Public Notice

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) wants to smoke the long-distance competition. They offer a Prepaid Calling Card good for 20 minutes of calling time for a price of $10. Customers can support the efforts of the oldest and largest national organization dedicated to marijuana law reform and save big bucks when the card is recharged at a price of .35cents per minute. Plus, the exotically leaf-laden NORML card should make quite a hit in the calling card collectibles market, which is growing like weeds. NORML, 1001 Connectecticut Ave. NW, #1010, Washington, D.C. 20036. 818/563-9334 or http://hempnet.com/pretel.htm

Justice NOW Our Austin chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) will be hosting a two-stepping soirée to stamp out what they see as major injustice. Scoot Yer Boots Fer Justice, Sun, Jul 21, 4-7pm at La Zona Rosa will raise funds to underwrite the costs of a civil suit filed by the victims of a twisted doctor in Nacogdoches who, for his guilty plea regarding sexually molesting eight of his patients, received barely a noodle slap (a mere $4,000 fine -- gee, thanks judge; that's just about the price of eight high-priced hookers). And get this: he's allowed to keep his practice. Aside from learning a few new steps to the tunes of Cornell Hurd, you can learn about how truly screwed your legal system is. Needless to say, NOW is honing their legislative focus for the next session. 459-6819. Sashay, State Rep!

Sure, we're in a snit over not being invited to wiggle our rears (and lord knows, we've got an office full of 'em) down the runway but we'll get over it. Life With Style '96 will transform famous pols like Jackie Goodman, Glen Maxey, Margo Frasier, Dawnna Dukes, and other local heroes into Cindy, Ru, Elle, and Tyra, if just for one night, as they model (yes, model) the absolutely most very latest in fashion for the Texas AIDS Network and the Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of Texas (LGRL). The event will raise funds with admission (at $25 bucks a head) and a silent auction, Sun, Jul 21, 6pm at the Hyatt Regency. You go, Shanté. 447-8887.

New Kids on the Corner We're sorry that we missed all of the fanfare around the eagerly anticipated opening of the Cornerstone gay & lesbian community center at the corner of 12th & Red River. Its time has come and we wish them well. The 'stone houses both non- and for-profit services and organizations that promote education, health, rights, economic stability, and creative expression of our local gay & lesbian community (Yes, dear, they have both massage- and psycho therapists!). We'll soon be announcing the new doings of Out Youth and its Drop-In Center, we're sure, as they've recently relocated to the Cornerstone location, as has have the administrative offices of the Metropolitan Community Church. Individuals and groups may inquire about the use of conference and meeting rooms.

Well, with a new family community center in town, you can bet that we'll be swamped with new fundraising pitches, and this blurb is no different! National recording artists BETTY will be in town this weekend, and will perform Sunday, July 21 for a special Party at Esther's Follies to Benefit Cornerstone. The ticket price of $20 includes a Preview Party at 7pm, the performance itself at 8pm, and a Post Performance Party with the tricky trio. 320-0553 or 708-1515. Don't Be Listless Who'da thunk it? Our occasional lists of things like Volunteer Opportunities, Wish Lists, et al., have proven quite popular with both the Public Service crowd and the general readership. So we'll run a few more before the end of the year (deadline up to our delicate and random discretion, of course...). Press Release us about your group's: Regular Meeting Times (open to the general public); Benefit Thrift Shop location and hours; and Newsletter info (subscription, etc.). See below for our snappy guidelines.