PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS
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An Interactive Weekly Newspaper full of stories, weekly articles, gay
news, news from the Pink Triangle chat room, trivia, BIOS, screen
names, and much, much more! Without YOU, the reader… the PT News would
not exist!
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Pink Triangle News pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
Issue No. 54 
April 23,1999
Circulation: 245
Editors: FreddieB & Alladdinn
____________________
Howdy guys and gals and welcome to this week's issue of the PT News!
Remember this paper is supported and depends solely on your articles,
submissions, and as always, your comments! Although, we try to not
focus completely on the events and chat sessions within the room
itself, we try to broaden our reading material to overview the gay
community as a whole, which in turn allows for a more enjoyable and
educational reading material for you, the reader! 

With that said, as has been mentioned several times in past issues of
PT News, we as editors do not wish for the paper to be a means of
slandering one another with personal disputes, or get involved in the
controversy within the room itself. We may have or opinions just as
most of you and from time to time express those opinions, but when we
do it is not "preaching", it is words that are heartfelt about the
situation. However, we feel that personal disputes have no place
within the paper and should be resolved among the individuals involved
and not openly for over 200 people to read about! We each must
remember that the chat room holds up to 20 people at a time, and the
disputes between those involved during that specific chat session, (or
sessions) need to be kept strictly within that group. 

The PT News is read by over 200 individuals, which may or may not know
what is going on within the room at any given time. Yes, certain
problems within the room need to be addressed to everyone, but for the
most part the problems are only associated among a select few and need
to be settled between those individuals and not get the rest of the
family involved! 

I understand that the comment was made earlier about always welcoming
your comments and submissions in the paper, however I personally feel
there comes a time that is up to us as editors to decide when an issue
has gone long enough! One person may send in something that creates a
response from another and so forth, which in turn can go on and on
forever and still nothing gets resolved except everyone gets to air
his or her views on the matter, and the matter getting messier as time
goes on. Personally, I am not directly involved with the controversy
and arguing that has been non-stop within the room the last couple
weeks, nor do I care to read about it in the paper, as I am quite sure
there are many who would support me on this.

Therefore, I am proposing this thought and suggestion: The problems
and turmoil within the room as of late has no place within the
contents of this paper and after this week will no longer be printed
as newsworthy material in the PT News. If you have problems with
individuals within the room, take it up with them and keep it out of
the paper for everyone else to read! There are times when a persons
name and reputation needs to be cleared in certain cases and then and
only then will such be printed. I personally may not be able to
control the events and such in the room, but I do have the control to
stop such foolishness, pettiness and slander that I have observed
within the last two weeks to be printed within the context of this
paper!

I know I will piss some people off by doing this. I also know they
will hold freedom of speech over my head, but I feel strongly that
this has to STOP somewhere. As the editor of the PT News, I am going
to draw the line with this matter with what is confined within the
paper as reading material suited for all our readers!

Sincerely,
Alladdinn
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NOW…without any further delay…We bring you this week's edition of the
PT News! 
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DISCLAIMER: DISCLAIMER: DISCLAIMER: DISCLAIMER: DISCLAIMER:
_____________________________________________________________
Any information in this newsletter is not verified and therefore may
not be true! All articles and submissions have been accepted and
printed here in good faith (without editing, with the exception of
spelling and personal information that may be harmful, or dangerous to
our readers (i.e. Full name, address, etc.) It is the intent of this
paper to provide an enjoyable, informational reading material to you,
the reader. The opinions and/or advice given throughout this paper are
those of the people that submit, and may not necessarily be those of
the editors! 
WARNING: SOME ARTICLES CONTAIN SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL!
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WEEKLY CONTRIBUTORS OF THE PT NEWS:
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RE__ - "Round 'em UP" 
Primebear - Gay Voice Of America & Coming OUT gayvoice@hotmail.com 
Tech Master - Tech Tips vp_tips@hotmail.com 
Misty - Misty's Drag Bag 
Fairmerly - The Wormhole fairmerly@hotmail.com 
x_mikey_x & sweet_bri - Pink Trivia pink_trivia@hotmail.com 
Goldie12 - THE Poetry Corner pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
Maxam - Our resident "Roving Reporter!"
Ganymede03 - Various articles
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THE EDITORS OF THE PTNEWS
Alladdinn (Co-Editor, Birthday Horoscopes) alladdinn@mailexcite.com
Freddieb (Co-Editor) fredericb@mailexcite.com
_____________________________________________________________
EDITORIAL
(Alladdinn)

Last weekend, Roon came to visit from CO. & El drove down for the
weekend to visit with Freddie & I and Roonie. We had such a blast, you
could not believe! El came down on Friday and helped me finish up the
paper. Then on Saturday we drove to Tampa to pick up Roonie at the bus
station. Needless to say, it took us a little longer than expected due
to rain and fog, and we were about an hour late picking up Roonie.
(Besides the fact we got a little turned around with the directions we
were given to the bus station!)

First meetings are always a little strange, especially when you have
only seen pictures of people from online. Roon said he was getting a
little worried sitting there at the bus station, going up to total
strangers that he thought might be us. However, when we met, it was as
if we were already close friends! We finally arrived at the bus
station, did our greetings and were off to meet up with Freddie for
lunch. (He had to work that day, so we took advantage of having lunch
with him at his restaurant! Freddie had to foot the bill also!!!LOL) 

After lunch, it had finally stopped raining, so Roonie, El and I took
a walk on the beach. El would probably tell ya I took him on a death
march, because we wound up walking about 3 miles or so down the beach!
We were just walking along, talking ninety miles to nothing, enjoying
the conversation, getting to know one another better, then realized
how far from home we had gone! Well, let me tell ya, there were some
tired boys by the time we got home! LOL

When Freddie got off work, Roonie, our next door neighbor and Freddie
& I headed out for a night on the town! WOOHOO!!! El decided to take
this time to get his daily computer fix and kept down the fort while
we were gone! (I think my marathon walk on the beach wore him out!
Hehe) 
Freddie & I don't go out much, so we always look forward to having
visitors and going out on the town. Our neighbor took us to this bar
in the town close to us, and we had a blast! Roonie even got a pinch
on the behind! WOOHOO
Well, that's about all I can tell ya of the events that night, cause I
ummm....
got just a tad bit drunk! (Hey, I don't get to go out often! LOL) All
I can remember is going out to eat breakfast afterward and falling
asleep at the table. (NO, whatever Roonie or Freddie tells you, I did
not fall face first into my plate!) LOL... El claims that when we got
home (4:00 am) I did however say goodnight in my undies! But we had a
wonderful time and that's all that really counts!
OMG... I got up to go to the bathroom that night, and you should have
heard the racket... between Roonie, El and Freddie I thought I was at
the train station! Boy those guys sure do snore! (hehe, I can't really
say anything, so do I! LOL)
We spent Sunday together, and had a big cookout on the patio that
night. I don't know about the rest of them, but it felt so good for us
all to be together, like I had known Roonie and El all my life! El has
been down to visit us quite a bit, but each time it seems we draw
closer and learn more about one another. 
Roonie and El both are great guys and I am so glad Freddie and I can
call them our friends and we got to meet them in real life! I was sad
when it was time for them to go, but I am so glad that we had this
time together, and look forward to Roonie coming back to visit again!
(And El as always, you know you are more than welcome in our house
anytime... you have to come back, you have my umbrella! LOL)

Now Freddie and I can't wait till next month to meet more of you at
the PT Reunion! (Psssst.... it's only 5 weeks away!) We are going to
have one hell of a weekend!

Love ya!
Ali
______________________________________________________________
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
__________________
Send your letters to the editors to: pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
ALL comments and suggestions are valuable to us in providing you with
the most enjoyable reading material possible! All will be taken into
consideration!
_____________
Hi freddie and alladdinn....

I just wanted to air something that's been bothering me... u can
choose whether to print it or not... you can edit it if you'd like, I
don't care. First, I want ya'll to know I love and enjoy the PT News
and think ya'll do a great job at it every week... keep up the good
work.

Secondly... I don't know if it has been noticed or not... but I have
basically left PT... The main reason follows.... my girlfriend Julie
(Julie-Hott1) has come to live with me...and I know there has been
problems in the past with her and a few regulars... but what hurts me
most is this... there are some people who I don't need to name because
they know full well who they are... who are nice to her as long as
they know I'm sitting here with her... but once they know I've left
for work or school they are nasty to her... these people are people I
thought were my friends... I can't handle 2 faced people... and I
don't understand why everyone can't just be nice to her. It was me
that got hurt before not anyone else... and I have forgiven her, so
what's the deal here?? Why can't ya'll just be nice to her and welcome
her? I thought I was part of a family in PT I guess I was way wrong...
cuz if I was... she would be accepted and I wouldn't have to worry
about people being nasty to her as soon as I'm gone. 
Julie's a good woman and if people took the time to get to know her
like I do they would know that. I have very little time between school
and work and my relationship with Julie...and would have loved to have
spent some time with my "friends"... but I don't think I'll come back
to PT. not anytime soon anyway. Those that are my friends have my ICQ
and most have our telephone number... I have my own room and have
encouraged Julie to use it and to take her friends there... that's the
part I don't get... I left the grls domain because they weren't nice
there and came to PT I dragged lots of friends with me including my
Julie and look how she's been treated. I know some think that RE and I
didn't work out because of Julie and that's not the case and that's a
story I don't wanna get into... but her friends from the domain aren't
cruel to me when she's not around so why should my PT "family" be
cruel to her??? 
Take care... there are a few people I do want to mention though that I
love dearly in PT. Joiee (he's always gonna be my favorite guy),
kumera, JBaby, Alyx and tool time tawanda... texy and mary...
youelly... Lez and shammy... PLR BEAR... mikey... bri... sea and
reddie... fauxy... tazzy... anomie (who I've met and is a sweetie)...
goosie and gander... north... diffy... mock... ollie 

Thank you for letting me air to you... take care and please keep
sending me my PT News.

Thanks,
cake (cuppy...CC...cupcake_01)
______
Ali's notes: Cuppy... I would just personally like to say that it is a
tragedy that this has happened that would make you feel uncomfortable
being in the room. You will be missed and would hope that you will
soon feel comfortable returning to chat.
______________
Well hello, it's me gi18jane! I'm graduating high school this week...
you know I've always been the baby around here... guess that's what
everyone loves about me!... (eheeh) 

Thanks guys... keep up the good work.
gi18jane
_____________
Ali's notes: CONGRATULATIONS gi18!!! I know I join in the rest of
those in PT in wishing you well in your happy day!
_____________
To the PT News

I am writing in response to the last several weeks of turmoil in the
pink triangle. Some of which I have been directly accused of starting,
being a major instigator of, or causing to continue.  

I am a friend of Chuckster_4 in IM.  He and I have had many serious
discussions, talks, and just idol chat about him, his life, computers,
and his feelings and the reason he does what he does in open chat.  I
know many of you can't stand his name on the list, his choice of
Avatar and definitely his scrolling. Yes, he does most of it to get
attention because you people are too damn lame to put him on ignore or
just ignore it without saying a word to him about it. He really does
not dislike us for being gay. He dislikes the community as a whole as
that is the way he is being raised by his parents.  You say that I
start it, no you guys are the ones that start it with your pop offs at
him, your rude gestures that you have made, and your comments that
keep him going. If you don't like his or anyone else's Avatar in the
room, put them on ignore. That is what that button is for. Use the
damn thing and stop blaming others for your problems or getting into
fights in the room.

No, I don't like excessive gesture playing but you are just as damn
guilty of causing trouble when you do your rude gesture playing, your
room busters that fill the screen with multiple lines, your extensive
lines of songs while others are trying to chat.  I do put you on
ignore when they start, when I get my belly full of your mouthing or
just fed up with listening to you about anything. I have had a couple
of serious chats with Ali and that was the agreement that I made with
him to try to avoid anymore fights in the room.  But I will be damned
if anyone is going to tell me who I can and can not be friends with. I
am not in grade school and if you don't want to be my friend because I
happen to talk to someone else, take your childish assed attitude and
put me on ignore, so that I won't read your rude gestures or get into
another fight, like happened the other day with Bear's Boy and myself
over his gesture of immaturity of anyone being friends with someone
that represents hatred will be erased from his memory. So be it, I
don't want little kids for my friends in the adult chat room. I am
there for fun.  Not to fight like we have been.  

Also, someone, (the ones involved know who you are) gave out my home
phone number to a person in the chat room without my permission.  The
receiver of my number called me late at night to blast me for
something that I supposedly said in the chat room. No one has any damn
right whatsoever to give out anyone's phone number without their
permission if they have never talked on the phone or when it involves
turmoil from the room. That is blatant disrespect and I do not
appreciate it at all. My email address is in my ID box if you want it.
But do not call unless I have said it is ok for you to have my number
and especially to call me at night. I work nights and my sleep is just
as important as yours.

In closing, if you don't like me or my attitude or my friends, put me
on ignore when I come to the room.  I am not leaving the room. I am
going to come in and chat to whomever and whenever I so choose.  Don't
virus my computer.  It hasn't done anything to you. I paid for it, I
pay for my Internet service myself, and I have just as much right to
be there as anyone in that room.  Use the ignore button, it works
wonders.

tex_tx
_____________
Here is a letter that I received this week concerning Homosexuals and
adoption/custody that I felt was newsworthy for the paper... Thanks
lilloca33!

I just received my court order papers for custody of my two children.
I filed with a paralegal myself. I went in with the on line search for
federal cases regarding homosexuality. Federal court cases have lost
using homosexuality against the joint custody parent-custodial as a
reason for revoking custody-unless neglect is proven to be in the
home-as in the gay member having different gay partners in the home. 
I am in California, I am not an attorney but have been there done
that- I would be happy to be a part of your support team, God knows
how that can help. A friend here for you Tis_the Poet in me_ write
anytime. Take care and big hug hope to be in there soon.

Sincerely,
lilloca33
_____________________________________________________________
TECH TIPS and CYBER NEWS vp_tips@hotmail.com
(Techmaster)
_____________
HERE'S THE ADDY FOR DOWNLOADING THE SOFTWARE FOR VP.

Several people have been asking for the addy to download the free
software in helping "mugs" view VP in all its glory, here is the
download addy: http://www.excite.com/communities/chat/download/
__________________________
TECH TIP #23
------------
What is a Boot Gesture?

The PT seems to be the hacker's testbed. When a hacker finally
finishes a "lamer-progz", the first thing they seem to think is "OK,
now I gotta test it. Now if I can only find the Pink Triangle". 

A boot gesture is pretty harmless. It is simply a regular gesture with
a corrupt image or sound file imbedded in it. As most of you know, a
gesture is a compile of a WAV file, an aninimated GIF file (not a true
animated GIF89 though), a button image, and a caption.

Normally when a corrupt file is encountered by a well-designed program
it will be ignored. This is because good programs have what's known as
"error handling" or "exception handling". These are odd terms to
describe what programs do when they come across missing or bad files.
Without proper error-trapping in VC++ (the language which VP was
written in) you will get a runtime error.

One thing about a boot gesture is that it boots everyone who has the
gesture on their pallet. This includes the person who plays the
gesture. If you find that you are often getting a "runtime error"
while chatting then it is a good idea to delete, or at least move,
your most recently-saved gestures.

One good sign that a gesture being sent to you is a boot gest is if
it's sent as a "file" rather than a "gesture". Another good sign is if
it's a 6K file. For some odd reason most boot gests are 6K in size.
Yet another sign is an enticing file name, like "hugetits.vpa" or
"Must_See.vpa", although the first boot gest I ever encountered was
called "frog.vpa". 

I have to tell you that, although you could consider a boot gest to be
a virus (it is a noxious file after all), a virus shield will not
detect it. Nor will it detect any other corrupt multimedia file. I
wish it did; I could finally figure out why 10% of my MP3s don't work.
In short, having your virus shield on won't protect you from boot
gests. It will protect you from the viruses sent to you as a file,
though. Just remember to continually update your virus data files. 

It is still a good policy to never accept candy- er...a file from
strangers, even gestures. If stranger offers you a file with an EXE,
INI, COM, BAT, OCX, or DLL extension then you know they want to hurt
your system in some way. This is a good time to warn the room.

Viruses can be hidden anywhere in your system, in your email, in your
Word Documents, in your startup files. Most are fairly harmless but
many can be devastating. 

I don't mean to imply that VP is a poorly-designed program. I like it
a lot. It's just that I so often encounter R&D errors that I am almost
shocked. I have no idea why the latest builds don't seem to have these
fixes either. Many aren't that difficult to fix, after all.

I have another update regarding error handling. I just heard from an
expert at excite, that the missing favorites I mentioned in tip #20 is
caused by opening 2 versions of VP simultaneously.   mentioned how to
do this in a really old tip.

Send your tech questions to vp_tips@hotmail.com

Tech_Master
__________________________
VIRUS ALERT
(Submitted by Viking)

IF YOU RECEIVE E-MAIL TITLED "IT TAKES GUTS TO SAY, JESUS". DO NOT
OPEN IT. REPEAT... DO NOT OPEN IT. IT WILL ERASE EVERYTHING ON YOUR
HARD DRIVE.

THIS INFORMATION WAS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY MORNING FROM IBM, AND STATES
THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VIRUS, MUCH WORSE THAN "MELISSA," AND
THAT THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR IT AT THIS TIME.

SOME VERY SICK INDIVIDUAL HAS SUCCEEDED IN USING THE RE-FORMAT
FUNCTION FROM NORTON UTILITIES CAUSING IT TO COMPLETELY ERASE ALL
DOCUMENTS ON THE HARD DRIVE. IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO WORK WITH
NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR, MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER. IT DESTROYS MACINTOSH
AND IBM COMPATIBLE COMPUTERS. THIS IS A VERY MALICIOUS VIRUS AND NOT
MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT.

PASS THIS WARNING ALONG TO EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK AND PLEASE
SHARE IT WITH ALL OUR ONLINE FRIENDS ASAP SO THAT THIS THREAT MAY BE
STOPPED. PLEASE PRACTICE CAUTIONARY MEASURES AND TELL ANYONE THAT MAY
HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR COMPUTER. FORWARD THIS WARNING TO EVERYONE THAT
MIGHT ACCESS THE INTERNET.

THIS WAS A MESSAGE RON RECEIVED AT HIS COMPANY YESTERDAY AND I DID NOT
THINK OF SENDING IT AS SOON AS I SHOULD, UNTIL I OPENED MY E-MAIL
TODAY AND FOUND THE TITLE THERE. I DELETED IT IMMEDIATELY.

PLEASE RESPOND TO YOUR E-LIST ASAP.
_____________________________________________________________
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!
______________________
BIRTHDAYS 
(Alladdinn) alladdinn@mailexcite.com
______
Let's take a look at the Birthday folks for the week ending April 23,
1999: cupcake_01 (April 17) & CougarGA 75 (April 19)

To add to that list of birthday folks for this week, (April 23, 1999)
are: Vanboys (April 24) and Savage Fem (April 23, 1999)

I Hope you had a very Happy Birthday gals and guys!!!
______________
1Lez169 had a Bday on April 06, Just wanted to wish a belated Birthday
greeting to her and hope her day was very special! (Sorry it's late!)
______________
Now... let's take a look at the Birthday's for the week ending April
30, 1999:
The only Bday I have on my list this week is Mamma_tat (April 30). I
know the rest of you will join me when I say "We miss ya mamma, hope
all is well, and... Have a very Happy Birthday!!! (SMOOCHES!!!)
______________
 Here's a look ahead at upcoming Birthdays for May: Mandata (May 05),
Youel (May 25), & TennGirl41(May 30)
______________
Until next week's list of Birthday guys and gals...
Love and Happiness,
Ali

PS I have a list compiled of all the PT family birthdays. If, for some
reason you hadn't sent in your Bday previously (perhaps you are a
newbie, or just thought: "Hey, I haven't sent my Bday in yet!" then
please send it to alladdinn@mailexcite.com and I will add it to my
list of Bday Guys and Gals!
____________________________________________________________
COMING OUT 
(Primebear) gayvoice@hotmail.com or pinktrinews@mailexcite.com

If you have a Coming Out story you'd like to share with us, Please
submit it to either of the email addresses listed above and we will be
more than happy to print it!
____________________________________________________________
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
(FreddieB)

I want to thank all of you that have responded to my questions the
past issue
and have opened up some of your true feelings about yourself and the
room. This is just a way for us to get to know each other better and
give our true feelings about subjects we wouldn't openly talk about in
the room sometimes. Don't feel the need to answer each and every
question. Just the ones that apply or you feel like responding to.
This is by no means, a way of offending anyone, just a means of
getting to know one another better. I have learned a lot about each
and every one of you through my questions already. 
Here are some questions for you to think about and respond to this
week. Again, if you wish for your responses not to be printed, please
include that with your return response. Thanks for taking out the time
and being truthful and honest with your feelings.

What are your feelings on virtual weddings?

If one of your friends from chat were financially unstable, would you
be willing to help them out by sending them money?

Are you afraid to "really" say what you feel about situations that
occur in the room or do you just let them pass hoping they will work
themselves out?

Would you consider yourself someone that goes out and gets what they
want in life or just wait for it to come along?

If doctor's told you that you had just been diagnosed with a terminal
illness, would you live your life differently?

What is the one thing you want to do in life that you haven't had the
chance to do yet?

Do you enjoy being around a group of people all the time or do you
like spending quiet time to yourself?

Are you proud of your profession or do you think you are qualified to
do something better?

If someone in the chatroom told you that they want to visit and meet
you in person, would you jump at the chance or decline?

Please give honest and true answers. This is not a test, just a means
of getting to know each other better. Thanks for listening and being
so up close and personal. All responses can be emailed to the
following address:
pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
_______
Here's a late response from the last list of questions:

This is my response to Freddie's questions.  I come in to PT almost
every evening.  I was elated when I stumbled into PT for the first
time.  Imagine, a room filled with FAMILY!!!  A place where I don't
need to pretend, a place to call home.  It took a few visits to feel
comfortable but I was accepted and made to feel welcome.  A special
thanks to PLR_BEAR for taking me under her PAW, LOL, for which I will
always be grateful!
There are a handful of people I consider my friends in PT but that
list is growing rapidly!
I don't think the room is FULL of DRAMA QUEENS although, when they do
arrive I know I'll soon be laughing!
As far as controversy goes: this is a big issue for me.

It seems that lately, there is quite a bit of fighting.  We can't do
much about the bashers.  I understand the reason for using the iggy
button.  Yet, sometimes I get to the point where I've had enough and
fight back for a bit before putting someone on iggy.  There are times
when I don't WANT to be SILENT when being attacked.
What's really upsetting to me is when the regulars start bickering,
calling each other names, making threats and throwing the room into
CHAOS!  It is then no longer a safe place to be.  And watch out if you
try to defend someone because then you become a target yourself!  This
is the ONLY thing I don't like about the room.
When asked to describe myself I am honest when I choose to answer!
For the life of me, I don't know why it matters!!  As far as helping
people in the room, I have done that in various ways... and have been
helped in return.  There was a young man who was threatening suicide
one evening and several of us talked with him for quite awhile...
until he let us know he felt better. I feel it is our DUTY as adults
to help our gay kids.  If we don't, who will? No one should turn their
backs on anyone crying out for help.
I try to help the newbies because I know how they feel... being a
newcomer myself!
Personally, I do not cyber!  To me it would be cheating on Jem and I
will NOT go there!!!  I come in to the room to chat, see how everyone
is and hopefully enjoy myself.  
People who do nothing but play gestures get on my nerves.  There
should be a separate room just for "gesture addicts!"  I like
gestures, play them when appropriate but real conversation is what I
seek.
In regards to the PTNEWS:  I didn't even know it EXISTED until
PLR_BEAR and I won an AV contest a few weeks ago! That's why I have
never submitted anything to the paper!  I do read everything in it and
look forward to receiving it every week!
I know I haven't answered every question but I think I've covered
enough for now!  Hopefully, I haven't offended anyone with my truthful
answers.  
I would like to thank ALL of you in PT who have made the effort to get
to know me and have welcomed me into the FAMILY.  You all know who you
are! It means more to me than you'll ever know.

thatgirlp
______
Your True Friend Always,

FreddieB
_____________________________________________________________
THIS WEEK'S FEATURE STORIES FROM OUR FAMILY MEMBERS
_____________
Winners of the "worst analogies ever written in a high school essay"
contest.
(Submitted by Maxam)

He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a
guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of
those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country
speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar
eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it. (Joseph Romm,
Washington)

She caught your eye like one of those pointy hook latches that used to
dangle from screen doors and would fly up whenever you banged the door
open again. (Rich Murphy, Fairfax Station)

The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a
bowling ball wouldn't. (Russell Beland, Springfield)

McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty Bag filled
with vegetable soup. (Paul Sabourin, Silver Spring)

From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie,
surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and
"Jeopardy" comes on at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30. (Roy Ashley,
Washington)

Her hair glistened in the rain like nose hair after a sneeze. Chuck
Smith, Woodbridge)

Her eyes were like two brown circles with big black dots in the
center. (Russell Beland, Springfield)

Bob was as perplexed as a hacker who means to access
T:flw.quid55328.com\aaakk/ch@ung but gets T:\flw.quidaaakk/ch@ung
by mistake (Ken Krattenmaker, Landover Hills)

Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.  (Unknown)

He was as tall as a six-foot-three-inch tree. (Jack Bross, Chevy
Chase)

The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you
fry them in hot grease. (Gary F. Hevel, Silver Spring)

Her date was pleasant enough, but she knew that if her life was a
movie this guy would be buried in the credits as something like
"Second Tall Man." (Russell Beland, Springfield)

Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the
grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having
left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka
at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph. (Jennifer Hart, Arlington)

The politician was gone but unnoticed, like the period after the Dr.
on a Dr Pepper can. (Wayne Goode, Madison, Ala.)

They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that
resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth (Paul Kocak, Syracuse, N.Y.)

John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had
also never met. (Russell Beland, Springfield)

The thunder was ominous-sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet
of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play.
(Barbara Fetherolf, Alexandria)

His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like
underpants in a dryer without Cling Free (Chuck Smith, Woodbridge)

The red brick wall was the color of a brick-red Crayola crayon.
_____________________________________________________________
PINKTRIVIA pink_trivia@hotmail.com
(x_mikey_x & Sweet_bri)
_______
Ok... here is my last entry for pink trivia, Thanks ali and freddie
for giving us a chance to do trivia. You two guys do a great job with
the paper, regardless of who did what, you two are the ones to keep it
alive and growing. Ever notice how SOME NEVER contribute to the paper
unless they have a gripe?

The mystery pinkie from last week is roon. Only got 2 correct entries.
el and cuppy. If anyone is interested in doing trivia please contact
me so I can give you this e-mail addy and password. A note to my
friends: life moves 100 mph, don't let it pass you by, life's change
in seconds. 

Love you guys and gals.
*mikey & bri trivia challenge closed*
_____________________________________________________________
"An AV is the person we all want to be!"
___________________
Weekly Avatar Contest!
____________
HERE IS THIS WEEK'S AV WINNERS: REMEMBER… the winners 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! This is all meant to be FUN! Be creative!
And may the BEST AV's Win!

Male - Tex_tx
Female - TennGirl
Couple - Dee_32 & Dees_blisse
Cutest - semisweet_ (tied with Funniest)
Funniest - Rex__ (tied with Cutest)
Classiest - Elion_

CONGRATULATIONS FOLKS! You may pick up your winning AV's from either
Youel/BEARs_boy, (Who creates them-Thanks youel!) FreddieB or
Alladdinn. You can also pick them up now at our new (also created by 
Youel/BEARs_boy ) Avatar Contest Winner's Gallery at 
http://www.angelfire.com/fl/arlemzrealm/wingallery.html
(Just right click on your av and choose Save Picture As and save it to
your gallery folder) This site is updated weekly at midnight EST. The
new winning avs are not posted till then, so no peeking! New this week
is the Past Winners Gallery. 

(Note from BEARs_boy who built the av gallery. Any winner who does not
wish their avatar to be posted in the gallery, for whatever reason,
please let me know. I will remove it from the gallery ASAP. This is
intended to be fun, not to invade anyone's privacy.)

Thanks to our AV Judge who has the hard job of deciding which AV will
make it to the winners block each week! It's a tough job, but we leave
it in very capable hands! Every effort is being made to avoid repeat
winners to be fair to all. So in an effort to help make the av judges
job easier, the following Av gallery links are included:

Lucylastics Fantasy & Erotic Avs - truly one of the BEST av galleries
I have ever seen... (Please note this site DOES contain adult and BDSM
images, if this offends you or you are under 18, please stick to
Lucy's non adult galleries. She works VERY hard on her site and takes
great pride in it and we have no wish to cause her any trouble.) She
has a wonderful selection of many different types, something for
everyone. http://members.home.net/lucylastic

Another great link that includes links to many, many different avatar
galleries
(and gesture sites as well) Ing's AV & Gesture Links by Type
http://members.aol.com/cowtowning/bottom.html

(The AV Judge must remain anonymous so as not to be tempted with
bribes! LOL)
_____________________________________________________________
Neiman-Marcus cookie recipe
(Submitted by 1Lez69)

ENJOY...THIS IS TRUE----PLEASE READ IT AND PLEASE SEND THIS TO EVERY
PERSON YOU KNOW WHO HAS AN E-MAIL ADDRESS

My daughter & I had just finished a salad at Neiman-Marcus Cafe in
Dallas & decided to have a small dessert. Because both of us are such
cookie lovers, we decided to try the "Neiman-Marcus cookie." It was so
excellent that I asked if they would give me the recipe and the
waitress said with a small frown, "I'm afraid not but, you can buy the
recipe."

Well, I asked how much, and she responded, "Only two fifty, it's a
great deal!" I agreed with approval, just add it to my tab I told her.
Thirty days later,
I received my VISA statement from Neiman-Marcus and it was $285.00.

I looked again and I remembered I had only spent $9.95 for two salads
and about $20.00 for a scarf. As I glanced at the bottom of the
statement, It said, "Cookie Recipe - $250.00" That's outrageous! I
called Neiman's Accounting Dept. and told them the waitress said it
was "two-fifty," which clearly does not mean "two hundred and fifty
dollars" by any *POSSIBLE* interpretation of the phrase.
Neiman-Marcus refused to budge. They would not refund my money,
because according to them, "What the waitress told you is not our
problem. You have already seen the recipe.  We absolutely will not
refund your money at this point."  I explained to her the criminal
statues which govern fraud in Texas. I threatened to refer them to the
Better Business Bureau and the State's Attorney General for engaging
in fraud. I was basically told, "Do what you want, it doesn't matter,
and we're not refunding your money." I waited, thinking of how I could
get even, or even try and get any of my money back. I just said,
"Okay, you folks got my $250, and now I'm going to have $250.00 worth
of fun."  I told her that I was going to see to it that every Cookie
lover in the United States with an e-mail account has a $250.00 cookie
recipe from Neiman-Marcus...for free.

She replied, "I wish you wouldn't do this." I said, "Well, you should
have thought of that before you ripped me off," and slammed down the
phone on her.

So here it is!!!

Please, please, please pass it on to everyone you can possibly think
of.

I paid $250 for this...I don't want Neiman-Marcus to *ever* get
another
Penny off of this recipe....

NEIMAN MARCUS COOKIES (Recipe may be halved)
2 cups butter
4 cups flour
2 tsp. soda
2 cups sugar
5 cups blended oatmeal ***
24 oz. chocolate chips
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 8 oz. Hershey Bar (grated)
 4 eggs
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups chopped nuts (your choice)

*** Measure oatmeal and blend in a blender to a fine powder.
Cream the butter and both sugars.  Add eggs and vanilla, mix together
with flour, oatmeal, salt, baking powder, and soda.  Add chocolate
chips,
Hershey Bar and nuts. Roll into balls and place two inches apart on a
cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.  Makes 112 cookies. Have fun!!!

This is not a joke --- this is a true story.  Ride free, citizens!
PLEASE PASS THIS TO EVERY ONE YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
_____________________________________________________________
"A Screen name becomes the Alter ego for some of us!"
____________________
SCREEN NAMES pinktrinews@mailexcite.com

If you'd like to share how you chose your screen name, please feel
free to send in to: pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
___________
"The Pinkie formerly known as Jansgirl"

Freddie and Alli...
I need to put this in the paper so all my friends in PT will know me
LOL! Due to recent events...I have changed my name to Dee_32. I belong
to no one now except myself...and it is time I reclaimed ME. You all
have known me for over a year as either Jansgirl or Jans... but that
has changed... I will not change my name again... so you all will know
me as Dee from here on out... besides those who know me personally
know my real nickname is Dee anyway LOL!
I want to thank those of you who are being supportive and giving me a
shoulder to lean on... I will always be there for you as you
know...hell like my gesture says I LOVE THIS FAMILY!!!
Till we meet again in the room peoples...be good to each other... and
yourselves...

LOVE TO THE FAMILY AND KISSES AND GROPES TO THE ROOM....
Dee_32
*formerly Jansgirl*
______________________________________________________________
ATTENTION PLEASE…I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE!!!
______________________________________
Joiee and Westernman are having a virtual baby shower. (Yes, for those
of you who don't know, Joiee got preggers a couple weeks ago, after he
did a table dance in the nude in the room,) (And what a show it was!
LOL) Westernman is the father, (Now I know what that noise was coming
from behind the stage that night while Blisse was performing!) LOL
Although Cement also has taken claim on fatherhood of Joiee's twins.
(Things that make ya go... Hmmmm!?!) LOL

The Virtual baby shower will be held on Saturday, April 24, 1999 at
10:00 PM EST In private room PT Babies. All friends and family are
invited to attend! 

(NOTICE: This is all meant in FUN, and Lord knows we can all use some
FUN these days!)
____________________________________________________________
BIOS BIOS BIOS BIOS BIOS BIOS pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
_________________________ 
Everyone enjoys discovering more about the people we see in the room
on a daily basis. If you have not sent in your BIO…we'd love to hear
from you, and for those of you who are new to PTN, a BIO is merely a
little about yourselves to introduce you to our PT family. We all chat
and get to know one another in PT, but trying to keep up with chat and
IM's, along with ICQ (uh oh's) can be a challenge at times. Your BIO
doesn't have to be anything lengthy, just anything you'd like to share
with the rest of our family, so as to get to know you better!

Thanks,
Ali
______
No BIOS sent in this week!
___________________________________________________________
Gay News and Research Studies
_______
New Study Questions "Gay Gene"
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
AP Medical Writer
(Submitted by Maxam)         

WASHINGTON (AP) Canadian scientists are questioning whether a gene
inherited from mothers influences men's sexual orientation in a study
that attacks U.S. researchers' hunt for a ``gay gene.''
Scientists still can't explain what determines a person's sexual
orientation, although many studies have suggested that it is biology
and not choice.
The first such evidence came in 1991, when researchers discovered that
identical twins of gay men were much more likely to also be gay than
were fraternal twins.
Then National Cancer Institute geneticist Dean Hamer made headlines in
1993 by suggesting that one such gene resides in a region of the X
chromosome, one of the microscopic structures that carry genes. Men
inherit that chromosome from their mothers.
Although Hamer never identified the gene itself, his research
suggested its location by finding that 33 of 40 pairs of gay brothers
shared certain genetic ``markers'' that heterosexual brothers didn't.
But in a report to be published in Friday's journal Science, Canadian
scientists said they tried to reproduce Hamer's study and found no
link.
Neurologist George Rice of the University of Western Ontario studied
gay brothers from 48 families and said they were no more likely to
share X-linked genetic patterns than would be determined by chance.
That doesn't mean genes don't influence homosexuality, Rice said, just
that scientists should hunt elsewhere. ``We are still looking,'' he
said.
Hamer vehemently defended his research, saying other scientists have
found evidence supporting it. ``This study doesn't disprove that,'' he
said.
Hamer said, Rice may have diluted chances of finding an X-linked gene
by studying families with homosexuality mostly on the father's side
instead of the mother's.
Rice said he didn't single out families _ and that excluding those
that concerned Hamer wouldn't affect the results. Rice's report
``certainly does decrease the likelihood'' of an X-linked gene, but
isn't proof, said J. Michael Bailey of Northwestern University, who
did the first gay twin research. He called for a larger study to
settle the debate. ``I would bet a million dollars that there are
going to be biological factors involved in sexual orientation. I am
certainly less sure that it's genes,'' he added, noting that hormones
or other factors may be the answer.
___________________________________________________________
THE JOKE SHACK
______________
"It's a known fact it takes more muscles to frown than it does to
smile!"
____________________
Three old ladies were sitting on their porch discussing what each of
their husbands got them for their anniversary. The first wife says my
husband gave me a mink coat. The second wife says my husband gave me a
trip to Hawaii. The third wife just sat there contemplating. The other
two wives stared at her for a minute and said: "well Margaret, what
did your husband do for you?" Margaret looked at the other two women
and simply stated "my husband sent me to charm school "Charm School
"?!?!? They exclaimed ... yes said Margaret " that way I could learn
to say "that's nice" instead of Fuck You "!!! 
______________________________________________________________
"WANTED, NEEDED, SEARCHING FOR, GOTTA HAVE IT, CAN'T FIND IT!"
_____________________
PT CLASSIFIEDS
_____________________
WANTED: Michael Boston, a semi regular in PT and Guy talk is still on
the search for a man! I have seen his picture and guys… HE IS A
CUTIE!!! If there is anyone who would like to maybe meet this hunk for
an online date… please email the PT News and we will gladly help
arrange it! Come on now guys.... give the guy a chance at least!
pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
_____________
MISSING: Love, Compassion, Friendship, Thoughtfulness, Consideration,
Loyalty, Compromise and respect for others we call our friends and
family! If found, Please return!
_____________________________________________________________
****The Gay Wedding Etiquette Guide****
(Submitted by Isa)

As we all know there have been many online loves, and many have also
led to online Marriage. But Ali and Freddie and Goose and Gander are
taking it that one step further and doing it for real.

So it was interesting to come across this article, extracted from
Outrage, No. 160 September 1996, as I was cleaning out the old fag mag
collection. I hope this helps all you guys and gals in planning future
events! Without further delay lets start!!

The Engagement:- "Get down on your knee" may have other connotations
for you, but please, we are talking romance! Once the ring is on the
finger, an ad in the paper normally follows. If your add is in a gay
paper, it should read something like this: 29yo masc gd/lkng prof
found similar for l/t r/s poss marriage. But before a definite date is
set, there are a number of considerations: the setting of the
ceremony, reception and official recovery, the season, time of day
and, of course, weather your wedding clash's with any major dance
parties.

As Alli and Freddie and Goose and Gander have already done the next
part of the article that is planning the wedding. I hope you all
considered the Beautiful People Rule? No well, make sure you don't
have anyone better looking than you in the wedding party, after all
you don't want people saying "Wasn't the best man gorgeous!", now do
you? Also don't forget to invite as many ex boy/girlfriends as you can
think of, rub there noses in what they are missing out on! LOL

Now to the Honeymoon!!
Spend your first night as a married couple together in the honeymoon
suit at an expensive hotel. Its fun watching the person on the front
desk pretend that two men checking into the honeymoon suit is an
everyday occurrence.

If your hubbie has been saving himself for the right man, unlikely,
but not impossible! LOL Make it special for him, you know dim the
light and turn the in house movie channel off!

The honeymoon officially starts when the next day you head overseas to
some remote and very tropical island. A tropical island setting is
always the best, as you will arrive home tanned and relaxed, and all
your friends will comment on how much married life suits you. Also
don't forget that the walks on the beach, hot nights and the hot
passion. Make the most of these, as it will be the last time it will
ever happen: with this husband anyway! LOL

Now some advise to the Guests of the wedding!
* Reply within one week of receiving the invitation, something like
"Cheers, thanks a lot, we'll be there!" will suffice.
*Wedding gift should never be taken to the reception, especially,
small inexpensive and poorly wrapped ones, they should all be
delivered to the happy couples home at there convenience. Not only
does this save time
unwrapping them all, but also saves embarrassment!
* Never wear all white! You will upstage the Bride!
* Dress Sexy if single, a wedding is the perfect place to meet that
someone special: love is in the air, or is that CK1? LOL
* Never feel guilty about drinking the free alcohol provided: You have
hopefully bought them an expensive gift after all! LOL
* And please refrain from making catty and bitchy remarks about what
the Bridal party is wearing: well around family members anyway! LOL

And lets all hope the following doesn't happen but I will include it
anyway:

Being Dumped at the Alter!
Many gay men have trouble with commitment, walking into a church, or
having confetti thrown on their new hairdo, so don't be surprised if
you are left alone holding the bouquet. After three hours you can
safely assume he is being more than fashionably late. Don't dispare:
use it to your advantage. Weather you want to or not, start to cry.
The guests will gather around you. Then, when you have all their
sympathy, perk up and announce "Let's have a party!" Everyone will be
impressed with your strength during this trying time. You'll be a
saint, and he will be as popular as yesterdays mashed potato! And what
do you do with all those kind gifts???? Well you keep them, of course.
Guests will feel awkward taking them back, it also would be far to
hurtful for you to return them anyway, and they will serve as a small
substitute for the life you two could have spent together - especially
the 20 piece dinner set and the double ended dildo. Fuck the romance!
A man may come and go, but homewares and sexual aids will always be
there, for better or for worse!

So guys I hope that helps you out, and if it didn't well at least it
made you smile, By request I will include the planning of the wedding
and reception, but I think you all have that under control!!!!!

Thanx for reading and Until we meet again!
Love Always Isa!
_____________________________________________________________
POETRY CORNER pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
____________________
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)
____________________
THE GIFT

A tingling curls around my heart
It's tendrils reaching throughout my entire being
The light from within bursting forth
Blinding in its brightness
I feel the butterfly touches of your love
brushing my soul leaving in their wake
A wonderful peaceful residue
The genuine love you give
is a most beautiful gift
A priceless treasure I hold deep inside
to hold and caress
The thought of you gives me strength
gives me purpose and inspiration
Gives me courage to dare to dream again
to believe again
My heart pounds when you whisper my name
leaps as your touch burns my flesh
soars as you penetrate my soul
The light of you blinds my eyes
the love you give offers me shade
Your essense fills my entire being
shaking down the walls of distrust, the dust blown away
by your feathery impassioned kisses
The thought of you gives me the reason to go on.....
The GIFT of you is a Wonderous thing!

with much love and friendship,
David
_______
A little reflective poetry from stuff2do:

Let me ride past your cities and towns,
into the deserts and mountains I call home.
Let my heart beat in time with the hooves of my horse.
Let the breeze gently caress my hair.
Let the sun shine warm upon my face.

The vistas mine in solitude.
Reflecting not on loneliness,
but on the joy of a full life.
Free of the judgment of others.
Nature understanding when I do not speak,
patiently listening when I do.

Each trail a new horizon.
Each dawn more than just a new day.
Finding what is good in me.
My horse as my companion.
My mind as my palette.
My heart full of life.
The landscape my inspiration.

Born of this time,
with a soul drawn from another century.
Free of spirit and sure of purpose,
I know that who I am,
is who I need to be,
to never let lonely tell me that I'm wrong.
____________________
And now, another poem from our very own POETRY CORNER HOSTESS: Goldie,
our Peculiar Poet… 

Hello gang, and welcome to another issue of PT News ;-) 
Sorry there is not a cooky poem this week, But as Hostess (lol @
Alladdinn) 
I'm allowed the week off. I will see you next week for a new poem by
Goldie
_____________________________________________________________
The PT Reunion is just 5 weeks away now! Have you made your
reservations for lodging? Have you sent in your RSVP? Have you decided
what you are going to wear? OMG so much to do, so little time to do it
in!

About 3 or so weeks ago, FreddieB mailed out the information packet to
those of you who responded with an RSVP, which gave details on
lodging, a list of nearby motels and bed & breakfast's, phone numbers,
etc. If for some reason you did not get that information packet,
please let us know and we will be more than happy to send you one! If
you haven't already made your lodging arrangements, it would be a good
idea to do so ASAP, as the motels in the area will book up fast for
that first holiday weekend!

Each time I go into the PT, I hear people talking about the reunion,
mostly with excitement in their words! Some have their views about the
reunion, saying: "I don't get along with the people in the room, why
would I want to meet them in person?" The answer to that is quite
simple actually... perhaps the very people that you might not get
along with in the room will not be attending the reunion! Therefore
why miss out on a memorable and enjoyable event of meeting those you
are closest to just because of the dread and fear of confronting
someone you might not get along with in the room? Hey... virtual
reality and reality are sometimes two totally separate things, and
those that you might not get along with in virtual reality, when met
face to face may not be as bad a person as you once thought they were!

We have about 35 responses so far and a jam-packed weekend planned!
We need to have a meeting on Wednesday night 10:00 PM EST next week
for all of those who are planning, or thinking of attending the
reunion so that we can get flight itineraries, arrival times and go
over some of the events planned. PLEASE try to attend this meeting so
we will have an idea of how much food, drinks, etc. to plan. The
meeting will be held in private room "reunion" on Wednesday, April 28,
1999 @ 10:00 PM EST PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT SURE YET!
Thanks!
______________
Here is just a sample of the events that will take place that weekend:


Friday night - Mixer and Chat by the fire
Menu includes:
Meatballs, cocktail weenies, fish sticks, chip and dip, fruit and
veggie trays  
(Notice the representation of the food?) LOL

Saturday morning - breakfast prepared by Dee and Ali.

Saturday afternoon lunch - BBQ, FreddieB style. (He is the General
Manager of Roadhouse Grill, so he does cook a damn good meal!)

Saturday Afternoon - Fag football. (Jenna's the cheerleader!)

Saturday evening - FreddieB & Alladdinn's Wedding Ceremony.  

Saturday night - Dinner Under The Stars! (Prepared by chef Gander!)
Menu Includes:
Roast beef with all the fixins you can eat! With Entertainment
following, 

The show includes such performers as: Your hostess for the evening:
Lady Erica (Ali in drag), PLR doing her male impersonations, Dee (the
butch side), plus much more... and a few surprises! (If you are
interested in performing in the show on Saturday night, also include
that in your RSVP so that we can schedule you on the list of
performers!)

After the show...Dancing till Dawn (With a LIVE DJ, lights, and the
works!)

Sunday - Goose and Gander's Wedding Ceremony
And MUCH, MUCH MORE!
(All events subject to change)

For those of you who require special diets... just let Ali know ahead
of time and it'll be taken care of!
_____________
We want this event to be as enjoyable for everyone as possible! We are
hoping to make this an event that will go down in PT history and will
become a yearly event! Without your help and cooperation, none of this
will happen! 

This PT event is being brought to you by the editors of the PT News!
Please help in supporting something you believe in by helping us make
this the BEST event in PT history! All donations accepted and
appreciated!

See ya in May!
FreddieB & Ali
_____________________________________________________________
In conjunction with the reunion... if you are not planning on
attending, but would like to send your greetings, we are making a
audio tape to be played at the reunion from sound files that people
are making and sending via through their computers. All you have to do
is sit down and record a sound file on your computer, send it to us
and we will put it on the audio tape to be played with all the rest!
Sound like a good idea? At least this way you will be there in a
sense, as well as sending your greetings to the family!

Thanks family!
Ali
_____________________________________________________________
PT QUESTION OF THE WEEK ptquestoftheweek@hotmail.com
(Jasenkev, our Man On The Net Reporter)

Well folks - as you probably have seen there has been an absence of my
column over the past couple of issues.  I have thoroughly enjoyed
reading the paper, even if my column was absent.

Sadly, I have to discontinue the short lived column.  This is due to
lack of motivation on my part.  I know that is pathetic because I took
on the challenge of writing the column - even on a bi-weekly basis.
However, as my job search in my field in a new city becomes more
challenging, this is where most of my energy must go.

Unfortunately, the amount of time I spend in the room has become less
as well. It started with becoming a mug again.  (I just had to
download Explorer 5!)  Who knows when they are going to fix that
problem!  Then it carried on to really not having the time to come to
the room and ask the question.  (This feels like a television show
that a network cancelled!)

I want to thank all of you for supporting my column while it lasted.
It was very challenging and exciting for me to get the responses from
the questions that I posed. Thank you all.

I also want to thank Alli and Freddie for presenting the PT News every
week.  This paper does a lot more than most people can imagine. In my
eyes, it creates unity and support for people who frequent the Pink
Triangle. I am so happy when I get the Friday night e-mail with my PT
News - it is something I can count on! Kudos to you guys!

I am going to leave the PT QUESTION OF THE WEEK e-mail address
activated.  ptquestoftheweek@hotmail.com I would love to hear from you
guys even though the column is no longer in existence and I will not
be able to attend the room as often as before. I am not resigning from
the room though!!  This is NOT a note to all of you (like some other
people have written) telling you that I have better things to do and I
don't want to be a part of the room any longer. I hope all of you
understand.

My best,
Jasenkev
_______
Ali's notes: Jasen, we will miss your inquiring questions which made
us all stop and think for a moment and answer honestly! Please keep in
touch, we will miss you being around the room with your cool "home


made" gestures!
______________________________________________________________
MISTY'S DRAG BAG
(Misty)

Okay having finished my little series on making outfits for you to
perform in its time to go back to one of my other favorite topics.
Unfortunately it isn't always a topic people like to talk about but
the time is right, perhaps a tad overdue.

Not so long Ago our wonderful newsletter celebrated its first
birthday, and very soon now the PT will hold its first real life
reunion, yet despite this thanks to some casual disregard for others
it may well turn out to be the wake before the death of PT. If you
think I'm exaggerating look at the facts. Read your last Pt news and
peoples opinions. Look at those who have left the room, look at those
who are no longer comfortable in the room, most likely, yourself
included. Ask around, too many feel this way, I even found a PT
substitute room for people who don't argue. Is this what it comes too?
Chased from a comfort zone by the few who ignore the needs of the
many?
As others have suggested before me there is always the ignore button
but why should I have to iggy a friend, especially when the argument
doesn't involve me.

I will never begrudge someone the chance to voice their opinion, that
is discussion, but when harsh language and telling people to shut up
starts it is no longer a discussion it is an argument. An argument is,
in MY opinion a waste of time and energy for no-one will see the other
persons side or feelings, and they ignore the comfort and well being
of those around them.

Feel free to have your discussion but please remember there are other
people in the room. Iggy the people you don't want to talk to and
maybe take your discussion into IM's for the comfort of others.

You are my friends, I shall not take sides and I don't like iggy. As
far as chuckie goes, if you want my opinion ask me, this newsletter is
not the place for me to voice my opinions about him.

You are my friends, time to come home dear ones and make it home
again. No arguments, just discussions between friends. I love you all.

Lots of Luck and Love

Misty

PS. In case you have forgotten there is a live reunion of the regulars
to the PT happening on the last weekend of May. Ask around get a lift
if you can, it will be worth it. Also if you can help out in any way
I'm sure Alli and Freddie could use any assistance you may be able to
offer, even if its something simple like helping to set up the area.
But whether you can cook, cleanup, do a stage act or sell raffle
tickets, if you can go and think you can help please let them know.
_____________________________________________________________
SITES WORTH SEEING 
Websites from a few of our "Family" members for you to check out!
(Maxam)
____________________
Ali has designed a new page with all the websites from our family
members. It is called: "The Pink Pages" (Kinda like the yellow pages!)
You can use this page to link to everyone else's pages!!! (Note:
Freddie & Ali's page of pics is not complete yet, so you can't view
any of the pics… but I am working on it!)

Here's the addy: http://www.hotyellow98.com/ptreunion/pinkpages.html

Here are a few new additions that Maxam and Looksjustlikeme sent us
this week:
http://www.plumbdesign.com/theraurus/
http://www.qrd.org/qrd/www/tree.html
http://www.netfinder.com/links/html/sgpl.html
http://www.webbyawards.com/
http://www.prolaunch.com/
http://www.wpdfd.com/wpdres.htm

Thanks Maxam and looksjustlikeme!!!
_______
REMEMBER folks…Please let us know if you CAN NOT link to these sites.
We are trying to make it so that it is easy for you to use the PT News
as an informational tool to go to these sites!
____________________
If you have a personal website you'd like to include in your list,
please fell free to send us the site address:
pinktrinews@mailexcite.com and we will gladly add you to our list! 
_____________________________________________________________
REX'S BASKET

Hello sports fans! 

CORRECTION

Firstly, I have to correct myself. I said last week that Mike Piazza
was on the cover of Esquire, but it was actually GQ.

REACTION TO THIS COLUMN

Gloria Steinham once said that a gay newspaper without a sports column
was like a "fish without a bicycle". Actually, she was referring to a
woman without a man. Nonetheless, reaction seems to be favorable so
far. I got a few pleasant e-mails and praise in the chat rooms. I
would like to thank everyone who is supporting this column.

SO LONG GRETZ

This week I had a great experience. I saw Wayne Gretzky's final game
in Canada as a pro hockey player at the Corel Center. I had no idea
that my season tickets would bring me such a nice surprise. It was
very emotional. There were many tears. The person beside me had a sign
saying "Gretz is God". I have followed his career ever since I can
remember. I can remember seeing him play live as an Oiler, a Ranger,
and a King. When he left the Oilers I was upset and hurt. 

I remember trading away his rookie cards as a kid, having no idea how
big he would be. I remember his 1,072nd goal just a few months back
(breaking Howe's record), when he kept playing after Janet got knocked
out by a stick over the glass (and laughing my head off seeing her
carried from the stands all flaked out). I remember the beach party he
had in LA that I missed out on. I remember everything, on or off the
ice. He may not have went out with a bang like Jordan, the Rangers
didn't even make the playoffs, but I'll still miss the Great One.

JUSTIN LOPEZ- WHAT A GUY

This guy is cool. Who cares how he looks. I have heard of him from the
US national BMX circuit which he raced in, and does a bit of
freestyling too. I don't often see BMX racers that are over 6' let
alone 6'4"! I haven't heard much about his BMX career since he joined
the NFL though. He does fitness and physique modeling for popular
fitness magazines now. He's made a video too. Check Justin out at 

http://musclevideos.com/MV-JustinLopez.html

MY ONGOING SOFTBALL BATTLE AT THE OFFICE

Bea, the receptionist is now on my side. I know she's very outdoorsy
and likes sports. I think she also likes me too, not that I want her
to. With this new ally, who is very boisterous, I have some unexpected
new ammunition in this dirty war. D-Day is only 6 weeks away.

You can reach me, Rex, at vp_tips@hotmail.com
__________________________________________________________
EMAIL LINKS AND INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL:

pinktrinews@mailexcite.com (Letters to the Editors, Opinions,
Comments, Complaints, Submit an Article, Classified Ads, Birthdays)
gayvoice@hotmail.com Political (Primebear)
vp_tips@hotmail.com Tech Tips (Tech Master)
pink_trivia@hotmail.com x_mikey_x & sweet_bri
fairmerly@hotmail.com Fairmerly (The Wormhole) 
ptquestoftheweek@hotmail.com PT Question Of The Week (Jasen) 
fredericb@mailexcite.com FreddieB
Alladdinn@mailexcite.com Alladdinn
_____________________________________________________________
My First Computer - Reality vs. Virtual Reality
(Alladdinn)

OK... One year ago I finally did it I broke down and used what was
left on my Sears card to purchase a computer. I was so excited! I
could hardly wait to get it home and hooked up to get online! I hadn't
really had much experience with computers, except watching my ex-lover
create signs and the occasional chat on AOL. (Other than that, I
wasn't really allowed on the computer.)
So here it is... I finally have my own computer that I can chat, look
at pictures and do whatever I want! Now where do I start? Well, first
off I knew I had to find a way to get online, so even though I could
not find a local server and was having to pay a long distance fee, I
started my journey through cyber space! I visited several chat rooms
before stumbling upon Excite, chatting with several different people,
trying not to stay online for long lengths of time. Well, that didn't
last long... LOL.... and after finding another server that gave me
more time, I would wound up staying up all night talking and chatting
with people. There was something tantalizing and exciting knowing that
there was another person on the other side of the screen talking and
taking interest in ME!

But what I failed to realize through my cyber games was that the
people in which were on the other side of the screen were also playing
games with me and didn't really care one hill of beans about me, or my
feelings! That is until I came to the Pink Triangle! A month went by
and I soon found that I had found a place that I could not wait to get
home from work to sit up all night visiting with these people. All the
time, revealing bits and pieces of my personal life to them, drawing
closer to building a personal level of friendship and trust that I
never thought would be possible since you don't know what that other
person looks like, sounds like, acts and so forth. I soon felt that I
had friends that were there for me from all over the world to help me
through what was, at that time a very difficult time in my life!

It wasn't until I met someone that I grew close to, that I really
cared a great deal about, although again remember never hearing his
voice, nor seeing a picture of him that I thought... "Wow, is it
possible to find true love through the net?" Also, it was then that I
realized that the people on the other side of the screen are real
every day people! They share in the same feelings, emotions, good/bad
days and the desire to meet someone that can give them the love and
affection that they have always dreamed of!
I suppose I can credit the computer to helping me find honest true
love, sincere happiness and long lasting friendship. For if it were
not for the computer, I would not have ever found and fell in love
with Freddie and would have lost out on the absolute happiest time of
my life, as well as having a multitude of people that I can truly call
my friends! (And to me, friendship is VERY valuable!)

Some people think that it is odd that we are so connected with this
box that sits in a room on a desk, and how strange it is for us to sit
for hours on end chatting with people we can not see or hear. However,
we know for a fact that if it weren't for the people that sit on the
other side of that box, some of us would have no one to communicate
with and help get through the tough times of our lives! Sure, we in PT
have our share of tough times and arguments, but I can honestly say
that I can not imagine what my life would be like without having
bought my first computer and being open minded enough to allow total
strangers into my life! The people that I have made friends with in PT
have a very special place in my heart, as I know most of you share in
that feeling. Isn't it a shame that there are times we forget that the
people that type the words on the screen are real people with real
feelings? They have opened up their heart and emotions for us to hold,
only to sometimes have the things that they hold most sacred to them,
the bond of friendship to be held against them in the heat of the
moment. Friendship, true and honest friendship does not come easy.
Sure, there may be times that we may reveal too much of ourselves to
another, but we also have to remember that this just shows our trust
in the other individual as a friend. 

The reality is that sure, we may never in our lives meet the people on
the other side of the screen that come to us through virtual reality,
then again we might! Although, we must remember that the friendships
that are made through the computer and the everyday communication
through virtual reality is all some of us have to have connections
with people of like interests! 

The people that we talk to on a daily basis in the room, we can not
see or hear, but yet we know that they are there because we see them
type and see their AV. We can not tell when they are crying, angry,
excited, or sad except by their style of writing. We don't know what
their day has been like, nor do we know what they are experiencing in
their life at that time. Some of us come to the room to escape the
reality of the real world to be with friends that we know are going to
be there, yet we are still sitting in a room in front of a computer
alone. This is reality to us, not just a mind game or words on a
screen. And if you say it is not your reality, then why are some of
you in the room night after night? Why do you take offense to things
that are said? Why would you care if someone says something derogatory
about you? Face it, this is all our reality or we would not stay in
the Pink Triangle! Now the question comes to mind... why must we be so
sensitive, or in some cases insensitive to those we call our friends
in the room?

This is my reality and of course my view, take it for what it is worth
to you!
Alladdinn
_____________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
____________________
Now that you have finished reading the PT News…NOW is the time to
respond!
_______
The time is drawing closer!... Please be sure to RSVP if you ARE
planning to attend the PT Reunion May 28, 29, 30, 31 1999. To:
pinkconnections@mailexcite.com 
______________
If you like what you are reading on a weekly basis, tell us! Also…
tell a friend who may not know about the PT News! It's easy! Just have
them send in their screen name and email address to:
pinktrinews@mailexcite.com
_______________
THANKS for your help in keeping these articles alive and responding in
such an efficient manner! Without your help, the PT News would not be
what it has become today!

Until next we meet, whether it be in the PT, or coming to you through
your mail boxes…Stay warm, be safe, and keep chatting!

Have a GREAT weekend!
FreddieB & Alladdinn
Editors PT News











_______________________________________________________________
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