California in Riverside in late 2007, could not be reached for comment.<br /></div><div>Privately owned Desert Shadows condominiums are not linked to the sale, Williams added. However, the condominiums are connected to the grounds and, in that way, are impacted by the transition.<br /></div><div>Initially, the condo association was leery but concerns since have been allayed, Williams said, noting, "We're all working together to bring this property back to its glory days."</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-24713481082801747212008-04-23T14:15:00.000-07:002008-04-23T14:31:57.903-07:00From the Shadows to the Sun: Desert Shadows will Re-Open as Desert Sun Resort<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrFh0525hDTJQerANW2dHwbOTj0JuMrpLR4_eCt4UmN2yvLxWB8SM437EkoABtobw7XIj_RvmO8ZL9EmCL40BUVffyn1g7DED7SJDhk5zc5QelR8kg4Ev4Wex-dxp_b4s35MDpg/s1600-h/ashley.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192556634581560978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrFh0525hDTJQerANW2dHwbOTj0JuMrpLR4_eCt4UmN2yvLxWB8SM437EkoABtobw7XIj_RvmO8ZL9EmCL40BUVffyn1g7DED7SJDhk5zc5QelR8kg4Ev4Wex-dxp_b4s35MDpg/s400/ashley.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>From an e-blast from Cheri Alexander, well-connected naturist leader:</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>Re-opening of DSI as " <a href="http://www.desertsunresort.com/">http://www.desertsunresort.com/</a> " by new owners Desert Sun LLC<br />John and Elizabeth are the new legal owners of the resort as Desert Sun LLC, and condo owners and residents at the resort.</div><br /><div><br />The facility will be opened as a family naturist and nudist resort allowing singles soon as the required permits and licenses, and inspections, furniture, and fixtures are in place.<br /></div><br /><div>The new Resort web site reference: <a href="http://www.desertsunresort.com/">http://www.desertsunresort.com/</a><br /></div><br /><div>Refer to the new web site for new contact, phone, and reservations, opening, and planned events.<br /></div><br /><div>List of what will be available soft opening this weekend: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The rooms are in fine shape and have all received or are receiving a thorough cleaning.<br /></div><br /><div>The phones should be operational upon (PBX) installation today Tuesday, 4/22/2008<br /></div><br /><div>The condo rental pool is being slowly formed. At least one of each condo type in the rental pool is available now, more are expected by the weekend.<br /></div><br /><div>They'll try to provide some food, perhaps pizza, perhaps a BBQ, perhaps ordering out, but it's definitely BYOB for now.<br /></div><br /><div>It's possible that one pool or hot tub might be under maintenance at various times during the weekend.<br /></div><br /><div>They are still on track to having everything up and running by the holiday weekend.<br /></div><br /><div>What's not available: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The restaurant, Spa, in-room Movies on Demand. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The state of the in-room and condo rental cable TV is unclear at the moment. The status of the volley ball pool, new poles and net is unclear at the moment.<br /></div><br /><div>Please check the website <a href="http://desertsunresort.com/">http://desertsunresort.com/</a> and phone # 1 (800) 960-4SUN before arriving. 1533 Chaparral Road, Palm Springs, CA 92282<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cheri Alexander<br />PO Box 90836<br />Columbia, SC 29290<br />http://pages. prodigy.net/cheridonna</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>This is welcome news to all naturists. The website looks great, and we're happy that it's being re-established as a family naturist location. The couples, no children policy of the previous owners was a departure from the long-standing prior owners.</em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-14133655684721692212008-04-22T19:09:00.000-07:002008-04-22T19:14:54.633-07:00Desert Shadows Situation Hits the Mainstream Press<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAous6C97n4iWZGaSoO4tSo-R79no6s6x9YAsqbctcZMnSHsx8B0YXzUwLRiIbJGwhEgg32r6mBiie2_NsPA4ZLey750hxCUE1KpxVZik5aKu6PzyHHHq9FjrRdQAHXgSPgHN9Og/s1600-h/desert-shadows-inn-resort.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192258194484031106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAous6C97n4iWZGaSoO4tSo-R79no6s6x9YAsqbctcZMnSHsx8B0YXzUwLRiIbJGwhEgg32r6mBiie2_NsPA4ZLey750hxCUE1KpxVZik5aKu6PzyHHHq9FjrRdQAHXgSPgHN9Og/s400/desert-shadows-inn-resort.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://http//www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/BUSINESS01/80422028/-1/newsfront">Desert Shadows nudist resort closes in Palm Springs</a></strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Desert Shadows Resort & Spa, a clothes-free retreat at 1533 Chaparral Road, has closed, according to its Web site.<br /><br />The Web site for the clothing optional resort on Tuesday said Desert Shadows also is no longer accepting reservations.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Calls to the resort at 1533 Chaparral Road, Palm Springs, are not being answered.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Web site adds, "any guest who has a deposit holding on a reservation will be contacted soon."</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The action comes several months after its owners, Linsu Corp., filed a "statement for financial affairs" with the federal bankruptcy court in Riverside. Linsu filed for Chapter 11 protection in October 2007.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-85865629191150680292008-04-21T16:24:00.000-07:002008-04-21T16:27:25.525-07:00Naked Pandas Take Over Florida! (Or at Least They're Trying)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvKWRQX1wNtrSEOVCYAtblxKAEutfTLkrgx-zJ3lvMHwE1k7DVOWwLwdf984w-OzXfzk8IcoIMfDbHZdYKZMt2QQiiD4il7ciy6zfJI9fdW1TlJspl0WCyRVtv96aOeqJS0T7OQ/s1600-h/pandas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191844146751794802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvKWRQX1wNtrSEOVCYAtblxKAEutfTLkrgx-zJ3lvMHwE1k7DVOWwLwdf984w-OzXfzk8IcoIMfDbHZdYKZMt2QQiiD4il7ciy6zfJI9fdW1TlJspl0WCyRVtv96aOeqJS0T7OQ/s400/pandas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://http//www2.tbo.com/content/2008/apr/21/pa-group-seeks-to-market-nudist-offerings/">Group Seeks To Market Nudist Offerings<br /></a><br /></div><br /><div>By JULIA FERRANTE<br />The Tampa Tribune<br />Published: April 21, 2008<a name="content1"></a><br /></div><br /><div>DADE CITY - A group of local naturists wants to share their secret: Pasco County is a nudist Mecca.<br /></div><br /><div>"The naturist community is a diamond in the rough," Marcia Stone, a member of the grass-roots group <a href="http://www.pandabare.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.pandabare.org/</a>, told the Tourist Development Council on Wednesday. "We want to market Pasco County as a nudist destination. We need to let them know what we have."<br /></div><br /><div>PANDAbare, which stands for Pasco Area Nudist Development Association, is reaching out to local organizations for support. Stone and organization president Paul Brenot asked the TDC on Wednesday for a $15,000 grant to promote Pasco as a nudist destination through its Web site.<br />Pasco has about a dozen nudist communities, including Lake Como, Caliente and Paradise Lakes, all of which are in Land O' Lakes and double as year-round resorts, Brenot noted.<br /></div><br /><div>The TDC, which makes recommendations to the county commission, told Brenot and Stone they do not award grants to organizations for general promotion through a Web site but encouraged the group to seek a grant to promote a specific event they want to advertise.<br /></div><br /><div>"We look at funding different sporting events," County Commissioner Jack Mariano, chairman of the TDC, told Brenot at a meeting at the historic Pasco County Courthouse. "We've never done anything like this at all. ...I don't see an event here. I see this as a promotional thing that's not event-tied."<br /></div><br /><div>TDC member Jack Phethean of the Little Everglades Steeplechase said the TDC allocated funds to promote events that encourage overnight stays at hotels in Pasco.<br /></div><br /><div>"We need a hook," Phethean said. "If you have a specific event, fine, but just as an ongoing special event, that's where we have a roadblock."<br /></div><br /><div>Toby Caroline, a TDC member representing clothing-optional Paradise Lakes Resort, said she encouraged PANDAbare to focus its pitch on specific events, such as a volleyball tournament and a car show.<br /></div><br /><div>State law says revenue from a 2 percent tax on hotel stays and short-term rentals may be used for activities, services, venues or events that promote tourism, Pasco Public Communications Manager Eric Keaton said.<br /></div><br /><div>"They don't have an event, but they do have a service, which is the Web site."<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://pandabare.org/" rel="nofollow">PANDAbare.org</a> lists nudist-friendly businesses, resorts and events at local nudist communities.<br /></div><br /><div>Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-44488978686453026412008-04-13T15:45:00.000-07:002008-04-13T15:54:51.680-07:00More (Hopeful) News About Desert Shadows<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNIQAd-xLPdoUEM_30pWkTAx1Xlgutyp2dBZ0ICMZcDv4onyzwteYMEGBhwIpIfT4bsTLmfUrU5Hde6qVP45iNOGUAv4EeGc7ZOnO91pcgFbsKaKxzTBeu8wfY7HHSF-8sHW8Zg/s1600-h/ds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188866888610374658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzNIQAd-xLPdoUEM_30pWkTAx1Xlgutyp2dBZ0ICMZcDv4onyzwteYMEGBhwIpIfT4bsTLmfUrU5Hde6qVP45iNOGUAv4EeGc7ZOnO91pcgFbsKaKxzTBeu8wfY7HHSF-8sHW8Zg/s400/ds.jpg" border="0" /></a> <em>The activity pool, one of four pools, at Desert Shadows. From <a href="http://www.clothesfree.com/">www.clothesfree.com</a></em></div><em></em><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><em>Cheri Alexander, well-known in nudist/naturist circles, posted two entries today about the unfolding Desert Shadows saga. </em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em>Here's the first. time-stamped at 10:14 AM EST:</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">This is from the home page of their website <a href="http://desertshadows.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://desertshadows.com/</a>"Desert Shadows Is Closed. We are not accepting reservations. Pleasewatch our web site for up-dates. Any guest who has a deposit holding aroom reservation will be contacted soon."<br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">I was told that moving vans were there this week taking out room furniture,restaurant equipment, office furniture, light fixtures, etc.We do not know when or if they will re-open as they filed bankruptcy. Iwould assume you will learn if they re-open on their website.We are sorry to see them close. Having a place like Desert Shadowsclose can give the wrong impression that nude recreation is not as popularas it once was. This is not true.<br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Cheri Alexander<br />PO Box 90836<br />Columbia, SC 29290<br /><a href="http://pages.prodigy.net/cheridonna">http://pages.prodigy.net/cheridonna</a>.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em>Then this was posted at 12:45 PM the same day:</em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Because the company called "Desert Shadows", legally known as Linsu, which was controlled by somebody best described as a "con artist", finally lost the property in a contested bankruptsy sale to Desert Sun Resorts, LLC, controlled by a couple that own villas there. They decided to shut down the resort at that time rather than cooperate in a smooth transition to the new owners. Right now, they've publically said that they won't leave until thrown out by the marshall or similar legal process, which is underway. </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">As soon as that can happen and the necessary permits and insurance canbe obtained (1-2 weeks from now most likely), the resort will reopen possibly with a new name if they can't buy the old one from Linsu's trustee (the court authorized the appointment of a trustee last Thursday).<br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Cheri Alexander<br />PO Box 90836<br />Columbia, SC 29290<br />http://pages. <a href="http://prodigy.net/" target="_blank">prodigy.net/</a> cheridonna</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em>Ms. Alexander's opinions are her own; we hope for a complete recovery on DS's part, whatever name it may bear. </em></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><em></em></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-85070438029123011812008-04-10T17:21:00.000-07:002008-04-10T17:29:45.765-07:00DESERT SHADOWS IS CLOSED!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfCPgEvXPNxbh6pEUOkImALmIC_DA3A6eDrOPxgZR5T9qXga_ZcP7NMAzmIw_UlXHjOd0GI19FOy2rtWduuMeGRDOvGna3RN4D1RDu9J8LlD_drb3-6X7FrVBhCRFa1QdEciUrw/s1600-h/ds.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187778270680225330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfCPgEvXPNxbh6pEUOkImALmIC_DA3A6eDrOPxgZR5T9qXga_ZcP7NMAzmIw_UlXHjOd0GI19FOy2rtWduuMeGRDOvGna3RN4D1RDu9J8LlD_drb3-6X7FrVBhCRFa1QdEciUrw/s400/ds.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This is now on the website of Desert Shadows in Palm Springs, CA:<br /><br /><em>Desert Shadows Is Closed. We are not accepting reservations. Please watch our web site for up-dates. Any guest who has a deposit holding a room reservation will be contacted soon.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>A quick websearch revealed no additional info; I will post more as I become aware of it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>DS is one of our favorite places; we hope this is temporary.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-78880095018235812922008-04-07T12:33:00.000-07:002008-04-07T12:37:22.450-07:00If You Can Get Past All the Nervous Laughter...<a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />...I actually found the bodily self-loathing of this one woman rather sad:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmI_-kqcs9A">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmI_-kqcs9A</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-33832939798838080992008-04-06T21:14:00.000-07:002008-04-06T21:17:45.536-07:00Bizarro and Nudes at the Museum<div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirid5WGkkQW2m0xOyVCjj3-NTpK8s7HePh-1A0t3dUg__E8cOaCbKeb3DaumYxXnono5rfxCgUG4G6FzPWXlfu5h3Gn5elbyRRO3mw73uSPqgQ9LR3VJ2Stfhvyf6W3uEE1eDgg/s1600-h/Bizarro.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186352103363907138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirid5WGkkQW2m0xOyVCjj3-NTpK8s7HePh-1A0t3dUg__E8cOaCbKeb3DaumYxXnono5rfxCgUG4G6FzPWXlfu5h3Gn5elbyRRO3mw73uSPqgQ9LR3VJ2Stfhvyf6W3uEE1eDgg/s400/Bizarro.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div> From Sunday, April 6, 2008</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-37315328901829643102008-03-31T20:46:00.000-07:002008-03-31T20:57:16.056-07:00Nudist Retirement Center to Open<a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />LAND O'LAKES, FL (April 1, 2008)<br /><br />A group of investors, <a href="http://aprilfools/">Villa Sol Antiqua</a>, have announced intentions to establish a nudist retirement center somewhere in north central Florida.<br /><br />David O'Hara, spokesman for the group started that "We recognize the plight of people who desire to live clothes free who, when health fails, are forced back into the textile world. Our facility will be truly nude--residents, staff, nurses, even some cooperative physicians."<br /><br />Further information will be made available as the investors plan is formulated.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-37580972089956906692008-03-29T07:06:00.000-07:002008-03-29T07:11:21.177-07:00What Were Those "Osters" Up To?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi66YrLdr7PqutS7tjXiWd1R5HLwaaWSWSB_SkH4D63011wYukCCPRvoa0vrcjW9p1Uo5H1oBGOZUIokuN8M5guiNODuWwMAFo5C65EU73YyHag63IaXnxsfIySO_LcW9d-EGvQ/s1600-h/OsterFKK.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183165963479748146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi66YrLdr7PqutS7tjXiWd1R5HLwaaWSWSB_SkH4D63011wYukCCPRvoa0vrcjW9p1Uo5H1oBGOZUIokuN8M5guiNODuWwMAFo5C65EU73YyHag63IaXnxsfIySO_LcW9d-EGvQ/s400/OsterFKK.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>It is unfortunate that this article mingles naturism with sexually-oriented nudity, but it is a revealing (pardon the pun) look at life in the old East Germany.</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://http//www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3223697,00.html">East Germany's Fascination with Flesh Gets More Exposure<br /></a><br />A new book detailing East Germany's passion for nudity is set to be launched in typically candid style just weeks after a documentary exposed the communist regime's secret porn industry.<br /></div><br /><div>If selling a book with the recollections -- and photographs -- of nudist holidaymakers in East Germany wasn't enough to cause a stir, bookshop owner Helmut Maass intends to capitalize on the flesh angle of the new tome by promoting it with a reading to a naked audience.<br /></div><br /><div>The book, which celebrates East Germany's renowned "Freikoerperkultur" [FKK], draws on the era before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989. Its publishers, Berlin-based Eulenspiegel, are enthusiastic about the publicity stunt.<br /></div><br /><div>"This is great advertising for our book," a spokeswoman said.<br /></div><br /><div>The book's author, Thomas Kupfermann, contacted devotees and asked them to send him their photographs and also secured a contribution from East German television reporter Hans-Joachim Woller, who covered the FKK scene before 1989.<br /></div><br /><div>The event, set to take place in the north-eastern town of Pasewalk and hosted by the nude female model who adorns its cover, is scheduled for April 1, but it's no joke, Maass said.<br />Book event the latest in FKK revival<br /></div><br /><div>The shop owner believes he is putting on a world first with his nudist book reading, which is sold out. He has invited his audience to arrive clothed, as Germany is experiencing a chilly spring, and assures them his shop is adequately heated. He is also providing heavy drapes for the windows to keep passing voyeurs at bay.<br /></div><br /><div>East Germany's FKK movement is generally experiencing something of a revival.<br /><a onclick="return openPopup(this.href,'Image','picPopup');" href="http://www.dw-world.de/popups/popup_lupe/0,,3223697_ind_1,00.html" target="_blank"></a></div><br /><div>A travel agent in the eastern city of Erfurt has laid on nudist charter flights this summer to Usedom, a Baltic island resort and home to a large nudist colony in the communist era.<br />Enrico Hess says tickets are selling rapidly for the first flight on July 5. He has had applications from as far afield as Australia.<br /></div><br /><div>The FKK movement dates its origins to the founding of the first nudist society in Berlin in 1906. While the movement faded in the western states, it flourished in the communist east, with bathing resorts established all along the Baltic coast and at the inland lakes frequented by East German holidaymakers.<br /></div><br /><div>The FKK movement was just one of the communist country's many contradictions regarding nudity.<br /></div><br /><div>Despite the atmosphere of public prudery that prevailed in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the GDR was a hot-bed of nudism and naked bathing, both of which were permitted by the communist regime.<br /></div><br /><div>While the regime banned Western sex films and confiscated erotic films and magazines brought into the country by visitors, it has recently been revealed that the GDR's armed forces had their own pornography department, which made movies for senior officers and the country's outwardly prudish hard-line political elite.<br /><a onclick="return openPopup(this.href,'Image','picPopup');" href="http://www.dw-world.de/popups/popup_lupe/0,,3223697_ind_2,00.html" target="_blank"></a></div><br /><div>The former communist state's secret porn industry has recently been the subject of a documentary shown on German television. The show revealed that the GDR's pornography department was operated by a 160-man film unit which used a secret circle of 12 amateur porn enthusiasts as its stars.<br /></div><br /><div>The documentary explained that the unit was set up in 1982 and managed to make a total of 12 erotic films before the collapse of communism in 1989.<br /></div><br /><div>Officially the films were all made in secret but eye-witness accounts claimed that they were produced under direction from senior officers and their premieres were attended by many of the state's most high-ranking officials and politicians.<br /><br />DW staff / DPA (nda) </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-21676312146740090492008-03-29T07:01:00.000-07:002008-03-29T07:06:01.456-07:00Floridians Blase' About Reports of a New Nudist Resort<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3pg9b1Nkroq8Kde5IEpxU9lpjoWju3hzFFF5caaxChnLd453z4FAL6PBYivkeaBbDYpfwOqmOGXXN045JaL0jxrp_3FC8CB_g6lzNV1nbcduKGmNcdWRGnBlYKI3bLF2wvSRoQ/s1600-h/resort.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183164589090213410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3pg9b1Nkroq8Kde5IEpxU9lpjoWju3hzFFF5caaxChnLd453z4FAL6PBYivkeaBbDYpfwOqmOGXXN045JaL0jxrp_3FC8CB_g6lzNV1nbcduKGmNcdWRGnBlYKI3bLF2wvSRoQ/s400/resort.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://http//www.sun-herald.com/Newsstory.cfm?pubdate=032908&story=tp3np7.htm&folder=NewsArchive2">Revealing resort reactions </a></div><br /><div><br />Residents display tolerance toward rumored naturist resort<br />While many Arcadians are blase about a proposed nude resort, most think it will never materialize.<br /></div><br /><div>ARCADIA (FL)-- A day after rumored plans for the proposed Terra Sol naturist resort were uncovered, the attitude of most Arcadia residents was live and let live.<br /></div><br /><div>Patrons of Wheeler's Restaurant buzzed about the news all day Friday. Many offered uninhibited opinions on the subject.<br /></div><br /><div>"If it's legal within the law of the state of Florida and DeSoto County, it doesn't bother me," said R.L. Dees.<br /></div><br /><div>Durwood Smith, owner of Smith's Ranch and Garden, said he's a firm believer in personal property rights, and if there's a fence around it, he wouldn't have a problem.<br /></div><br /><div>Several Arcadians said nude resorts were nothing new to the area. Apparently, there was a nudist colony near Arcadia a long time ago.<br /></div><br /><div>"There used to be one out in Brownsville years ago," said Jeannette Foley, from behind Wheeler's register. "Everyone knew about it. We used to drive by as kids in high school, but we never saw anything. I'm not going to belong to it, and I'm not in favor of where it's going to be located, but I don't care one way or the other."<br /></div><br /><div>Howard Melton, a local DeSoto County historian, could neither confirm nor deny the Brownsville nudist colony's existence.<br /></div><br /><div>"I'd heard about it for many years," he said, adding there was plenty of talk about a nudist colony in the 1940s or 1950s in the area, after World War II. "I knew the general direction it was in, but I don't have any firsthand knowledge. I drove around and passed by the place, but never saw anything, and I didn't see anyone that was naked. Either they weren't there, or I was in the wrong place."<br /></div><br /><div>And while the prevailing attitude toward the naturist camp was one of tolerance, most said it would never see the light of day.<br /></div><br /><div>"It's not going to happen because it's DeSoto County, and too many people don't want it," said Diann Wells. "In the whole realm of things between what is needed and what people want, it's not a need."<br /></div><br /><div>Herby Hall, who joked that he'd already bought into the nude resort, said having it here might be good for DeSoto County.<br /></div><br /><div>"Show me where it would hurt," he said. "The place would be gated. But it's never going to happen. The commission'll never vote for it."<br /></div><br /><div>DeSoto County Public Information Coordinator Matt Holloman said he hadn't received any calls from the public complaining about the rumored resort.<br /></div><br /><div>"There's been no approval formally by the county," he said. "I did find out a Realtor, in the last year, had been making inquiries, but it's not a county issue at this point."<br /></div><br /><div>According to the resort's Web site, www.terrasolresorts.com, which was still down Friday, the naturist resort will be coming soon, offering people nude vacation or residence opportunities.<br />Described as a "family-oriented resort ideally situated on 320 acres in DeSoto County," Terra Sol is said to be located on property located just outside the city of Arcadia, about 1/4 mile east of the intersection of Turner and Roan roads.<br /></div><br /><div>But it doesn't exist yet.<br /></div><br /><div>Holloman said, as with any project, the resort would require a development plan and would need to go through the Planning and Zoning Department and have a hearing before the DeSoto County Commission.<br /></div><br /><div>"It's a long way from 'this could happen' to 'this is happening,'" he said.<br /></div><br /><div>County Commissioner Felton Garner said he wasn't aware of any progress on the project either.<br />"If you've read the paper, you know just as much as I do," he said.<br /></div><br /><div>Staff Writer Pam Staik contributed to this article.<br /></div><br /><div>You can e-mail <a href="mailto:aklockenkemper@sun-herald.com">Anne Klockenkemper</a> at <a href="mailto:aklockenkemper@sun-herald.com">aklockenkemper@sun-herald.com</a>.<br /></div><br /><div>By ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER<br />Staff Writer </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-27799153121791856542008-03-28T21:43:00.000-07:002008-03-28T21:48:21.935-07:00Hold on to Your Friends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRo53TvmYOEQ3ln6DI8XoqsgciPgaFyiB2-GVMZkGfFnn7yOb35Avdiowl2TjZYHSUz91gAl6SgElujLjPgUwX1Mc75-dDugYmAH8qhn3lBk3RGi6ApwY3OTFPjWu3vAEfs4H3qg/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183020600311614994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRo53TvmYOEQ3ln6DI8XoqsgciPgaFyiB2-GVMZkGfFnn7yOb35Avdiowl2TjZYHSUz91gAl6SgElujLjPgUwX1Mc75-dDugYmAH8qhn3lBk3RGi6ApwY3OTFPjWu3vAEfs4H3qg/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><em>All in all, some pretty good advice:</em><br /><div><br /><a href="http://http//www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080328.wldamage28/BNStory/lifeFamily/home"><span style="font-size:130%;">We've discovered our friends are nudists </span></a><br /></div><br /><div>DAVID EDDIE<br /></div><br /><div>From Friday's Globe and Mail<br />March 28, 2008 at 9:11 AM EDT<br /></div><br /><div>A reader writes: My wife and I have been very close friends with another couple for more than 30 years. We are all in our late 50s. We have shared and supported each other through the births of our children, the deaths of our parents, health crises and career changes. But over the past three years they started spending weekends away in a small trailer.<br /></div><br /><div>Being curious, and based on cumulative facts gleaned over time, we Googled some of their camping locations. It seemed our friends had become naturists ... nudists. Then we saw their picture in a naturist magazine. Now, we are not prudes - skinny-dipping is not foreign to us. Our problem is that it seems our friends have decided to move on to a new chapter of their lives without including us. Do we tell them we know or do we simply ignore the whole thing and hope they will eventually take us into their confidence?<br /></div><br /><div>The answer<br /></div><br /><div>Regular readers of this column will know I'm all about hanging on to old friends. Recently I quoted Polonius from Hamlet: "Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried/Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel."<br /></div><br /><div>But on the other hand, there's such a thing as taking a hint. And it does appear, at first blush, your friends are kicking you to the hamper like yesterday's boxers.<br /></div><br /><div>Sometimes we need to peel off old friends, like a pair of too-tight jeans, in order to grow and evolve.<br /></div><br /><div>I discovered the truth of this when I went away to college.<br /></div><br /><div>My high-school friends knew me as "crazy Dave." Class clown, streaker, stoner, shoplifter, bookworm, the long-haired hippie freak in ratty jeans, wire-rimmed glasses, and my dad's army jacket. I was also "no-date Dave" - in all of high school I had one date and the whole thing was a lecture on why I never got dates.<br /></div><br /><div>But to the downy limbed beauties of Middlebury College in Vermont, I wanted to reinvent myself and be known as Dave the haunted, slightly troubled troubadour; Dave the romantic poet; Dave the playwright, dropping aphorisms and bon mots like President Johnson dropped bombs on Vietnam. Above all, Dave "the lover."<br /></div><br /><div>To my amazement and everlasting joy, they bought it. I'm not one to kiss and tell, but suffice to say for the next four years the new Dave was perhaps among the happiest young men on the eastern seaboard.<br /></div><br /><div>But my high-school friends would never have allowed this metamorphosis to occur. They would have mocked my scarf and pretensions. They wouldn't have allowed me to "fake it until I make it."<br /></div><br /><div>Maybe your friends are thinking along similar lines. Maybe they're worried that (warning: tortured metaphor approaching) unless they untether the belt of your friendship, they'll never be able to drop their old selves to the floor and step forward into the sunshine of a brave nude world.<br /></div><br /><div>To get a sense of whether this could possibly be the case, I spoke to Stéphane Deschênes, owner of the Bear Oaks Family Naturist Park in Ontario, and member of the Federation of Canadian Naturists.<br /></div><br /><div>He said you shouldn't take your friends' secretiveness personally. They're probably just nervous about your judgment.<br /></div><br /><div>Naturism is about many things, he says, including equality: "When you're naked you can't express your feelings of social superiority over others through your clothing."<br /></div><br /><div>But when most people think of nudist clubs or societies (don't say "colonies," they don't like that any more: it sounds too much like a cult), they tend to think (or maybe this is mostly me) of alfresco sex; unbidden, total giveaway erections; and not knowing where to look when you're talking to someone.<br /></div><br /><div>(Personally, if I were a nudist and a hot woman, I'd get a tattoo on the upper part of my left breast, saying: "If you're reading this, you're probably not listening to me. Shall I repeat what I just said?")<br /></div><br /><div>There's still a stigma attached to it, and Mr. Deschênes said a lot of naturists find it hard (cough cough, sorry) to tell old friends about their new clothing-optional lifestyles.<br /></div><br /><div>He says he didn't tell a lot of people at first. When friends found out after he appeared on a cable TV talk show extolling the virtues of doffing your duds, many asked him: "Why didn't you tell me?"<br /></div><br /><div>"Because it wasn't like I'd taken up golf and could ask them, 'Hey why don't you play a few rounds with me?' " he says.<br /></div><br /><div>It's a ticklish thing and continues to be ticklish at times. He says to this day when people invite him to pool parties they sometimes nervously ask him if he plans to, you know - that is, if he wouldn't mind wearing a suit, please.<br /></div><br /><div>But he says that, especially if your friends have contributed to a naturist magazine, they're probably quite passionate about it. And he predicts that if you approach them, "you probably won't be able to get them to shut up about it."<br /></div><br /><div>In all likelihood, they'll feel a huge sense of relief, and be more than happy to welcome you into the fold, should you so desire.<br /></div><br /><div>So yes, I would say: doff your reticence, approach your friends and whip out your knowledge of the new direction their lives are taking. Just say you saw them in the magazine and start talking about that. If you wind up nudists - well, I have to say it sounds like a fun way to spend your weekends. Send me a postcard.<br /></div><br /><div>Of course, there's a chance your friends' evasiveness might have nothing to do with naturism. And I can imagine a horrible, embarrassing scene where you're all standing around naked sipping Cuba libres and they say: "No, it wasn't that we were embarrassed by our naturism. We were just bored of you guys."<br /></div><br /><div>But that doesn't sound like the case here. Mostly because of the timing. If you're as close to your old friends as you say, it's just too big a coincidence that they started being evasive about the time they became naturists.<br /></div><br /><div>If you approach them with open hearts and minds, I predict you will soon be a happy foursome once again, perhaps playing nude gin rummy in the sun.<br /></div><br /><div>If you do go that route, one last note, courtesy of Mr. Deschênes: Naturists love being nude, they love playing basketball and frolicking in the buff, but they're practical about it, too. They understand the need for clothing as protection: "I like to tell people," he says, 'Wear an apron when you're arc-welding or frying bacon.' "<br /></div><br /><div>Now that, my friends, is what I call good advice. And don't forget lots of sunscreen.<br />David Eddie is a screenwriter and the author of Chump Change and Housebroken: Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Dad. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-27064256918842462172008-03-17T06:40:00.000-07:002008-03-17T06:41:46.978-07:00Pack Light...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjtogiPMVpxw3HKidRZvo4F4Di_2bKB5MZchiwW9ZaAJAJxVa16f3bN8gSnYGwFU7tByTeEu8JlH_VHM6pz0npfjFlyblqeTjRW3pb6CnmhVZTecxGhEicSo8wd1ctLT-1yspLA/s1600-h/Bizarro.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178705033085756434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjtogiPMVpxw3HKidRZvo4F4Di_2bKB5MZchiwW9ZaAJAJxVa16f3bN8gSnYGwFU7tByTeEu8JlH_VHM6pz0npfjFlyblqeTjRW3pb6CnmhVZTecxGhEicSo8wd1ctLT-1yspLA/s400/Bizarro.gif" border="0" /></a> Today's Comic Commentary on naturism from Bizarro. (We'll forgive the outdated use of "colony" due to ignorance.)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-47069682692651932012008-03-03T17:17:00.000-08:002008-03-03T17:19:39.556-08:00Naked Taxes!<a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><h1><a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/29/Pasco/Tourist_tax_dollars_h.shtml">Tourist tax dollars hit peak</a></h1> <blockquote><h3>Nudists, athletes and other county visitors spent $68,748 in bed tax here last month.</h3></blockquote> <p>By Chuin-Wei Yap, Times Staff Writer<br />Published February 29, 2008</p> <hr noshade="noshade" size="1"> <table class="grtable450leftcap" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="576"> <tbody><tr> <td width="124"> <div class="photo-caption"> The Paradise Lakes nudist resort in Lutz reported large bookings last month. The first quarter is regarded as nudism's peak season, said Toby Caroline of Paradise Lakes.</div> </td> <td width="452"><img src="http://www.sptimes.com/2008/02/28/images/tb_PasTourism_450x300.jpg" alt="photo" border="1" height="300" width="450" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><br /></td> <td> <div class="photo-credit"> [Zach Boyden-Holmes | Times (2006)]</div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <!--BEGIN GR300--> <table class="grtable300" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="302"> <tbody><tr> <td><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p>Pasco collected a record amount of tourist tax dollars in January, and if you believe anecdotal suggestions, sports and naked people are part of the explanation. </p><p>The $68,748 collected in January, a bellwether month in the tourism industry, was the largest take in the bed tax since the county started collecting such data in 1991. </p><p>Some of the tax money came from nudist resorts, of which Pasco has the most in Florida. </p><p>"We had a great month in January," said Chris Berry, who handles real estate for Caliente Resorts. "We were definitely booked solid, three months ahead. We had another big party in the middle of the month, and that was booked up almost to capacity. </p><p>"Part of what's driving the business is the hellacious winter up north. So many of them are from Massachusetts, Michigan, Canada, and they say it's been horrendous," Berry said. </p><p>"I was told New Year's Eve was the busiest in Pasco it's ever been," said Carolyn Hawkins, spokeswoman for the American Association of Nude Recreation. New Year's Eve takings would have been reported in January. </p><p>Other resorts like Lake Como and Paradise Lakes also reported bumper bookings last month. The first quarter is regarded as nudism's peak season, said Toby Caroline of Paradise Lakes. </p><p>Sports also played a role in tourist tax collections. </p><p>"Keep in mind we added the Dick's Sporting Goods Tournament of Champions - the lacrosse national club championship - which tallied close to 700 room nights for the county, including 136 for Saddlebrook Resorts," said Eric Keaton, who handles Pasco's tourism matters. </p><p>Saddlebrook was the host hotel for the Dick's tourney. In January, Saddlebrook and Saint Leo University also hosted the USTA Grand Slam Futures tennis tournament, Keaton said. </p><p>Pasco tourism isn't breaking step with the rest of the Sunshine State when it comes to the longer term. Florida saw the first year-to-year decline in tourists since 2001 last year. </p><p>Pasco reported a 4 percent dip in tourist revenue between 2006 and 2007, but the last three months of 2007 saw a surge while the rest of Florida staggered. And then January broke county records. </p><p>Hotels are betting on the tourism trend here. Last year, Marriott opened a Residence Inn at the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54. And earlier this month, a new Hampton Inn & Suites opened at SR 56 and Interstate 75. </p><p><em>Chuin-Wei Yap can be reached at </em><a href="mailto:cyap@sptimes.com"><em>cyap@sptimes.com</em></a><em> or (813)909-4613.</em></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-9557957081931250332008-02-21T06:48:00.000-08:002008-02-21T06:57:42.729-08:00Just Like on Betazed<a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN7l_ahDvuzA7OkaE5gNUntRHj8MDoMDR98wzE9Kyk4bxOH-H_WI03D2iNTO3bEh6vtCgAQlC4o2vRxGTCnUkK0jHuHQ9vB2RdTIwOMg3BqnqaO7y1yS7DAR08FZpWYwN_4ub7A/s1600-h/0220nudewedding.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUN7l_ahDvuzA7OkaE5gNUntRHj8MDoMDR98wzE9Kyk4bxOH-H_WI03D2iNTO3bEh6vtCgAQlC4o2vRxGTCnUkK0jHuHQ9vB2RdTIwOMg3BqnqaO7y1yS7DAR08FZpWYwN_4ub7A/s400/0220nudewedding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169445721151925346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Star Trek fans may recall that the nude wedding is standard on the planet Betazed (Troi's homeword). Mr. and Mrs. Musings were wed fully clothed, but know people who had naked nuptials...<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span><h1><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/ent/pop/articles/0220nudistwedding0220.html">Weddings exposed: Bride and groom bare it all</a></span></h1> <div class="entStoryCredits"> <strong>Lana Gerseten</strong><br />Columbia News Service<br />Feb. 20, 2008 12:00 AM</div><br />NEW YORK -- On a sunny, August day in the Berkshire Mountains, 600 guests stood waiting to witness Pamela and Lee tie the knot. But as the bride walked down the aisle, no one marveled at her wedding dress.<br /><br />She wasn't wearing one. And Lee, her husband shortly to be, wore little more than a top hat and bowtie. As for the audience, some people wore hats and others had shawls around their shoulders, but most did not dress at all that morning. Only 12 were fully clothed.<br /><br />"We worked for many months to craft a ceremony that was very expressive of our thoughts and our beliefs," Pamela said. Having a nude wedding was "so expressive of who we are," she said. "It's so natural, it's so unpretentious."<br /><br />Pamela and Lee, both in their 50s, are part of a growing number of nudists opting to have nude weddings to complement their lifestyle. As nudists, they eat, sleep, exercise, and sometimes work in the raw. For them, nude weddings are simply a natural extension of their everyday life.<br /><br />At the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), where 50,000 members can now choose from over 270 clothes-free and clothing-optional clubs and resorts throughout the country, nude weddings are more popular than ever.<br /><br />Staffers at the Kissimmee, Fla.,-based organization say their office had invitations to more than 25 nude weddings last year, up from just one or two a few years back.<br /><br />Nude weddings have also become commonplace on nude cruises, which have soared in popularity over the last few years. Bare Necessities Tour and Travel, one of the largest clothes-optional cruise lines, regularly charters cruises with over 2,100 passengers, a far cry from the 36 that set sail in 1991. In 1992, when the first large cruise was offered, no requests were made for wedding ceremonies onboard.<br /><br />On the most recent large cruise, 15 couples had ceremonies at sea. In fact, because the demand for nude weddings has become so great on the cruises, Nancy Tiemann, president and co-founder of Bare Necessities, became a minister so she could preside over the ceremonies herself.<br /><br />The growth of nude weddings is part of a larger trend in nude recreation, which is fast reaching record numbers. "Nude recreation is entering the mainstream," said Carolyn Hawkins, Public Relations Coordinator at AANR. According to AANR, nude recreation grew 75 percent during the 1990s. Today, AANR estimates that the industry has grown to $440 million, up from $120 million in 1992.<br /><br />In fact, nude recreation is becoming so popular that nudists now have their own resorts, cruise lines and most recently in January, a flight chartered specifically for a nudist day trip. Throughout the country, a growing number of nudist resorts offer everything from naked volleyball to naked karaoke.<br /><br />For couples like Pamela and Lee, who lead a nudist life, having a nude wedding is a way to focus on each other rather than the extravagance of a traditional wedding. Their outdoor ceremony, which they estimated cost between $2,000 and $3,000, was an added bonus against the backdrop of a booming wedding industry whose prices continue to soar.<br /><br />According to a study conducted in 2005 by the Fairchild Bridal Group, the average wedding in the United States costs over $26,000. By contrast, most nude weddings take place outdoors, and the best part of all -- no wedding dress to think of.<br /><br />"Couples who get married in the nude are closer to God, the universe, divine energy," said Rev. Jo Ann Pessagno, a minister who has presided over 80 nude weddings, including Pamela and Lee's. "Their emphasis is on the ceremony and the words as opposed to the flowers, the place cards, what kind of wine they're serving, what kind entrees, desserts."<br /><br />When Bob and Judy Callene had a nude wedding aboard a Bare Necessities cruise on Valentine's Day 2002, many of the ship's 2,000 passengers showed up to support the couple. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed wedding cake, Champagne and dancing in the ship's restaurant. "My husband said it was the best $40 ever spent," said Judy, still marveling at the low cost of their special day.<br /><br />Mark and Cindy, who had a nude wedding in San Antonio in November 2001, put their wedding together in just six weeks and sent out e-mails rather than formal wedding invitations. Though Mark, 36, regrets that their families did not attend because they felt uncomfortable, having a wedding that reflected their nudist lifestyle was more important.<br /><br /> "My mom is just too old fashioned to understand," he said.<br /><br />Nude weddings also remind couples that their lifestyle is about love and acceptance above all else. For Lee, "nudism is a great equalizer. You are the same as everyone. You're not wearing anything that would separate you from anyone else."<br /><br />Nudists around the country balk at the mistaken belief that nudist communities are all about sex. To them, nudists are very accepting and close. "It's not a sexual thing, it's a spiritual thing," said Rev. Shirley Morgan, a minister in Manchester, Michigan who has officiated at nearly 40 nude weddings.<br /><br />For each couple, the decision to have a nude wedding came naturally. "We got married this way because of our belief in having a healthy, honest, transparent lifestyle," said Pamela.<br /><br />According to Lee, their wedding was exactly the way it should be. "God keeps sending us naked people, but we keep sending him people that are all dressed," he lamented. "One of these days we'll get it."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">By the way, NM ignored all the news about a German airline with naked flights because (1) it's been done before and (2) it's just plain (plane?) stupid.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-50637212326775661442008-02-13T20:19:00.001-08:002008-02-13T20:22:49.567-08:00Be It Every So Naked...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j08KURTre3zKcdnXKZBKPG-TvjPDIIKvtg0Zy-EW5-t3bVgUZJ8EyHo3z5oXZ-eQEubXub-HwtOBhbVrCveHes73BX9S0sEx9kzXSqRN_VX0JbZPPUvMKAgXhxu257IQxwV3yw/s1600-h/naked-at-home.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j08KURTre3zKcdnXKZBKPG-TvjPDIIKvtg0Zy-EW5-t3bVgUZJ8EyHo3z5oXZ-eQEubXub-HwtOBhbVrCveHes73BX9S0sEx9kzXSqRN_VX0JbZPPUvMKAgXhxu257IQxwV3yw/s400/naked-at-home.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166686372167969874" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img style="width: 118px; height: 54px;" src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;" >Nudity in the home</span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Arial;" >Nothing so divides families as the issue of nakedness, says Marianne Kavanagh</span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >The Telegraph (U.K.)</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >February 9, 2008</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > </span></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >Outside the home, families tend to behave with a certain conformity. But behind closed doors, there is no such thing as standard behaviour. Some families keep guinea pigs. Others eat Marmite. Some watch The Vicar of Dibley. But no habit splits the nation so dramatically as nudity.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >Some of us wander quite happily about in nothing but our birthday suits. Others view nakedness as a brief but necessary state between, say, a bath and pyjamas. But all of us have quite distinct opinions about whether or not we are comfortable stripping off in front of our children.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >"I see it as my duty," says a friend, "to remind my teenage sons that this is what women really look like. It's no good them growing up thinking we all look like those airbrushed pictures in magazines." Others wouldn't dream of being seen in the buff, grabbing towels and dressing-gowns to cover the relevant dangly bits. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >"It's purely practical," says one father. "Spend any time naked in our house and you'd freeze to death." Some change their habits as the children grow older. You share a bath with your baby and happily strip off in front of your toddler, but find yourself becoming increasingly modest once your child goes to school.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >It's hard to rise above direct comments about a Rubenesque shape. "Mummy," said a friend's five-year-old admiringly as her mother left the bath, "what a big bottom!" "I think I cover up more now that the children are teenagers," says another mum, "but that's more for their sake than mine. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >I don't tend to bother about being naked in the bedroom, because that's my domain."</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >"It's quite useful if I'm upstairs wrapping birthday presents," says Katie. "My 13-year-old hates seeing me naked, so I just shout 'No clothes on!' and I can hear him scuttling back down the stairs." If you're going to let it all hang out, you need a positive body image. Gravity takes its toll, after all, and the more mature human form seems to benefit from a little support. Perhaps this is what was behind the leaked email from <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1202962584_0">Jeremy Paxman</span>, presenter of BBC2's Newsnight, to Marks & Spencer boss Sir Stuart Rose. Complaining about M&S underwear, Paxman wrote of the "widespread gusset anxiety" among his friends.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >"I think nudity depends on whether your house has a lot of mirrors," says Louisa. "I didn't mind drifting about naked in my 20s, but nowadays I come across a full-length mirror and think, 'Bloody hell!'"</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >It's probably easier for mothers to strip off in front of their daughters, and fathers in front of their sons - it is, after all, a division we're used to from the days we eased our shivering children back into their clothes at the swimming pool. But the solidarity encountered when one sex heavily outnumbers the other can be alarming.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >One father, who works away from home during the week, comes back to his wife and four daughters on Friday night and feels hopelessly out of place. "He keeps asking, rather desperately, 'Is that appropriate? ' because we're all wandering about naked," says his wife fondly. "But we don't take any notice of him."</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >If you find the idea of nudity in the home troubling, it may be because your parents were buttoned, braced and belted. We seem to pass on our ideas about nakedness to the next generation.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >"When I was growing up," says a friend whose daughters quite happily sit about without a stitch on, "you couldn't lock yourself away modestly in the bathroom because the rest of the family would hammer on the door, shouting, 'What are you doing in there?'"</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >You might, on the other hand, decide to turn your back on a naturist upbringing. One friend, who feels in retrospect that her parents were complete exhibitionists, keeps nudity at home to a minimum.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >"Be sensitive to your child's feelings," says Suzie Hayman, trustee of the national charity ParentlinePlus. "Young children are very free and easy, but most go through a modest phase after attending nursery school. Teenagers can find it very embarrassing if their parents are prancing about in the nude because of the whole idea of the opposite sex." Be sensitive, but also positive.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >As Hayman says: "What's most important is to pass on the idea that 'My body is OK' and 'Whatever I am is fine', because the opposite message is so very harmful." In these days of cosmetic surgery and airbrushed pictures, you can't emphasise too much that bodies come in all shapes and sizes. But don't feel you have to strip off to prove it. After all, as <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1202962584_1">TS Eliot</span> once nearly said, your children might not be able to bear that much reality.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a rel="nofollow" name="1"><b><u><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;" >The bare essentials</span></span></u></b></a><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:Verdana;" >:</span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >Reasons to go nude</span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• It's natural</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• It's the best way to clean the shower</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• Fake tan dries more easily</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• You don't need to buy dressing-gowns </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><i><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;" >Reasons to cover up</span></span></i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• It saves on heating bills</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• You might embarrass the children</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• Clothes express personality</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" >• <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1202962584_2">Mobile phones</span> take pictures these days</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;" > </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:85%;">Source: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/main.jhtml?xml=/education/2008/02/09/enakedness109.xml">http://www.telegrap h.co.uk/educatio n/main.jhtml? xml=/education/ 2008/02/09/ enakedness109. xml</a></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-49372658202165923832008-01-12T07:44:00.000-08:002008-01-12T07:51:01.157-08:00The Carib-Bare-an Experience<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFK4cByS4PTqHx9YSCoTwYG1e1uM8FenZGBnwTJVQKln5LtB-lCs1J3XWVMQDgcceaJ2cXymm_P8vCV7RkI8lCZI1yU0h1YID69JKzDCHKXmZ8USO9ux9WeU0yOYs4Trngx4paSg/s1600-h/img61.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFK4cByS4PTqHx9YSCoTwYG1e1uM8FenZGBnwTJVQKln5LtB-lCs1J3XWVMQDgcceaJ2cXymm_P8vCV7RkI8lCZI1yU0h1YID69JKzDCHKXmZ8USO9ux9WeU0yOYs4Trngx4paSg/s400/img61.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154618012856731330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A morning walk at Orient Beach...<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><div class="labelKicker" style="padding-top: 5px;"> <span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___LabelKicker__">From the Toronto Star:<br /><br />NATURIST RESORTS</span> </div> <!-- ARTICLE TITLE --> <div style="display: none;"> <span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___ArticlePageTitle__" class="headlineArticle">TheStar.com | Travel | Bare facts about the Caribbean</span> </div> <div><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___Title__" class="headlineArticle">Bare facts about the Caribbean</span></div> <div style="float: right; width: 406px; padding-left: 10px;"> <!-- LANDSCAPE IMAGE FOR THE ARTICLE--> </div> <!-- ARTICLE TOOLBOX --> <br /><br /> <!-- SIDE BAR CONTAINER --> <div class="pullQuoteContainer" style="clear: right;"> <div class="brownBoxPullQuote"> <div class="pullQuoteText" style=""><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___Sidebar__"><strong>JUST THE FACTS</strong> <p>Here are some helpful web sites: </p><p>Saint Martin, French West Indies: <a href="http://www.cluborient.com/" target="_blank">www.cluborient.com</a></p><p>Cayo Largo, Cuba: <a href="http://www.tripcentral.ca/" target="_blank">www.tripcentral.ca/</a> (Click "packages" and follow links.)</p><p>Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles: <a href="http://www.sorobonbeachresort.com/" target="_blank">www.sorobonbeachresort.com</a> </p><p>Jamaica: <a href="http://www.superclubs.com/" target="_blank">www.superclubs.com</a> </p> <p><strong>THE AU NATUREL FACTS</strong></p> <p><em>Considering a nude or naturist holiday? Remember these rules:</em></p> <p><strong>SUNBLOCK</strong><br />Use lots of it, everywhere. Make sure it's not alcohol-based. </p> <p><strong>TOWELS</strong><br />Yes, naked people use towels - a lot. </p> <p><strong>EYE CONTACT</strong><br />Whether the person you're talking with has horns and cloven hoofs, or angelic wings, look them in the eye. Nudist etiquette demands that you aren't gaping at other parts. To glance, however, is human nature.</p> <p><strong>MALE EXCITEMENT</strong><br />Forget it, it doesn't happen. This is the most non-sexual environment around.</p> <p><strong>GAWKERS</strong><br />Rude people walk up and down public nude beaches with dark sunglasses, and sometimes digital and video cameras. The best solution is to ask everyone on the beach to point at and applaud the gawker as he (and it's always a he) walks by. Gawkers do not like attention. </p> <p><strong>PROPOSITIONS</strong><br />Someone you'd rather see stuck in quicksand may proposition you in a naturist venue, but how would you deal with that person if you were clothed? Give him or her the same cold shoulder or withering look.</p> <p><strong>PDAS</strong><br />Public displays of affection - nope. It's uncomfortable to witness two lovesick teenagers locking lips on the subway; it's even more so to see two nude people doing the same.</p> <p><strong>COMPARISONS</strong><br />There aren't many bodies that resemble Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. There will always be someone who looks better or worse than you. </p> <p><strong>MEMBERSHIP</strong><br />You can join the Federation of Canadian Naturists or, in Quebec, the Fédération québécoise de naturisme. </p> <p><strong>RELAX</strong><br />You're there to feel comfortable without a lot of restrictive clothing, and to enjoy the air, sun and water on your body. It's normal and natural. </p> </span></div> </div> </div> <!-- SPACER DIV FOR SPECIAL ASSOCIATED STORY MUST REMAIN EMPTY --> <div> <!-- SUB TITLE 1 --> <span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___SubTitle1__" class="subhead1">Resorts offer plenty of spots for sun-seekers to act naturally</span><br /> </div> <!-- PUBLISH DATE --> <div style="margin: 20px 0px;"> <span style="text-transform: capitalize;"> Jan 12, 2008 04:30 AM</span> </div> <!-- AUTHOR 1 --> <span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___Author1__" class="articleAuthor">Bruce Bishop</span> <br /> <!-- CREDIT 1--> <a href="http://www.thestar.com/Travel/article/292453"><span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder_article_NavWebPart_Article_ctl00___Credit1__" style="text-transform: uppercase;">Special to the Star</span></a><br /> <!-- ARTICLE CONTENT--> <p>Maybe you're a confirmed, card-carrying naturist (the politically correct term for "nudist.") Maybe you'd just like to try out a clothing-optional vacation – but as far away from home as possible. </p><p>This winter, the Caribbean will beckon many sun-hungry Canadians. Here are some natural options to consider:</p><p> </p><p><strong>ST. MARTIN</strong></p><p>When devastating hurricanes hit the northeastern Caribbean in 1995, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, the dually-owned French/Dutch protectorate, was not exempt. Club Orient, the naturist resort on the French side, was heavily damaged, but reopened the following year, with several new beachfront chalets (made of poured concrete) and many reinforced mini-suites, bringing the total accommodation to 137 units of varying sizes.</p><p>The clothing-optional crowd congregates mostly on the southern portion of Orient Beach, but the long sandy expanse is constantly busy, with sports, kiosks, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars.</p><p>A popular feature has always been Club Orient's nude day cruises to the nearby uninhabited islet of Tintamarre aboard the Tiko-Tiko, a 12-metre catamaran. The trip, which costs about $140 (Cdn.) includes a gourmet lunch with French wines and liqueurs, use of snorkelling equipment, swimming and sunning on a deserted island.</p><p> Compared with other hotels which may offer breakfast or an all-inclusive plan, Club Orient is pricey. </p><p>The least expensive studio chalet or mini suite is $316 per night from Boxing Day to March 15, with no meals included. Beachfront chalets are an average of $550 and even Internet access is expensive. It's the price you pay for leaving your clothes at home.</p><p>Orient Beach is a beauty, however, and hundreds of tourists staying at other hotels on the island make the pilgrimage there at least once. It is, after all, a public beach. </p><p>Some cruise ship passengers who request this shore excursion are unceremoniously dumped for the day in the middle of Orient Beach – nudes on their right, textiles on their left. Guess where they go first. </p><p>Not to worry. For once, you'll be in the majority as they snake their way along the beach, surreptitiously glancing at the bronzed bodies. You almost feel sorry for them. </p><p><strong>CAYO LARGO, CUBA</strong></p><p>You won't see huge cruise ships stopping at the breathtaking sandy beaches on the tiny island of Cayo Largo, a Cuban possession about 130 kilometres south of Havana.</p><p>There are few day trippers but you'll meet other Canadians (especially from Québec), Argentinians, Italians and Germans. They've been enjoying the back-to-nature beaches here for several years.</p><p>There is no designated nude beach but you can remove your swimsuit at the beaches of Villa Lindaman, Villa Soledad, the east side of Sol Pelicano and the west side of Sol Cayo Largo. Or just find your own deserted beach.</p><p>As Toni and Dave, a couple from St. Bruno, Québec, wrote on a Caribbean online chat group: "You do get what you pay for because you are flying there, with hotel transfers, sleeping in a clean room, drinking yourself into a stupor (should you wish to), and eating until you almost explode. </p><p>You can do this in a high-season period for less than $1,200 at a four-star level. With that in mind, I have no complaints about the food, room, bar, beach or service. Try getting all that at an auberge in Québec for a week."</p><p>Buffet breakfasts and dinners, liquor and sometimes lunches are included with your package tour price, as are aquafit classes, Spanish and Cuban dance lessons, and some sports, depending on your choice of hotel.</p><p>But people really come to Cayo Largo to unwind. No casinos, next to nothing in the way of nightlife or shopping, no crime, museums, historical sites or political propaganda. Bike rentals are a bargain and a great way to see the tiny island. </p><p>Pelicans, egrets, land crabs, iguanas, turtles and gulls live permanently on Cayo Largo, whereas hotel workers are housed in a village and return to the "big" island of Cuba after a couple of weeks' work. </p><p>Near-perfect swimming, beachcombing, sunning and snorkelling are the most strenuous activities here. </p><p>It is the Caribbean as Columbus once saw it.</p><p><strong>BONAIRE</strong></p><p>The only "official" clothing optional resort in the Netherlands Antilles is the Sorobon Beach Resort on the sunny island of Bonaire, off the northern coast of Venezuela.</p><p>The island is dry and stark, with wild donkeys sleeping on or beside the road, flocks of pink flamingos, oddly-shaped cacti and constant trade winds.</p><p>The Sorobon Beach Resort has 28 one-bedroom chalets, one two-bedroom unit and one three-bedroom house. </p><p>They all face shallow Lac Bay and the Caribbean Sea. No chalet is more than 45 metres from the water. </p><p>A favourite of first-time naturists, the Sorobon's beach is private and for resort guests only. </p><p>At its busiest, the Sorobon will only have about 75 guests. People from other hotels may be admitted onto the beach for a fee.</p><p>Chalets have full kitchens, solar-heated water, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi in some (and an office computer for guests to check email), and patios and terraces with hammocks. The units don't have TVs, telephones or radios. </p><p>A nude snorkelling cruise, yoga on the beach, massage, boules, a games room, a bar and restaurant, and other activities and diversions are offered.</p><p> Bonaire's protected reefs have some of the finest scuba diving in the world. Snorkellers also rave about the underwater life and vegetation.</p><p> </p><p><strong>JAMAICA</strong></p><p>Jamaica has a few hotels and resorts where bathing suits are not required. </p><p>Hedonism II and Hedonism III have nude and "prude" beaches and areas but are known for their party atmosphere and may not be to everyone's taste. </p><p>The all-inclusive Grand Lido Braco has an <em>au naturel </em>section of guestrooms, pools and beach that is highly regarded by card-carrying naturists.</p><p>Warren and Ruth, a couple from northern California, wrote about their seventh vacation at Grand Lido Braco on an online chat group for naturists.</p><p>"When we were there earlier this year, we saw three people trying to have a game of pool volleyball on the clothed side (of the resort). No one else was interested. On the nude side, we were playing with so many people that we were practically shoulder to shoulder."</p><p> </p><p>It's amazing how much friendlier people can be when you are not wearing designer clothing or jewellery. </p><p>You have very little to hide when you're nude, and since we all come in different shapes and sizes, just relax and enjoy your clothing-optional vacation.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-82710107346603328662007-12-04T20:53:00.000-08:002007-12-04T20:57:08.169-08:00Some Warm and Naked Pictures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQQOU36NbxgE3Xqy8MSpwuy06h2PB5MDHglwmVYKNilOSZClXkdkLNnGD_Zp8L3jh2c-LypnuxptMEBU_N3MfZycLiZy7OIM-ESGOOC3mSD3F4a4uL80neJHDKlWPC9zwnz488A/s1600-h/sm006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQQOU36NbxgE3Xqy8MSpwuy06h2PB5MDHglwmVYKNilOSZClXkdkLNnGD_Zp8L3jh2c-LypnuxptMEBU_N3MfZycLiZy7OIM-ESGOOC3mSD3F4a4uL80neJHDKlWPC9zwnz488A/s320/sm006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140348068503618546" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sS5pNSI6_Xhrd51Xv36ABjry4pReSrKr1hkz4gPVoi9cqs6_EiX0N5AbvbHIbvCihRZTko27C4KwgVQWJhTUY1aNWPr9QBr2xv2D5_iQO4lwU57dQy_lsfA_xzB1qtq89ADmBw/s1600-h/sm003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sS5pNSI6_Xhrd51Xv36ABjry4pReSrKr1hkz4gPVoi9cqs6_EiX0N5AbvbHIbvCihRZTko27C4KwgVQWJhTUY1aNWPr9QBr2xv2D5_iQO4lwU57dQy_lsfA_xzB1qtq89ADmBw/s320/sm003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140347862345188306" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1ED8_iz-8SixDdYXjwFaN4VPbWRvradKYP3l4QfsIgLQnVxTFsW5eHm-otLRPqDRR6RDUNhiD9lyfLzcgiIOoZtWCZMafhH7i88v3XbkmjXhlUf4RvQk0ydSdmHp4pzEFCK1HA/s1600-h/sm004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1ED8_iz-8SixDdYXjwFaN4VPbWRvradKYP3l4QfsIgLQnVxTFsW5eHm-otLRPqDRR6RDUNhiD9lyfLzcgiIOoZtWCZMafhH7i88v3XbkmjXhlUf4RvQk0ydSdmHp4pzEFCK1HA/s320/sm004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140347965424403426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JnJYwx7tmybhlpr6FozIQ7r38E0gHnKotGkPU2oXy97Mr95-wQt7V8XiiZBCfKU0V9lV4SjRuUbDqVRhUuwV28IfrwVNAxuWVg8hUmL3jh9CcNlIAV3haSKa-yCZ29kAimlhpA/s1600-h/nudistcouple3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JnJYwx7tmybhlpr6FozIQ7r38E0gHnKotGkPU2oXy97Mr95-wQt7V8XiiZBCfKU0V9lV4SjRuUbDqVRhUuwV28IfrwVNAxuWVg8hUmL3jh9CcNlIAV3haSKa-yCZ29kAimlhpA/s320/nudistcouple3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140347754971005890" border="0" /></a>From www.orientbeach.com, something to remind you that, yes, naked weather will return!<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-3536364643514460722007-11-18T20:47:00.000-08:002007-11-18T20:49:32.643-08:00Another Textile Reporter Vists a Naturist Venue<a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a><table fo="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Format"><tbody><tr style="font-weight: bold;"><td colspan="2" class="ArticleHead"><a href="http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Lifestyle/Article.aspx?id=611336">Don’t look down</a><!--head0--></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="Byline"><!--byline1--><!--byline0--><br /></td> <td class="Published" align="right"> <span class="PublishedHead">Published:</span><!--date1--><span class="PublishedDate">Nov 18, 2007</span><!--date0--></td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" class="ArticleHead"> <hr class="ArticleLine" size="1" width="100%"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2"> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td class="ArticleImg"><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/thumbnail.aspx?type=img&id=76525" border="0" width="200" /><br /><span class="caption"><b>Pictures</b>: Nicholas De Villiers</span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td class="ArticleImg"><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/thumbnail.aspx?type=img&id=76527" border="0" width="200" /><br /><span class="caption"><b>Bottoms up</b>: Naturists trying everything to get the barman’s attention</span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td class="ArticleImg"><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/thumbnail.aspx?type=mm&id=48095" border="0" width="200" /><br /><span class="caption"><b>Hanging out</b>: Oliver Roberts, left, hides behind his shades; naturists view nature in its fullest glory </span> <span class="imgdesc"><br /></span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td class="ArticleImg"> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td class="storybody" width="200"><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quoteline.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="200" /><br /><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quotestart.gif" alt="" border="0" /><span class="quotetxt">Public erections are bad enough, but to be the bearer of one here wouldn’t be lived down</span><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quoteend.gif" alt="" border="0" /><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quoteline.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="200" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td class="ArticleImg"> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="200"> <tbody><tr> <td class="storybody" width="200"><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quoteline.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="200" /><br /><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quotestart.gif" alt="" border="0" /><span class="quotetxt">Tell us: Do you think naturism makes us more, or less, intimate? Write to: <a href="mailto:tellus@sundaytimes.co.za">tellus@sundaytimes.co.za</a> or visit www.thetimes.co.za to take part in an online discussion</span><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quoteend.gif" alt="" border="0" /><img src="http://www.thetimes.co.za/images/quoteline.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="200" /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div id="divRelatedLinks"> </div><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><!--blurb1-->For naturists, stripping down to a Sunday lunch with fellow nudes is the ultimate escape from everyday life. Oliver Roberts went along as a textile.<!--blurb0--></p> <p><!--par1--><!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1--><!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->The most bizarre thing I noticed minutes after entering a room full of naked people was not the guy with 20 piercings in his dick, or the Goth chick with her pubic hair trimmed into a downward pointing arrow, or even the old man sitting just to my right, reading the Sunday Times while his parched scrotum dangled free over the chair’s edge. No. What struck me as unusual was the smell.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Clothes, I realised then, cover not only the sight of us, but also the odour. When nudity is communal our natural scents celebrate their freedom in raptures of glossy musks, dull yeasts and washed onions.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->My excitement at this revelation evoked in me the same ache for the aroma of human skin as Jean-Baptiste Grenouille in Patrick Süskind’s Perfume. I wanted to kill every beautiful person in the room and diffuse them into untainted lust.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->The occasion was a lunch for 110 naturists at a restaurant deep in the hills of Muldersdrift, away from the prying eyes of “textiles” (the term for people who wear clothes). Wolfgang Weinrich, president of the International Naturist Federation, was on a visit from his headquarters in Belgium; other guests included tour operators from Holland and Germany who specialise in holiday packages for naturists. Globally, the nude tourism industry is worth 450million a year.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Dress code was sneakers and sunglasses. And a towel to sit on — so your bum sweat doesn’t sully the chairs.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->I concede that I didn’t have the balls to go naked; in fact, I wore a sarong around my bottom half to conceal them. A willingness to be naked among strangers is very dependent on the suggestions of the setting and how much you’ve had to drink: I was not on a beach or in the desert, I was in a restaurant; and I was totally sober.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->At my table were David and Megan, a couple in their early 50s — he a psychiatrist and she a university lecturer.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->They’d just come straight from church, arriving at the restaurant in the appropriate dress before disappearing into the bathrooms and emerging naked as Adam and Eve . David and Megan have been naturists for almost three years.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->“Being naked strips you of all your defences and leaves you with nothing left to hide behind,” David said. “What it does is it totally disseminates you from your normal life and all the baggage that it carries.”<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Megan is blonde, with sharp eyes and momentous breasts that pressed and rebounded triumphantly off the table ledge as she scooped salad off her plate.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->“It might seem strange for us to say that we are Christian, but I don’t see anything immoral with being in an environment like this. It’s about feeling free and natural; there is nothing sexual about it.”<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Heading to lunch I felt a protruding anxiety about the possibility of visual arousal. Public erections when you are clothed are bad enough, but to become the bearer of one and have nothing but a serviette to cover it with, you would never live it down. The relieving paradox of communal nudity is that, despite the paradisiacal allusions of being surrounded by women bearing themselves in unfettered displays of wobbles and jiggles, there is not even a vague sensation of sensual stimulation. The human form is far more enticing when it’s presented as a mystery waiting to be unravelled. The power of nudity, then, is determined by its context.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->“The appeal of naturism is that it relieves you of your identity and creates instant equality,” said Mike, a 42 year-old architect. “Clothes are a way of defining yourself to others before they even begin speaking to you. Being naked like this, conversing with strangers, brings us all down to the same level because there’s a vulnerability to it. It’s deeply humanising.”<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->It’s true that it’s almost impossible to gauge someone’s character when they are starkers. Your only clues are hairstyles, shoes, piercings and tattoos. Thus, in a setting like this, genuine impressions are formed by talking to people. Instead of depending on synthetics to back up your personality, you have to try harder.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->“I think the world would be a much gentler place if we were all naked,” said Nick, a board member at a major petrol firm. “It’s far easier to connect with another person when you’re both naked because, although the physical boundaries are increased, the personal and emotional ones become diluted.”<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Certainly, the physical spaces between bodies at the lunch were noticeably pronounced. Though I am in doubt as to whether this gap is born out of consideration for each other’s bareness, or the grief of accidentally brushing your penis against another man’s leg as you stand at the bar (I saw this happen).<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->At any get-together there are always people who spoil things. In the case of a nude lunch, the bêtes noir are swingers. They come to events like this to scout out potential partners. I was pointed to a clique of them — their nudity somehow carried an element of greed — and told that their presence is discouraged and, though their behaviour is monitored (they’ve been known to disappear for trysts in the parking lot), there is little that can be done to prevent them from attending.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Compared to countries like Germany and Holland naturism in South Africa is still very small. The South African Naturist Federation (Sanfed) only has about 200 members, but, according to Paul, who co-owns local naturist tourism agency Kalypso Tours and is a member of Sanfed, this figure represents only 10% of the actual amount of naturists in the country.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->“Sanfed is trying to grow naturism through events such as this one,” he said. “The aim is to present naturism as something of an everyday occurrence so that people who are considering becoming a naturist can come to days like this and not feel fearful about trying it out.”<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Most naturists are aged 50-plus. The reason for this, according to Paul, is that people have grown to be more comfortable with themselves and their bodies at this age and are also seeking a weekend’s indulgence that goes far beyond putting your feet up and reading a book.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->“A lot of naturists are professionals ,” he said. “ Naturism presents them with the ultimate escape because it’s totally detached from ordinary life.”<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->Naturism in South Africa relies on word of mouth for its interest. Generally, Sanfed members will invite friends to an event or hear about it from a friend of a friend. Sanfed also has a group on Facebook. From next year, it is hoping to organise lunches like this every six weeks.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->What was most endearing about being surrounded by casual adult nudity was the way in which everyone’s flaws — droopy breasts , wrinkly willies and strange sproutings of hair were offered as celebrations. The sins of the flesh, it seems, can be overcome.<!--par0--></p> <p><!--par1-->For more go to <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Lifestyle/www.sanfed.co.za">www.sanfed.co.za</a></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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</div>NaturistMusingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808892157090732170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14296498.post-12241665084199220132007-11-03T06:41:00.000-07:002007-11-03T06:47:13.327-07:00DESERT SHADOWS FILES CHAPTER 11<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCJWwl9gGrCyqiEVQIsZVf69F7I9_XwSsKMLX6iarbtk8eXb7PHcJ_Wrrijo6yuBz0woeBXwQB5tqMvX1GNlqNVRmpudHaI09zhGS4Uh-GtH5pZI2CuXYnVxIH3KPZcxEW85cDg/s1600-h/gates.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5128610236996659442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCJWwl9gGrCyqiEVQIsZVf69F7I9_XwSsKMLX6iarbtk8eXb7PHcJ_Wrrijo6yuBz0woeBXwQB5tqMvX1GNlqNVRmpudHaI09zhGS4Uh-GtH5pZI2CuXYnVxIH3KPZcxEW85cDg/s320/gates.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nudistsearch.com/"><img src="http://www.nudistsearch.com/ncban2.gif" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Mrs. Musings and I spent a pleasant weekend at DS this summer. We thought that the new owners were, well, quirky. They now have a no kids/couples only policy which we did not think wise. Looks like they were over their heads in other ways...</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Palm Springs Nudist Resort Files Chapter 11</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>(CBS) PALM SPRINGS The owners of a Palm Springs nudist resort that gained worldwide attention when it opened a naked "Bridge of Thighs" across a major roadway have filed for bankruptcy protection, federal court papers showed Friday.Linsu Corporation, parent of Desert Shadows Resort and Spa, 1533 Chaparral Road, made the Chapter 11 filing in federal bankruptcy court in Riverside. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The next step in the bankruptcy proceedings is scheduled for Monday, when a "statement of financial affairs" must be filed detailing the resort's fiscal challenges, according to the records.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Chapter 11 protection allows a business to restructure without immediate threat of creditor lawsuits. The filing refers only to the hotel portion of the Desert Shadows resort and does not include separate sections of privately owned condominiums.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In 2003, the nudist resort attracted international attention when it opened what became known as the "Bridge of Thighs," a 140-foot-long steel and canvas pedestrian bridge over busy Indian Canyon Drive.The span connects two sides of the resort that includes hotel rooms, the privately owned condominiums, four pools, a gym, putting green, tennis courts, a spa and cafe.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Resort users can cross the bridge without clothes but they are protected from the view of motorists or pedestrians below, thanks to a 66-inch protective canvas.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Desert Shadows Web site shows news stories about the bridge opening being carried in numerous media outlets, including newspapers in Alaska, Seattle, New York, the ABC television network, the BBC and the British newspaper Guardian.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Late-night TV humorist Jay Leno was quoted on a TV entertainment Web site as joking to his national audience about the nudist bridge, "How'd you like to be the toll taker? Hey, this quarter's warm!"</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The bankruptcy petition listed a total of 57 unsecured creditors and said the ones holding the 20 largest claims are owed a total $328,863.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Several government entities were included in the petition, including the IRS, California Secretary of State's Office and California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Desert Commercial Bank of Palm Desert appeared to hold the biggest claim for $141,118.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The resort's Web site said the facility has a total of 92 rental units, including some of the privately owned condominiums. It said the resort opened 15 years ago as an 11-room "B & B."</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script type="text/javascript"
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