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From SYM's Webmaster
Another Month goes bye.... As we enter August we realize that it's time for celebrations. Speak Your Mind is turning 2 this month and we are completing the final arrangements for a party to celebrate. Two Years ago I was sitting on a bar stool talking with my good friend Juan and I remember that my cell phone kept ringing and some friends were asking "where are you at" and I responded jokingly I'm at Speak Your Mind! From there on everyone started calling it Speak Your Mind(SYM). It was there that I met some good people who would later become friends. People like ShAnTii, Gilbert R., Louie, JP, Lette, Christina to name a few. My list shows 100. So Many visitors later and here we are today, celebrating 2 years. Oh how time passes. We started out with weekly newsletters to let everyone know what was gong on. Now we also celebrate 6 months of the SYM website and our 2000 site visitor. Remember to watch your e-mails for the celebration time.It is scheduled for Aug 20th. E-mail will be sent shortly or you can check the website soon.

I have been busy working on the webpage almost everyday trying to come up with some ideas for the site plus getting news and reviewing e-mail requests, posting articles and pictures and working with Valentino's Publisist Myrna on entering information on the Val's page. All this and trying to work at my regular profession and run my Home for lost gay boys. So you can imagine that the web page is going to be better as time goes on and I settle my private life. I really would like to thank my friend Shankles (ShAnTii) for his help in keeping you all informed with the guirre and submitting picures for the site. Everyone has been so busy lately that everything is rushed. The Web team has Visited Valentinos everyday that it has been open these last 2 wks plus some if us went to Houston to see Paul Van Dyk, soon to be the Number one DJ in the world. Some also visit Ibiza, Bananas, and AK's but again we have not posted anything yet. So soon we will all sit back and relax for the SYM 2 yr celebration.

Also Celebrating 2 yrs this Aug the 8th will be Valentino's. You can see the web page and see the events coming this week. I just made a photo page for the Val's page as we had more pictures to post. That page changes almost every 3 days as Myrna sends me what's happening this week.

Take care you all and keep coming back to the site to see whats happening. I finally got Our mesage board working so that all SYM site visitors can use this board to speak their mind. Some of you have posted before it went berzerk but I think I fixed it now and although some messages were lost most are still there. So everyone-- Friends, Visitors and Members are encouraged to register on the board and start a post or put your 2 cents in it. Click the red button on the home page or the one on the Vals page, or on this page. or Just click here. Take care ....Voyager

Joe Martinez is Going to take his State Board of Nursing Exam on Aug. 9th , we wish him good luck! Please go to our SYM Sound off Board and wish him luck under the SYm-Patio Lounge forum. ThanksClick Here Sound OFF on our Message Board

Hi SYM Members, Friends and Site visitors and guests...
I have some little but "BIG" news to share with all of you. Some of you may or may not be aware that my cousin, Braxton Olita is lead guitarist for Ashlee Simpsons' band. Ashlee is Jessica Simpsons younger sister. This has been a main high for him and for the family as well. Brax10 is barely 19 years of age and from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. He's been on the David Letterman Show, Jay Leno, Seacrest Show, Good Morning America, Mtv's TRL just to name a few... and touring throughout the country. He is currently residing in California, though extremely exhausted, he is loving every minute of it as per the email he sent me. "i get to play for massave amounts of people every day. i get to play all the cool venues and places that regular small bands will never play. i get to see and do things that normal people wont get to. i get to meet and hang out with all kinds "famous" people all the time. the credit and status i get for playing in a band this big. networking is definatly a plus in this position, you meet alot of people that are important. the list really goes on and on, ill end there." He auditioned and got the part. What a fantastic age and place to start a career in the music industry right? Here are 2 links that HE MADE FOR HIMSELF for fans to write and 1 on Ashlee Simpson. I am also going to share some pics of Braxton, Ashlee and the band. Hope you like them... !!! Enjoy.... ShAnTii

Braxton, Mike, Ashlee, Zack & Ray----->

The Paul Van Dyk Concert
Oh what a night! The Journey started with everyone not wanting to be the driver as we had all partied the night before at Val’s and then we went for an after hour party at Speak Your Mind. The last drink was at 730a and then it was home to sleep for an hour. For others it was home to pack. The Bait bus started making its rounds picking everyone up by 830am and we were off.

We departed Brownsville at 11am and made only a 5 min stop for refreshments, we arrived in Houston at 530p and we went to look for Rich’s dance club then to check in at the Holiday Inn. Most chose to go to the mall and Juan and I decided to sleep a few hours and we hadn’t slept for over 30hrs. We were awakened by the phone and all Juan head was “we are lost” apparently Miguel went to the mall and was having trouble getting back to the Hotel. They arrived an hour later and everyone took a nap.

At 9pm everyone was up and getting ready for the concert. We were greeted at rich’s by some very friendly guys and we signed in and we went to find our spot. The club was very nice. We were told that the club had been opened for 20yrs and it looked the same way since then. It was hard to differentiate between who was gay as there were 1300 people and Paul Van Dyk has many fans. Everyone was having a great time while the first DJ mixed his records. Everyone was Rollin, we met many fans of Paul Van Dyk who like some of us had seen him months before in Dallas. The crowd went crazy when Paul Van Dyk showed up on stage to take his place and then the fun really started. People raving everywhere, playing with there glow party lights. Paul played a totally different set of music than in previous sets as we listened previously to other sets over the internet. After a short while you could feel the heat as everyone was closer to you and dancing where ever they were standing. Some of his songs are played on this website on some pages. Joining us at the Club were Juan, Miguel, Henry, Ruben, Joey, Joel , Joe, Chicha, and her niece (Who met us in Houston). When the last song was played everyone went over to the stage to get his autograph. Joel ended getting his shirt signed by Paul Van Dyk as he told him that he Bought it at his last concert in Dallas. Then it was time to go to an after party but some chose to go to the hotel and party as SYM always takes bottles on their trips. The night ended for some at 630a for others at 4pm as we had to head back to Brownsville. The Paul Van Dyk music played on in the bus as Miguel was the driver and everyone else slept as you can see soon in the pictures that will be posted this week (Some are posted already). At 94mph it was a short 4 ½ hr trip. And boy were we glad to be back in Bro to catch up on some sleep. LOL

Woooooow - The Legend Continues....
What a Birthday Bash!!! In the year and a half that I have been visiting Valentinos, I do not recall the crowd being loud, enthused and yearning for a show to begin. Tanya Lee gave a Powerful and Stunning performance to "It's My Life" and a "Cher Medley" in honor of herself at Valentinos on Sunday, July 18th which was attended by her family, friends and club goers. She walked down the staircase, in a beautiful teal colored sequin dress as she opened her show. Divine Garza performed in a shiny hot pink and black sequin outfit as she swirled herself around the stage and dance floor. Valentinos very own, Michelle D' Marco worked up a dance storm in a gorgeous, sexy, gold sequin outfit which made her shine like the star she is. Everyone knows that the valleys living legend, Tanya Lee, always closes the show in style and this time, she left everybody in awe with an angelic outfit that made her - The Queen of The Night! Believing in herself and being Strong Enough, Tanya Lee gave a magical performance in her beautiful white feathered outfit and two sexy male dancers by her side. It was a moment captured in time that the people in attendance will never forget. As Tanya walked onto the dance floor the crowd literally went crazy and the Diva had made her mark one more time. Food and cake was given to the club goers and the night continued to shine with the decorated tables and balloons, new stage lights, green laser lights and aluminum confetti. It was a party that everyone did not want to come an end. Speak Your Mind wishes Tanya Lee many, many, many more birthdays to come. One can only wonder, what will she do next?

ShAnTii

Speak Your Mind Visits Goth Nite at Vals

As every Friday comes up, we all know that the place to be is Valentinos for Gothic and Industrial Night and you will find the ever so loyal Goth Goers ShAnTii and Acid in the house. The crowds are a good size, the shows are fun and the music is with a doubt, unique and entertaining for everyone at the club whether it's played by DJ Checo, DJ Tronco, DJ Denise or our very own rising star and local Dee-jay - DJ Acid. Joining ShAnTii and Acid were SYM members Henry, Juan, Joey and Miguel. I have to admit that there are some parts of the night I may not recall as much, but I do have some sense of something happening or other. Hmm now, did that make sense? haha Gotta love the inexpensive pitchers of beer. Acid and I must of had shared about four pitchers, or should I say, "peechers." If anyone of you would've seen my hair that night, you would've thought that I stopped across the street at the car wash to do my hair with the vacuum cleaner pump. What a riot!! But over all, my hair did look
'ravish' though I do have to say that I noticed sections of it were missing the following morning! What happened to me, dang those "peechers," can't remember. We would love to see more of SYM Members out on Fridays at Vals. Come on over and lets dance - and don't forget that 80's is also played guys! And my dearest Juan, thanks for dedicating
"The Promise" to me. I guess this is it for now guys and gals. I am looking forward to another outing - until then - keep your knees on the ground (yes knees) and let "the show" begin! wink
** ShAnTii

NEWSFLASH!! Cucumber Night At Bucanas
Why is it that the thoughts and images of cucumbers, condoms, shots, cam corders and cell pic shots seem to come to mind? Can anyone answer that question? ::wink:: Wednesday, July 14th was a fabu-nite as SYM members Monica, Juan, Joe, Michelle, J.P. Lette, Lorie, Hector, Louie, Tony, Ursula and Christy partied their tushies all night long. As always, it was wonderful to see "KANELA" one of SYM's favorite DIVAS, do a stunning number with a gorgeous, flaming red "Las Vegas Style" outfit with sequin, boa, feathers, streamers and all. From Sa Sa Sa La Meza Que Mas Applaude, Culo, I Will Survive, Dancing Queen to Staying Alive and Grease, the night was truly a hit with everyone as they worked up a sweat on the dance floor. Going back to my introduction to this paragraph, I would like to congratulate Christy, Lette and J.P., for showing us their wonderful talents with the ever so popular vegetable that was at hand. I have to admit that I even got into the mood and requested for the 'cucumber' to come my way. I guess some of us will do anything for a free shot of tequila including myself. Oh, before I forget, I do have to mention that I loved 'the look' that J.P. was sporting that night with his (as I will call it) split jeans. Plitted jeans move over - split jeans ARE IN!!! Gotta love it babe and I have to tell you that I have gone and done the same to two pair of jeans of mine. Now, Hear This! SYM has also gotten into the Summer Bash of things and have their own version of "Speak Your Mind Gone Wild" and I have photos to prove it - right Lette and Christy? This is gonna cost you dearly girls. mua* (~.~) Again, even I got into the action of all this brough-ha-ha and exposed a little of my buffed and exfoliated chest. I think it would be just peachy if Monica, Ursula and with *Joe's* permission, Michelle perhaps would also like to have a little chameo appearance in the "SYM Gone Wild" photo shoot. haha What do you think girls - is it raining with you? Don't forget whether you're gay, bi or straight - Always Speak Your Mind and simply be WHO YOU ARE - show off your TrUe CoLoRs....!

Colourfully Yours,
Hector a.k.a. ShAnTii, Shankle 2, Miiiijooo, Shantiheee, Flipper, Jetaz, Meliton, Resortes, DeMolina and heaven knows what else........
(SYM Writer/Contributer and Photographer)

New, New...........
Hello SYM, I just wanted to let you know that we have changed some of our site pages and we are still working on more changes. On July 9th I had received a special request to post Goth nights at Val’s on our monthly calendar and I did, but I also went further and we are pushing Friday’s at Val’s on other pages. I have now been in contact with Myrna Val’s Publicist’s and we have made a Valentino’s page in our site to keep everyone up to date with the events happening at Valentino’s. The page is coming along well and it should be completed in the next couple of days so click on the links in the home page to see the Val’s page and check it out often to keep up with what’s going on at Val’s. I know there are some special events coming up soon . There is also a link to Val’s e-mail if you would like to ask any questions. So as you can see I have been busy and I limit my time with the site to allow me time to work on a friends web site that we are hosting also. So be patient and keep send us your articles, events and pictures to post. As far as the Guirre goes its been the same everyday, lots of drinking and hanging out at Speak Your Mind. Everyone is probably too tired or embarrassed on what happens to send in their article but we will get it done. Voyager

Thank You!
Dear Voyager,

I want you and the rest of the SYM Members to know that you have done an EXCELLENT job in keeping the Speak Your Mind Site on and going. It looks better than ever and I applaud your hard efforts and sincere dedication. I am sure that other SYM members echo my enthusiasm, thoughts and feelings.

It becomes difficult at times to show, express or give credit where it is due for whatever reason. I want you to know that you are appreciated. Each page is colourful and the holiday spirit is always at hand within the SYM Site. We all know it takes countless of hours of frustration to get this site up and running day after day, month after month. If I'm correct, I believe the site will be celebrating it's sixth month anniversary in the upcoming future and I can't wait to see what you're going to prepare for that momentous occassion!

In all retrospect, keep that collective spark of enthusiasm going, stay upbeat and we'll keep sending you the goodies for you to post. I'm enjoying this colourful journey with the rest of the gang. I've visited several sites throughout the years and let it be known, that the Speak Your Mind Site is definitly something to brag about and a 'gem' we can call our own and showcase it on a crystal pedestal with pride.

On one last note, please post this in "In The Guirre" section of the site because I want everyone to read this. I know that if we place it elsewhere, it may not be read by all. For many, "In The Guirre" and "SYM Photo Page" are their only stops! Am I right or am I right? haha

Keep the world turning..........

ShAnTii

More June Guirre
Just a little Guirre. Things have been busy lately at SYM that the Team hasn’t made rounds to the clubs lately to keep you up to date with the Guirre. Everybody starts the party at Speak Your Mind and has plans to go out to visit other clubs, but the party has been sooo good here at SYM that everyone stays and enjoys themselves. The Food at Cha Cha Heels Bistro has been delicious, especially those after hours meals. Sure there were trips to Bucanas on Weds. And the occasional Vals visit and one to Ibiza, but the fun seemed to always start and end at SYM. Don’t get me wrong, the visits to the clubs are good but it just seems that the fun was at Speak Your Mind everyday in June as in others months.
Some of you have not submitted the pictures to post on our site from these meetings . I guess it’s because too much partying. Then there was the SYM's weekend Bait Bus trips to the Island for Dinner, drinks and sunshine.

My notes show that every day in June there was plenty of drinking at SYM and less club visits but we will start again next month. Hiccup! Ill post a few for the end of June here:

On Tue June 22nd the gang was at SYM when Henry and Jorge showed up at 1130p joining the rest along with Squeaks and Ruben where a DJ Tiesto concert was showing at Cha Cha Heels Bistro. The night ended at 330a as I recalled.

Wed the 23rd was reported by Juan and Lette as a Blur as the entire group was wasted by 1230a and was back at SYM by 115am. Guirre unable to be obtained there.

Thur, June 24th it was as the other days at SYM- drinking, music and drinking. Except that I will mention it as we had the pleasure of meeting someone new. Fabian and Juan (Fabians friend) stopped at Cha Cha Heels Bistro at 3am to have the scrumptious Omelets when finally Gina stopped by for a quick visit and Omelet too. She had just come from Vals and she brought her friend “Joe” whom it was nice to meet.

One of the many days I remember was on Friday the 25th, It started out with a group of SYM friends having champagne and mixed drinks after helping make a benefit donation of potato salad, then it seemed that at midnight the crowd changed and there was Joey the Sea Ranch Bartender making his mouth watering mixes that everyone was passing around tasting. Then the group got into a game of Taboo which quickly led to Quarters. The game was over at 430am with everyone leaving the SYM way....Happy! It started out with Lette, Juan, JP, Shantii, Michelle, Joe, Monica, Tony and others. Then at midnight SYM members and friends- Henry, Jorge, Ruben S., Joey, and Squeaks (Screech as Lette called him) joined the group and the fun continued.

Saturday June 26th was a night to remember on the streets of Brownsville. I’ll let Shantii or Juan write about that one, as the party started at SYM, then Juan, Jorge and Henry went to Vals to meet Shantii there and then on the trip back to SYM the Disco lights seemed to follow them home. Wink**

Sunday June 27th was a SYM BBQ. As usual lots of drinks flowed and a combination of entree’s Black Velvet Patio Lounge style.
On Monday June 30th there was a bit of disgust as One of the many SYM members car was broken into at Chili’s as the group met for a few sips.

As July nears we will clear our drinking schedule a little (just a bit)to take pictures and report more Guirre for you. Don't forget those of you that will be going to the Paul Van Dyk concert at Rich's mark your calendar.

Happy 4th of July!

ACID JUMPS ON BOARD AND SPINS HIS STUFF

With several valley clubs jummping on the band wagon on having Gothic/Industrial Night," it seems that Goth is making a comeback. Whether it is a phase or not, that is left to be seen. Metropolis in McAllen, Ibiza & Valentino's both of Brownsville among other local and vallley clubs can certainly entertain you and give all their loyal customers and followers a taste of this dark and enchanting exeperience.

In the midst of all this Gothicness hoopla going around, SYM member Louie a.k.a. ACID has certainly been enjoying the ride and has been currently DJing at "The Club" or as we call it "The Disco." It has truly been a bad a$$ experience for ACID being able to showcase his music and CD's that have yearned to be heard. It takes a good DJ to get the people out on the dance floor to dance before midnight and sober, and ACID has most definite conquered that 2 weeks in a row. As each week goes by, he is given the opportunity to play longer sessions. His play list includes many heard and unheard songs that will make you wanna get up and dance from Goth, Punk, Industrial, New Wave, 80's, Acid and more. For the Non-Goth person, 80's will truly be a hit with them and ACID intends to satisfy EVERYONE in the CLUB! Feeding the music souls of New Wavers, Goths, Punks or the regulary Club Goer, without a doubt, you will look to the top of the DJ booth and wonder who is the DJ playing these massive songs.

Come on over to the club and let ACID put you in a trance and take you to where you didn't dare to go. ACID has arrived!!!!

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ALBERTO CRISTIAN VASKEZ 1980-2004
Well it's a little hard and trying to figure out on where to start when you lose someone so close to you that you consder them as one of your best friends. We all know how difficult it is to let go of someone who has part us physically but not mentally. Unfortunately on Thursday May 27, 2004, I got a phone call by some friends with some tragic news; that one of our SYM members who had recently joined the group had gone into eternal rest. I would like to remember cristian as someone who would never lay a finger nor hurt anyone, and with all them rumors that were always going around about him being such a bad person, and that Cristian was this and that, well only those who really took the time to get to know this person knew that it wasn't true and that cristina wouldn't even come close to killing a fly. Cristian was a person who would just really engraved into ones heart, he was like gum on the bottom of someones shoe, that u just couldnt get rid of him even if u wantd too. Having his friendship was and is something wounderful because mentally he still is with all of us. Although it is very difficult to accept the death of a loving friend, I know that it's something that i must accept and let go. I remember all the good times he and i had, the wonderful laughs, the trips we would make, the get togethers we held at mine or his house after clubbing, the times we would spend on long talks and laughs over the phone for hours, at all hours of the day or night, his big comfy warming hugs, and just seeing that wonderful smile on his face that wold just make you sigh and thank him for allowing me into his life and finding in me what i'm sure he found in others as well. The day cristian told me that he was moving to houston, I just felt like i was losing a part of me, adn ofcourse i had to ask "WHY"? Well he looked at me in the eyes and said, "J.P. I know you don't want me to leave, and i don't wanna leave, but it's something that i have to do for myself because there is no life for me here in the valley", which I agree, those who do live here in the valley, we all know that life for us begins when we take that big step and leave. He also told me he was leaving because he had found a job over there and was gonna continue his education up in Houston, and once i finished my school i'd be moving up there and we'd be together again. Cristian to me was someone that i never thought i was going to lose, and if i knew this day was gonna come i would have prayed to every god or goddess out there for this day never to arrive, unfortunately we all know we dont have tomorrow promised so we have to thank god and everyone around us for having what we have today for that tomorrow may never come. He leaves me with very good memories, and lots of good times to remember and being the only one left wearing a friendship ring given to me by him almost 2 years ago and was told " for aslong as we remain friends J.P., this ring is not to come off for any reason" well i'll be glad to say that since then, his friendship ring has not come off my finger and will remain there forever. Cristian thank you for being the wonderful, loving person you are, you will dearly be missed and always remembered.

Your Loving Best Friend
J.P.

I apologize for not posting this article as It was not found in my SYM mail. Thanks J.P. for re-submitting it. Voyager