A birthday celebration

[xp_bevatron]

Not only it is my birthday, today is the grand final of the Mister Global Pageant.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/mister-global-costumes-2022

And there are just as many ridiculous feathers and scantily clad competitors as the Miss Universe pageant, but with men, which is more relevant to my interests.

Wine, snacks, and catty commentary is always in my interests no matter the international occasion, and thus there will be a watch party in the common area.

Comments

[xp_tarot]

I am on the way, work was troublesome. But! I have macarons and real cake for you!

[xp_bevatron]

Delightful. I have brought wine, and quite a bit of it.

[xp_tarot]

Oh my, that is a -strong- opening with Mr Bolivia.

[xp_trance]

I am currently managing a grand viewing party organized by a Red Hat Society. You should hear the comments going around here.

Some of the costumes are quite amazing and the comments hilarious, despite being stuck in a lavender dress and a pink hat...

[xp_tarot]

I will fake an emergency for you if you need an exit strategy. No one should have to wear those colours together unless they are elderly and choose so.

[xp_trance]

Believe me, I charged them extra for me that show up in that color combination. Apparently that is how they ask women below fifty to dress while they wear purple clothes with red hats...

[xp_tarot]

Well, if you want a family emergency, let me know. If you want an explosion I will charge extra :)

in that Jubilee will want catering leftovers)

[xp_trance]

Thank you for the offer, but I will endure...

[xp_darcy]

Oh my, these costumes are certainly something. Miss Universe could take several hints. Vietnam, just. My goodness.

Happy birthday to you, damn. I'm bringing test snacks, I made some savory hamantaschen and need Opinions.

[xp_tarot]

I think Vietnam is the only one of the men with his chest exposed who did not wax, and I love this very much for him.

[xp_darcy]

I was so distracted by the rest of the package that I had to go back to see that. Fantastic.

[xp_bevatron]

Vietnam and Thailand are both superb.

[xp_darcy]

Yes. Sometimes all that gold is terrible, but they make it work.

[xp_bevatron]

And managed to be distinct from each other, which is perhaps the most impressive part.

[xp_darcy]

You can be the dragon or you can wear the dragon. Vietnam chose wisely.

[xp_tarot]

Can we talk about Mr Cuba? Did his luggage get lost? That is a very Cuban outfit but I am concerned his luggage was lost.

[xp_bevatron]

But if his luggage was lost, where did the outfit come from? Because the shirt is even rumpled as though it came from his suitcase, and somehow manages to capture the essence of the assignment despite looking last minute.

[xp_tarot]

That is why I cannot decide and wanted to talk about him but I am distracted by this very large pour of wine and Mr Dominican Republic's... presentation

[xp_bevatron]

The cameraman for this feed clearly understands the desires of their audience. To the point that they take a few moments away from Ecuador to follow the 'global'.

[xp_submariner]

We are not impressed. When is the traditional combat?

[xp_bevatron]

Enough of the entries seem to carry weaponry that you would think ritual combat might be a thing, but no, they all appear quite ceremonial.

[xp_submariner]

Ceremony should require less clothing. I am not impressed.

[xp_bevatron]

May I interest you in the swimsuit portion of the competition?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TBSU6_UT2k

[xp_darcy]

Darling, they can't be naked on television. The censors would pass out and the bigots would riot. Again.

[xp_tarot]

Speaking of censors, why did Mr Japan have a modesty bar? Is that because it is meant to look like a loin cloth, but then he had to wear a speedo?

[xp_darcy]

Considering South Africa's getup and the entire underwear portion, I honestly couldn't guess. The mini-loincloth haunts me.

[xp_daredevil]

I am so pissed off right now.