From the MC Film Mail Bag

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Volunteer for the All Hallows Ball 2012

Hi Mark & Carrie!

How to help
Now that all the invitations have been received many of you have been writing in and asking how you can help ensure the success and continuation of the party. Casper has tears of joy in his eyes from the outpouring of offers to help. He says there are two specific ways you can help this year:

  • Help build decorations:
    Your hosts are planning another spectacular party for you again this year. There are many decorations that have been designed to transform the Tampa Convention Center into our Small World! Your hosts will be busy on multiple weekends between now and the night of the party cutting, painting and assembling all the goodies. If you’re interested in volunteering to assist with the painting and assembly, you may sign up to do so by completing the volunteer form by Clicking Here.
  • Help the night of the party:
    No costume? Then become a staff volunteer! Volunteers are needed the night of the party to help direct guests, ensure the escalators are kept clear, check tickets and assist with general crowd control. Shifts will be approximately 1 1/2 hours each. You will be provided with an official “All Hallows Masquerade Ball Volunteer” T-shirt which is yours to keep and wear the entire night of the party. Everyone will know that YOU helped out! If you think that you may enjoy helping in this capacity Casper says to Click Here! Some of your hosts were volunteers at first! Please respond no later than October 15th. But why not do it right now?!?

That’s all for now. Casper wishes everyone a fun and safe weekend! More to come soon.

Casper

*The Annual Tampa All Hallows Masquerade Ball is a private event arranged by the hosts for their friends and invited guests. It is not a commercial event.

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Sign Up for PFALAG Tampa Today
Friends-

Our PFLAG chapter recently had an anniversary! Our first meeting was in August of 2011. Over the past year, interest in the chapter has grown so much that we now need help to maintain our mailing list. We’ve decided to enlist the help of MailChimp, a personal publishing platform that will help us design better email newsletters and announcements, and enable us to share them on social networks. Our readers will be able to fine-tune what information they want to get from us, and every email will have links to allow you to change your preferences or unsubscribe completely.

This will be the last email that you’ll receive directly from the PFLAG Tampa gmail account. In order to ensure that you continue to receive our newsletter (and to let us know that you *really* still want to get our emails) please visit PFLAG Tampa’s subscription page and sign up for the newsletter. You can also ask for meeting reminders and join a new list intended for advocacy issues.

Thank you for your interest in PFLAG Tampa. We hope you’ll decide to join us for our second year!

– John & Nancy Desmond, PFLAG Tampa

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from a Birmingham Jail, 1963

“We must make it clear that a platform of ‘I hate gay men and women’ is not a way to become president of the United States of America.”
– Jimmy Carter, 1996

Email: pflag.tampa@gmail.com
Web: http://pflagtampa.org
Telephone: (863) 535-5239
Calendar: http://goo.gl/gg3dp
Facebook: http://facebook.com/PFLAGTampa
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PFLAGTampa
Subscribe: http://goo.gl/ywnmA

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Meditation Marathon at Metro Wellness & Community Center
Meditation Marathon

Saturday, September 22

9:00am-3:00pm

Meditation Guru Ron Hays is donating his Saturday to host a Meditation Marathon, where 100% of the proceeds benefit Metro! Join this special Meditation Marathon and give yourself that one day to relax, commune with yourself and expand your awareness!

Receive practical, easy and fun instruction on six meditation techniques. Then EXPERIENCE each of them fully. Meditate deeply on the things that concern you the most. Each technique will include 15 minutes of instruction and discussion, followed by 30 minutes of meditation.

  • Ohm-ing: Use the Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls to enhance this powerful technique
  • Mantra: Spoken out-loud or internally, a Mantra will focus your meditation
  • Mindfulness: Use whatever state you happen to be in to enhance your meditation
  • Third Eye: Bring clearer understanding by meditating with your Third-Eye
  • Movement: Bring your body into your meditation practice
  • Guided: Be gently guided into and through your meditation

Bring a mat, padding, cushion, pillow—whatever you may need to maintain your comfort. Also bring paper and pen. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. There will be a short lunch break, so bring something light and refreshing.

Click here to register.

Cost: $50

100% of proceeds go to Metro Wellness and Community Centers

Get Social

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Corpus Christi

The internationally acclaimed production makes its Tampa debut October 19-20. Click here for more details on the controversial “Gay Jesus” play.


 
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Tampa LGBT Wedding Expo – FREE Ticket Details

Tampa Bay 3rd Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo

Hurry…Just a few FREE advanced tickets left!

Rainbow Wedding Network’s 3rd annual Tampa Bay, FL LGBT Wedding Expo

Saturday September 29, 2012

Tampa East Plaza Hotel

10221 Princess Palm Avenue

Tampa Fl, 33610

First 100 Tickets are FREE…visit http://www.samelovesamerights.com

Help spread the word via Facebook about the FREE tickets. Over 30 gay friendly wedding professionals,giveaways, music & more!

Rainbow Wedding Network has produce over 70 events nationwide!

Don’t miss this once a year Rainbow Wedding Network LGBT Wedding Expo!

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m.a.d. Theatre

Is Now Accepting Resumes
From Directors For Our 2013 Productions
m.a.d. Theatre is looking for experienced, qualified directors. Please send your resume with cover page and references to info@madtheatre.com by September 30th. A board member of m.a.d. theatre will contact each applicant to arrange a mutually convenient time to interview.
Please respond by September 30, 2012

Nunsense A-Men!
Music, Book and Lyrics by Dan Goggin
February 2013
Nunsense A-Men is basically the original “Nunsense” show with all of the characters being portrayed by male musical comedy performers. Think of it as “Mrs. Doubtfire enters the Convent.” Done totally seriously, this show is, to quote a critic, “no drag.” A whole new layer of comedy surfaces, when these nuns put on a talent show to raise money to bury the last four dead sisters after a culinary disaster.

Edges
Music and Lyrics by Justin Paul Lopez and Benj Pasek
April/May 2013
EDGES is not a traditional musical; it is an exciting show about four burgeoning adults asking classic coming-of-age questions. Written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul–2007 Jonathan Larson Award Recipients–in their sophomore year at the University of Michigan, this contemporary song cycle carries an honest voice advocating introspection while maintaining wit and charm. The songs cover such universal issues as love, commitment, identity, and meaning. Characters deal with confronting emotions, escaping expectations, and deciphering complicated relationships.

Drood
Written by Rupert Holmes
August 2013
Drood is a musical based on the unfinished Charles Dickens novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood. This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) “puts on” its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper’s nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunnit?

Auditions for actors will be announced at a later date.

Please visit our website, and facebook page for up to the minute information!
Please feel free to forward this opportunity.

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Dear supporters,

 

I’ve hijacked your usual Know It All for this one issue to tell you about an exciting initiative that the Museum is announcing this week. The program is called Tampa Museum of Art Gives Back. Watch your mailboxes and favorite media outlets for more details.

 

With your help, the Museum has always worked to bring the best in the visual arts to the citizens of and visitors to our region while at the same time removing as many barriers to access as possible. Here is a snapshot of what your support allows the Museum to offer each year:

 

Art on the House. Our galleries are open free of charge every Friday from 4 – 8 p.m. Last year, one-third of our visitors enjoyed our galleries for free.

Tours for Hillsborough County Students. Free, docent-led tours of Museum exhibitions to all Hillsborough County classrooms are a mainstay of our educational programming. We also offer bus transportation grants.
Art Spot. This free family drop-in program of hands-on art activities tied to current exhibitions takes place every Saturday at the Museum from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Art Space. This is an opportunity for community organizations to bring at-risk populations to a safe environment that connects them with the visual arts. This year’s partners include the Spring of Tampa Bay, Prodigy at the University Center, Champions for Children and our newest partner — The Pace Center for Girls.
Title One School Project. We provide teacher training, bus transportation and all required supplies for Hillsborough County Public Title One school children. This interdisciplinary program encourages critical thinking skills and the ability to make historical and cultural connections.

Festivals. Museum educators participate in various community festivals in Hillsborough County and beyond throughout the year, including Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, The Big Draw in Tampa and Ruskin, Gasparilla Music Festival, Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival and many school festivals.
Free Family Days. These celebrations of the arts on view in the galleries are held semi-annually.

Student Exhibitions. The Museum presents three to four K-12 student exhibitions and receptions annually.

 

Earlier this year, I sat down and tried to quantify what monetary value we might give to our efforts. The results surprised us. In 2011, the Museum offered more than $250,000 worth of free services to our community. This represents almost 10% of overall annual budget.

 

Our members, donors and corporate sponsors make all of this happen each year, and we could not be happier with our attempts to make what we do available to as many people as we can. Thank you for being a part of this amazing mission.

 

Yours truly,

 

Todd D. Smith

Executive Director

GaYBOR District Meeting

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    TIGLFF Executive Director Larry Biddle talked about the 23rd Annual Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival starting October 5th at the Tampa Theatre. What a great time to get out and have fun seeing new GLBT movies being theatrically released for the year. Florida Aquarium’s Animal Registrar, Jason Donnell talked about the future million dollar expansion program of the aquarium, group events and finding the 1900 sunken boat in Hillsborough River. The GaYBOR District gave a $500.00 check to the Holiday Spirit of Ybor Festival for the upcoming 6 week Christmas Holiday events in Ybor City. The next GaYBOR Meeting is October 13th.

 

Caught @ G.BAR

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Caught @The Social

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Dishing with Mark & Carrie 9-12-2012

Posted on by
9-12-2012
People R Talking
Walking down 7th Ave this morning you knew it was fall. The dry crisp air and the light eastern breeze sent you an uplifting roasting aroma from the Naviera Coffee Co. down the street. A small pleasantry to the mornings. Did you know where ‘Naviera Coffee”name came from? When Carlos Menendez immigrated to Florida from Spain, he named the coffee company he founded in 1921 after the shipping line he came over on. We saw Crowbar co-owner, Bonnie P at her Ybor condo. She had the misfortune of falling and broken her arm 4 different places. Yes, it is painful. She has been out of commission and is being rescued by family, Ybor friends and patrons to cook and take her to therapy twice a week because she can’t drive. The doctors said she will be unavailable to do anything for another 2 months! Keep her in your thoughts.
A small front end loader is working inside the old “Shine Club” on 7th Ave.. Demolition & remodeling is underway as Buffalo Chicken Wings makes plans to open the beginning of November. The new Ybor Youth Clinic on 7th is having its ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Bob Buckhorn this Friday at 4:00, the same time GaYBOR District Coalition is having its monthly meeting next door at the Hampton Inn & Suites.
    Great Kudos to Ybor City’s Hillsborough Community College. President Shawn Robinson said, “The college enrollment was down by 2% but ended in being off in student predicted numbers by 1% this semester.” New business partnership opening in Ybor City above MC FILM is Elliott Wheeler Architect and interior designer, Carla Atkinson Designs. Welcome To GaYBOR / Ybor City!
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GLBT Participation Soars at Democratic Convention

The Democratic National Convention featured a record number of openly GLBT convention delegates, key speaking roles for out elected officials and the adoption of a party platform supporting marriage equality. “I have certainly never attended a convention where visibility is as significant as it has been at this convention. There is amazing progress to celebrate,” said Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., a candidate for the U.S. Senate who was given a prime time speaking role Thursday night. Other out convention speakers included Rep. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Andrew Tobias, treasurer of the Democratic National Committee.
    Local GLBT members attending included Sally Phillips, partner Ercilia Albistu, Marilyn Cappiello, Alan Clendenin, Gayle Morgan, Rick Boylan, Lillian Lewis and Ella Coffee.
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A Question We Put on Facebook.
        “What do you wish an older gay person would have told you when you were young???”
A great number of responses. A couple of the answers were…
  • That just because somebody is gay doesn’t mean you can trust them.
  •  I wish my gay relatives would have told me they were gay.
  • Just because you have sex with somebody it doesn’t mean they are in love with you.
  • Merrell Dickey Treat other people in the gay community with the same respect you want to be treated. Don’t degrade others who are different than you. Be the catalyst for an end to all bigotry and racism. And, never let anyone rob you of your self love, your brilliance, and let your sexuality shine for all the world to see. Damn you’re good!
  • Brandon James Singleton Spend more time on the friendships that mean something. Because most of these people for the next ten years will be on an ever-revolving wheel you call life. lol.
  • Mark T. Melnick oh…Drag Queens need love, too!
  • Francis Lombardi Jr Don’t be afraid to be who you are!
  • James Youry men lie when they say, size doesn’t matter
  • Dave Davis Everyone ages, as beauty fades. But a good attitude & good friends last forever.
  • Michael L Silas Don’t dismiss older people they have wisdom to impart and they aren’t necessarily trying to have sex with you.
  • Rich Kerin Just be yourself and do what you feel is right, treat everyone young and old like you would want to be treated yourself…
  • Larry Pultorak If you are hot I am trying to have sex with you…lol
What advice would you give? Send your advice to dishingmcfilm@aol.com
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New at Hamburger Mary’s in GaYBOR.
    There are 7 days of fun waiting for you at Hamburger Mary’s in GaYBOR. The very popular Drag Queen BINGO is packing the house for a great community cause ! Monday’s caller is Miss Melanie Minyon, Tuesday is Miss Alicia Markstone, Wednesday is Miss Amy Demillo. Thursday is the popular Amateur Drag Contest. Fri & Saturday nights there are over the Top Drag Show with Daphne Ferarro, Esme Russell & Miss Joey Brooks! Every Friday & Saturday night in the balcony is the very wild Tea Cup Happy Hour Party! Sundays start with the “All you care to eat & drink Buffet!” The new head Chef Scott has been Wowing Everybody. 1 PM is the Drag Brunch Show. Happy Hour special and that evening Miss Stephanie Shippae & cast. Don’t miss any of the fun!!!
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GaYBOR District Coalition Meeting & Mixer
This Friday 4pm at The Hampton Inn & Suites Ybor.
Everybody is welcome!
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Obituary
Ryan M. Fujiki-Hasting,
 34 years old   1978 – 9-8-12,  A loving Father, Husband and Friend! Ryan worked 8 years at Laughing Cat Restaurant in Ybor City.
Ybor City & the Tampa Music Community loss of a Great Person & Musucian.

UPDATE: A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, September 15. More information on the memorial is available at our calendar page + Facebook.

The Tampa music community suffered a staggering loss on Saturday, September 8th, when Ryan Fujiki-Hastings died in a motorcycle accident in Ybor City, FL. TBO.com reports that Hastings, 34, was traveling north on 15th Street when he lost control of his Harley Davidson. He was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he died a few hours later. Ryan is survived by his wife, Tanya and their six-month old daughter, Anaïs, along with his extended family and a large community of friends.

Ryan’s most well known contribution to the arts community came through his role as drummer for one of the area’s most promising and enjoyable bands — Candy Bars — whose debut album, On Cutting Ti-Gers in Half and Understanding Narravation, was released by Tampa-based New Granada Records in May 2006. The LP was lauded by the likes of Magnet, Under The Radar, Stereogum and, the inimitable Pitchfork. But of course, Ryan was more, much much more… he struck a lasting chord with so many people. Already remembrances are popping up on the web including Julie Garisto’s remembrance posted on Creative Loafing, another from Thriller Magazine and from Lucas Jensen of Venice is Sinking on their blog.

Please keep the Fujiki-Hastings family in your thoughts through this very difficult time and listen to On Cutting Ti-Gers below or check out a video of Candy Bars playing at New World in August 2010. Ryan’s memory will live on through his music but most importantly in the hearts and ears of the many people who knew and loved him. http://youtu.be/If9GkCUwjt0

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You Can Not Make This Stuff Up!!
    Turning on the Big TV…
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  OK this is a little naughty But so Funny!!!! ….. Mike a friend of ours back in the 1990’s owned this wonderful home. It was very modern and minimalist decorated. In every room was a huge TV on the wall and cameras were everywhere. Humm… can you say dude dorm??? A mutual friend of ours was Jim. He in his 30’s was/is a very nice guy who still lives with his parents. For work he will do odd jobs for friends. Let’s just say he would believe almost anything. Mike was off to Miami and Jim was watching the house. There was a hurricane coming so we called Jim to make sure he was OK. Jim said Yes everything was OK but something very strange has just happened.
    Jim went on and told us, “You know Mike has a very large DVD porn collection. Well, I found one that I wanted to watch. All the TV’s in the house are run from the closet in the hallway. In the closet I found a TV that would play. So I put the film on and was standing in the hallway enjoying the film when the phone rang. It was Mike & he said “Jim would you like to know how to turn on a big TV?”
    Jim said to us “What a coincident!!!”  We are still laughing!!!!
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Featured GaYBOR Member of the Week
    Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
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This years Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival will be Oct 5- 13th. The 2012 TIGLFF Launch Party is Sept. 21, 6:30 at Tampa Museum of Art. Also a novel Food Truck Rally is October 5th, 6-11PM at Tampa Theatre.
    The newly released festival films will be shown at the Tampa Theatre &  Muvico in St. Pete. www.TIGLFF.com
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Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/Niece of the Week
    Brian Jalvarado
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 Fun, Caring,” a GOOD Person”, are just a couple of words to describe Brian. Did you know Brian speaks English, French & Spanish? A full time employee of Florida Entertainment you will find Brian selling shots in
GaYBOR.  His favorite quotes is….
See only light.
Seek only peace.
Give only love.

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” -Buddha

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Pianos of Ybor still being played at MC Film
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Welcome our new neighbors Carla Atkinson Design & Elliot Wheeler Architect
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Impromptu Horse Parade 7th Ave
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After Glow
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Dirty Shame
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Linda @ The Blues Ship Cafe
New Latin Night starting 9-22
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Caught @ Steam Fridays
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Caught @ G.BAR
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Caught @ Bradley’s on 7th
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Join Tea Cup Every Fri & Sat on the Balcony
Caught @ Hamburger Mary’s
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Caught @The Social
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Caught @ Barbarella’s
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Caught @ JJ’s Cafe & Bar
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Caught @ Centro Cantina
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Caught @ Fresh Mouth
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Caught @ MC Film
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Caught @ GaYBOR/Ybor City