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Comment: Why it's vital to kick homophobia out of sport, by David Cameron
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Can you ask him why they refused to invite Peter Tatchell to this LGBT community event?
Maybe because it's all just a meaningless PR exercise, perhaps?
Maybe you should also ask Gordon Brown etc since nothings changed.
I thought it was to do with sport? As much as I like Thatchell I don't think he'd be good in the olympics.
Not entirely – two friends of mine who were invited, and went, are both writers (and not sports writers).
Would it really harm the PM to actually mention the words marriage equality occassionally?? I know some of his peers hate the words but I thought Cameron didn't and now sees us as equals in all respects. It's you're consultation on equal marriages that's starting in 2 weeks time, so be a man and take onwership of it and mention it..you've promoted everything else in you comment and previous speech..Foregt Tebbit, Mr Cameron, you can sort him out, can't you or perhaps not???
Lord Tebbit -"To ask Her Majesty's Government… whether they will refrain from using in answers to parliamentary questions expressions such as "equal civil marriage and partnerships" for which they have no definition"
Excellent article from someone who clearly is learning and opening his eyes the the problems we face.
I actually feel we are moving from having people in government who just assume for us to actually getting to know us and being involved with our community.
The is plenty of work still to be done, marriage Equality for example but the fact we Are being listen to goes a long way to helping me as a person decide to carry on 'loosening the rope of trust' and giving this government the chance and opportunity it deserves.
It's we have a Prime Minister, and a Tory one at that, that is listening.
One thing though, on a lighter note, I'd like to know who many times Mr Cameron had to say the line:-
"Vauxhall's gay sports day when you can witness competitive handbag throwing or literal drag racing."
..without cracking up.
I did just reading it mind you it was a great laugh to watch and a great day too.
All in all a good comment by Mr. Cameron.
Thank you.
I concur with Jock S Trap on all his comments (although I unfortunately couldnt make the Vauxhall sports day but am told it was a great day)
I have my hesitations with regards Conservatives, but – for me this article was well written and demonstrated an author that is keen to ensure equality and has learnt that even ignorant homophobia is not acceptable.
Absolutely there is plenty of work to be done – and some of that is evidenced in Camerons article – though there are other areas of work which he does not discuss.
I can not imagine Gordon Brown, John Major or Margaret Thatcher having demonstrated such enthusiasm to eliminate homophobia.
Please Mr Cameron do not leave it at words – please continue with action – and make sure your good works in improving the rights of LGBT people are publicized. Please also demonstrate your intention to improve equality in marriage.
How long has it taken the tories to get over Clause 28?
To be fair part of the reason of getting over Section 28 was because people keep throwing it back at them and not allowing them to demonstrate change – partly they needed to establish a more reasonable approach.
They have a conviction on LGBT rights now if we accept Camerons views – lets hold him to account and ensure the Tories bring better LGBT rights to demonstrate effectively they have reversed their institutional homophobia
AAwww bless. someone sees sense after all… we should stop throwing the holocaust back at the Nazzis. Let's allow them to "demonstrate change" and a chance to recover.
Some coherance and reality to your argument might help your cause – but any intelligent reader can see you lack either
Beberts I am still awaiting this list of anti-gay laws from the coalition government you were ranting on about. I have searched google as you suggested but cannot find them, be a good sport and help out.
BTW I don't know where the Nazzi's are now in power to throw things at, maybe you could tell us that too.
Dave G
I'm afraid his brain doesn't compute, so unlikely we'll get any answer.
He's only here as the ghost of Tory past not the present or the future.
@Stu still taking the moral high ground are we.
Bitter much troll…?
I think that maybe it should be How long is it going to take some here to get over the face Section 28, while a bad thing yes, hasn't been around for a long time now.
I mean David Cameron apologised for it and didn't vote when it was repealed.
This was in 2003, nearly 10 years ago.
What we have now is a typical thing of No one being allowed to forget Section 28 but everyone seems to have to forget Labours Amendment 70 which allows religious schools to teach homophobia which is now worse than Section 28.
Lets hope that schools like that in Stoke Newington start to reign in dealing with homophobia in the most effective way possible… education.
But of course you are a declared fan of the Conservatives, so you would say that.
They are still facts.
!a declared fan" – really.
Why because I voted for then 1 time?
So I agree with some of the stuff they're doing now, so what.
We needed someone to take control of the country's finances not spend money we didn't have recking the ecomony.
So Am I also wrong to agree with this reception, it's wanting to tackle homophobia and wanting to get role models and other people for young LGBTQI to see and look up to as a good thing.
Do I think David Cameron writing for PinkNews is a good, positive thing? Too damn right I do.
Am I ashamed of that? No way and seriously why I should be?
I don't understand what part of not being loyal to any party esp at General Elections making all work for my vote people don't get.
I'm not a labourite, or a Tory or a Lib Dem or whatever.
I go with whatever I agree with at that time.
Personally I don't see what's wrong with that and why people don't get it.
I for one think it's fantastic that we have a Conservative PM who is willing to stand up and openly support LGBT issues. I know this comment section is going to be flooded with the same old messages about how he hasn't really changed etc. etc, but I think Cameron should be applauded and am wholly grateful.
Grateful? That you have a government who doesnt hate you anymore?
like the last one that allowed schools to teach Homosexuality was evil and who's leader said publicly that Marriage was between a Man and a Woman?
Indeed theotherone.
It seems people are blinded by whatever the last government did and what the last PM said.
I don't judge the Labour parties policies on when Michael Foot was leader, so why should I judge the Conservatives on when Margaret Thatcher was in power – seems a bit like living in the past to me.
Stu – You're far too sensible for some people on this message board!
Thanks, Luke
Thats a far point Stu.
A Very accurate one too.
I think "llowed schools to teach Homosexuality was evil" is a gross misrepresentation of the Labour position. Evidence please!
Labour's Amendment 70.
Here! Here! James L
I think it's very sad that people have read this article and are being negative and implying that things are awful in this country. Come off it – progress is progress, even if we're not 'there' at the end yet.
Frankly, I think it's selfish, rude and incredibly blind of people to complain that life is awful here. I know just as well as you do that things aren't perfect for the queer community in this country, but for goodness' sake – there are places you could have it so, so much worse. As Mr. Cameron said – there are places in Africa where governments are considering killing people for their sexuality. What makes you think you have the right to complain like this about our rights here?
My guess is that people are allowing political bias to make them read this comment as a PR move, which is unfortunate. What you should remember is this – even if it is, it's still a good thing. He's acknowledged that there's still a long way to go, and he's moving forward. What more do you want?
Ran out of words, but I also wanted to say – personally, I'm really grateful that Mr. Cameron is dedicating so much effort to both the LGBT community in England and in other, less queer-friendly places in the world. However other people want to interpret it, I think it's commendable – so thank you!
I agree!!
I wholeheartedly agree with you. There needs to be scrutiny of Cameron and the government on all issues including LGBT issues – but I sense this article illustrates that we will have progress with this government.
Will it be okay for football fans to now call any gay players that come out of the closet queens, like David Cameron did in his speech?
Please stop being an idiot, the majority of people have took that in good humour. The fact this PM has the balls to crack jokes and speak his mind even if others disagree is a godsend. If every gay/bi person took offence at, what I class a a bit of banter, then we are well and truly screwed.
Fortunately it's only the minority of wingeing, uptight idiots like yourself who think any joke with a gay tone is going to be offensive or hurtful…
Get over yourself.
So you think its alright for football fans to call gay players queens? Is it good when Gareth Thomas gets called a queen from the terraces? What about all the young gay actors who can't get roles because they're seen as being queens. Jog on and go get some homophobic banter thrown at you by your seargant major. Queen.
Your boring me now.
PS I'm done with ya now, yawn.
But I wasn't talking to you? Queen.
Oh, wow. A majority not giving a crap if they insult a minority takes "balls", now, does it? Seems pretty easy to me.
As gays are now the new nigga's that even many black people look down on, defame and discriminate against then perhaps Cameron should have referred to Sir Ian McKellen as a nigga butI guess it would have spoiled his royal joke somewhat
I guess the question is where to draw the line between friendly humous harmless banter and taking ourselves too seriously making ourselves look like a humourless laughing stock?
It's the latter people see and pick on.
@Eddy Two
Of course, you will say I am too nice …
But the situations you are comparing are like apples and oranges …
Homophobia that is intended to be hate filled (as definited by the criminal offence) is repugnant and deserves dealing with it – and on the terraces usually is far worse than the use of the word "queen" and is often clearly vindictive and aggressive in its application either by expletives, tone or body language.
Candid banter which is light hearted is entirely different. I took Camerons (perhaps poor) joke about entertaining queens to be a gentle attempt at humour – similar to his comment about Vauxhall sports day.
Its hardly offensive and has to be read in context to the rest of the content. For crying out loud we have a PM who now is against homophobia
I'm sure Cameron's "joke" wasn't intended to be patronising or insulting but 'queen' isn't usually used approvingly or admiringly, is it? The fact is, it's mildly derogatory (if perhaps not deeply offensive). The "joke" was in poor taste and, above all, unnecessary, I'm sure the PM could have found another way to be witty or lighten the atmosphere. It's a shame he didn't, because the event itself is certainly to be praised.
You certainly have a point and I completely agree that last nights event is to be praised.
I think casting the spotlight on Camerons humour or lack of it actually takes the focus away from the important issue that we have a PM who has made a statement which categorically declares a stance against homophobia. We need to hold him to scrutiny on this.
Most humour is offensive to some and not to others – that is the British way with humour. I don't feel Cameron intended to insult or patronise and was at worst misguided in his use of the jokes – but I suspect more gay people laughed at the jokes than were offended.
I don't think that's a particularly British approach to humour but yes, of course people will laugh, people who're guests of a very powerful man usually do laugh at his jokes. All the more reason for him to have been a little more cautious about his (pretty feeble) attempt at humour I'd say, simply because – as you say – it slightly undermines the real value of the event.
But I think thats the point.
Some of this bitchin has nothing to do with this event or the good it brings.
It's purely because some people cannot and will not see beyond a Tory being in power.
They may well give us marriage Equality but I can guarantee that some will override that just to find anything that may wrong with it.
It's actually a damaging way to go about things.
To be so deliberately blinded and ignore any good that may be done just on, well prejudice really.
So whats more damaging a Government, sure people may be cautious about but giving a chance and seeing they want to help or the people they want to help, not allowing them the chance, dishing the dirt, ignoring the help and almost becoming abusive towards those wanting to help?
It's funny how those people have ignored my question about what Labour did in their first 13 months in power.
Again this has nothing to do with rights but prejudice against those who seem to want to help us.
Times change, people have to choose if they wish to move forward or stay behind but those who wish the latter have no right stopping the rest of us seek progress.
Something they no doubt will whinge about but I have no doubt will happy be a part of.
@Jock S Trap
That is the point that this is a smokescreen to stop those who have (some understandable) concerns (like many of us) about a Conservative (even if coalition) government.
That said when something benefits equality we should be celebrating not being petty.
I understand concerns but clearly some here are going well above that in that it's clearly they'd rather this government either didn't do anything or did and failed so they can sneer and whinge.
Trouble is, how does that effect the rest of us that just want Equal Rights, no matter whose campaigning for it and willing to support and give it.
@Jock S Trap
I entirely agree – I dont care if equality is brought in my Tories, Lib Dems, Labour, SNP or Independents (or whoever) as long as we get it.
I am cautious about the Tories, but I'm liking what I am hearing so far, and as I keep saying lets ensure they are subject to scrutiny.
Nothing wrong with scrutiny, I think that must be there.
It's the ones who just don't want to hear anything positive just because it's the Tories involved as I think they are a bit short-sighted.
He could have found another joke I guess, like he could have chosen not to host a reception to tackle homophobia.
Point is people at the reception didn't find it offensive it only seems to be some people who didn't go.
Jock, the only people that found it offensive are the usual suspects on this message board.
The fact Cameron feels so comfortable to say a joke like that speaks miles to how far this country has come in LGBT rights. Yes, we can laugh at a bunch of 'queens's once in a mile… no harm done.
Some people will find anything to be offended by. Absolutely anything.
Fair point, Luke.
It's sad but true.
Actually Luke, I checked with two friends of mine who were there and neither of them found it amusing at all, and while there was a bit of polite laughter nearer the PM, further away from him more people groaned at his "joke".
Rehan, if friends that attended were offended…. tell then to get over themselves and have a bit of humour inside of them! Relax and stop being so uptight!
There is a huge difference between not finding a joke funny and groaning at it. There is a huge difference between groaning at a joke and being offended by it. I know some people on here have found Camerons joke mildly amusing and not insulting – I don't think anyone on here was proposing that Cameron take up a career in stand up when he leaves politics ….
@ Luke: I'm certainly not going to instruct my friends, both highly intelligent and urbane women, on what to find funny – how patronising would that be? If you're willing to be amused by stereotyping, fine; not everyone is, as should be perfectly obvious by now.
("Relax and stop being so uptight" is the sort of thing people used to say to me if I was offended by racist jokes at school so, understandably I think, I tend to find that sort of advice rather objectionable.)
@ Stu, I don't think there always is a huge difference between groaning at a joke and being offended by it, offence isn't absolute. In this instance it was obviously well-intentioned though, I would say, hideously poorly-judged.
I guess there are different types of groans at jokes.
Certainly, I agree it appears the motivation of Cameron was not malicious or intending to cause offence.
Arguably it was a poorly judged joke (although I'm not sure how he would have had a joke appropriate to the theme that would not have caused some sort of groan) whether it was hideously poorly judged – I would argue Cameron has made much worse judgements whilst in power and this is relatively minor in terms of conduct or judgement.
Oh Rehan…. still haven't got over Cameron's joke? Good to see you're still finding it very funny! :D
Sorry Luke, I know it sounds uptight and priggish but I generally struggle to find minority stereotyping funny.
So the prime minister calling gay men queens is not saying to homophobes that it is okay to call us queens. You might be alright being called a queen Stu, but I'm not. You big queen. The event was about respect, attempting to stop homophobia in sport and encourage sports people to be more honest about their sexuality. What sportsman would want to be called a queen? Maybe the handbag throwers that cameron also mentions? Can you get an olympic gold for that sport?
@Eddy Two
I dont have a problem, personally being called a queen – and with respect that doesnt mean I invite you to call me one, not because of the word but the facetiousness of your use of the word emanates an insult which I wouldnt take from someone clearly using it in a lighthearted manner, strikes to me of double standards on your part.
The overall message is positive, honourable and constructive for the LGBTQ communities – and if you cant see that you are stuck with your dogmatic view on Cameron and this particular label rather than the bigger picture of what Cameron said that is significant.
You never actually say anything. You just ramble on with no content, you'd make a good politician, well a back bencher, you queen.
See how thats just attacking someone because they dare to have a difference of opinion.
Hardly mature mr.
@Eddy two
Is that the best retort you can come up with – there is plenty of content in what I say, you don't agree with it so you say its empty, lacks content or meaningless – strangely I seem to get more comments agreeing with my statements than you do.
You do occasionally say things I agree with and I affirm you – pity you never seem to have any courtesy to do the same to me or others.
That's in line with Osborne's tasteless pantomime dame crass banter … next the mainly white middle class hetero men in power will be bantering about the swarthiness of some newly acquainted "protected" group. All fine and dandy for some.
Seriously………. some people are incapable of having a laugh! I am finding some of your comments more funny than Cameron's joke and that was brill too :D
Look up the word context
Oh look, more Tory apologism, more ignoring Tory record, more ignoring Cameron's own bigotry, more dismissing of homophobia.
I expect little more from Pink news
Hi Sparky, welcome to 2011!!
Do come in, wipe your feet…
Ignore him Sparky, Jock is the queen of the site. Should he wipe his feet on your face, you big queen.
It don't matter how much you say it eddy two it just ain't gonna get me, it just make me laugh.
Does it make you laugh as much as the joke that Cameron said about the gay man that is a queen?
@Eddy Two
Well I certainly laughed at Camerons (lame) joke
I also recognise that some people can change – you and Sparky seem to deny that
Well you would, simple jack. Did it make you h h h happy? You big queen.
@Eddy two
Calling me a queen isn't going to upset me …
It childish and churlish behaviour by you and playground attitude but it doesnt upset me
As for being simple – at least I can see that people can change – you seem stuck in the dogma of the 1960s-1980s from some of your comments on here … grow up
Jock believes the mention of the magic number 2011 should be necessary to clean up all past evidence of wrongdoing. C'mon… it's 2011, let's give the nazzis another chance.
No matter how many times you try to refer to a party that is not in power and has never been in the UK – it will not make it relevant – it just demonstrates how juvenile you are
Jock mentions 2011 because he believes people like you are too stuck on the past unwilling to try and see change for the future.
Also I think you use of n@zis to describe the Tories is offensive and insulting in itself considering Winston Churchill was a Tory who lead this country and through the bravest people people, soldiers etc stopped this country being invaded and taken over by the n@zis.
Considering what Hitler and the n@zis did across Europe.
Your comment is typically immature and more shows you up for what you are.
C'mon Stu & Jock, it's 2011, why are you so distressed with my writings. It's sooo juvenile and imature it shouldn't even register on the radar of an adult. LOL
Oh dear, what a pity, never mind.
Yawn. Grow up.
Jesus Christ. Do you guys ever give up?
Cameron's post is extremely positive and you should be welcoming it. If the article makes him homophobic and bigot then that makes most of the UK population, that's for sure.
I honestly think some people really would like this government to deliberately go backwards on the equality agenda so it fits their pathetic little rants. It's not working, we're moving forward and it's a Conservative Prime Minister in the driving seat too. Get used to it. Times have changed and I am very happy that all major three parties in the UK are pro gay rights. Makes me proud to be English (or British)!
Well said. Cameron has made a decided and clear effort to spell out unambiguously that he is against homophobia – there are other things I wish he had added to his article, but taken as it is, the article is hugely positive and has great implications for LGBT rights in the UK.
Those who complain about it, in my opinion are either bitter and twisted, cynical in the extreme, or have a victim mentality.
Here! Here! Luke
Sadly people refuse to see any positive because of their own prejudice.
Not saying is it all not warranted but to blind themselves with it its another thing.
In effect they become just as guilty as the people they ignore.
Fantastic David Cameron. I am pleased you're our PM. Keep up the good work and bring forward the LGBT agenda even more. Culture change is what the big issue of the day is. In too many areas, gay people are seen as a taboo and sport is probably the biggest and I am very pleased to see the government pushing this. Good luck, I am with you.
Please confirm that gay couples will be allowed enter the legal contract of civil marriage by the time of the next election.
Otherwise you are talking crap!
LOL…. there is a consultation in a few weeks and I expect it to suggest we have civil marriage. I want that to happen. However, we do have civil partnerships that is 'marriage' in every way but name. I do, however, recognise that we want civil marriage as it does feel 'second' class in away. But this isn't the ONLY issue facing LGBT people. Everything won't be solved for us when marriage equality becomes law. We need a deep seated culture change and this is what the government is talking about. If you can change gay peoples perceptions in sport, you can change it anywhere!
Great way to start off your deep seated cultural change by calling a gay man a queen. I don't think being called queens will inspire any young sportsmen to come out of the closet.
It must be really hard to have a laugh with you. Your face must be cold and full of thunder.
Its hard for people to throw homophobic banter at me and get away with it, queen. You might like the most powerful man in the country laughing at you by calling you derogatory names, I don't find it funny. And maybe Gareth Thomas laughed, but when he plays next and some rugby fans shout 'you big queen' from the terraces, he probs won't be laughing then.
that luke , shes a right ole queen , legs up mary.
I believe the marriage Equality begins in two weeks time and I think ending to put to Parliament next year.
So here's hoping.
I hope so too. Lots of pushing and shoving should get us equality. It will come soon. I just feel it coming.
Sorry, computer says no… next
Grow some balls and live in the real world for a change
Well I am hopeful both that Cameron and the government seek to assist in changing domestic and international culture on LGBT issues and demonstrating that equality has to be integrated in all aspects of society.
I am also hopeful the marriage consultation will result in clear unambiguous equality. We shall see – but I remain hopeful.
As for Camerons jokes … those who are sounding such anger at what was obvious attempts at humour to help galvanise support (which is what politicians do) are sending up a smokescreen to raise an issue where there really isnt one. The issue here is that we have a clear commitment to LGBT rights and encouraging a change in culture.
I don't trust David Cameron.
His voting record on LGBT issues is disgustingly bigotted.
He is makling some nice noises now that he is in power. BUt what has he actually DONE?
Civil Partnership Apartheid is the clearest, most obvious legal discrimination that LGBT people still face.
Why has the slimy opportunist Callmedave not issued a statement indicating the timeline by which this legal discrimination will be ended.
Meetings with gay groups are entirely meaningless unless he is also committed to ending legal discrimination.
Voting for civil partnerships and the sexual orientation regulations makes him 'extremely bigoted'…. when you throw insults like that after voting for those issues… it just shows you're losing the argument mate!
Gone are the days when legislation alone changes things, although I know this is very important. Cultural change doesn't happen with legislation alone.
As someone who has spent a great deal of time studying apertheid in South Africa and has met many who suffered at the time including some who were widowed or mutilated – I find the use of the adjective apertheid in connection to civil partnerships offensive and demeaning. It belittles the horrific experiences that occured in South Africa and has no understanding of the horrors that occurred in South Africa.
I agree marriage in the UK is not equal – and that needs to change – its not apertheid though.
As for Cameron's voting – he has improved through the years and has apologised – how many more times does the man have to apologise. His words are clear and unambiguous. His actions too have been very pro LGBT whilst in power (which is surely what matters)
Hold Cameron to account and scrutiny but give him a chance to have things to be accountable for. Marriage equality is a priority for LGBT people – but so is the economy, education, the health service …
Well speaking of sport. Let's leave aside Cameron's viciously homophobic voting past, let's focus on sport.
I agree that it is vital that homophobia is kicked out of sport.
I'd like to hear Cameron's opinionos on the fact that the World Cup 2022 will be held in murderously bigotted Qatar.
I expect a statement from Cameron condemning this decision.
Or is his article simply meaningless PR.
It's hard to say.
But his revoltingly homophobic voting record and his lack of action on marriage equality indicates he is talking nonsense again.
Cameron has commented on Qatar: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/02/23/david-cameron-says-world-cup-could-make-qatar-more-gay-friendly/
…. get with it mate…. you're so far in the 1980s you're getting lost now…..
Cameron didnt choose Qatar as the venue. FIFA are responsible for that and Cameron is keen to work with the FA and others to improve LGBT issues in sports.
He has stated he thinks the awarding of the World Cup to Qatar and Russia should be reviewed as a matter of urgency.
Role models can only help if they get publicity in the media.
"I believe that good work is underway lead by the FA and PFA and I encourage all involved to do all they can, as quickly as they can. "
Was this David Cameron's own spelling? Looks like standards are falling.
Personally I think a Tory Prime Minister, taking time out to comment on PinkNews speaks volumes about him as a person.
It's a well written piece.
This is a fantastic statement by a politician in such high standings- although i cant help but think that politicians alike have promised things before and never see them through. I agree 100% with what has been stated and hope one day things for LGBT people like myself can change for the better, not just in sport but in everything we do. I do believe its old fashioned values that make people homophobic so if we can tackle that in our younger children then im sure the future looks bright for LGBT people…..lets hope.
I heartily disliked Mrs Thatcher and she expelled the Iranian ambassador after the Fatwah against Salman Rushdie.
I heartily dislike David Cameron and he has made this statement.
I applaud both actions.
(But of course we need more action).
I share your sentiments.
Thatcher made a principled stand against the Iranians.
Cameron is making a principled stand on LGBT issues.
Thatcher (as much as I dislike her) maintained her dignified stance on Iranian policy.
Lets hold Cameron to account and ensure he maintains his principles.
Fair play to Cameron. I am not sure it needs much more analysis.
I'm noticing a distinct lack of concrete proof that tackling homophobia in sport drips down into society. It keeps getting repeated but where are the studies?
David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Nick Clegg, Ed Invisible… it doesn't seem to matter. They say all the right words but they never manage more than half measures. It's always baby steps here and there.
I'm sick and tired of baby steps. I'm not getting any younger here and I want to marry my other half before the world ends. I want to know bullying (not just homophobic/transphobic bullying) is being dealt with forcefully in schools. I want my freedom.
I suspect I'll be waiting some time with the current crop of politicians.
I think what we need is several closeted footballers to come out at the same time, not giving one alone the chance to be penalised for doing so.
Showing the clubs they are out there dealing in the same way rubgy is starting to do with.
I believe Sport seems to provide role models for youngsters who as with anything in life there should representation for those to aspire to.
Whilst Homopobia in sport needs more work I also believe that in these cases staying in the closet damages just as much.
Surely better work and protection, tackling homophobia comes from when they have people, footballers for example, they can focus on and then deal with these issues more directly and hopefully effectively.
All these heads of the various football associations present – let's hope that at long last it'll encourage some genuine effort to combat homophobia in football which may even – horrors! – result in a professional UK footballer coming out.
Your word in somebody's ear!
It would be so great for all the sports-mad, football enthused youngsters if a footballer came out. Here's hoping.
What happened to Marriage Equality? He goes on about civil partnerships on religious premises (which I presume to mean the ceremony taking place) but absolutely no word about marriage? Isn't there supposed to be a consultation (or whatever it's called) happening right now, if I understood the Equality Minister correctly. What's happened to that?
I liked a lot of the other points, but this omission hit a nerve. Come on, it's 2011!
Perhaps Callmedave assumed the obvious, that we all know how useless a consultation exercise is in this case and decided to ignore it. Or perhaps he realised how risky it is to stand up for equality when he knows the vast majority of his voters are against gay marriage.
I actually think thats what You want so you can carry on with the "I told you so" whinging.
"Or perhaps he realised how risky it is to stand up for equality when he knows the vast majority of his voters are against gay marriage."
And yet most of the polls show most people are FOR marriage Equality.
I think that comment shows you'd rather the Tories did nothing.
I can't speak for all but please don't think you can speak for the majority who actually want progress no matter who is willing to give it.
Beberts isn't interested in LGBT agenda moving forward, all he/she wants to do is score pathetic points on a message board. Failing miserably and is making her/him self look like a fool.
Neither you or JST seem to realise that a lot of us are dumb founded by the continued lack of mentioning of the words equal marriage by the PM and since the consultation starts in 2 weeks then the omission is even more surprising. Why does he continue to refuse to mention it? Simply saying this was all about sport is rubbish when other things were mentioned and not only sports stars were invited. As far as I know Ben Summerskill isn't well know for his sporting skills but for his lobbying skills. Where is marriage equality in all this prior to gay pride..Some of us aren't getting at the Tories or Cameron but at his continued lack of push towards equal marriage. Religious CPs are going to be with us until Feb 2012 , over 2 yrs after labour passed the bill. The speed to do this simple change doesn't bode well for equal marriage.
I agree Luke I think he wants this government to either stop Equal Rights or Do so and fail.
Puts into question he idiot himself and what he really stands for coz right now he looks more like a fraud.
It wasn't just about sport but it was about homphobia and tackling it weither in sport, in society or in schools.
Personally I think we are having a consultation starting in two weeks then why do we need to be constantly reassured about it when we wouldn't even be having this if the Labour government had remain. It is clear that the idea of religions CPs are just a stepping stone towards marriage Equality to show those bigotted church leaders, MPs, people in the street that they don't mean anything to anybody unless you are actually having such a ceremony, ie the world doesn't cave in on it's axis.
Religious CP's were mentioned because that is the next positive step forward, so it is only right that he promote that.
By all reckoning at the last Election too many were saying all these rights would dissappear, the usual scaremongering, so by those comments we weren't supposed to have this next step at all.
Of course those people have long "forgotten" such comments they made.
Both David Cameron and Nick Clegg have publically voiced support for both marriage and CP Equality.
We're not babies, we don't need pampering every two minutes.
Truth is both the PM and his deputy have already supported and your upset because they didn't get reported doing it when You wanted regardless of the fact they have both already shared their support to this.
"Some of us aren't getting at the Tories or Cameron but at his continued lack of push towards equal marriage"
You mean the consultation that is happening from 2 weeks, that the last Labour govenment didn't believe in, didn't want to give us is still a "lack of push?"
This consultation that this government promised to look into.
The first party to do so…
Awww bless… babbling baby Jock, there's no need to cry. Papa Dave is coming to change your nappies. … ….
Or is he? Dave, Dave, where are you? Daaaave…. ???
As usual you bring nothing constructive to the debate.
You really have no concept of what debate is do you ….
The consultation to allow the registration of a secular CP on religious premises ended yesterday. It should allow a handful of gay people , mostly quakers and unitarians to simply register their CP in "church". The CofE responded yesterday and said they won't do them until the Synod agrees ie never. Most churchs have opted out, the consultation was really about opting out not opting in or making CPs religious. Equal marriage consultation between "stakeholders", whoever they are??, sarts in 2 weeks. Yes, it's odd to omit and not publish something they ought to be proud of and something which we are told will be here by 2015, perhaps they're quibbling over what to call it, some Tories don't like the words "equal marriage" , perhpas they're going to revert to "gay" marriage …
Lord Tebbit – "…will (the govt) refrain from using in answers to parliamentary questions expressions such as "equal civil marriage and partnerships" for which they have no definitio
I wonder why u.k. people so stupid and they vote for that's strange idiot david cameron?…
Shut it troll queen!
you need shut your anus, idiot…. you stinks here too much….
Funny you talking about the thing you use to talk out of!
Incredible. Still an evil Tory, but we need to recognise how far this party has moved on and give credit where credit is due.
Hopefully the tories are on board, including their leader.
My American view is that GB is only a year or two away from having marriage for gays
its just aword but a big one that carries respect that CUs do not have.
We have a simlar situation in the USA. Some republicans, really Libertarians (socially liberal, economically stone age) do support gays.
But on serious issues few and far between, and the key base of our repub party are the evangel. christians who gave us slavery, the KKK hate group and segregation.
We shall see. But pls insure that deeds not words are done by your conservatives.
Where there is a wiwll, they will find a way.
And my impression from reading about AU is they are in the same space re soon to have marriage, not the CU hodge podge they have now.
And prob NZ will follow.
Leaving my country one of the lsast westernized nations to respect gays etc.
just as we were the last to end slavery.
Billy, I think your analysis is right. The USA is beset by the religious bigots to a far worse extent than here in the UK (nor so far I can see in Australia or New Zealand), and until the church v state separation issue is properly resolved by a resounding defeat for the former, I can see problems in making progress across your nation, even if state by state matter appear to change. An incoherent patchwork does not work. To paraphase Lincoln, a nation divided cannot stand half slave and half free.
Yay! David Cameron is brilliant.
If you believe that, you will believe anything. And in any event, you should never cheer a politician, it only encourages them.
I am positive towards the Prime Minister but otherwise agree with Dan. Never cheer a politician, regardless of their party.
I am sure there are rare occasions I would congratulate a politician and encourage them … cheer – nah!
It makes me sick when people fall for these (what I can only assume) pr stunts. Was it not the same David Cameron that first suggested it, but suggested that only same sex kisses would be banned until 9pm. Not that accepting after all!?
Well said Joe, i agree. DC wants to kick out homophobia in sport but you cant possibly allow a gay kiss before the tv watershed!? Come off it DC! What planet are u really on! Its perfectly acceptable to watch a straight couple kiss B4 9Pm so whats the difference Mr Cameron? Answer….just your blatent homophobia to a perfectly acceptable event in a world of true equality. Clearly Mr Cameron does not subscribe to this.
It should read: Why it's vital to kick homophobia out of politics.
Politicians used to have to resign in 'disgrace'. Now the old boy's club in that dinosaur zoo, are still homophobic and will always be. There will be a notable decrease in their homophobia only when full equality is given to all LGBT people, without fake debates like this one Cameron, all about YOU and no laws being changed.
Cameron is a self-serving maggot. I despise him. I despise anyone who would exploit the pain of others to gain points when NO LAW HAS CHANGED. He disgust me. I hope many non-gay people can see through this imbecile's exploitation here.
Couldn't agree more. There's been a round of nauseating back patting for that etonian f-ckpig, and it unerves me. This is gesture politics at its very flimsiest. He doesn't care about us, this is a PR exercise. And all you suburban fools that think that legisation changes anything, I advise you to hold hands with your partner walking through Parkhead in Glasgow. You'll quickly see how much "progess" has been made by these self congratuatory parasites. They don't care about you, they just want to appear to, to keep up the democratic masquearade. They need to go, all of them.
What is vital, David (Cameron), is to kick you out of U.K.'s government!
I was just going to say something about the people who are Bashing David Cameron.
I am not Tory, I generally frown on Right-Wing viewpoints when it comes to Social Change and businessey stuff, But I for one applaud Mr Cameron's attitude to LGBT rights.
The Joke wasn't meant to be offensive that's the case, maybe it was in poor taste but to define him by a momentary lapse in judgement (if you can call it that) is silly.
Two pence given!
More important to kick Herr Cameron out of Downing Street. Exploiting gay people for a photo opportunity, he despises gay people. I hate this warmonger and Fascist so much I can taste it. Just as I think he can't get any lower, he finds new depths.
I am from Canada, and even though we have same-sex marriage, our PM would never bother his ass to address the queer community, or their issues (at home/abroad). I think it's pretty cool.
I posted this comment already, but it doesn't seem to load. Sorry if you get it twice!
the article title is misleading, it only says homophobia yet the article mentions transphobia as well, if this was represented in the article's title then maybe T people would see we are represented in articles more than it seems. Transphobia is more widespread in sport than homophobia, a gay person isn't as obvious to the public as a trans person
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Anticipated tourism in St. George has sparked a Staten Island hotel boom, illustrated by a second Holiday Inn under construction in Travis and two new hotels planned for the North Shore.
And hotel moguls are hoping tourists don't just take a spin on the New York Wheel and shop in the Empire Outlets before taking the ferry back to Manhattan.
Instead, they're banking on tourists sticking around for a few days.
That goal is apparent by the 200-room hotel being planned for the Empire Outlets site, and a separate Lighthouse Point project that will include a 180-room hotel in St. George.
The newest hotel taking shape -- the sixth to be built in the borough in the last 13 years -- is a 105-room Holiday Inn, the third installment of the Long Island-based M&R Hotel Management operations in Travis that is expected to open by July.
"There's a lot of activity on Staten Island, including the raising of the Bayonne Bridge, building of the new Goethals Bridge and widening of the Staten Island Expressway that is all contract stuff that impacts us from an occupancy (for the workers) point of view," said Brian McSherry, chief operating officer of M&R Hotel Management.
"The more long-term result is the benefit from the St. George projects, like Lighthouse Point and Empire Outlets...There will be a huge amount of activity from concept and design until the end result for the leisure customers," he added.
Foreseeing the boom, M&R Hotel Management erected a Comfort Inn, a 93-room economy lodging facility, and Holiday Inn Express, a 95-room hotel about four years ago with the intention of building a third lodging facility on a two-acre plot of land on Wild Avenue.
"The new Holiday Inn will have a full restaurant and bar, room service and the rooms will be slightly larger than our other two hotels," said McSherry.
The demand for lodging in the borough is evident from the stay rate at the two existing M&R Hotel Management brand hotels.
"Last year the Holiday Inn Express ran in the mid-80 (percent) and the Comfort Inn at 80 percent full," said McSherry. "Both hotels are proceeding pretty well, and with all this activity happening it tells us that there's need for more."
And he's not afraid of being further away from the North Shore waterfront development.
"We will get our fair share (of business), but we will get more of our fair share of people looking for Holiday Inn brands," he said.
However, the Holiday Inn brand isn't new to the borough. The franchise occupied a Graniteville site -- now home to the Esplanade, a senior citizen residence -- in 1966, but in the 1990s, the Holiday Inn was bought out by an investment group that turned the building into the Staten Island Hotel. The hotel closed in 2010.
Meanwhile, borough development leaders say the hotel boom is overdue.
"We are not surprised by the influx of hotels and interest for more," said Cesar J. Claro, president and CEO of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation.
"A 2012 report that SIEDC issued showed that the borough was under served versus New York City and the country in terms of hotel rooms per population."PIONEER SPIRIT
Perhaps the pioneers in the hotel boom are Richard and Lois Nicotra, who erected the Hilton Garden Inn with 107 guest rooms, including 30 suites in Bloomfield in 2001. The couple added The Hampton Inn & Suites, a 200-room hotel seven years ago.
"The Hilton Garden Inn opened four days after the World Trade Center disaster, and a couple of months later 3,000 AT&T workers who were at the Teleport moved to New Jersey, so it was not a great time to open up a hotel," said Nicotra.
"I opened the hotel because I was embarrassed that Staten Island didn't have a great hotel. I hope I have filled that void of having a hotel that Staten Island people are proud of," he added.
And Nicotra isn't afraid of competition the new hotels might bring to his brand.
"I am cautiously optimistic about the new hotels that are coming to Staten Island, and I would like to know how my hotels on the west side of Staten Island, and other businesses on Staten Island, can benefit from what is happening in St. George," he said.
"My number one concern is my 500 hotel employees and to make sure I can provide them with good paying jobs. They depend on me to pay their mortgage, put food on their table and send their kids to school. It's very important that my hotels continue to do well," he added.
Before Nicotra built his hotels, there were few lodging options for visitors to the borough.
The long-standing Victory Motor Inn reopened as a Ramada Hotel in 2011, bringing another recognized hotel brand to the borough.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
By Barb Zaferos
July 13, 2013
The Business Journal serving Greater Milwaukee
July 13, 2013
The Business Journal serving Greater Milwaukee
The list of the largest Milwaukee-area performing arts groups and presenters is full of organizations and presenters enriching the cultural landscape of Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra tops The Business Journal's list, ranked by operating budget, with $18.1 million.
When asked the question about most rewarding performances of the past season, the response was the "Beyond the Score" collaboration with UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts.Read the full article at the Business Journal serving Greater Milwaukee.


text:
Hans-Peter Feldmann, The Three Graces.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Ausstellung 1.
Hans-Peter Feldmann.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Gespenst Telefon.
Hans-Peter Feldmann
Hans-Peter Feldmann, David, 2006.
Serpentine Gallery
Kensington Gardens
+ 44 (0)20 7402 6075
Hans-Peter Feldmann
April 11-June 3, 2012
A new comprehensive survey exhibition by the artist Hans-Peter Feldmann presents seminal works from throughout his career, from his influential early photographic series to new works displaying women's handbags.
Born in Germany in 1941, Feldmann soon became a key figure in the Düsseldorf art scene and is a contemporary of Joseph Beuys, Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke. Through his lifelong dedication to collecting, Feldmann has called attention to the cultural material that surrounds us by gathering images and everyday objects from disparate sources into meticulous installations.
Amongst Feldmann's earliest works are a series of booklets consisting of photographs of everyday subjects and situations from views of mountains to aircrafts in the sky to women's knees. In his latest works the artist has taken collecting a step further by purchasing a number of women's handbags along with their entire contents and displays them in traditional museum vitrines.
The exhibition also includes examples of his portraiture, a theme that Feldmann has returned to throughout his career. Whether reproducing a series of amateur snapshots from a friend's family album or meticulously documenting a woman applying her make-up in a series of photographs, Feldmann uses the genre of portraiture to explore the interior life of the individual as well as the material world that surrounds them.
Feldmann's exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery is his first solo presentation in a UK public gallery since winning the 2010 HUGO BOSS PRIZE and the resulting exhibition at Guggenheim Museum, New York (2011). Feldmann has presented many solo exhibitions internationally, including at Museo Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid (2010), Arnolfini, Bristol (2007), Museum Ludwig, Cologne (2003) and Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (1992). His work has been shown in numerous group exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale in 2009 and 2003 and Take Me I'm Yours at the Serpentine Gallery in 1995.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Hat with Photograph.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Closet.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, House Made of Measure Sticks.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Curtain with Golden Rings.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, 1 pair of Old Paintings.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Golden Shoes With Pins On Velvet.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Dollarnote Rot.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, two girls, one clipped, Courtesy 303 Gallery, New York, and the artist.
Hans-Peter Feldman, House made of Measuring sticks, Courtesy 303 Gallery, New York and the artist.
Hans-Peter Feldman, Lips, Courtesy 303 Gallery, New York and the artist.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 Fifth Avenue
New York
Annex Level 2 Gallery
Hans-Peter Feldmann
May 20-November 2, 2011
German artist Hans-Peter Feldmann (b. 1941, Düsseldorf) is the eighth artist to win this prestigious biennial award, established in 1996 by HUGO BOSS and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation to recognize significant achievement in contemporary art.
Feldmann has spent over four decades conducting a profound investigation into the influence of the visual environment on our subjective reality. Composing images and objects into serial archives, uncanny combinations, and other illuminating new contexts, his work unearths the latent associations and sentiments contained within the landscape of daily life. As the 2010 prizewinner, Feldmann received an honorarium of $100,000, and for his solo exhibition at the Guggenheim, he has chosen to pin this exact amount in overlapping one-dollar bills to the gallery walls.
The installation, which uses money that has previously been in circulation, extends the artist's lifelong obsession with collecting familiar material into simple groupings that reveal a nuanced play of similarity and difference. Throughout his practice, Feldmann has frequently demonstrated the impulse to divide an apparent whole into separate components; he has photographed every item in a woman's wardrobe (All the clothes of a woman, 1973), presented individual images of the strawberries that make up a pound of fruit (One Pound Strawberries, 2005), and created a sequence of 100 portraits showing individuals of every age in a collective lifespan of a century (100 Years, 2001).
Feldmann also has a history of resisting the art world's commercial structures, issuing his work in unsigned, unlimited editions and at one point retiring from art making altogether for nearly a decade in the 1980s. Bank notes, like artworks, are objects that have no inherent worth beyond what society agrees to invest them with, and in using them as his medium, Feldmann raises questions about notions of value in art. But his primary interest in the serial display of currency lies less in its status as a symbol of capitalist excess than in its ubiquity as a mass-produced image and a material with which we come into contact every day. At its core, this formal experiment presents an opportunity to experience an abstract concept — a numerical figure and the economic possibilities it entails — as a visual object and an immersive physical environment.
THE HUGO BOSS PRIZE 2010: Hans-Peter Feldmann is organized by Katherine Brinson, Assistant Curator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
In November 2010, Feldmann was selected as the prizewinner from a shortlist of finalists that included Cao Fei, Roman Ondák, Walid Raad, Natascha Sadr Haghighian, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. The award is given to an artist whose work represents a significant development in contemporary art and sets no restrictions in terms of age, gender, race, nationality, or medium.
The jury for the 2010 prize was chaired by Nancy Spector, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, and the jurors were Udo Kittelmann, Director, Nationalgalerie, Berlin; Alexandra Munroe, Samsung Senior Curator of Asian Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; Yasmil Raymond, Curator, Dia Art Foundation, New York; Joan Young, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art and Manager of Curatorial Affairs, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; and Tirdad Zolghadr, independent writer and curator. In the official award statement, the jury described its selection: "A key influence on generations of younger artists, Feldmann's work exhibits a vitality and keen originality that places it among the most compelling work being produced today. It is this critical engagement with the moment that we recognize in awarding him the HUGO BOSS PRIZE 2010."
Publication In conjunction with the HUGO BOSS PRIZE 2010, the Guggenheim has published a catalogue that explores the work of the 2010 finalists and features a specially commissioned project by each artist. The catalogue, designed by Project Projects, includes essays by Maria Lind, Jessica Morgan, Yasmil Raymond, Angeline Scherf, Helena Tatay, and Kaelen Wilson-Goldie, with an introduction by Katherine Brinson. It is available for $19.95 at guggenheim.org.
Hans-Peter Feldmann, Hat with photograph, Courtesy 303 Gallery, New York, and the artist.


text:
Port Allen feels like its already been written off this season before even taking a single snap.
The Pelicans lost standout seniors in quarterback/linebacker Darian Claiborne and running back/linebacker Jestin Kelly, and with a new-look district 7-3A that features four playoffs teams from a year ago – including defending state champs Parkview Baptist – they feel they aren't getting the respect they deserve heading into 2013.
"People say we aren't going to be anything since Claiborne and J.K. are gone," said junior left tackle Marcus Keyes. "But no, that's going to bring us up. That's going to make us more as a whole. We're going to put a lot of surprises on people's faces."
The skeptics do have a point. The loss of Claiborne, who signed with Texas A&M, and Kelly, now at Grambling State, leaves a large void both in the offensive backfield and at linebacker.
Coach Guy Blanchard said the duo combined for "about 70 or 80 percent" of the Port Allen's offense in 2012, leaving a natural dip in this year's squad.
Blanchard has spent the majority of the fall plugging in new pieces to fill the holes left by all 14 departing seniors but emphasized his confidence in the young talent the Pelicans are producing.
"(Claiborne and Kelly) going to leave huge shoes to fill, but the thing about it is that we're extremely talented," Blanchard said. "We're very talented in the backfield, but we're extremely young. "We don't have a lot of game experience. They just need to get some game experience under their belt and catch up to game speed and they'll be fine."
Blanchard said they're going to rely heavily on the skillful sophomore class, including Alex Hebert, who is set to take over at quarterback.
Hebert started every junior varsity game for Port Allen last season but is still picking up on the speed of the game at the varsity level. Pelicans players backed the new signal-caller, and Blanchard expressed his excitement for the potential-packed gunslinger.
"He's an extremely bright kid," Blanchard said. "He picks up on stuff very easily. He's tall, and he's got that prototypical quarterback frame. His progress has been slow but steady, and I'm liking is the continued improvement. Just keep getting better and better, that's the most important part."
Hebert checks in at 6-foot-2 and 160 pounds, and also maintains a 4.0 GPA in school, according to Blanchard, but with the inexperience under center, Hebert will likely rely on the defense to help keep the Pelicans in games.
Blanchard was pleased with the progression of the defense this offseason but said that with the departure of two stud starters at linebacker, Port Allen will need lean on the strong defensive line to get it through the early transition period.
"Him saying that means I've got to step up and be a leader on the line and a leader on defense, period," said senior defensive end Morris Miller. "We've been getting more physical with it and getting the plays right. Practice makes perfect. I think come game time, everything is really going to click and we're just going to be unstoppable."
Friday's practice began with different special teams drills - a third, often overlooked factor that Blanchard said will be a key component to the Pelicans success in 2013.
"We always make people prepare for us special teams wise," he said. "I can promise you in the first week there will be some stuff that'll come out whether it's a fake punt or whatever. We're going to make you prepare for our special teams."
The coaches and players alike believe all three factors will come together this season for Port Allen, culminating in a deep postseason run that will they hope will end at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Senior Terrione Thomas will likely see action in all three phases of the games, working as a wide receiver, cornerback and return specialist.
It'll be his fourth year on campus but his first time playing on a team with this much camaraderie – a group he calls "family" or "a band of brothers."
"Even if we're losing 0 to 100, as long as our whole team is giving effort, as long as we've got each other's back, that's all we need," Thomas said. "We've got the talent, the heart, the effort, we've just got to work hard. If we combine the individual talent, we won't be anything nice."
Mark Clements can be reached at email@example.com or 504.826.3405.


text:
New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced Tuesday that Central Amusement International (CAI), based in Parsippany, would spearhead the redevelopment and operation of the amusement park.
CAI will open the new "Luna Park at Coney Island" on Memorial Day of this year, featuring 19 new rides and creating 247 new jobs at the amusement park, according to a statement from Bloomberg's office. The new attractions include the Air Race, a large spinning ride, and a family-friendly roller coaster.
The new rides for the park will be built by Zamperla, Inc., an Italian amusement park ride manufacturer with its U.S. headquarters also in Parsippany, near the Boonton border.
Robert Barletta, a spokesman for CAI, said the company was prepared to tackle the quickly-approaching deadline.
"Based on CAI's extensive experience with developing and operating amusement parks, we have constructed a work schedule to be implemented between now and opening day, to include all phases of the process: construction, operations, hiring and marketing, just to name a few," Barletta said in an email.
Founded in 2002, CAI employs 28 people in its Morris County headquarters and Manhattan offices. Its first venture was the 2003 creation of the Victorian Gardens seasonal amusement park at Wollman Rinks in Central Park, which is open between Memorial Day and mid-September.CAI landed the Coney Island deal by responding to a November 2009 request for proposals from the city to operate three city-owned parcels on Coney Island. According to Bloomberg's office, CAI was selected based on, in part, the economic impact of the proposal, its financial feasibility and the company's qualifications and safety record.
CAI will lease the 12-acre site for 10 years, paying rent of $100,000 a year to the city. In addition to a $6.6 million investment in site preparation by New York City, CAI will invest a total of $30 million in the project.
After the 10-year lease runs out, the city will issue another request for proposals for a company to operate the park for 25 years.
Coney Island's renaissance will come over the course of two years. After the 2010 season, CAI will develop a second section of the park, the "Scream Zone at Coney Island," which will feature two roller coasters, a human slingshot ride and go-karts.
Still, some Coney Island rides, including Deno's Wonder Wheel Park and the Cyclone roller coaster, which has been designated a National Historic Landmark, will likely remain in the park.


text:
WEBSTER?CITY - The first commencement held in the new Webster City High School competition gym was bittersweet for many in the graduating class of 2013.
While senior class president Brenna Paukert said this ceremony was the next step in the lives of the young people graduating, another student speaker, Emily Elm, fought off tears that were shed for the fond memories of classmates that she may not see again for many years.
The class motto, a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, reads, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."?
Article Photos
Recent Webster City High School graduates toss their caps into the air following the presentation of diplomas at Sunday's commencement ceremony. There were 131 graduating students in the class of 2013.
Principal John Elkin began the ceremony by welcoming the attendees to the packed competition gym. After Paukert's welcome speech, the school's Purple and Gold Singers sang "Requiem,"?directed by Andrew Wotherspoon. The senior singers also sang "Time of Our Lives,"?and the concert band played "Aventura,"?in addition to an opening and closing songs.
Associate principal Troy Smock also gave special recognition to 20 students who graduated as Cessna Scholars with a grade point average of 3.75 or above.
Diplomas were presented to students by superintendent Mike Sherwood, WC school board president Pam Hayes and WC school board vice president Dan Ryherd.
Sherwood also announced the newest inductee into the Webster City School Hall of Fame. Alan Larson, who served as Foreign Services Officer for 32 years and was a 1967 graduate of WCHS.
The Hall of Fame was established during the 2000 to 2001 school year, according to Sherwood, and recognizes outstanding accomplishments and service from Webster City graduates. Sherwood said that members of the class of 2013 could, one day, be inducted into the Hall of Fame.


text:
The annual awards recognize people and organizations across the state that go the extra mile to promote the tourism and hospitality industry in Oregon.
Nominated by their peers, the award recipients are outstanding examples of professionals who, by virtue of their vision, perseverance and dedication, are a credit to Oregon's tourism and hospitality industry, according to the Oregon Tourism Commission.
The state's most prized recognition is the Governor's Tourism Award, which was presented to Lippitt for her contributions throughout the state, including: Oregon Birding Trails, Oregon Scenic Bikeways, Oregon Scenic Byways, Central Cascades Geotourism Initiative (with National Geographic) and Sustainable Tourism Advisory Committee.
Her passion is the preservation and enhancement of public lands. Lippitt has spent the last 25 years working as a professional services program manager with federal resource agencies, such as the National Park Service. Since 1999 she has served as the regional interpretive services and tourism program manager for the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management in the Pacific Northwest.
"It's an honor to recognize Bonnie for her many years of dedicated service," said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. "She has done so much to preserve the natural beauty and open spaces of Oregon so we in the tourism industry might have the privilege of promoting the scenic wonder that is Oregon."
The 2008 Tourism and Hospitality Industry Achievement Awards were announced in these categories:
The Gene Leo Memorial Award was established in 1994 to honor the late Gene Leo, known for his Oregon tourism contributions as director of the Oregon Zoo, Portland Rose Festival and the Portland Oregon Visitors Association (now Travel Portland). Gene was an enthusiastic man who revered Oregon's natural beauty, loved her people and enjoyed the outdoors with gusto. This award recognizes an outstanding contribution for a tourism-related activity or attraction focused on Oregon's natural beauty or outdoor recreation. The award was presented to Mt. Ashland Ski Area for its Youth Summer Service Program (YSSP), which provides teens an opportunity to learn about the mountain environment through hands-on projects and coordinated field study. In 2008, YSSP created a nature trail showcasing the geology, flora, fauna and history of Mt. Ashland, which allowed easy public access to the area for the first time.
The Creative Tourism Development Award recognizes an innovative program, promotion or product created by a business, person, group or region in Oregon that demonstrates a new way of thinking about the visitor industry. Travel Salem and Corvallis Tourism were separately recognized in this category.
Travel Salem was chosen for its innovative Travel Cafe, an interactive way to connect tourists to a destination. GPS units with pre-programmed tours and a retail gallery featuring products from the region are but a few examples why the Travel Cafe is a ground-breaking concept for visitor centers.
Corvallis Tourism was selected for a program created to assist local restaurants. The winter storms of December 2008 kept patrons away and many restaurants faced financial hardship. Corvallis Tourism created "Culinary Week" to help boost restaurant revenue and keep businesses afloat. They used social media outlets to drive visitors to www.corvallisculinaryweek.com, where potential customers could download special deals to local eateries. Within 48 hours of inception, more than 1,600 people logged onto the Web site to download certificates for discounts at local restaurants.
The Volunteer Achievement Award recognizes a volunteer or volunteer program that freely donates time and exemplifies how volunteerism contributes to the development of the Oregon tourism and hospitality industry. The award was presented to David and Shirley Bridgham for their leadership managing the "Holiday Lights" volunteers at Shore Acres State Park near Charleston. The event began in 1987 with one Christmas tree and 9,000 visitors, and now displays 250,000 holiday lights, attracting more than 45,000 visitors a year.
The Partnership Award recognizes the efforts of a group of tourism industry organizations that together created and promoted a successful tourism program (or product) greater than the sum of its parts. It was presented to Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Olympic Trials Partnership, which secured premium booth placement at Eugene '08 Olympic Track and Field Trials and promoted the area by highlighting its connection to Steve Prefontaine. Community involvement in the booth was extraordinary. State Rep. Arnie Roblan, Linda Prefontaine, city officials and many more volunteered their time in order to promote the region. The Prefontaine Memorial in Coos Bay saw increased traffic due to their efforts, as did the Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston visitor centers.
The Sustainable Tourism Award recognizes an individual, business, organization, program, community or region that demonstrated a strong commitment to conserving Oregon's natural and cultural resources by its leadership in environmental stewardship and socially responsible practices. The award was presented to Full Sail Brewing Co. of Hood River for its commitment to sustainability. The employee-owned company operates a brew house made of reclaimed and recycled materials, subscribes to wind power for its facility's energy needs and utilizes a hot water recovery system that saves millions of gallons of water per year. Moreover, Full Sail includes local ingredients in its brews whenever possible and uses 100 percent recycled paperboard in all its packaging.
The Heritage Tourism Award recognizes outstanding use of Oregon's cultural or natural history by an Oregon individual, organization, business, community or region, in order to draw visitors to the state. The award was given to Mission Hill Museum for "Facing Statehood," a sesquicentennial exhibition that reflects on the years leading up to Oregon's admission to the Union as the 33rd state. This collaborative effort considered all peoples involved in the story of Oregon's statehood, including the Kalapuya (as well as other Northwest native groups), explorers, French-Canadian trappers, missionaries, Oregon Trail pioneers and more. The research dealt with environmental, economic, cultural, ethnic and political issues, as well as social movements. In conjunction with this award, the Mission Hill Museum was given the Frank Branch Riley Oregon Heritage Tourism Award. It is a "traveling" plaque that will reside at the museum until next year's presentation on April 11, 2010.
For more information on these awards, go to www.oregontourismconference.com.
-- Terry Richard; email@example.com


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Coleman goes from doghouse to D-line stalwart
Davon Coleman cleans up his act, grows into defensive stalwart for Sun Devils.
TEMPE, Ariz. -- When Todd Graham took over the Arizona State football team in December, he immediately enacted a new standard of conduct. Some players struggled to adjust, even to the point a few left the program.
But for junior defensive lineman
Davon Coleman, a brush with a premature end to his ASU career was just the wakeup call he needed.
"When I was just on the borderline of being kicked off the team for small stuff, not living up to the standards, that really just opened up my eyes," Coleman said. "Even though I didn't really feel like I did that much stuff wrong, I just wasn't living up to the standard."
Coleman has come a long way from being the guy Graham recently said had "probably been in my doghouse more than any other player," retaking his starting spot on the defensive line and becoming perhaps ASU's most versatile lineman.
"You want to do this job and you want to impact people's lives," Graham said. "He's a guy that I can see how he's transformed himself. I'm really proud of him."
Coleman admits the discipline Graham and his staff demanded came as a shock to him and many other players, particularly because former coach Dennis Erickson ran a loose program that became known for its lack of discipline.
Coleman saidhe was not prepared for the adjustment, despite his understanding the program needed more structure.
"I didn't transition well to the things I'm doing today," Coleman said. "It took a while for me to grasp on to the things (Graham) preached on a daily basis."
Added Graham: "It was a lot of little things. It was probably just learning a different way of doing things. The structure, discipline, and accountabilities were probably the hardest things."
The struggle to meet expectations cost Coleman much of spring practice, undoing the momentum he had gained in the 2011 season. He had played in all 13 games, started three, and racked up 42 tackles and 2.5 sacks, positioning himself to start at defensive end in 2012.
"That was hard," Coleman said. "That was like my first time being suspended from a team or anything. I didn't respond well at first."
When Coleman did return, the on-field adjustment proved just as difficult.
He was not the only player straining to keep up in Graham's fast-paced system, but his off-the-field issues compounded the struggle. Co-defensive coordinator Paul Randolph said Coleman was out of shape and "struggled immensely" adjusting to the speed of the new defense.
Randolph admitted there was some uncertainty about whether Coleman would ever see the field for ASU again. Coleman, though, never doubted he would back with the Sun Devils this season.
"I knew I would do whatever it took to be on this football team," Coleman said. "I always knew I'd be back on the team and I'd do whatever it took to be back with my teammates again."
Coleman buckled down over the summer, working overtime in the team's strength and conditioning program and adjusting his mind-set to fit with the new culture.
"I think during the summer he shifted gears and he started growing into the player, into the person, into the Davon that's going to be successful," Randolph said. "Naturally, it's showing up in everything he does. His grades are improved, his work ethic is improved, everything about him is getting better.
"It was just saying no to Davon and saying yes to the team, just understanding that 'I am one eleventh of the defense.'"
Coleman came to fall camp look to earn a staring job at defensive end but ultimately lost out to Junior Onyeali. His place on the second-team was short-lived, though, as he worked his way into the starting lineup by ASU's fourth game. He was playing defensive end and nose tackle while also seeing time on offense as a fullback, giving running backs a 282-pound body to run behind.
When star defensive tackle Will Sutton suffered a bone bruise against Oregon two weeks ago and Onyeali hurt his shoulder in the same game, Coleman suddenly became even more important. He was moving between the inside and outside, helping fill the void.
"He can start at any position, and he has during the last couple weeks," Randolph said. "To me it just shows what type of talent he has, but also how smart he is."
In last week's loss to UCLA, Coleman started for Sutton and compiled five tackles and a sack. He could start at tackle again this week if Sutton is not ready to return. If Onyeali misses more time, Coleman might again play nearly every snap as he did against UCLA.
It means a great deal to Coleman that he's earned coaches' trust enough that they have relied on him to hold the line together, but he still thinks he can do more. In eight games, Coleman has tallied 29 tackles including 5.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks.
"I don't ever think I've made it or anything," Coleman said. "There's always something to improve in football or in life. I'm nowhere near where I want to be."
That might be, but considering how close Coleman came to getting kicked off the team, it's remarkable how integral a part of ASU's defense he has become.
"Davon declared 'I'm going to be here, I'm going to be a part of it and I'm going to do whatever you ask me to do,' " Randolph said. "And he's done every bit of it. I think he's 100 percent bought in, and I think he believes in what we're doing."


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FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- They don't have their own stadium or practice field. They train on the outfield of the baseball diamond at Fairfield City Park.
They didn't play football at all until 1989 and then took a break from 1995-2003. This small private school also wasn't even playing 11-man football until 2008.
Yet Restoration Academy won its first AISA football championship in 2012. The team returns 20 starters this fall and seems like a shrewd pick to repeat as Class 1A AISA football champions.
But not as unlikely as four players holding NCAA Division I FBS or FCS offers on a 35-man roster on the first day of August.
Bulldogs coach Dewayne Coker made a safe guess when he estimated he'll likely see seven members of his 2013 team play on Saturday at some level of college football.
The biggest of those is Deon "Shaq" Calhoun. He's 6-foot-2 and 301 pounds.
He's always been fast and he still is despite being an offensive guard prospect. He holds scholarship offers from the likes of Memphis, Tulane and UAB.
Coker said Calhoun was timed at 4.8 seconds in the 40-yard dash at a Mississippi State camp this summer.
He answered the question with the University of Georgia of all places. Why? Well, he's actually a Florida fan.
But that's too far away for his family to come see him play. He also likes the red, black and white colors.
That's the uniform color scheme he'd like to see his Restoration Bulldogs wear.
Calhoun picked up the "Shaq" nickname for obvious reasons. He was pretty big for his size growing up and could move around despite his massive frame.
The tagline just came naturally around the neighborhood. His quickness and foot speed makes him an ideal pulling guard in the Restoration offense. Look for him to clear the way for a lot of big carries this fall.
Running back Cortney Wilbanks (6-0, 230) has Alabama A&M, Florida A&M and Jacksonville State offers. He ran for 1,223 yards at 11 yards per carry and 16 touchdowns in 2012.
Wilbanks also likes Georgia. Calhoun said that's another reason why he was dreaming of playing in Athens one day.
Wide receiver Branden Williams (6-4, 200) is a rising junior with an offer from Jacksonville State. Williams, just like his teammate Calhoun, is also being tracked by Mississippi State along with Calhoun.
Cornerback Raheem Lopez (6-2,180) has offers from Liberty (Va.) and UAB.
Those are just the Bulldogs holding scholarship offers out of a school with approximate enrollment numbers of 160 students and just 78 boys.
Is this a one-year run? Calhoun and Wilbanks can point to the talented 10th graders and other young talent on the team and feel like the program is in good shape for at least a strong four or five-year run.
Coker says that Restoration should move up the AISA Class AAA during the next reclassification period.
The Bulldogs open the year on the road against Bessemer Academy on Aug. 22.


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Former premier Danny Williams will be announcing a "new brand identity" for the massive real estate development project in the works in Southlands.
Danny Williams
The development, which has previously been called Glencrest, is currently in the early phases of development.
Williams has said the 2,400 acre project will create a development the size of Gander.
The development is often casually referred to as "Dannyland" or "Dannystan."
The announcement will take place at 11 a.m.


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A record number of Americans are poor. And by any measure, the poverty rate is rising.
Church leaders can appreciate the challenges
that St. Paul's has faced. Yet there is something profoundly right about
a moral protest in a cathedral courtyard.
An irony of Christian life amid the Arab Spring is that Christians have
frequently been protected by the authoritarian regimes that are under


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BESSEMER, Alabama -- The members of the board of the Bessemer Airport Authority are grateful to Regions Bank and Bessemer city officials for working out a recent funding agreement that will significantly reduce the amount of the airport's annual loan payments to Regions, according to the board's attorney, George Douglas.
And the City of Bessemer -- for the first time since 2008 -- will no longer have its $800,000 certificate of deposit held by the bank as security for the airport's loan, according to Bessemer City Attorney Shan Paden.
The agreement was approved by the Bessemer City Council on July 16 and provides $60,000 in annual funding for the Authority to be used for loan payments.
"This funding will come in part from ad valorem property taxes on aircraft based at the airport, and partly from the city's general fund," Douglas said in an email to AL.com July 24.
This will cover about 80 percent of the annual payments on the Authority's remaining debt for a large aircraft hangar and terminal building that were built in the mid-1990s, Douglas said.
The Authority's annual payments to Regions have been about $72,000, Bessemer City Attorney Shan Paden told council members prior to the July 16 approval of the agreement.
The Authority will be responsible for the remaining $12,000 of the loan payments after the new funding, according to Paden.
"The Authority will pay the balance of the loan payments out of its revenues from fuel sales and hangar rentals at the airport," Douglas said.
The members of the Authority board declined comment on the matter, but according to Douglas, they "expressed gratitude" to the city council for the new funding, which they said "will free up other revenues for regular required maintenance at the airport."
Members of the authority are also grateful to Regions Bank, which agreed to finance the loans in 2008 after Wachovia Bank, formerly SouthTrust, refused to continue to carry the loan, according to Douglas.
"Regions stepped up to help us finance this debt when other banks wouldn't, and they have been an important financial partner with us in keeping the Bessemer Municipal Airport financially healthy," he said.
The airport currently has two outstanding notes with Regions -- one for about $619,000 and a line of credit for $100,000, according to Paden, who said these obligations are to be combined into one note for about $720,000.
He said that Regions would release the city's certificate of deposit, which was offered as collateral for the loan.
The loan agreement, which lasts for two years, also states that the members of the Authority board are to receive no salary or income, according to Paden.
The terms of the original loan with Regions was negotiated in September 2008 during the administration of former Bessemer Mayor Ed May.
The Bessemer Municipal Airport is owned by the City of Bessemer. The Authority, a separate local government body, operates the airport under a long-term lease from the city.
Regions Bank declined to comment on the agreement. "It is our policy not to discuss customer relationships," a bank spokesperson said today in an email to AL.com.
For more news from Bessemer, go to www.al.com/bessemer.


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THE US President poked fun at himself, Congress, the Secret Service, the media and particularly his rival Mitt Romney on Saturday night, mocking his Republican opponent as a fuddy-duddy rich guy who travels with his dog in a cage strapped to the roof of the family car, The New York Times reports.
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US President Barack Obama displays an appetite for light-hearted jabs at his opponents at annual dinner event.
Delivering the traditionally comic remarks at the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, Barack Obama seemed to enjoy needling Romney just days after the presidential election contest effectively got under way.
The highlight was a spoof Romney ad showing the former governor at the door of Air Force One with a dog cage on top of the aircraft. Families are off limits, Obama declared. ''Dogs, however, are apparently fair game,'' he said.
Obama pointed out that he was speaking in a cavernous hotel ballroom, or ''what Mitt Romney would call a little fixer-upper''.
He noted that he and Romney both had degrees from Harvard University, but the Republican had two. ''What a snob,'' Obama joked. And he said after his own appearance on Jimmy Fallon's late-night TV show last week, Romney ''asked if he could get some equal time on the Merv Griffin Show'''.
Appearing before the official entertainer of the evening, Jimmy Kimmel, Obama also targeted a couple of other Republican critics. Noting the presence of Newt Gingrich, who is expected to withdraw from the Republican race as early as tomorrow, Obama called out, ''Newt there's still time, man!''.
And he took aim at Sarah Palin, mocking her famous line from the 2008 convention as well as Republican criticism of him for eating dog meat while a boy in Indonesia. ''What's the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull?'' Obama asked. ''A pit bull is delicious.''
Even Michelle Obama looked askance at that one.


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65 percent of Americans reluctant to invest in oil stocks; women, young people and Hispanics even less inclined, a new survey shows.
Whether it is a direct result of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, growing concern about the link between burning fossil fuels and global warming, or a general uneasiness about year after year of record profits being made by big oil companies, a new study finds Americans are increasingly reluctant to invest in oil stocks.
Commissioned by the investment firm, Edward Jones, the study of 1,009 adults found that a sizable 65 percent majority of Americans are reluctant to invest in oil company stocks.
An interesting disparity in gender emerged as an overwhelming 71 percent of women compared to 58 percent of men say they would not choose oil company stocks if they had money to invest.
Conducted between July 22 and July 25 by the Opinion Research Corporation for Edward Jones, the survey found that age also played a significant role in whether an individual showed support for investing in oil. 41 percent of Americans between the ages of 45 and 54 are the most likely of all the age groups sampled.
Young people, those between the ages of 18 and 34 are the least likely to invest in oil company stocks. Nearly three quarters of respondents (72%) between the ages of 18 and 34 say they would not invest in oil stocks.
Americans in the highest income brackets are slightly more inclined to put money in oil company stocks than lower earners. Forty percent of respondents with an annual income between $75,000 -- $100,000 and 44 percent of those making more than $100,000 responded they would invest in oil stocks.
The survey showed little difference in opinion based on education levels, household size and geographic distribution. Also, race did not appear to have a statistically significant influence, although Hispanics responded most reluctantly toward investing in oil stocks.
Many unaware of their existing oil investments
It should be noted that despite many Americans' apparent unwillingness to invest in oil stocks, the overwhelming majority of people who have any kind of IRA, 401k, mutual fund or retirement plant have money tied up in oil and gas investments, they just aren't aware of it.
If you're not sure how your portfolio stacks up, talk to your financial adviser or company 401k administrator and see exactly where your money is going. Don't like what you see? Consider retooling your portfolio to reflect your desire to get out of oil, or any other sector you may have misgivings about supporting financially. Better yet, have all the work done for you and look into socially and/or environmentally-conscious mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Granted, even these can have some oil and gas investments so read carefully or be explicit with your adviser about what you are looking for and your guidelines for investing responsibly.
Photo: CC Licensed by Canon in 2D


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Short Imagined Monologues
Send your short imagined monologues to firstname.lastname@example.com.
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An Overeager New Dad Celebrates the Birth of His Son.
Thanks for coming, everyone. Tonight is special. Tonight we welcome little Julian to the world, to OUR world, and celebrate his safe birth and the good health of him and his mother. Cheers, Veronica. Tonight is for you. For you! You did it, and I love you, honey. You really rocked the delivery.
Which, of course, our video posse captured in high-definition. We'll watch the full video in the screening room right after we've eaten, but for now, I'd like to draw your attention to this series of paintings on the wall. These are video stills from the delivery itself, magnified 100 times and rendered in Conté by the artist Tonté, who lives in the apartment downstairs. She'll be bringing up the rest of the series tomorrow. Please take special interest to the still nearest the kitchen. Veronica honey, that's your perineum at 2000 pixels per inch! What do you think?
It's okay. You can take the painting down, though that was my favorite. Though I wish you hadn't used scissors. Oh well. I'll explain to Tonté.
This evening was my idea, so I'll be speaking for the family. Julian obviously couldn't be here because he needs his sleep. But don't worry, Veronica gave the nanny two full baby bottles, each with a custom top designed to be an exact replica of one of Veronica's nipples. They're fantastic. They were a baby present from our friends, the sculptors Lars and Lars von Larston. Who are here! Hi Lars, Hi Lars! Thanks for the nipples! They also made a polyurethane model of Julian's crazy swollen skull, right after the baby was born.
Veronica, please sit down and stop pacing. Everything is fine.
Please now, raise your glasses. The short ones, with the stuff in them. Listen, we're proud to share with you the gift of life. Each of you, our very best friends, receives in this glass a few teaspoons of colostrum. I collected it before the baby was born—mainly while you were sleeping, Veronica. Also, while Julian was struggling to latch in the hospital, I was there to catch the milk that would otherwise have been wasted as it ran down V's sweaty abdomen. Don't you worry; Julian received plenty. Also, the colostrum has been fermented, in the style of our Kyrgyz cousins, to bring all of you good health and prosperity.
Drink up!
What? Drink up!
Please. Go on!
Thank you. Where's Sally going? I hope it's not contagious. I'd like to tell you a little bit about the tapas I've laid out on the table. Tonight's menu is all about Julian. Literally! The delicacies you've been snacking on have been provided by the guest of honor.
What's that? He's too young to cook? Nonsense! This baby is delicious! Ha ha ha!
Wait, Veronica, did something just break in the kitchen?
Oh well. As we all know, Randy and Johnette planted Hazel's placenta under a tree. Silvey and Scooter dried Beagle's placenta and had it encapsulated, so they could take it like a vitamin. I thought, what a brainstorm! Ha ha! Did you take your placenta today? Did you?
Well, I didn't want to be derivative, but obviously I wanted to do something special. So I talked to Livvi Barker, the chef from Chez Mi, who came up with an inspired recipe. Placenta pâté! Now, obviously, she needed a placenta to work with, so I convinced another couple from our Bradley class to donate theirs for the sake of perfection. It took some real persuasion—and a little subterfuge—on my part, but guess who walked away from their delivery with the placenta? In any case, Livvi made the most of it. She really got the recipe right. Besides, Julian didn't need it any more! Julian's pâté was on the maroon plate with the butter crackers, but I see it's all gone. Well, that's too bad. I'd been hoping to try it myself. Not like we can just go order some more. Darn it.
Moving on to the cheese tray! Shhh. As many of you know, Julian's nails grew pretty quickly. And we've had to trim them a few times already so the poor guy doesn't keep scratching himself. Well. Veronica, never one to waste a thing, collected them all and one day she got hungry and just popped one in her mouth. That's when she realized how delicious they would be if they were caramelized, and embedded in a block of Roquefort cheese. Many of you have been asking about the delicious accoutrement on the Roquefort; thank Julian's little fingers for those!
Okay, okay, it's true. Veronica had nothing to do with that one, either. All me! I should also tell you, so you don't accuse me of holding back, that I did mix in some of the yellow goop that surrounds Julian's right eye in the morning because he has a blocked duct. I think it's kind of sweet!
Wait! Everyone's leaving? Honey, is something burning? Okay, we can skip the screening. But listen, everyone. On your way out, don't forget to pick up a gift bag. It contains a face mask made from Julian's meconium, some of which came out of Veronica when her water broke.
Take a picture and send it to us! Your beautiful, youthful faces, smeared in his first gift to the world, will be thanks enough to me for coming. Go on, take one. Go on! Take one! Now!
See all articles from this column
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Cairo Santos is arguably the best kicker in Tulane football history. And now the NFL rookie, an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs, is waging a battle with incumbent place kicker Ryan Succop for starting duties.
Here's an excerpt from a story on kckingdom.com on the competition:
"The Chiefs didn't bring Santos in for nothing. It's time for Succop to compete for his spot on the team and show that he's got what it takes to be the Chiefs' kicker next season and possibly longer. The team gave him a 5-year contract at the end of 2011 worth $14 million and it's time for him to show that he's worthy of that contract.
Last year Succop only missed on six attempts, but I was still never confident in him. Anytime the Chiefs were going for a field goal whether it was 20 or 50 yards away, I didn't believe in Succop.
Santos, on the other hand, might be good for Kansas City. He had quite the leg during his college football days, which is something that Succop lacks. Santos was able to knock through a 57 yarder (a Tulane school record)."


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Kelly Gavin photos from the Rangers opener at the Ballpark in Arlington
2 Comments
Pictures make an Okie wish he had been in Texas. A tag thought … giving Kinsler what's due. Just when the situation called for it, he lined a clean single to right field – well done popgun. And Andrus, he hit the ball hard all day. Great middle combination.
Nice pictures~ Kelly Gavin is an excellent photographer. I appreciate how he captures the passion & intensity!! Enjoyed his spring training photos too. Thank you for posting these. Awesome!


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This deal has ended.
Get the Under Armour NFL Youth Combine Performance Shorts regularly $39.95 and now on sale for $19.99 at Fanatics. This is the lowest price we could find on these shorts by at least $17. These shorts have two front pockets and mesh side panels. It has HeatGear fabric which allows for extra cool and dryness during play. It comes in sizes S-XL. Plus, three day shipping is free for Fanatics Rewards Members. With this free membership, you'll also get 5% Fan Cash merchandise credit on orders over $50 and 10% Fan Cash on orders over $100. Returns are also free for new members. Sales tax is charged in most states.No longer available