OutLoudBlogs - Blogs for Gay People Posts

Turkish Oil Wrestling .. It Beats The .. Ahem .. Pants Off Linda McMahon's WWE Phonies

Lyndon Evans — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 07:30:21 +0000

You know it never fails the night, morning or whatever you want to call this hour when most people are alseep except on the West Coast, I don't plan on doing a posting something comes along and "okay time to share". So in keeping with the "eclectic mix" of items found on this blog I give you boys and girls, mostly for the boys of course, Turkish oil wrestling. Yep never let it be said Uncle Lyndon dosen't share with his friends. My only question is do they use virgin olive oil ? Good night kids.

Predictably Predictable Predictions - Iron Bowl

thesportsfag — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:44:50 +0000

A year ago Alabama was undefeated, ranked No. 2 in the nation, playing with the eventual Heisman Trophy winner and on the road for the Iron Bowl. In 2010, just replace the name Alabama with Auburn and you've got the story line [caption id="attachment_10159" align="alignright" width="300" caption="2009 Heisman Winner - Mark Ingram"][/caption] However, that's where the comparisons end. In 2009 Alabama dominated defensively, overpowering opposing defenses with a power-running game and an efficient passing game. This season Auburn's made SEC defenses look pathetic, but defensively Auburn's been easier than a Jessica Simpson engagement. The Tigers have the No. 1 offense in the SEC with six consecutive SEC games with at least 300 yards rushing. Alabama's got the No. 1 defense in the SEC allowing exactly zero rushing touchdowns at Bryant-Denny stadium this season. However, perhaps the most-misleading stat, besides the line (Bama -4), is Auburn's 6-1 recored in Tuscaloosa. Despite the beliefs of some fans, past games are, in fact, just that: in the past; they have no impact on the current game. Alabama will be trying to do what Auburn tried to do last season: save their season by knocking their cross-state rival out of contention for the national championship. Often when I analyze a game -- I know it doesn't seek like it sometimes, but I do -- I look for a key stat that jumps out at me. I was knocked over with this one: Alabama's ground-game dominance this season against inferior competition versus its meh-like performances against stiff competition. Alabama's 2010 Ground Game 254 rushing yards per game in its non-conference games vs 146 in its conference games, that's 108 less yards per SEC game. Last time I checked Auburn was in the SEC. Alabama averaged 213 rushing yards in games against unranked opponents, but just 135 per game against ranked opponents. Against FBC subdivision teams with losing records, Alabama rushed for 221 yards per game versus just 148 against teams with winning records. [caption id="attachment_10158" align="alignleft" width="215" caption="Auburn quarterback Cam Newton"][/caption] Auburn's 2010 Ground Game While Alabama has struggled to run the ball against better competition, Auburn has done just the opposite. In its previous seven SEC games Auburn has averaged 323 rushing yards versus just 281 in its non-conference contests -- 52 yards more per game more in the SEC. And against ranked teams Auburn rushed for an average of 324 yards per game versus just 299 against teams not ranked. Prediction I expect Alabama to get off to a fast start at home, after all the Tigers have allowed Clemson, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU and Georgia to get going early, and the Tigers will be without two defensive lineman, Mike Blanc and Michael Goggans, who are serving half-game suspensions for throwing punches in the Georgia game, for the first half. Additionally, Auburn has not faced a tough defense on the road this year -- Ole Miss, Kentucky and Mississippi State. Running the offense against a top-ranked defense is much tougher on the road -- even if it's a run-oriented offense. Notice I didn't even mention the Cam Newton pay-for-play saga/controversy, because I don't think it's a factor. Newton will have a big second half rushing and the Tigers will pull it out late in the fourth. Auburn 31, Alabama 30

Don't Ask Don't Tell Hearings Scheduled For December With Gates And Mullen To Testify

Lyndon Evans — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 05:00:23 +0000

The Washington Blade has reported that hearings will begin next week in the continuing hopeful repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. In a notice, the committee announced it would hold hearings on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3. regarding the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” working group report, which is now scheduled for release on Tuesday. The hearings on both days are set to take place in Room SD-G50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building and are scheduled to begin at 9 am. For the Dec. 2 hearing, the witnesses are set to include (Defense Secretary Robert) Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen as well as the co-chairs of the Pentagon working group: Jeh Johnson, the Pentagon’s general counsel, and Gen. Carter Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe. On Dec. 3, the committee is set to hear testimony from Vice-Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. James Cartwright and the military service chiefs: Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey; Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead; Marine Corps Gen. James Amos; and Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton Schwartz.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Fabulous Transgender Model Lea T To Appear On Upcoming Oprah Show (Photo NSFW)

Lyndon Evans — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:00:22 +0000

Transgender model sensation Lea T who has broke the mold and stereotype of fashion models is scheduled to be on Oprah in February 2011 (no doubt during sweeps week) according to the website Styleite. You'll find more photos, some also NSFW, in the video of this spectacular, sexy and sutlery model. As Verena von Pfetten reports, According to ELLE.com, Lea T’s segment is scheduled to air in February, it hasn’t been taped yet, and her reps in Milan can’t comment until after the episode airs. Lea T appeared nude (photo at left) this year in an issue of French Vogue magazine. She appears in the Givenchy Fall/Winter 2010 ad campaign which first caught the eye of Pfetten and Styleite. As Pfetten reported back in August of this year, Lea T. was born Leandro Cerezo in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, as the son of soccer star Toninho Cerezo. Though Lea did not begin experimenting with her sexuality until she went to school in Italy, she tells French Vogue that both she and her father knew she was different. “When papa came home he would look at me and say there was something wrong with me. In the years to come, everyone started to pray that I was gay. It would have been the lesser evil for a religious family used to rules and type of colonial, rigid way of life.”

seafront rainbow flag

jasebrighton — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:36:32 +0000

Hey, quick post to wish all my

American Friends - A Happy Thanksgiving.

an acorn is a chav

LeBronception Parody

thesportsfag — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 23:01:11 +0000

A short film/video that will make you LOL. Brilliant.

Openly Gay Coach Jeff Thomae Looking For Gay Male Coaches to Participate In His Thesis

Lyndon Evans — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:00:40 +0000

From OutSports written by Jim Burzinski, Jeff Thomae, a graduate student at Minnesota State University in Mankato, and himself a diving coach, is seeking gay male college coaches for his thesis. He said he has three coaches already but needs more to be able to do the research. All respondents are promised confidentiality. Like a lot of gay athletes, Thomae wrestled with his sexuality and was terrified of being found out. After a process of self-discovery, he started coming out to more people. When he accepted the diving coach job he was totally out and says there has been “zero drama” about it. Read more at OutSports and an article about openly gay Australian diver Matthew Mitcham (photo) from 2008 at The Sydney Morning Herald.

Apple Approves And Adds Anti-Gay iPhone App Persuading Users To Be Against LGBT Rights

Lyndon Evans — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:00:22 +0000

You really have to wonder how far up the ass some corporations and businesses have their collective heads. Case in point a report by Jessica Geen at Pink News who writes about Apple and its okay for an iPhone app which is based on the Manhattan Declaration which is a manifesto released in 2009 by Catholic and Christian leaders complaining about the erosion of marriage with the advent of same-sex marriage. The app calls on users to sign a declaration against LGBT rights and same-sex marriage. As Geen writes, Apple has given the app a 4+ rating, meaning that it contains “no objectionable content”. The app asks users whether they agree with four statements on abortion and same-sex marriage and those who answer that they are pro-choice and pro-gay marriage are told that they are incorrect. It also has links to read and sign up to the full declaration, which says that gay relationships are “immoral” and that same-sex marriages are equivalent to sanctioning incest. The declaration says that signatories act out of “love and “concern for the comment good” rather than prejudice. Change.org has gotten involved with a petition at its website "targeting" Steve Jobs and Apple's Media Relations. As the website describes, Download the app and the Manhattan Declaration's so-called "survey" will invite you to answer questions like: Do you believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman? And, Do you support the right of choice regarding abortion? Once you answer the four questions a screen pops up and you learn that "survey" is actually not a "survey," but a "test." If you answer the questions the way pro-choice, pro-equality folks do, you'll be rewarded with this screen: "SURVEY COMPLETE! 0%, You answered 0 out of 4 questions correct. [sic]" Users of the application are also asked to sign onto a set right-wing talking points that would make the average MSNBC viewer's head spin. This part of the application helps users support the elimination of choice for women, and stop the march to equality for LGBT people. Not enough? They're also all about the elimination of any separation between church and state. Yep you really wonder which dumb ass bastard at Apple came up with this bright idea and how long before Mr. Jobs holds a meeting and starts chopping heads like so many turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner. Don't forget the green bean casserole Mr. Jobs.

Go Fish-er

thesportsfag — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 23:07:08 +0000

Something's gotta give. If you're Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams, in love with the Steve McNair, Warren Moon prototype quarterback, then you cast your lot with Vince Young -- note: Vince Young is no McNair or Moon. If you're a coach and you understand that childish temper-tantrums and being generally unprepared must not go unpunished then you cast your lot with Jeff Fisher. The Case Against Young Since Titans owner Bud Adams is 87-years old, let's help him recall VY's list of trangressions.

2007-08 off season - Young completes his college studies at Texas versus committing himself to learning the Titans new offensive system.
May 2008 - Pictures surface of Young chugging Patron at a sausage fest -- you're normal college stuff.
2008 home opener - Young is pulled after playing poorly and has a complete mental breakdown even contemplating quitting football.
June 2010 - Young is captured on surveillance video brawling in a strip club -- normal professional athlete stuff.
November 2010 - FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer reports Young blew off treatment for his sprained ankle during the Titan's bye week, choosing instead to return to Texas -- Young denies the report.
November 2010 - Young is pulled from the Redskins game after injuring his thumb. Fisher calls on backup Rusty Smith and Young responds by throwing his pads and jersey into the Titans crowd -- lucky fans -- cursing at Fisher during the postgame speech and running out on his teammates.

Wow, all of that for $58M? Go Fishering What's absolutely clear is the Jeff Fisher-Vince Young relationship is beyond repair. So if you're Jeff Fisher, head coach of the Tennessee Titans, and your boss is coercing you to make personnel decisions that conflict with your core beliefs, maybe it's time to commence back-channel negotiations with teams who've already hung the interim label on their coaches. How about it Cowboys, Vikings or Texans? Would you like Jeff Fisher at the helm? Or I got a better idea: Houston. The Texans are chronic under performers under head coach Gary Kubiak. Wouldn't that be juicy? What a great story line for 2011: Jeff Fisher head coach of the Houston Texans, the former home of the Tennessee Titans. Hey Bud, How'd you like that idea? [caption id="attachment_10152" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="F TheSportsFag"][/caption]

Rivalry Week - The Best And Worst Of Fandom

thesportsfag — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:45:15 +0000

With the big exception of 'huge cock' I can't think of two words that create as much anxiety, anticipation, fear and giddiness as 'rivalry week". At least you don't have to shower after the latter. And so here we are again, approaching the end of another college football season. The time of year when the inner homer in all of us, which bubbles just beneath the surface 51 weeks a year, erupts, turning what otherwise may be a reasonable, sensible person into a fan -- short for fanatic. Supportive, loving homes dissolve into houses divided. And whether you're East coast trendy, a passionate southerner or West coast cool, rivalry games bring out the best and worst in fans. Nothing awakes the suppressed, irrational beast quite like a college football rivalry game.

The Psychology of Fandom

Alabama professor Rosanna Guadagno conducted post-game surveys and controlled laboratory studies, to research how Alabama fans react to wins and losses.

In the psychology world, the phenomenon is labeled BIRGing (Basking in Reflected Glory) and CORFing (Cutting Off Reflected Failure). Most research concludes sports fans associate themselves with winners (BIRG) and disassociate from losers (CORF). "Our die-hard fans (at Alabama) don't CORF," Guadagno said. "They define themselves as we won and we lost. It's explained by self-esteem and how much we like ourselves. When the die-hard fans lose, it's painful and they don't like themselves as much." The Iron Bowl (Auburn-Alabama game) can be unhealthy because it reinforces the Us vs. Them concept of grouping the world, rather than accepting people for who they are, Guadagno said. Her research shows patriotism and religion also have similar divisions.

Winners and Losers Rivalry games bestow year-long bragging rights. For 364 days, the winner soar, and the sore winners -- the worst of the bunch -- are relentless. For a solid year, their glory reigns at the expense of the losers. Losing a rivalry game is pure hell...especially for the die-hards. Fandom and Intelligence I believe there's a direct negative correlation between fandom and intelligence. It's just an opinion gained through life experience but I've noticed die-hards -- what I consider unrealistic or unreasonable fans -- are often those who didn't attend the college they pull for. Put the guns away and break out the Jim Beam, it's time for rivalry week. Facebook poll: Join in on the conversation. What's the most intense rivalry in college football? Vote here.

Josh Hamilton captures American League MVP

thesportsfag — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:38:40 +0000

Josh Hamilton became the fifth Texas Ranger to win the AL MVP award today in another vote that wasn't really close. [caption id="attachment_10147" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Josh's boomstick at Yankee Stadium"][/caption] Hamilton received 22 of the possible 28 first place votes with Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera and Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano finishing second and third respectively. Hamilton, one of the few five-tool players in the game today, won games for Texas at times with his bat, his boomstick (power), his defense, his speed and his arm strength. For the season Hamilton led the majors in batting average (.359) and slugging percentage (.633), was fifth in the AL in homers (32) and twelfth in RBIs (100) despite missing most of the final month with fractured ribs. What's the final hurdle for Hamilton to overcome? Proving that he can be consistent from one year to the next. In 2008 Hamilton burst onto the scene with 32 homers and 130 RBI including a legendary Home Run Derby All-Star performance at Yankee stadium. However, in 2009 Hamilton hit just 10 bombs and drove in only 54 runs. For the Rangers to do what they think they can do over the next several seasons, contend for the AL pennant, Josh Hamilton must not only become a model of consistency but he also needs to better understand context and his role. Much of baseball, or any sport for that matter, is governed by context: what may seem appropriate on one play (diving for a fly ball) is not appropriate in another (running into a wall at full speed). Hamilton must understand that for a player with his unique talents being available is more important than one put out in the middle of summer.

My Beach Buddies!

jasebrighton — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:51:12 +0000

I had some friends join me on the beach today! They were a little playful, a bit noisy at times, but on the whole very friendly.

The Worst Service In America Award - American Eagle Outfitters!

jasebrighton — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:35:01 +0000

Some of you know I've been having a spot of bother with an online clothing order with American Eagle. 26 Emails later, I'm still having a bit of a problem with the buggers, it seems they don't like gay Brits and don't wanna take our money. Never had I have such bad service, even Air Canada is better, and that's really saying something.

Here's a copy of the consumer magazine article!

English writer and broadcaster, currently on vacation in Florida, decided to take advantage of a free shipping offer on the American Eagle Outfitters website. Jason was a fan of the brand, he liked the AE products, so much so that he had previously ordered from the site, however the excessive postage and customs charges, meant this was a one time transaction. But, as he was in The States, he thought he'd jump at the chance of free shipping, so he could wear the goods during his vacation.

So he placed an order, which was confirmed and his UK issued US Dollar debit card authorised. Then the troubles began, a tale of zero customer service, of emails sent but unread and standard replies sent ignoring questions and concerns that lead to the conclusion that AE don't want to do business, and like to discriminate against a large portion of their client base.

"First I got an email claiming to be from American Eagle to advise that my order had been pulled" Explains an exasperated Jason. "It was a little odd as there was no AE branding, no logo or legend, no visible sign that we was a genuine email from AE"

The email Jason received was a standard one, talking of fraud concerns and asked him to fax a copy of his card statement, and his US ID card or US Driving Licence. Now, Jason being a British person, over here on vacation, surprisingly doesn't have a US ID card or a US Driving Licence. Also just like most people on vacation, he doesn't come travelling with his bank, credit, debit card statements - and no, he didn't pick up the fax machine from home either!

He replied via the website, that he didn't have any of those items, explaining the situation. Guess what? He got the same standard email back, asking for the same info again. Thinking that his reply had got garbled by the website, he replied to them again, advising the situation. Hey, guess what......yep he got the same standard email again, you know telling him his order had been pulled, asking for his US ID and so on.

To cut this story short, so far he has received 5 of those standard emails. That would be bad enough, but it doesn't stop there, nope, there is more. Jason has had a number of other emails from AE, 3 have said, "due to the regulations set forth by your financial institution, we are unable to obtain the necessary verification over the phone" Wait a moment, he did it online, he also checked with his card issuer, they wanted to see a copy of the quoted regulations, as did Jason, he asked for a copy, but the same email came back to him, twice!

Another email has come from AE informing him that the billing details did not match between AE and the Card. Well, Jason was alarmed, so he checked, but the information did match, he also checked with his card issuers, they've not received any contact from AE regarding his account. Jason replied to AE, confirming the details were correct, but you know, guess what, yep he got another standard email, the same one in fact, telling him the details didn't match.

Then, in reply to his request for the financial regulations, he got a new email the ever elusive AE which read "Your order has been considered cancelled per your request."

Jason did not request any such thing, he called the customer service line, who told him the "Order was processing" so Jason replied to that email telling them he, Jason had not cancelled the order, also asking for proof of his request to cancel. Well such proof has not come from AE, but three times the same "Your order has been considered cancelled per your request." email has been sent to Jason's inbox.

"It's so very bizarre, I've never had such difficulty in doing business with a company before, it's crazy, I'm actually trying to give them money" He tells. "I've told them I don't have US ID, being a Brit, I wouldn't have. I've sent them copies of my passport, photographs of me with my passport and card, clearly showing they match, that I am the real person. I've giving them a link to my blog which also proves I'm here on holiday, that I am who I say I am, but still it's not good enough for them. American Eagle Outfitters seem not to want to sell to people, especially people who are not US residents, even though the website claim to ship to 70 odd countries!"

But Jason has another more sinister worry. "Maybe it's because I'm a Brit overseas that they don't want to do business with me, maybe it's the accent, after all they can't understand me on the phone" He jokes, but with a more serious tone, "Or it could be the fact that I'm gay, that I write mainly for gay websites and magazines that stops them giving me service" Could it be that AE is actually practising it's homophobia that's often felt in stores online as well?

What's AE got to say for themselves? How can they treat a customer, in such a disrespectful way? How can one of the leading brands in affordable clothing get it so wrong with their customer service?

I can't tell you where to take your business, you'll make up your own mind,

but you don't wanna beat ya head against a brick wall do you?

Steer clear of American Eagle!

The (Almost) Tossed Salad

Brett — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:30:49 +0000

It was a high-stress day for me. I had a bill on the floor, which meant a long day of watching both Democrats and Republicans spew pre-fabricated talking points, pontificate about policy, and occasionally hear a genuine message of concern about spending and law. I had only been a legislative assistant (an "L.A." as they're called on Capitol Hill) for maybe six weeks and I was overwhelmed. I had never tracked legislation on the House floor. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I knew that I couldn't screw it up. This was the Defense Authorization, a biggy for New Mexico and for my boss's district since we had an Air Force base and a national lab. The bill always passes. And it would be an easy bill to track if there weren't any amendments. But the amendments–oy! There are always dozens of them–a dizzying array–and tracking them, that was the hard part. So, while Schoolhouse Rock's I'm Just a Bill does a great job explaining how a bill becomes a law, it really is just covering the basics. What it doesn't cover is the staffer crouched at his desk over his TV watching the House floor, listening to all the speeches, making phone calls to other offices and leadership offices and offices of other members from the same state for explanations about amendments, positions on amendments, and how the leadership expects your boss to vote. (Yeah, that really happens.) Add on to that fielding the phone calls from concerned constituents, lobbying groups, other offices, your boss. Remember: this was all before the Internet. No BlackBerries. No iPhones. Mobile phones were mostly "car phones" at that point. The computer on my desk was a green screen, no Microsoft Windows. It was the stone age. Suffice it to say, it's a frenzied, tedious day spent at your desk. Potty breaks don't happen. And food is almost out of the question. Unless debate starts on an amendment that you know your boss doesn't care about, then cue the William Tell Overture finale and bolt for the cafeteria. Which is exactly what I did a few minutes after 1-ish (I think) while the House floor spent 15 minutes debating an amendment that didn't matter to New Mexico. In that 15 minutes, assuming the debate actually lasted that long and the time wasn't yielded back, I had to:

Descend four floors in a crowded, busy office building (sounds easy, but the elevators are packed and the stairs are either granite or marble and slippery in dress shoes when you're in a hurry);
Navigate the crowded cafeteria, dodging and weaving through (much like a Gaggle of Geese and a Pride of Lions) the Importance of Congressional Staffers who are either in the same boat as me or pretending to be just as busy to feel like they belong;
Observe, judge and determine the ratio of shortest food line to appealing food choice;
Get said food, observe, judge and determine the shortest cash register line (yeah, we still used cash in the 90s);
Ascend four floors in a crowded, busy office building (again, packed elevators, slippery stairs, this time with food);
Land back at my desk looking calm, cool and collected in time to see the final vote on the amendment

This makes a NASCAR race look easy. I mean, they get to wear comfortable shoes and a flame-retardant outfit. William Tell Overture in full swing, I run down the stairs, hit the cafeteria, determine the salad bar is the shortest thing between me, my rumbling stomach and my desk, throw my salad together, get in THE SLOWEST LINE EVER to pay, walk briskly towards the elevators… …and I see an elevator car with the door open, somewhat crowded, but there's a spot for me if this one person would just move back a few inches. I began to jog–okay, I began to run–for the elevator (very uncouth in a Congressional office building). For reasons unknown, I had a lid on my Diet Coke, but not on my salad. I reach the elevator just as the doors began to close. I jump in thinking this woman would politely move back a few inches into the open space behind her. She didn't. I lost my balance, my salad (with blue cheese dressing), which was balanced on my upward-facing palm, began to slide towards the woman. It achieved a very precarious -30 degree angle and was mere inches from her chest. I was sure I was going to toss my salad all over this evil woman who hadn't moved back that ever-important few inches. Why hadn't I put a lid on my friggin' salad?? Why isn't this woman moving back?? Why isn't this salad making contact and ruining this woman's shirt and my day?? And why is everything moving in slow motion??? Through some unbelievable skill (read: absolute, pure luck), I managed to steady my salad, compose myself, turn on my heel, and face the front of the elevator. Just in time for us to get to the second floor. The door opens, people get off, the rest of us shuffle around to reclaim our personal space. And for the first time, I look up to see who this inconsiderate woman who wouldn't move to give me space on the elevator was and to shoot her a withering look. And when I do, I lock eyes with Mary Tyler Moore.

No Military Discharges For Openly Gay Troops But Investigations Continue Says The SLDN

Lyndon Evans — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:00:25 +0000

Since new rules were put into effect October 21 by Defense Secretary Robert Gates where the three service secretaries have to sign off on dismissals of openly gay troops, none have been discharged. The Associated Press reports (via the San Francisco Chronicle) Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia Smith told The Associated Press that no discharges have been approved since Oct. 21. Smith did not know if the absence of recent discharges was related to the new separation procedures. The Pentagon has not compiled monthly discharge figures for any other months this year, she said. A month without "don't ask, don't tell" discharges was welcome news, said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. Still, the organization continues to hear daily from military personnel who are under investigation for being gay and face the possibility of being fired. "We have clients who are still under investigation, who are still having to respond, and in fact we have a client under investigation right now under suicide watch," Sarvis said. "So 'don't ask, don't tell' has not gone away." Meanwhile as reported Monday by CNN and Senior Producer Charlie Keyes, The uniformed leaders of the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen, will present their views to Defense Secretary Robert Gates in the final days before he releases the report November 30 on ending the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the U.S. military. "The chiefs and the chairman owe the secretary their views and they will do that independently," said Capt. John Kirby, a spokesman for Mullen. "They will offer their views on the report and the findings and whatever recommendations they feel are appropriate to add in terms of the implementation." Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman, Carl Levin, D-Michigan, quickly jumped in Monday, signaling he hopes to nail down a schedule for hearings in December. Levin supports the repeal. "I'm pleased that Secretary Gates is accommodating the Senate's consideration of the defense authorization bill by expediting release of the Defense Department's report on repeal of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy," Levin said in a statement. "We hope to finalize soon the schedule of hearings on the Defense Department report."

Joey Votto captures National League MVP

thesportsfag — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:12:18 +0000

It wasn't even close. Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto captured 31 out of 32 first-place votes in winning the 2010 NL MVP award. Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols received the only other first-place vote and Carlos Gonzalez of the Rockies finished third.

Joey Votto's 2010 Stats

Second in the NL in batting (.324) Third in NL homers (37) Third in NL RBIs (113) First in slugging percentage (.600) Tops in the major leagues with a .424 on-base percentage 16 stolen bases in 21 chances Votto who's arbitration eligible is due for a ginormous raise over his 2009 salary: $525,000. The American League MVP will be announced tomorrow with Josh Hamilton of the Rangers considered the front-runner.

Predictably Predictable Prediction

thesportsfag — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:54:30 +0000

Monday Night Football returns to San Diego where the Chargers are looking to do what the Chargers do: Start slow and close strong. Once is an occurrence, twice is a coincidence...seven times is just down right ridiculous.

Chargers finish strong

2004 - started 3-3; finished 9-1 = 12-4 overall 2005 - started 2-3; finished 7-4 = 9-7 overall 2006 - started 4-2; finished 10-0 = 14-2 overall 2007 - 1-3 started; finished 10-2 = 11-5 overall 2008 - 4-8 started; finished 4-0 = 8-8 overall 2009 - 2-3 started; finished 11-0 = 13-3 overall 2010 - 2-5 started; won 2 in a row and are currently 4-5 Don't go against the trend. Experts are expecting a blowout because San Diego and Denver rank 1st and 3rd respectively in passing offense. Nice stat but only one team ranks 1st in pass defense and 3rd in rushing defense...the Chargers. For all of the talk of San Diego's offensive injuries, holdouts, etc... its been the defense that's carried San Diego this season.

Free Eric Decker

With the emergence of veteran Brandon Lloyd and rookie Demaryius Thomas at wide receiver for the Broncos, all-world hottie and third-round draft choice Eric Decker has been relegated to return duties. At this point in his NFL career Decker's better known for his GQ spread than for catching balls -- not a bad thing. But it's time for us sports fags to rise up, to speak with one voice, not a time of inaction but of action. We will no longer accept the status quo, so we stand in unison with our straight female friends when we say, "How about playing some Eric Decker?"

Predictably Predictable Prediction

San Diego 38 - Denver 24

College Football's Top 25 Hotties of 2010 - No. 5 Sam McGuffie

thesportsfag — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Rice Owls running back, Eminem look-alike, and former No. 1 college football hottie of 2009, Sam McGuffie, slips to No. 5 in the 2010 top 25 hotties rankings. No hard feelings Sam..it's not like you're less hot or anything. I just found four guys who are hotter this year. How fickle we gays can be. McGuffie originally committed to Michigan and rushed for 486 yards for the Wolverines in 2008, but found his way back to the Houston area after just one season. In 2009, while McGuffie sat out a year to comply with NCAA transfer rules, Rice ranked 104th in the nation in total rushing offense. With McGuffie leading the way with 827 yards rushing in 2010 Rice ranks No. 57 nationally going into this weekend's final regular season game against UAB. At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds McGuffie has that most sought after combination of size and speed that makes things happen in space. With two years of college eligibility left at Rice I bet we'll be seeing McGuffie in the 2011 rankings as well. Check out the rest of the 2010 College Football Hotties.

Sam McGuffie Photo Gallery

Or you can check out Sam McGuffie's 2009 photo gallery with 25 older photos. Click on any photo below for a larger look. [gallery columns="2"]

Childress out in Minnesota

thesportsfag — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:52:20 +0000

Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf announced that defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will replace Brad Childress as head coach for the remainder of the 2010 season. [caption id="attachment_10129" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Woo hoo, you're gone!"][/caption] It's been clear for weeks that Childress was on thin ice after unilaterally dismissing Randy Moss without consulting team owner Zygi Wilf. Childress' clashes with Favre, Harvin and other teammates have been well documented. His public postgame criticism of Favre was not becoming of a leader. However, just like players, coaches deserve second chances and Wilf had seemingly given one to Childress. But Wilf's hand was forced with a blowout loss at home to the hated Packers, a 3-7 record, players fighting on the sideline, fans loudly booing Childress at the Metrodome. Also, it wouldn't surprise if how the Cowboys have seemingly righted their ship after a mid-season coaching change may have factored into Wilf's decision.

AFC Recap Week 11

thesportsfag — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 18:11:58 +0000

Things that make me go hum....

At 5-5 the Tennessee Titans are +59 in point differential this season while the division leading Jaguars (6-4) are -50.

One for the record books...

After ten games of AFC football only two teams are really done: Buffalo and Cincinnati.

So it was only appropriate the Bills and Bengals faced each other Sunday. Former Carson Palmer backup, Ryan Fitzpatrick, led the Bills to the largest margin of victory ever for a team that trailed by 21 points as the Bills cruised past Cincinnati 49-31. Normally this is the time of year Me-0 starts going off on his quarterback, but sources tell me there's someone off the field who makes Owens extremely happy in Cincinnati.

Hot-ass rookie wide receiver Jordan Shipley, who's always my go-to guy when I got to rub one out, is emerging as Carson Palmer’s go-to guy in clutch situations. In the loss against the Bills, Shipley caught a team-high five passes for 71 yards.

Old school curtains...

Could this be the Steelers best run-defense ever? Not only did they hold Darren McFadden, who averages an NFL-best 108 yards per game, to just 14 yards on 10 attempts, but they also held the leagues' No. 2-ranked running game under 100 yards for the first time this season. Steelers rolled Oaktown 35-3.

With more yellow on the field than terrible towels in the stands -- the Steelers set franchise records for penalties (14) and yards (163) yards -- you've got to wonder if the Steelers are being watched more closely because of their vociferous opposition to the NFL's new get tough stance on borderline late and helmet-to-helmet hits?

Miracle Mark...

The jets improve to 8-2 as Mark Sanchez led the Jets to a last minute win over the reeling Texans with a sick 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes with just 10 seconds left. Sanchez is developing a Charger-like persona of being great when his team's back is against the wall but ho-hum during much of the game. Some NFL insiders are questioning whether Sanchez has the ability to consistently read defenses when he's not in no-huddle situations.

I'll just say there's nothing ho-hum about Sanchez.

Manning takes the blame...

With Sunday's 31-28 win over the Colts, the Patriots keep pace with the Jets atop the AFC East. Peyton Manning threw three picks including one in the final minute when it looked as if the Colts were getting in position to attempt a game-tying field goal.

Brady was, well he was Tom-Brady like, finishing 17-of-25 for 186 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots, who seemingly never make a bad personnel decision, turned to 5-foot-8 running back Danny Whitehead from D-II Chaldron State as a backup to starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Whitehead responded with 69 yards on just seven carries.

The Patriots and Jets at 8-2 are three games up on Miami (5-5) in the AFC East.

Titanic baby...

I'm tired of hearing people talk about the greatness of Vince Young. After Sunday's 19-16 loss to Washington, Young's days may be numbered in Nashville not because of the thumb injury he suffered or poor performance, but because Young's mental instability hurts the team.

After the game Young threw his pads and jersey into the stands out of frustration and then stormed out of the locker room refusing to talk to the media. Temper tantrums are expected from infants and adolescents, not NFL quarterbacks.

I coached softball team with a quick-tempered player threw his glove down and refused to play anymore outfield during the game because the team was playing poor defensively. It destroyed the morale of the team and although some argued that I should have giving him a fifth or sixth chance I moved him off the team.

Fisher has no choice. Don't forget Vince Young is the same Vince Young who refused to go in a game when called upon last season.

Cassell to Bowe...

Kansas City got two touchdowns receiving from Dwayne Bowe and two touchdowns running from Thomas Jones to stay unbeaten (5-0) at home with a convincing 31-13 win over the Cardinals. The emergence of Dwayne Bowe as a reliable option for quarterback Matt Cassell is one of the best story lines of 2010.

I just get the feeling the Chiefs are hanging on, trying to thwart the inevitable late-season run from the Chargers.

Fans of The Wire may confuse Bowe with Omar.

They couldn't give it away...

The Jaguars turned the ball over six times but held on to beat Cleveland 24-20 behind some big defensive plays and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Jags running back Maurice Jones-Drew has his first streak of three consecutive 100-yard rushing games, gaining at total of 220-yards from scrimmage against the Browns.

With the Colts loss Jacksonville moves into a tie with Indianapolis for first place in the AFC South.

And, Baltimore beat Carolina 37-13

America Legalises Sexual Abuse

jasebrighton — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:02:07 +0000

There's shock and wonder as the strange news sweeps the world that the government has legalised sexual molestation in America!

Yes, you can now legally be sexually molested in the States, it matters not if you are 13 or 30, male or female, black, white or any shade between. You, yes you, are now subject to a sexual molestation and there's not a single thing you can do about it. Nope, not a single thing, you have to, I repeat HAVE to allow them to molest you, invade your privacy, look at your genitalia, then grope and feel it.

The American Transport Security Administration, the TSA, the people in charge of airport security now use the full body scanner, which basically looks under your clothes, or rather sees you naked. Now, when I say sees you naked, I mean it really does, you can actually see what makes a boy and boy and a girl and girl - I know this because I've seen it in action. I was body scanned when I changed aircraft in Charlotte to get here, I had to pass through, then I was scanned with a hand held device and I could see the image on the screen of what the first check TSA agents see, it wasn't pretty. The female TSA agent did chuckle. It's very intrusive, it passes all manor of radiation through you, so much so that even though they say it's safe, they wont actually reveal the total amount, yes, it's a small amount, but far far more though than normal medical x-ray's!

You can choose not to go through these privacy eradication machines if you wish, but then you have to have the full pat down procedure. Now, don't be fooled into thinking this is the normal arms up search, that everywhere in Europe and the wider world use, nope this is a in depth personal check of everything, for a girl, you'll have your boobs felt up, literally, they will place there hands on top, lift them up and feel in between them. They will put there hands inside the belt of your trousers, and inside the waist band of your underwear, they may even place their hand down there. As a bloke you will have your anal area pressed and your penis felt and patted. There is not a single inch of your body that will not be touches, patted, felt. (Source TSA's own guidelines) a Honestly, this is legal sexual molestation, however, they have changed the rules slightly, in that children under 12 don't have the same pat down - nope, they will be strip searched and their genital area looked at rather then felt - remember all this is in full public view - don't believe me?. (You can request to be taken to a private room to be searched, but they wont offer this option!) it's also against the American constitution , but they don't seem to bother too much about that. However, over 12's that don't want to be seen naked in the scanners, will have the same pat down as an adult, including their genitals - anywhere else in the world this would called child abuse.

Hillary Clinton has publicly that she'd avoid the pat down if she could. Cathy Bossi, a female flight attendant was selected to go through this extra security, now Cathy has had breast cancer was a little worried about the extra radiation, but went through anyway, then she was also given the new pat down - now get this, they made her remove her prosthetic breast! It's scary, and she's not alone, there are more and more cases coming to light all over the place, as more and more people go through these new procedures.

The TSA keep bleating on and on about how they have to keep the country safe, they keep sighting the underpants bomber who tried to ignite explosives in his underwear on a Delta flight on Christmas day a few years ago and they also sight the shoe bomber. But, what they fail to mention is that both of these people boarded aircraft OUTSIDE the USA! So, these extra personal searches and pat downs wouldn't have helped.

The TSA also say that the images from these extra screening machines are not and will not be stored. Yet more and more cases are coming to light on the net, that in fact yes they are stored, at least until the end of the day. There are also reports from TSA staff who have confirmed off the record that some images were in fact stored, and in rare cases shared. It's against the rules, but it happens! The official TSA line is that they cant be record or stored!

If you don't like it, you get to the security check point and don't want to go through the new screening machine and don't want to have the invasive and legal molestation and leave the check point, to leave the airport, the TSA will fine you, up to $11,000.00! (I double checked with them the amount!)

Some people are calling for everyone flying on Wednesday 24th in the USA to opt out of the naked body scanners and have the pat down instead, overwhelm the TSA at various airports up and down the country.

There is a thin line between safety and violation, the TSA have crossed that line! I can foresee a whole ton of legal cases being bought against individual TSA agents as well as the administration as a whole, but ultimately, the only winners here are the terrorists! Yes, they win, they have changed the behaviour of the American travelling public, forcing these drastic, invasive and way over the top measures!

Roethlisberger impersonates Zach Galifianakis

thesportsfag — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:14:52 +0000

Who goes down faster Ben Roethlisberger or Alan Garner?

Richard Seymour punches Roethlisberger

Tyson KO's Zach Galifianakis

[poll id="10"] You know what's missing from the Steelers-Raiders brouhaha? Roethlisberger's teammates going after Seymour right after the punch. Imagine if Tom Brady was sucker punched by an opposing player...you think the Patriots would all stand around and watch? Don't get me wrong...this isn't an indictment of the Steelers lack of toughness, but rather proof that Roethlisberger, a two-time "alleged" rapist and overall bad person, still isn't popular with his teammates. Actions speak louder than words.

BBC-TV Investigative Program Panorama Investigates Sharia Hate Against Gays And Others

Lyndon Evans — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 08:30:49 +0000

This evening in the UK, BBC-TV's investigative program Panorama examines "weekend schools" in which thousands of children ages 6 to 18 are being taught the often brutal penalties of Sharia law including the penalty of being a homosexual. The program which will be hosted by Jeremey Vine is described at the BBC Panorama website as, Investigation which uncovers disturbing evidence that some Muslim children are being exposed to extremist preachers and fundamentalist Islamic groups. We also expose the part-time schools where hate is on the curriculum. The programme asks why school inspectors have missed the warning signs and examines the impact this could have on young Muslims' ability to integrate into mainstream British life. The program is produced by Leo Telling with John Ware reporting on this troubling finding that hate is being taught under the guise of education and religion and through a loophole in the government's policy of giving greater freedom from state control to free schools and academies according to The Daily Mail writer James Slack. "The Government’s policy of opening up the education system to new academies and free schools programmes could be exploited unless urgent measures are taken to counter extremist influence" Panorama reports. As The Daily Mail reports in its Monday edition, So-called ‘weekend schools’ – which offer the hardline Saudi National Curriculum to Muslim children in the UK – also teach that the penalty for gay sex is execution and that ‘Zionists’ are plotting to take over the world for the Jews. One set text book challenges youngsters to list the ‘reprehensible’ qualities of the Jews. The Panorama investigation identified a book for 15 year-olds being used in the classes which teaches about Sharia law and its punishments. It says: ‘For thieves their hands will be cut off for a first offence, and their foot for a subsequent offence.’ There are diagrams showing children where cuts must be made.One passage says: ‘The specified punishment of the thief is cutting off his right hand at the wrist. Then it is cauterised to prevent him from bleeding to death.’ For acts of ‘sodomy’, children are told that the penalty is death and it states a difference of opinion whether this should be done by stoning, or burning with fire, or throwing over a cliff.

Big East exposes major BCS flaw

thesportsfag — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 21:32:22 +0000

For the BCS to keep its credibility the NCAA should work on rectifying what I'll call the 'Big East Situation.' Entering Saturday, Pittsburgh, the conference leader, was the 47th ranked team in the BCS standings. Yet, if the Panthers win the Big East they'll receive an automatic bid to a BCS game. Granted there are still two games to go but it's conceivable a two-loss Big East team could win the conference and receive an automatic bid over teams like Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, etc... So should a two loss Pittsburgh, Connecticut or West Virginia team be granted a BCS bid over any teams ranked in the top 25 of the BCS standings? Although it's easy to pick on the Big East this year, it's conceivable two loss teams from other conferences could win automatic bids every year. So there's a need to rewrite the rules so to stipulate that an automatic conference winning qualifier must also be ranked in the top 25, 20 or 15. We can argue over the minimum ranking requirement, but it's clear something must be done.

Tom Goss - Lover's video.

jasebrighton — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:33:02 +0000

Tom Goss is a sexy Wisconsin born boy, who had a passion for music from an early age. His mom bought him a guitar as a high school grad present and the handsome teen tough himself how to play. He was studying to be a teacher at the Central Missouri University when he found a spiritual calling and decided that the priesthood was to be the direction his life would take. He moved to Washington DC in 2004 and entered a catholic seminary, well, thing's didn't quite go to plan and, let's face it the priesthood's loss is our gain. Tom now produces some amazing songs, his voice is wonderfully powerful full of depth and light and he's just released a poignant new video for his song 'Lover' My blogging buddy Howard managed to catch up with the busy Tom, and started by asking where the idea for the video came "I knew that Lover needed a video. I would see all the videos online that use the song – there are like 100 of them on YouTube – and just knew I had to make it." "I’m a very relaxed guy,” he said, as I agreed. “One of the reasons it took so long to release this video is that it had to be something so much bigger than I had done before. So exciting. I kept bouncing ideas off people for the video and none of them seem to stick." He continued, "A friend was writing a screenplay for a film about two soldiers – the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) theme – and he kept using the lyrics for Lover to explain it to me. I started to see it, and I had to call him and tell him ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I am stealing your story,’ he laughed.” I asked Tom more about the early process. "Aram, Michael and Dylan are cinematographers at heart. I think mainly about the story and the music, while they think about images. We had to figure out how to make it all go together. But I think a more powerful story is the result." "There are things I’ve never done on video, like the crane," he said enthusiastically. "It was exciting. There is a scene where we start with a close up on my face in the grass and zoom out. I had all these new visual angles in my mind, and just needed to figure out what to do with them. And we had a blood specialist – how cool is that?” I asked him about the three-day shoot. "It was easier than I thought. I knew I didn’t want to hide behind an instrument on this one. I wanted to be open, honest and vulnerable, so I had to get out from behind the instrument. But I’m no actor, so that was a little scary. Both stories are told on parallel tracks; me at home without my lover and him fighting a war. There was this intense, long scene, and it was just so,” he paused before adding “intense. It was just me in the scene, and it seemed so long, but I had to sell the scene and tell my story. That was hard. I had to stay intensely focused. For me, it was a new role, as an actor.” I had to ask the obvious question, is this a new political Tom Goss? "Although it’s political, it’s a love story at its heart. It is reality. At the end of the day, we just wanted to tell a story. It’s real. The video tells the untold story of what DADT really does to people." "When I wrote the song with Matt Alber (Who We Are), I talked to a lot of people,” Tom explained, “and heard this story time and time again. It’s (DADT) bullshit, but that is the reality. This video is not about politics, it is reality. I had to trust I could find the most successful way to tell their (gay soldiers) story, for their reality to be honored. I hope we managed to do that.” I asked about the realism of the video. "With me and my ‘lover’, (played by Ben Horen), there are three soldiers. They are the real deal. Mike Almy, David Hall and Danny Hernandez were all discharged because of DADT. We were always telling them ‘if you see us doing something that isn’t real, tell us." The video is released on YouTube, and will be sent to LOGO and all the other major networks. With that in mind, Goss told me, "We will see who will be brave enough to show it." Here is the video. While I had him on the phone, I wanted to catch up a bit on new music, and his life in general. " The last year has been so heavy and political. With the release of Who We Are, You Don’t Question Love, and now Lover, it’s been heavy and I’m exhausted. So the new album is lighter and pop! I am trying to inject the fun back into the music. “My life is amazing and so fun,” he continued, “full of love, full of happiness. I live in DC, where it is easy to be gay. I can get married and have a house. The last year for me has been about the things people are struggling for; equal rights, marriage equality. I have what people are struggling for, and sometimes I feel guilty about it.” In the midst of this talk of his ‘heavy year,’ I asked him about a special event. “The wedding (to husband Michael Briggs) was amazing. I am so, so happy. We had family coming from all over for it, but afterward, they went home. That was a little sad, because I just wanted it all to keep going.” He is back on the road in March, with a show in Philadelphia. In April, he will kick off a 50-city tour to support the new album. Lover will be available for purchase on iTunes in 6 to 8 weeks. You can visit Tom on the web here. You can purchase Tom's music at the store on his site, or you can check him out on iTunes here. Thanks to Howard for this wonderful interview and insight to Tom's life and talent. Howard's award winning music blog can be found here.