The Best TG Mag Just keeps getting better!!!! N O coolAbout A R C I S H alloween S 89 page!!! E pecial!! ISSUE 11 S OCT 2006 Congratulations
I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate a very dear friend on her long awaited SRS. Nicola James underwent the operation on the evening of Thursday 14 th September, and is doing well; I think I speak for us all when I say that I wish her a speedy recovery xxxxxxx
2 1…Cover W 2…Tribute CCC RRR OOO III 3…Contents NNN TTT 4… ,, TTT EEE 5…I think, therefore I BLOG RRR RRR 6… ,, III SSS BBB 7… ,, UUU 8…Knowing me (Interview) TTT III 9… ,, NNN 10… ,, GGG 11…Polls Apart 12… ,, 13… ,, 14…Lori’s Film Review Lisa -Gayle - US based writer, Author of “Across Golden Pond” an ex-pats view of life in the States! 15… ,, 16… ,, 17… ,, Leigh Smythe – US based writer, Author of “It’s 18… ,, Agony” – Her view on life! 19… ,, http://profiles.urnotalone.com/46558 20…One Girls Story http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseactionfilter ed=user.viewprofile&friendid=66998257 21… ,, http://whisperleighsmythe.blogspot.com/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/whisper_leigh_smythe/ 22…Readers Thoughts (ghosts) 23… ,, Heather – US based writer, Author of “A Spell 24… ,, with Heather” & “ Victorian Times”. Our very own 25… ,, Wiccan Witch sharing her knowledge and enlightenment 26… ,, http://360.yahoo.com/heathergoddess2003 http://HeathersWorldofEnchantment.bravehost. 27…Poll Winners com 28…Short story Lori -Anne – US based writer, Author of “Lori’s Film 29… ,, Review”. Deserving of an Oscar herself!! 30… ,, http://360.yahoo.com/my_profile.html;_ylt=AsYvgX 31… ,, 5afB4.IXcz77854s6lAOJ3 http://profiles.urnotalone.com/Lorianne1357 32…How many candles? 33… ,, 34…Fashion Sarah & Donna – CO-conspirators for the new 35… ,, monthly erotic story. You can IM them via Yahoo on DONNAQUEEN57 & TANNED_MARRIED_AND_BI 36… ,, 37… ,, JJ – Portsmouth based writer and all-round 38…A Spell with Heather good egg, Author of JJ’s Book Case. 39…Gothic Competition
40… ,, 41… ,, Joanne – Long-suffering wife of Mandy, 42…In the papers roving reporter and general snoop, is the source 43… ,, 3 of “In the papers”. 44…Centrefold (Jessi Seams) [email protected] 45… ,,
46… ,, Nicole – UK based writer (and general tart), Author 47…Health & Beauty of “Secret Diary” 48… ,, 49…Tammi’s Torments 50… ,, Cierra – UK based writer. Author of 51…Readers Thoughts (Ouija) “Transitioning” 52… ,, 53… ,, 54… ,, 55… ,, 56… ,, 57… ,, 58… ,, 59…Secret Diary of a CD 60…Then & Now (Feature) GUEST WRITERS 61… ,, 62… ,, 63… ,, 64… ,, 65…Leigh Smythe’s – It’s Agony Angela – UK Based TG, Author of “One Girls 66… ,, Story” 67… ,, 68…Tribute to Divine 69… ,,
70… ,, 71… ,, 72…Transitioning 73… ,, Tammi – UK Based American partner in crime – 74…Across Golden Pond Compiler of “Tammi’s Torments” the fiendish 75… ,, Narcisse Quiz!! 76…Erotic Story – Chapter Two 77… ,,
78… ,, 79… ,, Oh Yeah! & me. Editor, bottle -washer 80… ,, & all -round Skivy 81…Quiz Answers 82…Conversion Tables 83… ,, 84…Adverts Fancy writing for Narcisse? E -mail me 85… ,, at:- 86… ,, [email protected] 87…And Now ….. 88… ,, 4 89…Coming Next month
I think, therefore, I BLOG
HORROR MOVIES...... hands up who loves a good Horror Movie...... yeeeeeeess....yes, thought so, quite a few of you. I can just see you all shooting pop-corn six feet up in the air just because the cat farted at an inopportune moment! Picking ceiling plaster out from under your fingernails just because your other half decided to put their cold feet on you just as the gory bi t was coming up! You see…in the beginning I was just the same..... but whether its because I've seen so many, or just the fact I'm a TAD older..(A tad ok!!!)...... they just give me the hump now. Sorry...... The HUMP: - definition------bloody annoyed----- colloquial term (British) I'll tell you why shall I?...... shall I?...... Oh go on then , you did ask so nicely. The reason they get on my nerves is because they are all so bloody predictable! For example, if you walked into a house, and a dis embodied voice screams " GEEEET OOUUUUUUTTTTT!!!!" what would you do? Personally, at the first G I’d leave so fast I'd out-run a Cheetah!!! What do they do in the film??? THEY MOVE IN!!!!!!!! “What was that darling?” “Oh nothing sweetie, probably just the cat farting”
5 Blood starts dripping down the walls and gushing out of all the taps, what does the man of the house do? Goes and gets his toolbox!!! “Careful Dear, don’t splash any of that nasty sticky Demonic gore on your nice clean suit!” (And why is it in all these films, the tools are always brand new, huh?) Have you noticed, too, that none of these poor unfortunates drink? Personally, if I had to live in a place that was haunted/possessed/filled with rubber monsters, I’d kinda like the odd beer to calm my nerves. Clean the blood out of the bath and fill it up with Bud please! AND another thing, forgive my ignorance, living in old Blighty , as I do, but, what is it about you Americans? Why do you seem to have this incessant need to build family homes on top of Indian Burial Sites? How many dead Indians have you got anyway? AND , there again!!! Indian Burial Site, OK, feasible. SO, how comes the ghosts are never Indian? It’s TRUE!!! Don’t believe me, check it out (I’m sure one of you will prove me wrong – there’s always one, hehehe) OK , cut to the next scene. Woman being chased through a forest at n ight, always happens at some point, if it’s a big budget film you might even get some rain thrown in. Now....she knows, as do we, that the big hairy/scary/ maniac/demon thingy is coming to get her...what does the dopey cow do????? ALWAYS turns to see if it’s still coming ...... and trips over!!! ALWAYS!!!...... run till your titties fall off, woman!!!!! 6 What good will looking back do!!!!...... so bloody infuriating!!!!!!! If I was the monster concerned I wouldn’t bother running, just wait till the silly mare falls over. Lights!!!! I know most Horror films are low budget, but come on!! What has everybody got against putting the odd light on now and again? If I was the SLIGHTEST bit concerned that there was anything untoward going on in my abode, I would use up half the national grid to make sure the buggers cant creep up on me! Its easy, open the door, light ON! Horror Movie land? Open door, switch on torch!? Duh!! (And we all know full well that the batteries will be dead RIGHT at the worst possible moment!
BUT!!!!!!.... the one that really makes me scream abuse at the screen the most is near the end. You know the scene. Big Bad Nasty is dead. It has been shot, knifed, electrocuted, drowned, garrotted, throttled and kicked rather hard in the goolies. NOW...... if it were me , and its just taken 90 minutes, and the death of all my friends, to kill the bugger, the one thing i would never do ( but is always done to death in horror movies ) is sit with my back to the corpse...... and DROP THE LAST REMAINING WEAPON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU KNOW THE BUGGER AINT DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!! he never is!!! Its nearly as obvious as the bad kid lasting till near the end, and the one you like dying first!!! jeeeeeezzzz is there a handbook that Directors have to follow? How to state the bleeding obvious in 10 easy lessons! So I've decided, I'm going to write/star in/produce a horror flick...... Shouldn’t be too hard...... Chapter one...... girl in forest......
Sleep well ….Giggle Mandy xxx 7
“ Knowing me, Knowing you “ INTERVIEW
I was born in 1963 (July) and as a small child I never realised that there was a difference between boys and girls though I was quite happy identifying as a boy but I was envious of the girls' summer dresses and plaits.
Like most kids I used to get the dressing up box out and parade around in all sorts of clothes including dresses and Mum's high heels, I was aged about 3 when I grew out of this. At the age of 5 my mother came home with a pair of knee length zip boots (navy I think) with 3" stiletto heels. Mum asked her friend if she'd like to try them and after, her daughter who was 4 going on 18, asked to try them as well. Not to be outdone I had to do the same and from then on I was hooked on long high heel boots, which remain a passion to this day.
As I was growing up I used to often sneak the odd crafty strut in her boots, normally when mum was out or otherwise engaged downstairs. A couple of times I was nearly caught but got away with it. It was a with great regret that my feet grew too large at the age of 14 or so (Mum has quite big feet) but that didn't really stop me from cramming my feet into them and at this time I got interested in high heel sandals.
These were all the rage in those days (late 70s) and she had plenty to choose from and I had even managed to smuggle a pair out and keep them in my room. I could still just about get my feet into them you see. I was also lucky enough to find a pair of knee boots in a charity shop in a size 8 and it was about this time that I had developed a proper fetish for heels and boots in particular. I remember seeing a girl at my 6th form college in a pair of 4" OTK boots that I coveted more than anything, she also wore high heel clogs too which is something else I liked too.
So what has this got to do with transvestism? While I was living in Arizona my brother and I had gotten hold of some "naughty" magazines one of which featured a girl in skin tight leather trousers and another was a girl in a pair of 6" stiletto lace-up thigh boots. There was also a photo- spread of a couple who swapped clothes and I realised that this was for me! So now I had a fantasy about swapping leather trousers and 6" thigh boots...
8
Fast forward to 1985 and I'm in the RAF. My footwear thing is gaining momentum, I had found a factory outlet shop that sold heels in a size 8 that were closer to 9s so I had built a little collection of them but this wasn't enough. This is when I bought my first summer dress. It was very light and floaty and matched a pair of yellow court shoes I had perfectly. It was size 12 and was a great fit and had a white patent belt. I used to get up in the early hours and put this ensemble on and walk up and down the corridor, God only knows what would have happened if I'd been caught!!
A short time later I had quite a collection of footwear and a couple of dresses and in a fit of guilt I put it all in a black bag and chucked it in a skip vowing never to do it again. I changed my mind the following evening and went back to retrieve my stuff, only to find that the skip had been emptied!
I had started to build up another collection of footwear when I met a girl. Her name was Pam and while I was courting her, my fetish was repressed a bit but by the time we'd been married a few months I was starting to collect stuff again, one or two innocuous items were found by my wife but fortunately she hadn't found my main stash of more "hard-core" stuff.
For reasons unconnected to my footwear thing, we divorced in January 1991 and I went back to live on camp and my collecting started in earnest again.
Good Friday 1991 I had a strange dream where I was in a hotel in a ball- gown singing the lumberjack song... This is how I realised that I was a TV.
I joined Rose's almost straight away and went to my first party a few weeks later and soon immersed myself in the scene. I realised that wearing a dress was a bit of a babe magnet and was having the time of my life until disaster struck:
I was sharing a room at the time and my room mate used to go out every Wednesday to see his girlfriend and so I would use the time to prepare my outfit for the following weekend. One Wednesday though he had had a row with her and so came back early, to see me brushing a wig out... I was rumbled!
Up to this point, it was pretty much an open secret around work and some of my mates even called me Tara for a laugh from time to time but now it
9 was official because my room mate had asked to be moved because he thought that I might be gay. Things happened so quick, the RAF's version of CID was down on me straight away though they were generally sympathetic and even revealed that they had learnt a great deal from my case.
After a couple of months, a report came down typed on half a page of A4 paper which recommended that I be discharged from the RAF but with the help of one of our warrant officers, I composed a reply that ran to 8 pages. It was as a result of this reply and a report from the trick cyclists that I was a sound personality, Air vice Marshall Ferguson decided that he wasn't going to rubber-stamp my discharge and that he was going to buck the trend and keep me in. It turns out that I was the first TG airman to be retained. Now even TS’s are allowed to stay in after GRS!
I left the RAF in 1994 because I wouldn't have been allowed to extend even if I'd wanted to and went to college to study footwear design. I was in my element; firstly I was living in London where I could go to a tranny do every night of the week and I was living within two miles of "French Place" the centre of London's tranny scene. Moreover, I was able to go to college in Tara mode too and on occasions I would live as Tara for weeks at a time! This is when I knew for certain that I wasn't a TS, I think that's the purpose behind the RLT!
I started courting Ruth, my current wife, in 1996 and being with her has diminished my cross dressing (but not heel wearing) to the point where I didn't dress for years until this year when the urges have reawakened in me.
10 POLLS APART
So many polls, so lil time! So lets get right too it! Firstly , PURGING. I hear of many girls doing this, I guess I’m either lucky or silly, as I have never felt the need, but I am thinking of taking up being a bin-person!!! So many of you seem to purge on a regular basis!! I assume, and the figures bear this out, that it is a feeling of guilt, and to a degree I can sympathise, but what a waste! Spouse conflict is another understandable reason, as is to avoid detection, but what did surprise me was the high number who have decided not to dress again!! I can feel another poll coming on to ascertain why!! Thankfully, few of you were forced to purge, so there is hope out there after all!!!
Next up is how many of you believe that you are not the only TG’s in your family. I must admit that I was not surprised by the outcome of this poll, with 1 in 4 of you having another member of the family TG, it just goes to prove how many of us there are!! As for the perhaps’s ……hmmm, I wonder what the signs are? And more to the point, are you exhibiting them yourself? Food for thought! Well done all for voting xx 11 POLL What aspects of the Supernatural do you believe in?
A bit of a surprise here. I assumed, in this day and age, that we were getting more sceptical, but this is obviously not the case. Judging by the stories in this 40 29 month’s magazine, a fair few of you feel you have seen them too. Perhaps, with a decline in the Church more people are exploring other solutions to the unexplained. GHOSTS Are poltergeists restless or malevolent spirits, or conjured by an inner energy? The majority are un- believers, but do they disbelieve in their existence or 24 37 the phenomena as a whole? Perhaps the fact that the vast majority seem to occur around pubescent children (usually females) lends more evidence towards thinking they are self-induced spectacles rather than an POLTERGEIST entity.
Very split here, with half of our brain laying dormant is it conceivable or just wishful thinking to believe that 33 31 we can influence thinks merely by thought alone, my thinking? With humans still in their infancy – watch this space! TELEKINISIS
Surprisingly, quite a few disbelieve that we have an in- built intuition. Why-so when it is widely accepted that we still possess the “fight or flight” instinct? A very 47 21 primitive form of ESP surely? Many of us can name many times when we “know” someone will call, or have de ja vu at some time or another, surely more than mere coincidence? ESP Unsurprising, the low turn out in the ‘for’ column on this one. I wouldn’t say I am a disbeliever as such, just feel that it can be so open to abuse as a supernatural medium by charlatans, and with it being very hard to 17 39 produce under scientific conditions, it has very little going for it. Draw a scribble on a piece of paper and , if you look hard enough, you can make out of it anything you want, see my point? GHOST-WRITING 12
Specks of dust or floating proof of spirit activity? Many of us have experienced this phenomena, most 19 38 put it down to natural means, but having watched programmes dealing with such topics I feel that in some cases the proverbial “ its just an insect” just doesn’t wash. Whether it be the shape of the orb or its ORBS flight-path, sometimes further investigation is needed.
Another method of communication that seems to be more showmanship than supernatural. Easily produced 11 43 with small movements of the hands or knees, I’m not saying that it is not a use of ‘focussing’ energy, just seems far to easy to fake. TABLE-TIPPING
Definitely an enigma, thought by many, even sceptics, to be dangerous, but why? Dangerous because you are 16 41 summoning spirits, unleashing demons that you have scant control over? Or dangerous because you are encouraging the weak willed or vulnerable into believing? Is it paranormal or powerful auto- suggestion? Many believe the latter. OUIJA
Many believe in LAD, but how many of you say that through hope rather than belief? Of course we all 45 23 would like to believe that this is not all, but if logic dictates, why SHOULD there be any more? An age old argument.
LIFE AFTER DEATH
And finally Near-death experiences. There are many documented cases, many of which are extremely similar, but then again, there are many flying ‘saucer’ 49 19 stories, could it be that we are just fitting the strange feelings when near-death to a preconceived idea of what to expect? The huge amount of believers leads me to suspect this is more hope, than believed proved NEAR-DEATH fact. 13 Thankyou all for taking part in a fascinating poll FILMFILMFILM LORI’S REVIEW
Hi everybody. Welcome to October and to one of my favourite holidays. That's right, its Halloween time! This month I’m going to break from the norm, and instead of looking at newly released films, we're going to look at my all time favourite scary movies. To be honest, I don't really find any movies truly scary. I know the actors just get back up after the scene is done, hose the fake blood off, collect their pay checks and go home. That said, I still like scary movies. Why you ask? Well, its simply because they're fun! The monster that lived under my bed when I was a kid has long since moved on to some other poor soul, leaving me with the reality that the truly scary things in life, you know, taxes, teen age kids, and the fact that I'll probably have to drag myself out of bed every morning for the rest of my life to show up to a pointlessly dull job, aren't really much fun. So it’s kinda enjoyable to revisit the monsters every now and then. If your anything like me, your favourite Halloween costume is, well, less that scary. Still, the ghost and goblins rule the night on Halloween, so we're going to honour them this month.
To begin with we're going to look at my all time favourite scary movie. In 1977, George Lucas took us on a fantastic adventure in space, giving us a glimpse of what could be, and sparking our imaginations. In 1979, director Ridley Scott gave us a whole new perspective on the” what’s out there" theme with a movie I consider to be just as creative and ground breaking as Star Wars, and That's the movie were going to be looking at. Of course I’m talking about the movie "Alien" (20th Century fox films, Staring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerrit, Harry Dean Stanton, and John Hurt, Rated R) The commercial star ship Nostromo is on a routine ore hauling mission in deep space, when the crew is suddenly and unexpectedly woken from their deep hyper sleep by the Nostomo's computer, Mother. When they discover they are no where near home, the crew isn't at all happy about this, and go to mother to find out why their happy little naps have been interrupted. It is there they learn a distress beacon has been detected by the ship, and they are required by law to investigate and see what is going on. My guess is you have seen this movie. At the very least, you have 14 probably heard of it. On the planet, the crew discovers a deserted alien space ship full of odd looking eggs. This is a very well done scary scene. An egg opens up and the creature inside attacks one of the crew members (Kane, played by John Hurt), attaching itself to his face mask and putting him into a deep coma. Kane is transported back to the ship by the crew, but Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) doesn't want to let him back on board. She considers the risk of having an unknown organism brought on board to be to great. Dallas (Tom Skerrit) overrides the door lock, and brings Kane into the ship. Kane is placed in the ships medical facilities, and the alien life form attached to his face is analyzed. It is here they learn that the thing is keeping him alive, and that they run the risk of killing him if they remove it. They also learn a few more things about its anatomy, like the fact that it has acid for blood, and that is one tough little monster. They leave Kane alone for a while as they discuss what to do. Upon their return, the Alien is no longer attached to him. A search turns up its now lifeless body, and Kane comes out of his coma, much to the relief of the crew. A dinner is held on the ship, sort of a little celebration before they all go back to their hyper sleep and finish the return trip home. While having dinner, Kane takes a turn for the worse...... If you have not seen this scene, you have been living in a cave some where (or perhaps on a deserted alien ship?)...... Its one of the most famous scenes in the history of movie making. Kane's body is suddenly wracked by convulsions. As the crew tries to take control, Kane's chest suddenly bulges, and then, much to everyone's surprise explodes! A tiny, very angry creature with sharp pointy teeth emerges from the hole, hissing menacingly at the now very shocked starship crew. This is ground breaking horror at its best! While it’s true that it may actually be mild by today's standards, in 1979 it most certainly was not! The crew of the Nostromo, minus Kane, take up the hunt for the little guy. They soon learn that he is no longer "little", as one by one they are methodically hunted down by a foe that is both ruthless and cruel. Lets not forget as well that this thing is almost impossible to kill..... This film is, in my humble opinion, a work of genius. The story line is fantastic! The crew of the Nostromo are doomed right from the start. They are trapped in space, hunted by a creature that possesses strengths beyond any they might imagine. They don't have any weapons to speak of, and, while the Nostromo is big enough to hide the Alien, it hardly gives them a place to escape its wrath. H.R. Giger, the acclaimed Swiss surrealist won an Oscar for best achievement for visual effects for his work on the alien creature. A well deserved award. His art work is stunning! The musical score for this film is perfect. Done by Jerry Goldsmith, it is a hauntingly eerie and fits the film well. The acting is well done, a young Sigourney Weaver does a fantastic job as Ripley, the lone survivor of the whole ordeal. This film was made before all the advancements in computer graphics we are all so familiar with these days. And yet you wouldn't know it watching the movie. The alien creature in its various forms is both visually stunning and very believable. The film spawned a series of sequels, my guess is there are more to come as well. I'm not going to tell you how it ends. Most of you know. The ones that don't need to find out for themselves. I’m going to give it a perfect 4 out of 4 on my rating scale.15 I’m going to add a link to H.R Gigers web site here, its cool! http://www.hrgiger.com /frame.htm Next up we're going to look at the scary movie that I think is the most fun. A very nice blend of spooky stuff, adventure, and more than a few good laughs, the movie we're going to review is Universal pictures 1999 remake of their famous 1932 film, "The Mummy" (Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hanna, Arnold Vosloo, and Kevin J. O'Connor, , directed by Steven Sommers). Rated PG-13 Rick O'Connel (Brendan Fraser) is an American ex -pat adventure fighting with the french foreign legion in the deserts of Egypt when his group is overwhelmed by indigenous soldiers. While on the run, Rick is locked out of the only refuge he can find by his friend Benny (Kevin J. O'Connor), leaving him to fight by himself. O'Connell accidentally discovers he's in the ancient egyptian city of Hamunoptra, a place used in ancient times to bury the dead, while his pursers are scared off by discovering that they are also in the same place.....It is rumored to be a city of great wealth but also a place of death. Fast forward a bit..... Librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weis) learns that her mischievous brother Jonathan has just discovered a map to the same ancient city, and decides to take up a quest to find its whereabouts.
The map is accidentally (or perhaps not so accidentally) burned when her boss, Library curator Dr. Terrence Bey "accidentally" holds it too close to a burning candle. They fear they have lost their only hope of ever finding the fabled city of Hamunaptra, until they hear rumors that our friend Mr. O'Connel has been there. They track him down to a jail in some hole in the ground Middle Eastern dive. It would seem the reason he is there is that he is awaiting execution for having "a very good time" (I think that's a capital offense where I live as well...... ). He promises to show them where the fabled city is if they spring him from jail, but it is only after he is swinging from a noose that they are able to convince the warden to cut him down by promising to cut him in on the loot they are going to find in Hamunaptra...... So the big trip begins. The happy little group boards a boat travelling up (or is it down? I’m not really sure) the Nile, and its there they bump into another band of adventures seeking the same fabled treasure city, and being led there by Ricks old nemesis Benny. The boat is attacked by the Mujai (not sure if that’s spelled right), a group that has existed down through the ages dedicated to preserving16 the secret of Hamunaptra (turns out Evelyn's map burning boss is a member, explaining the "accident"). After a large and highly entertaining gun battle, they escape the burning ship and end up going the rest of the distance on camel and horse back to their destination. They find the city, end up discovering the mummy (Played by Arnold Vosloo), and a ccidentally bring him back to life after the book of the dead (or is it the book of the living? I got the two confused) is discovered and Eve translates the right magic words ("right" being a perspective thing I think). Now for those of you who didn’t know this, its never good to bring a 4000 year old Mummy back to life. Especially one who was buried with a curse because his girlfriend happened to kill the Pharaoh. Ok, I’m guessing you have seen this movie too. If not, you need to. There is some funny stuff here, especially for a scary movie. At one point our friend the prison warden has a scarab beetle burrow its way under his skin. He panics, runs head long into a wall, bouncesoff it, and dies. Now I know this doesn't sound too funny, but it is. On the boat trip down the Nile, O’Connel throws his old buddy Benny off the ship in a very unceremonious manor. Again, funny stuff (Ok, ya gotta see it, but it is funny).Like most good movies we have reviewed, Im not going to spoil the ending for you, although I’m guessing , like I said, you have already seen this one too. It took me by surprise when I first saw it, I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was. The acting is well done by all involved, the mix of scary and funny superb. I loved it and will give it a 3 out of 4 on my rating scale. This is even a good one for older kids unless they are easily spooked. If you haven't seen it, by all means give it a shot. If you have, another go around never hurts, especially given the season......
17 Our last scary movie is going to be an obscure one. I chose it because I consider it to be a sleeper, a movie not too many people have heard of, but one that I really liked. The movie we're going to look at is "Below" (Dimension films, rated R, staring Mathew Davis, Bruce Greenwood, Olivia Williams, And Holt McCallany, directed by David Twohy)
Its WWII, and the submarine USS Tiger shark has just picked up three survivors of a British hospital ship that has been torpedoed by a German U-boat. One of the three, The lovely Claire( Olivia Williams) does not go unnoticed by the all male crew. In fact they think having a Woman on board is bad luck (well, DUH?).....The commander of the boat, commander Brice (Bruce Greenwood), doesn't seem too happy to have picked any of them up. To add to it all, a German cruiser is hunting them down, and tensions are high. At a point when the cruiser is poised over the sub, and all hands are doing their best to keep quiet, an old wind up record player on board starts playing a Benny Goodman tune at top volume seemingly out of the blue, alerting the Germans to the subs location. A series of depth charges are dropped. Although the Sub isn't destroyed, the crew is badly shaken up, and a search is made to find out how the music got turned on at such a critical time. It is soon discovered that Claire is hiding the fact that one of the survivors of the hospital ship is actually a wounded German soldier. This seems to explain the mystery of the record player. Commander Brice doesn't hesitate to dispatch the poor German with his side arm, angering Claire. More mysterious occurrences start to happen on board the sub. The directional controls are damaged, and the sub is stuck on a heading that isn't where the crew wants to go. Weird noises are heard. And then a few mystery details start coming out about the sub. Turns out a few days earlier, the crew of the Tiger Shark had torpedoed a German ship. The captain of the Tiger Shark had gone topside for a look and to see if he could salvage some souvenirs, and while doing so was accidentally killed, leaving Commander Brice in charge. More weird things start to happen, and as the movie progresses the coincidence of the Tiger Shark sinking a German ship at about the same time and place the British hospital ship was torpedoed become apparent. OK, I have already told you too much here. The reason I picked this film was that not too many people saw it, so I better not go any further and spoil it. When I first saw it, I was expecting a low budget movie. What I got instead was 18 a film I consider to be very well made. The acting is good. The scenes on board the submarine are quite believable. Using the confined space of a submarine gives you almost the same effect they were going for in the movie Alien on board the Nostromo. Pretty cool if you ask me! The movie itself leaves enough unanswered questions and suspense to keep you wondering what's going on. And isn’t isn't the stereotypical hack and slash blood and guts film you usually get in scary movies that are a bit obscure. Don't get me wrong, it does have its share of gore, but it isn't" pervasive in your face throughout the whole movie" blood and gore. it does have a few unexpected jump scenes, you know, the ones that make you sit up straight really fast in your seat with your eyes bugged out, leaving all your friends laughing at you...... I’m going to give it a 3 out of 4 on my rating scale, and recommend you watch it if you haven't already. Nothing like a good haunted submarine movie to spice up your Halloween, eh? Since I handed out all good scores on my handpicked scary movie reviews, I’m going to take the liberty of quickly recommending three scary movies that I thought were extremely stupid so that you don't think I’m getting soft in my old age...... First off is the Mel Gibson film "Signs" . Let’s just say that there is nothing at all scary about space alien invaders that die when they get water on them. An army of squirt-gun armed children could wipe them out. Next is the movie "Ghost ship" . This was terrible!
It starts out with everyone on board a cruise ship getting sliced in half by a loose cable on the ships deck as they are all out dancing (Yawn). Skip it.... And last but not least a film I watched just last night at the theater, "The Wicker Man" , staring Nicolas Cage. I won,t even go into details. I like Nic, but this one sucked, and that's me being nice (hint: angry Bees aren't scary either.....). The couple I was with when I watched it, friends of this magazine Chloie and Amayi agreed whole heartedly. I would suggest you wait for it to get finished in the theaters and come out on video, and then don't watch that either......
Anyway, Happy haunting all! http://www.signsmovie.co.uk/ http://ghostshipmovie.warnerbros.com/trailer.html http://thewickermanmovie.warnerbros.com/
19
One Girls Story …..
Well first off I won’t bore you with why or how or when I became a crossdresser or whatever y ou want to call it. Yes it started off with a jerk off in my mum’s silk panties but over time I knew I loved women’s clothes but that it was a huge taboo, specially when you are a big strapping 6 footer with size 11 feet!
When I was thirty I met, finally, the woman who was to become my wife. She turned my life around and was witty, intelligent, broadminded and turned me on!. For the first few years of our life together I kept my secret from her and encouraged her to get more and more naughty stuff for the bedroom, Basques, corsets, pvc outfits, you get the idea. My wife is not particularly blessed with a high libido but she has her moments!
Spin forward a few years and we were having our first weekend away without the kids, three nights in Eastbourne, wow! The first night there we ate in the hotel, my wife looked stunning in her full length gold silk cheongsam , and then we decided to go clubbing, which was quite a story in itself.
We ended up back at the hotel about 3 a.m. bit tipsy but feeling renewed in our love for each other without the fetters of family responsibilities. My wife slipped into her pvc catsuit and, helped with a bottle of poppers, we made love and played like a couple of teenagers. It was at this point I decided to chance my arm and ask if I could wear a pair of her crotchless panties, which were really sexy not like the usual tat when you think of those garments. Anyway, to my relief and surprise, she agreed and we made love like that and I made sure that the next morning she saw me still in the panties. She was completely unfazed by this. We returned from our trip feeling totally loved up again and in the following weeks we made love with me wearing her panties regularly without any real discussion of why I wanted to do this.
I wanted to tell my wife all about Angela as by this point I had been to Pandora’s, secretively, and had been completely blown away by how good I looked, or at least that’s how I thought! So although my wife had been fine about me wearing her knickers I felt that I now wanted to go deeper into the whole “thing”.
May of this year I was up north visiting my family with the kids and my wife had listened to Woman’s Hour on Radio 4, on her way back from work. The theme of the whole week was something along the lines of “Gender in the 21 st Century!, very Woman’s Hour! There were pieces from the Way Out Club and a phone in where a number of trannies had called and my wife had been quite tickled by it and had enjoyed the whole subject. When I got back down south my wife was full of the stuff she had heard on the radio and was quite positive and upbeat about the whole subject. In the intervening few months I had become more cavalier about leaving some of my femmy items in my drawers, panties and a cami top I remember.
20 My wife asked me, “Are you like those people on the radio? Would you like to dress as a woman ?” Well of course after years of keeping it all in, my first reaction was to say “No, of course not!” Then I proceeded to downplay the whole thing. I immediately knew I had screwed up and became more maudlin and morose as the night went on and managed to polish off two bottles of wine that night.
The next morning I decide I had to tell my wife. After being initially evasive and moody I asked my wife into the bedroom with the grave tones of. “I need to tell you something, sit down.
She was worried, “My God, what is it?”
“What if I am like those blokes on Woman’s Hour and I would like to dress as a woman?”
“Is that it? I thought something serious had happened, like you losing your job! That’s fine; if you want to dress at home I don’t have a problem with that. You could even go that club if you wanted (The WOC featured in the article)”
Well I had always had an inkling that my wife would be accepting but hadn’t thought she would be so unfazed. I had soon been up to the attic to reveal my meagre collection of lingerie and dresses, but no wig or shoes. She was quick to say that I should get a wig and shoes “if it makes you happy.”
That night when the kids were in bed she said “if you want to dress go on then” So I slipped on some things and asked her if she wanted the cleaning done! I pottered away for the next couple of hours and did my chores while she read a book, no makeup, wig or shoes remember.
A little later my wife found my tvchix profile page and asked “Who is Angela?” and when I explained to her, she said I looked like a bloke in a dress. Don’t know what the crew at Pandora Depledge would say and how come she had to ask who it was? Anyway as a result of this my wife thought the whole thing was getting a bit too sexual and said that I couldn’t go to any clubs, but I could understand her reticence.
Anyway, since telling her we have been closer than for a long time, at this point a couple of months on, I have my wig and shoes and it hasn’t been all plain sailing but she knows, which is a relief in itself. So I still try not to push the subject and haven’t dressed fully, including shoes, which to me are the piece de resistance of going femmy, I have shaved my legs and she generally accepts.
So although she has said no Angela in the bedroom, we are developing an understanding, and she has bought me various odds and ends and I wear panties 24/7, a million miles on from where I was a year ago
So realistically it’s still early days but things are looking generally good and I am so grateful to my wife for accepting this side to me and hope she can see Angela in all her glory and hopefully have some fun together!
Here’s to the future! 21
R Question of the Month This months question is short, simple, and has absolutely nothing to E do with being Transgendered( giggle) Do you believe in Ghosts? A Here are some of the replys This really happened... several years back I lived in an area where this guy got killed, his name was Steve. He was walking along the road, a D truck came up and even though he was over to the side far enough they managed to hit him, it was a wooded area so there were trees close by. Well when he was hit the truck pushed him into a tree crushing him. E He died instantly. Well, me and my mom moved into a trailer in the trailer park in the area years later. This was the very trailer where Steve had lived with his family. We noticed the sofa bed was out when we went to see the R wife about the trailer, her and her kid slept out in the living room, I found out why later from our neighbour who was good friends with the family. They could not sleep in their rooms anymore because every night Steve would bother them, we didn’t how but I began to witness them myself ! S Strange things happening. I was singing once and heard someone humming along with me when no one else was in the house. also when I was alone I heard bumping on the outside door, I checked but no one was there. My friend came to stay over with me one night and, she couldn’t sleep because she said she felt someone tapping on her leg when no one was there. T The first night we moved in my friend and I were going to stay over night at his house but he looked at me and said “ I don’t believe in ghosts but I will say one thing looking back at the trailer , I’m glad your staying at my place H tonight!”. I decided, once, to try and talk to Steve. I said out loud if the answer to a question is yes knock once on the door, if it is no knock twice, and he O did and we talked that way for a bit. One night I felt that something was looking in the window at me, I looked at the window, the curtain was slightly open and i saw something looking in, all white, then it quickly went away. U My mom woke up the one night because her bed was shaking a little, she said there was a figure standing at the foot of the bed, she looked but my step dad was still sleeping next to her, then the figure just went away. Most nights her bed shook. G Well, once we moved it stopped, but all I can say is as I write this it still gives me chills. I have never had an experience like those H days back in 95. T 22 S
Several years ago I was working a twelve hour nightshift in a now shut mental hospital. Long stay elderly mentally ill patients... The hospital is still there, a spooky looking, gothic listed building, I believe R it was originally built as a seaman's orphanage. The staff all had ghostly tales to tell; however being a sceptic I just laughed...
E I was on a break and decided to go lie down for an hour so in the treatment room. Anyway something very, very disconcerting happened in that room, which made me run out and not go back in there alone again... I'll leave it there, what happened to me felt evil, A was so spooky, embarrassing and unbelievable that only one or two people know the story and it's not suitable for an open forum... I still don't really believe in the paranormal or ghosts , but what happened D was real enough to scare the crap outta me and left me feeling very uncomfortable. If you want to know, you'll have to get me drunk, I still get a lump in the throat thinking about it.
E Dianne
I had a friend that was playing with a Ouija board one night and shortly R after mysterious happenings started. One morning my friend came down stirs to find breakfast cereals emptied all over the kitchen, doors would open or close by them selves. Unexplained vile smells would appear and S vanish again. eventually he had to seek help from a vicar, who explained that he had disturbed and annoyed a deceased lady who lived in that house some years ago. After the vicar had done in the house the problems stopped again.
Since then I keep a very open mind.
T Cindy
I would be asleep and in my dream there would be people H all around me. Then I would wake up and the people would be there in my room. This has happened quite a few times. The first time I ran like hell out of my room, and then I got O used to them. I would stare at them for about 15-20 seconds and they would slowly disappear. Only once did U one of the people try to talk, their mouth moved but nothing came out. I have been trying to find out what this is called(I hope it's G not called insanity). It's not sleep Paralysis, because I can move freely. It is H similar to lucid dreaming but I don't really have full control over the dream.
T Amelie
23
S
I was in bed trying to nod off... when I felt something seem to stroke across my face, I didn’t think nothing of it, I thought it was my cats tail or R something, so I just tried to get back to sleep, then I felt it again, my instant reaction was to grab hold of whatever it was.... I grabbed hold of someone's wrist as they were about to stroke my face again, then it was E just so weird cuz i went really cold and couldn't move... I tried turning my head to c who i had got hold of, but i could feel someone holding my head so I couldn’t move it..... i absolutely pooped my knickers I can tell ya!! then after about 10 sec the wrist just seemed to slip thru my grasp... I could A move my head so i instantly looked, put the light on... but there was nobody there!! i stayed awake the whole of the night and the cat by the way, was in my spare room, under the bed!!! I’ve never had anything happen like this before.. so i was totally freaked.. D nor has anything happened since... but its certainly my most freaky experience!! and if it happens again I’m sooooo moving!!!!! er..... like, the next day!! E
I'm an atheist but I think something like personality survives after death. When I R was a kid we tried out the glass and letters and we could barely write the words down it was so quick. Definitely no-one was pushing it. My local is haunted and the girls have seen various things happen in the kitchen like a ladle stirring soup and a pat of butter throwing itself out of the fridge!. I was sitting at the bar one night and S a glass shelf fell down – the landlord said it probably hadn’t been put back properly. However a while later in the same area the bowl of a wine glass snapped from the stem in front of me. The barmaid said she felt a rush of air on her neck as if something had rushed past. Later I went for a jimmy and air rushed past my neck and the hand drier came on - it kept running even when I turned the power off!. T Things seemed to be triggered when there was arguments or a bit of stress about. H Penny XXX
O Had a few experiences the worst was younger brother dealing with a Ouija board, something not to be messed with!
But the best was here in France in Jan95 i was sleeping on a sofa at a friend’s house U and was woken by an oldish lady, we talked together for an hour or so!! The next day i explained this to my friend who thought i was bleeding bonkers!!! At lunchtime we were talking to the French neighbours with whom i told them what happened, they produced photos of the lady who i had talked to!! who had been G dead for 18mths. My friend who thought i was mad and now his new neighbours!!! Well weird because i had never met them before! We went back to the house and told him to believe me and the lady had stayed there because she was looking for her money hidden in the H tool shed! I was getting called all sorts of names but we started the search of the shed (took all day) and found £10,000 in cash old bank notes and £8,000 of old gold Napoleon T coins!!!
Nothing has happened since and the24 old lady disappeared after this! STRANGE!!! Christanne S
One night, our daughter came in to us with this story. She had seen a man in the R hallway walk into our bedroom. It was after midnight, maybe 1 or 2 AM. This man was dressed in uniform that one would think was civil war. He walked in, merged with our bed and assumed a position hovering above me, half of his form E extending upright from my sleeping form in the bed. Until he merged with the bed he appeared "solid", but then becambecamee semi transparent.transparent. As would be expected, she blinked or rubbed her eyes or looked away and he was gone. She then woke A us up and we sat and discussed it for a while until the energy she had on the issue abated and she could sleep again. After that she ssawaw something similar, another time, as a figure was standing in our doorway. My wife once saw a figure D standing in the doorway, too, a doctor, but it was fleeting.
Shortly after this, I thought it wise to teach both my kids about activating what I call, E "The white light of protection". BriefBrief----leigh,leigh, I believe there are things out of our normal perceptions that can affect us in strange ways for good or for ill. I believe there is an energy that is always available to help a soul to fend off the possibly R eeevilevil things. It may be called a prayer, I suppose, but using ththee imagination one can invoke the protection of deity to surround your soul with a wonderful soft brightbright light. You have to visualize it enveloping your body. If done correctcorrect----leigh,leigh, you can S sesesensese nse a nice warm glow extending about an inch outwaroutwardd from your skin. It will keep evil away, unable to touch or harm you. it is always available to your call. It is purepure----leighleigh a defensive weapon a shield, I guess. Our kids deserve every chance to fend off the vicissitudes of the world.
That's my story, its true, and unexplained to date. T Leigh Smythe
H One Creepy thing that happens to me a lot is I dream about things before they happen. About a month ago I was driving down the road and saw a car sitting side ways off in the ditch. People were standing out beside it arguing! Just as I went by them I thought to myself “I had a dream about this O the other night" Right then, as I was entering a intersection, I remembered the rest of the dream! I slammed my brakes on fast as I could because in the dream I got hit by a truck that had run the red light. And sure enough as soon U as I started slowing down I could hear the horn of the truck as he went through the intersection inches in front of me. WOW! That was close! Not all of them are that dramatic, sometimes its little thing like being at the grocery store and seeing something then knowing what is going to happen G next. But I can't count the times this has happened to me.
Amber H T 25 S
R As a child I had what I would called run -ins with what I could only called Ghost . When I was about 5 years old I had to share a room with my older sister who was about 7. One night we both woke up at the same time to find what I would E called nothing more then just the outlines of 6 heads floating at the bottom of our bed. Both my sister and I saw them and could not move for at lease 5 to 10 minuets I finally got up the nerve to turning on the light in the room and they A were gone, after that I did not see them for over two years . when I was about 7or 8 years old I again woke up and was able to look out into the upper stars hall and again could see the 6 heads but this time they seem to be attached to small D bodies and with them was a larger body that was easy to see and he was dress in a style of the 1800's he was walking down the steeps from my third floor and he started to walk into the room that I was in at that time with that I covered E my head and did not move until the morning . Now when I was around 10 my older sister was having Sleepover with a group of her friends and they made a Ouija board out of the dining room table and the letters from a Scrabble game and a R glass as the marker, they were asking all the questions that young girls would ask and it did seam that they were getting answers. I was watching to see if I could see any of them doing anything and I could not see anything being done. After a S while one of the girls said that she want to ask about ghost and ask if there was any here and got an answer of yes she then ask if it was friendly and for about a minuet nothing happen the girls got tired of keeping there hands on the glass and started to remove them thing that it was over when the last girl took her hand off the glass the glass sat there for about a second of two and them it took off and flew off the table and crash and broke on the floor when my mother saw this she scoop up the Scrabble pieces and told them never to do T that again. I never saw or heard them again but when I was a adult I decided to look up the history of the area of New York City that I live in and found a story from The 1830's about a family that live on the land around where My House is H now who the father who his wife had left him with 6 children went crazy and axed the children to death. True Story. O I would Also Like to tell you another story that is also true but on a different nature but also weird. When I was in my late Teens I dream one night that I was out walking my dog and when I look up into the sky I saw a plane. It was flying along just fine when I heard a explosion and one of the engines fell U off . The plane started to spin like it was doing cartwheels and crash and burn at that point I woke up. A few day later there was a very bad plane crash of a DC10 here in the USA right over the city of Chicago. Someone was able to take a G picture of the plane right before it crash and the picture was on all the news. The picture look just like the way I saw the plane crash in my dream and it was said that they never before saw a plane go down like that and over 200 people H were killed. Kelly Jean T
S 26
WINNER
Suit’s You !!! Kaitlin
Leigh-anne Abigail
27 SHORT STORY
The Inheritance
Outside, the snowflakes danced in a swirling ballet before settling gently to the frozen ground. The night had built a frosty lacework on the window panes while the wind in the trees sang a haunting siren song. He had not slept. He watched the morning sun make rainbows through the frosted windows and wished he had never heard of this place.. By afternoon he had been awake foe thirty hours, but he was not tired. Or sleepy. The night which had kept him sleepless with it’s ghostly chant, had also given him a way out. It would require some careful planning and time to lay some important groundwork, but if he could “pull it off”, he knew he would be set for life. That thought alone had provided him with greater energy than he had experienced in months.
He turned and looked into the fireplace where a fire had been providing a charming aromatic warmth since before this latest snowfall began. The snow had come and gone, then returned again over the past week. The fire had been a constant. Stoked by the house servants whenever it faltered. That much had been welcome. It was as if they were summoned by the fire itself. Just as it was needed, someone would appear with fresh wood to renew the pyre.
He was born in a large city to very poor parents.. His father left one day when he was very young and was never heard from again. Hi smother worked constantly, to support them, and her drinking. Most times it seemed to him that she worked more for alcohol than for food and shelter. So he raised himself. A child in the city. He became callous, cynical and opportunistic. He lived on the streets and knew hunger, cold and poverty. He knew want. And violence. And he learned to insulate himself from it all.
It was when his mother died, the alcohol taking its inevitable toll, that he came here to live with his uncle, whom he never even knew existed for most of his hard, young life. HE stayed well past the age when he could have left because his un cle was a very wealthy man and treated him exceptionably well. He loved the m ate rial things his uncle could provide. It was fun to just ask for anything he wanted and know that it would shortly appear. He loved the life of wealth and privile ge, but he hated his uncle and the mansion. Located in northen Minnesota, so fa r from everything he knew, the mansion was as much a prison to a city boy as if it had bars and razor wire fences. He could get used to the money and the food, the clothes and all that wealth, but he would always be an outsider in this land.
Suddenly restless, he arose and walked without purpose through the hou se. He looked at the many treasures without seeing them. He was aware of th eir great value, but he knew that his uncle would never sell any of them. For all the good they did anyone, residing here in this lonely, snowbound mansion, they may as well be worthless junk. If it were all his, he’d sell the lot of it and live like a king in his own penthouse in the city. Just live off the money from selling all this stuff. All the master’s paintings, the silver, the antiques, everything. He never understood the appeal of antiques anyway. Just a bunch of old furniture and dishes and stuff. He’d sell it all. Especially the antiques. But not the car.
28
Out in the heated garage, his uncle kept his stable of collector cars. There were two Ferrari’s and a very old Rolls Royce. His uncle had tried to tell him the history of the cars but he tuned it all out. Who cared? The Ferrari’s once belonged to some famous race car driver, but he couldn’t remember the name and the Rolls had been mentioned in the same sentence with the Queen of England or someone like her. He couldn’t remember, and it didn’t matter anyway. They’d get sold too. It was the Cadillac Coupe DeVille that interested him. Now that was a ride his friends could relate to. He’d get respect in town with that car. Of course it would need to have some modifications but he would have the money for them easily. If all went according to his now rapidly developing plan, he would soon be home in the city and rich. It was a prize worth any risk he might have to take.
He was in the garage later that night, distractedly stroking the smooth curves and creases of the Cadillac when his uncle’s valet found him.
“Will you be joining your uncle for dinner this evening, sir?”
“No.” The valet gave him the creeps. He always answered him in as short a sentence as possible.
“Your uncle has a guest to dinner this evening, sir. A Mr. Reetcher.”
He gave the servant a long dead stare. Then said “What the hell.” and went into the house past the valet who asked “Is that a yes, sir?”
“Ye ah.”
Reetcher was a superstitious old man who lived in what passed for town, litt le more than a general store, some shops and a post office. Reetcher could us ual ly b found by the pot bellied stove in the general store trying to scare the he ll out of tourists with his stories of Indian ghosts, Sasquatch and other nonsense. Reetcher would have some sort of ghost story to tell tonight and that at least would make the time pass more quickly. Dinner with uncle could be endlessly boring.
By the time they were seated for dinner Reetcher had already started his newest story.
“I ain’t the only one that’s seen ‘im neither. The Clarksons, Ol’ Ernie, Miz Ella and Jack Moras all seen ‘I’m too. He’s big and white and he ain’t got no face.”
“What’s this, Mr. Reetcher? The abominable snowman?” The young man asked.
“He ain’t no bomable nuthin’ kid. Nobody knows what he is. He just looks like a blank white .... somethin’. Kinda half like a man an’ half like a bear or somethin’ Seven feet tall if he’s an inch.”
29 “If he doesn’t have a face, how’s he see where he’s going?” The kid asked barely suppressing a laugh. This was clearly one of Reetcher’s better stories.
Reetcher missed the joke at his expense. “How the hell should I know? But he sees real good. You can bet on that.”
“Maybe he’s a big sheep dog. You can’t see their eyes.” It was almost impossible for the young man to keep from laughing out loud. But he knew his uncle wouldn’t be happy about that.
“It don’t look like hair.” Reetcher said with some measure of scorn in his own voice. “Don’t look like skin either. Don’t look like nuthin I ever seen. He got no face and no eyes, but what’s really scary is, he ain’t got no shadow either. An’ when he walks, he don’t make no sound.”
“Sounds to me like you’ve been...”
“Let him talk, son.” His uncle was fond of calling him “son”. Mr. Reetcher knows what he saw. I’ve known him a long time and he doesn’t lie.”
“I wish I was just tellin’ stories.” Reetcher began. He made the sign of the cross and continued. “ I tell ya, ain’t nuthin like that can be alive. Not like you an’ me anyways.”
Just another of his ghost stories the boy thought, but still.....
He smiled and leaned back away from the table, his uncle and Mr. Reetcher thinking he was satisfied with the meal. He was satisfied, but in a very differen t sen se. Reetcher had supplied the final piece of his plan. He ended his evening in silence, allowing Reetcher to talk while his plan took its final shape.
Hi s uncle pulled on his parka and picked up a pair of leather gloves. It was his cus tom , indeed one of his few real pleasures, to help the stable hand feed water and cu rry the horses. The stable hand was off that day, a rare occurrence, so he would have to tend the horses alone. The doctor told him after his last heart attack to avoid heavy physical labor. His heart was in poor shape, weakened by th e death of part of the heart muscle. But the horses needed feeding, his nephew was nowhere to be found and he would take it slow and easy. He patted his breast pocket for the vial of nitro-glycerine tablets he carried just in case.
It was still and brisk and the snow crunched under his feet. To the east, the first pink glow of dawn was probing the snowy horizon. That time of not- qu ite-dawn was his favorite time of day. So peaceful. He believed that if it were always as calm and peaceful as on that morning, there could be no war, no violence and no hatred. He drew a deep breath of the cold crisp air. Who co uld wish another human being ill on a morning such as this? His nephew should be here with him; perhaps the young city boy would appreciate the life he had here a little better. If only he would give it a chance. He made up his mind to try and persuade his nephew to help tomorrow morning. With a sigh, he turned to walk toward the stables but stopped without taking another step. What he saw
30 absolutely paralyzed him. His knees got weak and the hair on the back of his neck and on his legs bristled as fear sent icy fingers through his blood. His dry mouth would not call for help as the blank white figure drew noiselessly closer.
Suddenly there was something else. Something just as terrifying as the white giant before him. Seconds after he felt the blinding choking pain in his chest, his vision darkened and he fell backward into the snow. His trembling fingers clutching for the vial of nitro that he counted on to save his life, he felt his strength ebbing away. Then it was over.
The blank white figure stopped and stood over the old man for several seconds as if to ascertain that the old man was dead, then slowly, the snowman began to collapse like a Chinese paper dragon after the parade. The nephew stood, still not daring to believe that his plan had worked. Standing amid the paper and balsa remains of his “snowman”, he stared at the lifeless figure of his uncle. Quickly, he gathered his costume and hurried into the house. He watched as the flames consumed the remains of his costume. The eviden ce of his crime was spiralling up the fireplace chimney into the chilly Minnesota morning air. All he needed to do then was to get into his bed and feign sleep until one of the servants came to wake him with the bad news. There would likely be no problem if he had been found awake at that hour but he decided on the additional security that he would gain if everyone though he was asleep at the time of his uncle’s death. It was all his now. The house the cars the priceless antiques that he was sure he could set a price on with no problem at all. It worked. His plan worked and he was free to live in luxury the rest of his life.
In his room he removed his parka and dropping it on the floor he walked past the window toward his bed. Realizing that he could see where his uncle had fallen from this window, he glanced out to check if he missed anything. When he did, his bl ood nearly froze. The body was gone! The impression it made in the snow could was clear, but his uncle was nowhere to be seen. There was no doubt th e o ld man was dead. He couldn’t have moved by himself. And the servants wo uld surely not move him. They’d call for an ambulance. Or would they? What if his uncle want dead? What if he was alive and saw the charade unveiled? There was no choice. He had to go see what happened.
He bolted for the door, not taking his parka and flew down the stairs nearly losing his balance several times. He stumbled and nearly tumbled down the stairs unmindful of the clamour that would surely wake the servants. He’d have to think of something to explain it later. Out of the door he ran, leaving it open, around the side of the house toward the stables. It was true. The body was gone. IT had been taken, not dragged off, but simply taken. But by whom? Or what? His mind reeled. Too many thoughts. Too many questions. Too many consequences. He turned right, then left, physically displaying the tu rmoil in his mind. He wanted to scream, to cry. He could do neither. His shoulders slu mped. He felt beaten, confused, unable to decide what to do next. The bitter cold finally invaded his thoughts and realized he was without his parka. He turned toward the house. And when he looked up and saw it. It was between him and the house. He opened his mouth to scream but could only manage a whimper as the blank white figure approached
31 How many Candles???? TO ALL MY FRIENDS …..
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
XXXXXXXX
Catherine Dawn Debbie
Lisa 1 Karen Gilly
Lisa 2 Maja Marsha
32
Nikki PrissySissy Sheerlover
Tanis Storm Pamala
And to the Muppets who didn’t have a picture …. Barbra Greg Sissy Jessica Missrpk Katie Leggs-princess Lucy Karol-ann Emma John MissAnnie Mike Tracy Tenchi Tiff
33 FASHION BOHO
chic
Autumn is a time for subtle warm colours and luxurious fabrics, it can only mean one thing…….. BOHO!
CV Harlow $298 >>>>>>>
Romero J $395
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FASHION 1
3
2
4
>>>>>>>
5
1) Boho Clothes Mandarin Print shoulder Bag £14.99 2) Sanbenito Choker $135 3) Mantilla $178 4) Guiseppe Zanotti $525 5) Paloma $198 6) Maxi2 $798 6 7) Boho Clothes
Chiffon Tie-dye top 35 7 £14.99 FASHION Am I good , or am I good? Last month I promised you Dogtooth designs and now the High Street is heaving with them! So, this month’s prediction …… Bring out the Animal in you!!!!!!! 1
2
>>>>>>> 3 6
1) ASOS Leopard Print Chiffon Babydoll Dress £38.00 4 2) ASOS One Shoulder Giraffe Dress £35.00 3) ASOS Snakeskin Print Dress £30.00 4) Love Label Animal Print jacket £75.00 5) ASOS Leopard Hooded Cardigan £20.00 36 5 6) Freemans Animal print Dress £30.00
FASHION
7
1 4
8
9
2 5
10
>>>>>>> 11 6 3
1) Red Haze £7.99 2) Freemans Animal Print Tunic £25.00 3) Red Haze £7.99 4) Debenhams Multi Animal Print Silk Chiffon Wrap Dress £55.00 5) Red Haze 12 £7.99 6) Debenhams Chocolate Animal Print Halterneck Top £25.00 7) Amazon.com Animal Print Ring $39.99 8) J. Renee $99.95 9) Girls Props
Animal Print Sunglasses $7.99 10) Guess by Marciano $98.95 11) Classiccloseouts $4.99 12) Na Na 37 $129.95 13) Jcrew $29.00 13 A Spell with
HEATHER
Samhain (Halloween) By Heather Willis
Well! We have now come full circle with the year’s wheel to the Summers End or as we call it in the Gaelic Samhain ( sa- ween ). This is the Celtic New Years Eve. We know it has Halloween (aka All Hallows Eve) and then Nov 1 is the Celtic New Years Day.
This ceremony is mark the passage (death) of Belnos (Sun God) and the end of the light half (warmth) as we now enter the dark half (Winter). Also this the time that we set places at the table for our departed one to come and visit with us as time of remembrance of those who have gone before us. The veil between the two worlds is very thin so all the spirits can pass from their world to ours. So, hence came the idea of costumes to full the not so good spirits, Lighting the pumpkin (new world) in the Celtic lands, Turnip, etc were cared out and lit with a candles. All our fun games, bobbing for apples, etc are from Scotland and Ireland.
With the remembrance aspect is where we get All souls and Saints day (the first two days of November.
In the next issue (November), my article for this column will be a surprise.
Blessed Be, Heather Willis
Symbolism of Samhain: Third Harvest, the Dark Mysteries, Rebirth through Death.
Symbols of Samhain: Gourds, Apples, Black Cats, Jack-O-Lanterns, Besoms.
Herbs of Samhain: Mugwort, Allspice, Broom, Catnip, Deadly Nightshade, Mandrake, Oak leaves, Sage and Straw.
Foods of Samhain: Turnips, Apples, Gourds, Nuts, Mulled Wines, Beef, Pork, Poultry.
Incense of Samhain: Heliotrope, Mint, Nutmeg.
Colors of Samhain: Black, Orange, White, Silver, Gold.
Stones of Samhain: All Black Stones, preferably jet or obsidian.
38
Gothic You know the drill, leather, lace, PVC, as long as its black or purple, oh yeah, and about 3 eyeliner pencils….It’s Goth time!!!
1) KYLIE
3) AMBER
2) DIANE
39
4) MICHELLE 1
5) HELEN
6) MICHELLE 2 8) ROXXANNE
7) DAWN
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9) CHLOIE
10) VANESSA
11) SHAWNA 12) RACHELLE
41 In the PAPER’S
Right then gang, I don’t know if, like me, your fed up with the usual inane replies that the so called ‘experts’ preach when it come to all things tranny, so here’s just a few in the papers this month, HOW would you advise?
Dear Dreary My boyfriend’s a cross-dresser and I can’t bear it when he makes love to me. I’m 30, he’s 31 and we have been together 10 years. Last year he told me he likes to dress as a woman and also thought he might be bisexual. I was shocked but decided to let him dress in front of me. At first it was OK but then I started to feel disgusted. He promised to stop but I found out he was still doing it, so I left. We got back together recently for the kid’s sake but now I’ve discovered he is exchanging emails with other cross-dressers. I’m devastated and feel he’s mocking me when we have sex.
Dear Prud’ My lover has freaked me out completely – because he’s just told me that his long-term girlfriend started life as a man. I’m 29 and he is 33. We’ve been having an affair for the past year and it has never bothered me knowing he’s in a relationship with another woman. We’ve had a lot of fun together and the sex has been brilliant. But now he’s told me his girlfriend used to be a man. She had a sex change operation a year before they met. Even so, it feels that all the time he has been with me he has actually been sleeping with another bloke. I love him dearly and don’t want to lose him but this is a serious problem for me. I’ve lost all my sexual feelings for him and can’t bear him to touch me any more. Please help me as I want to feel sexy about him again.
42
THOUSANDS of people lined the streets to “I was very nervous to begin with, but I cheer on their new carnival queen – a gay really enjoyed the day.” schoolboy of 15. Robin Goodfellow, 66, chairman of the In his tiara and flowing dress, David Bridge Blackberry Carnival in Axbridge, Somerset, took pride of place during the weekend parade said: “We had to decide which would offend after beating three girls to the title. people least - including David. And he happily waved to the 2000 well- “It was felt we couldn’t eliminate him wishers who had turned out in the sunshine. because he was male. This was the best But some in the sleepy rural community solution on the day. were outraged at the decision to allow David to “Some people might be offended, but we represent the town as the queen. would rather be inclusive than exclusive. It’s One grandmother, who wouldn’t give her hard enough to get people involved as it is.” name, said: “How can you have a boy as a David’s proud carer, Belinda Swansbury, carnival queen? It’s completely ridiculous. It is said: “He is such an extrovert he has just loved PC gone mad.” it all. His family were very supportive.” David was also aware of others’ reaction, She added: “HE has already experienced saying: “Some people threatened to throw eggs discrimination because he is a gay teenager.” at me on the parade, but thankfully it never happened. 43
CENTRECENTRE----FOLDFOLD
Hello, I’m Jessi Seams, born in Aug of 65, 173lbs, 6’ tall and I live JJJ just outside of Pittsburgh, Pa. My story goes back quite some time, I was about 4 years old, I remember playing with a pair of white gogo boots my sister EEE was throwing away. I thought they were the coolest, but after a few days, in an effort to get me to part with the boots, my mom said “but those are girl’s boots anyway, you don’t want those”. Which SSS kinda firmly fixed my thoughts on life, Don’t tell me what I want, Don’t tell me what to like, and under no certain terms, Don’t tell me what to do. SSS My first real love was that of nylon, gartered hose to be specific, I just love thigh high stockings and now that I’m able, the feel of them on shaven legs. Started, of course, trying on the sister’s pantyhose, III oh the trill of it! But being in high school the chances were few and far between. I would from time to time buy a pair of pantyhose put the on under my jeans and ride my bike
around town. High school and many Well, got married, never told the girlfriend’s, I just love women. The beauty, wife about me, but would take every the elegance, the mystique, I wanted to be opportunity to dress, when she was out more like them, to emulate them. I had of town. The wife and I had some SSS always had some things hidden for myself, kinks, So the shaved! smooth body hose, bras, and panties. And had purged was never an issue. For other reasons the collection a few times also. Thinking I my wife and I had a rough marriage, was in some phase of sorts she was always going back to mommy, EEE so I would explore more and more each time. Posting some pics in online groups at first. Then as I got more experienced with makeup, venturing out. Oh the worldwide web, great AAA source of information. I never dreamed that there were so many others out there like myself. I learned of a few bars in the city where other gurls would MMM meet, I went in boy mode the first time just to check things out. Found that the gurls were really friendly so I went back enfemme the next week and the next and the next. SSS
44 I had to purchase a wig and more clothes, started going all out. Even met some nice gurls online and learned of the GNO, girls night out in warren Ohio. A rather uneventful trip but I do remember paying the toll with an outstretched hand that sported painted nails, teehee. That was about 2 years ago, the wife and I got back together so I stopped going out. Then! right after Easter of 2006 she left again, I decided to be me.
SSS JJJ
I started going out again, enhanced the wardrobe a lot, let the hair grow so I could ditch the wig. Now comes along this summer, what a blast it’s been! I love to show off the legs, short shorts and minis for this gurl, even en drab I wear short shorts, eyeliner and lipgloss. The weekend is what I wait for, either local bars or travelling to other cities. Made so many new friends this summer, ts/tv/cd and GG. Who knew it could be so much fun?
45 Got a bit antsy to try it so one day I got dressed in the shortest skirt, white, a light blue sleeveless top and white opened shoes and went down the road for gas, then across the street to a drugstore for a birthday card. No one gave me a second look, hmmm, did I pass? Ok, the mall! Basically the same outfit, I went to a mall about 30 miles from home and went shopping, walked around the whole mall. No looks, even if there were, certainly no second looks. Went to a department store where I must looked around for an hour and a half, the occasional “may I help you?” or “any thing I may help you find?” but that’s it. WOW, I think I pulled it off!
There was a fetish nite at a local club, the gurls from the usual spot were going to make a fieldtrip there. Well I ended up being the only gurl there, noone else showed, to my advantage. I was chatted up by a couple gg’s, both used the same line in me “you got legs that go all the way to making a perfect ass of themselves.” And since, they’ve been asking me along to a few of the local smbd groups, fetish balls and munches. I like to play the interaction games at those things. A little bite me, spank me never hurt no one. Teehee. Lets see now, I don’t know where I’m headed, doubt highly that ill do a full transition. May try some body modification though. I am just enjoying being me, all femmed up and out having fun. Kisses Jessi 46
H B
AUTUMN SKIN CARE Autumn is the cooling off of the summer heat and the E brilliant colours of the changing leaves. As your summer colour fades on your skin, the remains of little scars from E insect bites and scratches from your camping trips or days at the beach loom into view. With the air less muggy but still warm in many areas, this is also prime walking, running, biking, rock-climbing, and hiking time. Even though weather changes may not be avoidable, seasonal skin havoc is if you plan A and take care. During this season, your skin needs a gentle and caring approach with extra nourishment and protection. A
L & U Check out these five autumn seasonal tips... 1. Keep up your water intake All of us tend to drink more liquids in the summer but this shouldn't stop with the cooler change in temperatures. Drinking lots of water has been bandied about for years but there are many realistic reasons for doing it. T One being the fact that the body flushes toxins out through your urine - meaning the more you go the more your liver is being filtered. Also, a big T plus of being well hydrated is that it can help to curb your appetite. So often we think we're hungry when really we just need a glass of water. Frequenting the steam room on occasion and regular physical exercise also helps our body release fluids to encourage tox in cleansing. Sweating is a natural way of releasing toxins and pushing out blocked or clogged H pores in the skin. 2. Take more vitamins Y The old saying ‘you are what you eat’ could not be more true. Whilst bad eating habits may not show overnight it has a cumulative effect on our body and skin. In summer months the skin tends to take on a more
improved texture and glow. Sunshine provides us with a photogenic source of vitamin D - not found commonly in foods. The sun also helps relieve symptoms of SAD -Seasonal Affective Disorder - which can cause lethargy and depression, so make sure you get out and about on sunny autumn days and enjoy and good vitamin D dose! 47
Supplement if you think it is necessary or have been told to on medical advice. It is good to keep taking a high quality antioxidant during these months as Vitamin A, C & E are fantastic for glowing skin. Also, try a H thicker moisturiser as well 3. Be sure to moisturise your body as well B With your skin slightly damp after showering or bathing, apply a body oil or cream, concentrating on any rough spots - elbows, knees, feet. Dermatologists frequently recommend body moisturisers containing an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), which helps exfoliate the skin’s uppermost layer. 4. Use sunscreen E Even though the sun may no longer be generating summer heat, don’t take that as a sign to store your UV block in the back of your bathroom cabinet. E It is still frequently recommended that an SPF of at least 15 for all skin types is applied during autumn. Fall and winter are a good time to repair summer sun damage and even out your skin tone. Moisturising becomes more important than ever, regardless of your skin type. Patch dryness, eczema and psoriasis, seborrhea and pityriasis rosea can start to flare. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser to keep oil production at bay. If oily skin A is left to fight dryness on its own, it will start producing more pore-clogging A oils, creating problems for you .
L & U 5. Prepare for winter. Overall autumn is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors and prepare yourself for the winter ahead. Whilst rain may increase so too can the cool crisp clear days. Get out and enjoy them. Take special care of your skin. Protect and nourish it and above all feed it through good nutrition with lots T of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole foods. T H Y
48 Tammi’s Torment’s
QUIZ
WHO??? 1) Who was Henry VIII's fourth wife? 2) Who was actor Tony Curtis' first wife? 3) Who composed Peter and the Wolf? 4) Who designed Princess Dianna's wedding dress? 5) Who is the Roman Goddess of War?
WHAT??? 1) What is the currency of Egypt? 2) What is the only part of the human body which has no blood supply? 3) What type of creature is an alcid? 4) What is the wife of a Marquess? 5) What was Elvis Presley's first record label?
WHERE??? 1) Where in the human body is the thyroid gland? 2) In which part of the human body would you find the talus? 3) In which European city is the International Court of Justice based?
4) In which country are the Cariboo Mountains? 5) In what type of establishment was Lloyds of London formed in 1688?
WHICH??? 1) Which car manufacturer makes the Jazz model? 2) In which European city would you find Checkpoint Charlie? 3) In which sport is an epée? 4) The spice saffron is made from the dried stigmas of which flower? 5) Which animal lives in a holt?
49
Picture Quiz Here’s a close up and personal puzzle 1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
50 Ouija
So, here you are in a relaxed and receptive state sitting with your Ouija board. Your fingers lightly touch the message indicator. The planchette first circles aimlessly but then pauses at one letter followed by several more in quick succession. You string the letters together in your mind as you try to make sense of what you are witnessing. The word is B-A-L-R-T. BALRT? What does that mean? Then it hits you. Oh, it says: "be a lert." Is the Ouija asking you to be a lert? What is a lert? Is this nonsensical gibberish, or is the Ouija trying to give you some deep, insightful message? What is going on, and where did that strange communication come from? Did you move that planchette yourself, perhaps unknowingly, or did some mysterious entity "out there" do it? There are two opposing beliefs about what happens when you operate the Ouija board. We could call it the Skeptics versus the Believers, but we prefer something a little less confrontational. Besides, some people adopt ideas from both arguments confusing the issue considerably. So, to make things easy, we call it the Automatism versus Spiritualist Theory of Ouija. The Automatism Theory The clinical term is "ideomotor response." You may not realize that you are moving the message indicator, but you are. This is similar to automatic writing, also known as automatism, a well- understood psychological phenomenon. A spirit medium, in years past, would hold a pencil in one hand and pay no attention as it wrote furiously. Some believed that these written messages came from the spirits. Others felt that the messages came from a clever medium. At any rate, most proponents of the Automatism Theory think that it is very possible to move the planchette unconsciously. They claim that the Ouija board opens a kind of shortcut from the conscious to the subconscious mind. Collective automatism occurs when more than one person is operating the board. Automatists sometimes use the Ouija board as a tool for special humanistic psychotherapies as a way to foster growth by releasing ideas from the depths of the inner mind. This was particularly popular during the human-potential movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The Spiritualist Theory Ouija messages obviously come from forces beyond our control. You contact or "channel" these entities through the board. They are discarnate spirits, ghosts, or other ethereal beings who have a purpose for contacting the living. Many advocates of the Spiritualist Theory think that there is no harm in contacting the other realm because most spirits are basically benign and have important information to share. A few of these same advocates will perform elaborate cleansing rituals before using the board, just in case they run into a stinker. Other Spiritualist Theory supporters, often religious fundamentalists, believe that no one should ever use the Ouija board. Malevolent forces may masquerade as good and cause emotional damage, even death to the user of the board. They offer as proof the many accounts of spirit possession reported by "experts" on the occult and demonology. The absence of any actual emergency room admissions for these Ouija board tragedies does not discourage this kind of thinking.
In the end, debates are not likely to settle the matter in favor of either theory. Science will continue to press for conclusive evidence in what is, essentially, a faith-based state of affairs. For every argument one way, there is a counter to the contrary. For example, skeptics think that blindfolding or handcuffing a medium so that the board cannot operate proves the Automatism Theory. Spiritualists point out that this simply indicates that the board will not work if the medium is handicapped, not whether the messages originate from the medium or the spirits. That the spirits need human eyes to see the letters, and human hands to touch the message indicator, is blatantly obvious, they will say. The planchette does not move unaided. The spirits guide it through the medium. The board has no power of its own but is just a tool to facilitate spiritual communication. And so it goes. 51 So, I asked the question, what are your views? Both to you here and to the girls at Roses, here are some of your replies.
My old next door neighbour had a Ouija board. One night they got all the neighbours around. not me i was only small at the time. and had a séance...Apparently things started to happen and most people walked out and the séance was over. My mum was there and she said it went cold and she could feel something wrong in the room.
A few years later new people moved in....One day the lady came round to ours and asked if we knew anything about a séance or something like it because things were flying off the walls and it kept going cold in certain rooms in mid summer. Instead of pleading ignorance we told her what we knew and so she decided to get a priest in. He did an exorcism service and nothing more was heard of the ghost or whatever it was.
Now this might add to the debate but the priest asked who saw the things moving the most and it was the daughter, he felt that maybe she had become the channel for whatever was left in the house after the séance or for the cynics she was doing these things for attention. but she could not have known about the séance because they lived miles away......
So there you go, make of that what you will....
PJ xxxxxx
A parlour game at best. Dangerous if folks get to believing it. Of course I don't believe in ghosts so contacting them wouldn’t be something I would get into. Lisa Ouija boards are dangerous to use. IIff you don't knowknow what you are doing they can opopenen portals that oughoughtt not to be opened at all.
Heather
Their use messes with the heads of the foolish, gullible and vulnerable.
Angela
Some people have had some very bad experiences with them, they are not play things
Joanna 52
Not that I'm particularly superstitious or anything but sometimes I feel that there are some things that ought not to be messed with.
Marianna
I would not recommend that an Ouija Board is for fun as in other Board Games, steer clear would be my advice.
Louise
Maybe it all depends on your religious/theological/spiritual thoughts:
If you believe in them, they are serious.
If you don't believe in them, they are fun.
It's the same with the film 'The Exorcist' - if you are a devout religious person, it is a documentary; if you are not a devout religious person, it is entertainment
Suzi
My parents did Ouija board with another couple ( before I was born ) --- it totally freaked them out because the board reverevealedaled dad's nickname which was unknown to the others plus other things which they didn't tell me about. They've always strongly advised against it. I have felt tempted but will probably never bother!
TiTiTinaTi nanana
Well a Ouija board is actually a well known prank. When they spell out meaningful letters, a prankster is influencing the outcome. The power lies in the imagination of the "believer."
I think in all cases, the occult can only gain power from the psyche of the believer, as you say. Tarot cards a very good for exploring a person's thoughts.
Joanne
53
It's only dangerous when hapless participants take it seriously enough to make irrational life decisions as a result... sadly that seems pretty common amongst the dabblers I've known as they tend to be relatively suggestible individuals...
Julia
There are many things in this world that we don't understand. This has always been the case in fact man has been thinking for at least 10,000 years and it's only in the last 350 of them that we actually understood why things fall to the ground. There is so much more to be discovered.
We should only approach the Ouija with respect, the only people to have had bad experiences are those who disrespect the "spirit world".
Tara
Well I don't believe in any gods, so I don't believe in devils either. On the other hand there have been many people who have been evil and malicious in life, and since I like to believe that there is a chance of something beyond death I do accept the possibility that someone like that may be able to carry on being evil and malicious beyond bodily death. Best not to mess with it.
Marianna
I took part in one of these as a teen and it certainly wasn’t moved by a prankster - it was so quick we barely had time to write the words down and we did not repeat the experience. People can pooh-pooh it they wish, but give it a try first, I’m not sure about conjuring up evil, but it might be unsettling.
Penny
Never tried a Ouija board myself but I know quite a number of friends who did. Some said that nothing happened, others believed that someone in the circle was moving the glass, however the majority of reports I heard from people were not good. Some people might say it was psychological and people imagined things because they were already receptive to perceived phenomena but as I was not there I would not write off anything my friends told me as imagination.
Not sure if I would want to try one to be honest .....
Debs 54
The thing about a Ouija board is that a number of people have their hands on the pointer / glass / whatever. So if you take part in this, firstly how do you know that you are not just the butt of a joke perpetrated by the other participants? Secondly, even if there is no joke involved, the problem is that all the participants can see the board, so it is possible for you all to start making decisions as a group, influenced by whatever letters have been before. The result could be unnerving, but the mystery and the atmosphere is all in the existing mythology surrounding these devices. We are so intent on finding meaning that we see it often when it is not there, and construct meaning out of things that are essentially random.
A similar case occurred with "helpers" of a group of severely disabled people. I forget what the disability was, but there were some people who had lost muscle coordination, but it was "found" that if a probe was attached to their heads, and they were put in front of a computer keyboard, they could type meaningful sentences with the aid of a helper holding their heads and responding to what they thought were slight muscle movements from the patient wanting to move the pointer to the right key. Psychologists performed an experiment where they compared communication from the patient when the helper could see what was coming out on the computer monitor, with communication where the helper could not see what was being typed at all. It turned out that when the helper could not see the output, only gobbledegook was being typed. The helpers were not fraudsters, but people who genuinely believed they were helping the patient and helping them communicate - but instead they were helping them type what they wanted them to say.
I saw this a while ago on television, but it shows the power we have to deceive ourselves when we begin to look for meaning in what is random. And this need is one of the most basic drives behind the development of both superstition and religion.
Joanne
55 We didn’t have a board, the letters were in a large circle on a dining room table. I repeat, nobody could have been pushing the glass as it was so fast we could hardly keep up with it. Another point, is that by human hand and eye you'd hesitate and miss a move, or hit the wrong letter - but the glass was word perfect and spot on with every letter, there was no hesitation or change of pace. A different 'game' a mates' parents and friends used to play was to use developing paper and watch an image appear. They had one of a town centre which no-one recognised, but there was a branch of Halfords, who they contacted and it was an old pic of St. Albans! - how did a prankster manage that?. Penny
A few associates and I did one during my time in HMP. They're strictly forbidden because of the strange and unpleasant things that have happened after their use, but like all banned things, we had one made for us. Back of a cupboard door, a proper shotglass, and a pyrograve... and Robert's your new uncle.
So we all sat around the thing, about 7.00 one evenin g, all wound up from the tales and rumours we'd heard and were passing on, and we asked the usual dumbass questions... but if there was anyone there, he couldn't spell. Didn't get a single coherent word, except for DEATH, and I don't think that came from the Other Side...
One of the blokes tried to electrocute himself later that week... feet in a bowl of water, live flex from his light fitting... shame he didn't know it was only 12v. Don't think it was connected (LOL) to the ol' Ouija myself, but it's another rumour for the mill...
Me? I'll believe it when I see it. But I don't dis believe in it. Chrissy
The evening began like many others with a group of friends gathering at another's home. The difference with this particular house was the 'resident ghost'. None but the family that lived there had experienced any sightings, but it made the prospect of a seance all the more thrilling.
We weren't fortunate enough to have the luxury of a real ouija board so we had improvised by placing the alphabet in a circle using Lexicon cards (an old word game) including a 'YES' & 'NO' card at opposite ends. Six of us sat around the table and placed our fingers on an upturned wine glass. Questions were asked by one person along the lines of, "Is there anybody there?" Giggles followed as nothing happened. Another question. "Is there a spirit in the glass?" More giggles but surprise as the glass moved to the 'YES' card. Oooh, how spooky! The evening progressed with some apparent reaction from the glass but various accusations of, "You're pushing it!" being levelled at one or two participants. 56
We continued larking around when, there was a knock at the door and another of our friends, Mick entered along with a guy none of us recognised, and he introduced him as his cousin, John. It has to be said there was a visual similarity between them. We all said, hello and extended an invitation to them both to join us in the seance. Mick declined stating he was not getting involved in such rubbish!
John did sit down, at the head of the table, and we got back down to the serious business of quizzing the 'spirits'.
A few more 'run of the mill' questions were asked, and the glass responded to each of the questions and provided some relatively sensible and believable responses. Then somebody asked, "Are there were any disbelievers in the room?" The glass responded by moving to the 'YES' card and then returned to the centre of the table. "Can you name any?" continued the questioner, and the glass began to smoothly visit the letters, C A L V E R T. Suddenly John leapt up with a horrified _expression on his face, knocking the table and upsetting the cards. He ran from the room blubbering, "Why me, why me?"
All assembled were dumbfounded and looked to each other for some semblance of understanding, until Mick admitted that John and he were not related, and that they merely worked together and thought it would be a 'hoot' to fool us all. He went on say, with a look of total amazement that John was not John at all but was really Calvert....a name he hated and never used. John was in fact, his middle name.
Not one person at that table knew John prior to that evening let alone that his real name was Calvert! That was the last séance I ever dabbled in!!!! Spooky or what? Gilly xx
On the subject of Ouija boards.....well, I find that I'm a natural born sceptic. The list of things I have trouble believing in contains, but is not limited to, Ouija boards, ghost, spooks, spectres, goblins, hob goblins, wraiths, UFO's, Bigfoot, the loch ness monster, sooth Sayers, holistic medicine, fortune tellers, witches, honest politicians, and fat free ice cream. To take it all one step further, I'm firmly convinced that auto rotation is a fabrication invented by the helicopter companies in an attempt to get suckers to fly on the things, convincing them they wont fall from the sky if they lose power (yeah right....). I’m pretty certain Elvis really is dead (how long can a fat guy eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches and go on breathing?).
57 As for Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, well, the losers have long since vanished, leaving me to fill in for them (you DON'T want to have to see me in my Tooth Fairy get up, it aint pretty.....). Now I cant really say if I'm right on all this stuff or not. Point is, if I'm not, I simply DON'T wish to know. Life has enough scary stuff in it as it is. Bigfoot runs past my house one morning as I'm leaving for work, and a thousand psychiatrist wont be able to fix the damage done to my tiny brain in a million years. Im screwed! If I cant see it, eat it, breath it, wear it, feel it, or drive it, I DON'T want to know (how dull is that?)....
Lori
I *don't* think Ouija boards are dangerous. I do think superstition is.
Andrea.
So, there you go a wide range of idea’s, beliefs and happenings, my personal belief is that the mind is a powerful tool that we haven’t even begun to explain, so logic dictates that any happenings are merely projected thought, but hey! What do I know?
58 The Secret Diary of a CDCDCD 35 2/3rds) (Aged
I had two lovely weeks of dressing time when my parents went on holiday. I got to dress when I wanted after work. It was lovely not being ‘him’ in the evenings and at the weekend. Sadly, now my clothes are now back in there hiding place with the make up and wig. ‘He’s’ now back on the scene, in control. For the time being anyway, when I get a chance to Dress I will. A very good friend has asked me why I’ve never come out, the easy answer is I’m a coward. But it’s deeper than that, my dad is ex army to him everything is black or white, a spade is a spade. So anyone dressing in ladies clothes should be a woman. If it’s a man then he’s automatically Gay and he won’t have any of them in house. He was abroad and missed the sixties, his idea Of enlightenment is having more than one light on at a time. So I would just as soon avoid world war three, and live on the streets. Up until two or three weeks ago no one knew I dressed. I got talking to a lovely person on the pc; she was the first person I’ve told .it’s been a weight of my mind and helped boost my confidence She has been very supportive and we’ve become friends. This morning I went out shopping got a new skirt and top nail varnish as well ,no one batted an eye lid when I went to pay for it, almost as though a man does this all the time, maybe they do? My biggest problem now is trying to find the right digital camera for me. I don’t want to spend a fortune on one but then I don’t want a cheap one either. I’m not used to having my picture taken at the best off times , but as I’m progressing more and gaining more confidence I need something more than my phone. 59 Continued
Next week!
Its amazing the difference a year makes!! On the 20 th October 2005 Lilboutique was born.. 6550+ fantastic members and 100,000 hits later were a fantastic family, to celebrate this, here’s a few brave girls showing how they Then andlooked Now (NO LAUGHING PLEASE!!)
From the land that taste forgot, Marsha honey , blonde is just NOT your colour!!
How to go from the SUNDAY SCHOOL teacher to VAMP in one fell swoop! Go Gillian!!!
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A well honed smile, even back then, just as pretty RachRachel , but now with posher frocks!!!
Its OK Vickie , you can come out fro m behind the furniture! The blusher monster has gone!
See Chloie ?! A lil less eyeshadow and you too can open your eyes!!
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I can’t quite work out Kelly , is it you hair or the photo that is out of focus?
Obviously Joanne , you didn’t leave on that jet-plane after all!
Decades apart and Gilly is still flashing her knickers!!!
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Shoulders back, chest out, much better Heather !
Once a Vamp, always a Vamp, but at least, Amber , the hairs a lil less shocking !
Some girls are just hateful, Sandi , still without an ounce of fat and legs to die for!!
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What can you say about Jenny ---Anne ? Some girls look good straight out of the egg!!
64
IT’S AGONY!!!!
The Southern Comfort Convention - Atlanta, Georgia, USA September 18th - 24th
I write you from my hotel room in Atlanta. Just under 800 Trans-people are atending this fine event. It is the largest convention of its kind in the United States. It began onTuesday night with planned events. I couldn't afford the time away from work, so I flew in on Thursday morning, and readied myself for the onslaught of fun and enjoyment.
Walking through the front doors of the downtown hotel where the event is taking place is a psychological delight. If the science fiction writers and FX people were to depict it, it would be a scene like this. A man walks through a hotel lobby, and as he does, he begins to see women of all kinds dressed beautiful-leigh, but some odd-leigh "rough" in their appearance. He penetrates a barrier, of sorts, almost as if the fabric of the place clings to his very physical body, and as he pushes forward, he sees and senses a jelly-like shimmering and wiggling of the atmosphere touching his body and sees the surrounding space wiggle, brief-leigh, as if seeing the heat lines shimmering above a desert highway. He feels his psychology change, slow-leigh at first, then abrupt-leigh, he becomes she. His cares melt away, replaced by a joy of being, of being female. He sees the smiles on the faces of all the others. The "others" that comfortably greet him in his new-leigh minted feminine attire that adorns his now feminine body, are gracious, and smiling, and carry the acceptance of their common secret, that physical-leigh their hidden body may be male in origin, their feminine outward presentation is what is, now, the most important thing in the universe. For this time, in this place, the "normal" rules are temporari-leigh suspended. We are what we dream to be, wish to be, and ARE, for this brief few days, girls, women, well, almost, sure-leigh close enough.
65 I met a couple old friends, many new friends, and bathed in that hidden sister I always knew was tucked away in that "societal gaff" where we all normal- leigh try to fit. For some the "tuck" is good, others have to work so very hard to achieve a modicum of comfort to allow them to survive their normal days. For some the "gaff" comes off and with a little surgery (did I say 'little'?), they can be what their souls were meant to be. For me, 4 glorious days where the male clothes took their place in the closet in reversal of the norm. The outfits I made were displayed with pride and welcomed with acceptance and occasional compliments.
And, now, back home, again..... This convention, like many others in the civilized world, caters to the deep seated identity that conflicts with the world we were raised in. One thing, amoung the many great things that happened in this convention, was the heartfelt welcome of the transmen contingent. Recognition that we are all part of a very diverse community. One of the night events was dedicated pure- leigh to the transmen and they used it to shake the windows on the 27th floor turned dance studio. It was nice to meet the guys and see their enthusiasm for what I've never been ful-leigh capable of enjoying.
Another theme addressed, was inclusiveness. There were brief presentations from ladies about the other conventions in the USA. From "First" in Boston, to the california events, the importance of a sense of "movement" was expressed. There is so much more to do, but the more we can realize that we are part of a whole, the more we can coax our sisters out into the light, and convince society that we are part of them, not to be put down, or shoved back into the closet and ashamed of.
One of the speeches was given by Donna Rose and hit me particular-leigh strong-leigh. (These are my words in summary of her message) I only took mental notes, so there is a degree of disolution, but she spoke of how wrong it is thinking of ourselves as "trapped in a man's body", "birth defect", diseased, or disphoric. The importance of this distinction is, we have every right to think of ourselves as whole and healthy with our difference as anyone else. We are not sick!! We are not defective in any way. And we cannot be "cured"! We are beings, just like any other! When one has struggled with society's strictures, and survived, and fought to come out into the light that they
66 deserve to be, just like any other being, one realizes that all the classifications that are forced upon us and we force upon ourselves are mear-leigh arbitrary. They are meant to differenciate, at best, and discriminate at worst, and only tend to divide us from ourselves and the world. And that that sense of "something's wrong" is learned behavior, taught by others and has no real meaning.
Her website is inspirational. It is: http://www.donnarose.com/
I have, now, been to two wonderful conventions. SCC, in Atlanta, and The Be All, in Chicago. If you have not been to one, it is something you should put on your calendar. Make a point of finding one!!! You will never be sorry. You will see others that will amaze you. You will be amazed by yourself. There are transgirls there that do not pass, but who cares, their true inner light shines through. The sense of comfort with yourself is remarkable!! You can't help but compare yourself..... "She looks great!" "That can't be a male under there." "Wow, that's gotta be a GG!" AND... "that poor girl, she really looks like a man in a dress" "Thank goodness I don't have THAT beard to cover." "That's the worst outfit I've ever seen!" I'm being honest here, girls. You think it, I know you do! But, the funny thing is NO ONE CARES!! This is a time to forget the world. Forget all the measurements that are used outside these walls. We are all sisters, all brothers, all accepted, all worthy, all helpful, all caring. You soon abandon those thoughts in favor of basking in the light of commonality, sharing who you tru- leigh are with others who understand.
In this picture, I'm (on the left) 5'15" tall, wearing 3" heels. My Green Princess friend is ?????? (hint - also wearing 3" heels) and clear-leigh beautiful.
Another place this happens, is in the "Pride" celebrations. But, that is not just us trans-people. Find that convention, girls, FIND US!!!! Find yourself!!
67 BIRTHDAY BITZ D N I V E I D
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Born: 10-19-1945 Died: 3-7-1988 at the age of 42. Harris Glenn Milstead Born in October 1945 to an upper middle class family, Harris Glenn Milstead was a happy child. He participated in many church activities with his family and had a pretty normal childhood. Things began to change as he went into his early teenage years. He was teased constantly by the boys at school for being effeminate. He was called names and harassed repeatedly until one day he had to be escorted to school by a police officer. Mr. and Mrs. Milstead thought it would be in their best interested to relocated and moved just outside of Baltimore, MD. This move would prove to change Glenn's life forever. As Glenn went into his late teen years, he became involved with the underground gay culture of the city and snuck out at night to meet up with friends. He met many drag queens at the club he frequented and for the first time in his life began feeling like he belonged. When he was younger, he would sneak into his mother's closet after school and get dressed up in her clothes and wigs and just have a great time. This was the first time he had met a group of people who understood him and liked him for who he really was. Glenn really discovered a part of himself he kept buried deep inside all his life when he decided to attend a high school Halloween dance dressed as Elizabeth Taylor. He never guessed it would turn into a career, but he had the time of his life nonetheless, without a care in the world. The Milsteads moved just down the street from the Waters and their son John, an odd kid who loved the offbeat and bizarre. John was an aspiring film director and saw something in Glenn that nobody else did and asked him to play a small role in his second film, "Roman Candles" (1966). Glenn had a small part, but those who saw the film enjoyed him in it. John decided for his next film, "Eat Your Makeup" (1967), to have Glenn star in a re-enactment of the Kennedy assassination as Jackie Bouvier Kennedy. It was then that Glenn's alter ego, Divine , was born. It also marked the first of Dreamland Studios, a mock production company which operated out of Waters' basement. Waters and his clan of cast and crew became known as the Dreamlanders. Over the next couple years, Divine and Waters continued making more underground films. Only a few days after the suicide of Art Linkletter's daughter, John filmed the "Diane Linkletter Story" (1969), an improvised reaccountment of what might have happened that night in the Linkletter household.
68 Divine stars as a teenage Diane who has a fight with her parents (David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce) after coming in after curfew and baked out on LSD. This was Waters' first film with actual dialogue. Shortly after, Divine and Waters teamed up again to film their first full-length feature film, "Mondo Trasho" (1969). Divine stars as a blonde bombshell who is distracted by a hitchhiker (Mark Usherwood) who she imagines nude, and runs over a young fashion fanatic (Mary Vivian Pearce). From that day on, there is nothing but mishap and tragedy for the two. After briefly moving to Provincetown, Mass. and opening a failed thrift store called Divine Trash , Glenn returned to Baltimore to film their next picture, "Multiple Maniacs" (1970). In this film, Divine was originally planned to take the credit for the 1969 murder of Sharon Tate. Prior to completing filming, the actual murderers were found and Waters quickly rewrote the ending. Waters and Divine then set off for San Francisco to promote the film, where Divine met and joined the "Cockettes," a group of bearded drag queens who performed such shows as "Divine and her Stimulating Studs," "Divine Saves the World," and "Vice Palace. " It was again time to return to Baltimore to begin production of their next film together, the cult film to end all cult films, "Pink Flamingos" (1972). In the most notorious role of his career, Divine plays Babs Johnson , the filthiest person alive. Battle begins when two jealous perverts (David Lochary, Mink Stole) set out to steal her title by operating a baby ring and fronting money to heroin pushers in the inner-city elementary schools. Waters and Divine made film history in the final scene of the film by performing an action that has never been done, nor repeated in a feature film, when Divine picked up dog faeces and ate it on camera. Throughout the rest of their careers Waters could never live up to the shit eating scene, while Divine could never live it down. Enjoying their new-found local celebrity status for a while, the Dreamlanders again teamed up to film "Female Trouble" (1975), Divine's favourite of his own films. He stars as Dawn Davenport, a teenage brat who runs away from home on Christmas Day only to be raped by a slob (Divine in a male role) on the side of the road. Dawn ends up pregnant and gives birth to Taffy (Mink Stole). She becomes involved with two fascist beauticians (David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce) who brainwashes her into thinking crime is beauty. She then goes insane, kidnapping her ex-husband's Aunt Ida (Edith Massey), covering her in feathers and putting her in a birdcage, just before chopping her arm off with an axe. She soon after strangles her own daughter to death and dies in the electric chair. Having been noticed by other underground directors, Divine is asked to star in an off-Broadway play called "Women Behind Bars" (1976-77). The play was a great success and even resulted in a sequel called the "Neon Woman" (1978). Waters contacted Divine with the script to his next film, "Desperate Living" (1977) in which he asked Divine to play the part of Mole, a butch lesbian. Much to both of their disappointment, Divine was unable to take part in the film as he had a signed contract and was touring with "Women Behind Bars." Waters recast Susan Lowe in the part of Mole and finished filming while Divine was on tour. After having gone through a bit of a dry spell, Divine is asked to make a public appearance at a
69 nightclub in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in October 1979. The owners of the club wrongly advertised the event and Divine arrived to find a mass of people expecting to see Divine perform a disco act. Completely unprepared and humiliated, Divine leaves the bar owners to deal with the angry mob. This gives Divine's manager, Bernard Jay, an idea. Divine goes into the recording studio to record his very first single, "Born To Be Cheap" (1979) for Wax Trax Records. The record is issued in a very limited release and Divine begins performing the song along with the b-side, "The Name Game," at various appearances. Not being signed for very many appearances and having spent all his money, Divine is ecstatic to hear Waters is filming another film and wants to sign him on as the star. Divine immediately heads back to Maryland. In "Polyester" (1981), Divine is a toned-down housewife named Francine Fishpaw. She has to deal with her daily heartbreaks of a cheating husband (David Samson), a slutty daughter (Mary Garlington), and a criminally insane son (Ken King). This is Waters' first attempt at a mainstream film, and garners critical praise. Divine gains credability by starring in the film with 1950's heartthrob, actor Tab Hunter. "Polyester" opens in 50 United Artists theatres across America and Divine is asked to be a guest host at the "Alternative Miss World Pageant," which was later released on video under the title of "I Wanna Be A Beauty Queen" (1985). Divine is approached by recording executive Bobby Orlando and is signed to "O" Records with a contract guaranteeing the commercial release of no less than 2 records. Divine immediately heads into the studio to record "Native Love" (1981). The record is released and is an instant hit in dance clubs. Only a few months later, Divine returns to the studio to record his follow-up single, "Shoot Your Shot" (1982) and its b-side "Jungle Jezebel." A year later, Divine is awarded a gold record for the sale of 100,000 copies of "Shoot Your Shot" in Holland. Wondering why there are no royalty checks coming his way, Divine files a lawsuit against Bobby Orlando and "O" Records. They in turn counter sue for not returning to the studio when requesting and breach of contract. Over the next year and a half, Divine fights in court and finally wins the case. The judge dismisses "O" Records' countersuit and Divine is free to sign with another recording company. He decides to sign to InTune Music in England. Eager to get his music career going again, he quickly gets into the studio to record the biggest hit of his career, "You think you’re A Man" (1984). It immediately begins climbing the pop charts and Divine is invited to perform his hit on the popular music program on the BBC, "Top Of The Pops." After receiving many disturbing phone calls, the station bans him from any future appearances, although they will continue playing his record. Divine returns to the recording studio to record his cocky response to the complaining viewers of the BCC program, "I'm So Beautiful" (1984). John Waters gets in contact with Divine with a script for the sequel of "Pink Flamingos," entitled "Flamingos Forever." Although not overly excited about the scripts, Divine is eager to make another film and agrees to star in the sequel. John calls off plans to film the sequel when he receives the shocking news on the afternoon of October 19th, 1984 that Edith Massey, the lovable egg lady and mother to Babs Johnson (Divine) in Pink Flamingos, has passed away. The script, although never filmed, was years later released in a book by Waters entitled "Trash Trio." He leaves for Hong Kong to open a new club as the star attraction and begins his tour of Finland in support of his singing career. He appears as the first guest on the Merv Griffin show and is invited back any time he is in town. He also makes an appearance on the David Letterman Show. Following his appearance on the show, he flies to New Mexico to begin filming his first starring role in a feature film not directed by John Waters, as Rosie Valez in "Lust In The Dust" (1985). Rosie meets up with a rugged cowboy named Able (Tab Hunter) and travels with him to the town of Chile Verde. There, they hear an old limerick about some buried gold. She has half the map to the gold tattooed on her rear end, and must find the person with the other half; all while trying to avoid being
70 murdered by Hard Case Williams (Geoffrey Lewis) and his gang of thieves. The film ended up being a popular rental film, however flopped in the box office. Divine was getting depressed when he was offered a male role in a film starring Kris Kristopherson entitled "Trouble In Mind" (1986). He plays Hilly Blue, a rough gangster which was the exact opposite of all roles he had played previously. He received good reviews for his part in the film and Divine felt he was on his way to crossing over into male roles; however the offers he eagerly awaited never came. Desperate to make money in between less frequent club gigs, he returned to the studio to record his final single, "Hey You" (1987). Divine was very excited when he received a call from John Waters. John was casting for his first film in 7 years and sent a script to Divine. In "Hairspray" (1988), Divine plays Edna Turnblad, the mother of a chubby high school girl named Tracy (Ricki Lake) who gets a spot on a local dance show and becomes a local celebrity. Tracy makes an enemy in Amber Von Tussle (Colleen Fitzpatrick - aka singer Vitamin C), a spoiled brat who is jealous of Tracy's popularity and the sudden attention she is getting from her boyfriend (Michael St. Gerard). Divine also had the chance to play a male role as Arvin Hodgepile, the bigoted television station manager. Hairspray was critically acclaimed worldwide and was the breakthrough success in both John Waters and Divine's careers. Divine finally received credit for being a talented actor, and was put on the cover of the March 1988 issue of Interview Magazine as well as the Los Angeles Times naming him Celebrity of the Day. Divine suddenly had serious offers coming in for both his acting and music careers. The very popular and respected group Bronski Beat wrote a song for Divine to record entitled "Cha Cha Heels" (in tribute to his roles in Pink Flamingos & Female Trouble ), which was to be on his very first full length album planned for release later than year called "Maid In England" (1988). Also, he was offered the recurring role of Uncle Otto on the extremely popular Fox sitcom, "Married... With Children." The offers continued to pour in. Unfortunately, he would not have the opportunity to enjoy his breakthrough success. Divine passed away in his Los Angeles hotel room on the morning of March 7, 1988; his first day due on the set of "Married... With Children" and just 2 weeks before he was to head into the studio to record his comeback single. The Coroner's Department announce the cause of death to be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart) and that he most likely died painlessly in his sleep. The episode which introduced Uncle Otto to the show (part recast) ended with a touching "In Memory of Divine 1945-1988" message over a large photo of Divine. A year later, Eartha Kitt teamed up with Bronski Beat to record "Cha Cha Heels," the song written for Divine to sing, as a tribute to the legend. It has now been 16 years since the passing of Divine, and he is still being discovered by a whole new generation of fans. There have been many covers of his songs, many television documentaries, and books written about him. Divine's very own mother, Frances Milstead, has written a book entitled "My Son, Divine" which was released in 2001. He has even had a figurine modelled after him. Divine had a very promising career ahead of him, and only had the chance to experience acceptance for a short time in an industry that shunned him for 20 years. I had the chance to personally work with Divine on February 19-1988 at his club appearance here in Chicago. He was a wonderful and very funny individual who had his audience captivated. Sadly this was one of his final personal appearances.
Courtesy of http://www.discomuseum.com/Divine.html 71
TRANSITIONING Part1 by Cierra Cienna
A True Account
Here it is in mid September and I am inching ever so closely to transition. What a joyous feeling it is to know that my life’s long feud is about to end. I am thirty six years old, and like many of us I am married. We have no children, which to me a relief. Otherwise I may not of had the courage, or selfishness if you would, to do this . I have to much of a moral way about me to overcome. Interestingly enough though, my wife has discussed saving some of “me” to later have a child. More on that later.
How many of you have a wife or girlfriend that knows about you? And how many of the significant others have accepted you? I am going to make it a point to at first focus on this aspect of transition. There has been nary a document covering how a wife or girlfriend really thinks about all of this. I am here to tell you that it is probably not all that it appears to be. My wife for example. On the outside she always led me to believe that everything was ok. That she was dealing with the whole thing well. Nothing could of been further from the truth. Just because they say all of the right things. Things that you need to hear. DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED. Always be open with your thoughts and ask her questions about her feelings. Let her know that you are interested in her private feelings. And always reassure her that you love her. Up until recently this has been my failing. I am sure I am not the only one.
Many, many people have commented on how lovely that I look and I love and need to hear that. I am going to quote my wife’s comments I read recently. “She thinks she’s so hot! All I want to do is tell him that he looks ridiculous and dress’s like a slut”. “He lives in a dream world and is oblivious to anyone else around him.” “Why cant he dress down to Earth like me?” He only dress’s that way to attract men.”
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What do you suppose brought all of those comments on? In my case, it was my failure to divulge my dreams of engaging men. I recently have discovered with the help of my therapist that I am a heterosexual female. Not lesbian, not bisexual. How did she find this out? She made it a point to compromise my email passwords. Why did she have to do that? Because I had been withholding everything and she knew it. See, remember, your wife knows you almost as well as you know yourself. So, in her words, not only am I transexual, I am also gay. Nothing like getting hit by a ton of bricks twice is there? But alas, my wife is no quitter. Despite my obvious lack of trust in her. She stated she will always love me and all she asked for in return that I make that same commitment now and always.
Girls, to your wife or girlfriend your female self might as well of been a drunk driver that killed her husband. Because that’s how she really feels. And that is what she has to come to terms with. You have to treat her with the utmost regard of love and openness and reassurance. That is what she needs from you. And she needs it often.
In the months to come I will share much more of my wife’ feelings and how my transition is proceeding. There is so much to talk about. So please stay tuned. This could really help you and your current relationship. If you want to contact me my email address is [email protected]. If you would like to see more of me and my pictures the link is www.geocities.com/cierrakel/index.html.
See you all in next month’s edition.
XoXo Cierra Cienna
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ACROSS
GOLDEN POND
Short column this month. It’s a big issue and I do have a spooky story for you (elsewhere in the magazine.) so you’ll all have more than enough of my ramblings for this month. So here goes:
Just who is this woman? And why am I agreeing to travel with her for a whole week? Well the answers are pretty darned obvious if you ever meet her. Her name is Josephine Ryan. She’s 68 years old and one of the youngest trans-women I’ve ever met. Talk to Josephine for half an hour and you’ll be joining her fan club too. She goes everywhere, lives almost full time as Josephine, reverting to her “male twin” (her words) only when absolutely necessary. She travels to Canada to visit other T friends and goes to many of the conventions. At a time when many people are slowing down, Josephine has grabbed the gear lever and shifted up. She’s entirely responsible for getting Lisa out of the door and into the general public, an experience I will never forget. Remember how I bored you with the story of that outing, a movie and dinner, a few months back? No? Well it’s in the archives. She’s done so much for me and for the trans community here in the Capital District, including now working on getting the anti (T) discrimination bill passed by the New York Legislature. Educated, thoughtful and articulate. That’s why I’m travelling with her for a week.
So where are we going? To the Erie Gala. Once again Josephine has talked me into going out as Lisa (not that I needed a lot of persuasion) but this time we’re travelling to Erie Pennsylvania for a big Trans convention. We’re leaving Wednesday morning even though the convention is unofficially open Monday and Tuesday. I’m so looking forward to Wednesday through Sunday of being feminine twenty fours a day. This is from the Gala Website:
Our eighth annual Lake Erie Gala is Nov. 13-19 [Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday] at the Quality Inn in Erie. Our event is an inexpensive cross-dressing week long event and insanely affordable if you room with another girl. Eighty five great gals attended last year's event and we had a ton of fun dancing and shopping.
We venture out for day wine-tasting tours and shopping. At night there is dinner and entertainment, followed by dancing at TG-Friendly clubs We again plan to have some excellent vendors, including Veronica's Spa (nails, makeup and other beauty services, and Wigs By Carrie.
74 We also have the lounge at the hotel for those girls who don't want to venture out to Trance Dance Club.
Check out the website: http://www.eriesisters.org/GALA1.html I have never been to one of these events and while this is certainly not the largest in the United States, it is without question the most economical and according to the local girls who have attended, the most fun. I’m told that I won’t need a ride home since I’ll be floating home on a cloud. (Not if I don’t drop some of these extra pounds!) Anyway, I won’t have computer access during the trip but I’ll be taking notes and will give you all a full report when I return. Probably won’t see print until the December issue given the timing of the convention and Mandy’s publication schedule. This is of course for the benefit of our readers in Yurrup. You girls in the colonies, well you should just attend the Gala as well then you’ll know first hand and not have to read my impressions. If you do go, be sure to look me up. I’ll be the one looking lost but grinning like a new bride.
75 CHAPTER TWO
SARAH AND DONNA’S FIRST DATE
A week had passed since our first encounter in the hotel bar, and I was once again seated in my preferred spot, this time alone and anxiously awaiting Sarah’s arrival. I must have spent 3 hours in my room preparing myself for her, going through practically every dress I owned before reaching a decision. Even after all that time and deliberation, I couldn’t stop second-guessing myself. In the end, I selected a slinky, shimmery sleeveless silver a-line minidress, (in a departure from the black to which I almost invariably default), gray lace top thigh highs, black patent open- toed 5” pumps, and, as always, pearl choker, pearl earrings and pearl bracelets on each wrist. Underneath, as previously instructed, I wore sheer, lacy boy cut panties and a matching front hook underwire bra, both in a smoky gray to match the hose. Because my usual triangular breast forms were too big to fit into a sexy little number like this, I substituted a pair of silicone enhancers, to which I had attached silicone nipples. I wasn’t stacked, but I looked more girlish and much hotter than I did in the matronly bras required to accommodate a set of full breast forms. I scanned the room as I slowly savored my Black label on the rocks, knowing I would be permitted only one more for the evening. There were, perhaps, 10-12 people there, all occupying tables. I was alone at the bar. The man I had been engaged with the previous week when Sarah arrived and dismissed him so forcefully and claimed me for herself, was nowhere to be seen. A number of the men I recognized as admirers, bar regulars who under ordinary circumstances would be hovering close by if they hadn’t managed to secure a seat next to me, buying me drinks, praising my rare beauty and looking for opportunities to run their hands up and down my silken thighs. Something had changed. It seemed as though the word had already gotten around. Sarah had publicly staked her claim, these men knew it, and they dared not challenge her. Of course, I didn’t want them to. I cast my eyes toward the entrance and waited. I was visibly flushed and lightly trembling with anticipation. The urge to order another drink, a double, swept over me, but with some effort I managed to suppress it. I sipped my Scotch ever so daintily. Sarah wasn’t late (I had arrived early), but I was beginning to feel as though she’d never get there. Finally (right on time, actually), I spotted Sarah’s unmistakable auburn waves, backlit to give her an otherworldly aura. She was even more exquisite than I had remembered. Her eyes immediately locked onto mine, and she approached just as she had done the first time we met,
76 never breaking visual contact. Her outfit surprised and delighted me. Skin tight black vinyl pants, cut like jeans, 4” black, open-toed heels and a gorgeous silk blouse, in teal. Her tiny toes were painted fire red, to match her fingers. As she walks toward me I saw how the pvc accentuated her tiny waist and beautiful feminine hips. Her model’s walk, each step crossing slightly in front of the last, gave her hips a soft, sensual, rhythmic movement that I could only dream of approximating. I made a mental note to practice that walk whenever I could. Petite and perfectly formed, Sarah simply took my breath away. She smiled warmly, got up on her toes to kiss me on the cheek and said, “Come with me, Donna. I have a few surprises for you.” Turning to the bartender, she said, “Bill, put Donna’s drink on my account, please.” Bill replied, “Yes, ma’am.” I wished Bill a good night, but, oddly, he didn’t seem to hear, although he was only a few feet away. Sarah took my right hand and led me out of the bar, through the hotel lobby, and out the main entrance into a waiting limo. “We’re going into Boston for dinner first. You’re so nervous you haven’t eaten, have you?” Sarah already knew me so well. My food intake for the entire day (it was 7:30 p.m.) had consisted of a handful of cashews, and apple, and about 9 cups of coffee. No wonder I was shaking like a leaf! The air conditioning was on high and goosebumps began to form on my arms. I felt a bit weak and lightheaded from drinking Scotch on a very empty stomach. My heart was fluttering wildly. My hands had not stopped trembling. “Lift up your dress, Donna. All the way. I want to see your new bra and panties.” I pulled my dress up to my neck, as instructed. I noticed the driver’s eyes fixed on me in the mirror. He was SO cute, young and hunky and totally my type, and obviously quite interested. I returned his eye contact and signaled my attraction to him. At that moment, the privacy glass rose, and the driver disappeared behind a shield of black. We were now completely alone. I was exposed from the neck down and it was freezing! Sarah carefully, deliberately examined every thread of my new undergarments with her probing eyes and delicate touch, warm breath on my cold skin. My chilly nervousness began to subside, supplanted by the rising heat of arousal. “Lovely, Donna. You’ve done well, my dear. You have a very beautiful, feminine body and you mustn’t ever again be afraid of showing it. This is how you are to dress underneath from now on. No more matronly bras or briefs, but no thongs, either. Is that clear?” “Crystal.” “Very good. You’re a quick learner.” We were in Boston now, on one of the cross streets in the Back Bay neighborhood. The limo pulled up in front of a quiet looking bistro with which I was unfamiliar. The driver opened the door and Sarah again
77 took me by the hand and led me into the restaurant. The maitre d’ greeted her warmly and the two exchanged the banter of well-acquainted people. It was obvious that Sarah was a highly-regarded regular and that we could expect the best of service. We were led to a small table in an isolated corner, well separated from the other patrons. The staff seemed to take no particular note of the fact that one of their favored customers had walked in accompanied by a spectacular, beautifully made up and perfumed 6’2” transvestite, 6’7” in heels. “What is your fragrance, Donna?” Before I could answer, Sarah continued with “Consider Aliage, by Estee Lauder. It has an earthy scent, and you are my earthy lady, my woman of the early morning woods.” At her words the hairs on the back of my neck stood erect and I shivered. After ordering our meals, Sarah caressed my cheek lightly, took my chin into her hands so we could make eye contact, and whispered, “Donna, take off your panties.” I did as I was told. “Now place them on the table next to your wine glass. You won’t be wearing them again tonight. I would do the same with mine, except that I’m not wearing any and, well, the pants would make it awkward.” I set them down as instructed. I hoped that my dress was loose enough and that I could suppress my excitement well enough to pull off this stunt. I didn’t argue, though. I just did it. The dinner was, of course, delightful. Admitting to being an incorrigible carnivore, Sarah ordered an alarmingly large (for such a tiny person) rib eye, medium rare, which she devoured with a most impressive gusto. She was clearly a woman of remarkable appetites. I worried that I might prove unable to feed them adequately. I ordered the rather more modest fresh wild trout. We ate and chatted and laughed and my earlier jitters vanished entirely. We finished our meal, Sarah paid and bantered a bit more with the staff, not one of whom uttered so much as a word to me or looked me in the eye, and we emerged into what was now a beautiful, clear, starlit late summer evening. A light, warm breeze found its way under my dress and tickled my exposed privates. We climbed back into the limo and pulled away into the night. We talked little as we rode, side by side, arms intertwined and hands locked, feeling the electricity surge between us. We left the city and headed in the general direction of the hotel. Several miles short of our destination, the limo pulled into what appeared to be an all-night tattoo shop. Sarah led me into the shop and was once again greeted warmly by an enthusiastic staff. “This is my new and very special friend Donna. She’s here to have her navel pierced.” I was??? Yes, I suppose I was. The staff chatted animatedly with Sarah, but not a single one would look at me or speak to me, as though it were somehow forbidden.
78 It hurt! Very much, but the pain didn’t matter, as Sarah teased the very tip of my clitty, the pee slit actually, with the tip of her tongue. I was shocked and awed by her public boldness, and intensely aroused. The piercing bled, more than I would have expected. I had never had a piercing before, not even of my ears. But I endured it. I knew at this point that I would endure anything Sarah asked of me. I knew in my heart that Sarah would never have me do anything that I could not or should not do. She would always care for me and protect me from hurt. I trusted her without reservation. With the piercing completed and the bleeding stanched, Sarah selected a lovely pearl ornament to grace my sore little belly button. She kissed the wound and inserted the ring. She had marked me tonight. What did this mean? Was I hers now? This had to mean something. I noticed that Sarah had also purchased some nipple jewelry, which she dropped into her purse without any mention of it. Was it for her? Was it for me? Where was all this going? I resolved to stop puzzling about it and to let things flow. Her selections complete, Sarah turned to the manager and said, "Put this all on my bill, William.” “Yes, ma’am,” came the simple reply. We arrived at the hotel and the concierge said “Good evening, ma’am,” as Sarah passed by. He ignored me, even though earlier that evening, before Sarah’s arrival, we had had a very cordial exchange about the weather and that awful traffic mess from the construction on I-95. Sarah and I took the elevator to Sarah’s top floor suite. Upon entering, I could see a video camera set up on a tripod at the foot of the bed. “I loved your performance last week so much that I want to see you do it again, and again and again and again.” Sarah laughed as I flushed with embarrassment. “Go down to your room and fetch that big dildo I know you have. And don’t forget the lube.” I practically ran to my room and retrieved the enormous, fat 8” dildo I had ordered online just a couple of weeks before. How did she know? When I returned I slipped off my dress, stretched languidly out onto the bed, opened up my legs and began to stretch and lubricate my boy pussy. Sarah slipped off her jeans and situated herself on the side of the bed, next to my head. My clitty, which I had been struggling mightily to keep in check since removing my panties at dinner, promptly sprang to its full length and hardness. It was evident that I loved having an audience, and that I desired no audience more than Sarah. I wished to perform for her alone. I needed to be hers, all hers. “Suck it first, Donna. Show me how much of that great big cock you can take orally.” I obliged and slipped my full red lips around the massive shaft. I had never before attempted to take anything of this size into my mouth, but I wanted to do it for Sarah. I gagged several times and my eyes began to tear profusely, yet I continued to work it determinedly.
79 Before I knew it, I realized that I had taken the entire monstrous thing right down to its base, and I was sucking away greedily. It seemed impossible, but I had done it. I could have gone on much longer, but my stretched and lubed boy pussy needed serious attention, and she needed it now. I cleaned the lipstick ring off of the dildo, generously coated it with lube, and slid it deep into my accommodating ass. A whole night’s worth of accumulated passion grabbed hold of me and I began to fuck myself with a furious abandon, crying and moaning and screaming for all the world to hear. Sarah said nothing, but allowed me to fully indulge my overpowering need for a hard fucking. As she had done the previous week, Sarah watched me intently as she masturbated. At a certain point Sarah shifted her body into a 69 position, and her delightful scent filled my nostrils. She leaned on one elbow and continued pleasuring herself as she watched me intently, her eyelids flickering as her passion began to build. I did not dare to touch her myself or attempt to assist her in any way. I focused on myself and my performance, pumping the dildo and stroking my clitty to an even more thunderous orgasm than I had experienced the previous week, and as jet after jet of hot, thick cum shot all over my writhing body. I was surprised and thrilled to see that Sarah was cumming right along with me, her body convulsing in perfect sync with mine, as a powerful and sustained orgasmic wave consumed her. As we settled down and caught our breaths, Sarah sidled up to me, took my head into her arms, and laid it on her breast, stroking my hair and kissing my forehead. Quite unexpectedly, I began to cry. Copious tears poured out of my eyes and my cheeks were soon well smeared with black mascara and blue eyeliner. Sarah did not comfort me, nor did she need to. These were proverbial happy tears. For it was at that moment that I knew for certain that I belonged to Sarah fully. My delighted sobs eventually ebbed, I settled into Sarah’s warm and loving embrace, and dreamt contentedly of all the wonderful things that might lie ahead.
80 QUIZ ANSWERS
WHEN??? 1) 1979 2) 1979 3) 1951 4) March 5) 1971
WHO??? 1) Edward Jenner (1796) 2) Rick Wakeman 3) Felicity Huffman 4) James Earl Ray 5) Narcissus
WHICH??? 1) Leonardo Da Vinci 2) Finland (1906) 3) Scorpio 4) The Kentucky Derby 5) Monica Seles
WHAT??? 1) A fish 2) Red (dark red) 3) A sword 4) Cheese 5) K
PICTURE QUIZ 1) Tweety-pie 6) The Slag Brothers 2) Peppermint Patty 7) Mutley 3) Sylvester 8) Henry’s Cat 4) Taz 9) Minnie the Minx 5) Tigger 10) Mister Tickle
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Conversion Tables
SHOES
Centimetres 22.8 23.3 23.7 24.6 25.1 25 25.4 25.8 26.3 26.7 27.1 27.5 28 28.4 28.8 29.2 29.6 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 Inches 9 10 10½ 11 1/6 1/3 1/2 2/3 5/6 1/6 1/3 2/3 5/6 1/6 1/3 ½ 2/3 US / Canada 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 12½ 13 Mens US / Canada 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 12½ 13 13½ 14 Womens ** Japanese 23 23½ 24 24½ 25 25½ 26 26½ 27 27½ 28 28½ 29 29½ 30 30½ 31 European 37 37½ 38 39 39½ 40 40½ 41 42 42½ 43 44 44½ 45 46 46½ 47 UK Mens 4 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 UK Womens 4 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 Australian 4 4½ 5 5½ 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 Mens Australian 6 6½ 7 7½ 8 8½ 9 9½ 10 10½ 11 11½ 12 12½ 13 13½ 14 Womens
Conversion of Women’s Clothing Sizes
82 Size Conversions, Tops and Dresses Men's Sizes, Shirt, Pants Blouse/Dress Size Medium Shirt, 29-30" waist. Ladies12 40 Jacket, 32" waist (28" clincher) Ladies 10 or 12 Skirt, Ladies 14 top, dress Medium shirt, 32-34 waist Ladies 14, also Ladies Large 44 Jacket, 36" waist, 30" length Ladies 14 (tight) or 16, Ladies Large Large Shirts, 36" waist, 30" length Ladies 20 top, 20 or 18T dress, XL, 18W Large Shirts, 37" waist, 30" length Ladies 18T, L, 18W XL Shirts, 44" waist, 30" length Ladies 24W
Size Conversions, Shoes Men's Sizes Women's Sizes 8W - 8.5M 9W - 10N 9.5 10W-11 9M 10W-11W ? 10-11 10 11W 10.5 EE 12 W-12 WW 11D 12W-13
Size Conversions, Skirts and Pants
Size Measurements Measurements: Skirts/Pants Sizes Size Waist Hips Size Bust Waist Hips Small 28 34 8 35.25-36 26.24-27 36.75-37.50 Small 30 36 10 36.25-37 27.25-28 37.75-38.5 Medium 32 38 12 37.25-38.5 28.25-29.5 38.75-40 Medium 34 40 14 38.75-40 29.75-31 40.25-41.5 Large 36 42 16 40.25-4.5 31.25-32.5 41.75-43 Large 38 44 18 41.75-43.5 32.75-34.5 43.25-45 X Large 40 45.75 X Large 42 47.25 X Large 44 48.75 2XL 46 50.25 2XL 48 51.75 3XL 50 53.25 3XL 52 54.75
83 BORN TO SHOP
We all love to shop, but as we all know , from personal experience, some are…er…friendlier than others. Here’s a few of the better ones, as recommended by you.
This is my own personal recommendation. The girls the Notting Hill branch were superb. They couldn’t be friendlier, more welcoming, and professional too. They have a fantastic range of wigs of all lengths , colours and prices , and I can not recommend this branch of stores enough Open till 6, by appointment – latest 5 o’clock http://www.trendco.co.uk/default.aspx
1) The Casket store: http://www.casketfurniture.com/caskets_coffins.php A unique store offering casket shaped furniture for the gothic’s
2) The Baroness: Ok rubber and latex fetish store I have seen better and more but the craftsman-ship looks good and styles are their own http://www.baroness.com/RubberClothes.htm
3) JT's Stockroom offers a wide range of fetish things from bondage beds to fetish toys, not a gigantic selection but enough to satisfy the novice and beginner. http://www.stockroom.com/search/search.aspx?i=20&search=furniture
4) Lydia’s offers a ok selection of transgender and cross-dressing items again not a wide selection but a ok one for the beginner and part time. http://lydiastv.com/osb/showitem.cfm/Category/12
5)Corset Connection: Offers a very wide selection for all types of corsets everything from waist training to under-bust and to men to woman training corsets, and for those who never have laced their own corsets they offer a online training film for corset lacing A+. http://www.corsetconnection.com/Images/Vintage%20Glam/v1117.jpg
84
Born to SHOP
“ Hi Mandy, I have a review for you, Wigsrus ltd in Southport. Recently been there for a new style they are great. Hugs Julie Hi Ladies, After asking around for some advice on wigs I plucked up the courage to go and try a new style and I decided to have it fitted. I took the advise of an Angel and looked up www.wigsrusltd.com at Southport . This meant going out en femme for the first time and having a stranger see me as Julie. I made an appointment with Jennie and ventured out into the world as Julie. Jennie is a fantastic understanding lady; she puts you at ease straight away. All appointments are one to one and you can try as many styles on as you like. Jennie will give you advise on styles and colour. After you have chosen your new hair, Jennie will do the final styling and trim if required. The service was excellent and Jennie was wonderful, highly recommended. I felt so good and confident With my new style I had a walk around Southport, then decided to drive over to the Trafford centre and had a walk around the shops not bad for my first day out.“ Hugs Julie
“ www.frillys.co.uk is a friendly dressing service in Droylsden a town about 4miles from the centre and gay village in Manchester. The owner is called Julie and she now offers self catering accommodation above her shop. HOTELS- I use Travelodge and the special offers of £10 & £26 a night per room are great value. I have never had any problems at these hotels. The only problem I have had at an hotel was at a gay hotel in Torquay where I got a really frosty welcome to say the least. MAKEUP- I don't use Dermablend because it is expensive and difficult to apply so I use a Boots No17 cover stick or a Rimmel cover stick both are on sale at about £2.50. “ Raquel
Hi Mandy! I order make-up from http://www.blushedcosmetics.co.uk/ . They are very reliable and discreet with their deliveries even to Holland. And you know the all in price straight away, no need to email asking for price of postage. And they have a 50p and GBP1.00 corner!
Kirsty
Contact us on: Tel: +44 1376 322209 or Mobile: +44 7887 723239 Email your general enquiries to: [email protected] Email your website enquiries to: [email protected]
85
Here at the Amazing Costume Company we stock over 3000 costumes for hire and sell a wide variety of fancy dress and theatrical accessories. Whatever you need to make your party a success - you will find it here! We are a business that has built a strong reputation based on efficiency, professionalism and style. We provide a one- stop resource for all your requirements so that organising parties and events need not be stressful or time-consuming. Where appropriate, all our costumes come with accessories to help you complete the character such as wigs, boots, hats, jewellery and weapons which is all within the price quoted. To the left are some of the things we have available, there are far too many to list so if you don’t see what your looking for. or wish to hire, please contact us on 020 8859 7747 or visit our shop in Sidcup. As well as our diverse selection of costumes we have to offer we are also well known for our genuine 2nd World War uniforms as well as our superb Medieval costumes, perfect for weddings, banquets & functions.
Proprietor Mr J Griffin Amazing Costume Company 745 Sidcup Road New Eltham London SE9 3SA Tel: 020 8859 7747 email:[email protected] Web site: www.amazingcostume.co.uk
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“And Now, The end is near…..”
W Well then, what can I say? Good, wasn’t it? Your support this month has been phenomenal!! I LOVE Halloween anyway,anyway, so this was a real treat!! I can’t emphasise enough that this is YOUR magazine, YOU write it, YOU read it, and you should all be damned proud of yourselves! Now then, down to businessbusiness.. Next month I amam going to be using a new DeskDesk----toptop Publisher, you probably won’t notice much difference, but its state of the art, all singing, all dancing, and………I have to teteachach myself how to use it, so should be fun!! This software was donated by my great friend BERT, so a massive thankthank----youyou to you! Also I have received a couple of financial donations too, which have gone towards a new images package, new keyboard ((worewore the letters off the last one!!)and a few other bits and bobs, so a massive thankhank----youyou to: STACEY JOHNSON DENISE JOHNSON
(No relation! GiggleGiggle)) Remember though Guys and Girls, with enough donations we can open a proper website and get this magazine MASSIVE! SO if you have a few spare dollars wing them our way; every cent will be put to good use, believe me!! Also, don’t forget that the calendar will be on sale from this month, again, all proceeds will be ploughed back into the site and the magazine, so, please, keep your eyes open, I’ll be giving out details as soon as its finished and readyready to buy. I’m slowly sifting my way through the site, getting affairs in order, for example, nearly HALF of members had
87 tttheir settings on ‘No Mail’, this is an interactive site!!! So I am gradually going through chchanginganging then to ‘special notices’ , also I am having to trim down a few girls folders as they exceed the 5 pic maximum. In doing so I am releasing a lot more room for others to open their own folders, so good news all round! Another BIG FAVOUR to ask you all. All the writerswriters are volunteers and many have never written before, so a lil encouragement would be lovely, so if you like a certain article or regular feature PLEASE!!! Write to me and let me know, so I can pass on youryo ur compliments. ALL gggirlsgirls spend a long time and effort on their aaarticles,articles, so please show your appreciation. As of this month I thought it would be nnnicenice for the winners of the monthly Competitions to get a lil reward. Its not Much, but I’ll be mailing you a Lil Certificate to have as a keepsake, hope yyyouyou like!!! There ya go then, that’s about it, Still haven’t got a cartoonist or a Writer from AustralasiaAustralasia,, but Who knows what next month Will bring. Bye fforor now, Hugs
MANDY XXX
88 Thanksgiving Special!!
Super-heroines!! N Interviews!!
Competitions!! A Stories!!
Fashion!! R I mean……COME ON!!!! C I S S E ISSUE 12 NOV 2006 89