I’ve been a fan of Barb Guy’s Tribune Op-ed pieces since before she started coming out to Drinking Liberally, so when she first contacted us to see if she could meet up with our Saturday’s Voyeur group, Heather and I were excited that she would be joining us. We were even more excited to open up the paper today to see that her whole article was about Drinking Liberally.

Even though Barb and her husband Chris have only been out a half dozen times or so, she’s really got a grasp on what Drinking Liberally is about and who our members are. They both add a lot to our group when they come out, and we’re glad that they’re proud to call themselves DL’ers.

More of Barb’s articles can be found here: www.xmission.com/~barbguy

If you were at the DL meet-up in which Marshall Thompson came out to speak to us, you probably remember that he was planning on going to DC near the end of last year’s legislative session. Well it’s been over a month now since he was there, but I thought I’d pass along the link to his journal post about it.

It’s a very interesting read because he approaches the topic for what it should be: a non-partisan, change-for-the-sake-of-saving-lives issue. He spoke with Utah representatives and senators, as well as John Murtha, Barbara Boxer, and aides to Russ Feingold. Surprisingly, Chris Cannon met with him and even spent more time than he had scheduled with Marshall. And not surprisingly, Rob Bishop snubbed him.

You can read the full post here: http://soldierspeace.com/journal/Nov15.htm

As if the whole fracas about the “War on Christmas” wasn’t disgusting enough, the LA Times is reporting that there are groups making money off it.

Hey, people of America: there is no war on Christmas. This is something completly made up by someone with entirely too much time on their hands. Sure, there are people who, because of their faith (or lack of, like myself) are sick of hearing the cliched “Merry Christmas” (I mean honestly, do you use the word “merry” any time but Christmas time?)- but it’s not a war and it’s not an attack on Christianity.

Tell you what: I’ll stop being annoyed when you tell me “Merry Christmas” if you’ll stop being offended by me saying “happy holidays”. If you’re in the company of friends and family who you know are Christian and just love to hear “Merry Christmas”, well then by all means, tell them. But in the company of complete strangers, who’s background you know nothing of, err on the tactful side and wish them a happy holiday, whatever they celebrate.

At the Salt Lake DL meet-up we’ve often had visitors from northern Utah, who’ve either made a special trip just to Drink Liberally, or who happen to be in town and wanted to check us out. Well, now northern Utah liberals don’t have to come all the way to Salt Lake to drink and chat with like-minded people.

The Ogden chapter of Drinking Liberally will have their inaugural meet-up on Monday, January 8th. They’re going to be meeting at the City Club, across from Roosters at 264 Historic 25th Street. You can check out their website at http://dlogden.blogspot.com.

If you were at last Friday’s meet-up, you might have met the two liberals who will be hosting this chapter, Bill and Pamela. They’re going to be great hosts; they’re knowledgeable on local issues and enthusiastic to start this new chapter. You can sign up for their mailing list at drinkingliberally.org, and while you’re there revel in the additional blue dot in Utah on the map. We’ve gotta catch up to Idaho at least, who currently has four chapters. Next up, Drinking Liberally Provo!

Are YOU a “member”? It is finally here! Drinking Liberally SLC swag. Show your support and love for Drinking Liberally this month by buying some DL merchandise. Need a gift for the office gift exchange? Have a republican family member you like to torment? Look no more!
All proceeds from merchandise sales will be used to fund things like the Army Men Project, helping to buy food and drinks for guest speakers, and increase Drinking Liberallys’ visibility in Salt Lake City.

Glassware (purchased through SLCDL admins by email (saltlakecity[at]drinkingliberally.org) or at a Friday meetup)
16 oz. Beer Glasses - $8.00 for a one, $15.00 for two.
13 1/2 oz Rocks Glasses - $20 for a set of 4 (comes in a gift box),$6.00 for individual glasses
Cork Coasters - $1.00 per coaster. Receive a free coaster with each glass purchase made through December 31st!

Place your emailed order to saltlakecity (at) drinkingliberally (dot) org by December 31st to be guaranteed these special prices. All glassware is imprinted with the SLCDL logo and are pre-order at this point. Merchandise will be delivered to the admins on December 18th and will be available for pick-up at the December 22nd meeting (or earlier if arranged).

T-Shirts (purchased online - to be on display at DL meetings during the month of December)
1. Visit: www.goodstorm.com/stores/dlslc
2. Choose your slogan:
- Helping Utah liberals cope since 2005
- Yep, I’m a “member”
- Beer, not fear
3. Choose your model:
- mens, womens, fitted, babydoll, organic, or union-made.
4. Pay online and wait for your shirts to ship. Prices vary by shirt model.

National DL merchandise
If you’re feeling extra generous, our national organizers need some love too! Everything you buy through the national site helps Drinking Liberally continue to expand. www.drinkingliberally.org/store/
10% of all proceeds on local merchandise sales will be given back to the national organizers.

The T-shirts are full color designs, digitally printed on good quailty shirts. The 16oz beer glasses and coasters will be printed in black, while the rocks glasses will be a satin etch. If you have any questions, let us know.