[dlv] Welcome and updates ...

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This is the Diva Las Vegas 2005 announcement mailing list.
This list contains only announcements and high importance items.
See information on DLV Discussion Forum below.
If you no longer desire to receive this list, see instructions below.
Replies to this message will be forwarded to: dlv@geekbabe.com
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. . . . .
In this mailing:

Welcome
MSN/Hotmail and other systems issues
A few misc Q&A items
Lake Mead cruise update
Bad Attitude Boutique promotion
Activity Highlight - Metropolitan Community Church
Dress - Developing a casual style
Activity highlights
Dress notes
Web sites
Summary schedule of activities
Administrivia
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Only 42 days Until DLV 2005!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Welcome:

Welcome to those who just registered or joined the mailing list. We're
looking forward to seeing you in person next month. If you have any
questions or concerns regarding any aspect of DLV, please be sure to let
us know.

Again, all DLV correspondence should be caught up. If you have not
received a response on anything, please write in and remind us.

Hotmail and MSN users, please see note below.

Our validated headcount now stands at 132, which includes 24 SO's. All
ages, all backgrounds, and again all points on the TG spectrum and then
some.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MSN/Hotmail and other systems issues:

It's been brought to our attention that some incoming mail to dlv from
Hotmail and/or MSN has included a URL in an automated footer that
caused it to be classified as spam by some anti-spam software.

If you've tried to register or sent e-mail and have not received a
response from us, please resend. We apologize for any inconvenience.
. . .

The DLV web site experienced some problems on Thursday and Saturday of
this past week. We believe the malfunction has been corrected. Again, We
apologize for any inconvenience.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A few misc Q&A items:

>I read your schedule and it has Brunch and Dinner several times but it
>doesn't say what it is or where it is. ...

The schedule that appears in these mailings is only a summary (and still
subject to change this far out). The locations of the activities, along
with links to maps, detailed driving directions, notes on exactly where
to meet the group at the activities, etc., will be sent to those who have
validated registrations in what we call the Large Final Mailing. This
will be sent out shortly before DLV.

>Put me down for golf and the tea party.

Around April 1, we will begin our activity sign-up process. This is where
you actually sign up for the things you want to do. Everybody who holds a
validated registration will get a mailing which has a clickable link to
their own personal activity sign-up screen. Everything is optional, and
you will be able to sign up for as much or as little as you want.

Some of the activities do have limited capacity, and it will be either
first signed first served or first paid first served, depending on the
particulars.

Activities which are full will have an automatic waiting list, and in
almost all cases those in the past who have wanted to do something have
indeed been able to do it.

You may change your mind on most of these at any time.

In the Large Final Mailing, you will then get a summary of what you are
signed up for as well as directions, notes, dress suggestions, etc.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lake Mead cruise update:

For those who are planning on the Lake Mead cruise and wanna save a few
bucks ...

Diane writes:

>The website http://lakemeadcruises.com has a 10% off coupon for up to
>six people. Their # is 702-293-6180 for reservations.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bad Attitude Boutique promotion:

Bad Attitude Boutique was cited in last week's dress column and Tushell
sends in this update. Bad Attitude will appear in the "Discounts and
promotions" section of our Large Final Mailing to registered attendees.
. . . . .

Tushell from Bad Attitude here.

I want to thank you so much for keeping us listed in your newsletter
but we think you should update your write up about what we carry.

Since we are next to RED SHOES the largest shoe store in town we
stopped carrying shoes and boots and we have gone heavy on Jewelry and
Stockings featuring the largest selections in town. Also about two
months after Diva last year we started putting out our own line of hand
make Corsets. We now keep a stock of over 300 high quality tight lacing
Corsets including two styles we developed strictly for our
"Girlfriends" that are narrower through the hips than all other Corsets
on the Market with more waist training power than anything we could
find.

We had planned to have a store wide sale the Month of May but in honor
of Diva Las Vegas as a way of supporting the Community we will have a
20% OFF sale the entire month of April. This will include everything in
the store and an additional 20% off all previously marked down items
from the sale racks.

Wishing you all the best week ever!

Hugs!

Tushell

Bad Attitude Boutique
4011 W Sahara Ave #6
Las Vegas, NV 89102
702 646 9669
www.BADATTITUDE.com
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Activity Highlight - Metropolitan Community Church:

Each of our general mailings features one DLV activity in detail. This
week we spotlight our attendance at Metropolitan Community Church on
Sunday morning of DLV week.

Metropolitan Community Church is a Christian denomination which offers
the GLBT community an opportunity to worship without the guilt and shame
that is frequently associated with other denominations.

The first Metropolitan Community Church was founded in Los Angeles in
1968 and Metropolitan Community Churches now appear in most major
metropolitan areas (and even some rural areas) throughout the world.

As MCC's literature states:

+Metropolitan Community Churches provide an opportunity to explore a
+spiritual experience that affirms who we are.

+Throughout the history of Metropolitan Community Churches, thousands of
+gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and heterosexual people have found
+hope, and have lived the joy, reverence, and excitement of our
+fellowship and faith in God. We have seen how people have been changed
+by this experience. Quite simply, we make a difference in people's
+lives.

This will be the second year that we have included services at MCC as
one of our scheduled activities. The group was well received in 2004.

We would like to invite all who are in Las Vegas on Sunday morning to
attend with us. Sign-up is requested, so we can get an idea of how many
to expect, but it's not required.

As Tootsye, co-hostess of this activity, states:

+Going to church on Sunday morning is just so natural to me, that it
+didn't even occur to me not to go {in 2003}. Jamie Renae and I went
+and could not have felt more welcome.

MCC welcomes all, including you, in the mode you prefer.

Tootsye adds:

+I have found worshiping the Lord while enfemme to be a very rewarding
+experience. I hope that others will share it with me.

Meet the group just outside the main sanctuary about 9:45am, right
before services. If the group is not obvious to you, look for the
hostess carrying the "DLV" sign.

Cost: Modest donation suggested.

Dress: Las Vegas MCC has a very casual congregation. Casual is
suggested, boymode or girlmode, but an outfit that is dressy but
not flashy would also be appropriate.

The main web site for MCC is: http://www.mccchurch.org/
Web site for the Las Vegas MCC is: http://www.mcclv.com/
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dress - Developing a casual style:

Most of our general mailings between now and DLV will contain some
information on the topic of dress. This week we discuss casual dress
styles.

It's been reported over the years of DLV that quite a few of our
attendees would like to have a more casual everyday daytime style, but
really don't know where to begin.

In this article we'll see if we can point those who want to develop a
casual style in the right direction.

"But I don't wanna dress down! I want to dress UP!!!!!"

Don't worry, there will be plenty of times during DLV where you can
dress up and put on the dog, if you should choose to wear one.

There will also be opportunities where it's perfectly appropriate to
wear a more exotic outfit if you would like to.

I also promised the ORG group that I wouldn't attempt to convert
everybody to the "P-Town Annie" style of dress in this column. :)

I've gone back through some of the various relevant threads of
discussion over the past several years, and quoted some items
when appropriate.
. . . . .

There are two desires that are often expressed by the DLV attendees,
those being:

1. The desire to blend with the members of the general public when
in Las Vegas.

2. The desire to have more DLV activities in mainstream (general public)
settings as opposed to alternative (GLBT bars, etc.) settings.
. . .

I'm going to try to avoid using the term "pass" in this note, using the
term "blend" instead in most cases.

To blend means, among other things, to not draw unusual attention. This
means not to appear out of place or not-normal.

"If Tammy Fay Bakker can pass, so can you!"

I'm sure you've heard this line before. Yes, it's an in-jest put-down on
one individual but it does bring up one important point about blending.

Despite the cliche, Tammy Fay Bakker CAN pass. Nobody suspects that she
was not born female. She doesn't blend very well, however. She stands
out, and attracts attention, not much of it positive, because of her
style.

She could blend much better, but for some unknown reason she chooses
not to.
. . . . .

>From the beginning ...

+>You've got to
+>remember, these are girls who have dressed in private all their life
+>and they don't have the slightest clue what to wear to a mall or to
+>a dam tour.

GG's do have the advantage of years of experience learning how to dress
and how not to dress for just about any circumstance. TG's often do not
have this experience.

If you've seldom or never dressed casually in public before and you
want to develop a casual style in which you can be comfortable, here
are two important starting points:

1. Observe.

2. Inquire.

Let's go over these in detail ...

1 - Observe, observe, observe, and observe some more! People-watch! Look
at what women are wearing in casual settings. Visit public settings such
as parks, shopping centers, sporting events, home shows, casinos,
fast food places, anywhere women go while casually dressed.

Pay particular attention to what women of your particular age, height,
and size are wearing.

Yes, I know it's tempting to observe (and to try to emulate) those who
are younger and smaller than you are, but this will most likely backfire
if you try it!

+>Yes, gg's come in all shapes and sizes, including yours. :)

This is very true. Although men tend to be taller and larger than women
in general, there's quite a bit of overlap within the normal ranges.

2 - Inquire. Ask others what types of casual outfits they prefer. Be
prepared for some widely varying answers here, but this will help you
get a handle on what others prefer to wear in casual settings.
. . . . .

>From a conversation on the mailing list a few years back:

+>>I think many of the girls are hung up on the notion that they can't
+>>feel feminine without getting all dolled up. I think they try it and

+>I admit this used to be me all the way. I've toned down a LOT, but
+>still feel more feminine whn I get all frilly and girly. It's a
+>learning curve you've got to climb.

Let's enumerate and briefly discuss some common casual looks, starting
at the bottom of the food chain and working up.

* First, the very casual combo, jeans/shorts/slacks/sweatpants, etc.
combined with a t-shirt, tank-top, big shirt, etc. This is one of the
most common looks that you will see in Las Vegas, day and night. This is
often not color or style coordinated. It's one of the easiest looks to
do, and one of the most comfortable to wear.

It is, however, not very popular in the t* community.

If you want to blend in and not stand out, particularly during the
daytime, this is the look that will do it.

+>It's also amazing how many real girls look damn good in jeans.

+Very good observation! :)

One thing to avoid with this look, are any t-shirts or tank tops with
illustrations or words that will attract attention.

Divisive political sayings should be avoided. Anything that draws
attention to the wearer (This is what a {whatever} looks like.) should
also be avoided. Ditto on any items that have profanity.

Shorts which emphasize the rear (or the lack of same) should be avoided.

And please, no "Yes I Am A Model" or "Princess" tank tops! :)
. . .

* The casual separates. Various tops, blouses, shorts, slacks, even
skirts that you will see quite often in casual settings. This is the
"mix" of mix and match.

This is a step up from the jeans/tee look, but still not too dressy
even for daytime.

What you do have to watch out for, and avoid, are clashing colors and
clashing patterns. This is often a trial and error process. Styles are
now more liberal than they were several years ago as far as "what goes
with what", but obvious clashes should be avoided.
. . .

* The casual coordinates. The "match" of mix and match. Coordinated sets
are sold in the womens department of any store, sometimes as a set,
sometimes as separate items. You'll often hear a salesperson say "now
this will coordinate with this ... and this ... and this ..."

There is a tendency in our community, with both coordinates and
separates to wear things a bit too tight, a bit too short, and a bit too
bright. It's an easy trap to fall into, and it often looks out of place.
. . .

* The sundress, wrap dress, muumuu, etc. Hello Hilo Hattie! :)

Yes, dresses can be casual. Look around in Las Vegas and you will see
some dresses during the day. Not that many, as shorts/slacks/jeans are
worn by most, but you will see some.

As you observe, carefully note the style of casual dresses worn by women
of your age and size.

The muumuu can minimize figure flaws and is something that about anybody
of any size can wear.

With sundresses, you may have to watch it!

Many women, both GG and TG can wear these, but those who have broad
shoulders or large upper arms should avoid the styles that are
strapless, have spaghetti straps, or are off-shoulder.

Wrap dresses are best avoided by those who are large around the middle, as
they tend to amplify figure flaws.
. . . . .

One common misconception is that you have to be small and petite to be
able to blend.

+>I guess I'm the odd person in this thing anyway, since I would be
+>perfectly happy to attend all of the events in jeans and a T-shirt,

This statement came a few years ago from one of our long-time attendees.
This is somebody who is far from petite and over 6' tall. Yet, she
blends extremely well in public, never receiving a knowing stare or a
double-take.

What you see here is attitude. First of all the attitude of confidence,
but also the attitude that expresses the desire to blend.

"Femininity is a state of mind, not a mode of dress."

Another one of our multi-year attendees is so natural in public as to be
undetectable without a full-body search. She also happens to be one of
the larger attendees we've had. I've observed her at not only DLV but at
Fall Harvest and Pinkfest as well, and she never gets even a sideways
glance on city streets, in shopping malls, and even in places where kids
are common.

In 1999 I watched her as she was waiting on line for the roller coaster
at NYNY. She was not "dressed down", she was wearing a very "Vegas-y"
glitzy top and slacks. (The "mix" of the mix-and-match.) There were kids
everywhere! (Kids, you know, those little people who can read a t-girl a
mile away.) They were oblivious. This was just another typical tourist
from Peoria who was enjoying herself in Las Vegas.

One key to these success stories is that they do not try to dress to
appear younger or to appear smaller than they are.

Another is attitude, the attitude that expresses the desire to blend
as opposed to the desire to attract attention.
. . . . .

>One has to also consider what is women's casual day wear in LV to blend
>in better. Many newbies I think prefer the night for the style of
>wardrobe is more attractive.

In general, yes, DLV has always been a nighttime crowd. However, we're
seeing the demand for and the planning of more and more daytime
activities.

"But I didn't come all the way to Las Vegas to wear jeans!"

We've had a number of people state flat out that they have no desire to
dress casually for daytime things. However, when they try it, they often
report that they do indeed feel far more comfortable and enjoy things
more than if they intentionally overdressed.

>Annie, let me play your Devil's Advocate here. I think maybe some of
>you more experienced girls are forgetting how it is to have so few
>opportunities to dress. For many of these newer girls, this is one
>of the only times they have to go out in public dressed. They don't
>want to dress down, they want to dress up!

Yes, I believe this is the case for some of our attendees.

>They want to dress up for
>the everyday things, and dress up even more for the fancy things!

It's up to everybody to decide how many activities to do and what to
wear to each one, and for some, which mode to appear in for each
activity.

If the casual femme thing appeals to you about as much as getting a
tooth filled without novocaine, that's fine. Boymode will be perfectly
fine for all except a few specially designated activities. There's no
stigma in showing up as "brother" (right, Tony?). :)
.....

One important point of blending is to be a lady, not only in dress, but
in behavior and mannerisms. Avoid the temptation to speak loudly, joke
around, etc. If you are casually dressed, blending may be easier, but
it will never work if you remain in boymode in mannerisms.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Activity highlights:

Past activity highlights are in the list archives on the web:

Limo Tour: http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0011.html
Folies Show: http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0010.html
Lake Mead Cruise: http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0009.html
Dance instruction : http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0008.html
Side trip to Death Valley: http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0007.html
Lunch With Ginger: http://www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0006.html
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dress notes:

Quick links to the previously-sent dress items:

Visual dress notes: www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0011.html
Packing and travel: www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0009.html
Dressing and the weather: www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0008.html
Dressing and the daily schedule: www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0007.html
General information: www.geekbabe.com/annie/dlv05arc/0006.html
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Web sites:

Main Diva Las Vegas page: www.geekbabe.com/dlv/
DLV Discussion Forum: www.geekbabe.com/dlv/dlvdisc/
DLV Gallery: www.geekbabe.com/dlv/gallery/
Michael Cagle: www.michaelcagle.biz/

Registration: www.geekbabe.com/dlv/reg2005.html

Personal sites (newest additions first):

Rhianna www.rhyannacd.net/avalon_anfwynn.html
Cathy Linn profiles.yahoo.com/cathylinn67227
Julie Carter: www.geocities.com/julie7_46/
Tawni: www.geocities.com/tawni_st_croix
Gloria: www.geocities.com/gloriam_photos
Tina: home.swbell.net/tinatdre/
Jamie Renae: www.jamierenae.com/
Annie: www.geekbabe.com/annie/

Want to be included? Just send your name and URL to dlv@geekbabe.com and
state that you want to be listed. Personal, noncommercial sites only, no
"adult" sites, please.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summary schedule of activities:

Preliminary and subject to change.

Sunday, April 24:
9:45am Religious services
6:00pm Happy Hour
7:00pm Dinner
8:30pm Welcome Celebration

Monday, April 25:
10:00am Death Valley Tour
1:00pm Lunch With or without Ginger
2:00pm Walk Off Your Lunch
3:00pm Bowling
6:00pm Happy Hour
7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Little Girl Tea Party
8:00pm Mainstream - Alternative Night
8:00pm Mainstream option - Eve Of Enchanting Lights
8:00pm Alternative option - Karaoke with Eric
8:00pm Mainstream option - Mainstream bar
11:00pm Slumber Party

Tuesday, April 26:
9:00am Sunbathing
10:30am Lake Mead Boat Cruise
1:00pm Lunch With or without Ginger
2:00pm Walk Off Your Lunch
5:00pm Night Of The Soiled Doves II

Wednesday, April 27:
8:00am Air Tours
1:00pm Lunch With or without Ginger
2:00pm Walk Off Your Lunch
2:30pm Dance Instruction
Ev Eating Out Night
6:00pm Happy Hour and Dinner
6:00pm Happy Hour and Dinner
6:00pm Happy Hour and Dinner
6:00pm Happy Hour and Dinner
Ev EON get-together

Thursday, April 28:
AM-PM Golf
10:00am Art Tour
10-4 Glamour Boutique Open House
1:00pm Lunch With or without Ginger
2:00pm Walk Off Your Lunch
7:30pm Folies Bergere
Ev Pity Party
Ev Limo Tour

Friday, April 29:
1:00am Charles Bar
11:00am Shopping trip
11:00am Secret Garden / Dolphin Habitat
1:00pm Bellagio Lunch
1:00pm Lunch With or without Ginger
2:00pm Walk Off Your Lunch
6:00pm Happy Hour
7:00pm Dinner
8:30pm Annual Mixer
10:00pm Lou Martinez Revue
11:30pm Dance Night

Saturday, April 30:
AM-PM Garden Party
8:30pm Michael Cagle Show
11:59pm Rocky Horror Picture Show
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Administrivia:

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This list is limited to announcements and other high-importance items.

This mailing was addressed to: annie@geekbabe.com
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To view the DLV Discussion Forum on line, visit the URL:

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. . . . .

Diva Las Vegas 2005
April 24 - 30, 2005
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

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