We regularly monitor the comics available on Arca Max Comics . We're disappointed to note that there hasn't been a "strip" featuring a stripped character in months... at least that we've seen. Admittedly, we don't see every panel every day, but there does seem to be quite a dry spell when it comes to nudity of late. It may be because it is currently winter time and birthday suits aren't in vogue. Ah, well. Summer's coming.
2/7/13 UPDATE - We no sooner posted this then Dennis the Menace came out with a panel on 2/4/13 in which he holds a crayon to the family photo album and tells mom, "I'm drawing clothes on my baby pictures." However, several bare butts are seen.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Would the Scouts Reconsider Nudity?
This week news reports explained that the Boy Scouts of America is re-considering its ban on gay scouts and scoutmasters after decades. If approved by the national board, local chartering organizations such as schools, churches, and civic clubs would be free to admit or refuse membership based upon sexual orientation.
Does this mean that we could one day see a change in Scout policy on things like skinny-dipping too? Well, probably not in the near future. But it does show that mindsets and rules do evolve. We can only hope that exchanging swim suits for birthday suits becomes an option over time.
Then we could go back to the way swimming was once upon a time.
Does this mean that we could one day see a change in Scout policy on things like skinny-dipping too? Well, probably not in the near future. But it does show that mindsets and rules do evolve. We can only hope that exchanging swim suits for birthday suits becomes an option over time.
Then we could go back to the way swimming was once upon a time.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Camping: Clothed Camp vs. Naked Camp
Last weekend one of The Platypus team took his puggle camping as part of a "civic organization" event. Camps operate a bit more year-round in these parts as we're South of the Mason-Dixon line.
Anyway, this particular event was definitely a clothed event. Despite the Southern venue, weather was chilly enough that one needed to wear long pants and jackets to be comfortable, not to mention that the "civic organization" in question frowns on open nakedness. But the Platypuses have been naked camping at nudist resorts many times. It got us thinking that it would make for some interesting reading if we compared the activity of clothed versus naked camping. Here goes:
Packing - There's quite a bit of packing for any camp---naked or no---in the way of tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, matches, etc. Removing the clothing component simply removes one stress.There's no question that one has to pack more for clothed camping. There are changes of underwear, socks, more "formal clothes" (in the case of Scouts, uniforms, in other situations, perhaps at dinner, ceremonies), "casual clothes" and "clothes to get dirty in." Having several changes becomes important because the soot and smoke smell collects on clothes quickly.
Comfort - When the weather turns chilly we have to admit that clothes can feel good. The warmth of a nice fire, with a good wool jacket on your back to keep off the cold, is a great combination. During the day when it is warm at other times of the year, however, having the ability to strip off when you feel like it is one luxury you'll sorely miss when you switch back and forth between the nudist and textile camps.
Sleeping - Sleeping in clothes? It's no fun. Yet if the sleeping bag isn't a particularly warm one and the night cold, some clothes help...ditto for getting up to use the restroom in the night. One should use clothes that haven't been worn in---or sweated in---all day. Sweaty damp clothes only make you more cold. Problem is, if you've slept naked for years as we have, it's tough to get a good night's rest in the confines of any clothes. You could try sleeping nude and putting on shorts and shirts when you need to get up, as we have on past warmer Scout trips. But that's cumbersome in the dark in a short tent while shivering as you get out of a warm bag.
Camaraderie - Say what you will about uniforms, there's nothing that equals the unifying effect of wearing nothing but what God gave you and a smile. We've all got a naked body. Without doubt the best "Class A" outfit is your own birthday suit.
Cleanliness - We can all clean our body with a simple hop in the shower and feel much better. When you shower but put smoke filled clothes back on? It kinda defeats the whole point.
Convenience - Speaking of showers, it's nice to step out of the shower, towel off, put on shoes, and go back to camp. That's what we've done on numerous nudist outings. In clothed camp, that's not workable.
All things considered, we wish we could do more of the kind of camping that is: (1) mild seasonal camping apart from the afore-mentioned civic organization; (2) while in locations that are not necessarily nudist destinations, but; (3) remote enough to allow nudity without offending others. In those situations, we could enjoy warm wool clothes and cocoa on chilly nights, but still strip off during the warmer parts of the day, at bed time, and on a trail less traveled.
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Anyway, this particular event was definitely a clothed event. Despite the Southern venue, weather was chilly enough that one needed to wear long pants and jackets to be comfortable, not to mention that the "civic organization" in question frowns on open nakedness. But the Platypuses have been naked camping at nudist resorts many times. It got us thinking that it would make for some interesting reading if we compared the activity of clothed versus naked camping. Here goes:
Packing - There's quite a bit of packing for any camp---naked or no---in the way of tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, matches, etc. Removing the clothing component simply removes one stress.There's no question that one has to pack more for clothed camping. There are changes of underwear, socks, more "formal clothes" (in the case of Scouts, uniforms, in other situations, perhaps at dinner, ceremonies), "casual clothes" and "clothes to get dirty in." Having several changes becomes important because the soot and smoke smell collects on clothes quickly.
Comfort - When the weather turns chilly we have to admit that clothes can feel good. The warmth of a nice fire, with a good wool jacket on your back to keep off the cold, is a great combination. During the day when it is warm at other times of the year, however, having the ability to strip off when you feel like it is one luxury you'll sorely miss when you switch back and forth between the nudist and textile camps.
Sleeping - Sleeping in clothes? It's no fun. Yet if the sleeping bag isn't a particularly warm one and the night cold, some clothes help...ditto for getting up to use the restroom in the night. One should use clothes that haven't been worn in---or sweated in---all day. Sweaty damp clothes only make you more cold. Problem is, if you've slept naked for years as we have, it's tough to get a good night's rest in the confines of any clothes. You could try sleeping nude and putting on shorts and shirts when you need to get up, as we have on past warmer Scout trips. But that's cumbersome in the dark in a short tent while shivering as you get out of a warm bag.
Camaraderie - Say what you will about uniforms, there's nothing that equals the unifying effect of wearing nothing but what God gave you and a smile. We've all got a naked body. Without doubt the best "Class A" outfit is your own birthday suit.
Cleanliness - We can all clean our body with a simple hop in the shower and feel much better. When you shower but put smoke filled clothes back on? It kinda defeats the whole point.
Convenience - Speaking of showers, it's nice to step out of the shower, towel off, put on shoes, and go back to camp. That's what we've done on numerous nudist outings. In clothed camp, that's not workable.
All things considered, we wish we could do more of the kind of camping that is: (1) mild seasonal camping apart from the afore-mentioned civic organization; (2) while in locations that are not necessarily nudist destinations, but; (3) remote enough to allow nudity without offending others. In those situations, we could enjoy warm wool clothes and cocoa on chilly nights, but still strip off during the warmer parts of the day, at bed time, and on a trail less traveled.
Bare Platypus now offers products with Platypus artwork at the Bare Platypus Souvenir Shop . You can get a tote bag or a coffee mug, a t-shirt, or all three! Plus there's more to come.
These designs are one-of-a-kinds that you won't find elsewhere. Tasteful enough that you can show or serve them to all guests, but unusual enough (and always bare) that they can help you get a conversation going.
You're invited to visit!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Welcome to Non Nudists Who Visit The Platypus!
In reviewing the current tally on our poll, "When did you become a nudist?" we note that several people have answered, "I'm not a nudist... Yet!"
We think it's great that non-nudists come by The Platypus from time to time. We hope we can provide them with answers about why we do what we do. We hope they'll join us... or at least enjoy their birthday suits more often... after reading our stuff.
There comes a point when one has been a nudist so long that one forgets the reasons, misgivings, and questions that once held us back. That's why we hope to learn from our clothes oriented visitors. You give us perspective and make us better advocates in the process. So thanks!
We're unlikely to have serious disagreements with those who prefer clothes as long as they can respect that we and our families are free to prefer nudity in our homes, private backyards, and some beaches and public lands under circumstances where we show respect for others. We think that if you're visiting us here, it's likely you already believe those things. So welcome!
We think it's great that non-nudists come by The Platypus from time to time. We hope we can provide them with answers about why we do what we do. We hope they'll join us... or at least enjoy their birthday suits more often... after reading our stuff.
There comes a point when one has been a nudist so long that one forgets the reasons, misgivings, and questions that once held us back. That's why we hope to learn from our clothes oriented visitors. You give us perspective and make us better advocates in the process. So thanks!
We're unlikely to have serious disagreements with those who prefer clothes as long as they can respect that we and our families are free to prefer nudity in our homes, private backyards, and some beaches and public lands under circumstances where we show respect for others. We think that if you're visiting us here, it's likely you already believe those things. So welcome!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Give Your Wash Machine a Break - Go Naked!
Tonight the Platypus had to take tools to his webbed feet and fix the family washing machine. It seems that too many items in the basket wore on the drive belt and it broke. Fixing it wasn't all that expensive, but was a bit labor intensive.
Folks, it's time we did our washing machines and dryers a favor and stop loading them with so many clothes! Let's go naked more often and hang up those towels for re-use instead of leaving them on the floor or sending them to the hamper after one use. Do more naked and you'll save time and money on detergent plus utilities. Oh and the expense of worn drive belts.
Your washer will thank you. So will your body!
Folks, it's time we did our washing machines and dryers a favor and stop loading them with so many clothes! Let's go naked more often and hang up those towels for re-use instead of leaving them on the floor or sending them to the hamper after one use. Do more naked and you'll save time and money on detergent plus utilities. Oh and the expense of worn drive belts.
Your washer will thank you. So will your body!
Random Acts of Nakedness
One of the things that struck Bare Platypus upon hearing the news of the tragic shooting of schoolchildren in Connecticut last month was the name of their elementary school. Sandy Hook also happens to be the name of a famous nude beach in New Jersey on the Gateway National Seashore. Forever, in the minds of many, the words "Sandy Hook" would now be associated with sorrow and memories of lives cut too short rather than a happy beach with people frolicking in their birthday suits.
That got the Platypus thinking... What if, instead of mass calamity, the world became subject to random, mass, acts of nakedness more often? Imagine the headlines: "Twenty-five naked in college incident." Or "Lone naked man convinces 12 to strip off at restaurant." "Disgruntled worker walks off job naked." It's silly, but it would save lives. Laundry bills too.
Without getting too cliche, can we admit that today's society seems to glorify (or at least publicize) violence a lot more than it does the human body? We're not trying to jump into the gun control debate on one side or the other. But we wish we saw more bare butts than gun butts on the screen.
And in the headlines.
That got the Platypus thinking... What if, instead of mass calamity, the world became subject to random, mass, acts of nakedness more often? Imagine the headlines: "Twenty-five naked in college incident." Or "Lone naked man convinces 12 to strip off at restaurant." "Disgruntled worker walks off job naked." It's silly, but it would save lives. Laundry bills too.
Without getting too cliche, can we admit that today's society seems to glorify (or at least publicize) violence a lot more than it does the human body? We're not trying to jump into the gun control debate on one side or the other. But we wish we saw more bare butts than gun butts on the screen.
And in the headlines.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Pondering Nudism on MLK Civil Rights Holiday
Here at the Platypus, we have often pondered the relationship between nudism and civil rights. We have also looked at the issue of racism in nudism. On this, the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders, we provide some links to past stories:
In The Perils of Breastfeeding we have considered the basic human right to breastfeed children;
In Deal with Race or Become Irrelevant we discussed the changing demographics of the U.S. and what it means for nudism... especially regarding race and national origin;
In Nude Attitudes Reveal Raw Racism we ask why it is okay to show naked natives in National Geographic, but recoil when certain races appear in their birthday suits;
In Ramblings on the Naked Rambler we compare Steven Gough of Scotland with other visionaries like Rosa Parks;
In History Sanitized for your Protection we note that some cultures get shortchanged if they didn't wear shorts;
In Nudity - Therapy for Autism we suggest compassion and understanding for the naked needs of persons with this disability.
In The Perils of Breastfeeding we have considered the basic human right to breastfeed children;
In Deal with Race or Become Irrelevant we discussed the changing demographics of the U.S. and what it means for nudism... especially regarding race and national origin;
In Nude Attitudes Reveal Raw Racism we ask why it is okay to show naked natives in National Geographic, but recoil when certain races appear in their birthday suits;
In Ramblings on the Naked Rambler we compare Steven Gough of Scotland with other visionaries like Rosa Parks;
In History Sanitized for your Protection we note that some cultures get shortchanged if they didn't wear shorts;
In Nudity - Therapy for Autism we suggest compassion and understanding for the naked needs of persons with this disability.
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