Cobra Benefits Extended for Unemployed

If you are like me at all it is difficult to keep up on all the information that comes from the government.  Especially if you are under any kind of stress it makes it even more difficult.  For those of us that have benefited due to unemployment from decreased Cobra costs for 9 months this has been extended for an additional 6 months in many circumstances for 15 months (read on).  I have attached one article in full which has some relevant contact information so you can read as much as you would like to.

President Barack Obama on Monday signed a measure to extend a federal subsidy for continued health-insurance coverage for involuntarily terminated workers under employer group plans.
The law extends the subsidy an additional six months for a total of 15 months, up from the current nine. The subsidy applies only to workers let go by employers.
Under Cobra, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, severed workers can stay on their employer's group health plan for up to 18 months, or longer in some circumstances, provided they pay the full premium plus an administrative fee. With the subsidy, terminated workers pay 35% of the premium.
Since laid-off workers pay for Cobra benefits from their own pockets, the federal subsidy, part of the federal stimulus package enacted last February, is meant to lighten their economic load.
Eligibility for the subsidy had been due to expire on Dec. 31 but has been extended to workers laid off between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2010, in addition to those let go between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, under the original program.
The subsidy is provided in the form of a payroll tax credit to employers with 20 or more workers. The extension is part of the Pentagon spending bill Congress approved in recent days.
More than 14 million workers are estimated to be eligible for the subsidy, according to benefits consultant Hewitt Associates. The subsidy generally doesn't apply to those who quit voluntarily but remain on their old employer's plan under Cobra. There are other restrictions as well.
Without the subsidy, the full annual average health plan cost in 2009 was about $13,375 for a family and $4,824 for an individual, according to the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation, which specializes in health-care issues.
The bill requires employers to notify current and future Cobra participants of the extended 15-month eligibility. For questions about Cobra, call the U.S. Department of Labor at 866-444-3272 or visit dol.gov/cobra. 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704304504574610550356800752.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLTopStories

Opportunities and Deadlines approaching for SEAF

The Seattle Erotic Art Festival (SEAF) truly has a spot for about anyone that has the energy to share, one just has to be mindful of the approaching deadlines which are within this post and on our Seattle Announcements Calendar.  They are doing so many exciting and NEW things this year (take a peek at how they have expanded what art will be shown with Roger Benington).  

I know that many of the people we have in our group are so talented--incredibly talented in many ways that SEAF is tapping into.  If they have not spoken to your artistic spirit before, they may be now.  Whether you have an art to share or can spare your talents in other ways, SEAF has the desire and room for you!  Please take a moment to read their offerings as there as some wonderful possibilities.    Ms T

Outgoing Volunteers Needed
Are you great at getting people to give you stuff? We need outgoing, assertive people to hit the streets to get donations of all kinds of items, such as food and beverages, lumber and paint, coat racks and hangers, and so much more.

Many businesses are delighted to assist us if given enough notice, and you get to offer them advertising space on our wildly popular website and complimentary passes to the event. Businesses are currently considering their giving for 2010, so please contact us soon if you you'd like to assist.
Write us at: seafinfo@gmail.com.

Our First Art Grant ~ Call for Interactive Installations
We are pleased to offer our first art grant to artists who create interactive installations for the next Festival.
For more information, please visit www.SEAFArtist.com.
The deadline for proposals is January 8, 2010.

Debuting a Brand New Theatrical Event!
For performance art in 2010, the Festival is striking out in a bold new direction.  Award-winning NYC-based director Roger Benington will create an original narrative framework to complement the Festival's world-class visual art exhibition.

Benington will select acts from the entire range of performance styles: ballroom dance, burlesque, modern dance, ballet, circus arts, drag performance, puppeteering -- anyone with an erotic act to share is invited to apply.

Applications are now being accepted at www.SEAFArtist.com.
The deadline for applications is January 15, 2010.  Auditions will be held January 24-25, 2010.

~~~

Call for Visual, Literary and Performance Art
The Festival is seeking a wide range of artists for the 2010 Visual Art Exhibition, Stage Shows, Festival Store, Interactive Installations and Literary Art Showcase.
 
Artists age 18 and older of all backgrounds, countries, ethnicities, cultures, genders and sexual orientations are encouraged to visit www.SEAFArtist.com for details on how to participate in this destination event.
 
The deadline for Visual Art Exhibition submissions is January 30, 2010.
~~
Save the Dates -Posted on Seattle Announcements Calendar.


January 8, 2010 ~ Deadline for proposals for the Seattle Erotic Art Festival Art Grant

January 15, 2010 ~ Deadline for performance art submissions

January 24-25, 2010 ~ Performance auditions

January 30, 2010 ~ Deadline for exhibition submissions

February 14, 2010 ~ Paddles on Parade and the Black and Red Gala auction event

March 1, 2010 ~ Deadline for literary art submissions

April 4, 2010 ~ Deadline for store merchandise submissions

April 30-May 2, 2010 ~ The Seattle Erotic Art Festival

Thanks to the SEAF newsletter for all this information copied in full.

Knotty blog - - ignore the heading ma'am

Well, a blog is like a child and will not behave when not being watched by Mommy.  Whilst I was ignoring me blog...the heading pic that is hosted for free is acting up by playing invisible and washing the color out - - GASP.  Before I start changing code which could take up all my darn time instead of telling you all where you can go for New Years Eve (and other good stuff), I will be ignoring it for a short time.  Please do the same as I think it may correct itself (proof a rich fantasy life exists in my head) or I will fix it after I take care of what is important - - YOU!

I also decided to create a category for when our blog does not behave.  Some day when I am bored I may want to know how many times it has aggravated me.  Why...I don't know but I am weird that way and can just imagine that is one of the pieces of useless trivia that I would want to know.   I am calling it 'knotty blog'.  It ties me in knots and if you knew me, you would know I don't like that one bit, nope not one. 

From my twisted heart,

Ms T

New Years Eve 2010 - Seattle Area Party Events

Another year has passed and you will find parties in this email listed in this order: possible drop ins occurring in the general Capital Hill area you may want to know about followed by specific parties geared for us segueing into sexy more erotic events finishing the list and the evening.  Please note the last email you received from me was regarding the WildRose's 25th Anniversary Party that is occurring tonight (open it, hint hint).  There are 2 other email posts that each are explained if you open them.  All three email posts make up your New Year's Eve selections!


I am sure that I have missed something so please send me an email and I will add it.  I have many items lined up to send you that I hope will inform, excite and entice you my adored readers!  I must sleep at least a little to prepare for tonight.  Ms T




Here is a list of parties you may want to drop in on that may not all be women specific but are use  to seeing us folk.

• BottleNeck Lounge No Cover all night and $6 Champayne.
  
• Cuff Complex-DJ Kimberly S/Black & Blue Party. 10pm-2am, $10.
• Decade-Do-Over/Reboot the Millenium at the New Years Sing-a-Long!
  Let's go back in time and pretend the decade of FAIL never happened. Forget terrorism, war, economic doom and the worst president.  We are going to party with the your favorite music of the 90's then party like it's 1999 with all Prince at the stroke of Midnight.  Seattle cancelled it's Millenium celebration so now it's time to do it right!   Get your new decade started on the right foot.  Let's make the next 10 years the Best Ever!  We'll have a special New Years menu and a confetti cannon for the occasion...Central Cinema 1411 21st Ave, Seattle, WA 98122, 206-328-3230.  Tickets $12
  

• Neighbours til 4am $10/New Year's "2010" Dawn of a New Decade! Performance by Haffi Haff and hosts Gaysha Starr, Lily Armani, Jada and Anita Body. DJs Randy Schlager & Trent Von. The benefits of Neighbours is that they often do afterhours from 2am - 4am.  Rumor has it they may open it up to the 18+ crowd.

• Oddfellows Hall/As the World Falls Down FundRaiser for Lifelong AIDS Alliance/8pm-2am, was $125 now tickets are available for $99. A Labyrinth Masquerade Ball of performance and art with a full open bar serving the once barred absinthe, champagne, regular booze and beer that you can drink and hopefully enough food to avoid getting too smashed.  This sounds like a fabulous party and I hope they raise a bundle.  It will be quite the dress up affair and would be fun just to watch the attendees arrive I bet.
• Swank in Kent: New Year's Party with DJ Ricki Leigh 9pm, No cover and actually can be a fun bar.
• Twisted in Everett: New Year's Eve/Midnight Champagne Toast $10 cover.
• HotFlash is having a NYE party in Portland.  It has been heavily marketed but if you need information, shoot me an email and I will help you out.
  

 ***** 

The WildRose is having a big New Years Eve Bash the very next day after their 25th anniversary party. Think of it as a mini Winter Pride! There will be 3 outdoor bars, stage for all our performers and DJs with plenty of room to dance it out.
    OUR HOURS FOR BOTH DAYS ARE 6pm-1am
    COVER is ONLY $5 EACH NIGHT.

    New Years Eve Line up:
    DJ Jodi Bon Jodi
    LadyJane DJ
    DJ JOY
    DJ LA KENDALL

    MC Adra Boo

    We really hope you all are able to come out & celebrate both days or even just one day with us.      

******

Join us at the Re-bar on Thursday, December 31st for our Queer New Year's Eve Blowout Party! Ring in 2010 with the hottest queer girls and guys while our resident DJ Amateur Youth & Special Guest DJ Judical fill the dance floor with ass-shaking party tunes to keep you going all night long.

Doors will open at 10pm. 21 and over.

Buy Advanced Tickets and use our VIP ticket holders entry line!
Cover is $8 Advance/$10 at the Door.

Cherry takes place at Re-bar 1114 Howell Street - corner of Boren and Howell - Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 233-9873.

******

The Seattle Black Pride event begins at 9 p.m. at the Richard Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave. The red carpet event includes live music by Felicia Loud and band, as well as hip-hop DJs. Tickets: $10, www.brownpapertickets.com. Information: 206-324-1520, seattleblackpride.org.

******

Century BallRoom will have Seattle's best DJs will bring you a mix of salsa, swing and other dance favorites to keep you dancing all night long!  Featuring a special appearance by Cherdonna Shinatra and Lou Henry Hoover of The Cherdonna & Lou Show.

West Hall:  OutDancing on NYE (a special edition of our regular gay night)

Dinner, OutDancing & Romancing $85

OutDancing & Romancing $20

All packages include a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.  In addition, the Century Ballroom will have free coat check.  The dancing continues until 1:30am.

This is a dance-focused event.  Seating is limited:  first come, first serve.

Formal attire please - no jeans allowed.  21+

For further information, please email us or call us at 206 324-7263.

Dinners are currently sold out but you can call to be put on the wait list.

For those not wishing to dance, we'll also have a special menu served in The Tin Table with seatings at 6:00 and 9:00.

http://www.centuryballroom.com/

******

Here is a great opportunity to ring in the new year with the fabulous Tamara!

The Cocktet and Tamara the Trapeze Lady are featured at a party beginning at 8:30 p.m. at the Columbia City Theater. The evening of live music, dancing and naughty burlesque also features The Commander, Babette La Fav, MC Adam Hunter and DJ D+. Tickets: $20, brownpapertickets.com,or $25 at the door. Information: 206-605-9920.

*****

New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball! with Little Red Studio
Thursday, December 31st @ 9PM

We'll have opening performances scheduled shortly after 9PM and special tableau performances throughout the evening for your enjoyment!

Formal attire and masks are requested
(We will have a limited number of masks for those who arrive without their own)

Dancing to DJ Michelle Love all night long

Great Complimentary Food catered by the Little Red Bistro and our preferred caterers FoodZ and Tony's Catering.  Special Drinks!

Fireworks right across the street at the Space Needle and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight

Cost:  $50 per person https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/91801

******

New Year's Eve at the Sharma Center

Thursday, December 31 2009 -  8:30pm
To Friday, January 01 2010 - 2:00am

December 31st  Door opens at 8:30pm 

(Check membership requirements below)

Swing in the New Year under the Needle

Dress up and join us downtown to welcome in 2010 in style!  Prance and Play till New Year's Day and you won't even have to leave the dance floor to view the fabulous fireworks as they erupt from the Space Needle.  We’ll have a Dancing, a Toast at Midnight, party favors and a spectacular appetizer spread. Join us in ringing in a New Year and swing the night away.

Cost: $50 per couple ($40 per couple for members)
RSVP at rsvp@sharmacenter.org orcall 206-898-5876 with any questions.

*Membership is not required the first time you attend an event at the Sharma Center. On your second visit to the center for a member’s event, you will need join the Sharma Center or attend as the guest of a Sharma Center member. One your third visit to the Sharma center for a member’s event you will need to become members.

Membership is for I year.
Cost is $25 for couples or $15 for single
Membership supports our center and you get discounts to various events and classes.

******
And I have saved the BEST for last.  Allena does know how to throw a party and she is one class act!  She continues to create fabulous parties, events and utilizes the talents in our community.  Brava, brava!

A Decade of Decadent inDulgence

(Ten Years of Tantalizing Torture)

Dinner, Entertainment, Dance, Raffles, Auctions, BDSM, Sex, 

and More to celebrate the New Year!

This is our 10th anniversary New Year's Eve Party.

Decadent Dinner

Nourish your sensation play! 

Please your palate with:

Roast Beast, Fish, Potatoes, Noodles, Veggies, Salads, 

Soup and Delicious Dessert Delicacies.

Excellent Entertainment

*The scrumptious Scarlett A will scandalize your senses with her sensuous moves.

*Jim Duvall and Sophia Sky will distract and detain you with a Dynamic Suspension Performance.

*Shake your booty, or your groove thing, or whatever you wanna shake to DJs T-Bone and Xavier Cross. 

Dancing from 9pm until 3am.

New Year's Eve at the Center - A Decade of Decadent inDulgence
What:     (RSVP Please!)
Schedule:     Thursday, December 31
When:     6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Dinner 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM PARTY!!
Where:     In the main space
Who:     18+. Members and their guests only.
Cost:     $30 for basic members in advance -- $40 at the door -- $15 for premium members, FREE for lifetime members

Fabulous Fundraisers

Win righteous raffle items! 

Raffle tickets are $1 each, or $20 for the length of a breast wrap.

Enjoy a Full-Service Dinner for 12.  
See Center Space, or Fetlife for Auction Details.

Fund raising efforts will benefit the CSPC, FSPC, Paradise, and Evergreen Leather Events.

Silent Auction: Items include a numbered print signed by Jim Duvall and Midori.

Auction Info
http://fetlife.com/groups/13391/group_posts/398383
http://centerspace.org/socialengine/files/forum.php?c=category&op=index&cid=79

Rough play/Rough Space
Dark and dirty play if you dare . . . in the unfinished space next door.
Ambience

Delightful decorations and long lines of lights will help feed the festive feeling of the space. Enjoy your environment as well as your experiences.

Celebrate our History of inDulgence.   Welcome the new Decade with your 
closest Kinksters - and some new ones...

Join us in a Decadent midnight toast, and in appreciating You, and the past ten years.

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, especially as a server for the Dinner for 12, Please message september dragon on Center space and Fetlife.

RSVP Appreciated
Please Note: You must prepay at brown paper ticket (or make arrangements with Allena) to get the $30 charge.

It is $40 at the door for basic members whether you RSVP or not.
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/92802

$30 in Advance    $40 at the Door    Metal Members $15
Gifting of Leather Ceremony
Be a part of recognizing important leaders in our Community.

New Years Eve - Spiritual Celebrations -Self Care-Connecting Inward

This is all about self care as you can choose al-anon, meditation, a service of intention, a walking meditation followed by sharing of food, a sacred tribal ceremony or a freedom socialist party's dance with potluck to rejuvenate yourself as you finish your last day of 2009 .  There are many ways to close out a year and bring in a new one.  I know that for some of our members this has been an extremely rough year with several intense losses and celebrating in a boisterous manner may not feel quite right.  Or perhaps health issues have brought up thoughts and a new way of living in one's body.  These postings are more for the spirit, to refresh oneself for the new year.  


My warmest thoughts are with each of you that read my words as the year winds down.


Ms T


******
THINK Speaker Meeting Al-Anon Family Group. 7:30-9pm. Capitol Hill Alano Club, 1900 E Madison St. Meets every Thursday. LGBTQ supported. The Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives & friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength & hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Greater Seattle AIS 24-hour number 625-0000.
******
Center for Spiritual Living,
Thursday, Dec 31 | 4 – 5am PST
5801 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle WA 98105
  
HOLIDAYS - World Healing Meditation

WORLD HEALING MEDITATION
December 31, 4 AM, Celebration Hall
Gather with millions from around the world, at exactly the same time, in collective global remembrance for peace and world healing.
No childcare available.

******
Center for Spiritual Living - New Year's Eve Service
Thursday, Dec 31 | 7–8:15pm PST
5801 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle WA 98105

NEW YEAR'S EVE Service
December 31, 7pm, Celebration Hall
Step into 2010 empowered and supported by Rev. Kathianne’ stirring message of intention and possibility. Have the best year of your life!
Childcare available.

******
11th Annual United Religions Initiative Walking Meditation: 'Creating Cultures of Peace'

Thursday, December 31 2009, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Location : Green Lake Community Center, 7201 East Green Lake Drive N, Seattle
Contact : Info Jamal Rahman 206-633-0150 or Karen Lindquist 206-783-1618

Please come and join the Interfaith Network community for the 11th Annual United Religions Initiative Walking Meditation: 'Creating Cultures of Peace.' Enjoy music, prayer, song and a reflective walk around Green Lake, featuring prayers from spiritual leaders of the world's diverse faith and spiritual traditions. Musicians will include Yanadevi, Jon and Tova Ramer and more. The afternoon will begin near the Green Lake Community Center. This event is co-sponsored with The Interfaith Network, Northwest Interfaith Community Outreach and Compassionate Action Network.


After the walk, please join our Open House at Interfaith Community Church, located at 1763 NW 62nd Street in Ballard. Warm up with coffee, tea, cocoa and homemade soup in the First Peoples tradition of hospitality!

Thanks to http://seattle.indymedia.org/ for this event.
******
 Om Culture, Michael Suzerris's great labor of love, is available as our own Long House so this community can assemble its hearts into one big love and dance into 2010!  We are located on the corner of N 35th and Pacific Streets near Gasworks Park in the Wallingford neighborhood.

Price: $10 admission for general expenses.

This is a BYOB, pot-luck food, set-up-and-leave-no-trace event!

There will be lots of soft space, time to contemplate what you are completing & calling in, a sacred, tribal passage ceremony, and yea yea: DANCE!!

Double-trouble DJ's Scot and Franklin!

Yes, we're happy for children to attend.

Please go to this link to RSVP so you can receive updates/details: http://www.socializr.com/event/279970278/31675516

******
Radical New Years Eve Benefit Celebration Door donation $5, buffet donation $17 (see below)

Thursday, December 31 2009, 8:30pm
Location : New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle
Contact : Info 206-722-6057 or RWseattle@mindspring.com 206-722-2453 or FSPseattle@mindspring.com.

Join Northwest rabble-rousers for Radical Women and the Freedom Socialist Party's annual New Year's celebration, the red-hot spot for rebel movers and shakers. Festivities include a tantalizing Greek buffet, dancing, political comedy and a no-host bar.  Sliding scale and work exchanges available for students, unemployed and low-income people. Wheelchair accessible.

2 Labyrinth Walks on New Year's Eve

Last year on New Years Eve I did my first Labyrinth Walk and I did not know what to expect.  I dressed warm as I thought it was outside which it was not.  I figured I would be walking withing walls of tall bushes but instead we were within a very large but warm church on Capital Hill.  There was a mat rolled out on the floor of the church that people were walking around.

It did get me to thinking how much power our expectations can have about events and how it can directly affect the experience.  I felt very open to doing the Labyrinth Walk but once I started found that I had 'feelings' about whether I actually knew how to do it.  It seemed some people had a very specific way of walking while others were more casual.  There were decisions that had to be made constantly on whether I yielded to people and in what way I did so.  Some of it depended on them too so there was a social aspect to the solitude of walking in one's own thoughts.

How did I turn my body and did I feel exposed or more exposed with some people by choice than others?  Did I not want to share the spare with certain people and why?  No one spoke a word but there was definite opinions formed immediately about each other.  I realized with one man in paticular that I took a dislike to his aggressive body language and he actually spoke to me and told me I had missed a line and was going the wrong way now.  He was the self appointed labyrinth anal police. 

I thought...what a nervy bastard to be more concerned with my spiritual walking path than his own.  In fact, I had crossed a line so I could change the energy as I was tired of passing him as he did not yield to anyone including me and I was having to bump into others to pass him.  Wow...he had Labyrinth RAGE, kinda like road rage but on a cotton mat caused by walking in circles for too long in one direction.  What a trip...not just confined to a car.  Never knew until I went for my quiet little walk.

I am considering going again this year.  All kidding aside, it was relaxing, peaceful and a good place to reflect on the years passing.  2009 has been mixed for me as I know it has been for many of you with losses, struggles, triumps and blessings.  I figure every little bit helps.  Ms T

Saint Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., offers its candlelight Labyrinth Walk, accompanied by live music, from 6-8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight. The labyrinth is based on an ancient sacred symbol used as a meditative tool. It's a replica of the stone labyrinth in the floor of France's Chartres Cathedral. The walk takes at least 20 minutes. The walk coincides with Compline, a Seattle tradition of nighttime prayers that are sung aloud at 9:30 p.m. Other labyrinths are offered on the grounds. All are welcome. Suggested donation: $5, $15 for families. Information: 206-323-0300, www.saintmarks.org

Saint James Cathedral, 804 Ninth Ave., presents a gala featuring its choir and organs in music of Mozart beginning at 11 p.m. Doors open at 7. Suggested donation: $25, at the door or cathedral music office, stjames-cathedral.org/music/.



FREE
Thursday, December 31, 2009 4:00 PM
Lake Washington United Methodist Church
525 132nd Ave. N.E., Kirkland, WA 98033
425-885-3311

Ponder the past year and enter into the New Year 2010 with new insight and a refreshed spirit by walking the labyrinth, an ancient pattern in the form of a walking path, used for contemplation, prayer, meditation, and accessing creativity and intuition; the labyrinth is for use by everyone, with or without a faith tradition, indoors on a 24-foot canvas floor cloth; all are welcome.

WildRose is 25! Wed 30th/Cherry NYE Tickets

This is my first after-holiday missive as I took time with my family and banned myself from the pc.  I hope you all enjoyed your holiday traditions.  I have our New Years Eve offerings close to ready but first wanted to send out 3 items that are timely.  The most important is our Lamar is the MC at the WildRose's 25th anniversary party which makes the event worth going to on it's own.  If Cherry is your thing, get your tickets by Wednesday for New Years Eve (see below) and note that HotFlash has canceled their dance for this Saturday so check the calendar and GayZette for other things to do if you still have the party bug after NYE.

The WildRose is 25 and I was there when the doors opened as I KNOW many of you were...and I don't want to talk about it-lol!  But I will do the kind and right thing and pass this onto all of you young un's.  It will be a party perhaps to bring out some 'long term friends' and be a much better event with Lamar MC'ing (it certainly may bring out a more interesting crowd, eh?).  Notice how I avoided saying OLD!

Here's some trivia...notice the red on the floor at the WildRose?  My beloved helped paint that...probably the last painting I will see happening in my future!  I know many of you have history as well and I would LOVE to feature it in a future GayZette.  Come on, now is NOT the time to be shy! 

Read below for the Rose's announcement and maybe I will see some of you there!  Ms T

We are happy to be celebrating our 25th Anniversay on December 30th in a big way! We are shutting down 11th, putting up our Pride tents with heaters and going to throw a big bash thanking all of you for your support. We would not have survived all these years without you. Many of you have been coming to the bar since day one and some of you might have just stepped into the bar for the first time this week. Either way, all of you are greatly appreciated.

To continue the party we are having a big New Years Eve Bash the very next day. Think of it as a mini Winter Pride! There will be 3 outdoor bars, stage for all our performers and DJs with plenty of room to dance it out.

OUR HOURS FOR BOTH DAYS ARE 6pm-1am
COVER is ONLY $5 EACH NIGHT.

Anniversary Party Line up:
DJ Colby B
Burlesque Performance
DJ Amateur Youth
More performances to be announced

New Years Eve Line up:
DJ Jodi Bon Jodi
LadyJane DJ
DJ JOY
DJ LA KENDALL & MC Adra Boo

We really hope you all are able to come out and celebrate both days or even just one day with us. Please feel free to pass along this invite all your friends.

Also, if Cherry is more your speed get your tickets by Wednesday to take advance of the line cutting. bennies.

In December instead of our usual 4th Saturday we are throwing you a special QUEER NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!

Join us at the Re-bar on Thursday, December 31st for our Queer New Year's Eve Blowout Party! Ring in 2010 with the hottest queer girls and guys while our resident DJ Amateur Youth & Special Guest DJ Judical fill the dance floor with ass-shaking party tunes to keep you going all night long.

Doors will open at 10pm. 21 and over.

Buy Advanced Tickets and use our VIP ticket holders entry line!
Cover is $8 Advance/$10 at the Door.
CLICK HERE TO BUY ADVANCE TICKETS

Cherry takes place at Re-bar 1114 Howell Street - corner of Boren and Howell - Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 233-9873.
~~~~~
Last, HotFlash's newsflash is that they won't be having a Seattle party here this Saturday. 

All items on Seattle Announcements Calendar.

Camp Ten Trees' 2010 Auction Early Bird tickets

Camp Ten Trees early bird ticket pricing listed below until January 15th.  This is a great organization in their 10th year, please consider supporting them!  On Seattle Announcement Calendar and Auction Sidebar.  Ms T

 

Celebrate Camp Ten Trees' First 10 Years at the 2010 Auction!

2010 marks the first ten years of the Camp Ten Trees summer camp program!  Join us in the celebration by attending our 10th annual dinner and auction event.  "We've Got Friends 'Round Here..." will be held Saturday, April 10th in Seattle. 

Click here to get your tickets today!

Tickets for "We've Got Friends 'Round Here..." Dinner & Auction Event
INDIVIDUAL - Early Bird Price! - $65 - Buy your individual ticket by January 15th to secure the lowest ticket price to this annual event supporting Camp Ten Trees. 

VIP - $125 - Celebrate our first ten years in style with this special individual ticket package.  You'll be treated to a pre-event cocktail party mixer with other friends of Camp Ten Trees, including the evening's special guests.  Enjoy appetizers from Seattle's own Cafe Flora, cocktails, and an early peek at the auction items.  Plus, everyone who purchases a VIP ticket will be entered into a drawing to win one of ten passes for valet parking at The Westin!

TABLE - Early Bird Price! - $650 - Rally your friends, family, and colleagues to support the children and youth of Camp Ten Trees by joining you at your very own table!  There's no better time among friends than gathering over great food and drinks and bidding on fabulous items in support of programming that changes the lives of children and youth of LGBTQ communities and their allies.  It's through supporters like you that we are able to fill the auction hall each year and raise the funds necessary to sustain Camp Ten Trees.  Be a part of it; build a table!

Ticket prices January 16th - February 28th:  Individual $80, VIP $125, Table $800
Ticket prices March 1st - April 10th:  Individual $95, VIP $125, Table $950  

Click here to get your tickets today!

Thanks for joining the celebration of our first ten years of creating a loving and engaging youth camp environment for LGBTQ communities and their allies.

HotFlash goers get into Convert for free

Saturday, December 19th
8pm - 2am
$5 cover 21+
Chapel
1600 Melrose Ave at Pine
All Queer Dance Party
Dress to Express!

In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, if you have a Hand Stamp from HotFlash

Come to our party in a pair and get in FREE. 

Why go home when you are just getting warmed up?

We will turn the heat on with sizzling music and FIRE!

Show your HotFlash stamps at Convert and pay no cover, yep, that is FREE!

2 Stamps = Free Entrance for both people

3 Stamps = Free Entrance for the three-way

4 stamps = Free Entrance for the 4-some

5 stamps = Free Entrance for all (find a single gal and pair up with her, come on, share the love!)

Special attention will be paid to those Dressed to Express by the Dj's...be prepared.

Free admission requires 2 stamps minimum which allows 2 people in Free

Merideth Baxter - Walk a mile in her birkenstocks

When I turned on the View a couple weeks ago to catch up on the important news in the world and heard that Merideth Baxter had come out as a lesbian I admit...I felt a moment of titillation.  Trying to figure out why is a question I will not bother to get a therapist for as it is not a top 10 puzzle AND I get weirdly shy discussing my fantasies with a therapist.  What followed in the discussion on the View though could drive me to drink.  I will share with you what I am sure has damaged my ever so refined, delicate and now fragile queer self image.   

Bill Getty, producer of the View asked the asinine question that must be on some Americans mind.  He wanted to know if the reason all these women that were coming out later in life were doing so because of the lack of available men?  Thank heavens Whoopi is on the panel and seems to come close to knowing where our team sits on the bench.  Some days I feel hit by a bat and this was one of them!  Whoopi denied this idiotic premise but I thought I should break it down for those in search of a village (of course, they aren't reading this as they are hitting the brush).

It appears that some peoples illogical logic has to be that we homo female types:
a) are too butt ugly (unattractive) to catch a man or
b) there is not enough eligible bald pot bellied men of a certain age so we have no choice but to turn to eat our own!

There were the usual jokes or concerns [on the View] about how Merideth's poor husbands must feel about her coming out.  They might feel like they did something wrong to make their ex wives get with a woman butcher than them.  This begs the question of whether a person can be 'made to be gay'.  There certainly seems to be a weird sense of responsibility that people take on for anothers' sexuality that I find off base and icky.

I remember in high school I knew a guy who had 2 or 3 girlfriends who came out after being with him.   Yes, he did get teased a bit but he played it up because he liked the idea of going where 'no man had gone before or after'.  Mind you, it was the Star Trek era.  Now, did he turn them queer or did he happen to be attracted to lesbians?  I doubt he chased them out of the closet with his penis.  He also LOVED telling people he had been with real lesbians (vs fake ones I guess?).  I believe people get to know themselves and gain a comfort level in their own time with who they are and it is unlikely in most cases to have anything to do with a current or ex spousal unit. 


Yes, men seem to be treated in conversation as if something has happened to them by their EX, mind you many years divorced EX WIFE coming out as I saw in Merideth's case.  A woman's internal feelings become about a man in our ego sideways male driven society.  Interesting how a woman once again is referenced in terms of her [ex] husband instead of her own accord.  This is not unusual in other countries at all but here we think we are so evolved.  

Sometimes I thing things are as simple as people are attracted to who they are attracted to.  Isn't that profound?  Maybe some women are coming out later in life because they finally have the opportunity to pay attention to their own wants, needs, desires and who they actually are versus who they have been told they should be their entire lives.  Perhaps after years of taking care of others they are looking inward and deciding it is time to take care of themselves.  Whatever the reason, I applaud, encourage and respect women to find their voice and come out in whatever way feels right for their individual path. After all, they are the ones that have to walk in their birkenstocks.

Ms T



Disclaimer:  if you need to read this disclaimer to realize this is written in the style of satire then I am glad I made you put on your glasses.  I only intended to offend people with no sense of humor or lack of style shown by wearing polyester seersucker clothing.

Satire definition according to Dictionary.com:

1.     the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc.
2.     a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.
 

We LOVE Tamara the Trapeze Lady

TAMARA the TRAPEZE LADY is making the holidays festive!  I wish she could fit in my stocking as she is indeed a present.  Ms T


Wow!  The Holiday season is in full swing at the Columbia City Cabaret.  If you missed our wildly entertaining post-Thanksgiving event you can still get on the sparkle train to Ta Ta Town on Saturday December 19th.


Our favorite buxom blonde chanteuse SYLVIA O'STAYFORMORE will warm your cockles; talented new burlesque star WHISKY BLISS goes down smooth, straight no chaser; quirky philosophers CHICKEE and BOOM BOOM bring their own very special infectious Holiday spirit; sexy sky vixen MICHELE FRANCES queries "What are you doin' New Year's Eve?"; SEYMOUR SQUIRREL gets nutty (I mean naughty) all over the place and TAMARA the TRAPEZE LADY's new mantra is "Be the tree".  The Columbia City Cabaret is getting you just what you always wanted this year.


Vendors confirmed for the Cabaret Craft Fair are:

FLEUR DU MAL Burlesque attire and accessories

www.Fleurdumal.etsy.com


PAYNE CREATIONS Dolls, images and art by Miss Oblivious

www.paynecreations.com


Columbia City Cabaret mini top hats and Tamara The Trapeze Lady “Blow Me” postcards are always available at the door at intermission.

For complete information on the venue, tickets, seating, and future events, please go to www.trapezelady.com and click the Columbia City Cabaret link on the home page.


Columbia City Cabaret
Saturday December 19, 2009
Columbia City Theater

4916 Rainier Ave. S.

Seattle WA 98119

Contact- tamara@trapezelady.com

206-605-9920
Door at 7pm  Show at 8pm


Get your tickets now!  They sell out fast.
$20 brownpapertickets.com

$25 cash only at the door

Ask about VIP group seating on the balcony.

Weekend Christmas Ships

This weekend if you are looking for something different to do maybe hopping on a boat on and listening to Christmas tunes while peeking into peoples big ass homes on the water might be just the thing to do to brighten your spirits.  It looks like the main Christmas ships are sold out but the Parade ships that follow the big ole Christmas ship still have room.  I have added one websites information but believe me there are plenty to pick from as the water will be full of baby ships following the mother ship.  Please note I have not added this event to the Seattle Announcements Calendar and the ticket link at the end of the post will take you to the Christmas Ship website Seattle Tours.  Ms T

The brightly lit Parade Ships follow the Official Christmas Ship.
Many boats make up the parade ship fleet, including many privately owned boats from nearby marinas.
Our Parade Ships are fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms, and a cash bar.
Onboard activities include a 'Ho-Ho-Ho' contest, Santa's magical presence, sing-a-longs, and a kids' activity area.
All parade ships position themselves alongside the Christmas Ship to enjoy the outstanding choral performances.
Happy Holidays!

Christmas Ships take about 2 - 3 1/2 hours

Saturday, December 19 - Second Sailing
Departure from Kirkland 8:00 pm - Return 10:30 pm
Choir: Northwest Girlchoir - Amore
Sheridan Beach Club 8:55-9:15 pm
*Matthews Beach 9:45-10:05 pm

Sunday, December 20
Departure from Kirkland 5:00 pm - Return 7:45 pm
Choir: Master Chorus Eastside
Carillon Point 5:15-5:35 pm
*Meydenbauer Bay 6:35-6:55 pm

Prices - including tax
Our Adult Retail Rate 'Our Adult Retail Rate' is the Alcatraz Media Inc. rate for this tour/activity. This is the rate charged for orders placed by telephone. :     $39.38
Our Adult Internet Rate 'Internet Rate' is the Alcatraz Media Inc. rate for orders placed online. :     $34.38
Your Internet Order Savings:     $5.00
Our Senior Rate
(ages 65+):     $30.94
Our Child Rate
(Ages 5-12):     $16.50
Child - Free
(Under 5):     $0.00
Tickets
Thanks to Seattle Tours for this information.

Blog Mistress 'Drop Down Menu' has arrived

I have done a little rearranging and added a 'drop down' menu in the first column that replaces much of the writing that I had cluttering our home page.  I call her 'Blog Mistress' as she will assist you find out the tips and tricks to get around Seattle Announcements.  Blog Mistress does not currently have any link associated with it.  Under Blog Mistress you will find links for and should receive live links in your email about the same time you receive this email:

• How to Subscribe to email
• Important Calendar FYI
• SeaAnn vs GayZette
• Why did SeaAnn become public?
• How will you deal with private events?
• How do I refer a friend to SeaAnn?
• Subscribe to GayZette via Email
  
• Email vs RSS Readers
• Frequently Asked Questions -rewritten (originally posted on 10/1)
• Helpful Techy Hints (previously posted on 12/11)

I invite you to peruse Blog Mistress as I will use and abuse her and I invite you to do the same on a regular basis.  I will be continuing to stream line the website and put items in their place.  Squeal...I just love to do that.

My apologies as you may see a post that has run before as I have changed a word or three and wanted to spruce it up.  This will happen from time to time and I know you all know how to IGNORE me when you don't want to hear what I am la la la la I can't hear you....

Warm hugs until later,

Ms T

Important Calendar FYI

Seattle Announcements Calendar is full of cutting edge events that are meant to entice an adult only audience while other events are indeed fabulous to take your diverse family and friends to. You will find all necessary information for each event on the calendar including type of event, cost, time frame, address, web information and phone numbers. 

The default view is set to Agenda for ease of viewing all events in a day but you may change it to Daily, Weekly and Monthly to suit your personal preference as we are all about preferences (this may have to be done each time you come back to the web or if the page is refreshed). The Print button provides you with many options and is located at the top of the calendar. 

Depending on how you have your PC settings will determine whether: when you pause the mouse over the top of the event- the individual event opens and you can see the entire details of the event or you may have to click your mouse once or twice to OPEN the event. The details you see are also determined by the VIEW chosen; Daily, Weekly, Monthly or Agenda.

Full venue information can be found categorized by type of establishment on the sidebars of the blog under their specific category (ex., WildRose found under Bars). I resource many FREE and low-cost options for entertainment and the calendar is updated constantly!  On a normal month currently there is upwards of 350 entertaining, educational, thought provoking, community focused events to choose from.

While the Seattle Announcements calendar is updated constantly and serves as the placeholder for events the GayZette blog which is found below will have the juicy details of what is happening in our greater Seattle community. The GayZette highlights and provides additional details for the calendar and can easily be subscribed to so you can receive emails or via a RSS feeds to your Reader so you can plan your social life well in advance.  You can also receive the calendar on your phone so you can attend events on the spur of the moment!  On rare occasions you may notice an event mentioned in the GayZette but not find it on the calender.  You can assume that the event is accurate from the GayZette posting and may not have made it to the calendar due to time constraints or a mind that has wandered off.

Additionally, we are on Twitter so you can have up to the date tidbits and be in the know when you are on the go! I am not a twit when I tweet so don't worry I won't tweet the mundane and make you feel insane.

If you have an event you would like added to the calendar or you have an announcement, please send it to me and I will be happy to take care of it for you!  Take a moment and introduce yourself to me if we have not met or say 'hello' if we have.  I feel that I already know so many of you as I find events that you might enjoy reading about or attending.

Truly, there is no place I would rather live as we have wonderfully compassionate people, a variety of events to choose from, sense of community and good ole naughty fun!  The Emerald City is the place to be!

I welcome you from the bottom of my heart,

Ms T

SeaAnn vs the GayZette

 What's the difference between the GayZette and Seattle Announcements?

The names can be interchanged and no one from the Lesbian Mafia will show up at your house and make you read out loud from feminist literature while playing folk music or cut off the pony tail you have been growing. The distinction I make is Seattle Announcements is the umbrella for the entire website, calendar, resource guide and features the GayZette.

The GayZette is the newsy informational prose that is technically considered the blog that will augment and highlight upcoming calendar listings, may have reflections of past events and contain my satirical viewpoint on a life half spent. The GayZette can be emailed to you (see 'Subscribe to GayZette via email') and you will receive links that will help you access the website so you can peruse back articles and 'how to' information.



Ms T

Why did SeaAnn become Public?

 What was the reason behind leaving the yahoo Seattle Announcements and starting a blog? 

The decision to move to a blog format was a difficult one to begin with because I was well aware we are creatures of habit and change is disruptive. I was concerned I would lose cherished members and I made a personal commitment to take special care with this membership.  I feel very honored to have the priviledge of providing service to my community in this way. 

The main reason was the features I saw available in blogs and the ability to provide a much slicker, graphic enabled display to my membership.  I wanted to have a more 'real time' connection and have the capacity to add pictures, posters and for the posted events to carry over from month to month and year to year.

 Why did you make Seattle Announcements a public blog?


Basically I wanted to provide better access to resources, view-ability for the calendar and the option to save the events and for you my cherished members to be able to invite others to events using the calendar function. Also doing a pseudo calendar without an actual calendar got to be tedious and I feared mistakes could happen too easily. Now, we have folks that use their cell phones to look at the calendar and we have so many options that our members are not even using yet! 

I am so excited about all the possibilities in our future.  I also had NO idea the amount of work that I was going to have to do to learn things that my brain did not want to absorb.  Hindsight is 20/20 but I have no regrets as this is working so much better in so many way



My initial research showed that I could keep the blog private with invited members only. I ran into a couple major problems.

1) People HAD to have a gmail account or they could only view the site in two week increments and then were kicked off.  I could then send another invitation but would have to do this to about 85 people every 2 weeks.
2) I discovered I could only have 100 readers ever.
3)There was no way to subscribe and receive email updates. You had to physically always come to check the website.  If you did not come for a while, you would have to search for content.
4) I received feedback that it was a pain and it was keeping people from receiving information. THAT was a KICKER! My goal is to build community, create safe space and reduce isolation. If people cannot get on the site and see the calendar and events then it is pointless and frustrating for one and all.

Of course, folks have to find us and that is not as easy as it sounds.  You pretty much have to have the web address to find the blog currently.

As a public blog I traded a couple things for the good of the group.
1) Members can receive email updates.  Information is confidential and private.
2) No limit on how many can subscribe.
3) Email plus RSS Feeds are available.
4) No block coming to the site although I did place an adult content warning.
5) The calendar can be viewed online, plus saved AND I can send folks a link so you can save it to your own desktop or personal gmail account if you like.
6) Many other pluses...I will add them as I think of them.


Ms T
 

How will you deal with private events?

The original Seattle Announcements on occasion dealt with private or delicate information. What is your plan moving forward for dealing with those kinds of situations?

The good news is that I can still send out private notices to the original Seattle Announcement members! I will do that via the Yahoo group list that one and all original members still belong to. We really have the best of both worlds because we will maintain our original family group and I will utilize that for private, sensitive or invitations that are not appropriate for a public forum.

If you have items that you feel match that criteria, please email me and let me know.

 How do you determine what is Private vs Public?

Any item that can be found on the internet, that is available through any public paper, leaflet or received on a mailing list and is normally considered in the in the Public Domain I will concur that it is public as well.

If an event is hosted at a private home, for a select private audience at the request of the attendees or host I can consider it a Private event.

There are some events that may be listed that may contain information that is only for a private membership. I may exclude certain information such as the address or other identifying information that the members would only know. If there is ever a safety issue or concern, I reserve the right to make decisions on a case by case basis.  If you ever have a concern or information regarding safety, please contact me.

How do I refer a friend to SeaAnn?

 I have a friend I think would like this website, what do I do?

You have a couple options. You are welcome to email me and introduce them to me.  This is particularly a good idea if they are someone who would possibly be a candidate for the original Seattle Announcement Yahoo group.   This way I can send them a personal introduction email with some helpful information about the site and I can offer to add them to our yahoo list if they meet the requirements.  Or, you can give them the website and they can check it out on their own.

I do appreciate referrals so thank you!   

Do you have a preference to which I do?

 

Thank you for asking.  I actually do like to send a welcome note.  Call me old fashioned or just old but sometimes it may be my only opportunity to interact with my cherished member and I appreciate the moment to introduce the site, what we are doing and hopefully give the new member a sense that we are friendly natives.  

 

I think there is so much posturing that occurs in our community and yes, I do believe there is a time and place for it, but not here.  I want folks to feel embraced, welcome, get a chuckle or two and want to return.  In time, if they are a loner, they may venture out.  If a people person, perhaps this will become another avenue of adventure for them.

 

A letter writer from childhood,

Ms T

 

 

Subscribe to GayZette via email

How to Subscribe to receive the GayZette to the email(s) of your choice:

*Oh Happy Gay's are here! You can easily subscribe to receive email updates.  This will deliver the portion that is affectionately referred to as the 'GayZette'.

Simply follow the yellow dotted square in the first left hand column and:

• put your email address in the little box located in the left maroon column titled 'Subscribe to receive the GayZette blog via email'. 
• follow the directions on the verification subscription page which helps prevent spam.
• Log into your email account at the address you provided, 
• locate the email titled 'Time Sensitive' and follow the directions in the email
  
• follow the link to verify your address and 
• waa la, ka bing you have set up email updates for the GayZette blog!                                      
  

The subscription email expires within 3 days of submitting.  If it has expired and the link no longer works, just resubmit your email address OR email me and I will happily do this for you.

Now...to be completely honest...you will not receive entire articles to your email unless they are short but instead teasers to whet your appetite.  You can click on the Title of the article or the name of the blog to finish reading the specific article you are interested in.  Visiting our website will have merit and I am not talking boy scouts here as there will always be something different and fun to view by coming back to the web as Ms T loves to change things up for you.

Ms T

Email vs RSS Readers

E

xplaining email subscriptions and RSS Feeds are a bit like the old Tortoise and the Hare race.  In this case, the Tortoise is email and RSS Readers are the bunnies- both win the race but the bunny really gets to the finish line faster.

For the real techs, this is far from a real technical description so for those techies out there, unclinch thy buttcheeks and we will all be in for a gas!  This explanation should help the average email user understand enough to be confused - lol.  At least that is what happens when I gain just a little bit of information.  Here we go...one step at a time together.

RSS FEEDS...
Really, it is easy to think who the $%*# cares, right? Well, the beautiful thing is we don't really need to know how it works on the back end but understanding that it could be useful to us could be enough for us to make an informed choice. Especially if we want to browse through a lot of different content on the web in one consolidated place.  RSS Feeds allows us to do this in a nifty way.  So I will break it down just a little for us. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary.

Basically, RSS is a way that information is broken down and sent in smaller increments to a READER in our mail program that already exists. You don't even know this is happening behind the scenes. If you have gmail, yahoo, aol, Windows Live, gator, excite and many many more you have a Reader. A Reader is how you will Read the posts and it is glorious! You will fall in love...it will change the way you view the internet and the amount of information you can read and share with others.

Once you subscribe to a FEED, the FEED will send any update from the website you have subscribed to- to your READER IMMEDIATELY. ***This is the advantage of having a FEED vs an EMAIL subscription. *** You would receive the GayZette as soon as I post it. Unlike email subscriptions that are sent usually 1x a day at a pre-determined time by the writer.

How do you know if you can subscribe to a FEED? If a website has this icon which is the

recognized RSS icon in the http:// bar, that means it can be subscribed to. Simple, huh? If you are familiar with bookmarking, this is a similar concept as you can 'mark' the feed quickly for the websites you want to subscribe to.  You can mark it in the same way as you bookmark a website by clicking on it (it will provide RSS or Atom options, if you click on one of them you will often see the list of posts that are recent.  You then subscribe from that page).  Or follow the directions below.

How do you subscribe?

1. Simply click on the RSS icon

and it will take you to the Subscribe page.
2. Pick your Reader based on your email account (I LOVE GMAIL but yahoo works fine too).
3. You will need to confirm the subscription in the Reader.
4. You will now receive Posts to the Reader.

1. You can also click on the 'Subscribe in a Reader' in the first column of Seattle Announcements.
2. Pick your Reader based on your email account.
3. You will need to confirm the subscription in your Reader.
4. You will now receive Posts to the Reader.

How do I find my *#@%$ Reader?

In gmail:

1. Good question.  I like inquiring minds.
2. In gmail, when you are in your email, LOOK at the top of your page and locate: GMAIL CALENDER DOCUMENTS READER WEB MORE.
3. Click on Reader
4. At the very bottom left side: Subscriptions / manage subscriptions
5. You will find the subscription you have subscribed to and can toy with all the settings in a separate window that will open. They are similar to your email settings.
6. You may also see in the right area a request to accept the subscription.  Do so!
7. The right side has a slide scroll up and down that you can move. This is where you will view your subscriptions and can read the posts of your choice. It can be set to: uncheck your articles when you scroll through OR uncheck only if you click on the article.
8. The Reader will recommend other sites for you based on what you read (Recommended Sources).  This is very cool as you will find others items of interest to read.
9. Home/All Items (#) = All unread items for your subscriptions
10. Next to the Search box at the top middle is 'All Items' and is a Drop down box that contains all your subscriptions plus 'All Items, Read Items, Starred Items, Shared, People you follow', etc.

In Yahoo:

1. Go to 'My Yahoo' http://my.yahoo.com
2. My Main Tab/More Options/
3. CLICK My Yahoo Reader (at top of page) Turn On/OFF
4. Click 'I'm Done'
5. It will take a moment to load & will give you options of other RSS Feeds to add (other news source like our local papers, the Times, USA Today etc). Add what you would enjoy as you can delete what you don't want later.
6. The pages will load.
7. Each item will have an 'Options' tab and you can delete item entirely or make relevant changes. Items can be moved around too.
8. Your email is also on this page but you can also read it by clicking on the Mail icon on the left sidebar.
9. Check back and look for content from the GayZette. Remember it gets posted immediately and if you are subscribed via email AND to a RSS Feed, the Feed will be quicker.  The only downside is occasionally I will post an article and do an 'opps' and immediately find an error and repost it.  My RSS Readers will get 2 will similar posts.  They are so easy to scroll past and delete so it is not too much of a big deal.

Try both and see what you like...it won't hurt anything. There are so many advantages to the Readers. I just found this link that explains the basics.


Keep me posted on what you think about all this. I sure have been learning and my brain has not exploded yet.  I am happy to help any of you with the knowledge I have gleaned and will always seek out the answer when I do not know it (that will be often - lol).

If anyone of you wants to write a tutorial on any of the other Readers I invite you to.  I will gladly publish your 'how to' and provide you with much deserved credit and even a latte on me!

Enjoy from the heart,
Ms T

Saturday it is time to CONVERT and DANCE!!!

This is the place to be Saturday if you want to Partee with the best of 'em!  A mere $5 for an entire evening of dancing to booty bumping sexy beats!

Four Fabulous Dj's will Heat the place to a Sizzle with the best downtempo, dubstep, electro-house & Nu-disco to dance your night away.  The Furthermore Collective will set the place on FIRE with their famous show.  I will be there Dressed to Express...how about you? 

Saturday, December 19th
8pm - 2am
$5 cover 21+
Chapel
1600 Melrose Ave at Pine

Dress to Express!

YWCA LBTHealth OutReach a SUCCESS!

Any of you that have been following the GayZette or know me understand that maintaining health and well being is close to my heart and this particular health screening is very dear to me after losing Mudd to metastasized breast cancer earlier this year.  My bra is off to Ingrid who works tirelessly in our community with warmth, understanding and a sexy accent to boot for making it easier for those to maintain basic health services with dignity.  What follows is her recap of the YWCA LBTHealth OutReach on Saturday.  Ms T

Wildrose 12/12/09 OutReach Day

December the 12th turned out to be the Santa Claus pub crawl. It was very funny to watch hundreds of Santa Clauses in all sorts of outfits coming by and having a good time.
The LBT focused Wildrose screening on Saturday the 12th of December, turned out very successful. I want to thank Martha and Shelley from the Wildrose, for their generosity and for opening their doors for us. It was great to work with Beth Kruse again, albeit the only time this year. I want to thank Michelle Atkinson for volunteering to help with the intakes at the last moment.
This mobile event turned out so well I think in part by using the internet, through list serves and yahoo groups to advertise this LBT focused mobile screening event.  I feel this community tends to be more online than some of the others. From last years screening we had only one client return to us.
We served 16 people in total, 14 BCHP and two insurance.
Two clients were referred to Swedish for diagnostic mammograms. 1 client refused the mammogram.  There were 14 LBT with 2 trans individuals.
14 people filled in the after screening survey it was 99% positive. Topics most people were interested in were health insurance, affordable housing, employment programs, educational opportunities, LBT health and nutrition.
At the request from one of our clients I put out a donation jar and to my surprise people made some donations. We will continue to do this and see how it goes.

Thank you all and be well
Ingrid Berkhout

A Vigil to End Violence Against Sex Workers

Seattle, WA
International Day to
End Violence
Against Sex Workers

A Vigil  - 7:30PM Thursday December 17th
Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill

All participants are encouraged to wear masks to preserve everyone's anonymity!
If you are a sex worker who would like to join the pre-vigil mask making event please email MaryMagdalene@nw-swop.org for more information. Bring a poem, a song, a few words to share...

Origami - Between the Folds

A dear friend sent me this wonderful not to miss PBS documentary on origami airing at 10 pm on Tuesday Dec 15, KCTS Channel 9. Don't dismiss this at face value as this is a compelling look at how origami artists quit their normal lives and use origami to explain our world. BETWEEN THE FOLDS chronicles 10 of their stories.  Tivo Time!  Ms T

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/between-the-folds/ says:

Origami may seem an unlikely medium for understanding and explaining the world. But around the globe, several fine artists and theoretical scientists are abandoning more conventional career paths to forge lives as modern-day paper folders. Through origami, these offbeat and provocative minds are reshaping ideas of creativity and revealing the relationship between art and science.

Those double posts - this is a test of sorts

 Why do I sometimes receive an email and when I try to find the corresponding article online it is gone?

This is usually because I am changing some sort of coding with the site and trying out a new exciting feature. Unfortunately, they sometimes fail even though I do pre-test them on another blog I have that is almost identical to this one. Tonight for example I am posting this to see if for the third time the code works properly and shows the question, and hides the answer until you click on the question.

Earlier this morning I posted what I thought was a success and pulled 'Helpful Techy Hints' down and reposted it hoping it would behave. It did not! I am trying one more time as the night has turned into morning and this little project turned into an all nighter. I wish Blogspot has a feature that posted but allowed revisions until it was emailed or sent out via the feed. I need my own personal kind of editor like a spell checker to keep me out of trouble.

I do appreciate all your patience, truly. I am trying to make the site more user friendly and within the week it shall be a bit easier to get around with the items you need at your fingertips. Stand by!

Helpful Techy Hints

 Is there a way to make the font larger on the screen?  The dryer must have shrunk my computer font size ;~).

Yes, follow these simple directions to make all the Font appear larger in incremental measures. 
Hold the ctrl button and the + (plus) down and the screen will get larger each time you tap the + button. Use the ctrl button and tap - (dash), and the screen will return to the regular size in increments backwards.  Hold the ctrl button and the 0 (zero) down and the screen will return to normal.

This works beautifully in other programs also.  So use it when surfing the net or creating documents.  No need to strain those beautiful bedroom eyes!

 The blog seemed to load slow the other day and one of the columns slipped underneath the middle column.  Could my browser Internet Explorer be the issue?

Yes, that could be the issue as  Internet Explorer has been found to be less compatible with Blogspot.  I understand that Blogger may load and work better using Mozilla Firefox browser rather than IE (Internet Explorer) which has also been my experience. I composed SA in Firefox due to major problems with IE and for the first time since *Al Gore* created the internet I changed my browser. Who said old dogs could not learn new tricks?

It does not hurt to have another browser to utilize and you may find you like it better for some things (as I have).  I did test this with a couple of Seattle Announcement members who initially had problems viewing the blog with IE and Mozilla Firefox worked like a charm with no issues.  You can always email me and I will do my best to assist you and talk through this or other questions!. 

 Sometimes only half my page loads and it seems 'stuck', what should I do?

If you notice that only half of the page loads, use your REFRESH button immediately and RELOAD the page and the problem seems to resolve. I have 'optimized' all the pics so the pages should load as quick as grease on a hot grill.  I also have not been putting many pics or posters on lately until I am sure that it will not slow down the load for all my members taking into consideration the type of connections they have. I am looking into a long term plan to see if I need to host the pics or what is the best option so I can have as much graphics without affecting performance.

 How do I use the +/- columns?

Often I hope!  You will find the +/- (expand/collaspe) labeled  on the sidebars with resources, venue locations and upcoming Auctions.  If you select a heading such as 'Bookstores' you will find a complete address, phone #, program information, times, and other appropriate information  available.   If you CLICK directly on a specific Bookstore listing, you will be taken to that Bookstore's website.  You will need to come back to Seattle Announcements since once you CLICK on the link it takes you directly to the website rather than opening a separate window.

This area will always be fresh with  new additions and interesting resources/venue information  added to compliment the calendar listings.  In the event that the business, venue or event does not have it's own website you will note that Seattle Announcements web address is used as a place holder.  On occasion there may be an empty category and I will attempt to mark them so you won't open them constantly looking for goodies.  Please visit this area often as you may be surprised at what you find at your fingertips!!

 Why when I click on certain links do they bring me right back to the post I am reading?   Or when I click on a link I have to scroll to the bottom of the blog to find the post?

In order to create a link that I can copy and place elsewhere on the website I may place one within the actual post too.  I realize this may be confusing but I have not figured out another way to create the link and save it without posting it in this manner.  I often need the link to use as a reference to point to for other areas of the blog.  I am VERY open to suggestions if someone knows a better way.
For part 2 of the question, when you click on a link that is referring to a prior post, you have to look in the middle column towards the bottom to find the post you are looking for.  It seems to be the set up.

Ms T