Justin Pyfrom's Blog, page 24

Black Lives Matter & Now They Know

With everything that has happened in my home country regarding police brutality towards people of color, I thought it was time to put my two cents in on the topic. My brother advised against it because of my lack of negative interaction with law enforcement. However, I have to disagree. I think it’s because of my lack of interaction with the blue blood community is precisely why I can talk about it. So, allow me to express my opinion on the topic at hand.

Let me start off by saying that I’ve never been arrested before. In fact, I’ve never been harassed, bullied, or intimidated by law enforcement in my life. All of my interactions with them have always been civil. My brother jokes that it’s my “light-skin privilege” but I honestly think its because I’m naturally friendly. That and I’m blessed enough to not encounter any bad cops. But I’m no idiot. I know they exist and I know they are all terrifying formidable as they work as a pack.

I’ve seen the news. I’ve seen all the media coverage about these values using their position of power towards the helpless. And though racism and phobia are the common fuel to their bloodlust, I know there are so many more deplorable factors in their action. My personal opinion can be summed in one word: “Cowardness”. The wolves are cowards and the country has had enough of them.

There is a pattern I’ve noted with the blue wolves when it comes down to these protests. They’re being targeted because of their treatment towards people of color and they don’t like the fact that they are being called out for it. So, in response, they are attacking the protestors to show them “who’s in control”. But, of course, with people who are sick and tired of being sick and tired, the blue wolves are just making things worse for them because some of the protests became violent.

Now, I’m looking at all of this and all I can say is “They would have seen this coming.” In the words of former President Lyndon B. Johnson during the King Assassination Riots: “What did you expect? I don’t know why we’re so surprised. When you put your foot on a man’s neck and hold him down for three hundred years, and then you let him up, what’s he going to do? He’s going to knock your block off.” And I think this quote applies here. The blue wolves couldn’t have thought that they could get away with for too long.

Even better, and not surprising, now all the police department and property are being targeted and, for the first time, are starting to realize that their pattern and covering up crimes and chastising other who wants to tell is starting to come to the light. Yeah, no one who spread darkness while wearing blue can hide anymore. Everybody is going to know about all of their corruption and cover-up. Too bad, the President will evidently torpedo the entire thing.

I don’t know why but I just know that our current President is going to do something to make sure that Police Reform never happens. It’s just a sinking feeling I have and I hate it because I’m trying to be optimistic about change. But our President is making it so damn hard because of his psychopathic narcissism. I hope he doesn’t do anything to ruin it but, again, I have this sinking feeling.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 79. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

A Sexy Approach To Wrestling

To carry on with Pride Month, I would like to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ owned business.

This time around, I want to focus on this new wrestling company that I found out about through Paul Charles, aka the Gay Comic Geek. The models/wrestlers are all phenomenal in both their craft and outside endeavors. The co-owner of the business is Ethan Axel Andrews and he’s as sexy as he is talented. Seriously, he’s really hot. As of recently, he’s decided to step down so he can continue being an independent freelance wrestler which I 100% respect. You have to go with your passion.

The Underground Championship Wrestling, or UCW, is a new wrestling company that “features plenty of body strikes and punching, classic gut work-overs, and also plenty of good old-fashioned dirty tactics like ball grabs, hair pulls stuff like that (that makes it more fun for us!). It’s “anything goes” in our “ring”, we do whatever it takes to win by submission, pin, or knockout.” (This is literally from the site.)

Plus, you have to see what they wear. Usually, it’s speedos and singlets which is hot. But, every now and again, they will don jockstraps and body oil for special matches. The best part is that all their matches can be bought and downloaded at a very cheap price

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I got to view some of the content via screenshot and I was instantly impressed with what I saw. Unfortunately, I can’t buy any of it because I’m still working out the kinks of transfer water over international waters. The only thing I could do was subscribe to their newsletter. I also managed to do the next best thing: I started following the sexiest models on Instagram. One of them, Gabe Steel, will be utilizing his good looks for some of the book covers.

But don’t take my word for it, see for yourself.

Gabe Steel: https://www.instagram.com/gabe_steel/
Max Ryder: https://www.instagram.com/max_ryder321/
Marcus “The Spartan” Ares: https://ucwrestling.com/?p=5615

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 77. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

My Top 10 Favorite Broadway Songs

So, for Pride Month, I decided to spend every Friday creating a Top 10 List of anything LGBTQ+ that I can think of at that moment. Just something to change the pace and make everyone smile. (For the previous list, click here.) This week, I would like to tell you guys the ten favorite Broadway songs because what type of gay guy would I be if I didn’t like Broadway. Just so you know…I don’t have it in a particular order because that’s too hard. ha ha! I also put the link to each of the videos.

“Memories” from  Cats
“Will I?” from Rent 
“I’ve Decided To Marry You” from  A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder
“Waving Through The Window” from  Dear Evan Hansen
“Rose’s Turn” from  Gypsy
“It’s All Over/And I Am Telling You” from  Dreamgirls
“It’s Your Fault/Last Midnight” from  Into The Woods
“Phantom of the Opera” from (The) Phantom of the Opera
“I’m (Not) Getting Married” from  Company
“You Can’t Stop The Beat” from Hairspray

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 77. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

A Teacher’s Guide To Teaching & Guiding

The role of the reacher is of that of a parent but only on a smaller scale. As a teacher, we are tasked to not only teach kids to be intellectually progressive towards their education but, also, to be a respectable member of society. People seem to forget that school isn’t just for learning from books, but also to learn for the real world. Parents, especially, because they don’t seem to think that this is something to be of great importance. I learned that the hard way.

All of my classes were fantastic and the kids were, as always, delightful. The little ones have so much energy and, though they are tiny, they will drain me of all my energy before the day is done. And it’s always of a different reason why but the usual reason is that I actually play with them.

My favorite thing to do is act out the story and make them laugh before having them do the same. Works every time and they love every bit of it. However, I had one class where the naughty kids outnumbered the well-behaved ones.

That’s right. I had to deal with a classroom of ten students where only four of them were well-behaved and respectful. Usually, I have an age-old tactic of dealing with naughty groups.

It’s pretty straightforward. I just link the stars together and told them that if “one mess up, everybody suffers.” It usually works until I met these kids. They had zero respect for foreign teachers and had gone through three of them. Worst yet, they didn’t care about me or England (my Co-Teacher, CT) warning. This was unacceptable.

So, I’m going to demand the implementation of a disciplinary system for naughty kids. I already have a PowerPoint ready for them in my mind. I just need to put it on my computer. Basically, it’s going to force the older kids to either respect all adults or face some heavy consequences. My best friend, Levana, help me work everything out while we were shopping for our Pride Party. She has been my go-to guide when it comes to the motherly approach to teaching; David helps with my authenticity but he’s still stuck in Scotland. It’s time for these entitled older kids to get a heavy awake-up call.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 77. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Welcome To Boystown

Tens. Tens. TENS ACROSS THE BOARD!!! I’m in the process of reading a fantastic series that has an ensemble cast of LGBTQ+ characters that can’t seem to keep themselves out of trouble. But, that’s what makes this book series so great. So, in the words of this marvelous series: “Welcome To Boystown”.

So, first things first, I don’t even know that the book series exist until Aaron Savvy told me that he was on the cover for one of them. And, since it’s a book, I felt compelled to read it and I am so happy that I did. All the drama, secrets, and betrayal was all so delicious to soak in and I found myself screaming saying “No!”, “Why?!” and, my personal favorite, “You brilliant bastard!” It’s something that requires delicate pacing and structure that Jake Biondi has clearly mastered.

I don’t want to give anything away so I’m not going to talk about the plot too much. Long story short, they are two feuding families and everybody around them is getting caught in the crossfire in all sorts of ways. I also love the way he ties real-world problems that plague our community while adding a level of suspended disbelief. Just know that, after reading Book/Season 1, things go from bad to worse and the ride keeps going faster and faster. There are little spaces for breathing because there’s always something happen and each chapter/episode is left on a cliffhanger.

Now, I don’t know anything about the writer, himself, and I’m actually okay with that. I allow me to focus more on his masterpiece than on the master. I will say this about him that I gathered. His book is getting the silver screen treatment under the title “Windy City”. I can’t wait to see that. Also, he’s from Chicago which, now that I’ve given it some thought, makes PERFECT sense about the title. (Boystown is the name of Chicago’s gay village).

I’m not going to spoil anything because I’m a really big fan of the series and I’m going to grab Season 9 once I’m done with the other books on my Audible shelf. However, I will say that Michael Martinez and Patrick Provenzano are becoming my favorite characters because they seem to be the only ones with a good head of their shoulders. Well, time will tell as I go into the next season.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Buy the books yourself. They are available on Amazon and Season 10 should be out later this year if I’m not mistaken.

 

Oh! And you are able to follow him on social media.

Website: http://www.JakeBiondi.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/boystown_series

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/jakebiondi

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 73. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

My Top 10 Favorite LGBTQ+ Anthem

So, for Pride Month, I decided to spend every Friday creating a Top 10 List of anything LGBTQ+ that I can think of at that moment. Just something to change the pace and make everyone smile. This week, I would like to tell you guys the ten LGBTQ+ anthem songs that I love to death. Just so you know…I don’t have it in a particular order because that’s too hard. ha ha! I also put the link to each of the videos.

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
“Season of Love” by the cast of  Rent
“Together Again” by Janet Jackson
“Fireworks” by Katy Perry
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
“Sissy That Walk” by RuPaul
“This Is Me” by Keala Settle
“Promises” by Calvin Harris & Sam Smith
“Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels” by Todrick Hall
“Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 73. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Anybody Has A Map?

The fact that I’m back to teaching is something that fills my heart with so much joy. I can’t tell you how much I love teaching. All of my colleagues spend Sunday at an expat bar (bar owned by a foreign) to talk about our first full week back. I couldn’t be happier. Especially since I have been granted the nickname of “Tónghuà lǎoshī” (童话老师) which means Fairy Teacher which I will take because I used a Spider-man baton as my “wand”. But there’s something else we wanted to talk about at the bar: What we were going to do for Pride?

See, a lot of my colleagues – practically all of them – are either LGBTQ+ or allies of the community and we actually had plans to travel to another country for Pride. More specifically, I had the plan of going to Athens, Greece for the XLsoir party with my friends from back home. It was meant to be one of my best friend’s first Pride Parade. But, as you may already know, the COVID-19 outbreak caused ALL the Pride Parade to be canceled. So, we have to reschedule our parade for next year. But, we wanted to do something for Pride Month, anyway.

That’s when Nikki and I came up with a great idea to have a quaint Pride Party at her apartment for all the teachers in our circle. Trust me, there’s a lot of them. We decided to have the party a week after we get paid so we can properly plan and execute the party. I put myself to be in charge of the wine because I’m friends with some pretty avid wine drinkers. Plus, I’m the only one who has contact with the expat Wine Delivery Service. I also have to make sure that we have beers there because…well…it’s me. I’m a beer guy. I wonder how many people are going to be invited.

However, I still have to plan for the 2021 Pride Trip with my friends. I still want to go to an XLsoir party. We just have to make sure that we time it right. Truthfully, as long as its in a country that I never been in. I want to start checking countries off my list while teaching aboard. Call it a yearly – or bi-yearly – treat to myself as long as I’m a good boy.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 73. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

There’s So Much Goodness

I am so happy right now for so many reasons. My school is opening up this week and my lesson plans are ready to go. This is going to be such a welcome relief because I don’t think I can go another week without teaching my kids. And, that’s not the only thing that made me ever so gitty. Wait for it…I’ve made new friends!!!

First and foremost, I got a personal trainer. His name is Zhang and he’s my future ex-husband. He’s cute, built, and, thanks to me, is learning the fine art of throwing shade. Point of order, I told him that I wouldn’t let him teach me unless he starts to throw shade at his colleague who was calling him fat. I told to say (verbatim): “You shouldn’t talk when you need a push-up bra for their B cups.” I can’t tell if he’s gay or not but I can tell you that’s great at his job and he has been helping me to make sure that I do the exercises right.

Added to that, I met fellow foreigners who owned their own business. Two, to be exact. One is an LGBTQ+ American that owns an expat wine delivery company. He’s super cute but I decided not to pursue him because he seems to be on the defensive when it comes down to meeting new people. So, I’m just going to wait until he’s ready to hang.

Plus, I’ve been hanging out with a Croatian photographer who owns his own photography studio that agreed to take all new photos of me for my Author’s Page. Granted, I have to get a new wardrobe for the photoshoot but he’s going to help me out with that because I have zero fashion sense. Yes, I know…I’m a terrible gay. Lucky for me, I have to do the shopping for new clothes, anyway, so it’s a win-win for me. Plus, I’ll have much better headshots for my future book releases and such. Again, a win-win.

I’m really finding more and more delight the longer I stay in China. More friends. More site-seeing. And more experience as a teacher. China is becoming the best choice I’ve ever made.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 72. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Things Are Going To Crazy, Soon

I got one thing to say to you all about my current situation. Are you ready? I am in for a wild few months. Maybe six. Yeah, I guess I should add some context to this, shouldn’t I. I thought so. I guess I should start at the beginning.

So, a lot of my colleagues went home for the Spring Festival, a Chinese holiday, in January BEFORE the lockdown occurred. In the beginning, we didn’t think it was going to be a big deal, you know? Just a few more weeks and we were back in business. Yeah, that was until something else come about. Flight ban.

I don’t know the order. But I do know that Italy was the first to reach my ears because of my favorite cosplay model, Leon Chiro, spoke about it on his social media platform. Then, I learned that China and almost every country did the exact same thing. Like me, everybody was like, “Well…That’s not good.”

And, it wasn’t, for many reasons. Of course, I couldn’t see my friends come back to China and such and they were stuck in their home country but it was worse than that. Think about this for a second, the travel ban is still in effect and school is starting back up, again…really soon. Almost two weeks from now soon.

Now, you see my concern as well as everybody else’s. We are seriously understaffed at the moment with no way to handle it. Well, except for my favorite motto: “Work with what you got.” I was told that I shouldn’t be surprised if I get more than 100 hours/month. (China pays their salary monthly). I just said, “Okay.” But I did chuckle because, then, I thought to myself, “So, this is how teachers in America must feel like.” It’s really funny to see that.

So, because of my teaching and writing workload, I’m going to need a lot of liquid downtimes. Plus, me working out and doing off duty teaching duties and I’m praying that God keeps my sanity in check. I know he will. He hasn’t let me down, yet.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m currently at 71. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Teach Your Children

Well, I just got done with Short Story #24 and, that was AFTER I got done with three classes and a workout session. Needless to say, I feel delicious and want to swirl a chair around in a celebratory fashion. I’m definitely going to buy a computer desk and a swirly chair when I get done with finalizing my budget for my literary projects. But enough work talk, let me tell you something interesting that happened to me this week.

My principal wanted me to start taking the helm on some projects/outdoor learning with our students. Now, before I get into the meat of the story, allow me to explain how the academic center works here in Chongqing (I can only speak for the city I’m in, not China as a whole).  My classes are much smaller than the classes in primary school. At max, I have ten kids which can still be a handful because…well…they are kids. Haha! Anyway, we handle three types of classes: indoor, outdoor, and VIP (online or one-on-one). Outdoor classes are any classes that take place outside the center and it usually has an overall fun activity. Now, this is where the story starts.

Last week, I ran a Mother Day’s class that had me teaching the kids five keywords (love, Mom, red, pink, and flowers) and one key sentence (I love…). It was a great success so I was asked to lead the next outdoor class. I said under one condition: “We need to start teaching key sentences – not just words.” They claimed it would be too hard for the kids but I just said two words: “Trust me.”

So, this week, we taught the kids how to make lava lamps. As usual, we had keywords (water, oil, paint, and glass) which were the ingredients for the lava lamps. As for the key sentences, I made sure that they could say “I have…” and “I want…”. Easy, right? Well, I wanted to challenge them just a little bit. It’s not enough to teach kids. As teachers, we have to guide them, too. That’s why I added something; I made sure they said “Please” and “Thank you.” Additionally, they had to know that some of these things can’t be eaten or drank (“Yes, I can”/”No, I can’t”). In closing, for a 30 min. class, we taught the kids the following:

Four keywords
Four sentences
Manners
Safety

You think that’s a lot. So, did my principal. But, surprisingly enough, in the end, the kids were saying “Please” and “Thank you” without having to be told. Everybody was impressed and, now, I’ve been given more responsibilities outside of my own workload. Well…not a whole lot more but I’m happy, nonetheless. Plus, I got praise from my SA (Student Advisor aka My Boss) and my principal (aka everybody’s boss) so, all and all, a job well done and a great way to close out the week, don’t you think?

I mean, seriously, the headache of scheduling, planning, and meetings aside, being a teacher is a real beauty. But, now, I know how the teachers back home at the States are going through. This is quite a lot of work but still so much of a delight. I can see myself doing this for a long time. Maybe even as a Creative Writing teacher after I gain some experience in the world of book writing and publication.

Now, please, don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads) which are on the right side of my web page. Also, I do love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2020. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m already at 64. Probably end up reading 120 before the year is out.

Also, buy Not Afraid of Dick: A Sitdown with Dante Drackis, which is out on Amazon and Kindle.