by Kate X Messer Buff Your Consciousness

Nothing turns our knobs tighter than a big heart. Well, maybe a buff babe with a big heart. While body consciousness is not nearly as appealing as social consciousness, everyone knows a big heart functions better when it's healthy. The Discover Fitness Program, a for-profit business which is promoting a two-month, multiple-facility fitness pass, has pledged 5% of their sales to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Austin. The concept is innovative and simple: for $19.95, you can "try-before-you-buy" two months worth of services from 30 fitness, tanning, and sports facilities -- some of which include: Clean & Lean, A-1 Bike Smith, Future Firm, Armadillo Sport, HQ, Bicycle Sport Shop, Tan It All, plus 23 more facilities, all offering great deals, discounts, and memberships. Fitness passes are available through each participating center or through Big Bro/Sis. Also, Discover Fitness is seeking other social service groups to enjoy the other 25% of their gross sales they wish to donate. Big Bro/Sis:472-KIDS or Discover Fitness:482-0497.

[[perthousand]] To get you started on that exercise program, The American Heart Association, Texas, has released cardiovascular disease (CVD) death statistics for 1992, '93, and '94. CVD is the leading cause of death in Texas. On the average day, 149 Texans die from CVD. The way to avoid it? Get regular check-ups, quit smoking, start a good diet, and exercise. 800/AHA-USA1.

Hate Still Sucks

In last week's notice for the Memorial Service for victims of hate crimes, First United Methodist, (tonight) Thu, Feb 1, 7:30pm, we mentioned that Out Youth, P-FLAG, and Capital City Men's Chorus are participating. We failed to mention that Texas Faiths United for Religious and Social Tolerance is sponsoring the service and that Rev. Mel White, who made national headlines protesting the anti-gay rhetoric of Pat Robertson with a 22-day prison fast, will be the featured speaker. Formerly a ghost writer for Robertson and Jerry Falwell, White came out as a gay man at his installation as Dean of the Cathedral of Hope/MCC in Dallas. White recently joined the advisory board for the appropriately named And Justice For All, which seeks to mobilize heterosexual allies in the fight for justice. P-FLAG: 467-9578; And Justice For All (DC): 202/298-9362; http://www.vive.com/connect/aja/home.htm

[[perthousand]]The first candidate forum for the upcoming election will be held by the Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus, Tue, Feb 6, 7-10pm, at MCC Austin. Candidates will present their views and seek endorsements. 474-0750 or 345-4437.

A Valentine Ipkiss

Remember the "Jungle of Masks" contest? The Battered Women's Shelter's annual Valentine's Gala, Sat, Feb 10, 8pm, 823 Congress, will show the hundreds of donated mask creations, dance music by Beto y los Fairlanes, food, drink, and silent auction. Don't forget the popular Women, Beer, & Cigars event at Maggie Mae's (tonight), Thu, Feb 1, 6:30pm. 385-5181 or 728-4984.

Waiting to Inhale Breakfast

Six East Austin women called "Five," Future Investors with Visions to Empower (FIVE), will host a Waiting to Exhale Breakfast, Sat, Feb 10, 10-11:30am, at the George Washington Carver Library. Admission is a breakfast dish that will serve several folks. 929-3429 or 480-8076.

The Ballad of Reading Oscar

The Teenage Parent Council (TPC), hosts An Evening of Oscar Wilde at the State Theatre, Wed, Feb 7. Live Oak Productions will present The Importance of Being Earnest. 837-6197.

Healing Hurtbox

This just in: A date has been set for the Benefit for Julie Weaver & Shelley Lucksinger, Hurtbox band and Chronicle-family members recovering from an auto accident. Liberty Lunch has committed to Sat, Feb 17, with this cool line-up: Ed Hall, Sixteen Deluxe, Swine King, Sincola, Moist Fist, and Tallboy. 454-5766, v.m. ext. 126. n