4.02.02
The time has arrived...
My eBay charity auction has started and the first items are up and ready. All proceeds are going to a non-profit group called "YouthCare".  
eBay Charity Auction 
It's finally time...As I've been promising, my eBay charity auction of items from this years "RW/RR Challenge" has begun. Sorry it has taken so long, but I'm sure many of you have realized by now that nothing ever happens immediately with this website. The first few items are posted now and more will be posted over the next couple of weeks. Please at least take a look at the auctions. All proceeds will go to a Seattle based non-profit group called "YouthCare" that takes homeless kids off the street to turn their lives around.
To view each auction, click on the link below and enter the corresponding item number (cut and paste) in the search field.
Thanks!
Much Love,
Danny 
Puma Side-zip Pants- 866457781
Cowboy Hat- 866461891
Puma Running Shorts- 866462598
Blue Water Swim Shorts- 866463284
Grey Puma T-Shirt- 866464104 
New Items Added:
Cargo Military Pants- 867572629
Rodeo Roundup Bandana- 867575205
More Items Added:
2nd Puma Running Shorts- 869141377
Red Puma T-Shirt- 868278864
Nike Tennis Shoes-870166475
Wrestling Gear- 871426522
Tsubo Boots- 871423206
Here's a special item I decided to add to the auction block...An autographed copy of this April's "New York Magazine", which includes my article...
Item 2102327635
One last special item to be posted next week...
Chili's Finale Winner's Sign- 2107240448

03.09.02
The auction is still coming and will be starting very soon. I'll be auctioning items from the Real World/Road Rules Challenge including clothing, shoes, signs and gear. All proceeds are going to a charity that is yet to be decided. Please keep checking in for the start of the auctions by clicking on the link below where links to eBay will be found. 
Thanks for you support!
First off, I'll answer some questions that constantly come up on the message board and even though I respond with answers, they keep coming up.
1) I DO NOT have a public email address anymore so sorry guys, I can't take emails at this point. Bunim-Murray has removed our email addresses from their site. And yes, I know, the CTOC email addresses here on the site don't work. Jenn will get them working eventually, but until then, just be patient.
2) What does CountrytoConcrete mean? In a straight-forward sense, it means moving from the country to the city, which is what I did years ago. In a deeper sense, it really symbolizes a major change in life, such as the changes that come with moving from the country to the city. The title reflects a change in ones state of mind and the hardships that are overcome through major life-change. In reality, it has to do with any major change, such as coming out, starting college, changing jobs, moving, letting go of negativity, etc. In the end, that's what this site is about...it's the conquest of bettering oneself through major life change and sharing that with others.
3)Who is Jenn? First off, she's one of my best friends (and was even my girlfriend back in the day). We work together to build this site and she does much of the work because she is a professional web-designer. CountrytoConcrete is a side project for her. At the moment she currently does not have her own site, but in the future when she does, a link will be up from here.


Now that all of those questions are answered, i'll get to my real reason for updating the journal this week. I Know many of you are concerned for the environment like myself, but many of you don't really know where to start. It's a major misconception that one must join some radical group like Green Peace in order to make a difference. The truth is that conservation and real change starts at home. So this week, i've decided to post a list of simple ideas to help you guys get started making a difference.

my Eco-List
Making a Difference One Day at a Time... 
1) turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth...you can save up to a gallon of water per session. To save even more water, take quick showers instead of baths and if you really want to take it to the extreme, install a water-saving shower head.
2) to conserve fuel in the car, use your AC only at speeds over 40 miles per hour. A drive at higher, constant speeds uses far less fuel than stop and go driving, especially with the AC on.
3) Accelerate your car smoothly and gradually; speedy accelerations generate 100 times more carbon-monoxide emissions compared to slow and steady accelerations.
4) Carry large, canvas tote bags to the grocery store to use instead of constantly using plastic and paper bags. Another positive side to this i've discovered is that I usually only have one large bag to deal with instead of a bunch of smaller, clumsy bags to lug around.
5) On laundry day, wash clothes in warm water instead of hot water; the average person can reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 500 pounds per year by doing this. 
6) air dry clothes on laundry racks indoors instead of using the dryer. Your dryer eats enormous amounts of electricity, which also causes your power bill to rise. This means...more money in your pocket. (tip...place your laundry rack in front of a heater vent in the winter time.)
7) In general, conserve electricity by turning off all lights and electornics when not in use. Never leave lights on when you leave home! More money saved too!
8) Write letters online to your senators and the EPA about your environmental concerns. At the websites of the National Resources Defense Council (www.nrdc.org), Greenpeace (www.greanpeace.org), and 20/20 vision (www.2020vision.org), you can fill out letters and e-mail them directly to government and corporate officials. You'll save alot of time by doing it online. 
9) support environmental groups such as these by making monetary donations. One that I support has a link here on CTOC and it's called the Alaska Rainforest Campaign. (www.akrain.org)
10) while washing your car, turn the water off between rinses. You can save up to 150 gallons each wash.
11) Save energy by setting your heat thermostat to 68 degrees and opening your blinds and curtains in the daytime to let sunlight heat your home naturally. Keep your hot water heater set around 120 degrees.
12) while doing errands downtown, park in a central location and walk as much as possible. Even better, move to the city and walk everywhere. (the suburbs suck anyhow).
13) Don't throw your old belongings away. Re-use them by donating to a local Goodwill or Salvation Army.
14) Keep yourself informed on environmental issues. Check up on news at www.enn.com. 
15) Buy environmentally safe household products and make sure they have a "green seal" on them. Check out www.ecos.com for products to use around your house and for ideas on safer cleansers and detergents check out www.cleanwaterfund.org
16) avoid buying disposable items, especially styrofoam cups and plates. Buy re-chargeable batteries and replace your light bulbs with energy saving bulbs.
17) Buy recycled products whenever possible. It's especially easy to find recycled toilet paper, paper towels and notebook paper. 
18) Recycle, Recycle, Recycle. If your town doesn't have a program, hound them to start one.
19) if your're lucky enough to have a yard, start a composte bin. Alot of garbage that gets thrown out are things like vegetable and fruit peels and coffee grounds. All of these organic wastes can go into the composte to help reduce garbage output.
20) Buy organic foods whenever possible. This cuts down on pesticides and even though these foods are usually more expensive, they're worth it in the long run because they reduce your chances of cancer later on from chemical ingestion.
21) If you're buying a car, consider gas mileage highly. Car emmissions are one of the major causes of acid-rain, smog, asthma and other health problems. Also use public transportation whenever possible or ride your bike and walk.


So there goes my list...I hope you guys get some ideas from this and maybe even adopt them into your daily routine. It may not seem like much at the time, but you'll be making a huge difference in conserving nature. Just think what a difference these habits will make over time, especially if alot of people adopt them!

Much Love,
Danny

eBay Charity Auction 
More Info Coming soon...Keep checking in! 
I thought you guys would enjoy a list of items from the Challenge to be auctioned... 
One red Puma T-shirt (size M)
One grey Gap hooded sweatshirt (size M)
One grey Puma T-shirt (size M)
One blue pair of Blue-planet swim shorts
Two pairs of black, Puma running shorts
One pair of Puma, side-zip warm-up pants
One red wrestling liatard with sports cup
One Chili's Bandanna
One cowboy hat
One pair of tennis-shoes
One "very Special" sign 

All of these items can be autographed if you like and all were worn during the 2002 Challenge. Again, all donations in the auction are going to a charity just as in previous eBay auctions. I hope you all can help out by bidding and donating!


02.02.02
So now that the cat's really out of the bag concerning the Challenge, I would like to go ahead and let you guys know that we'll be doing one more of our charity auctions. I pulled alot of original souvenirs from Mexico and will be holding an eBay auction like the ones before starting late this month or early March. The Charity is yet to be decided, but I hope you guys can help out once again as you've done in the past. Be looking for links and more info to be announced here soon.
I would also make a little revision to last week's post about coming out at an early age in response to the heavy load of emails I've been receiving.. Some of you may have misinterpreted my advice since I was pretty pushy in it. Basically what i'm suggesting is that you guys who are teenagers and considering coming out to just be prudent about your decisions. For those of you who feel comfortable with being honest to those around you and they can handle it...I say go for it and I'm very happy for you. You should also never forget that you're very fortunate because there are so many out there who don't have that possibility. I know for many of you it's just next to impossible to let those around you know the truth. I was reminded of this fact when I visited my home town in Georgia last week. It's places like that where there is still so much hate and hateful people . It is you guys in places like that I'm really speaking to. I'm telling you guys to be careful and don't make a hasty decision without fully thinking out possible consequences. I say this because I've known too many guys, even who were in college, to come out to their families without really thinking about the outcome and they ended up in a mess. The reality of this situation is that some people just cannot accept gays and will do evil things to you. It's a sad reality but that's just what it is. Fortunately, things are finally changing and more and more of you don't have to face that reality and are accepted as you should be. Examples are starting to appear everywhere as guys who set positive examples step forward and tell the truth. It's this way that we will earn respect and the rights we deserve.. 

01.14.02
Ok, so the cat's out of the bag. Yes, I did the Challenge even though I said I'd never do it. What brought on my change of mind? For one, Kelley. She spent a good month talking me into it and two, they changed the format this year so finally I agreed. Honestly, I'm very glad I did it because I had an awesome time and did some things I never thought I would do. Not to mention the fact that most people on this year's challenge are incredible and one-of-a-kind. If you want to see more info on this go to mtv.com.
I've also been receiving a heavy load of emails lately and It's time that I respond. Unfortunately, there's no way I can possibly respond to each and every one but many of them deal with the same issues. Repeatedly I'm questioned about coming out, etc.
I've responded to this many time before, yet I feel it very important to talk about again. My stance is this: Guys...come on, at such a young age, telling the world is not necessary. Many of you are only 15, 16, 17...that's so young. There are so many important things in your life at this point. I wish in this day and age it were possible for you to be out and free with who you are, but let's face reality. For most of you, it's just not possible. There are people out there who would love to hurt you if they knew. I also feel that at your age, it's important for you all to focus on establishing your personalities based on your interests, your hobbies, sports, your passions...NOT your sexuality. It's a sad life to base who you are on who you sleep with. Yes, it's an important part of life and it's important to us all, but there's so much more to life.
Again, I wish you all could pour your souls out to people who matter to you, but it's not always prudent. In the end, you really need to weigh your own situation since no one out there can tell you what you really SHOULD do. Only you can answer that. It's you who knows your parents, your friends, your teachers, etc. They will all handle it in different ways. Some will take it well; some will freak. If you think your famiily can't handle the thought that their son or daughter might be gay, then it's probably better to keep it to yourself until you're older, wiser and more secure.
I'm sorry that the world exists in this state, but it's reality. I know it's hard, believe me. There isn't a thing you're going through that I didn't go through myself. But guess what, thank God for the internet. You guys are very blessed with the fact that you have the internet to use to reach out to others. That's why I created CountrytoConcrete. It's a safe place for you all to talk about these things and help each other out. Many of you need it badly and many of you have so much to offer. Stay positive though since things ARE looking up. Being gay is more accepted now than ever before. Patience is a virtue. 

12.04.01
I have to apologize for the lack of update on this page and the mess that countrytoconcrete is in currently. I've been in the process of traveling and moving for the past couple of months, so free-time for working on the site has been at a minimal. Just to let everyone know, the site will be relaunched soon and version 3 will be up and running. I'll also be announcing info on my scholarship winners soon as well. Stay tuned for much to come including new images, video clips, speaking tour info and more.
Just keep your faith and patience!
Scholarship Info:
Again, I apologize to many of you for the delay and long wait on the winner. Paul and I read through many essays and the choice was tough but we've decided on a winner. Actually, two winners. The scholarship will be split in half and awarded soon. Those who won will be contacted soon and those who didn't should have already received a letter in the mail. Info on the essays and winners will be posted here soon so be looking for that. Thank you all for your patience and again, also be looking for the launch of the newest version of countrytoconcrete.com. Hope everyone is having a good holiday season!

09.12.01
So We've returned from Burning man and survived the desert. I can't begin to tell you guys how incredible the festival was. Imagine "Who-ville" meets "Star Wars" meets "Mad-Max". It was what I had imagined and more. The black rock desert is beautiful in itself and the festival added to it. Anything you could imagine was there, from naked people to unbelievable art installments and theme camps. Much respect goes out to those who worked so hard to make it all happen. The best parts were the sunrise/sunsets and a gorgeous full moon to complement. The music all around "the city" . beat my expectations and I had one of the most memorable moments of my life dancing with about 100 other people including Paul and My buds at sunrise on the edge of the playa. I only wish you all could see the visual image of what it was. So, to sum up, those of you who can and want to go, you MUST do so next year. You wont regret it! Buy your tickets early (they're much cheaper) and make sure you take goggles and dust masks! 
Burning Man Pictures

I'm currently supposed to be leaving tomorrow to go out of the country for about a month. In light of the situation around the country, I'm not sure if it will happen or not, but if I do leave, I just wanted to let you guys know. While I'm gone, I hope you all keep the message board running with positive exchanges and take care of each other. If I am able to get internet access, I'll pop in and say hello. If not, I'll speak to you all when I return in October. I'll be working on getting the scholarship awarded at that point, so keep the essays coming. The more the better!
Take care and stay safe. Also, Jenn should be updating the speaking dates page while I'm away so be looking for that.
Much love, Danny