news - October 24, 2005

Greetings!

I thought you might like an update on plans and preparations for MIR2006. The webpage has been updated with tons of new information, but here are the highlights.

Hotel Rooms Going Fast

Rubbermen from around the globe are making their plans to attend MIR2006. As a result, the Best Western Hawthorne Terrace is now SOLD OUT and has started a waiting list for rooms.
The Majestic Hotel had eight rooms remaining at last count. These rooms are available at a reduced group rate for reservations made by October 31 at midnight. Make your call now if you are still in need of lodging within walking distance of most MIR venues. In the event the Majestic sells out, there are additional lodging options posted on the hotels section of the website.

Weekend Schedule Additions

The Cell Block will host a Welcome Party for those who want to get the weekend off to an early start. Join us for a few drink and surprises on Thursday November 10th and kick of the weekend with the men of the Cell Block!

The Vendor's Market makes a return this year, with a contingent of vendors selling their wares on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

• Shel-don Chicago
• Joey's Gear of New York, London and Tokyo
• Fetish Author Tim Brough
  and others will help you stock up on essentials for the year to come!

Educational Demos

Our educational demo's will have you laughing and thinking this year, with presentations on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

First up, the producers of West Coast Rubber Weekend in Palm Springs will present "Kitchen Kink" on Saturday Afternoon. This session will focus on creative BDSM play using items commonly found in the kitchen. While Martha Stewart may disagree, when it comes to this live demonstration of plastic wrap, pot scrubbers and maybe even an empty dish washing detergent bottle, you'll say "It's a good thing!"

On Sunday afternoon, the men of The Lone Star Rubber Corps from Texas step up to present "Rubber Boot Blacking: An beginner's guide to care and maintenance." This demo will cover the essential and sometimes controversial aspects of caring for and maximizing the life of your rubber gear. Talc -vs - "Dreaded White Stuff", Silicone Spray -vs- Repairability. Hear the pro's and cons and decide for yourself.

Judges and Emcee Announced

Our contingent of judges is finalized and we are excited they have agreed to serve as our own rubbery Supreme Court! They are:

• Frank Bug, MIR2005 and Mr. Rubclub 2004
• Tommy DeNial, Co-Owner of Rubberzone.com
• Laura Petrielli, Owner of Vex Clothing
• Bill Stadt, Coordinator of International Mister Leather
• Chuck Windemuth, Director of the Chicago Leather Kennel Club

In addition to our judges, we are excited to introduce a new emcee for this year's contest. Jinx Titanic is the frontman of the international homo-rock band Jinx Titanic. A native of Chicago, Jinx is no stranger to the fetish community, having perfomed three years in a row at Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco as well as performing at CLAW. We are excited to have him join us this year.
click here for info on judges, emcee, and other people behind the scenes

MIR2005 Images

We have posted some great shots from MIR2005 on the gallery section of the webpage. Our thanks to photographer Ron J. Volanti Jr. of RVJ Studios for these great images. Ron will be in the crowd shooting photos all weekend this year so get to know him! Who knows, he may invite you to appear in a future Oink! video production.

So have you sent in your registration for MIR2006?
In sweat, shine and slime,

William "Rubberwilli" Schendel
MIR2003 and Weekend Coordinator