So…how does it feel to be back? Eh, it's cool more or less. Some things you miss, some things you don't. But that's life right? Rolling through the rushes like Moses and all that rot. I guess it's just that time of year.

Taurean and I were at Starbucks (not our normal hangout, but rather the one near Disco Kroger) shooting the breeze and talking about everything from soup to nuts. And of course, whenever talking about nuts, the double entendres usually lead to a frank discussion about sex.

Spake Taurean: "I have no desire to get fucked up the ass with someone's dick."

Ha! That boy is a riot — the Jewish couple behind us (yarmulkes and all) stormed out in disgust (after all, who talks about sex in Buckhead?), but the outburst did pique the interests of a trio of Black gay boys off in the corner. They moved closer to hear more of our conversation.

So the topic goes from sex to programming languages to the holidays. Then, the three decided to invite themselves over and sit with us (primarily because I was taking up the big comfy couch and did NOT feel like sharing). They sit down and we go through introductions: Karsh, Taurean, Leaves of Three. I'm sure they each had individual names, but they seemed to operate as an entity and each wore shirts with marijuana leaves on them.

So the five us start talking about the holidays and what not when an interracial gay couple walks in. One of the Leaves says, "See, I can't stand that shit. All the crackers gettin' the good niggas. Niggas ain't shit." Now, you know me…I'm quick to point out some shit. But I let it slide and Taurean and I exchanged glances. The other two Leaves continue on about how men ain't this and men ain't that. Taurean asks where they usually meet guys because that could be a source of their woe against them. All three responded with "the club". One from the trio said "well there ain't no other place to meet niggas besides the club — maybe the Internet, but that's about it." It got me to thinking about Bernie's column and Lance Arthur's column, not to mention's J.'s comment.

My question was this: "So where does the blame lie?" Because while people are content to carp about what ain't happenin', no one's exactly jumping to the forefront to make it happen. One of the Leaves retorted that it was the responsibility of the alternative organizations here in Atlanta to offer these venues. And while I partially believe that, I still think it lies with the individual to decide what they want to do, not have someone tell them what to do. I mean, most of us don't live with our parents still, right? Right?

Well, because I thought the way the conversations were going could prove to be interesting and make for some good writing, I invited the Leaves of Three to dinner with Taurean and myself, but they rudely declined.

"Sorry, but y'all ain't our type."

We would've asked why, but I had a feeling we already suspected what the answer was. We weren't like them. Never the 'twain shall meet and all that stuff. After they left, Taurean asked me "Is this the New South or New Delhi?" Could that be the reason why alternative venues for BGM don't spark? Classism?

Things that make you go hmmm….