Men's Social Network -Tucson
 
The Latest News . . . March 17th, 2010
Greetings!

Was Saint Patty gay??  Well, lets see what google says about the old Saint - -
 
Who Was St. Patrick?

Although it's not a national holiday in the United States, many communities across the country celebrate St. Patrick's Day with parades, festivals, and "wearing of the green." In fact, St. Patrick's Day parades are an American invention. The first parade honoring the day occurred in Boston in 1762. Over the years, parades and other celebrations on St. Patrick's Day became a way for Irish immigrants to remember their roots. Who was St. Patrick, and what is the meaning behind some well-known St. Patrick's Day legends?
 
While much of St. Patrick's life is clouded by legend, there are some generally agreed-upon facts. Most historians agree that he was born in Scotland or Wales around 370 A.D. and that his given name was Maewyn Succat. His parents, Calpurnius and Conchessa, were Romans living in Britain.
 
As a teenager, Maewyn was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd. It was during that time he began to have religious visions and dreams. In one dream, he was shown a way to escape from Ireland - by going to the coast and getting on a ship. After a perilous journey of hundreds of miles, he arrived at the coast and discovered a ship bound to Britain.
 
Back in Britain, Maewyn's dreams continued. In his spiritual autobiography, the Confessio, he told of a dream about a man named Victoricus, who came to him with letters from Ireland. In this vision, Maewyn writes:
...as I read the beginning of the letter I thought that at the same moment I heard their voice...and this did they cry out as with one mouth: 'We ask thee, boy, come and walk among us once more.'
 
Although these visions moved him, Maewyn didn't feel himself worthy of returning to Ireland in his non-believer state. So, he journeyed to France where he entered a monastery and began studying for the priesthood. At this time he changed his name to Patrick (meaning "father of his people" in Latin).
 
It was only after finding his true spiritual self that Patrick felt he could answer the call to return to Ireland to "care and labour for the salvation of others." He returned as a bishop around 432 A.D., traveled throughout Ireland spreading the word of God, and built churches and schools.
 
Patrick's humility, engaging personality, and knowledge of the social structure in Ireland helped his mission succeed. Eventually he made his headquarters at Armagh (in present-day Northern Ireland). By the time of his death on March 17 between 461 A.D. and 490 A.D., Ireland was almost entirely Christian. St. Patrick is Ireland's patron saint.
 
The History Channel exhibit "The History of St. Patrick's Day" features sections on St. Patrick, the holiday's symbols and legends, and Irish history on video.
 
Read a translation of St. Patrick's Confessio.
 
Well, looks as if he may not have been a gay brother -- BUT it seems the whole world has a Gay old time on this -- HIS DAY!!
 
Best of Luck to all -- Thom
Entertainment Trivia
Louis ArmstrongThis little bit of trivia was submitted by Bill Biggers - -
 
 At the beginning of last century, in the emotional hotbed of New Orleans, a child slave of the ghetto was born of a prostitute mother and a "missing" father.
 
He somehow stumbled into the attention of a financially poor but loving Russian Jewish immigrant family, the Karnofskys. This little fellow, with an appreciative, magnetic personality, attached himself to the father, to help him with his horse-and-wagon hauling business. The Karnofskys loved the child, took him in for dinners, including Shabbat, and provided more than bed and shelter. They provided him with the love he needed, and his first musical instrument that led this confused, hungry youngster onto worldwide fame - as a jazz performer, music innovator and worldwide ambassador for humanity. Louis Armstrong proudly spoke fluent Yiddish, from his childhood through his whole life, and always wore a Star of David around his neck."
___________
One more thing, another puzzle piece to explain all the many reasons I loved Louis Armstrong when I was a kid and later as an adult... he exuded happiness; it burst out of him like a big shining ball of happiness, Buddha-Like.  Now having thoughts of "It's A Wonderful World."  Only Armstrong could sing that one - no one else.

Bill  
 
 
"ASK SOMEONE TO JOIN"
 
Ask yourself, "How and why did I join the Men's Social Network?"  Before you answer that one, consider yourself a salesperson just beginning a new sales career and ask yourself, "Who do I talk to?"
 
Let's think about the first question.  Did you just voluntarily contact a member of the Steering Committee and join through that contact?  Did you receive an invitation from an M.S.N. member?
More than likely a friend who was a member asked you to attend an M.S.N. event and then asked you to join our fellowship.  With those thoughts in mind let's look at question number two.  We hope you now see how the two thoughts/questions tie together.
 
We often hear the response from gay guys "I never joined because no one ever asked me."  You know sometimes we assume someone has already asked our friends, neighbors, possibly relatives to join our fellowship, so we never ask.
 
When was the last time you asked a friend or acquaintance to join?  Normally a salesperson begins selling a product to friends and acquaintances  because he feels comfortable approaching and talking to them rather than strangers.  If every member of the M.S.N. asked a friend and/or acquaintance to join, our fellowship could swell overnight.
It sounds simple doesn't it?  Well it is.  In order to accomplish the goals of the M.S.N. in service to our fellow members and our community, we must recruit, retain and reinstate.  We means all of us not just the Steering Committee or Membership Chairman.
 
There are many events for our members to either participate in or to host, but the real reward is the pride we have when we sign up a member and get him involved in our activities.  So why not do it the easy way.  Contact a friend or acquaintance today.  Ask him to join for the good of the gay community.

Make a list of gay guys you know that are not currently a member of our fellowship then ASK them to join us.
 
Membership is all important in any organization, but the task of getting and keeping members need be no more complicated than simply asking those friends and acquaintances to join or rejoin us. 
 
You may ask a reason for them to join.  Why did you join?  Perhaps they will join for the same reason.  You could talk to them about the many successful activities we conduct, host or participate in.
 
ASK
every gay whom you know to join our ranks.  Yes, we are selling membership in the M.S.N. and we ask you to contact your gay friends and acquaintances  and ask them to join.  If everybody does this, every gay guy in our community will be contacted, one way or another.  Sounds easy, doesn't it?  It is . . . why not do it now?
 
If you need applications, please feel free to contact Lee at 207-5336 or Thom at 505-6672.
 
Fratrernally,
Thom
 
Pride Week Activities Coming Soon
Pride Week 2010

H2O - Kicking Off Pride Week 2010
Saturday, June 19th � 3:30 pm - 11:00 pm
 
Come kick off Pride Week 2010 on June 19th and get WET at H2O located at the Radisson Suites at 6555 E Speedway in Tucson.
 
Entertainers include singer/songwriter Eric Himan along with Tucsons own Namoli Brennet!
 
Stay tuned for additional details!
 
Rates starting at only $69 for a 2 bedroom suite! Tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door.
 
 
Much thanks to those that have responded to my request for M.S.N. Event Photo's or for individual member photo's.  I am trying to put a collection together and hope to eventually be able to share all these pictures with our current membership.   PLEASE, if you have photo's and HAVE NOT submitted them to me, please do it now.  If you need help, please email me at [email protected], I will try and help in any way I can.
 
Sincerely,
 
Thomas Goodrich
Men's Social Network
 
 
Ron Cameron in Turkey
 
 
 
Quick Links
 
Wingspan  (Tucson GLBT Umbrella Organization)
www.wingspan.org
Tucson Pride  (Regional Gay Pride Events)
www.tucsonpride.org
Tucson Observer  (Gay Community Weekly Newspaper)
www.tucsonobserver.com
Arizona Gay Rodeo Association
www.agra-phx.com
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce
www.tucsonlgbtchamber.org
Gay Chat and Information
www.gay.com
Meet Gay Seniors
www.silverdaddies.com
Tucson Visitors Bureau
www.visittucson.org
Nearby Mexico Tourism
www.gotosonora.com
 
 
Join Our Mailing List!
Coming Events
Merlin

 
 
Call Merlin or Lee @ 207-5336 or Davis @ 325-4754 if you have an event you would care to host, they can fill you in on how M.S.N. helps with your entertainment expenses.  If anyone is interested in hosting Pizza Party Night either in their home or at a pizza joint, please contact Thom @ 505-6672.
 
HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY
 
3/17/2010 7:00 pm Join the Bear's (BOTOP) for Coffee at Raging Sage Coffee Roasters Campbell and Grant
 
3/17/2010 7:00 pm Hand and Foot -- PLEASE CALL AHEAD -- LIMITED SEATING  -- call Marvin @ 745-0304
 
3/18/2010 1:00 pm Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264 Golden Pins Lane
 
3/18/2010 7:00 pm Triangle Tribe - Cancelled March 18th - resumes on the 25th
 
3/19/2010 6:00 pm Oasis (Mixed) Social Group -- Happy Hour @ Colors,5305 E. Speedway -- call Davis 325-4754

3/20/2010 7:00 pm Pinochle, call Steve @ 664-2076

3/21/2010 6:30 pm Dinner Out - Contact Ken @ 294-6606 or Davis @ 325-4754, Furr's Family Dining @ 4329 N. Oracle

3/22/2010 9:30 am Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264

3/23/2010 7:15 pm Movie Night -- "Gods & Monsters" -- LIMITED SEATING -- call Bill or Darrin for details @ 396-9295
  
3/24/2010 7:00 pm Hand and Foot -- PLEASE CALL AHEAD -- LIMITED SEATING  -- call Merlin or Lee @ 207-5336
 
3/25/2010 1:00 pm Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264 Golden Pins Lane

3/25/2010 7:00 pm Triangle Tribe  call Lee or Merlin @ 207-5336 for details

3/25/2010 7:00 pm Bridge Contact Perry 321-4387

3/28/2010 e Newsletter info for the 5th of the month Article Submission deadline

3/28/2010 6:30 pm Dinner Out - Contact Ken @ 294-6606 or Davis @ 325-4754 at Romano's Macaroni Grill, 2265 W. Ina Rd.
 
3/29/2010 9:30 am Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264
 
3/31/2010 7:00 pm Hand and Foot -- PLEASE CALL AHEAD -- LIMITED SEATING  -- call Peter @ 881-8276
 
4/1/2010 1:00 pm Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264 Golden Pins Lane

4/2/2010 5:45 pm Oasis Social Group meeting at the Raging Sage Coffee Roasters, call Davis for details - 325-4754

4/2/2010 7:00 pm Charades -- call Lee or Merlin 207-5336 for details

4/3/2010 7:00 pm Pot Luck and Social - Easter / Solstice Celebration, contact Merlin, Lee or Davis

4/4/2010 6:30 pm Dinner Out - Contact  Ken @ 294-6606 or Davis @ 325-4754, Old Peking Restaurant @ 2522 E. Speedway
 
4/5/2010 9:30 am Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264
 
4/5/2010 7:00 pm Scrabble @ Lee & Merlins call 207-5336 - Limited space
 
4/6/2010 7:15 pm Movie Night -- "Wordplay" -- LIMITED SEATING -- call Bill or Darrin for details @ 396-9295
 
4/7/2010 7:00 pm Hand and Foot -- PLEASE CALL AHEAD -- LIMITED SEATING  -- call Marvin @ 745-0304
 
4/8/2010 1:00 pm Bowling - contact Merle Hudson 888-7264 Golden Pins Lane.

4/8/2010 7:00 pm Bridge Club -- Contact Dick @ 664-6601 for details