Meet & Get A Signed Copy of Her Newest CD, Singing Artist, KRISTINE W  at MC Film before the Sant' Yago Knight Parade, Saturday, February 16th at 5pm.   ******************************************************************************************     To Get yours, head on down to MC-Film in Ybor!   For More Information ask a Sister, Or go to flsisters.org, pinksunday.org      Valentine Day Weekend Stars & Pirates    Get ready for a Wild, Fun, Valentine's Weekend that you will be talking about for years to come!!! Friday night there will be 1,500+ softball players from across the country for the Annual Gay Amateur Gasparilla Softball Classic in Tampa, registering in GaYBOR! Friday night will be the Wild Grand Opening of "Steam Friday's" featuring Super Star KRISTINE W live in Concert! There will be a soft opening of "Streetcar Charlie's", the much anticipated and talked about Proud GLBT Restaurant & Bar. Plus dozens of parties & celebrations all across Ybor City. The next day is the Annual Sant' Yago Gasparilla Knight Parade. Free concerts on 3 stages will be starting at 2PM. Lounge 714 will be open at 3pm & the Krewe of the Cavaliers will be there after the parade. Streetcar Charlie's will be open at 11am and will be hosting several Krewes there. At 5 PM meet KRISTINE W at MC Film as she will be signing her new CD release. Most important of all... Creatures of Delight will hosting a Farewell Good Bye Party - SALE 2-6 pm. The Krewe of Bobbie C. Davis will surely be there too. This will be your last chance to say Goode Bye to Thom & Stu and this 14 year Ybor art gallery institution.         Flirt Night Club & Show Bar You will be amazed at the new renovations at Flirt Nightclub & Show Bar in Ybor City. Club owner, Darlene brought in a Feng Shui expert who has put the party club in line with the universe! As you enter the club you will walk up red carpet stairs, lifting you to the heavens, to be greeted by a sitting Buddha. Turn & entering into the club, the first thing you will notice is all the increased positive energy! On the walls are hand painted Chinese symbols of Happiness, Love, Light & Joy. Drawing you to the bar is the moving water of life in an oversized aquarium filled with exotic smiling fish and completed with living green dance waving plants. Sitting front & center of the tank is another Buddha giving a blessing to the room.  Upon the stage, the back wall is now a sparkling star night lit rainbow curtain. This curtain now covers the lower half moon window and keeping all the performers energy, directed to the crowds. With all the clubs new life now focused onto the center of the dance floor you can't help but notice that the incredible 4ft & 8 ft windows are now totally uncovered. This allows the positive life force to bounce out like off of a huge humane mirror ball into the universe! For an up lifting experience check out the new Flirt Night Club & Show Bar!       Mystic Murals by Design OK , you haven't been there yet BUT when you go to Streetcar Charlie's you will be amazed at the very comic colorful animations on the mural walls , marbling columns and flying winged streetcars on the ceilings. All from the brush strokes of  visiting Miami's Cuban artist, Alex Ruiz. A Cuban political refuge who has been in the United States since 1991. The reason for being political prisoner in Cuba? For reading the so called Cuban enemy propaganda magazine, "Readers Digest!"     Alex tells us the tale of living in Cuba and then being a political prisoner. He was born in Cuba and his family all live there yet. Studying art at the Central Province of Cuba in 1977 he became a graphic artist instructor then a Professor of Visual Arts specializing in 'Fine Art'. He was recruited in the Cuban military then taught specialized art design. He was then put in prison for reading the enemy propaganda and sought 'political asylum and refuge from the U.S. Consulate in Havana. 1991 he was granted his right to leave Cuba and was flown to Miami. He knew a little English and he has taken on the ability to talk fluent English. Asked about this biggest change he has experienced here in the U.S.. "FREEDOM in all expression of the word. You just have no idea how precious it is and to live." He sharply said and head acknowledged. " Opportunity in the U.S....Yesss."  Still at the mural streetcar painting, you can see what life experiences he has endured just by his body expressions, Freedom was in his heart!     "I love art. I had a very artsy mind. I knew I was gay at 4 years old. It is really hard to be gay in Cuba." I didn't ask any further questions but I got the drift of his meaning. Now he lives in Miami, single and available and has a design company called Interior Art specializing in decorative paint, faux finishes and Murals. Some of his clients he did murals for are Latin singing artist Gloria Estafan, Bicardi Rum Company Murals in numerous cities and famous commissioned murals in Las Vegas, Washington, D.C. He first came to Tampa by friends Roberto & Eduardo and invited to participate in a Cuban & Spanish Art Exhibit at Casa de LaLa  hosted by Manny Alvarez in Ybor City 6 months ago. Besides being a famous artist, single & available for Valentine's Day guys, he is an accomplished song writer and loves reading. See his finished refine work at the Grand Opening of Streetcar Charlie's at 8th & 15th Street in Ybor very soon.   FMI;  artist Alex Ruiz, Interior Art  786-556-0694           Mark & Carrie's  30th Anniversary Surprise 30 Years & Still Going, Growing Strong!  Mark & Carrie celebrating their 30th Year Anniversary at Lounge 714. Hundreds of friends from across the state crowded the special show. Singer Judy B. Goode called M&C  "a real Jewish Organ Playing Couple!" After so many years it is great to have friends help reflect upon your life's achievements and accomplishments. "30 years isn't easy to say" says Mark. "Heck, I'm only 29 myself." Carrie says that they send a postcard to their kindergarten teacher every year that says, "See it did last!" Thank Everybody for your kind notes, cards, e-mails and calls. Here is to another 30 Years..........And Congratulations to all the other GLBT Couples with over 30 years!!!           Dinner: Impossible Settling in for a quiet night we turned on the Food Network to the show "Dinner: Impossible". To our surprise Chef Robert was at the "Big Apple Circus" in their kitchen trailer. Who do you suppose was the Chef there but.... Chef Ray! The very loveable Hawaiian Chef from the now flat & forgotten SunCoast Resort! At one point Chef Robert  called the trailer the most primitive kitchen he had every been in. Ray just smiled and said "NO"... We all know that Ray has worked in worse conditions. Like the old resort for example! Check out the show for yourself at ...http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_ie/episode/0,3151,FOOD_28496_55265,00.html One more note. Now we all know why Lakia Mondale (Ray's Sweet Heart) is working in upstate NY. Drop her a note at http://www.myspace.com/lakiamondale     PICS From Around The Bays               A Charity Event to Benefit The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast Children  PETER AND THE WOLF Based on the 1936 composition and text by Sergei Prokofiev. In the story, each character is represented by a different musical theme.   Sunday, February 17, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. Unitarian Universalists of Clearwater Octagon Arts Center 2470 Nursery Road, Clearwater, FL 33764 (1.3 miles south of Rt. 60 between Belcher Road and Rt. 19) Adults $10; Children $5 All tickets will be sold at the door starting at 2:15 p.m.        Narrated by The Rev. Abhi Janamanchi   PERFORMED BY Quintessence Quintet Ron Bowers, Oboe David Helfrich, French Horn Deborah Langrock, Flute Buz Van Horne, Bassoon Louis Zagar, Clarinet In addition, the Quintessence Quintet will play some Beatles favorites, a few selections from The Sound of Music, and other popular music. This program will delight all ages.   All proceeds will go to The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast Children   This list promotes arts/cultural events in the Tampa Bay area. If you wish to be removed, simply reply with "REMOVE" in the subject line. Thank you! Kim Ann Callan KAC Promotions   I read your newsletter weekly and noticed that you posted information on the Gay Marriage Amendment.  An organization has been formed to fight the amendment, Florida Red and Blue.  Please go to their WEB page and include the link in your next newsletter.  They are an excellent, bi-partisan organization that deserves everyone's help and attention. http://floridaredandblue.com/ Thank you, Frank Reynolds 15821 Redington Dr Redington Beach, FL 33708 727.392.6904 frankreynolds@verizon.net  "The homosexualization of culture."  (W H A T !!! You know a closet hetro came up with that word! Mark & Carrie)     Dear Red and Blue Supporter:   "The homosexualization of culture."    What does that even mean?    We have no idea. But it's what John Stemberger claims is wrong with America and why he's the leading sponsor of Amendment 2 – the "Marriage Protection Amendment."  He delivered that pearl of wisdom and some other choice comments to a Tampa area TV audience Sunday morning when he appeared on the ABC station's show "Flashpoint with Brendan McLaughlin."  But it's not all he said.  Mr. Stemberger also said the next item on his agenda – after passing this amendment that could take away existing rights and benefits from Floridians – is to "reform" no fault divorce. To Mr. Stemberger and his supporters, divorce is just too easy.  Seriously.  At Florida Red and Blue, we've said all along that even though Mr. Stemberger and those pushing the "Marriage Protection Amendment" are selling it as a "gay marriage ban," it has much more to do with putting a narrow social view in our Constitution.  And we were right.  But don't take our word for it.  Click HERE to watch parts 1 and 2 of the February 10th show of "Flashpoint."  They are about seven minutes each.  Florida Red and Blue campaign manager Derek Newton appeared on the program too, and explained why we strongly oppose the amendment.  But you'll really be stunned by Stemberger's attacks on your personal liberties, as well as his other outrageous claims – leaving no doubt about his true motives.  John Stemberger seamlessly mentions gangs, abortion, divorce and gay marriage as being "horrendous toward marriage and family structures."  He defends the restrictions on who can adopt children in Florida by saying, "No one's lining up" to adopt "severely handicapped or deformed" children.  As for his top project today, the "Marriage Protection Amendment," Stemberger claims that its defeat will create "motherless and fatherless homes." His wild and unsupported social agenda make it even harder to believe that his amendment – Amendment 2 – won't be used to take away existing rights and benefits from all Floridians whether they are gay or straight.  See for yourself what Florida Red and Blue is fighting by watching the entire clip (Segments 1 and 2 of the February 10 show). In 15 minutes you'll have a much better understanding of our opposition.  Please help us get out the word about him.  First, forward this email far and wide.  Let your network click on the link and watch the 15-minute segment.  Otherwise, no one will believe you when you tell them what he said!  Second, click HERE to contribute to Florida Red and Blue.  We're racing toward November and need all the help we can get to kill this amendment.  Any donation, no matter how small, helps us. Third, consider hosting a house party or a coffee to tell your friends about Amendment 2 and support Red and Blue.  We'll help you set it up and provide someone to speak on the latest developments.  In the first segment of the show, Mr. Stemberger says, "we're in this for the long haul."  We can't turn our back on this for one second or lose our momentum – and certainly not the campaign – to John Stemberger.  Will you help us today by watching this TV clip and signing-up to help?  The Red and Blue Team   floridaredandblue.com  |   contribute St. Pete Pride  to help sponsor a GLBT Crystal Meth Support Group  for Residents of Tampa Bay. ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (February 7, 2008) – In an effort to reach those struggling with a Crystal Meth addiction, St. Pete Pride, Inc. will help sponsor a Crystal Meth Support Group. Starting in March, Metropolitan Charities will begin a bimonthly support group led by a licensed therapist. This group will be held at the Metro Center located at 3170 3rd Avenue North in St. Petersburg. The St. Pete Pride Board of Directors unanimously agreed to provide funding to help support the group sessions in its January meeting. “This program, though unfortunate in necessity, falls within the outreach and education efforts of St. Pete Pride. Supporting it was an easy decision to make,” says David Schauer, St. Pete Pride Board Co-Chair. “If you use crystal, want to stop, reduce your use, or need help coping with the side effect,s we are here to support you,” says Lorraine Langlois, Executive Director of Metropolitan Charities, Inc. Lorraine continued, “We’re fortunate to have the support of St. Pete Pride and we hope that together we can help GLBT persons who want to make a positive change in their lives.” Metropolitan Charities is a licensed substance abuse provider. And has been providing treatment for those with HIV and addictions for many years. For more information on Metropolitan Charities and the Crystal Meth Support Group go to www.merocharities.org or write to Information@metrocharities.org.  The mission of St. Pete Pride, Inc. is to provide Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) persons with cultural and educational programs and activities which enhance mental and physical health, provide social support and foster awareness of the past and present contributions of GLBT persons, through community activities and services, including an annual St Pete Pride Promenade & Street Festival. For more information on St Pete Pride 2008, "The Largest Pride Celebration in Florida", please visit us at www.stpetepride.com or email monica@stpetepride.com. Turn Your Vacation into DONATIONS by visiting www.StPetePrideTravel.com.    From the Suncoast Squares Hi Mark & Carrie,      As per our telephone conversation of yesterday Carrie, our local square dance group, the Suncoast Squares ( a not for profit social organization) is having a weekend event the weekend of February 15th - 18th here in St. Petersburg. We will be dancing at the Walter Fuller Recreation Center at 7900 26th Avenue North and we will be raffling off baskets of items to help defray the cost of the weekend. We will be hosting about 75 to 100 people for the event. Since many of our club members have patronized your shops we are asking if you would be willing to donate a basket for our raffle? The basket can be of anything you chose. If a basket would not be convenient for you, perhaps a gift certificate to your shop? Anything which you could do to help us out in this endeavor, would be greatly appreciated. I will give you a call on Monday or Tuesday of next week to follow up with you again.      Congrats on the GaYbor District Coalition. We were not surprised when we heard about it to find it had the two of you behind it. You boys are real movers and shakers. Keep up the good work. We will be in touch. Sincerely,   John O'Grady President, Suncoast Squares 8297 31st Terrace North St. Petersburg, FL. 33710 (727) 215-3217   E Mail From Our Readers   From Mike in Atlanta   From Mike in GaYBOR     GREAT ADVICE!   Thought for the day, for the week, for the rest of the year  Handle every stressful situation like a dog.     If you can't eat it or hump it.       Piss on it and walk away       From Wayne in St. Pete Somewhere near Rochester, New York, Ed set out to bag his buck at 5:30 a.m. By 11:30 a.m. he was exhausted and hungry -- and still no buck. At 12 noon, the mighty hunter Ed guards the remains of his lunch while a passerby snaps a quiet photo while trying not to startle the deer with a belly laugh . . . Shot from the USS HONOLULU (Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine) at the Arctic Circle, 280 miles from the North Pole -- is there anything that scares a polar bear? Let's get all bases covered . . .   And who said politics is boring?   My personal favorite . . .     And, finally, the many shades of meaning . . .         New GaYBOR Area Map Update       G. Bar www.Thisweekintampabay.com                    Steam Friday's http://www.myspace.com/steamfridays   Flirt Club & Show Bar www.flirtnightclubshowbar.com     Lounge 714 & The Forge http://www.myspace.com/lounge714 http://www.myspace.com/theforgeat714             The New Home of the "Judy B Goode & Paul Thomas Show!" Every Thursday starting at 7pm!   Streetcar Charlie's Soft Opening this Friday, Feb 15th!   At the 15th Street Trolley Car Stop in Ybor City www.myspace.com/streetcarcharlies     Czar MySpace URL www.myspace.com/czarvodkabar       The Honey Pot www.myspace.com/tampahoneypot        Rock-N-Sports New Location Second Floor in the Plaza at Centro Ybor! Join our new MySpace www.myspace.com/rocknsportscentroybor      DETOUR Former Grand Central Station http://www.grandcentralstationfl.com/       City Side http://www.clubcityside.com     Sporters www.myspace.com/sportersbar     Our new web-site is up, www.sportersbar.com.     Georgie's Alibi www.georgiesalibi.com      Christopher Street Check out their Fab Website at http://christopherstreetbar.com/ New e mail address is email@christophersclub.com   NEW MySpace www.MySpace.com/christopherstreetbar     Pro Shop       Pulse in Lakeland http://www.myspace.com/pulselakeland        Waterside Landing http://www.myspace.com/watersidelandingnightclub     **************************************************************************************   Valentines www.Valentinesnightclub.com          ******************************************** Sawmill Campground 21710 U.S. Highway 98 Dade City, Florida 33523 Phone: (352) 583-0664  http://www.flsawmill.com ********************************************************* For Directions Visit   GayBarMaps.com More Clubs & Links 2606 Back Room City Side Christopher Street Bar Cold Keg Nite Club Flirt Night Club/Show Bar G. Bar Gaspar's Grotto Georgie's Alibi Grand Central Station Keith's Bar Midtown Tavern Tampa Pro Shop Rainbow Room Pub This Week In Tampa Bay Valentine's Night Club Waterside Landing   ***********************************************************  Fun Links in Ybor City Fun Links in Ybor City   Bonita Casitas - Historic Guest Cottages http://www.bonitacasitastampabay.com   The Castle  http://www.castle-ybor.com/ Centro Ybor http://www.centroybor.com/   Creatures of Delight www.creaturesofdelight.com   Crow Bar Live http://www.crowbarlive.com   Czar www.myspace.com/czarvodkabar   Don Vicente Inn http://www.donvicenteinn.com/   Flirt Night Club Show Bar http://www.flirtnightclubshowbar.com/   G.Bar http://www.gbartampabay.com/   GaYBOR District Coalition http://www.myspace.com/gaybor    Gay Country Line Dancing www.gaycountrylinedancing.com   Hampton Inn & Suites www.tampayborcitysuites.hamptoninn.com Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District www.tampaybor.stayhgi.com   Historic Ybor Neighborhood Civic Association http://www.hynca.com The Honey Pot http://www.myspace.com/tampahoneypot  Island Flowers of Ybor http://www.yborislandflowers.com  The Laughing Cat Restaurant http://myspace.com/thelaughingcatrestaurant Lounge 7 at 14 http://www.myspace.com/lounge714 M. A.D. Theatre www.madtheatre.com   MC Film Festival www.MCFILMFEST.com   New York New York  Pizza new york new york pizza   Rock -N- Sports www.rocknsportsbar.com   SAC Supper Club www.sacsuppers.com    Tampa Improv Comedy Club http://improvtampa.com/Default.asp   Wrangler's Dancers http://www.myspace.com/tampabaywranglers   Ybor Chamber of Commerce http://www.ybor.org   Ybor City Development Corp. http://www.tampagov.net/dept_ybor_city_development_corporation/index.asp   For the complete list of links visit www.mcfilmfest.com Links Page   Would you like to be included in our links page? Its easy... Include us on your link page and we will put you on ours. Contact us at mcfilmfest@gmail.com  ****************************************************************************     P.S. Hear any Good Dish? Please share it with us at ... E-mail: DishingMCFILM@aol.com    Until Next Week, Dishing with Mark & Carrie MC  Film  Festival 1901 North 15th Street (corner of 8th and 15th street, Ybor City) Tampa, Florida,  33605 813-247-6233  (mcff) Web site: www.mcfilmfest.com E-mail:   MCFILMFEST@gmail.com www.myspace.com/mcfilmfest

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