Thank goodness the holidays are behind us. If the Whirlybird tips his glass for one more "Sawat dee pee mai!" New Year’s toast, he might toss a few cookies. And any way, one’s blood content shouldn’t be 47 percent alcohol, should it?

One of the most sanuk things to happen in December — and set to happen twice more this month and every month — was the gatoey contest held at Balcony on Silom Soi 4. What started off as a way for the staff to amuse themselves has become something of a must-see event, and Stuart and Simon are continuing the contests the first and third Wednesdays of every month, so drop by for the fun and games. (and here’s the delightful Tina Turner, current reigning champion, for those of you who missed it!).

As for the rest of Soi 4, things continue apace. Telephone continues to pack them in, and more than one was on hand to ring in the New Year with boisterous busting of balloons and such. The new upstairs bar at Sphinx is a hit with the late nighters (when the police aren’t interfering, that is). The Rome Club is thronging with international students.

Down Soi 2 way, DJ Station keeps packing them in. Be sure to wear your deoderant and Sunday Best and be wary of sloshed cocktails. Zoom has changed a bit, as we reported last time. The downstairs was supposed to be a dance bar, though it doesn’t look that way but who knows...

Speaking of Soi 2, it’s become fashionable to stand outside and people watch. And speaking of people watching, Babylon is a great place for that (as if the Whirlybird had to tell you that!). Holiday revellers were towelled in droves as Babylon pulled out all the stops to celebrate. Some of the towelled ones found their locker room on the top floor stuffed with cabaret performers which made for more than one embarassed patron trying to discreetly dress/undress.

>From the mailbox this month comes the following snippets, and email addresses are supplied to those who have an interest

"Call me Justin.  I am more interested in creating genuine friendships and developing more platonic aspects of a relationship which are harder to obtain and go beyond one's physical instincts.  I am a published author.  See the web site at www.geocities.com/athens/ithaca/2482   I'm also interested in getting a roomate.  I live in the Pinklao/Charansanitwong area.  If you would like to get to know me you may use the web site or contact me on the telephone.  883-0815-316"

And

"A friend and I are traveling to Thailand and would love any traveller tips, like where we MUST go etc..  We are also interested in connecting with the lesbian community in Thailand. Kristin frascelli@aol.com "

And

"Whilst browsing the net I have just seen an interesting article in an issue of Pink Ink dated February 98. The headline ran "Sex Change Clinic a first" and the piece was about Dr. Preetcha  Tiewtranon and his plans to run classes in the art of sex change for doctors from around the world. I am currently researching a documentary series called "Bangkok Bound" for UK television's Channel 4 and I am looking for intersting 'stories' concerning Thailand and especially, but not exclusively, people from the UK in Thailand that we can film. I wonder if you have contact details for Dr. Preetcha  Tiewtranon and/or you have any ideas on other possible stories we can follow up. (The programme is broadcast late at night so we are allowed to be quite outrageous!) You can email me at matt@turnontv.demon.co.uk or fax me on 00 44 171 729 1857. matt d'arcy"

AND

"Hello to you,I have some report to do about deviate of bahavour human...I would like to do about you about girl love girl...so I have to interview about someone like that...and I will keep that information secretly...hope I can get in touch with you soon...you can email to me at cattda@thailmail.com  ...that where could I get information about you..thanks very  much . Hope you will be king about this....thanks a lot to you again.... bye...
Reply-To  tum_p@hotmail.com ps Have a great time on the happy new year !!"

And

"I wish Thailand was next to the United States. Anyway, anyone going to visit my area, drop a line and maybe we can get together! Aries <sheepish10@hotmail.com> Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.

And

"Hi, I would like more info on the sex change clinics in Thialand.  I have wanted to have the surgery for a long time, but bias on the part of doctors where I live is great.  I could tell you how frustrating it is, but I think you have heard it before. If you could send what info you have it would be appreciated. Teresa <Paladin@coastalnet.com>

And finally

From "Seth Watkins" <twilightchild@hotmail.com>

To all concerned, The anthology "Remembering Matthew" has officially started accepting submissions of poetry, short-stories, essays, artwork b&w, and photography that is expressive towards the author(s), artist(s), or photographer(s) feelings, insights, expressions, and/or reactions to the  death of Matthew Wayne Shepard (1976-1998).  All submissions should be  accompanied with a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope, a 30-50 biography,  an optional picture of the contributor, contact information, and  thoughts and/or comments on the process. 

The tentative release date for this anthology will be October 12, 1999 in memory of Matthew's passing and the Day after National Coming Out Day.  It will be published by small press or a contracted publisher familiar or aware of the LGBTQQ communities.  No material may be offensive based on the usual race, religion, color, disability, creed, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, criminal history, hair and eye  color, shoe size, or distate for brocolli.  You get the idea.

Send submissions and all other related material to "Remembering Matthew"  c/o Seth Watkins 519 Castro Street #26 San Francisco, CA 94114.  Do not  email submissions unless they are of the literary persuasion.  All  materials should be checked for spelling, be on 8x11 one-side paper, and  we legible.  Email too RememberingMatthew@onelist.com

If you’ve got news and information you’d like to share with Pink Ink-ers, drop us a note and we’ll be happy to include it. Email: pinkmonthly@hotmail.com