Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: May 11th (2012) LA City Council Meeting

Synopsis:

Lydia talks about the May 11th, 2012 LA City Council Meeting regarding condoms in porn: the atmosphere; the public comments made by “Porno Dan” Leal, industry attorney Michael Fattorosi, FSC’s Diane Duke, AHF’s Mark McGrath and industry and 1st amendment attorney Allan Gelbard.

Longer overview:

I went to the LA City Council meeting last Friday because I’m helping my friend, Percy, with his documentary on condoms in pornography. I said it before and I’ll say it again, he stands to make a good film. As long as I can remain neutral, I want to help him get a well-rounded project that covers everything, but there is quite a bit to cover.

The one instance that stood out was AIDS Healthcare Foundation representative Mark McGrath’s question about how “are we going to conduct these investigations,” – regarding condom use on sets. “If the fire department and police can’t do it, when are we going to do a request for proposal?” After the meeting there was some speculation between adult industry members about whether or not they’d heard correctly. Basically, did Mark McGrath state he might be filing an RFP for AHF to become inspectors? The response was yes.

Some people feel that performers should be protected. In fact, many people feel that performers should be protected. Some also feel that this process is not going about it the right way. It is quite complicated and I can’t begin to imagine how the law will be enforced, but I suppose we will find out soon enough.

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: May 11th (2012) LA City Council Meeting”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-may-11th-la-city-council-meeting

Read a complete writeup of the meeting by Mark Kernes at this link (NSFW).

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Gene Ross Interview

The iTunes synopsis:

Gene Ross talks about how he came to be involved in pornography, his transition from working at AVN to working in the offices of Extreme Associates in the early 2000′s, managing his website and where the industry is headed. It’s a great interview with a very entertaining adult industry writer!

And to elaborate, Gene talks about being familiar with Ron Vogel’s work when Ron was just a glamour photographer, running www.AdultFYI.com (NSFW) for ten years, ghost directing “The Party” (the first five-star review in the history of AVN), and why a lot of the formulaic porn does not compare to the three companies Gene feels know how to make porn. You’ll have to listen to find out who they are.

It’s a great interview and I thank Mr. Ross for taking the time and for the compliment on one of my scenes (though I think he might actually be talking about Lindsey Meadows now?? Ha!!). Regardless, it was a pleasure!

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Gene Ross Interview”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-gene-ross-interview

Also, plugged during the show:

Blackboard Jungle is playing The Roxy on June 2nd, so get your tickets for that while you still can (link here). And stay tuned for a full interview from another good mother, Holly Hollywood!

As promised, a Blackboard Jungle video!! “River of Love” live in Japan circa 1992:

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Ira Isaacs, Obscenity & Cooperation

Quick summary:

Lydia talks about Ira Isaacs’ obscenity convictions, Mike South’s observation that pornographers get into trouble by not treating talent well, Gene Ross’ coverage of her interview with Bill Margold, and how cooperation and maturity within the adult community can help the industry overcome its stigmas and issues without imploding.

Long summary:

News hit last week that Ira Isaacs, a maker of scat and bestiality videos, had been convicted on five counts of obscenity. I posted an article about one non-porn producer’s take on Isaacs freedom of speech issues (at this link), but after going back and forth a bit with a couple of people, I, personally, feel the bestiality issue is not covered by free speech. It seems clear to me that the only beings capable of understanding, consenting and entering into a contractual agreement are adult human beings who command the full capacity of their mental and emotional processes. That would exclude minors, animals, mentally challenged adults and adults experiencing diminished capacity: inebriation, drugged state, etc… I’m still interested in opposing views, but it makes sense to me. Isaacs argued that his was “art”, but it’s been pointed out that he never mentioned the word “art” anywhere on his site. If you follow this link about a Canadian special effects artist caught in an obscenity ordeal, you’ll read that the art community rallied around him. I have not read accounts of anyone corralling around Isaacs to champion his right to make his work. Doesn’t mean there aren’t points to be made, though.

Mike South compares Isaacs case to that of Max Hardcore’s to say that this is something you have to expect will happen when you don’t treat people well. He makes an important point. His article (here) states that it was the direct result of performers taking evidence to the Department of Justice that led to their convictions. All-in-all, it is always a good idea to treat people under your employ well. It’s good common sense and sound advice.

Beyond that, I get to discuss Gene Ross’ covering of my Bill Margold interview. Writeup is here. It’s thorough, highlights all the interesting points Bill made, and is just generally good. I’m enjoying Gene’s posts lately. He’s an entertaining writer.

I talk about industry cooperation and the benefits of agreeing to disagree. I speak briefly about ignoring bullies if the things they are saying are not true. Focus, nurture your compassion and don’t get too wrapped up in taking it all too personally. It’s always a good idea to find healthy ways of coexisting.

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Ira Isaacs, Obscenity & Cooperation”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-ira-isaacs-obscenity-cooperation

RogReviews.com link about the Haidl Case here: http://www.rogreviews.com/1171/sharon-mitchell-article/

To help Tony Gamble as he battles a rare blood disease and endures yet another surgery, buy his album (left banner), and/or donate to his www.gofundme.com page (right banner)!

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Interview with Bill Margold

Bill Margold: Maverick! Scoundrel!! Hooligan!!! (What you won’t hear is Bill being called reserved, shy, or demure–that’s for sure! )

I got to speak with Bill Margold, but mostly I got to listen. A controversial and outspoken figure, Bill’s been in the industry since 1971 and he has no regrets. You may not agree with everything he has to say, but his knowledge and insights are informative and I hope I get to interview him again because this was our first lengthy discussion.

One thing I didn’t get to do was respond to his observation about porn stars being lonely in a crowd and the kind of people who’d prefer a hug rather than a screw. I got out “You’re right” before the subject transition, so I’d like to take a moment and clarify my thoughts on that.

I spoke to Craig Gross about this briefly, as well, and there definitely being a relationship between carefree entertainment types and their later battles with agoraphobia, anger issues and spiritual quests–among other things.

Some of us rush to explore our humanity at a young age. Let’s face it, not everyone can be methodical and measured in everything they do, lest there be no one left to entertain! We are intensely curious about our bodies and minds and can rush into a number of things without much forethought: marriage, childbirth, drugs, the armed forces, porn… Most entertainers (comedians, musicians, etc.) suffer the same kind of flip in demeanor when they spend their youths throwing themselves into this and that. Balance being what it is, nothing lasts forever, and an overly carefree lifestyle can lead to inner turmoil later. I know many ex-sex workers who have fallen into angry bouts of disillusionment, or who embrace a vengeful God as a way of exorcizing their regret and shame. Either way, these people are just as misunderstood today as they were yesterday, and probably mostly by themselves. I agree with Bill that a good hard hug can go a long way. With Bill Margold, I’m guessing a good hard hug can go a really long way.

Enjoy the podcast and look forward to another interview with Bill in the near future!

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Interview with Bill Margold”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-interview-with-bill-margold

Bill’s website: http://billmargold.com

Mike South’s new book, how to help a friend and other things…

First of all, I said I’d post Mike South and Tim Case’s available book, so here it is!

Stripper Quotes and Other Tales from the Adult Industry available on Kindle (here) or in EPub format (here). A little late in my followup, but I did it! (lol)

To hear my Mike South interview, follow this link, and to read Mike’s observations about a multitude of things (including but not limited to the adult industry), check out his site here. (NSFW)

I’m interviewing adult industry legend Bill Margold tonight at 5:30pm PST, so don’t miss it! Listen in at the above feed (header), at my www.lydiaannlee.com/blog feed (right sidebar), or at my Mixlr page: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee

To download “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee” and “The Doug & Lydia Show” podcasts–from your iTunes menu: Advance > Subscribe to Podcast > enter “http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee” > OK

Also, mine and Doug’s friend Tony Gamble has a new album out and a donation page to aid him in his battle with a rare blood disease called Prothrombin Factor II. It’s very rare and very complicated, so visit his donation page here. Also show your support by buying Echoes in the Silence through iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon.com, etc…, and also check out Tony’s YouTube Channel, and FaceBook Fan Page!

And from www.ChristianPost.com (SFW):

A new law that was recently passed by the Los Angeles City Council could have on-duty police officers watching pornography in an effort to enforce the current law.

The City of Simi Valley is known for its adult film production and the new law that took effect March 5 would require all pornographic productions to use contraception during the filming of their movies.

The law was written in an effort to make the industry safer in terms of spreading diseases such as HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

As the law is written producers in Simi Valley have to submit their unedited copies of their adult films to the Simi Valley Police Department for review.

“I’d have to look into that, but that seems pretty absurd,” Edward Arenas, CEO of Naughty America, told the Huffington Post of the new law.

Read more here…

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Mandy Lion, The Advice Sage

This description (available on iTunes), says it all:

Lydia Lee talks to Mandy Lion about crotch sweat while wearing leather, three-breasted alien women, perverts and the internet, and his shows for charity May 25 & 26 in Nevada–all part serious/part funny, entirely entertaining!

Gasping… for…air… LOL

Mandy gave me yet another great interview. I spun the comedic aspects of talking to him, but the reason he’s such a great interview is because he’s honest and heartfelt. Even when giving a funny answer to an absurd question.

Among the many things we talked about, we discover that Mandy does not sweat in his leather pants because he has fans built into them that, incidentally, bump his “trouser pet”–but in a good way. We now know that three-breasted women are common in The Heartland; he tells us a very funny story about playing Whitefish, Montana with Jake E. Lee; assures us that the internet is good because it helps freaks meet other freaks; and that literally millions of women raped him after his last serious relationship. Practical, sensical, applicable stuff!

On a serious note, please support Mandy and his band when they play Las Vegas, Nevada on May 25th (link here), and Reno, Nevada on May 26th (link here). In conjunction with U Rock On and The Green Army Foundation, they are raising money to help our veterans repair their life after combat. Mandy mentioned an organization called Helmets to Hardhats that helps veterans transition into construction work–link here.

Anything I can do to help Mandy share his hilarious (albeit twisted) humor and good works, I will do. He’s a terrific musician and human being, so check out all of his links and support him!! He’ll be back on “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee” very soon.

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Mandy Lion, The Advice Sage”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-mandy-lion-the-advice-sage

Lion Links:

Two links will get you to Mandy’s Official Website: http://www.mandylionwwiii.com/ and http://www.mandyliononline.com/
For Mandy’s blog at Metaleater.com: http://www.metaleater.com/thelionsden.php
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MandyLionRock
The Twitter he will probably never use again: https://twitter.com/mandylionrocks
Mandy’s MySpace (doesn’t appear to use that either–but the blog backlogs are worth rummaging through!): http://www.myspace.com/mandylionmetal
Mandy’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MandyLionWWIII

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Mandy Lion Today, Bill Margold on Thursday!

Today is a special version of “Hangin with Lydia Lee” because I have Mandy Lion on again, and this time, we are going to get serious!!

I have lots of questions for Mandy. In this ever-changing, complicated world we live in, we need to know about crotch sweat and odor, fan decorum, how to introduce your girlfriend to your PVC collection, and so much more…

Tune in at at 5:30PST, 7:30CST & 8:30EST at http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee to comment, or just listen through either live feed at http://www.juliemeadows.com/blog (header), or http://www.lydiaannlee.com/blog (sidebar).

For our very first interview, please listen at this link!

On Thursday, adult industry legend Bill Margold is live with me at 5:30PST, 7:30CST & 8:30EST. I am going to ask him about the controversial role he plays in industry politics and where he thinks the industry is heading. It is going to be epic!

Tune in Thursday at at 5:30PST, 7:30CST & 8:30EST at http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee to comment, or just listen through either live feed at http://www.juliemeadows.com/blog (header), or http://www.lydiaannlee.com/blog (sidebar).

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Condom Documentary, Legal Prostitution, etc.

First, here is the podcast link: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-condom-documentary-legal-prostitution-etc

Next, the highlights.

It is the height of naivety to think our worlds aren’t connected. Even if you live within a certain demographic, in a city, in a neighborhood, ‘over there’, and I live within a certain demographic, in a city, in a neighborhood ‘over here’, our worlds are connected by planet, country, state, region, etc. My world effects yours, and visa versa, even if you feel I don’t really exist. It is for this reason that I communicate and podcast and reach out to people and share information. We are here together and might as well have a mature discussion about a number of important things.

I’m very much into history now that I have found the kind of reading material that appeals to me, but it wasn’t so long ago that I sat in a classroom with other young people my age, hearing the most boring versions of our nation’s history. It’s interesting to find that our country was not founded by superhuman creatures with purely heroic qualities. This country was founded by men who gave very little importance to religious zealotry. Furthermore, it was not “discovered” by Christopher Columbus. It was already discovered by the indigenous tribes that lived here. But it was plundered by Christopher Columbus and others; mass murders and greedy people looking to advance their status back home. Nothing is ever what it seems, and sex workers exist and are facing important issues everyday. They are no more demons than our politicians are gods. We are all just human, even if we have an uncomfortable relationship with our own humanity.

I paint this picture to say that, in my view, we can’t hide from each other anymore. Unless you live in the mountains with no cell phone or internet, we are here and in each other’s faces in incredible ways. Porn is accessible to everyone at the click of a button. Not just that, but also our phone numbers, social security numbers, aliases, family trees… You can’t even get around making an offhand comment these days without some company designed to investigate your online activity alerting people you may or may not know about your every FaceBook or blog comment, or various and random tweets. It’s all right out there, so why don’t we get past our naiveties and fears, and start talking about things plainly?

In this week’s podcast I talk about the legalization of prostitution and drugs, the thrilling possibility of interviewing industry legend Bill Margold, and my aim to help friend and filmographer, Percy Leon, with his documentary about condoms in porn. I think it’s a great project idea, he is completely neutral to the issues, and he is not taking money from porn companies, pro-porn activists, anti-porn activists, or regulatory organizations. He’s not a “mainstream” guy rolling in with lies and promises of this and that; the typical kind of person who plays friend and then edits together an embarrassing and outdated version of the industry just because adult industry folks are kind enough to give him a moment of their time. Anything sex-related can be skewed to look ridiculous and seedy with the right kind of music and narration. Besides, I think audiences are savvy enough these days to know they’re being fed the kind of ‘text book’ version of porn that I described above. Percy wants to make a film that reflects actual truths about the industry, and ultimately, the kind of documentary I like watching. One that gives everyone their say. One that leaves the judgments up to the viewer after all the facts are laid out.

It’s a very kind offer to allow me to be involved as a consultant because there’s the awful chance that my involvement could make people nervous just because of my pro-porn past, but I am always concerned about performer welfare–as an ex-performer, myself–and I am infinitely curious to know what everyone has to say, without judgement. I am perfectly happy to make myself scarce for those who’d prefer I not be present during interviews, but for those who are comfortable with it, I have (as always), several thought-provoking questions aimed at conversation and not an uncomfortable inquisition. There’s no reason anyone should be uncomfortable around me. If you are in any way working in or around the adult industry and involved in issues happening today, you have an important voice that people would like to hear through a mature, up-to-date project that isn’t confused or misinformed about who is doing what. I can’t help but feel this could be a really good and important film. (This is not the essay I promised, but it’s too big for one blog post, so maybe something larger a bit later. )

Beyond that, I read a fan letter that I think is the best kind of thoughtful/respectful fan letter, I also say some positive things about forgiving one’s critics and letting go of negativity, and I tell a funny story about my friend Mandy Lion–who I am interviewing again next Tuesday. Yay!!! I will have a list of questions to ask him, will prompt him to tell some stories that will make you piss yourself, and he’ll also give us more detail about his new band lineup and upcoming shows. If you have questions you’d like to ask, shoot me an email!

If you have any questions whatsoever about my involvement in the film, where I stand on what issues and how to get involved, email me at julie@juliemeadows.com.

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Condom Documentary, Legal Prostitution, etc.”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-condom-documentary-legal-prostitution-etc

Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Mandy Lion Interview

For this week’s podcast I interview friend and rock legend Mandy Lion. … SQUEEEEEEEEEE! <– That, my friends, says it all. Am I right, or am I right? No? Okay, I will elaborate!

Seriously, Mandy Lion is a living phenomenon, and now if I can get him to podcast with me regularly, you will get much more than conversation about ‘nipplage’ and how most men should stay home and masturbate and not ruin females’ lives by being around (a poignant observation Mandy made that we will expound on in the future!).

Mandy is playing an open air show at the world famous Rainbow on Sunset Boulevard this coming Sunday, April 15th, with several other acts–Pretty Boy Floyd, London, and more!–to honor Rainbow owner, Mario Maglieri. You must go, you must see the show! Link here.

On May 26th, Mandy is playing for US Veterans at The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada. He talks about that during the podcast, so listen. It is hysterical, informative, awesome!! Link here.

“Hangin’ with Lydia Lee: Mandy Lion Interview”: http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee/showreel/hangin-with-lydia-lee-mandy-lion-interview

Now for Lion Links!!

Two links will get you to Mandy’s Official Website: http://www.mandylionwwiii.com/ and http://www.mandyliononline.com/
For Mandy’s blog at Metaleater.com: http://www.metaleater.com/thelionsden.php
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/MandyLionRock
The Twitter he will probably never use again (Next-to-last tweet literally reads, “I will give this one more day here. This is the worst site ever.”–LOL: https://twitter.com/mandylionrocks
Mandy’s MySpace (doesn’t appear to use that either–but the blog backlogs are worth rummaging through!): http://www.myspace.com/mandylionmetal
Mandy’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MandyLionWWIII

That is a lot of links! …. SQUEEEEEEEEEE! 

Mandy Lion Interview Next Tuesday on “Hangin’ with Lydia Lee”

Mandy Lion isn’t just an established musician who’s played with the likes of George Lynch, Jimmy Bain, and Jake E. Lee (just to name a few). He’s an animal lover and dog activist who particularly advocates for “fighting” dogs (pit bulls, molosso romanos, mastiffs, etc). He keeps rock alive, drives a motorcycle the size of a house, owns a hearse, and is one of my closest friends.

You’ve probably heard many Mandy Lion interviews, but you’ve never heard one like this! I’m going to get Mandy to open up about our first encounter at “Porn Star Karaoke”, his upcoming shows, music, plans, his favorite Pink Panther movie, and whether or not he should start his own relationship-themed editorial. (To a guy asking what’s wrong with “bitches” and why a woman won’t go out with him: This girl was trying to be nice to you when you asked her out. She was trying to protect your obviously fragile male ego so she complimented you and tried to let you down in the nicest possible way. You didn’t get it the first time so she continued trying to be nice to you until she finally realized you are neither smart nor man enough to take a hint. She found out that unless she tells you to f**k off you won’t go away. – LOL!!! Link here).

Look, all I know is that aside from loving his badass, heavy-hitting, gritty, balls-to-the-wall rock-n-roll music, Mandy is also one of my FAVORITE people on the planet. He’s pretty damn perfect… minus his owning a dog so large and protective that you can’t actually get close to him. Ha!!

Join me here live next Tuesday at http://mixlr.com/lydiaannlee
or http://www.juliemeadows.com/blog/2012/02/07/my-welcome-page/–> 5:30pm PST, 7:30 CST & 8:30 EST.

I will tweet about it all week and several times on Tuesday at https://twitter.com/lydiaannlee! SQUEEEEEE!!!!!

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