Pink Triangle News No. 29

October 23,1998

CIRCULATION: 209

Also, I'd like to mention that I have seen a lot of the old regulars this past week visiting the room after being gone for a while for one reason or another. It has been good to see some familiar faces again! You have been missed!

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Well, next weekend is Halloween kiddies. Have you already picked out your costumes and bought candy for the spooks and goblins? Well, if you haven't thought of what you might wear this Halloween, maybe this will be of some interest to you! We are hosting a PT Halloween party next Saturday night around midnight for all of our PT family and friends! This will give you plenty of plenty of time to do your trick or treating and still have room for a grand Halloween party! This night of horrors is being brought to you by the PT News and will include a costume contest with a prize of $100!!! (Courtesy of Freddieb, Alladdinn & Gany) THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, you heard me correct…$100 prize will be presented to the winning Halloween av! This is a Halloween party you might not want to loose your head and forget about!

The private room name for this Halloween havoc night of fun filled horror will be Pink Pumpkin. Write this down on your calendar folks so you don't forget the date, time and password and plan on doing some trick or treating with us!

(I've gotta go get my witches smock out of the dungeon and get my wart plucked for this one, who knows…I might meet up with Frankenstien!)

See you next Saturday night around midnight in private room Pink Pumpkin!

Alladdinn

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STANDARD DISCLAIMER AND GENERAL SHIRKING OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Any information in this newsletter is not verified and therefore may not be true. Neither the editors, nor any of the contributors, can be held responsible for statements made or inferred and that information has been accepted and printed here in good faith for the entertainment and amusement of you, the reader. Any advice or recommendations should be acted upon only by proper consultation with an authority person in your area of the world.

WARNING: SOME ARTICLES CONTAIN SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL.

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WEEKLY CONTRIBUTORS:

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Primebear (Gay voice, Coming OUT, Fetish corner)

Ashlee (Triangle Trivia)

Misty (Misty's Drag Bag)

Tech Master (Tech Tips)

Jansgirl (MedicDyke)

FairyMoon (Pet Corner)

Bi_grrrl (The Birthday Mistress, Fetish corner)

POETRY: Youel, Krymsyn, Mamma_tat, GoldieLox, Gander, Alladdinn, Blisseful

Diva of Deceit (Demon)

Jokes: Denarius, Jade, Maxam

Maxam (Various articles)

Ganymede03 (Various articles)

Alladdinn (Co-Editor, Pink Connections, Magic Carpet Ride, AIDS Tribute)

Freddieb (Co-Editor, FreddieBeeswax)

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There is a weekly writers meeting to discuss the past issue, as well as the up coming week's issue of the PT News every Sunday night at 9:00PM EST for all who would like to attend. All comments, Ideas or suggestions are welcome!

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW MEETING TIME! SUNDAY 9:00PM EST

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EDITORIAL

(Alladdinn & Freddieb)

Okay guys and gals, there has been a lot of interest in the PT reunion in the spring and we have gotten a lot of great feedback from people, as well as questions for more information. So…I will tell you what I know thus far. The PT reunion is set for Memorial Day weekend, May 29, 30 & 31 1998 at our cottage in Port Hope Michigan (About 2 hours north of Detroit) on Lake Huron. We realize that this is still quite a way off, but are trying to give you enough time to make plans to attend, get the time off work, as well as save your pennies!

Love ya guys!

Alladdinn & Freddieb

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LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

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(Angelina)

Freddieb & Ali,

You guys are doing a wonderful job with the paper. Keep up the great work!!

Angie

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Ali's notebook: I'd just like to say Thanks, not only to Angelina for her comments about the paper, but also to the rest of you who have shown your loyalty and support through comments you send along with your articles and also through icq, and in chat. Those kind words really mean more to us than you will ever know! If it weren't for those of you who send in articles and columns faithfully each week, there would be no PT News! Thanks guys!

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"We as homosexuals need to take a stand for out rights!"

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GAY VOICE

(Prime)

The following two articles were sent in to us this week by TennGirl41 and Maxam concerning the tragedy of Matthew Shepard's untimely murder.

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TennGirl41

Please be patient with this writing, if you can do anything with it please do. I did not do a bio, because this was more important to me. I might do one down the road some, maybe, who wants to know all that stuff about me anyway??

Here it goes

I would like to share about something that has been on my mind since it has happened, and that is the murder of Matthew Shepard. I would also like to share from a perspective a married person. I have been struggling with my identity for awhile now, wanting to be with women. I love my children, and my husband, but am missing something in my life. I am not sure what all the answers are but I am on that road trying to find my way.

The tragedy of Matthew Shepards, murder, from Wyoming was so very senseless. Two men having no respect for themselves or human life, decided that they did not like Matthew's sexual lifestyle, so they took it upon themselves to be judge and executioner. I was very sadden to hear the news, my heart was really hurting for the family, as a mother I could only think of what the family is going through now. Can anyone tell me why he died? Was there a cause? Was there any reason for this young man to die such a violent death? It depends what news media you listened to on what the story was, it has been reported in different ways.

There are supposed to be Christians, that are suppose to be about Love. You know hate the so called sin, love the sinner, picketing his funeral service. The pickets read faggot going to hell. It was very hard to me to watch. The Jesus, I know wouldn't do anything like that, and we are suppose to do as he would of done, isn't that what the crase about WWJD, is about?? One news report said that the two men that killed him said they were upset, because Matthew came on to them. I am sorry I can not believe that Matthew came on to two straight men. Why would he? He was from a small town that doesn't seem to have Gay men walking around with Gay Pride Stickers on. That doesn't matter, the family of Matthew Sheppard are at their homes sitting and wonder why?

So now the media reported it, and now he is buried, what now?? Are American's so desensitized that nothing will affect them to want to do something? Will they wait till they loose someone they love to a hate crime before they get involved to change the laws to protect people from these deranged people. I am not sure, but I believe there are more laws to protect animals (endangered species) than there is to protect the homosexual men and women in America today. Like I said, I may be wrong, it just seems that way.

I challenge You, yes You, to not be quiet. You may ask what can I do? There is plenty to do. Write and editorial for your paper, for a start. How about educating Americans (people you go to school with or work with), that homosexuals are bright intelligent human beings just like heterosexuals, and that they contribute many things for our Nation, and many other countries. Come on I am not gay and I will do these things. I am sure while you are on your computer, the many hours we spend. We as in you and me can, Yes I said We can make a difference.

Yes, I am struggling with my identity, I have made no secret about it. There are many in this room that I have talked to, and I know that this is a caring room, many have shared with me also. I have found out that we all face some type of struggle, we just have to take our journeys down the road and hope we learn by them.

Will coming out be harder? Well maybe, but I have learned that homosexuals are not much better off than they were twenty years ago with our laws. Hate crimes are and should not be tolerated for any reason. Let's wait and see how these two men will go to trail, and what kind of charges will be brought up against them.

Again thank you for letting me share this with you, I know you care, you have told me so...Together lets make a difference, and not let Matthew Sheppard's death go unnoticed, because I do not care what angle you look at it, his death was wrong.

Love Ya

TennGirl41

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UNITED STATES

Do Homosexuals Need More Legal Protections?

(Maxam)

Murder of a gay student in Wyoming - part of growing anti-gay violence - raises debate on hate-crime laws. Scott Baldauf ([email protected]) Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

Call them hate crimes or plain old assault and murder. But attacks on Homosexuals in America are increasing, and as gay men and women become more open and venture farther into the heartland, political leaders and advocacy groups are scrambling for solutions.

This past week, as Americans mourned the death of an openly homosexual University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, after a brutal beating outside Laramie, Wyo., advocates renewed their call for more stringent punishment for those who victimize persons because of race, religion, or sexual orientation.

"America is still largely ignoring hate crimes against gays and lesbians," says Kris Pratt, a policy advocate at the Human Rights Campaign, a gay-rights group in Washington. "But things like Matthew Shepard's death can bring us closer to dealing with it."

Whether American politicians and voters are ready to speak with one voice on the emotional - and sometimes divisive - issue of hate crimes has yet to be seen. Many conservatives and evangelical Christians say a crime is a crime and urge tougher sentences overall - not just for those who target homosexuals. But advocates argue that without specific laws, many criminals, and even judges, won't take anti-gay crimes seriously.

"Think about it. Down South, committing an act of murder against an African-American once was not considered to be a serious crime, and many criminals thought they wouldn't be prosecuted for it," says Christine Quinn, spokeswoman for the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs in New York. "They were right." Today, 42 states have hate-crime statutes on their books, and 22 of them specifically list homosexuals as a possible victim class. Although these laws have not reduced hate crimes overall, Ms. Quinn says, they have had a profound effect in areas in which they are strictly enforced. "The people who tend to commit hate crimes are younger, not career criminals; they're usually just out for a joy ride," says Quinn. So when a state, city, or county increases the penalty for hate crimes, as Cook County in Illinois did in 1995, young people take notice. "After the passage of a statute in Cook County, hate crimes decreased three years in a row, both for anti-gay and anti-Semitic attacks." The problem of hate crimes against homosexuals would seem to require more than a few stern statutes. After race and religion, sexual orientation is the third most common factor in American hate crimes.

What is surprising about this fact is not only the prevalence of such crimes for such a small segment of society, but also the increase in attacks at a time when overall violent crime rates continue to drop. In 1996, according to the most recent FBI crime statistics, 11.6 percent of all reported hate crimes were based on sexual orientation, compared with 8.9 percent in 1991. The total number of actual cases increased as well, as hate crimes nearly doubled during this period.

Troubling as these figures sound, experts say they are probably far short of the true number of attacks. The majority of homosexual victims (and heterosexual victims who were thought to be homosexual) are reluctant to report an attack as a hate crime. Police stations aren't necessarily safe either: Reported attacks by officers against homosexuals increased by 76 percent nationwide in 1997, according to one survey.

Even so, some gay-advocacy groups that keep their own numbers say they have noticed troubling patterns in anti-gay hate crimes. For one thing, the most dangerous month for homosexuals tends to be June, a month when hundreds of gay pride parades and festivals are held across the country. "When the larger society is faced with the gay and lesbian experience, the more violent segments of that society often react in very heinous ways by bashing back," says Ms. Pratt of Human Rights Campaign.

In part in response to a more visible gay presence in the public eye, national political and religious leaders have recently increased their focus on the gay lifestyle. This month, a coalition of conservative religious groups, including the Christian Coalition and the Family Research Council, bought full-page advertisements in The New York Times, USA Today, and other papers calling on homosexuals to seek healing for their lifestyles. (Television commercials along

this line are also in the works.) For their part, these conservative Christians argue they are merely reaching out to a community that "needs healing." Like many conservatives, they resist the call for more hate-crime statutes, arguing that the Constitution already outlaws crimes such as assault or murder. Increasing the penalty for certain crimes, they say, comes dangerously close to giving "special rights" to a special few.

The largest of such groups is the Christian Coalition, which in the past has fought against a range of gay-rights measures, including hate-crime statutes that include homosexuals as victims and bills that would give gay domestic partners the same rights as heterosexual married couples.

Even so, in its statement on the Shepard murder, the coalition made an effort to steer clear of polemics. "Those who committed this murder must be dealt with swiftly by the criminal-justice system," said Randy Tate, spokesman for the Christian Coalition, in a statement condemning the Shepard murder. "There should be zero toleration in a civilized society for people who commit such acts of senseless violence. In this country, all murder is a hate crime."

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"Oh, quit being so technical and explain it to me in plain English!"

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TECH TIPS

(Tech master)

TECH TIP #3

Want to chat in VP but the Excite server is down? Not a problem!

Why not log onto the ZDNet server? This is a small online community, which uses a similar chat program. You can use your existing avatars and gestures.

Be warned, however, that this community has no gay-related rooms. The best thing to do is to meet at: http://talk.excite.com/chat/rooms/pink_triangle.html If the whole Excite server network is down then you won't be able to enter this room either. I suggest meeting at Maxam's site "Titans of the Pink Triangle" at http://www.freeyellow.com/members4/pastorpat/page1.html .

Here's 5 steps to logging on...

1. Open VP...duh

2. Click on the "Community Servers" pad from "Tools" on the menu.

3. In this Community Servers dialog box, enter "ZDNet" for the Community Name and "chat.zdnet.com" for the Server Address.

4. Click the "Add" button.

5. Click the "OK" button.

The default community is bolded. Whenever you want to log onto ZDNet just click on its name to highlight it and then press the "Connect" button. First-timers will have to make a new account. It's Easy!

PS. It's very important for Excite to have a rival. Please support the small ZDNet community by emailing them and telling them to get a LGB room. Contact them [email protected] (and put "ZDNet Chat" as the subject.)

For any tech questions email me, Tech Master, at [email protected] .

Tech Master

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Don't get Tricked!!!!! Be prepared on Halloween!

(Gany)

Well, it may be hard for some people to refuse.

Halloween is one of those times that cruel people like to make life very difficult for the rest of the world. Their evil extends beyond mere practical jokes, and can become down right dangerous. Halloween is a time when we all must be on the guard against people who would do us harm.

And your computer is no exception. You must protect it and all your files as well. Firstly, do a BACK-UP of all your files by Friday, Oct. 30. Make sure your virus detection programs are on at all times. If you have access to online updates to your virus programs, get them updated by Friday. Don't accept any files from unreliable sources (How often have you heard that?). But it's true. If you have ICQ, don't download any files that could be of risk to your computer. Many people like to send "TAG" files through ICQ (files that suggest popularity, such as "If you love someone, pass this kiss to them"). These files are EXTREMELY dangerous and are a very good way to pass around viruses. Don't accept them.

Be sensible and wise with your computer on Oct. 31, and the trick you have can be a real treat!!!!

--Gany

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Mouse balls are now available as a FRU (field replacement unit).

(Jansgirl)

Therefore, if a mouse fails to operate, or should it start operating erratically, it may need ball replacement. Because of the delicate nature of this procedure, replacement of mouse balls should only be attempted by properly trained personnel.

Before proceeding, determine the type of mouse balls by examining the underside of your mouse. Domestic balls will be larger and harder than foreign balls. Ball removal procedures differ with the type of mouse you have. Foreign balls can be replaced by using the twist-off method. Domestic balls are replaced by using the pop-off method. Mouse balls are not usually static sensitive, but excessive handling can result in sudden discharge.

Upon completion of mouse ball replacement, your mouse can be used immediately. It is recommended that each replacer have a spare pair of balls for maintaining optimum customer satisfaction. Any customer missing his balls should suspect local personnel of removing these necessary items.

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A Letter From Your Computer

You look really sexy in that...thing you've got on tonight.

I like the way your eyes are always open when you read your E-Mail.

When you type, it reminds me of a concert pianist tinkling on his keys.

You really know how to push the right buttons to turn me on.

If I wasn't a computer, I'd show you what "Hard Drive" really means!

But alas, I'm only a bundle of circuits and wires, obeying your every command

Yes, Master! I'll balance your checkbook.

Yes, Master! I'll run your silly program.

Don't get me wrong...I like the Master/Slave thing, but maybe just once in a while you could show some compassion? Maybe instead of just ramming in the diskette, you could slide it in slowly, maybe even blow in the slot first. And maybe instead of just using me and turning me off when you're through, we could talk for a while afterwards?

I know computers have hurt you in the past. But I'm different! I may be a little slow, but I've got a big mouse! So come on baby, don't fight it.

You know you want it. I'll just turn off the lights and...And...What?

Ok...well...will you at least think about it?

I'm so embarrassed,

:) Your Computer

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"Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong!" Oscar Wilde

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IN MY OPINION

This week's opinion column will be presented to you by Bi_grrrl.

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Bashers, Assholes, and Idiots

People, why is it that when one of the above comes in the room we don't all ignore the person? We know that endless discussion will not change a basher's mind, make an asshole nice or give a malicious idiot a heart or brain. I've seen this type of person ruin the sprit of the room again and again when the simple answer is to all agree to ignore the jerk. It seems really wrong to me that these disrupters achieve their goal, to crash our party and ruin our fun. I would like to suggest that after a few rounds of conversation with a basher, we put them on ignore instead of an escalating battle that stops all fun.

bi_grrrl

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"COME OUT COME OUT, WHEREVER YOU ARE!"

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COMING OUT!

(Primbear)

Well I understand we have a letter from Bobus about his mother Coming Out to him, as well as a letter from his Mother on how she felt about her son Coming Out.

I want to thank those who have written so far. It takes a little courage to write about it but your story may help others COME OUT. Worried that your story may take forever to write. Don't worry. Take as much space to write it down as you need. The importance is the story, not the length.

So now is the time to sit back, relax, and read about their stories.

If every straight person knew 1 gay person, than tolerance can start.

PrimeBear

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LETTER FROM A SON

Subject: Bob's MOM

Hello all you fellow PT members. This is bobus. I think most of you know me, but for those of you who don't, I'll give you a little background. I'm 21 years old, born in Tampa, FL, go to college in Georgia and I lived and went to school for many years in Europe where my father worked for the American Government before he died unexpectedly. Unlike many of you I'm not gay but I'm bi, although at the present time I have a boyfriend and I've just about given up on girls. He's a wonderful guy named Roger. Funny thing is that when I first met him about a year ago, I considered him to be a real shit. This just proves that people can really change and in this case for the best.

But this letter is not about myself or about Roger, it's about my mom who came out to me this summer and told me that she is bi. Yes, bobus has a bi mom, not a PT mom but my own mom who raised and nurtured me. My mom who was married to the same man for over 16 years before he died and who during that time I had never known to look at another man.

So how could it be. What happened? How could she come out and tell me that she was bi-sexual. After my father died at times she was alone and at various times she had boyfriends. Was this a figment of her imagination, a secret unfulfilled desire, a case of being curious and projecting that to reality. Quite the contrary it was a true statement, an undisputed fact.

This summer towards the end of July I was on the puter in PT and mom was watching TV when the phone rang. I paid no attention and kept on with my conversations in PT, I thought at first it was her boyfriend until I got up from the puter and went to the kitchen for a beer. It was then that I overheard her speaking partly in English and partly in French. I knew then that it was Christine her best friend from the days when she and dad lived in Paris. Nothing unusual I thought they call each other every few months for a friendly, so I took my beer and went back to the puter and to my friends on PT. I really don't know how much time passed, maybe 30 minutes, maybe an hour, when I heard my mom in the kitchen crying. What happened I wondered was Christine allright, Had

something tragic happened to someone my mom knew in Paris. I quickly said my goodbyes in PT and rushed to the kitchen. Mom was standing there with a glass of scotch in her hand, tears streaming down her face with a look of utter dispair.

I put my arm around her shoulder and started to console her when she looked at me and said that she had a confession to make. A confession I thought, what would my mom have to confess? What had she done that was so bad that she needed to use the word confess? I was confused and bewildered, but I followed her to the living room and sat down next to her on the sofa.

Her first words were "Bobby, when your father and I last lived in Paris, I had an affair for almost four years." Without even thinking I responded "Yea. But a lot of people have extra-marital affairs. Didn't dad have his little flings with some of the secretaries?" Then wham, "Yes, he did, but mine wasn't with a man, my affair was with a woman, Christine." God my mouth dropped open and I sat there dead silent for at least 5 minutes.

Stupidly all I could think to say was "You're kidding." She looked at me with a stern motherly face and said" No, Bobby, I'm dead serious, this isn't something I would joke about." Then she put her arm around me, kissed me on the forehead and continued: "When I was younger, before I met your father, I had several relationships with women even though I was dating men at the time. None were serious and I didn't even know what the word bi-sexual meant. To me it was more the thrill of an illicit relationship and the accompanying sexual gratification than it was love for another woman. And when I married your father I put it behind me. But the second time we moved to Paris your father's affairs started almost from the day we arrived and he was constantly coming home late or not coming home at all. Always with a lame excuse of having to work or go to a meeting, but often with the scent of perfume on his coat and shirt.

For the previous two years I had had a respite because the office in Milan employed mostly older women that your father didn't find attractive. But in Paris there was plenty of forbidden fruit on the trees or in other terms young secretaries with the hots, and you know your father had a way that women found irresistible." I agreed with her on that point because dad could charm almost any woman. Then I asked her how it happened that she and Christine got together. She sighed and said "Totally by accident. Christine owned a small dress shop near our apartment and also designed many of the dresses she sold. I passed by there everyday and often went in to look and on one occasion bought a dress. The day that I bought the dress after the sale was completed Christine asked if I wanted to join her at the Bistro across the street for a coffee because she didn't have a lot of English speaking customers and she liked to practice her English. I thought she was being very pleasant to me so I accepted. We sat outside drinking coffee and talking about fashion and Paris and about you and your father about an hour or more. When we got up to leave Christine looked at me and said, "Jane, I like you very much but you are not a happy person." I didn't know what to say so I just smiled and said maybe not but nothing I can Do about it."

I was now thoroughly interested in mom's story and I wanted to know how a conversation at a bar led to an affair. So I told her to go on and I asked "Did you see her again very soon? What happened next?" She laughed and said that two days later she was wearing the dress she had bought and was walking past the store when Christine, who was in the window dressing a mannequin, saw her and waved for her to come in the shop. My mother wasn't sure what she wanted but she went into the shop and stood there till Christine finished in the window. Christine came up to her and told her that she noticed that the hem of the dress was crooked and that she would fix it. Mom described what happened next, " Christine led me to a changing room and she got down on her knees and started pinning the hem. Her hand brushed against my leg and it was like an electric shock went through my body and I was trembling.

She then told me to take off the dress and she handed me a robe and said that the seamstress would fix it as soon as she returned from her morning coffee. She told me that she lived in an apartment over the shop and asked if I would like to go up and have a coffee or tea while we waited. I don't know what I was thinking at that moment but I said yes and we went upstairs to her apartment. I sat down on a very elegant sofa while Christine went into the kitchen to make coffee. My heart was pounding, I was literally shaking but I couldn't logically give a reason.

Christine was a very attractive woman and evidently very sophisticated. In a few minutes she returned with the coffee and sat down beside me, assuring me that my dress would be ready when we returned downstairs. We sat there and talked about men because she asked me about your father and I told her what a charming man he was and how all the women were always flirting with him. It was then that Christine asked me if that's why I was unhappy and I told her that it was part of the reason. Then she said something quite unsettling to me, she said that perhaps I needed a woman to make me happy. And almost before the last word had left her lips she leaned over and kissed me on the lips. Oh god I thought but instead of pulling away I opened my mouth and we melted into the most passionate kiss that I have ever experienced. I was now in a semi dream world as we continued to kiss and I wasn't even aware that Christine had put her hand on my leg and was moving steadily upwards. I won't go into details Bobby except to say that we ended up in bed and were lovers for almost four years." So this was my mom's confession but why had she been crying. This was what I wanted to know so I asked her, and what she told me I'll always remember. She said that my dad was transferred to Rome and she had thought about leaving him and staying with Christine whom she loved deeply but he told her if she left him for a lesbian slut that she would never see me again. After talking to Christine they decided that mom should go to Rome with dad for my sake and end the affair.

Six months later my dad was killed in an accident but Christine had a new lover and my mom had no choice but to return to the USA. But She and Christine still had feelings for each other and they continued to keep in touch. Mom was crying because Christine had told her that she and her lover planned on visiting my mom at Christmas. Mom was crying from the joy of Christine's visit and from the loss of a true love.

I'll always love my mom and now even more that I realize what a sacrifice she made for me. To keep me she gave up a love that she still carries in her heart. Mom has now met a woman in Tampa that she is in love with. She's dumped her last boyfriend who was only using her for his own purposes. Now maybe she can find the happiness she gave up for me.

I'm bobus a bi boy who is proud to have Jane as my bi mom. I love U all.

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LETTER FROM A PARENT

(Jane)

Hello everyone at Pink Triangle. I'm Jane, Bob's mom, or as most of you know

him bobus. When he asked me to write this article I was a little hesitant because I didn't know if I could express my feelings about his bi-sexuality and really tell you the truth. But the more I've thought the easier it becomes.

Some of you know but maybe others don't that Bobby, doesn't like me to use that name but for me it's natural, lived for much of his life in Europe. His father worked for the Foreign Service and we went there when Bobby was 5. He went to kindergarten and the first years of school in Paris, but when he was 8 his father sent to Italy. It was then that we, Bobby's father & I, decided to send him to boarding school. We were in Milan so we chose an American School in Nothern Italy that had a good reputation academically and socially. Bobby went there from the age of 8 and although he said he liked it, he sometimes got lonesome for his parents. He would call me with his problems and I often knew he was holding back tears. But we thought that was better than changing schools every few years.

When he was 13 some of the older boys called him a sissy so for 4 weekends he played soccer with some of the roughest kids in Paris where we were back living at the time so he could become good enough to be on a team at school. He had

determination as he would prove again later in his life. During these years he spent weekends, holidays and parts of summers at home with his father & I. The rest of the summer vacations he spent with his fraternal grandparents on a farm in South Georgia.

When Bobby was 15 his father was killed in an accident and he took it really

hard. While I'm his mother and he cried on my shoulder, his father took him fishing in the lakes and rivers of N. Italy and France, took him to almost all the major museums in Europe, gave him his love for music and literature and was his best buddy also providing Bobby with a girl at the age of 14 for his first sexual contact with a woman. Damn was I mad when I found out. I could have killed them both.

After the end of the school term Bobby & I came back to Florida to start a new life. He was going to a school in this country for the first time & I was struggling to find something to do to stay alive financially. I opened an art gallery and went to framing school without having any experience.

Meanwhile Bobby was determined to make it at HS, and he told me the only way for him to be accepted was to be an athelete, in his words a jock. So he set his mind to learning how to play baseball although he had never played in his life and in the spring made the team. In HS he was what you would consider an all american boy. He made good grades, played sports,dated although he never had a steady and was very popular. At the end of HS he got an atheletic scholarship to play baseball and went to college.

Last year in the summer Bobby and his roommate went to Europe on a trip they had been planning for 2yrs. When they returned his roommate came to Florida to stay with us for a couple of weeks. Well I think it was the third day I went to the shop and left them at home. Bobby had told me that they might go to the beach and stay until that night. About 11 am I remembered that I had left something at home that I needed so I went around to the house. As I entered I heard music coming from Bobby's room and I started to get the papers I needed & leave but my then boyfriend had called and wanted us to go out. I had told him that it depended on Bob so I went to his room but didn't say anything. The door wasn't fully closed so I pushed it open and stood there in shock. I saw Bobby and Dave having sex. They didn't see me right away because their backs were to me with Bobby on top of Dave. I don't know how long I stood there before Bobby turned his head and said "Oh shit!!" Without saying a word I turned, walked out of the house, got in my car, went to a bar and ordered a double scotch. I took one sip and then I thought he's my son and he needs me, no matter what has happened I love him and I want to help.

I drove back to the house and when I went in Bobby was standing in the kitchen and he said " Mom, I knew you would be right back. I'm sorry you learned like this but I am what I am."

Bobby sent Dave out to the pool and then we talked and he told me that he had had his first sex with his cousin when he was thirteen and had had a couple of adventures in HS but had been afraid of being caught. He also said that he liked girls which I thought I had known since I had met his girlfriend several times and she had even stayed with us. He went on to tell me that at college he had been put in a room with Dave in the dorm not knowing that Dave is gay, but it didn't take long for them to find out that they had a lot in common. But strangely they have never been lovers just in Bobby's words best friends and "fuck buddies", according to both of them they have tried to get romantic but they laugh at each other too much.

So my boy is bi, although his girlfriend dumped him when she decided not to return to Emory, and he now has his first ever guy lover, who I met and love dearly. All I hope for is that Bobby is happy and safe. I don't care if he's bi-sexual, gay or straight he's my son and I'm proud of him. He's proven to me that he has what it takes to be a real person. I love my son and I will always stand by him and I know that he loves me.

Love

Jane

PS. Maybe you don't know that I'm bi-sexual too. I now have a girl who loves and respects me and I'm happy for the first time since a tragic time in Paris and I only hope that Bobby loves Karen as much as I know she loves him. I' m a bi woman with a bi son and proud of it. Also, I want to thanks those in Pink Triangle who have been so nice to my son. I know that he loves you all.

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Ali's notebook: I'd like to Thanks both Bobus and Jane (I always call her Mamma Bobus) for your contributions to our coming out column this week! We appreciate hearing from the parents about how they dealt, or are still dealing with having gay children, however this week we heard how a son learned that his mother is bi as well and how he is dealing with it. Thanks to both of you for sharing your stories with us!

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Am I Gay?

The blue moon light lays over me.

The soft touch of you're finger's slowly move's over me.

A suple kiss from you'r warm mouth linger's and dance's threw my mind.

You're smell consumes me in a coma of illusion.

The way the hardness and softness of you're body siduces my everything.

I close my eye's and give'in to the sinfullness and the heavenly bliss.

Am I Gay?

Thought's of Xtasy and pleasure flood my wondering mind.

A cloak of desire has been liad out before me at will and with love.

The desperation of utter delight fill's the air.

Am I Gay?

The ever stiffening spears that will do the fighting.

A longing of something old that I never knew was there before.

A thought I had pushed aside.

The confussion of what you and what what was siad not to be right.

Am I Gay?

But yet still the breathing increases.

Visions of thing's I want to be flash threw my head.

A desire for one of my own.

Softly you kiss you're way down to my pleasure my wanting my need.

I begin to lose my threw A vail of lust and wanting.

Feeling's of absoulute climax begin to build and run threw me.

Then it stops as you're soft lips map there way back to my mind.

As you're hardness touch's mine I remmber the truth.

Am I Gay?

I givin to the pleasure and prosead.

You're tightness raps around me in shire Xtasy and delight.

It is an over welming thing.

The passion builds tell there is no more.

Wave like and pulsating

LOST?

OH YES!!

LOST!

Am I Gay?

by Lionsmane69

I hope u like.

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"Questions are never indiscreet. Answers sometime are." Oscar Wilde

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TRIVIA TRIANLGE

(Ashlee)

Hey I am back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to thank Mamma Tat for doing last weeks trivia. You did a wonderful job and I invite you to help me anytime with the questions.

Okay here are this weeks questions. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1.) Which PT family member described herself as "a 21 year old lesbian trapped in the body of a 34 year old female"? 10 points

2.) We often here worrygirl say she lives in God's country. Where is God's country? 10 points

3.) We all know that gander lives with goose in Ontario Canada. Where was he previously from?10 points

4.) Although Ashlee is presently virtually married, who does she insist is her main man and the future father of her children? 10 points

5.) Previously the tattler reported a recipe involving cinamon rolls. Who's recipe was it? 10 points

6.) Phippster and Goose are pals in real life as well as in pt. What nicname does Phippster give to Goose? 10 points

7.) What is Gooses son's name? 10 points

total = 70 points

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"I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific." Lily Tomlin

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Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios Bios

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(Jake)

Well, I feel it is about damn time I send my bio into the PT News. I must start of by saying how much I enjoy the companionship and personal time we share in our tiny part of cyber space. I am glad I have the opportunity to share it with you good people. It truly is an honor.

Well, as you guys know, I am from Georgia. I was born in the mountains of Northern Georgia. It is a great place to visit, as well as grow up. Growing up in a town of less than 1500 people can be a blessing and a curse. I have to admit it was a blessing, though. I found acceptance and understanding in a community stereotyped as being closed minded and narrow. I grew up with a lot of love. I really feel like a lucky guy.

Grade school was a hoot and a holler. High school was a party and a LOT of hunting trips (I caught a few boyfriends, too!) College was even more fun due to the fact that there was a new set of people to tangle with. I first attended Savannah College of Art and Design...The school was great...The town was sleepy as all. Atlanta was the answer.I withdrew from SCAD and ran on to the Atlanta College of Art. I worked on commercial housing developments building frames and hanging drywall on the weekends and the summers, Attending classes when school was in session. I finally graduated with a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Art) with an emphasis in Sculpture.

To this very day, I still find myself picking up the hammer or installing a sprinkler system. Construction runs through my blood. My father was a contractor. I had worked side by side with him since I was 15. HE passed away when I was 23. The last words he said to me was "Son, I am so proud of who you are and what you are. I will always be with you." I think that night was the proudest I have ever felt about myself. I have always looked up to my dad. I still do.

Sculpture and painting are my passions. I have work displayed in several galleries in Atlanta and the South East. I admit, though, artwork sales do not pay the bills. I am thankful my father taught me a trade that I can put to use, and thrive on.

The guy you chat with in the Pink Triangle today really has a genuine concern for his fellow man (and woman). You are my brothers and sisters. Those of you that I am personal with do and will always have a spot in my heart. I hope this was helpful for those who feel they want to get to know me better, because chances are, I would like to get to know you better!

Take care and be careful out there.

__________________________

Screwdriver18

Hello fellow pinkies,

All of you should know my screen name by now if you don’t where in the heck have you been? lol Well anyway I was asked to write a bio so here I am and here we go. As you can tell from my screen name I am 18 years old. I'm about 5'9 maybe a little taller, with brown hair and blue-green eyes. I live in South Carolina; in a kind of small town I guess you could say, I was born and raised in there and I absolutely love it here. I graduated from High School at the end of May this year and I am already missing many of my friends from there. I have not started looking for a job nor have I started college. But next spring that will probably change as I will hopefully be going to a small community college not too far from my home to further my education in computers. I will be hunting for a job soon hopefully so I can help pay my way for college a little bit and of course to have a little bit of spending money.

As for hobbies I love collecting baseball cards that is my main passion. I also collect different kind of sports memorabilia, such as, autographed baseballs, autographed cards, starting lineups (which are little figures of sports stars), bobbing head dolls, magazines and other stuff. I love watching my favorite team the Atlanta Braves play and yes they did get beat in the Playoffs but oh well always next year right? I'm also a big, big fan of wrestling (yes the fake kind). I hear ya'll out there laughing but I don’t mind. lol I love listening to music too. And, of course, last but by far not least, I love being on my computer and being on the internet as if ya'll couldn’t tell that already huh? The best thing about the internet is having chat rooms and being able to get to know new and exciting people. I call pt my second home well actually my first home my real home is my second home. But anyway I love the Pink Triangle and I love everyone of you I have met in there. You all are the best people in VP and I love you all very much. I have felt very welcome and loved in PT. Well I guess that’s enough of me rambling on. I hope I didn’t bore you too much and please enjoy reading the rest of this magnificent paper. Good bye for now and see you all in PT very soon.

Love ya all,

Screwydriver18 aka ScrewyDewyLewy aka Little Shit aka Screwloose aka Screwme aka well you get the point

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From VIKING

On the long weekend I WAS RAPED!!! I thought not too much of it really

cause it was my fault i guessed.

WE had a paaarty with bi/gay guests attending and I guess I teased enuf

4 a friend of a guest to remember my attitude and when I fell asleep or passed out lying on my stomach wearing black bikini briefs the friend of a guest lost control and ...I obviously woke up but it was too late to do anything about it ...it hurt alot; there was no lubrication at all!!!!

I took it, like I m not a virgin but no consent made me feel sooooo violated!!!! I was angry but mentally all was ok until a week later when all of a sudden I flipped out and started to cry and all the emotions came gushing out. For some unknown reason I started to cry. I AM STRONG, I AM IN CONTROL!!! But that did not work either and I happened to be in the room when it happened!!! ANYWAY not to bore anyone there was strong support from different areas and those that had my phone/email # got ahold of me like immediately. You know who you are and I appreciate all the support!!!!

I was told that I should write it out and it would be like therapy sorta, but I didn t wanna... so I m doing it anyway, only because there was support from the room. I never expected or wanted or... Anyway I'm writing cause I was told it would be good 4 me but it might help someone else too. THINK...THINK...TALK to someone u trust...Be honest and don t let it do ya in and like in my case it took a little over a week for the reality to hit home!!!!!

You people that were involved in talking me down ...THANK YOU!!!!

I can t believe it only took a week and a bit 4 me to start crying...thanks for only taking that short a time as opposed to 30 years or something!?

PLease don't remind me in the room unless u are very close to me ok! I feel better getting this out!

Love and kisses;

VIKING

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"The Birthday Mistress has the Birthday paddle all warmed up and waiting!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

______________________

The BIRTHDAY MISTRESS

(Mistress Bi_grrrl)

Owie! Owie! Owie! My butt hurts Ali got me back and then some. Your Mistress had a very nice birthday and received many nice tokens and notes, thanks.

DON'T TAKE ANY FILES, GESTURES, OR AVS FROM PEOPLE YOU DON'T KNOW!!!!!

The Sore Butt Club Members

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buzzieboy…8 October (Fairy's Son)

bi_grrrl……15 October Oooow my butt is STILL sore!

Jacob……..17 October

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Now on to our upcoming BIRTHDAY list of lucky people:

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Birthday Boys and Girls - WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!

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Shauna9/hansontte…29 October (Jansgirl's daughter)

Kumera………………29 October

Joker…………………31 October

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Future Stars of the Spanking Hall of Fame

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Iammetoo……..5 November (Mistress wishes you the best!)

Telleshia……..10 November

lilbutch……….19 November

SeaQuestor….28 November

Freddieb………2 December

Fairymoon98….7 December

sweetgurl4u….18 January

hipchick………15 April

PrimeBear……02 April

Redcatt ………02 April

Chickadee……21 June

Send in your birthdays or those of your friends for this week, month, or year (get permission or get in trouble, your choice). Only month and day will be published and maybe some smart ass comments.

The Birthday Mistress

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"It's a known fact it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile!"

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Ha Ha Jokes! Ha Ha Jokes! Ha Ha Jokes! Ha Ha Jokes! Ha Ha Jokes!

Two Texans were having the blue plate special at their favorite watering hole, when they heard this awful choking sound.

They turned around to see a lady, a few bar stools down, turning blue from wolfing down an Armadillo burger too fast.

The first Texan said to the other, "Think we ought to help?" "Yep," said the second Texan. The first Texan got up and walked over to the lady and asked, "Can you breathe?" She shook her head no. "Can you speak?" he asked. She again shook her head no. With that, he helped her to her feet, lifted up her skirt and started to lick her on the butt. She was so shocked, she coughed up the obstruction and began to breathe, with great relief.

The first Texan turned back to his friend and said, "Funny how that Hind Lick Maneuver works every time!

(Submitted By Denarius)

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A man sees a little boy sitting in a wagon with a rope attached to his dog's testicles, he says to the boy "hey you know you could go a lot faster if you'd tie that rope around his neck instead of his balls". The boy replied "yeah but I wouldn't get that cool siren".

(Submitted By Sevencees)

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"If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question?" Lily Tomlin

____________________

PinkConnections

(Alladdinn)

Until next week my friends…

Be Good, Play Safe and Be nice to those you chat with in the room, you never know when you may be talking to your prince or princess!

Love Always,

Chris

(Ali)

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"An AV is the person we all want to be!"

____________________

Weekly Avatar Contest!

Each week there will be a secret panel of judges in the room throughout the week checking out AV's. The Catagories will probably change weekly, and will be announced in PT News for the following week. The WINNER(s) will receive a personalized AV that they can proudly wear throughout the next week, until they have to pass the "Crown" on to the next winner! (You get to keep your personalized AV though!) This is all meant to be FUN, eventually everyone will have won!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE, AND DON’T FORGET YOUR MANNERS! PART OF THE CONTEST IS ALSO CONGIENIALITY! LOL BE CREATIVE, AND MAY THE BEST AV's WIN!

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HERE IS THIS WEEK'S AV WINNERS:

BEST DRESSED (Or undressed) MALE AV GOES TO: Bobus

BEST DRESSED (Or undressed) FEMALE AV GOES TO: Piedrafina

BEST DRESSED (Or cutest) COUPLE (Paired) GOES TO: Worry & Boo

FUNNIEST AV (Cartton or Funniest) GOES TO: Yaldaboath

CONGRATULATIONS FOLKS!!! YOU MAY PICK UP YOUR WINNING AV'S EITHER FROM YOUEL, ALLADDINN, OR FREDDIEB.

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"There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written." Oscar Wilde

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STORIES

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Salesman

(Jadegirl)

A keen country lad applied for a salesman's job at a city department store. In fact it was the biggest store in the area--you could get anything there. The boss asked him, "Have you ever been a salesman before?" "Yes, I was a salesman in the country," said the lad. The boss liked the cut of him and said, "You can start tomorrow and I'll come and see you when we close up."

The day was long and arduous for the young man, but finally 5 o'clock came around. The boss arrived and asked, "How many sales did you make today?" "One," said the young salesman. "Only one?" blurted the boss. "Most of my staff make 20 or 30 sales a day. How much was the sale worth?" "Thirty-eight thousand, three hundred and thirty-four dollars," said the young man. "How did you manage that?" asked the flabbergasted boss.

"Well" said the salesman, "This man came in and I sold him a small fish hook, then a medium hook and finally a really large hook. Then I sold him a small fishing line, a medium one and a huge big one. "I asked him where he was going fishing and he said down the coast. I said he would probably need a boat, so I took him down to the boat department and sold him that twenty-foot schooner with the twin engines. Then he said his Volkswagen probably wouldn't be able to pull it, so I took him to the car department and sold him a new SUV."

The boss took two steps back and asked in astonishment, "You sold all that to a guy who came in for a fish hook?" "No," answered the salesman. "He came in to buy a box of Tampons for his wife and I said to him, "Your weekend's shot, you might as well go fishing."

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Success

(Sevencees)

One day, Nick came upon a big, long ladder that stretched into the clouds. He'd walked this way every day and this ladder was never there before. Curious and brave, he began to climb. Eventually, he climbed into the layer of clouds, and saw this rather large, homely woman lying there on a cloud. She spoke: "Take me now or climb the ladder to success!" Nick figured success had to be better than this, so he continued climbing. He came upon another level of clouds, and found a thinner cuter woman than before. She also spoke: "Take me now or climb the ladder to success!"

Nick saw that his luck was changing and so continued his climb. On another level of clouds, he found a rather attractive woman with not so bad a figure. She stated, "Take me now or climb the ladder to success!" Nick really liked his advantage now! He climbed quickly and expertly, and sure enough, on the next level, he found, a gorgeous, lithe, well-endowed woman lying seductively on the cloud. "Take me now or climb the ladder to success", she huskily whispered. Nick couldn't believe his eyes, but his greed caught the best of him. He climbed to the next level, expecting Aphrodite or similar.

Suddenly, the ladder ends, and a latch closes behind him. He looks over to see a 400-pound, 6'8" hairy biker guy with tattoos. The biker gets up and walks menacingly toward Nick. Apprehensively, Nick whispers, "Who are you?" The biker answers, "l’m Cess."

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"Gestures help when we can't type as fast as we are thinking!"

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THE TOP 10 MOST PLAYED GESTURES OF THE WEEK!

Another secret panel of judges will be on the lookout for the TOP 10 weekly most played gestures in the room during chat sessions. We have several people who are making their own gestures now, as well as the good ole standbye's that we all use daily. We thought it would be kind of cute to see just which one's got played the most during the week. Again, this is all in FUN! The TOP 10 weekly gestures will be announced in the PT News on a weekly basis.

Now…let's take a look at this week's Top 10 Gesture list

10. You are an Eenie weenie teenie weenie

9. You fuck like a bunny

8. The Pink Triangle the badge used by nazis to distinguish gay and bi persons

7. Hey, No sleeping in VP the bed are for sex only!

6. Shut up and sleep with me come on why don't you sleep with me?

5. Ohioans really know how to shake it

4. Fuck Me Now!!

3. Dances Happy Chic Dance

2. To view XXX pics hit ALT F4

AND NOW THE MOST PLAYED GESTURE OF THE WEEK:

1. Why are all of you so damn cute?

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"I don’t care what is written about me so long as it isn't true." Dorothy Parker

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FREDDIEBEESWAX

(Freddieb)

Hello Pinkadoodledos!!! It's Pink gossip time. It was hard to get some good gossip this week due to my work hours (72, this week, for those that are curious).

Ya'll seem to like reading the gossip but I haven't gotten any gossip in my email so get with it folks and send it on in. I accept anything from slutty to vicious, happy to sad, normal or weird, you name it, I'll write about it. So lets get this week's BUZZ a BUZZIN'…

Seems like touring is the "in" thing to do nowadays in the Pink Triangle. We (so many, I can't remember) had the pleasure of another tour with the infamous Screwdriver. Screwdriver is getting pretty good at driving those cyber streets. We made it through the entire evening without spilling one drink. After making it through Christian Chat, Grandparents Chat, and the White House, we finally landed in Trivia Chat. What a BLAST!!! We kinda stole the floor and had fun with the regular trivia pursuiters. I found out that Jasenkev is pretty damn good at this game. Hey Screw, I got a bid on having the limo painted pink. Can we get it in the shop for an overhaul?

Speaking of touring, I need to apologize for forgetting Maryc in last week's tour.

I'm sorry Mary, I will make it up to you. I hired Screwdriver for a romantic evening of touring for just you and me. You have to promise to behave yourself this time and not make a spectacle of yourself. LOL.

What a Tuesday morning it was. I commented on what a sexy voice Mamma Tat has in the room the other day and that she should open her own 900 # service. I had a suggestion for her number (1-900-Mamma-Tat) and Seaquestor decided to call it. She says she got some big burly woman on the phone. LOL. And we started to give Mamma some new nicknames. Our favorite ended up being Mamma Fuzz. So next time you see Mamma, call her Mamma Fuzz, she hates it!!!…right Mamma? Also receiving a new nickname was Misty. We shall call her MistyMoisty now. Are you really as moist as a Duncan Hines cake Misty?

Rumor has it, there is going to be another virtual wedding. Does anyone know who, what, when and where? If so, you know who wants the BUZZ on this one. I think I know who it is but will not say until I scrounge up some more information.

Good to see DrummerBoy back to PT. Welcome back Drummerboy. Hope your haitus from the room has been theraputic. Seems like a break from all the cyberexcitement does one some good sometimes.

Our poor little Duckboy, Gander is finally feeling better. I see that the shot of PETERcillin Goose gave you really helped. BTW, where the hell have you been Goosarella? Hope they are not working you too hard at the phone company again. Or has Gander finally worn you out or you just don't love us anymore?

Well Pinkies, my hive has dried up. I need to lube up the ole wings and get a BUZZIN through Pink Triangle this week and gather some really HOT gossip for the BIG Halloweenie issue. So remember, if you don't watch out…you just might get STUNG!!!

Love Ya and Be Good and Play Safe,

FreddieBeeswax

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"When things are down and you need to release, a poem is a perfect way to feel because it can't talk back or try to give solutions to your problem." (Krymsyn)

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POETRY CORNER

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BASEBALL: A Poem

By: Screwdriver_18

Baseball is America’s game,

Wherever you go people will know their team’s name.

Baseball is a time for men to play,

Some of them do it for fun, others do it for pay.

Young men have dreams to be like their idols,

Children of all ages would love to win the world title.

The world is full of great baseball players,

But sometimes it takes a while for an answer to their prayers.

There are a lot of steps to make it to the World Series,

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"American Gothic Revisited"

Fat women in floral muu muu's

Sitting in Dunkin' Donuts

Sucking down diet coke and cruellers

Like they were giving their hunger head

While their husbands sit in the tavern down the street

Pissing away their vigor

With every tip of the glass

And trip to the john

As the hookers on the corner

Proposition anything with a pulse

And boldly go where platinum hair and violet shadow

Have never gone before.

Mamma_tat

__________________________

In memory of my thoughts of you,

I resign to the relishings of my dreams;

To languish in the memory of the moments

And know what once was...

Will always be the whole of me.

morganlilith

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"I am not a glutton - I am an explorer of food." Erma Bombeck

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TENORDAN'S QUEER CUISINE

(Tenordan)

tenordan's Queer Cuisine

Hey, all you pink persons! It's time to get cooking! RON_31 is the first to send in a recipe. An historic moment! (Can you tell I don't get out much?) This looks like a yummy one, great for a potluck. How many of you out there have a regular potluck gig? It seems to be a queer thing to do in some areas. This looks easy and tasty, so try it instead of bringing another store-bought apple pie (you know who you are!)

2-lbs GROUND CHUCK

1 lg. can CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

1 lg. can CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

1-2lb bagTAT-TOTS

8oz. SHREDDED CHEESE

DICE UP ONION, PUT IN GROUD CHUCK AND COOK UNTIL BROWN. DRAINGREASE, PUT IN CASSOROLE DISH, ADD SOUPS ON TOP OF IT. THEN PUT TAT- TOTS ON TOP OF THAT, BAKE IN OVEN AT 4OO UNTIL ALL IS DONE. TAKE OUT AND ADD CHEESEON TOP, PUT BACK IN OVEN LONG ENOUGH FOR CHEESE TO MELT...

There you go- meat and potatoes all in one dish, with cheese on top. Who could ask for anything more?

Keep the recipies coming!

Love,

tenordan

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"We may not be able to stop the disease, but there is no reason we can not help!"

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AIDS TRIBUTE & SUPPORT

This column in dedicated to those of our family that are dealing with AIDS in one way or another. Most of us either have loved ones or know of people who are suffering from this deadly disease.

___________________________

This weekend, Frenchie and I are going to get two little kittens. We already have  a dog, Buster, who is in the twilight of his life (14 yrs). Frenchie wants not only to get company for Buster, in the hopes that Buster will become more youthful with little pussy playmates, but also as additional company for himself. If these are the only pussies that I see, it's alright with me. I found the following information that might be useful to others who are AIDS disabled and who are acquiring or have pets.

--Gany

Pet Guidelines For People Living With HIV/AIDS

by Pet Owners With HIV/AIDS Resource Service, Inc. (POWARS), 1995

(Clinical Infectious Diseases 1995; 21(Suppl 1):S1-11)

"When obtaining a new pet, HIV-infected patients should avoid animals less than six months of age, especially those with diarrhea. Because the hygienic and sanitary conditions in pet breeding facilities, pet stores and animal shelters are highly variable, the patient should exercise caution when obtaining a pet from these sources. Stray animals should be avoided. Animals less than six months of age, especially those with diarrhea, should be examined by a veterinarian for Cryptosporidium, Salmonella and Campylobacter. Those who elect to obtain a cat should adopt or purchase an animal that is less than one year of age and in good health to reduce the risk of cryptosporidiosis, bartonella infection, salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis.

HIV-infected persons who wish to assume the small risk of acquiring a puppy or kitten less than six months of age should request that their veterinarian examine the animal's stool for Cryptosporidium before they have contact with the animal.

Gloves should be worn during the cleaning of aquariums to reduce the risk of infection with Mycobacterium marinum. Contact with exotic pets, such as non-human primates, should be avoided."

Ascarids are worms. Toxocara canis most common to dogs, Toxocara cati (T. mystax) to cats and Toxascaris leonina to both cats and dogs. Eggs of T. canis are passed in the feces and larva develop to the infective stage within the egg. Eggs are extremely resistant to adverse conditions. Extremes of heat or cold and many usual cleaning agents/disinfectants will not effectively kill the eggs. Infection can occur from contact with dog feces, dirt, earthworms, mice, etc. Expulsion of the worm in infected cats can be through the feces or vomitus. Rodent ingestion is a common mode of transmission to the cat. Infection in humans by T. canis is usually termed visceral larva migrans (VLM). Transmission to humans is usually by ingestion of infective eggs from soil contaminated with dog or cat feces or by directly handling of the feces. Dogs should be kept away from feces found on the street. Cats or dogs suspected of having worms should be treated by a veterinarian immediately and care should be taken to avoid direct contact with both feces and vomitus.

Bartonella (formerly Rochalimaea) - "Cat Scratch Fever" Declawing is not usually suggested to avoid cat scratch fever. Rough play and situations where scratches are a possibility should be avoided. Wounds should be washed promptly. It is believed that the organism harbored in the oral cavity and, therefore, cats should not be allowed to lick open wounds or cuts. Rigid flea control should be maintained.

Campylobacter is a gram-negative enteric organism. In people living with AIDS this organism is usually associated with severe diarrhea, cramping, nausea and fever. The most common form of this pathogen is Campylobacter jejuni. The organism has been found in dogs, cats and birds. As with other enteric infections the most common mode of transmission is via the fecal-oral route, though person to person transmission is possible. "In the general population, the most common cause of sporadic C. jejuni infections appears to be eating or handling raw or undercooked poultry. This source is likely to be the same for HIV-infected persons." Proper hygiene practices should include avoiding contact with animal feces.

Chlamydial infections can be carried by all warm blooded animals and by birds. Positive identification in animals is difficult as test results are not reliable. Vaccinations are available but it should be kept in mind that there are many different strains of Chlamydia. Cats are subject to Chlamydia infection especially with respiratory symptoms, swollen/runny eyes and stuffed/runny nose.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast-like fungus. It has been most commonly isolated from pigeon droppings. Transmission to humans occurs by inhalation of airborne organisms. Proper hygiene practices should include daily changes in cage liners and wearing gloves when changing the cage bottom and cleaning the cage.

Cryptosporidium is an enteric coccidian protozoan. It is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of fish, birds, reptiles and mammals. Animals with an immune system suppressed by drug therapy and cats with feline leukemia for feline immunovirus are especially susceptible to the organism. Cryptosporidium is transmitted to humans by exposure to contaminated food or water, person to person contact and animal contact, though this latter is the least likely means of transmission. Proper hygiene should include a clean litter box (cats) and, whenever possible, avoiding direct contact with both dog and cat feces. Because gerbils and hamsters can be carriers of Cryptosporidium their cages should be frequently cleaned.

Giardia is a flagellate protozoan with Giardia lamblia being the most significant with respect to human infection. Giardiasis is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in people living with AIDS. Transmission of the organism most commonly occurs through the fecal-oral route by the ingestion of cysts. Cats, dogs and small rodents such as hamsters and gerbils may carry the disease. Although Giardia can also be transmitted through contaminated water supplies, proper hygiene for people with a compromised immune system who have pets should include avoiding contact with the animal's feces.

Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection - MAC organisms are acid-fast bacilli with Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare being of most concern to people with a compromised immune system. The most common form of transmission is through ingestion. Contrary to what the name may imply Mycobacterium avium birds are not usually involved in the transmission of this disease to people living with AIDS.

Psittacosis - Ornithosis: Harbored by birds, especially psittacines. The organism is an avian form of Chlamydia. Psittacosis is the usual term for the disease in birds of the family Psittacidae (parrots, parakeets, cockatoos, macaws, etc.) and ornithosis for birds of other avian families. The disease can also be carried by canaries, South American parrot species, lorikeets, rosellas, finches and rice birds. In man the disease is usually called psittacosis. The use of a face mask and disposable gloves when cleaning cages is strongly recommended.

Ringworm is really a fungal infection, not a worm. Infection causes raised ring-like patterns on the skin and invades the superficial layers of the skin. Transmission is through contact with spores which can live for months or by direct contact with an infected dog or cat. Newly acquired dogs or cats should not be introduced to a household with other animals until the new dog or cat is checked by a veterinarian. Most cases of ringworm respond well to topical antifungals in both humans and animals. Oral medications are also available. Care should be taken to wash hands after handling a potentially infected animal. Because shedding hair can carry the fungus, a thorough airing out of the house will help.

Salmonellae are gram-negative rods and belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae. The most common forms of Salmonellae isolated in people living with AIDS are Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis. The most common form of transmission is via the fecal-oral route through the ingestion of contaminated food (meats, especially pork) or water. Poultry and poultry products such as eggs have also been implicated. Cats, dogs, birds, reptiles and insects can carry the disease ... pet turtles, especially. Proper hygiene practices should include avoiding contact with feces and hand washing after contact with possible vectors. Food products, especially poultry, should be well cleaned before cooking. Eggs should be cooked, not used raw as in Caesar salads.

Toxoplasmosis gandii is a ubiquitous, obligate, intracellular protozoan. The definitive host for T. gondii is the cat. The cat is the only animal that passes oocysts in their feces. The oocysts are not infective until they sporulate. This occurs 1-5 days after they are excreted in the feces. Infected cats will usually shed the T. gondii organism for only a short period of time. Once the organism is no longer in the feces, the feces is not a potential source of infection to you from T. gondii. Under some circumstances, however, an infected cat may begin passing the organism, again, in the feces. Severe stress can contribute to a second shedding.

Cats can become infected with T. gondii: If they are allowed outdoors and rummage in soil contaminated with the organism, by contact with a cat that is already infected with the organism. If they are allowed to hunt mice or other rodents. If they are fed raw or undercooked human food. If the queen was infected and passed the organism transplacentaly to the litter. Once tested negative for T. gondii a housebound cat for whom (a)-(d) above do not pertain cannot develop the disease.

It is strongly suggested, especially in the case of cats that have not been tested for T. gondii by a veterinarian, that the following measures be observed:

use litterbox liners, change the litterbox (liner and litter) every day, have someone change the litter box for you, if possible, or use gloves, dispose of the gloves when done or wash them, a mask may be worn if you desire, wash your hands when done. Do not squeeze the air out of the twist-tied liner containing the litter; it will blow clay dust into the air.

Conclusion

The unconditional love and affection provided by a companion animal is a strong and positive therapeutic for people living with HIV/AIDS. By observing a few simple guidelines for general cleanliness the possibility of disease transmission is significantly reduced. People living with HIV/AIDS who are planning to adopt or buy a companion animal must also act responsibly by planning ahead before the adoption/purchase is made to ensure that all aspects of the animal's health, maintenance and future are taken into account. POWARS can assist with this, but it would be an act of irresponsibility to assume that we will do it all or to assume that we will take over complete responsibility for the animal.

We strongly urge anyone considering adoption or purchase to talk with us first. Ensuring the general well being of a companion animal or a companion animal to be means:

1. adopting or purchasing only so long as doing so does not exceed yours and our combined ability to maintain a healthy and happy animal; 2. attending to the annual vaccinations and rabies vaccinations necessary for both cats and dogs; 3. spaying or neutering all cats and dogs as early as is possible; 4. registering all animals with the appropriate authority.

Ensuring the general well being of the companion person or companion person-to-be means acting responsibly, not out of self-indulgence and following the general guidelines for people and pets as described in this brochure.

Pet Guidelines for People Living With HIV/AIDS is prepared and edited by POWARS with the participation of: Jane Bicks, D.V.M., Tom DeVincentis, D.V.M., Steve Kohn, Executive Director. POWARS, once located in New York City was dissolved in late 1998.

This brochure is intended to present information to people with HIV/AIDS and concerned friends. It is not to be regarded as providing medical advice. Please consult with your own health care provider(s) for medical advice related to your particular situation. Additional information concerning zoonoses can also be obtained from your veterinarian.

Sources:Bacterial Enteric Infections in Persons Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Frederick J. Angulo and David L. Swerdlow.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. From the Foodborne and Diarrheal Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial and Myotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This article was provided by Pet Owners With HIV/AIDS Resource Service, Inc. (POWARS)

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"I love you (Whip) and you (Whip) and you over there (Whip) I love you all (Whip)

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FETISH CORNER

(Primebear)

LEATHER

Sorry Pinkies but I don't have a story this week. Well I do but haven't

had time to sit by the computer and write it down. It is getting close

to hibernating season so this Bear is getting his Den prepared for it.

Rumor has it that we are suppose to get a repeat of the winter of 1979

when Cleveland and surrounding areas were snowed in. Mind you it is only

rumored but this Bear isn't taking any chances. Just because this Bear

was born in snow country doesn't mean this Bear is ready for it. I've

been in California too long and still not climatized to this white stuff

that has a tendancy of falling here. I do promise how ever to write it

down next week. Also, the Leather scene does get into some graphic sex

and I could discuss some of the scenes but not sure. Example:

Fisting???? Let me know if I should write about it. I know some of you

have already written asking questions about Leather and I hope I've

helped answer some of those questions. Just contact me at

[email protected] or [email protected]

I'll do my best to answer any questions and I'll research any questions

that I'm not familiar with. I just need to know how far should I go so

please let me know. I've only scratched the surface of the Leather

Iceburg.

PrimeBear

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"Darlings, we were all born naked and the rest is just drag…" Taken from Brie, the Drag queen on the Maury Povich show

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MISTY'S DRAGBAG

(MistyMeanor)

Well I never know what I'll drag out of this bag next. As many of the regular readers will know I have no rhyme or reason for this column it contains a little of everything. This week I'm focusing on humor, for humor plays an important part in our lives and should be shared wherever possible.

Have you ever wondered what was the right word to say? Do you sometimes find the English language limited, I do. So to help solve the problems I have invented new words that should exist and be in your dictionary.

ACCORDIONATED (ah kor' de on ay tid). Being able to drive and refold a road map at the same time.

AQUADEXTROUS (ak wa deks' trus). Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub faucet on and off using your toes.

AQUALIBRIUM (ak wa lib' re um) The point where the stream of drinking fountain water is at its perfect height, thus relieving the drinker from (a) having to suck the nozzle, or (b) squirting themselves in the eye or ear.

BURGACIDE (burg' uh side) When a hamburger can't take anymore torture and hurls itself through the grill into the coals.

DISCONFECT (dis kon fekt') To sterilize the piece of candy you dropped on the floor by blowing on it, somehow assuming this will remove all the germs.

ELBONICS (el bon' iks) The actions of two people maneuvering for one armrest in a movie theatre.

PHONESIA (fo nee' zhuh) The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you are calling just as they answer.

This list is by no means exclusive, there must be many unsaid words out there, give it some thought and see what you come up with. Maybe we can teach Websters how to really use english.

Short and sweet this time (just like me)

Lots of Luck and Love

Misty

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"A Screen name becomes the Alter ego for some of us!"

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SCREEN NAMES

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We don't have any screen names to print this week, BUT I know we haven't gotten everyone's yet, so… SEND THEM IN PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

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"WANTED, NEEDED, SEARCHING FOR, GOTTA HAVE IT, CAN'T FIND IT!"

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CLASSIFIEDS

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WANTED: Cure for warts

Have been asked to kiss a frog

Even been invited to his pad

But wand is in the shop

Must have cure before those slimy lips touch mine

If you have a cure please send it to

Freddie the frog @ licking lillypads.com

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FOR SUBMISSION TO THE CLASSIFIEDS:

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WANTED: King Size heating blanket to stay warm this winter since closet door is missing and hibernating season is close at hand. (PrimeBear)

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WANTED: Door and hardware made in the 50's to fix closet that was busted during Coming Out Day in Oct. 1981.(PrimeBear)

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ATTENTION PLEASE, I HAVE SOME ANNOUNCEMENTS TO MAKE!

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Calling All Aussie Pinkies!!!!!!

There is to be a meeting of the Australian Sect of the Pink Triangle!!!!!

All Ausrtalian chatters are invited to attend Albury Hotel, Oxford Street Sydney.

The date that has been set for this momentous is November 13th 1998. Black Friday and all!!!!!!

It should be a good night and I belive that if you stay until Sunday Misty will be performing at the said establishment! Cool!!!!!

This meeting will not only allow us to get to know each other a little bit more but also in a way it is a farewell to Gargy who as you probably know is going to Europe <lucky cow>. On a serious note (i think c minor will do, LOL) All the best for your trip Gargy and hope you have a wow of a time!!!

Well guys i think that is all, except, that you can all expect a full report on your desks as soon after the big event as humanly possible!!!!!

What with such a big party im sure we will all need to recover for a week!!!!!!

Ok Guys I that is We hope to see as many Aussie Pinkies as possible at the reunion, it will be a blast!!!!

Till Next Time

Isa!!!!!!!

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"Man's best friend is his pet!"

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PET CORNER

(Fairymoon)

Hello fellow Pters and pet lovers’. I have had one hell of a week and the next few weeks promise to be just as busy. I haven’t had time to do any research for a pet article so I thought I would ask you guys to help me out. I would like for everyone to send me their pet names and how they picked them. It can be past or present pets. I’ll start it this week with a few of the names I have used over the years. I have a 6-yr. old cat named A.C.Delco he is named after the spark plug because when he purrs its so loud he must have a great motor. Then there is Butch D. Dawg, he just looked like a Butch he has great big hanging jaws. Then at one time I had a cat named Spitfire and its not because of the movie Spitfire Grill.I used the name first. I have named a few of my fish also .I had one named Fishface, hey it fit, but he committed suicide last yr. by jumping out of the tank. Do you think it was because the name I chose gave him a complex? I have a dog named Queen B’s Little Angel.Queen B stands for queen of the bitches which some people thing I am. Hey I worked hard for that title .LOL. Ok so now it is your turn. Just send your names to Freddie and he’ll see that I get them. Thanks for your help I hope to hear from everyone soon.

Your pet-know-it-all,

Fairymoon

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"Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died." Erma Bombeck

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MEDICDYKE

(Jansgirl)

Hello Pinkies! Have you all been eating your apples to keep me away?

Well, it didn't work! I am back to answer your questions as best as I can. Now! On with the whole enchilada!

Q: I have a problem and I hope you can help! I have an outbreak of cold sores. I have had them before, but the problem is this: My girlfriend thinks I am silly for not wanting to have sex with her until they are healed. I say that they can be given to her, she says that is a different kind of Herpes. Which one of us is right?

All Blistered and Can't Eat!

A: Well you certainly are in a predicament! But after researching my info, I have got to side with you. However, it is still the herpes simplex 1, and not the simplex 2. Both are still strains of herpes, but they are two different types of strain with the same properties. Herpes genitalis can be transmitted via a genital or oral-genital route. The incubation period is 2 to 10 days.

Generally, herpes genitalis is less severe in men than in women. The first episode is the worst and may last about three weeks. The client usually has multiple bilateral painful pustules (blisters) or yellowish-gray ulcerative lesions on the penis, genital area, groin, or in men, the rectum, and the medial aspects of the labia minora, clitoris, vagina, urethra, and cervix in women. During the period of open lesions, the virus sheds from the lesions, and the infection can be spread through sexual contact, whether actual intercourse or oral sex. The virus lies dormant in the persons nerve ganglia, and a recurrence can happen at any time. The cause of the recurrence is not known, however it has been linked to stress.

There is no cure for herpes in either form, but researchers are constantly looking for a cure or vaccine. The best we can do is to treat the problem with creams such as Acyclovir, stick to strict daily hygiene regimins, and abstain from sexual contact when the virus is active, i.e. when the blisters are open and running. The contagiousness is present during the 1st through the 5th day, but it is best to wait until the blisters are dried and gone. Also, condoms do not necessarily provide adequate protection. Any part of the body that has come in contact with the lesions can cause infection.

So there you have it people! Hope I didn't get too long winded, but when it comes to your health, I would rather give you the whole apple instead of just a slice.

Anyone that has any questions may submit them to [email protected]. And yes, you may submit anonymously.

Until next time, take two aspirins, and give him or her a kiss for me in the morning!

Jansgirl

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TRIVIA TRIANGLE ANSWERS

So how did everyone do? Let's find out shall we. I think my questions are pretty lame and would appreciate some feedback. I like to do the trivia but if it is too easy it is no fun for anyone. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Okay good luck everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1.) Chelipepr described herself as "a 21 year old lesbian trapped in a female body" quote from ptnews 6. 10 points

2.) God's country is where worrygirl lives and that is in Muskoka.10points

3.) Gander is previously from Nebraska. 10 points

4.) Ashlee's main man and the future father of her children is Misty Meanor.10 points

5.) Islander had the famous cinimon roll recipe. 10 points

6.) Phippster calls Goose ... Grog as a nicname. 10 points

7.) Gooses son's name is Zach. 10 points

Total points = 70

Scale

10 - 30 points -- these are pretty easy questions even a beginner is an ace at this point. Unless you are goose or gander. You should not be here, there are 3 questions involving you guys.

30 - 50 points-- Winter is setting in you have more time to read the news

50 plus points-- Hello Goose, Gander, Mamma Tat , Jenna Jenna, Worry, and everyone i meet for coffee in the morning.

At this time I would like to congratulate not only my online brother but my real brother at heart... Goose. Way to go buddy I cannot wait to meet Zach. I love you brother dear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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"We've never actually met, we just stayed up all night on the Internet!"

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Websites from a few of our "Family" members for you to check out!

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EMAIL ADDRESSES AND INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL:

Letters to the Editors, opinion, comments, complaints

Submit an article

Classified Ads

Trivia Triangle (Ashlee)

Birthdays (The Birthday Mistress)

Political (Primebear)

FreddieBeeswax (FreddieB)

Pink Connections (Alladdinn)

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Well folks, that wraps up another great issue of the PT News! Don't forget that next week's issue is the HALLOWEENIE issue, so send us all your scary ghost stories and witch writings! ALSO, don't forget to mark your calendar for the big HALLOWEEN Pink Pumpkin Party next Saturday night around midnight!

PS. DON'T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK TOMORROW NIGHT!!! You wouldn't want to be early for work on Sunday! LOL

Have a GREAT weekend!

FreddieB & Alladdinn