PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS PT NEWS _____________________________________________________________ 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! _____________________________________________________________ Pink Triangle News - Issue No. 59- June 04,1999 - Circulation: 266 [email protected] Editors: FreddieB & Alladdinn ____________________ QUOTE OF THE WEEK: (Submitted by Alyx & Taw) "The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour" ----- Japanese proverb ______ Howdy Guys and Gals, and Welcome to another issue of the PT News! I trust ya'll made it just fine without us last week, while we were attending the PT Reunion, and didn't have withdrawals by not getting a paper last week! LOL I have written a summary of the events of the reunion, which will follow later in the paper. However, I would like to express my deepest THANKS to those who attended, and also those behind the scenes who helped make this event take place! First of all, I'd like to thank FreddieB for putting up with me the last 6 months while planning this event! He was the power behind all of this to make it happen for all of us! He took care of all the little things that would help make the weekend more enjoyable for all of us. Thanks Freddie for everything you do for me, the PT News and for letting us have the reunion at the cottage! I LOVE YOU! There are so many behind the scene people that also had a big part in helping to make things run smoother for us over the weekend. Jenna... thanks for your support, your words of encouragement, and your help in being our right hand woman over the weekend, and also in keeping me calm! You're the best and we love you! El, everyone loved the AV place cards you made for those in attendance! We placed them on a big pink triangle as a welcome when people arrived. Thanks for your tireless efforts in being there when we ever need you! Misty, your articles in your drag bag helped in making the Pink Extravaganza a smashing success! Although you could not attend, You were there in spirit, and I proudly wore the leopard dress you sent for this occasion, in representation of you! Alyx & Taw, Dav6, Fairymoon, Mikey, Roon, Mamma_tat, El, tenordan and Misty... Thank you so much for your letters and tapes that you sent to be read and played as your greetings to the group! Your greetings added so much to the event, knowing that were those from the room that were thinking of us, even though they could not attend! Also thanks to Mamma_tat, Pattib, Shamrox and Wild thing for taking the time to call throughout the weekend to send their greetings to the group! All of this added so much to help make this weekend the absolute superb weekend! There were lots of pictures and video's taken throughout the weekend and I'm quite sure will be circulating soon! A special thanks for Phipp (PTMom's husband) for taping the entire event. Also, Freddie & I are putting together and making available a special reunion video for anyone who would like to purchase it! Orders may be placed via the PT News email addy at [email protected] There is more to read about the reunion throughout the paper... so without any further delay�We proudly bring you this week's edition of the PT News! _____________________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER: 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 readers that submit, and may not necessarily be those of the editors! All articles and submissions have been accepted and printed here in good faith (without editing) and is not verified, or researched by the editors, therefore may not be true! WARNING: SOME ARTICLES CONTAIN SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL! _____________________________________________________________ WEEKLY CONTRIBUTORS OF THE PT NEWS: _____________________________________________________________ RE__ - "Round 'em UP" Primebear - Gay Voice Of America & Coming OUT [email protected] Tech Master - Tech Tips [email protected] Misty - Misty's Drag Bag Goldie12 - THE Poetry Corner [email protected] Maxam - Our resident "Roving Reporter!" Ganymede03 - Various articles _____________ THE EDITORS OF THE PTNEWS Alladdinn (Co-Editor, PT Birthdays) [email protected] Freddieb (Co-Editor, Up Close & Personal) [email protected] _____________________________________________________________ EDITORIAL (Alladdinn) I began writing this on Monday, sitting on the front porch of the cottage after everyone had gone from the reunion. The only ones left were (Goose and Gander, Freddie and I), the "newlyweds", and the geese were fixing dinner as Freddie finished up mowing and cleaning up the yard. As I sat there writing in the wooden rocking chair, a deer could be seen on the edge of the woods preparing to cross the road. This just gives you a taste of what serenity and peacefulness we encountered as our surroundings for the PT Reunion. I know this may be a little detailed in description, but hopefully by describing it this way, you will get a feel of being there and taking part in the festivites! ARRIVAL - It all began on Thursday as we drove to the airport to pick up Jenna and do some last minute shopping. The car was already packed full with 3 full suitcases, two carry-on bags, a hang up bag full of drag clothes and Jenna's suitcases, but after we were finished at Wal-mart, there was no room for Jenna to sit! Needless to say she is very small, so she fit quite nicely between Freddie and I in the front seat of the car! She kept laughing at me because I kept asking Freddie if we were there yet, like a little kid. (Which, my child-like innocence, I might add has seemed to become a trademark of mine!) Our last stop was the liquor store and then we were all set to our final destination. (Honestly, I don't think there was any liquor left in the store after Freddie and Jenna got finished!) Goose and Gander, Goddess Adara and Lord Slayer were patiently awaiting our arrival at the cottage. After our greetings, hugs and kisses, we embarked on changing the appearance of the simple cottage into what was to be known as FAG CENTRAL! (LOL) THE DECORATIONS - Rainbow flags were strung along the fence on the edge of the road, with a PT Reunion banner hung on the fence. A rainbow swirly-jig windsock was hanging from the Birch tree in front of the front porch, and another rainbow windsock was hanging on the edge of the porch. In the corner of the house was a big pink triangle with almost everyone's AV's done up by el especially for the reunion. Behind the triangle was a rainbow hanging from the top of the roof out to the pink triangle sign! The stage backdrop was white with pink sperm-looking objects painted on it, white lights behind, a pink triangle in the middle with "Pink Triangle Reunion 1999" around it. The trimming at the top was gold lame`, with a gold lame` curtain over the door for a stage entrance. There were also pictures from some of the ones attending placed throughout the backdrop. Inside the house, on a table just as you enter the cottage was our tribute to those who could not attend. We had a few pictures that we had collected from Roon & Bobbie, Twink, Mamma_tat, Fairymoon, Misty & Isa, and a special tribute to Misty in drag since she didn't get to make it to perform! Thursday night, Goose/Gander, Drade, Jenna, Lord Slayer/Goddess Adara, Freddie & I built a fire in the pit and sat around under the stars chatting and having a great time! We all got to see what kind of undies Jenna was wearing (A silver fuzzy g-string!) and I got to see up close and personal her boobies! (Well her top was buttoned wrong and I went to fix it and I flashed her! It embarrassed me just as much as it did her!) LOL Friday was the big arrival time for most of the group. By that time the stage was set, the house ready... cleaned, decorated and all was good, except that we had NO hot water! (Goose and Gander were the only ones to get a nice hot shower the whole weekend!) LOL... At least we didn't have to worry about people taking to long in the shower! LOL The first to arrive was Plato, then slowly carload by carload the rest poured in. It wasn't long before the house was full and the party had begun! We spent Friday night sitting around chatting, some inside the house, some around the fire. Rerun showed us her technique for taking 4 marshmallows off the stick at once with her mouth! Of course she kept taking out her boobs, showing off her new nipple rings! LOL... Worry/Boo and RErun took first dibs on the bed and they chose the smallest bed in the house! (Not all 3 of them in the same bed of course, RErun slept on the floor at worry's side! LOL) I have never laughed so hard as I did that night watching Worry try and climb up on that bed and situate herself without falling out of bed! LOL... I didn't hear any THUMPS in the middle of the night, so I guess she didn't fall out! Although, I think they did have a farting contest Saturday night! (Watch out Sea and Red, I think you've got some competition! LOL) Saturday morning Boo69 and Beth made breakfast for everyone! Eggs, bacon and Ashlee buttered everyone's toast for them! It wasn't long before the kids were asking to go swimming in the lake. (Freddie went swimming Monday and he said ya'll were crazy saying that water wasn't that cold. You should've seen him jump around and yell.) Freddie fixed hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch and the rest of the afternoon was spent just sitting around talking and really getting to know one another a little better. THE COMITTMENT CEREMONY OF FREDDIE AND I - The ceremony took place on the side of the house with the stage backdrop as the background. In the center of the stage was a table with a gold lame` tablecloth and our white unity candle with two individual candles on either side. Off to one side of the stage was a big bouquet of fresh cut purple and yellow gladiolas and purple lilacs from the yard. On either side of the end of the stage were two lit tiki torches in potted plants. RE was the officiator for the ceremony. She and Goose entered from the stage door and took their places as Freddie and I was escorted around the house from the front porch by Shymom, with little Andrew as the ring bearer swinging the pillow with the rings on it. Freddie wore a white shirt with pleats down the front, with black pants and I had on a matching dark green shirt with green pants. We had written our own vows to exchange with one another. I wasn't nervous until it hit me during reading my vows to Freddie and I got a little choked up, making it hard to get though the rest of it! He wouldn't look me in the eyes while reading his because he also got a little choked up and knew if he looked over and saw the tear that was rolling down my cheek as he read, he wouldn't make it through the rest of it! RE read the poem "From Heart to Heart" (Which is printed in the poetry corner this week.) The song "ANGEL" was played while we lit the unity candle. Two separate hearts becoming as one through the symbolism of two candles being lit, lighting the unity candle as a symbol of becoming as one. The rings were exchanged, symbolizing the unity of a complete circle joined as one, just as we are now joined as one. RE then announced that we were joined as one in the sight of our friends and family of the Pink Triangle and we could kiss our life's partner. She then presented us before our friends and loved ones as a couple now joined as one! Following the ceremony was a splendid dinner prepared by Gander (and company) which, from what I understand was absolutely wonderful. (I didn't get any of it because I was getting ready for the show and SOMEONE forgot to save me some! Not mentioning any names FreddieB! LOL) I could hear through the window though that everyone was having a good time and seemed to really enjoy it! THE PINK EXTRAVAGANZA - After dinner was the drag show, and let me tell ya... you should've seen what was going on backstage trying to get ready! Goosarella - "Barbie girl" was trying to decide what to wear and match her eye makeup and accessories, while Lola (Gander), who wasn't going to perform, decided she just had to get in on the excitement! Both gals (and I use that term very loosely) were a smashing success! Goosarella even got a request for an encore! (I think it was because she kept flashing everyone her dooter! LOL) Daniel Ford (aka PLR) makes up to be a pretty hot looking man. If only I had had a little more time with him back stage, I might've gotten lucky! Now that's a twist, a lesbian in drag as a man and a gay man in drag as a woman hitting on one another! (LOL) Seriously, she does a great job, and if you ever get the chance to see her, you really should, she gives a great performance! The kids also got into the act during the show. Jamie (Beth's girl) and Goddess Adara sang Reba's "Does he love you", and "Little Ricky", (Michael, Boo69's son) did Ricky Martin's "Living the Vida Loca". Cheryl and Jen, with a special appearance by Jason (Shymom's step-son) did Back street boys "Everybody". It appeared as though "Lady Erica" (Ali in drag, brought out of retirement) was a major hit with the lesbians! I thought Ashlee was going to drop to her knees to pick up her mouth, it was open so wide! LOL It sure was a lot of fun, but Misty... I don't know how you do it week after week! I admire your persistence and also you're performing abilities! It's definitely a lot of hard work and takes determination to pull it off! (Not to mention lots and lots of money and imagination!) Needless to say, the show was cut short, due to an unexpected visitor! Yes... the state trooper boys paid a visit to your PT reunion group! Then you should've heard several of the neighbors around us. You could hear them yelling and screaming about how rude and inconsiderate we were, and that they had children! (Well honey's.... it wasn't even midnight yet... and a holiday weekend to boot! Those kids should've been allowed to stay up a little later on a holiday Saturday night!) Personally, I think they were just jealous because they were not invited! LOL Sunday, we had the first annual PT wet T-shirt contest! The contestants running for the title of PT Queen (Perky Tits) were: Ashlee, Boo69, Beth, Mandy (Shymom's daughter) Jamie, and lil bits (Jen) (Boo69 & Beth's daughter's). After getting completely soaked with ice cold water... Ashlee and Boo69 quickly shed their shirts and attacked poor Ali, pressing their wet boobies against me, getting me soaking wet! (Although I didn't mind too much! LOL) RErun had a hard decision of who was going to be crowned the first PT Queen, and it was a close call... but Boo69 now has the title of the PT Queen! (Ask to see the pictures!) The rest of the afternoon was spent just sitting around visiting and winding things down as people were getting ready to head back home. Ashlee fired up the grill and made us all hamburgers and hot dogs for the journey home! Tears were shed as one by one the cars began pulling out of the drive. That night, I got sex chat 104 from Goose/Gander, Boo69/Beth, Freddie, Jenna & West! (The kids were outside by the fire roasting marshmallows!) The things I learned throughout this weekend, I think I could sit down and write a sex manual for gays and lesbians! LOL We discovered so much about one another... middle names (although I promised I wouldn't mention any of them)... sexual fantasies and what turns us on, to where the strangest places we had encountered sex! LOL Boo69/Beth and the kids left out early Monday morning, after Freddie and I had left to take Jenna and West to the airport, and Goddess Adara and Lord Slayer back home! All that was left was Freddie & I, Goose and Gander, which brings me full circle to the beginning of this summary of the weekend! As I stated during the show Saturday night.... ya'll in PT just do not know what everyone in the room mean to Freddie and I, and we are so pleased with this past weekend and it's success! We Love ya Family! FreddieB & Ali PS. Sorry if this was long and boring, but I wanted to try and paint the picture so that as you read it, you would feel like you were a part of the events also! ____________________________________________________________ LETTERS TO THE EDITORS [email protected] __________________ Send your letters to the editors to: [email protected] 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 everyone, I hope those who make it have an awesome time at the reunion. I haven't been tired of hearing about the plans in the PT News. But I don't like being told there is no excuse for my not being there. You say you understand that money is tight, but do you really understand? When money is tight, it means there is no room for savings, not even 6 months ahead, ok? I'm a little jealous of those who will get to meet each other. Have a lovely time. I did want to say one more thing. It is an issue that has been batted about - maybe too much lately. But it keeps causing bad feelings in our room. Please, please, please, please, please, (is that enough times?) if Chuckie bothers you, please just ignore him! If others have ignored him, please don't report on what he may be saying- please! This has come between some of us. I think of us as a family, and it seems to be even more true than not lately. In every family there are people you don't care for, or don't want to be in the same room with. It seems it's getting to be that way in Pink Triangle. I think we can live with it if we don't try to rile each other up. I guess I said the wrong thing (for someone) the other night. I got balled out in IM. I wanted to fight back, but decided that it would not accomplish anything. Let's all be this careful about each other's feelings, ok? I for one am not going to let a little piss-ant, emotionally wounded snert ruin the room for me or come between me and my family. I love you all (even the snert a little,) Tenordan _____________ Ali's notes: Since the money issue has been expressed, I feel it necessary to clue everyone in on just what it took to make the reunion actually a reality! Yes ten, I DO understand about money being tight! I haven't worked in a month, because I knew if I got a job, I would more than likely not get the time off work to attend the reunion! I have more bills than I care to think about... that without Freddie's help would not be able to stay afloat! We are by no means wealthy, but live comfortably. What I meant by saying about excuses was that we gave ample time for people to prepare ahead of time to save up a little at a time to make it to the reunion. It wasn't like we sprang this event on everyone all of a sudden. We figured even $5 (or less) a week set aside would've paid for the airfare to the reunion. We asked for nothing but contributions for this event. We wanted everyone that was able to attend to feel welcome, without feeling obligated for helping foot the majority of cost for food, drinks, decorations, set up, and the essential things needed for the large amount that was expected. We took that responsibility on ourselves, which... when it is now all said and done cost us approximately $4,000 + including our airfare, car rental and the tent rental. We saved most people a great deal of money in lodging by housing everyone there at the cottage. Now please don't think either of us are complaining about how much it cost us to provide a wonderful weekend for everyone, or I am writing this to get sympathy. I am merely pointing out that it is most definitely not cheap to host an event such as this for 30 people. The only reason we did this was because we care a great deal about the people we chat with on a daily basis within the room, and had such a wonderful time last year when we met Worry, Goose & Gander, Shymom and family, Ashlee and Jade that we felt it was something that was worth putting together and hosting! _____________ Hi ya,all - Let me first start by saluting Ali and Freddie on the PT Reunion, and a job well done... 3 cheers to you guys. You made it happen... without all of the Love and Hard Work you put into it, it would never have been, and for that I want to Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys are so damn cute. I am a very lucky person to have you to call my friends and family... Congratulations on your wedding, it was without a doubt just beautiful. I know you will make one another so happy. We will cherish the memories of the reunion and all the special moments for as long as we live. I can't wait for next year already. Well our ReRe just left bout an hour ago, lots of tears came with that she has been here for about 6 weeks or more she undoubtedly is part of our family. She will be back in a couple of weeks we are kinda hoping she spends most of the summer with us. What we have to remember is re re has a life in Indiana and I guess we have to share her with her kids and that life. We love you re re and we miss you already! I have never laughed as much in my whole life as I did last weekend! I still have sore ribs. I guess one of the highlights was when re re and I both peed our pants on the trip home. All we were doing was laughing about the fun things that happened at the reunion, we had to stop at a laundry mat clean up and change. The best part is that it happened 2 times, yup we peed ourselves 2 times and no matter how hard I tried not to laugh I just couldn't stop. As you all know my Boo is not well at the moment, and she was not well last weekend. I offered for us to stay home from the reunion but you know she just wouldn't hear of it. We had been looking forward to it for so long that there was no way she was gonna miss it or let me miss it! Isn't she just the sweetest? We also want to congratulate the geese on tying the knot and thank you for letting us be there to watch you join your lives. I hope and wish you only happiness forever. We are gonna miss you when you fly the coop you know, even though we don't spend lots of time together it was always kinda neat to know you weren't all that far away. Love you guys be safe and best of luck to you. Well I guess I should end this, there are so many things to tell about the reunion but I'm sure Freddie and Ali will get it all in the paper. Oh and from what I hear a few of us are going to be selling video of the event the proceeds to go to Freddie and Ali, towards the costs... Once again thank you Freddie and Chris, I only hope you know how special you are to us we love you. Old Worry & her Boo ______________ Ali's notes: Old WorryWart and Boo Boo.... Freddie and I both love you two also, and BooBoo... get well soon ok, so ya'll can make a trip to FL to visit us? _____________________________________________________________ "ROUND 'EM UP" - THE NEWBIE CORNER (PT Recruiter�RE__) Let's take a moment to get to know our new folks that have joined our list of recipients for the PT News! Well folks, RErun is on her way home from Worrywarts... so I am filling in for her again this week until she gets back in the swing of things! We have a few new folks to introduce to you this week as new recipients to the PT News! I know I am not doing RE's corner justice as she gets personal and informative with the folks she visits with and introduces to us. However, at least you will know who they are and will maybe make a special attempt to send them a warm greeting of welcome when you see them in the room! ________ creeper Nicole Dawn -Anh ________ Welcome folks to the PT News! If you would like to submit something about yourselves, as an introduction... please feel free to send to [email protected] Filling in for RE, Ali _____________________________________________________________ TECH TIPS and CYBER NEWS [email protected] (Techmaster) TECH TIP _____________ 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/ ____________________ WARNING!!! (Submitted by Dummies) If you receive an email titled "It Takes Guts to Say Jesus", DO NOT OPEN IT!!! It will erase everything on your hard drive!!!! This information was announced yesterday morning from IBM. AOL 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 and Microsoft Internet Explorer. It destroys Macintosh and IBM compatible computers. This is a new, very dangerous virus and not many people know about it. Pass this warning along to everyone on your address book and please share it with all your 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. ____________________ TECH FUNNIES (Submitted by Maxam) Customer in computer shop: "Can you copy the Internet onto this disk for me?" _____________________________________________________________ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!! ______________________ PT [email protected] (Alladdinn) ______ Howdy Birthday Guys and Gals! Let's take a quick look at last week's PT Birthday's for the week ending May 30, and June 4,1999, since there was no PT News last week! youel......���. May 25 TennGirl41��.. May 30 Taw.................... May 31 Wes�����. 04 June Happy Birthday ya'll... I hope your day was just as grand as ya'll are, and full of joy and happiness! _____________________ Here are the PT Birthday's for the week ending June 11, 1999. Jem.................. June 07 _____________________ Here are the PT Birthday's for the month of June! Wes�����. June 04 Jem................... June 07 catbowl���� June 14 Cheryl (PT Mom's daughter) June 14 xxmarryxx ....�. June 16 Screwdriver18.... June 17 WickedLove...... June 18 Goldie......��� June 20 Chickadee.....�. June 21 Thatgirl.............. June 27 bluetulip1....�� June 29 ____________________ That's our Birthdays for last week, as well as our upcoming birthdays for the month of May. I hope everyone is enjoying their Birthday greetings, and if anyone would be interested in having the Birthday Horoscopes return to the paper, please let me know! Until next week's list of Birthday guys and gals... Much 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 [email protected] and I will add it to my list of Bday Guys and Gals! _____________________________________________________________ THIS WEEK'S FEATURE STORIES FROM OUR FAMILY MEMBERS _____________ Hey Pinkies, This has always bugged me that our community has let Coors back into our bars. Here is an article from The Slant a SF based paper www.theslant.org which tells the truth about Coors and Coors money. I hope this will change a few minds of their beer of choose. TAW_the_AVENGER _____________________________________________________________ COORS And Our Community: Dating the Enemy by Bob Doyle Since the mid seventies the Queer community and the COORS Corporation and Coors family have done a strange dance around the issue of whether COORS is our friend or our enemy. Our community has, and still does, boycott COORS beer. COORS has and still does support conservative politicians and the COORS family members contribute heavily to antigay organizations like Promise Keepers, the Heritage Foundation and the ultra-conservative American Legislative Exchange Counsel to name three of the many who receive Coors funding. The solid support for the COORS boycott has weakened over the last few years. More Queer groups are accepting COORS money for programs and pride events. The latest and possibly biggest break with the boycott came with the solicitation and acceptance of $110,000.00 by GLAAD from COORS to sponsor a workplace diversity-training program something outside the scope of GLAAD's area of expertise. While GLAAD refuses to return the donation, let alone discuss the donation with the media or the community, the boycott committee is turning up the heat on GLAAD and other groups tempted by COORS dollars. It is clear that our community has reached a point that we need to decide how we define our friends and our enemies and to what extent we can agree to disagree on whom is who. If the last few months of fighting between GLAAD and the boycott committee or the bitter feelings generated by the West Hollywood on and now off endorsement of COORS as a Gay friendly corporation is any indication we have miles to go before we find a solution. HISTORY OF THE BOYCOTT The COORS boycott grew out of frustrations with the anti-union, antigay and open hostility to minorities exhibited by many of the heirs to the Adolph Coors Brewing Company. In 1975 Morris Kight, longtime Gay Rights activist and community leader had joined with others to boycott Coors for their support of right-wing causes. By 1977 the AFL-CIO was officially boycotting the brewery for maintaining an oppressive work environment where workers were subjected to lie detectors, questions about their sexual orientation and political beliefs. COORS could hardly afford more bad publicity. Yet in 1984 William Coors' speech to a minority business group enraged many present with remarks like "one of the best things they (slave traders) did for you is to drag your ancestors here in chains." He went on to state that the failings in the economy of Zimbabwe were due to black Africans "lack of intellectual capacity that has got to be there." The boycott hit COORS just as the corporation was expanding into new markets in an attempt to become a national brewery. Clearly open hostility to queers, working people and minorities had to cease to be successful in a diverse market. Millions of dollars were pledged to minority communities in an attempt to appease understandably angry Blacks and Latinos. A 1985 Los Angeles Times story stated that COORS had earmarked 350 million dollars for the Latino community. Within weeks leaders of the Latino community denounced the pledge as a sham and an attempt to buy off their community. After years of union busting and firing employees who were viewed as pro-union, an uneasy peace was made with Labor. Midway through the nineteen-eighties an agreement between the AFL-CIO and Coors was reached in which the company agreed to stop union busting and harassing employees. QUEERS AND COORS: SOFTENING US UP Possibly the most effective boycott was that by the Queer community. Few if any bars sold Coors and advertising was refused in most if not all Queer papers. As early as 1977, the Coors Company began a marketing campaign to change its image in the Queer community or, at a minimum, divide the queer community. One of the first bits of misinformation, came in the form of an unsigned letter from Joseph Coors to Advocate publisher David Goodstein, stating that: "The Adolph Coors Company, Adolph Coors Foundation or members of the Coors family have not contributed either financially or in any other manner to anti-gay rights campaigns or organizations." This statement was echoed twenty years later in March of 1997, when a spokesperson said, "homosexuality and abortion are two issues on which the (Adolph Coors) foundation maintains a rigid posture of neutrality." Even though COORS claims it is neutral on queer issues, during the twenty years between these statements millions of dollars were donated by Coors family members and the brewery's political action committee to anti-gay conservative politicians, national and state based right wing think tanks and organizations that supported the anti-gay initiatives in Oregon, Colorado and Maine. Money has gone to fight same sex marriage in Hawaii and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act ballot initiative in Washington State. COORS CORPORATE POLICIES: IGNORE THE FAMILY BEHIND THE CURTAIN DOROTHY Coors Brewery does have what can be characterized as one of the broadest domestic partner benefits offered by corporations. The other two major national breweries do not offer such benefits at this time although over 600 US corporations do. The presence of a gay employee group enhances the image of being a tolerant employer and not the monster of the 1970's. I attempted to contact the group to discuss working conditions and their views on the boycott and COORS but the brewery representative I spoke with failed to call back with information on how to contact them. Coors has named Mary Cheney as corporate liaison to the queer community. But Coors has liaisons to the Hispanic, Native American, Jewish and Asian communities as part of their marketing strategy making Mary's appointment a bit less remarkable. Ms. Cheney insists that the Coors Corporation and associated foundations do not support anti-gay causes. She did admit that Coors has never supported any queer causes such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act or Domestic Partner benefits legislation either. She stated that she thought Coors had taken a position in favor of legislation in California, Assembly Bill 101, but she could not recall what the bill was for or when the bill was introduced and whether or not it had anything to do with queer rights. Ms. Cheney acknowledged that the Coors Brewery PAC known as PACE contributes primarily to Republicans and was able to identify just one Democrat that that PAC had contributed to. No gay politicians received money from Coors. The bulk of the contributions from the company PAC went to Republicans who opposed ENDA and in the case of Senator Bob Smith of New Hampshire opposed funding the Ryan White Act. Ms. Cheney says that being pro or anti-gay has nothing to do with Coors political contributions. All donations are based on how politicians score on the beer index. Ms. Cheney did not choose to reveal what factors make up the beer index. CORPORATE SCHIZOPHRENIA? People for the American Way characterized Coors courting of the queer community as merely an attempt to sell beer in a specific market and that fundamental attitudes at Coors and within the family have not changed. The Human Rights Campaign, Pride at Work, and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force characterize Coors as an anti-gay corporation and would refuse to accept money from them. But both HRC and NGLTF refused to comment on GLAAD's decision to take COORS money. This is not a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing. COORS is pursuing a marketing strategy targeting all minority groups. The corporation made a good business decision in providing, in a very public way, domestic partner benefits and an employee group for queers. Money from the marketing budget flows out to sponsor Pride celebrations, events at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Center, and donations to GLAAD; but the bulk of the families money goes to fight us. On the surface it appears that all has changed at the brewery nothing has changed with the Coors family. WHO OWNS COORS? A number of gay groups have justified taking COORS money saying that the stock is openly traded and the family is not directly involved in the brewery. This is only partially correct. It is true anyone can buy shares of COORS stock; thus there is a multitude of shareholders but the most important class of stock, the voting stock is completely controlled by the Coors family members. You may get a dividend, but they make all the decisions. Research done by Project Tocsin, which monitors right-wing groups, established that four of the Coors family members are either board members, chairs of the brewery or various foundations that do the most damaging donating. Several of the family serve on the boards or are members of right wing hate groups. HIDING BEHIND A PAPER WALL In 1994 the Coors family spun off the Castle Rock Foundation from the existing Adolph Coors Foundation. The rationale was that Castle Rock would be allowed to make donations to groups outside of Colorado, something the family claims the existing foundation could not do. Castle Rock's board is composed of Coors family members with the exception of their minister. Jerry Sloan of Project Tocsin believes Castle Rock is merely an attempt to remove the Coors name another step back from the family's ongoing support for anti-gay hate groups. It is important to note that both foundations rely on stock in the brewery and investments from their profits to do their work. Beer money is paying for hate. Castle Rock's contributions have gone to some of the most right-wing groups who focus in large part on attacking gays and lesbians. First Things, a conservative religious publication, has in recent years received funding from Castle Rock. First Things has made a point of advocating the heterosexual life style against the inroads of the gay agenda. Another recipient of Castle Rock support is The Leadership Institute. This group goes to college campuses and provides training for budding right-wing college students and assists them with making the connections needed after college. Young American Foundation, which brings anti-gay speakers to college campuses also, receives the support of Castle Rock and thus the Coors family. PLEASE PASS THE IRONY What is most ironic in GLAAD accepting money from COORS is that several of the groups that the foundations and family donate to or serve on their boards are working against GLAAD's fundamental purpose of ensuring that we are treated fairly in the media. These groups include the Media Research Center, which monitors television programs to determine whether they are family friendly. MRC has attacked shows like Roseanne and Friends for portraying gays in a positive manner and promoting the gay lifestyle. GLAAD has also come on board in the fight against same sex marriage. The Institute for American Values and the Independence Institute receive support from Castle Rock and the Coors family. Both Institutes work to defeat same sex marriage efforts and support state by state Defense of Marriage Acts and oppose anti-discrimination protection for gays. The Independence Institute has alleged that anti-discrimination laws would lead to transvestite teachers causing emotional harm to schoolchildren. Castle Rock and the Coors family members have continued their long commitment to the Heritage Foundation and the Free Congress Foundation. At a recent debate, Mary Cheney, gay liaison for COORS, agreed with a questioner that the Heritage Foundation is a hate group. Money and ideas from these two groups have gone to support anti-gay measures in Oregon, Colorado and Maine. Recently money went to fund an amicus brief in the Hawaii court case that will determine whether or not gays can marry. Clearly the brief was not written supporting such unions. Coors family donations have gone to support Accuracy in the Media another group that attacks positive portrayals of gays in the media and again an indirect attack on GLAAD. COORS' long history of support of the right has earned COORS and its associated industries and foundations a place on People for the American Way's list of the top five supporters of right-wing causes in America. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force declared COORS to be "not gay friendly" -- a position NGLTF maintains to this day. ___________________________________________________________ NEXT ISSUE: Why did GLAAD go after COORS dirty money and why did they refuse to discuss the donation until January of this year? Is GLAAD now defending COORS against our community or covering up because they realize they were taken? Is it time to BOYCOTT GLAAD until they come clean and return the money? c 1999 THE SLANT ON LINE, Marin County, California / www.theslant.org _____________________________________________________________ "A Screen name becomes the Alter ego for some of us!" ____________________ SCREEN NAMES [email protected] If you'd like to share how you chose your screen name, please feel free to send in to: [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ ATTENTION PLEASE�I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE!!! ______________________________________ Just a little note to let you all know and remind you That Misty and Isa have a site that is regularly updated with all the pics from the shows each month. Please feel free to browse the pages of the gallery and let us know what you think! You can find it at: www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Chelsea/5977 That's all for now, till next we chat Isa!! *kiss* *hug* ____________________________________________________________ ENTERTAINMENT _______ Subject: It's that time again... The 1999 Darwin Awards! (Submitted by denarius0 Below are the 1999 Darwin Award Top Nominees and Winner (all events occurred in 1998). For those of you not familiar with the Darwin Awards, they commemorate individuals who protect our gene pool by making the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives. Darwin Award winners eliminate themselves in an extraordinarily idiotic manner, thereby improving our species' chances of long-term survival. The Darwin Award Nominees for 1999 are: 1 - LOS ANGELES, CA. Ani Saluki, 33, and his brother decided to remove a bees nest from a shed on their property with the aid of a pineapple. A pineapple is an illegal firecracker which is the explosive equivalent of one half stick of dynamite. They ignited the fuse and retreated to watch from inside their home, behind a window some 10 feet away from the hive/shed. The concussion of the explosion shattered the window inwards, seriously lacerating Ani. Deciding Mr. Saluki needed stitches, the brothers headed out to go to a nearby hospital. While walking towards their car, Ani was stung three times by the surviving bees. Unbeknownst to either brother, Ani was allergic to bee venom, and died of Suffocation en-route to the hospital. 2 - Derrick L. Richards, 28, was charged in April in Minneapolis with third-degree murder in the death of his beloved cousin, Kenneth E. Richards. According to police, Derrick suggested a game of Russian Roulette and put a semi-automatic pistol (instead of the more traditional revolver) to Ken's head and fired. 3 - PHILLIPSBURG, NJ. An unidentified 29-year old male choked to death on a sequined pastie he had orally removed from an exotic dancer at a local establishment. "I didn't think he was going to eat it," the dancer identified only as "Ginger" said, adding "He was really drunk." 4 - In February, according to police in WINDSOR, ONT., Daniel Kolta, 27, and Randy Taylor, 33, died in a head-on collision, thus earning a tie in the game of chicken they were playing with their snowmobiles. 5 - MOSCOW, Russia - A drunk security man asked a colleague at the Moscow bank they were guarding to stab his bulletproof vest to see if it would protect him against a knife attack. It didn't, and the 25-year-old guard died of a heart wound. (It's good to see the Russians getting into the spirit of the Darwin Awards.) 6 - In FRANCE, Jacques LeFevrier left nothing to chance when he decided to commit suicide. He stood at the top of a tall cliff and tied a noose around his neck. He tied the other end of the rope to a large rock. He drank some poison and set fire to his clothes. He even tried to shoot himself at the last moment. He jumped and fired the pistol. The bullet missed him completely and cut through the rope above him. Free of the threat of hanging, he plunged into the sea. The sudden dunking extinguished the flames and made him vomit the poison. He was dragged out of the water by a kind fisherman and was taken to a hospital, where he died of hypothermia. 7 - RENTON, WASHINGTON. A Renton, Washington man tried to commit a robbery. This was probably his first attempt, as suggested by the fact that he had no previous record of violent crime, and by his terminally stupid choices as listed: 1. The target was H&J Leather & Firearms, a gun shop. 2. The shop was full of customers, in a state where a substantial portion of the adult population is licensed to carry concealed handguns in public places. 3. To enter the shop, he had to step around a marked Police patrol car parked at the front door. 4. An officer in uniform was standing next to the counter, having coffee before reporting to duty. Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a hold-up and fired a few wild shots. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, removing him from the gene pool. Several other customers also drew their guns, but didn't fire. No one else was hurt. AND THE 1998 DARWIN AWARD WINNER IS... THOMPSON, MANITOBA,CANADA. Telephone relay company night watchman Edward Baker, 31, was killed early Christmas morning by excessive microwave radiation exposure. He was apparently attempting to keep warm next to a telecommunications feedhorn. Baker had been suspended on a safety violation once last year, according to Northern Manitoba Signal Relay spokesperson Tanya Cooke. She noted that Baker's earlier infraction was for defeating a safety shut-off switch and entering a restricted maintenance catwalk in order to stand in front of the microwave dish. He had told co-workers that it was the only way he could stay warm during his twelve-hour shift at the station, where winter temperatures often dip to forty below zero. Microwaves can heat water molecules within human tissue in the same way that they heat food in microwave ovens. For his Christmas shift, Baker reportedly brought a twelve pack of beer and a plastic lawn chair, which he positioned directly in line with the strongest microwave beam. Baker had not been told about a tenfold boost in microwave power planned that night to handle the anticipated increase in holiday long-distance calling traffic. Baker's body was discovered by the daytime watchman, John Burns, who was greeted by an odor he mistook for a Christmas roast he thought Baker must have prepared as a surprise. Burns also reported to NMSR company officials that Baker's unfinished beers had exploded. Let's all thank these people for their sacrifice and hope that any offspring they may have propagated get the better part of their genes from the other parent. __________________________ " TAT'S TIDBIT'S " A weekly Entertainment Column (Submitted by Mamma_Tat) The other day I was pondering on what to do for the PT News. I knew I wanted to be a regular contributor to the phenomenon that Laddy and Freddie put out every week, but I wasn't sure what to do. I scanned through back issues of the paper to give me some ideas on what kind of articles there were (and in this case weren't) there. I came to realize that no one had done a weekly entertainment report. VIOLA`!!!!!!!!!!! I had myself an outlet for all this pent up energy. This first issue is going to be a bit muddled, as I haven't perfected the layout of the column. But I hope you will find it entertaining, insightful, and funny. This is a summary of what you will see each week. And if anyone has anything to add or if you just want to tell me how wonderful I am.. LOL... you can e-mail me at [email protected]. � Box Office Top 10 � Billboard's Top 10 Singles � Billboard's Top 10 Music CD's � Amazon.com's Top 10 Best Sellers � The " OH PUH-LEEEEEZE" Of The week � Celebrity News The Weekly "Blowhard" (This requires participation from you guys) (It won't be in that exact order, but at least ya know what you're in for.) "Celebrity News: Livin' La Vida Loca !!!" (Associated press release) While sizzling singing sensation RICKY MARTIN may be making women weak in the knees, he tells the upcoming (June 5) TV Guide he's not completely comfortable with his sex symbol status. "The other day I was talking to GLORIA ESTEFAN, "says Martin." She asked how I felt about being labeled a sex symbol. I said, I'm a little confused, because I don't know how to react to it,' and she goes,' Don't give me that! You are Latin, buddy. You are sexual" He does admit a fondness for swiveling his hips. " I love to do hips," says Martin, who cheerfully demonstrates." But let's be honest, that goes back to my culture. When you dance salsa, or samba, it's all in the hips." As he tries to sort out his image, Martin is also on a spiritual quest and says he admires his friend, the music goddess MADONNA, for her spiritual interests. "Spirituality is her priority, period. I respect her for many things, but especially for that," says Martin. To date Martin has explored Roman Catholicism, Church of Scientology, Judiasm, Hinduism, and, currently, Buddhism. These days he wears Buddhist Mala beads, practices Siddha yoga and talks of a recent, fulfilling trip to India. " I will always search," he says. And one thing is for certain, the women will always be searching out this scorching new superstar --whether he is comfortable or not! "Let's Go To The Movies" (Box office grosses for the May 28 - 31) MOVIE THIS WK LAST WK GROSS Star Wars (episode1) 64.8 million 64.8 million 205 million Notting Hill 27.8 million new 27.8 million The Mummy 12.7 million 13.8 million 117.1 million Entrapment 6.2 million 6.3 million 68.6 million The Thirteenth Floor 4.3 million new 4.3 million The Matrix 3.1 million 2.8 million 154.1 million A Midsummer's Night Dream 2.0 million 2.6 million 11.3 million Never Been Kissed 2.0 million 1.7 million 52.0 million Life 1.4 million 1.5 million 59.5 million Election 1.3 million 1.4 million 11.1 million "BILLBOARD'S TOP 10 SINGLES" (song title and artist only) Song______________Artist__________ This wk___Last wk___Wks on Chart If you had my love.... Jennifer Lopez.........1..................2.....................5 Livin' La Vida Loca....Ricky Martin.............2..................1.....................9 No Scrubs.................TLC..........................3...................3...................17 Fortunate..................Maxwell....................4....................4..................10 Where My Girl's At?..702..........................5....................6....................7 Kiss me ..........Sixpence none the richer...6....................5.................19 That Don't Impress Me...Shania Twain.....7....................8.................19 "80"...........................Blaque.....................8...................10...................9 Who Dat?.................JT Money F/ Sole.....9...................7....................8 Chante's got a man...Chante Moore.......10.................11.....................5 "TOP 10 MUSIC CD'S" CD TITLE_______ARTIST__________THIS WEEK_______LAST WEEK Millenium.........Backstreet Boys....................1...............................N/A Ricky Martin.......Ricky Martin........................2................................1 Baby one more time....Britney Spears...........3................................6 Fanmail...................TLC ..................................4...............................3 Star Wars sdtrk.........N/A................................5.................................8 Come on over.......Shania Twain.....................6...............................5 No Limit Topp Dogg...Snoop Dogg..................7...............................2 Beach house on the moon...Jimmy Buffet.......8.............................N/A Ruff Ryders...........Various...............................9................................7 In our lifetime......Eightball & MJG..................10.............................N/A "READ A BOOK, EXPAND YOUR MIND" (Amazon.com's top 10 list) 1:) "Hannibal" by Thomas Harris 2:) "Body For Life: 12 Weeks to Mental and Physical Fitness Forever" by Bill Phillips 3:) "Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling & Mary Grandpre 4:) "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch 5:) "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling & Mary Grandpre 6:) "The Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw 7:) "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson 8:) "Memoirs of Geisha" by Arthur S. Golden 9:) "Fencing master" by Arturo Perez-Reverte, et al 10:) "The Pilot's Wife" by Anita Shreve "OH PUH-LEEEEEEEEEEZE !!!!!!!!" This week's "OH PUH-LEEEEEEEEZE" award goes to LeAnne Rhimes for this self-promoting comment, "I am a diva in the making!" HONEY !!!!!!!!!! (Y'all say it with me) OH PUH-LEEEEEEEEEEZE !!!!!!!! I give you four more years before you are naked in Penthouse and higher than a kite on crack cocaine. Who does this girl think she is? Country's answer to Aretha Franklin? *I'm gagging Miss Thing*. Now Aretha is a woman that deserves some R-E-S-P-E-C-T !!!!!!!! Two snaps in a circle girlfriend *snap snap* get a clue LeAnne !!!! Put away the Versace threads and go play with your Barbie's. "WEEKLY BLOWHARD" (This idea was stolen right from MTV... someone pass me a brochure on copyright laws. LOL!!) This is an interactive column that needs help from you chatters. Got a beef? Or do you just need to whine? This is the place to do it. It doesn't matter what you feel like bitching about, or who you feel like bitching about for that matter. Send in your beefs to [email protected] by 6:00 EST the day before delivery and I will be sure it makes it into the column. Thanks for your support. Seeing this is a new column I will have to be the blowhard this week... OY !!! The things I have to do to get your attention...LOL !!! (And please.. typing in capital letters in encouraged for this column : remember , you are supposed to be mad.) Wanna know what I hate? Of course you do... LOL !!! I hate it when you go to McDonald's and place your order and after you are done the dumb ass behind the counter says," Want an apple pie with that?" Now if I wanted one wouldn't I have said that I did? I think it is blatantly obvious that if I didn't ask for the damn thing I didn't want it in the first place. This is another thing that gets me: You order a 20 pack of McNuggets and you get maybe 1 or 2 sauces with it, but if you order a 6 piece or 9 piece, HOLY SHIT!!!!!!! You get a sauce for each McNugget and then some. Do the math people. I think it is a conspiracy cleverly concocted to drive us innocent folk who just want enough sauce for our chicken McNuggets, CRAZY !!!!!!!! Damn chicken nazi's. There you have it people !!! My weekly submission for the PTNews. I hope y'all enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing and researching it (yes this required research.. *S*) Until next week kiddies... Your Mamma ____________________ Subject: Top Ten Star Wars (Submitted by Denarius) Guys, As it's been a while since I sent anything, I thought that with all the hype of the new Star Wars movie, this might be amusing. The Top 15 "Star Wars" Euphemisms for Masturbation 15 Shooting Womprats in Beggar's Canyon 14 Grooming the Wookie 13 Making the Kessel Run 12 Polishing Vader's Helmet 11 Evacuating Tatooine 10 Unsheathing the Meatsaber 9 Releasing the Special Edition 8 Jumping to Delight Speed 7 Communicating with Red Leader One 6 Lightsaber Practice with Captain Solo 5 Tinkering With the R2 Unit 4 Manually Targeting the Rebel Base 3 Performing the Jedi Hand Trick 2 Scratching Yoda Behind the Ears And Topfive.com's Number 1 "Star Wars" Euphemism for Masturbation... 1 Test Firing the Death Star ____________________________________________________________ BIOS BIOS BIOS BIOS BIOS BIOS [email protected] _________________________ 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 _____________ Hello one and all...let me take a formal moment to introduce myself to you... my name is dawn.... known lovingly (and loathingly somewhere I'm sure) as PLR_BEAR. I got that name cause it gets cold in MI (PLR) and I'm just a big old cuddly teddy(BEAR). I was originally in pink triangle as teddibear but when I downloaded I decided to start fresh. I was in pink also before but I had to leave for a long time due to the break up I had with my ex of almost two years... I could not face any questions and advice even though it probably would have helped. Eventually I came back and was greeted and to my ever-loving surprise remembered by all those who were here when I had gone. I even made some new friends who I hold very close to my heart and consider them my family. You see, when I broke up with my ex... I wanted to kill myself... now I know what is going through your minds... that would have been dumb and I agree, but I was beyond devastated and destroyed... it seemed like the thing to do, but then I came back home to pink triangle, and thankfully those thoughts disappeared. To tell you things you may already know, I am 27, work for ford motor co. as a window installer for over two years. I also perform as a male illusionist (fancy name for drag king I say) who does comedy. I draw and read when not hacking away on this thing and my birthday is July 31st. A special thanks goes to thatgirlp (mom), SINsation, mock (or what flavor of the day) monkey, stuff2do, sweet ophelia, kumera, and last but not least semisweet for making this old bear feel at home. I also want to thank tex, alyx, mary, misty, isa, goose, gander, sea, bliss, dee, alli, freddie, ashlee, screwy, mikey, bri and sheacky for remembering who the hell I was. I am done rambling, enjoy the rest of the news. Thankfully yours... PLR_BEAR! p.s. (psst.........I hope this clears up that, "is PLR a girl?" question.....LMAO ________ Ali's notes: My deepest apologies to PLR for leaving out her BIO in the last issue of the PT News and putting her screen name in twice! ____________________ Hi, my name is Alyx, you all know me as Taws_Pet. I started out PT as Grey Kitten 3 months ago. I am 37 (born 8-4-1961) so am a Leo. I live at my job, I manage the apartment complex I live in, and live about 30 minutes north of San Francisco CA. I am a mother of two children, a son 13 and daughter 11, though my daughter lives with my mother at this time. I also have 2 cats who are just as much my kids as my kids are. I have been out since I was about 14 and in the leather community since I was 18. I was involved with a group called Samios when it was first founded. I have many hobbies, being a Jack of all Trades. I also do Native American artwork as it is something of my heritage I have a lot of pride in. I love working with my hands, whether it be gardening or working on Taw's car for her. I also love doing things with my kids any chance I get. I have been through many bad things in my life, as well as good. From what happened with my Father to watching friends and adopted family die, and not being able to do anything about it. I have had to many first hand experiences with Homophobia, watching my best friend get beat to death to protect a young innocent dyke, and yes I call myself a dyke and say it with pride. I also lost my adopted father and brother to aids and my ex husband committed suicide. Since I have seen as much as I have there have been those of you who have touched my heart. Maybe this is part of why I am willing to listen to any IM, until they try to cyber me..... I am always open to new friends as I don't think any of us ever have enough of them.I do my best to make others laugh when in PT, there is enough drama and pain in most of our lives, so a smile or laugh is a great thing to share and I do that free of charge always. I am currently seeing Taw_the_Avenger.... Have been for about 2 months now. On line as well as off line. She is my Dom in both worlds (and yes PT is a world of it's own). I love to chat, just don't cyber, and will often be found linking with friends I have made in the room. I also paint AV's, so often will be found doing that as well. I have a project I am working on for giving out roses in the colors of the rainbow hoping one night to see a room full of roses. I figure, maybe if I can get folks to do this it will be a moment the room works together. My goals in life are simple ones really, to raise my kids with open minds to what others feel, to grow old happy and knowing I made a difference for someone. I am always here to chat with folks, about anything they want. I hope to meet many more folks through time in PT, it has been a great place for me, even with the fighting.... Also if you see me and want av's painted...Well just ask I will be more than happy to do them. I enjoy doing it and it makes me happy to see others happy. Thanks for listening. Maybe now when I stand up against things that oppress us as a family unit you'll better understand. I have been there and done that and don't speak from just my mouth... I speak from my heart and my years... I love the family here more than you all may know... gained sisters and a brother, something I haven't had in some time....I care for each of you in my own way, even some of you who I have fought with (Sea being one that comes to mind, your the best sis.) However I just won't sit by and look the other way or leave when someone is being bashed for standing up for protecting our own...Just can't do that, if I did I would be no better than the people I have watched walk on us in real life....I.E., "Aids is a gay disease so we don't have to deal with it" We lost many because people looked the other way and just let it go....We shouldn't do that in what is our own space to feel safe in. Ok enough from me, I hope to chat with many more folks through my time here on line....IM me if you'd like, if I am not going crazy with other things I will always be more than happy to chat with you. Alyx-Taws_Pet _____________ Nicole Dawn I am a Pre Operative Transsexual female. I have survived Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder since 1969. I have been crippled by it, along with severe nerve damage, and physical trauma, from 1989, due to being beaten, shot, raped, and abused throughout my life, as a direct result of the hate that others have taught their children to have for me... I am esoteric in my spiritual view of life, based on the teachings of the Kybalion. I do not support, and/or recognize in any way, any religious view that has EVER used ANY form of physical violence, IN ANY WAY, in order to demonstrate its fate, or to secure it's survival, or to induce, and/or force, conversions. ... For... Religion is a *human* created ethnocentric anthropological device that humans use to politically and religiously oppress other humans. Spirituality is a *universally* created non-ethnocentric anthropological device that humans use to gain understanding and mastery of themselves, and their lives. Human created religious ethnocentric anthropological devices are not valid expressions of universally created non ethnocentric anthropological human spirituality; Because *religions* are ethnocentrically created by *humans* ... not a supreme being... Because "religion", and the principles that go along with it, are human linguistic, and theological, ethnocentric inventions ... as all of our language is created... In OUR image. In a nation where it's against the law for the government to make laws respective of religion that in every single Congressional, and Executive legislative event, that the Christian bible is used as the standard for insuring the truth... And that means that the government HAS made laws respective of religion... and thereby has violated it's own constitutional amendment. There is no religious freedom in America... Only Religious Tolerance... And there is a vast difference between the two... Freedom gives equal rights. Tolerance gives limited rights. In Germany they first came for the Communists and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me-and by that time no one was left to speak up..." Pastor Martin Niemoller I do not support, and/or recognize, any form of hate, or any form of violence as valid forms of human expression, under any circumstances... Be well ... Nicole Dawn ___________________________________________________________ A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste. ______________ Pinocchio (Submitted by Maxam) Pinocchio had a human girlfriend who would sometimes complain about splinters whenever they had sex. Pinocchio, therefore, went to Gepetto to see if he could help. Gepetto suggested he try using a little sandpaper Where ever indicated and Pinocchio skipped away enlightened. A couple of weeks later, Gepetto saw Pinocchio bouncing happily through town and asked him, "How's the girlfriend?" Pinocchio replied, "Who needs a girlfriend?" ________ Red Neck Birth Control (Submitted by Maxam) After having their 11th child, an Alabama couple decided that was enough (they could not afford a larger double-wide). So, the husband went to his doctor (who also treated mules) and told him that he and his wife/cousin didn't want to have any more children. The doctor told him that there was a procedure called a vasectomy that could fix the problem. The doctor instructed him to go home, get a cherry bomb (fireworks are legal in Alabama), light it, put it in a beer can, then hold the can up to his ear and count to 10. The Alabaman said to the doctor, "I may not be the smartest man, but I don't see how putting a cherry bomb in a beer can next to my ear is going to help me." So, the couple drove to Georgia to get a second opinion. The Georgia physician was just about to tell them about the procedure for a vasectomy when he noticed that they were from Alabama. This doctor instead told the man to go home and get a cherry bomb, light it, place it in a beer can, hold it to his ear and count to 10. Figuring that both learned physicians couldn't be wrong, the man went home, lit a cherry bomb and put it in a beer can. He held the can up his ear and began to count. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5...", at which point he paused, placed the beer can between his legs and resumed counting on his other hand. _____________________________________________________________ GAY PRIDE MONTH ___________________ June is GAY PRIDE month here in the states! If you would like to let the rest of us know about the events that are planned in your area, please feel free to send it in for us to publish throughout the month, as well as the following months for the rest of our readers outside the states! Send to [email protected] We are looking forward to hearing from you all! Alladdinn ______________________________________________________________ "WANTED, NEEDED, SEARCHING FOR, GOTTA HAVE IT, CAN'T FIND IT!" _____________________ PT CLASSIFIEDS _____________________ LOST: A medium sized yellow nerf ball cut in half that Ali used as boobies for Lady Erica at the reunion. If found, please return unused and clean! LOL ____________________ WANTED: Any found memories of this past weekend's events from the reunion that you'd like to share with the rest of the family. There are lots of stories to tell of the weekend, and we'd like to share all of them! Thanks! ____________________ Warning: I overheard the other night that Fauxpas is now on the prowl again, so single guys beware! LOL _____________________________________________________________ POETRY CORNER [email protected] ____________________ 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) ____________________ "From Heart to Heart" (author unknown) Your love is like a lovely bridge Between your heart and his A bridge you've built down through the years Just to your own design. It's based on happy memories Of the good times that you've known The hopes and dreams you two have shared The thoughtfulness you've shown. It's stronger now than ever For it's grown with every smile And every act of kindness That makes life seem more worthwhile. And now I know that, if you're near Or if you're miles apart Your love still unites you With a bridge from heart to heart. This poem was read by RE_ at Freddie and Ali's commitment ceremony! _______ Corridors (Submitted by Gander) As I walk down the deserted corridors of my heart the remembrance of a love that once was the barest glimpse of that love shimmers through Time heals or so they say, but this vast emptiness ne'er dissipates a hole, a void surrounds the place Where once your love so gladly filled that place that now stands barren Try to live day to day, nothing more nothing less The battles have all been fought, the dragons slain, the hopes and dreams have all been put to rest leaving the cold hard reality that this is all there is Leaving in their wake the cold hard shell I call my heart impossible to feel or let you in not by choice, this heart of mine Dealt one too many blows, the death knell for my heart echoes through my soul Perchance to take a risk never will I do; choices made, dreams shattered hearts are broken unable to mend Young resilient and bold--these traits no longer possessed Weary aching and alone have been put there instead the bitter ashes of broken love lay thick upon my heart Perchance to dream? This dream of love--impossible for a heart like mine.... Try to live day to day... nothing more nothing less dmharb@5/18/99 _____________________________________________________________ UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH FREDDIEB (FreddieB) Hey folks, it's Ali again... Freddie is having to work lots of extra hours this week to make up for being gone for a week, so I'm sitting in for him again! (Guess that's the wifely duties now! LOL) We had a very close race to see who (if anyone) would be able to get their responses to the questions in before Viking! Sorry Mamma_tat, it was close, but Viking must've been sitting on his puter awaiting those questions! LOL ________ Here are your answers to the last set of questions that were asked. 1. You notice a self-destructive behavior pattern in a friend who is clearly unaware of it. Would you point it out? 2. If you went to a beach and it turned out to be a nude beach, would you stay and go swimming? Would you swim nude? 3. You are invited to a party that will be attended by many fascinating people you've never met. Would you want to go if you had to go by yourself? 4. When you tell a story, do you often exaggerate or embellish it? If so, why? 5. What was your most enjoyable dream? Your worst nightmare? 6. Have you ever hated anyone? If so, why and for how long? ________ Hey: 1) Yes re self-destruct 2) Yes I would swim nude 3) Yes new people would excite me and I wpold go 4) Embellish the story? Yes, but always with a disclaimer ie LOL 5) Enjoyable dream - none as my fantasies are based upon real life experiences ie like a rerun Nightmares - losing a material possession (sp) 6) Hated?-yes; my ego was dented or bashed...I had to learn to let go (always bi affirmations in the long morning shower like: I am strong/I am in control/ I am #One in my life etc RESPONSE BI VIKING (XV666boyiking) AND I LOVE YOU ALL ______________ Hi "Bunkbed Fred"... *waving furiously... LOL... I have been reading your "Up close and personal" column for a few issues now and I have found it enlightening and entertaining. So much so that I have decided to participate and let my fellow chatters see what kind of deviate I am... LOL... brace yourselves.. This might be scary.. OY !!! Answer #1: Yes I think I would point it out. Sometimes people are so distraught, and wound up that they sometimes don't see what they are doing to themselves. I would try to be tactful, but I would point out that they are in need of help be it a shoulder to cry on, medical or otherwise. Sometimes people who are in a downward spiral like that need intervention from people that love them to set them on the right path before they kill themselves (or heaven forbid someone else. I say this in light of all the violence in our schools these days). The person you are trying to help might resist at first, and perhaps hate you for the rest of their days, but I firmly believe in intervention. Everyone is capable of being helped and helping themselves. Sometimes they just need a light push in the right direction. If I were in a situation like that I would hope my family and friends would come to my aid as I would for any of them. Answer #2: Hmmmmm !!!!! Nude beach ??? *slobber*... Being the pervert that I am... I would have to say I would hang around and enjoy the sights *ehem*. And being that I hate to be left out of anything and I hate looking like a stick in the muck even more... I would have to say that I would swim in the buff. After all, there has to be at least one person on that beach that looks worse than I do in their birthday suit... LOL !!! Answer #3: A party chock full of "mucky muck's and pooly- poo's"? I think I would still go even if I had to go alone. I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to see a bunch of drunk, self-appointed horn blowers make jack asses out off themselves. Answer #4: I try my damnedest not to stretch the truth when I am telling a story. Lord knows whom the person I am telling it to is going to pass it onto. I would hate to have to BS my way out of that. It's much easier to tell the truth than it is to lie. Besides I believe in all that karma, dogma, and bad juju shit. Life has enough peaks and valleys without being kicked in the ass by God for being a bull-shitter. Answer #5: My most enjoyable dream was a sex dream. I have no idea who I was having sex with, but it was good enough to wake me up with an orgasm... LOL. My worst nightmare was when I was a child. I dreamt I was on a roof of an old log cabin overlooking a cliff where at the bottom of this cliff was a river. I was sitting on top of the roof in my grandmother's rocking chair and a strong gust of wind came and rocked the chair throwing me off of it, sending me off the roof. I could feel myself falling and I could see the river getting closer and closer to me and I couldn't scream for help. I woke up just before I hit the river. I was 7 years old at the time of this dream. That was the same age I was when my parents divorced. Now tell me dreams don't have meanings. Nu? Answer #6: I wish I could say no to this question but I can't, for I have hated someone with such passion that I still feel sick when I think of this person. This person is my father's "wife" (I use the word lightly... and I don't mean my natural mother.. I mean my step-monster). This woman has done things to my family and to my father that she makes Charlie Manson look like a saint. I will not go into great detail, but let's put it this way... marrying someone does not give you the right to fuck your spouse's brother and bare 2 of his children, then turn around and expect your spouse to be all hunky dory with the whole charade... OY VEY!!! Sure my uncle and my dad are also at fault. My uncle did the deed with that woman and my father let it all slide and raised the kids as his own for a few years, but ... Needless to say Doris does not deserve the right to be called a lady much less a human being. *Whew*... I feel better now... did that sound bitter at all? ROFLMAO OK, Freddie, what do I get for beating Viking to the punch this week? LOL I answered your questions with brutal honesty. I should at least get a good cyberlay out of the deal or you can always call me to say "hi" *hint hint*. That would make a wonderful surprise. LOL Love ... Your Mamma Tat (PS... pardon the spelling errors. My cuz, Corrinie Beanie doesn't have spell check and I am too lazy to grab "old man Webster") _______ 1. Probably, and I have lost many a friend that way. I am learning something called tact! 2. I would stay...I like the all over tan thing. Not sure about the swimming part. 3. I might go to check it out, and then stay if it really was fascinating people. 4. No embellishment, ever. Sometimes life is exciting enough without creating more drama. 5. Most enjoyable??? When I can fly...just lift my arms and take off...going over the earth at amazing speed and taking in the view. Most frightening?? Being chased and having to "take flight." 6. I hated the guy that got my sixteen year old daughter pregnant. My granddaughter is seven now and I still get little "pings" of dislike for him. pattib _______ tenordan here with answers to last week's questions: 1. You notice a self-destructive behavior pattern in a friend who is clearly unaware of it. Would you point it out? Yes, but that would me he or she would probably point out something to me that I wouldn't want to hear, either. 2. If you went to a beach and it turned out to be a nude beach, would you stay and go swimming? Would you swim nude? Probably not. Depends on how many people were there and how brave I felt that day. 3. You are invited to a party that will be attended by many fascinating people you've never met. Would you want to go if you had to go by yourself? Yes, I have gone to many parties alone. It's not so bad, just talk to somebody! 4. When you tell a story, do you often exaggerate or embellish it? If so, why? Honey, it's the only way to tell a story- even a true one!!!! 5. What was your most enjoyable dream? Your worst nightmare? Dreaming about living with my sweetie was awesome. We had a dog, a lovely house and lots of friends visiting. (We were feeding them fruit loops breakfast cereal, but hey, it was just a dream.) There was a nightmare I had when I was little- I was looking at a box of root vegetables in a box under the stairs in our big garage we had. Then a hand came reaching out to me! Aaaarrgghh!!! 6. Have you ever hated anyone? If so, why and for how long? I try not to. I dislike people, but hate is very strong. And it takes way too much effort. Thanks, tenordan _______ Here are my answers to PT 59 questions: 1. If it were a very close friend yes. If not very close I would try to have a close friend help the person. 2. Yes to both - as a matter of fact I do that quite often. What's the problem? 3. No. I'm am too shy and to stupid to interest fascinating people. This is also one of the reasons that my bf's are always older than me. 4. No. I am not a good storyteller anyway 5. The most enjoyable dream: with my true love - the one lasting for the rest of my life - building a life on an island or in the wilderness. No bashers around. No civilization - with the exception of the puter to keep in touch with PT (I dream often with bubbles coming out of avs of friends). My nightmare - to be drafted to serve in the armed forces. With horrible visuals. Why are you always asking a question which hurts? 6. No. I do not understand hate. I do not think that you can be gay and hate somebody. I love all people - people are wonderful. I may pout or explode and I apologize for that - but hate never. Loved the last issue - loved the news always. tx Your twink211 _______ Here are this week's answers for this week's questions from Kerbear88: 1. You notice a self-destructive behavior pattern in a friend who is clearly unaware of it. Would you point it out? Yes I would (& yes I have) 2. If you went to a beach and it turned out to be a nude beach, would you stay and go swimming? Would you swim nude? Since I don't go within a 50 mile radius of a beach, I don't have to worry about that :) 3. You are invited to a party that will be attended by many fascinating people you've never met. Would you want to go if you had to go by yourself? Probably not, I'm a shy person 4. When you tell a story, do you often exaggerate or embellish it? If so, why? When telling a story, I tell the story to the best of my memory. 5. What was your most enjoyable dream? Your worst nightmare? My best dream was having the most passionate sex with the man of my dreams and worst nightmare was being buried alive 6. Have you ever hated anyone? If so, why and for how long? Yes I have hated someone (my ex who decided to throw me into a wall, fracture my skull & knock me in a coma for a week) and I've hated him since Feb 14, 1997(yes Valentine's Day) Kerbear88 _____________ Thanks folks for being so Up Close and Personal with us! This column seems to be going over VERY WELL! We have gotten a better response from asking these questions than just about anything else that we have tried! Thanks to all of you who respond and help keep this column going strong! (Wonder if anyone will be able to beat Viking next week? LOL) Until our next set of questions, FreddieB & Ali ______________________________________________________________ MISTY'S DRAG BAG (Misty) _______ Well I imagine some of you are still in recovery mode after attending, from the reports I've received, a fantastic weekend away at our 1st ever Pink Triangle Reunion. I wish I could have been there to be part of it all but the closest I could manage was to send one of my outfits instead. The "Drag" component of the reunion consisted of Alladdinn and Goose and PLR who all performed beyond expectations wowing the crowd. Ashlee apparently also put in a guest appearance Mooning the crowd but this act was met with equal enthusiasm LOL. My congrats to you ladies for your performances and I eagerly await the pics and video. Speaking of video, I did send one over for the reunion but it didn't appear to survive the journey. After much discussion with Ali about the we came to the decision that this was caused by one of 2 things. Either the customs boys watched it so much they wore out the picture (it also happened to have a copy of a "nice" little leather movie on the end of the shows, or it didn't survive the x-ray machines. Personally I think it was the first one, it was a REALLY good movie. I scan our daily paper over here for articles in which concern gays and lesbians every day and I have some news to share with you folks. Firstly Same sex couples in NSW Australia now have the same auto recognition as hetero couples when it comes to one partner dying and the estate being bequeathed to the surviving partner in cases where there is no will. This is a nice breakthrough as previously it was always a costly legal battle to get a natural entitlement that the hetero couples had. It's not the last step nor the first in recognition of homosexual relationships but its another battle which has been won. The second article was so humorous that I include it in its entirety - as follows. Badgers 'outed' by gay radar LONDON: A man testing an electronic device intended to make it easier for homosexuals to identify each other found himself the target of a love-crazed badger and several squirrels, it was revealed. The Gaydar, an electronic gadget designed to vibrate when near another device of the same kind, also set off the alarms of nearby cars, a report in The Independent said. The man said he had taken a walk through a London park wearing his Gaydar and had been pursued - but only by an amorous badger and by dive-bombing squirrels. The man also found he had the tendency to set off car alarms, prompting the device's inventors to do some fine-tuning. Designer Andrew Goff said: "We had to make some changes. It could be embarrassing. We certainly were not intending to 'out' badgers. And the squirrels were rather aggravated. It was the sonic device." The Gaydar, invented by a heterosexual decorator from Surrey, is intended to take the risk out of same-sex encounters by electronically confirming people's sexual orientation before they even come face to face. The pocket-held device, the same size and shape as a key ring car bleeper, works by sending out a small electronic signal when it is switched on. If the person carrying it passes within about 7m of another Gaydar, both devices vibrate gently - leading, in theory, to a meeting of eyes and the chance to assess mutual suitability knowing, at least, that sexual orientation is not an issue. Work is under way to produce a heterosexual version of the device, although the Gaydar's designers say this is proving troublesome. Now I don't know about all this but I found it very funny and serious at the same time with a few issues that may need to be addressed in some way. Apart from the obvious problem with having to shake Badgers off your leg and get the squirrels out of your hair, not to mention making all the cars horny there are other things to consider. For starters who ever heard of a heterosexual designer? Let alone one who makes gay devices? Then there is the issue of bashers who now only have to purchase A Gaydar to find their next victim. Next I can see Gay people dropping these devices down their underwear then walking into gay bars just to get the constant buzz as the things vibrate. And why would a hetero version be troublesome, all it would take is to set the thing to a different frequency to that which the Gaydar uses. Anyway that's all from me for this week Lots of Luck and Love Misty ______________________________________________________________ SITES WORTH SEEING Websites from a few of our "Family" members for you to check out! (Maxam) ____________________ Here is a site for you to check out!!! Ali has designed a 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: 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: [email protected] and we will gladly add you to our list! __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ EMAIL LINKS AND INFORMATIONAL MATERIAL: [email protected] (Letters to the Editors, Opinions, Comments, Complaints, Submit an Article, Classified Ads, Birthdays) [email protected] Political (Primebear) [email protected] Tech Tips (Tech Master) [email protected] (Up Close and Personal) FreddieB [email protected] (PT Birthdays) Alladdinn _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS ____________________ Now that you have finished reading the PT News�NOW is the time to respond! 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! _____________ 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: [email protected] And PLEASE folks� RESPOND, RESPOND, RESPOND to articles that need your help to remain in the paper!!! We need YOUR feedback as well as comments and suggestions!) ______________ PLEASE REMEMBER... the DEADLINE for articles and submissions to the PT News is Thursday, 6:00 p.m. EST. This is so if any corrections or additions need to be made, or problems that may arise can be resolved before the paper goes out on Friday. The PT News is distributed each Friday night, 12:00 a.m. EST. We have been experiencing some server problems with some of our readers, due to the volume of the paper it may be delayed reaching your email. Please be patient, we are looking into solving this problem! Thanks for supporting the PT News, your contribution's as a valued reader is important to us! ___________________________ Until next we meet, whether it be in the PT, or coming to you through your mail boxes�Be safe, Be kind to one another, and keep chatting! Have a GREAT weekend! FreddieB & Alladdinn Editors PT News