It's that time of year again when we reflect on the previous 12 months and make goals for the next 12. And we've been thinking a lot about one word in 2005: OUTLAWED!

This past year, Martha Stewart returned from jail, and Lil' Kim got sent up the river. Gay Marriage was outlawed in some states and (on the other side of the political coin) teaching 'Intelligent Design' was given a smack down in a Pennsylvania court. Distances seemed to play a big role in outlawed activities this year, too -- from the 25 feet you have to walk away from bars & businesses to smoke, to the 4-foot distance required between patrons and performers at Seattle strip clubs (not to mention the full lighting and tip jar rules).

We also thought a lot these past 12 months about one of our big inspirations: The so-called 'Outlaw Parties' thrown by Michael Alig and the notorious Club Kids of NYC in the late 20th century. They used to dress up in wild costumes and show up unexpectedly in restaurants, on subway trains, and at other public locations. Sound familiar? It should.

So in honor of this one word, and all it means, we'll begin 2006 with "OUTLAWED!" - a party on Saturday, January 28th to celebrate laws, lawmakers, and lawbreakers. Have you been naughty?

With so many rules on the books, there's so much costume fodder to choose from! Come as an orange jumpsuit clad criminal or wear the proud blue uniform of a police officer. You could dress as one of the cast of Law & Order, or CSI. Represent a little known local ordinance, like the 6-month jail term a woman faces for sitting on a man's lap (without a pillow in between) on a Seattle bus... or the law against pretending your parents are rich in the state of Washington. And you can always pay homage to our freaky forefathers and come in your best Club Kid gettup! Check out Party Monster: The Shockumentary for inspiration.

Hell, why not show up as a married gay, chain-smoking, Creationist stripper and sit on someone's lap while claiming Bill Gates is your Dad!

Whatever you do, freshen up on your legalese and make sure your attorney is present for OUTLAWED! on Saturday, January 28th at 10pm.

OUTLAWED! will take over the George & Dragon Pub in Fremont, at 206 North 36th Street, at 10pm!