Our blog has MOVED!

Hi Everyone!

We want to thank all of you for following our blog the last couple of years. We want to let you know that going forward you may read our blog at www.competemag.com.
Click on the "COMMUNITY" tab and scroll to the bottom of the page to see our blog postings. Feel free to join our community, as well!

Alexander proud of his Gay Games Victory

Former bodybuilding champion, Lucas Alexander, has triumphed at the Gay Games in Cologne to bring home the Gold Medal for Great Britain.



Competing in the Senior category (for ages 21-39) Alexander outclassed all the other competitors with his stunning physique.



Lucas is no stranger to competitive bodybuilding and has previously won titles at


Won 1995 Heavyweight British Bodybuilding Championship, then immediately turned professional
Won Under 21 British Bodybuilding Championship (1993),runner up Under 21 European Bodybuilding Championship (1993) and won Under 18 British Bodybuilding Championship (1990)





On accepting his gold medal Lucas said “I was very proud to represent my country at this international event and I am delighted I could win this title for Britain.”



He also congratulated the other competitors; “I was up against some top athletes who really caused me to up my game in order to take the top title. They really were a great bunch of guys and the atmosphere was friendly and collegiate, even though there was a world title at stake.”



Alexander has been in preparation for this event for several months. “This is the hardest I have ever worked for a competition. Preparing for a major event is always hard but coming back to it after a long break has meant I needed to put in extra effort all along the way.”



Next Lucas plans to compete in European Championships but first he has scheduled himself a short break. “I need to eat normally for a while and treat myself to all those things I had to cut out in order to get excellent muscle definition. The first thing I am going to do as soon as I get home is have a strawberry cup cake.”



About Lucas Alexander.

Alexander, 37, is a London born muscle, fitness and nutrition coach who provides personal training advice to a range of clients including athletes, celebrities, executives and anyone who wants to get great muscle definition. He runs an online training practice through is website www.lucasalexander.net.

Formal Closing Ceremony at the Tanzbrunnen

With a great party the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will end on Saturday, Aug, 7. At the Tanzbrunnen in Deutz the participants and spectators can expect a diverse show program with fire artists and high class cheerleaders from the US, who already provided a great show at the Neumarkt. The great choir, who sang already at the opening ceremony, will be performing at the closing ceremony as well. A DJ will be playing trendy music.

The closing ceremony will also have ceremonial moments. The Gay Games Flame will be extinguished after one week. Following, the flag of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) will be handed over to the team from Cleveland, where the next Gay Games will take place. Mayor of Cologne, Elfi Scho-Antwerpes will thank the 10.000 participants in the name of Cologne.

Afterwards samba drummers will turn up the heat for the visitors. The official Gay Games hymn “Facing the miracle” will be sung again. For many participants the Gay Games mean a week of freedom as in many countries homosexuality cannot be lived openly. The sense of community belongs to the spirit of the Gay Games. At the closing ceremony the participants from 70 nations should feel this atmosphere again.

Tickets for the closing ceremony are available at www.games-cologne.com or at the Gay Games Shop at the Neumarkt Mall. Remaining tickets will be sold at the evening box office. Tickets are at 20 Euros (18 Euros with the IKEA Family card)

The closing ceremony of the Gay Games
Date : Saturday, Aug, 7

Start: 7 pm

Location: Tanzbrunnen, Koeln-Deutz

Ticket presale : www.games-cologne.com

Gay Games® VIII Set to Open in Germany This Saturday 31 July

2200 Americans are among 9500 participating athletes from 65 Countries



Cologne, Germany – The 8th international Gay Games® will get underway in Cologne, Germany, this Saturday with a lavish Opening Ceremony at RheinEnergie Stadium, the 40,000-seat home stadium of the city’s football club. The 2010 Gay Games will be the continent’s largest sports & cultural festival since the Gay Games were last in Amsterdam in 1998. Many of the 9500 athletes and artists, including 2200 Americans, are already enroute to Germany’s “gay capital” on the Rhine River. They will participate in 34 different sports and 5 cultural events from 31 July to 7 August when the Gay Games close. Full details are available at http://www.games-cologne.com/



Opening Ceremony

The Gay Games Opening Ceremony will feature the traditional parade of athletes and will be officially opened by openly gay German Vice Chancellor Dr. Guido Westerwelle. Performers include international pop sensation and Swedish “Idol” winner Agnes and American diva Taylor Dayne performing the brand new Gay Games anthem, “Facing a Miracle.” Information about television broadcasts and live web-streaming will be announced at www.games-cologne.com in coming days.



History

Cologne marks the 8th quadrennial Gay Games. First held in 1982 in San Francisco, the Gay Games have become one of the world’s largest sporting events, routinely drawing more athletes than the Olympics. Previous host cities have included San Francisco (1982, 1986), Vancouver (1990), New York (1994), Amsterdam (1998), Sydney (2002), and Chicago (2006). In four years, Gay Games IX will take place in Cleveland/Akron in 2014.



While the 9500 participating athletes are fewer than participated in Chicago in 2006 (11,700), the Cologne organizers are ecstatic at the numbers. “We planned for as few as 8,000 participants given the worldwide economic downturn,” said Annette Wachter, CEO of Games Cologne. “We’ve exceeded our projections and can’t wait to welcome everyone to Cologne.” The 9,500 participants do not include another almost 2,000 locals who will be participating in the half-marathon. Each Gay Games injects $50 to $80 million into the local economy with 10 years of residual tourism impact.



The Gay Games were founded by American Olympic decathlete Dr. Tom Waddell and are based upon the principles of Inclusion, Participation and Personal Best™. The Gay Games are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or ability. Many of the competitions are run similarly to international Master’s competitions with divisions established for age and gender. Team sports have divisions based upon ability allowing competitive as well as recreational athletes to participate. Cultural events are also open to all including band, chorus and cheer teams.



Statistics from the 2010 Gay Games

Countries with more than 30 participants: Germany (2955), United States (2219), United Kingdom (841), Netherlands (658), France (524), Australia (363) Switzerland (248), Canada (196), Belgium (161), Denmark (147), Italy (140), Spain (105), Austria (95), Ireland (89), Norway (62), Hungary (52), New Zealand (52), Czech Republic (52), Sweden (49), Russian Federation (49), Finland (45), South Africa (39), and Croatia (30).



Other countries with at least one participant include: Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Montenegro, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.



Worldwide, the 10 cities with the largest number of participants include (in order) Cologne, London, Berlin, Paris, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Munich, Hamburg, New York and Chicago.



Soccer is the most popular sport 1055 participating athletes. Other top sports include Swimming (896), Volleyball (847), Tennis (617), Marathon/Half (600 + 2000 locals), Road Races/5K & 10K (545), Dancesport (512), Track & Field (455), Badminton (414) and Basketball.



Other sporting & cultural events being offered include: Band Festival, Beach Volleyball, Bodybuilding (Physique), Bowling, Bridge, Cheerleading, Chess, Choir Festival, Cycling, Diving, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Handball, Ice Hockey, Inline Speed Skating, Martial Arts, Pool-Billiard, Powerlifting, Sailing, Softball, Sport Climbing, Sport Shooting, Squash, Synchronised Swimming, Table Tennis, Triathlon, Triathlon Team, Visual Arts, Water Polo, and Wrestling.

FORD IS OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE GAY GAMES VIII

Cologne, July, 28 2010 – On Monday this week July, 26, 6 vehicles, provided by Ford for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010, were handed over to the drivers. This is only one component of the official partnership between the Ford factory Cologne and the organizers of the Gay Games.

Ford overall provides 65 employees within the community-involvement-initiative to support the Games at 157 shifts. 6 vehicles are provided also, four Transits, a Focus as well as a Mondeo which will be used for transportation of athletes and volunteers. Furthermore, the parking lot at the Fuehlinger See, owned by Ford will be open to the public during the races on the lake.

At the Gay Games, taking place every 4 years, nearly 10.000 participants from over 70 nations have registered. 35 sports, 5 cultural events are on the program and numerous events and parties are on the supporting program.
According to the motto “Be part of it!” “Diversity” base of Ford, naturally everybody can participate at the Games from July, 31 till Aug, 7, no matter the sexual identity.
The Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will be declared formally open with a spectacular show on Saturday, July, 31 2010 at the RheinEnergieStadium. Tickets from 27,50 Euro at www.games-cologne.de.

Two-Day Baby Dragon 180 Ride Roars Into Gear

We received this information this morning from the LA Gay Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to compete in Cycling and raise money for homeless gay youth. Our community sometimes forgets about those of us who aren't old enough to be seen in a bar, so this sheds light on an issue for which there should be more awareness.

Beautiful, Fully Supported Ride from L.A. to Santa Barbara and Back, Sept. 25-26,
Supports L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Life-saving Services

LOS ANGELES, July 27, 2010 –Ready to leave the city behind and enjoy a weekend ride—on a bike—through some of California’s most beautiful countryside? On Saturday, September 25 those ready for a unique and fun get-away will kick their wheels into gear as participants in the second annual Baby Dragon 180 Ride—a fully supported two-day bike ride from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara and back.


Registration, limited to just 150 (experienced and novice) cyclists, is still open for the 180-mile ride that benefits several life-saving programs of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and is produced by the same team that has made the seven-day AIDS/LifeCycle (ALC) such a success. The beautiful route takes riders on a scenic journey through some of Southern California’s most picturesque beaches, rolling hills, vineyards and orange groves. All meals and accommodations are included in the cost of registration, including a night at the quaint Lemon Tree Inn in Santa Barbara.



“Even if you’ve never pedaled a bike before, I promise you the Baby Dragon 180 Ride is your chance to say YES to a challenge that can and will change your life,” says actor Chad Allen (Saved; Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman). “Come coast down the California shoreline with a pack of like-minded souls dedicated to making the world a better place.”



For those who have considered riding from San Francisco to Los Angeles as participants in AIDS/LifeCycle but don’t feel quite ready for that commitment, the Baby Dragon Ride offers a great taste of the ALC experience and regular training rides help participants prepare—even those who have little or no cycling experience. And a customizable web tools make it simple for each participant to raise the $1,000 minimum that supports the Center’s Mental Health Services, Crystal Meth Recovery Services and programs for LGBT youth.

The event is named in honor of a young Center client (nicknamed “Baby Dragon”) who died two years ago. A group of his friends and family helped create the Baby Dagon Fund, which supports Center services that help LGBT youth and others receive the counseling and care they need to live fulfilling, drug-free lives.



Until July 31, participants can take advantage of a special two-for-one deal on registration by sending e-mail to info@babydragon180ride.org or calling 323-860-7374. For more information about the Baby Dragon 180 Ride, go to www.babydragon180ride.org.

We have GAY GAMES Tickets to give away!

Are you going to be in Cologne for the gay games? Want to get into all ticketed events at the Gay Games? Want be a VIP at the Opening AND Closing Ceremonies?
We have two tickets for anyone who wants them. The first person to email alfonzo@competemag.com with GAY GAMES COLOGNE 2010 in the subject line will win the tickets.

Safe and sound through the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010

The Gay Games VIII and HIV/AIDS relief organizations count on personal encounters – more than 100 honorary prevention co-workers are on active service – Herzenslust / FAIRPLAY and “I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING” are partners of the Gay Games Cologne.

The organizers of Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 provide an extensive offer for the prevention of HIV and other sexual transmittable diseases for the 10.000 participants and innumerable visitors.
“Our guest shouldn´t take home any unwanted souvenirs” Michael Lohaus accentuates. Therefore the organizers of the Gay Games named an HIV representative, who coordinates and steers the concepts and projects of the single responsible organizations.


Cooperation with HIV/AIDS – relief organizations

More than 100 honorary co-workers of the FAIRPLAY project of Herzenslust (AIDS relief NRW e.V. and Check UP/ AIDS relief Cologne e.V.) and of the “I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING” campaign of the German AIDS relief take care for guests from all over the world. Appropriate to the occasion they are dressed as referees and on the road during competitions, the opening ceremony, in the evening at the parties and in the bars.
“Of course we do distribute condoms, but that´s not all” accentuates the project leader of the FAIRPLAY team Felix Laue. “I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING” and “FAIRPLAY” stand for a responsible and passionate dealing with each other. So that you can enjoy sex without unpleasant consequences, teams offer help in estimating your own conducting towards risk. To be fair to yourself and your sex partner, this is the message.

Information and help

The German HIV/AIDS relief supports the campaign with 50.000 cruising packs (condoms and lube), produces information flyers and prevention TV spots for the Gay Games Cologne. The AIDS relief NRW e.V. provides manpower and other media for the campaigns. Involved are “Herzenslust” groups from all over NRW as well as prevention teams throughout Germany. An important part is the countrywide advice hotline 0049 (0) 180 33 19411 where trained co-workers answer the most important questions regarding HIV and AIDS. Help will be passed on in case of an acute infection with HIV is possible and an immediate PEP (morning-after) therapy might be necessary or in case visitors or participants with HIV have lost their HIV medication. “We cannot offer an all-inclusive free package, but we managed to build information- and help offer for all important areas” says Lohaus.

Solidarity with the affected

Integration and dealing in solidarity is important to the organizers of the Gay Games on all levels. “Be part of it also means that we have to set a sign towards the rights and discrimination of people with HIV in many countries of the world.” With a moment of memories during the opening ceremony commemorates the previous victims of AIDS. At the Rainbow Run and with a commemorative prayer service the AIDS relief Cologne reminds us that people affected by AIDS still need our solidarity as well as social and individual support.

At the link www.games-cologne.de/de/static/köln/gesundheit-hiv all important facts for the guest of the Gay Games are gathered. With it there is information about the general medical care in Cologne and in Germany, questions regarding insurances and the most important emergency call numbers.

More information about the campaigns and partners:
I KNOW WHAT I AM DOING – www.iwwit.de

“FAIRPLAY”/Herzenslust – www.herzenslust.de – www.checkup-koeln.de

Stay completely informed with the Gay Games-App for the iPhone

We all know the situation: You get to a foreign city and first you have to orient yourself. You wander on the streets with your paper map, ask people for directions and get lost nevertheless. Put a stop to that hassle with our free App for the iPhone. Let it show you the way to your next competition, find your way back to your accommodation and have all the important phone numbers at a glance. With the Gay Games-App we offer you all the important information: what is going on where, who is participating and what is going on online? The answers to all your questions are just a click away.
The App "GayGames2010" is NOW available as a free download in the App-Store!

Taylor Dayne sings the Gay Games Song

We LOVE it!

(copy and paste this link into your browser to hear it): http://www.games-cologne.de/en/gay-games/song)

Soul Diva Taylor Dayne will sing the official song for Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. The American singer will perform the song “Facing a Miracle” at the opening ceremony on July 31 in the RheinEnergieStadium. Taylor Dayne became well known in the 80s, when she had an international hit with “Tell it to my heart”.

Annette Wachter, manager of the Gay Games Cologne gGmbH, is looking forward to meeting the US star: “We are enthusiastic that an international artist like Taylor Dayne is supporting the sport- and cultural event.” The song was well received from the start. Contracts have been signed with the management of the singer. Taylor Dayne is well known in the USA for her charity engagements, recorded the song, a short time ago in California.

With “Tell it to my Heart”, Taylor Dayne reached number one in the chart shows in Germany in 1987. Also her hits “Prove your love” and “I´ll will always love you” were placed in the charts. In 2008, ten years after her last publishing, she released her new album “Satisfied”. Taylor Dayne is also successful as composer. She wrote the hit “Whatever you want” for Tina Turner.

Photo: (c) Marc Cartwright Photography. Download.

The hymn of the Gay Games originates from a composer team from Sweden and the Netherlands. The song writer Peter Hägeras, Bruce R.F. Smith, Dan Sundquist and Ralph van Manen won the composer competition of the Gay Games Cologne with the song “Facing a miracle”. The Dance song which has the makings of a hit encourages all to fulfill our own dreams. That the song will be performed by an international known artist, makes Peter Hägeras happy: “Being openly gay myself, it means a lot to me to get the possibility to write and produce the song for the Gay Games, by far the biggest event this year. Even more interesting is the possibility to work with Taylor Dayne. I am still fairly young so for me it´s a fantastic feeling to work with an idol of my youth, especially as she still is delivering top performances and scored top rankings at the billboards. For me, the word “Pride” gets a complete new and important meaning.”



Multinational Quartett writes “Facing a miracle”

No big sport event makes it without a theme song. So from the beginning of the planning for the Gay Games there was the desire for a song. Thus an international composer competition began. A team of classified jurors had to select which of the submitted songs would be the official song of the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. They chose “Facing a miracle” and therefore the composer quartett from Sweden and the Netherlands.

Dan Sundquist, Ralph van Manen, Peter Hägeras and Bruce R.F. Smith were the lucky winners. But these names are also a win for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. Each one of them has a high profile music background. Each of these names assures the quality of the song. Dan Sundquist for example is one of the biggest Swedish song writers and music producers. He produced more than 60 albums over the past 3 decades. He won 7 Grammys and 12 Platinum Prices in Sweden. For the Eurovision Song Contest he contributed 2 national winner titles – for Sweden and Norway.

The Dutch - Ralph van Manen and the Dutch-by-choice Bruce R.F. Smith, born in England are spoilt by success. Both are authors of great songs. With the hit “Testify to love” by Ralph van Manen the group “Avalon” reached Platinum status in the USA. From Bruce R.F. Smiths pen originates the Dutch contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005. His song “Engel van mijn hart” sung by Gerard Joling, won the first place of the Dutch charts and was honored as best song with the Buma Golden Harp Award.

The youngest of the quartet of song writers is Peter Hägeras. But the 28 year old has worked already with numerous artists. Among them Kayo, a Swedish singer, who represented her country in 2002 at the Eurovision Song Contest, with her group Afro-dite. Different casting-show superstars also had a breakthrough due to his help, among them the winner of the Belgian X-Faktor Udo Mechels. The musical talent of Peter Hägeras was discovered very early. Already at the age of 19 he won a well respected Swedish music prize. His signature mark is catchy pop songs, which can be found on his personal album, published in 2007.



From the idea to the song

Clemens Brugger is Austrian and works in Innsbruck. Besides Universal Music Publishing and Popsongs Music Publishing his music publisher CBM is a 50 % co-publisher of the title “Facing a Miracle”. Clemens was given the task to search for the right artist for the title. “There was a list of favorites put together by the team of jurors of the Gay Games Song Contest” he says. “While talking to artists and managers, I got the idea to talk to Taylor Dayne.

Taylor Dayne received the demo of the title and information about the Gay Games. The decision was quickly made, as Clemens Brugger comments. The US singer offered to record the song “Facing a Miracle” at no charge. Even Brugger worked as leading producer without a fee. His company is financing the whole production. The sales returns of the CD are donated to the Gay Games Cologne.

Due to his contacts to US music producer Peter Wolf, Clemens Brugger managed to get his studio in Malibu/California to record the vocal part. Wolf’s studio is one of the leading studios in the music industry. The Austrian is responsible for world hits of Jefferson Starship (We Built this City) and the Commodores (Nightshift). Numerous artists like Patti Labelle, Oleta Adams, Santana, and The Scorpions rely on his know-how. Emil Hellman and Peter Hägeras are producers of the song “Facing a Miracle”. In addition to the radio version there is a Club remix and an orchestra version.

Andy was just kidding

Andy Roddick posted about meeting the Queen of England today on Twitter, but it was just a joke.

Check out what's going on in DC

For more info go to teamdc.org

Night OUT at the Nationals VI - June 22, 2010 - Will We Hit 3,000???
The Night OUT at the Nationals game is coming soon.....as of this morning over 2,600 tickets have been purchased in our section and we want to hit 3,000! Getting seats in the Night OUT section is easy....just go to www.teamdc.org and follow the prompts and print out your tickets at home.

Here's the line-up for the Night OUT:
The First Pitch will be thrown by the Rev. Candy Holmes and the Rev. Darlene Garner. They were one of the first couples to be legally married in the District of Columbia. What a great way to honor this historic achievement for our community!
Openly gay Ward One City Council Member Jim Graham will start the game with the iconic "Play Ball"!
Longtime community activist and former owner of Lambda Rising Bookstore, Deacon Maccubbin, will take the official line-up card to the umpires that night.
The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington will lead us in the singing of the National Anthem.
The DC Different Drummers will be playing on the main plaza as you enter the stadium that night
Remember, game time is 7:05 PM, but you want to be in the stadium no later than 6:30 to catch all the pre-game excitement. Then we take on the Royals who will learn that They Aren't in Kansas Anymore!!!!!!

The Night OUT at the Nationals game is proudly sponsored by Nellie's Bar (www.nellliessportsbar.com), the Washington Blade newspaper (www.washingtonblade.com), Miller Lite Beer (www.millerlite.com) and a new social networking site MisterMeetMister.com (www.MisterMeetMister.com).


Night OUT Warm-Up Party on Sunday, June 20
Get ready for the Night OUT with a Warm-Up Party on Sunday, June 20 from 6-8 PM at Nellie's Sports Bar (900 U Street, NW). We will feature a special Miller Lite Beer Bash, along with special offers from MisterMeetMister.com and great Nationals giveaways including premium tickets to games later in the year and autographed memorabilia.


Next Night OUT.....at the Mystics!
Join us for another great Night OUT on Friday, August 20 when the Mystics host the NY Liberty. Wanda Wright is coordinating tickets and groups. Contact her at alionessroars@yahoo.com.


Gay Games VIII in Cologne is July 31-August 7
The Gay Games kick off in Cologne next month, so if you are planning on attending, there is still time to purchase your Team Uniform Shirt and trading pins. Just go to www.teamdc.org and follow the prompts to the PayPal site to place your order. Deadline is June 25!!!! Also, remember to keep Thursday, July 15 open for our Send Off Party at Nellie's for the Gay Games. (Uniform Shirts and Pins can be picked up at the July 15 Party.)


Monthly Gamers Night on Thursday, June 17
Every third Thursday of the month is the monthly Gamers Night at Town (2009 8th Street, NW). Join us for the latest in video games, Flip Cup Competitions, Beer Pong, and the very popular $5 Bottomless Beer Cup. Doors open at 8 PM until....??? $5 cover gets unlimited play all night long.


A PRIDE-ful Thank You!
A special thanks to everyone who helped at the various Pride Festival events over the past weekend. Special thanks to the G-Nats Fan Club, DC Aquatics Club, the DC Frontrunners, the Capital Volleyball League, the DC Strokes Rowing Club, the Capital Area Rainbowlers Association, the Washington Furies Women's Rugby Team, the DC Flag Football League, and the Capital Tennis Association for helping to staff the Beer and Wine Gardens.


Breaking News from the IceBreakers!
They are back on the ice tonight (June 16) for an hour of recreational ice skating at 7:45 PM at the Ballston IcePlex in Arlington. Then they'll head off to somewhere close for a post-skating get-together. But, wait, there's more!
Sunday, June 27 - Virginia Winery Tour in Middleburg at the Swedenburg Winery. YOU MUST RSVP to Neil at pinmagic@msn.com for a discount ticket (which is an incredible deal).
Saturday, July 10 - The Third Annual B.Y.O.E Picnic (Bring Your Own Everything) at Great Falls National Park. This is a terrific way to spend a summer day!
Complete details about these events and much more at www.DCIceBreakers.org.


Monthly Green Lantern-Team DC Club Fundraiser - Saturday, July 10
Every second Saturday of each month is Team DC Club Night at the Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, NW). In July join members of the IBGO Mid-Year Bowling Committee as they sell shooters to benefit the tournament to be held here in November. Each month a different team takes over, so if you want them to support you, you gotta support them! Next Month: August 14, Team TBA!


And On Sale that night.....
The cookbook "Strike-ingly Delicious Dishes: Cooking With Time to Spare" is now on sale by the group organizing the 2010 International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) Mid-Year Tournament to be held in DC in November, 2010. This 100 page book is full of 93 quick & easy recipes from bowlers, who turn out to be great cooks. Everything from Breakfast to Desserts and not a gutter ball among them! Cost is only $10 in person at any local CARA league or for $12.50 online at www.igbomy2010.com. Supplies are limited!


Fourth Thursdays at Nellie's - June 25
Join two very different clubs at Nellie's Sports Bar (900 U Street, NW) on the Fourth Thursday of each month:
Ping Pong Madness begins at 7:30. Register for a spot with JJ "The Paddler" Johnson at jj@emersonglenn.com.
Homoto is the area's LGBT motorcycle club meets at 6 PM. Learn about upcoming rides and events.

Cowboy Dancing
Join our friends from the DC Cowboys and learn to dance like a...DC Cowboy! Two six week sessions are upcoming June 24 - July 29 or again from September 23 - October 28 and will be held at the Church of the Pilgrims, 2201 P Street, NW. All skill levels welcome. Learn more at www.dccowboys.org.

You can also join them for the monthly Brodeo at Town Danceboutique (2009 8th Street, NW) on Saturday, June 19 at 8 PM. Jonathan Bascope will be making his singing debut along with new dance routines from the Cowboys.


Summer Bowling Leagues Just Underway!
The Capital Area Rainbowlers Association (CARA) is once again sponsoring summer leagues. This is a great time for individuals to try out the sport, socialize with other bowlers, and are perfect for beginners! All leagues will consist of 3-person teams and run only 10 or 11 weeks. Email them to see if any space is still available or to sub.

Tuesdays at AMF Alexandria Lanes (6228A N. Kings Hwy. Alexandria) beginning June 8th at 7:30 PM.
Contact Clyde at clyde.conklin@gmail.com

Wednesdays at AMF Centreville Lanes (13814 Lee Highway, Centreville) beginning June 2nd at 7:30 PM.
Contact Scott at scottws2000@yahoo.com

Wednesdays at White Oak Duckpin Lanes (11207 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring) beginning June 2nd at 7:30 PM.
Contact Richard at richaron@usa.net

Thursdays at Bowl America Falls Church (140 S Maple Ave., Falls Church) beginning June 10th at 7:30 PM
Contact Les at les.johnson@gmail.com

Tuesday Night Volleyball Continues All Summer Long
One of DC's longest running sport clubs is the year-round Tuesday Night Social Volleyball League held at the Old Mackin Gym at 2200 California Street, NW. (Enter from California Street at the end of the parking lot.) Warm ups are from 7-7:30 and play is from 7:30 - 9:45. Teams are divided based on skill levels to maintain a fair level of play. $8 per person each night with a limit of 48 players each night. Want to know more? Contact Mike at dcvb@usa.com.


Sail Away!
Did you know DC has a great LGBT sailing club? Sailing season is now underway on the weekends and even during the week. The Rainbow Spinnakers would love for you to join them for an afternoon on the Potomac or the Chesapeake Bay. To learn more about them, go to www.rainbowspinnakers.com.

WIN AN ALL-ACCESS PASS for BINGHAM CUP

Hi Everyone,

We have an all-access pass to Bingham Cup to give away. Yes, this includes the parties where you can meet some hot rugby players who are vising from other parts of the United States and the World.

Let us know if you're interested in this pass and you're in the Minneapolis Area.

Contact alfonzo@competemag.com

Last chance: Registration is still possible until June 21

Many Gay Games VIII sports and cultural events needed exact numbers for event planning. That is why official registration was closed on May 31. However there is still one more chance to participate in Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010.

You can now be placed on a waiting list to participate. Our sports and culture experts will check if a registration is still possible in your event. If so, we will provide late registration for you.

Please send an e-mail now to waitinglist@games-cologne.de with the following information:

- Last Name
- First name
- Date of birth
- Sport or cultural event
- If necessary performance class or division for the event

You will be informed as soon as possible if participation at the sports or culture event of your choice is still possible and how you should proceed. If a registration is possible in your case we will charge you an additional service fee of 10 Euros for the late registration.

So open your e-mail program and register now! It is not too late. Please share this message with teammates or anyone else that still wishes to register.

Want to win a boyrio swimsuit of your choice?

We're feeling giving today. The Tenth person to email alfonzo@competemag.com will win a a certificate for a boyrio swimsuit.

It´s the final countdown

Act now if you have waited to register for the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. On May 31, registration ends for artists and athletes. After that it will be too late, although you can watch when others fight for their personal bests. So register now at www.games-cologne.de .

Sports climbing

Not only in the Alps but also in the Cathedral city of Cologne you can go climbing. Our precipice in the “KletterFABRIK” climbing facility in the Koeln-Ehrenfeld area of Cologne offers three levels of difficulty where you can prove your strategic expertise. It will get serious in the finale, as this takes place “on sight”, to say, on a wall that couldn´t be checked out previously. Whoever is the first on top wins the competition – but only if you register before May, 31, you will win one of the rare free places.
Be part of it when from Aug, 3 2010 the sports climbers compete against each other and register now! Back-up ropes and trained personnel are provided by us, all the other equipment you have to bring yourself. All informations you´ll get here.

Hefty – power lifting

At the Gay Games, the sport called power lifting is often the one with the most impressive muscles. Those who would want to lift all weights of the competition would have to lift a ton. In reality, of course this isn´t possible. Nevertheless, the winners are determined through addition of their coped weights. Those who do not wish to compete in all three disciplines, are also welcome to participate! Medals will also be given for the participants of individual disciplines. So, if you would like to prove your power with others in the competitions, register now!

Icy but not dispassionate – figure skating

On the contrary, one of the most expressive sports is always a major attraction at the competitions like the Gay Games. There will be Single and Pair competition in every possible constellation. Woman and woman, man and man, woman and man. There is no limit. Everybody can participate like at the “Fabulous Cup”, which for many years now is an institution at the gay-lesbian figure skating scene. Should you have missed the FabCup until now, this year in Cologne, “Be Part Of It!” The field is more international, more professional, and the atmospheres even more glamorous. The organizers are old hands and are looking forward to your registration. Register and be part of the dance on …. ice. More informations available here.

Softball – American feeling at the Rhine

Two teams, one ball, one bat and one field, are all needed for Softball. This variation of baseball is one of the most liked leisure sports in North America. The two different games are distinguished mainly by the size of the quadrant of the circle and different throwing methods. Also the ball and bat sizes are different. Would you like to be part of the 500 sportsmen and –women who are going to have a lot of fun fighting for the 1200 balls? Would you like to be counted to the players who throw the balls on the juicy lawns in Cologne into the brilliant blue sky and mark the first homeruns for their team? Then just kill two birds with one stone: Register for the competitions in softball and be part of it in August, when the best batter from all over the world begin with their competition.
You can find all info here.

And by the way…….

…… are you looking for a partner for training?
…… or a training opponent
….. if your team still isn´t complete
….. if you´re still not part of a team
….. if you just want to exchange with somebody

You´re at the right place at www.qubesport.net . This network for sportsmen and –women and interested people is the platform to exchange about sports, organize the training, to arrange tournaments, find teams and much more. Just check it out.

The sports world is still reluctant to accept homosexuality

This survey was taken in Canada:

Montréal, May 14, 2010 – This morning for the International Day Against Homophobia, Fondation Émergence revealed the results from a survey on people's perceptions concerning homophobia in the sports world. As a reminder, the 2010 Campaign proposed by Fondation Émergence to fight homophobia and entitled Speaking About Silence calls on all key figures in the sports world.


The public is ready to accept gay and lesbian athletes


For the majority of respondents, 77 % of Québec residents and 68 % from other Canadian provinces, knowing what an athlete's sexual orientation is would not influence an athlete's popularity among fans. Conversely, 18 % in Québec and 20 % elsewhere in Canada, people believe that being gay or lesbian would negatively affect their popularity among fans. Only 5 % and 8 % believe that it would have a positive effect on popularity among fans.


Gay and lesbian athletes reportedly have a lower likelihood of success than heterosexuals do


When asked about the likelihood of success in a gay or lesbian athlete's sports career in comparison with a male heterosexual athlete's, 31 % of Québec respondents and 34 % of respondents from the rest of Canada believe that the likelihood of success would be less than a heterosexual male athlete's.



In sports, a woman's being lesbian is accepted better than a man's being gay


Furthermore, a considerable difference can be seen in people's perceptions regarding lesbian women. Only 13 % of Québec respondents and 20 % of respondents in the rest of Canada believe that their likelihood of success would be less than heterosexual women's. As for people's acceptance of popular gay and lesbian athletes, lesbian women are viewed more favourably than gay men are. Lesbian women have an acceptance level of 74 % among people in Québec compared to 65 % for rest of Canada whereas gay men are only accepted by 60 % of Québec residents versus 52 % for other Canadians.


“This result tends to show that the sports world is a realm that values sexist stereotypes. Women whose physical strength surpasses what's average will be highly esteemed and their chances of success will increase. Yet on the other hand, a gay man's image is still too often equated with poorer physical ability even if it's just plain untrue.” says Mr. Laurent McCutcheon, President of Fondation Émergence. He adds: “In a competition or race the best athletes win regardless of their sexual orientation.”


The sports community does not take the fight against homophobia seriously


Are athletic organizations concerned about the fight against homophobia? When answering this question, only 24 % of Québec respondents and 23 % of respondents elsewhere in Canada think that people are concerned about the fight against homophobia in this community; the other respondents either believe that people are not concerned about it or are unable to answer the question.


Clear progress in attitudes between 2003 and 2010, regarding teammates


A question asked in 2003 for a telephone survey conducted by Léger Marketing in Québec was repeated last April and using the same method. “In your opinion, would a hockey player people know is gay be more well accepted or more poorly accepted by the players or trainer of a professional hockey team?” In 2003, 29 % of respondents said that he would be more well received whereas 42 % said so in 2010. Only 37 % of respondents believe that a gay hockey player would be poorly accepted by his team whereas in 2003, 61 % thought so.


The answer to this question is encouraging. “It shows that if people's perceptions have clearly improved within less than 7 years, such perceptions do not necessarily carry over to sports teams and organizations dedicated to sports. It's all about education and awareness. In this respect it looks like campaigns to fight against homophobia are showing results.” says Fondation Émergence's President.


Speaking About Silence


The 2010 Fight Against Homophobia Campaign is geared toward the sports world and carries the theme: Speaking About Silence. The survey results show the need, particularly on all levels of the sports world, to discuss gay and lesbian issues. This community is one of the most reluctant to accept homosexuality. The sports world is a competitive world in which everyone needs to be up to par with standards of success. Just as gay men and lesbians do not warrant any extraordinary treatment, they should not end up excluded due to their sexual orientation.


People know what they are talking about


Almost all respondents are up-to-date on what the word homophobia means. 97 % of those in Québec and 96 % of those in the rest of Canada are familiar with the definition. A majority of respondents, 85 % in Québec and 82 % elsewhere in Canada, personally know gay men and lesbians, with most knowing more men than women. According to Mr. McCutcheon “This level of acquaintance shows that in most cases that people are now aware of gay and lesbian issues and that the sports world cannot go on isolating itself”.


Survey methodology


The study was carried out from March 26 to April 4, 2010 by the Léger Marketing company for Fondation Émergence. It was conducted among 1501 people chosen from the Legerweb panel in Canada and weighted with help by Statistics Canada in order to provide it with a proportionate scale. The question on the “gay hockey player and his team” was the subject of a telephone survey between March 13 and April 6, 2010, among 1003 Québec residents by following the same method used in 2003, so as to ensure answer comparability. Complete survey results are available on the International Day Against Homophobia website at www.homophobiaday.org.

“Surprise Days” from May, 21 thru May, 23 2010

Registering for the Gay Games VIII is now twice worthwhile to new registrants. Not only an unforgettable week full of sport, cultural and emotional highlights awaits the participants; now, more than 140 precious prizes will be distributed between the new applicants. Those who register between May, 21 and May, 23, automatically take part in the draw for some awesome prizes. There are shopping vouchers (each worth 50 €), vouchers for a visit in a bath, high quality sports dresses, a diving course, a course to take a glimpse at archery, as also numerous books, DVDs and CDs. Just visit our website www.games-cologne.de and register at your sport and your cultural event. All participants enter the RheinEnergieStadium for the big opening ceremony. Also at the Gay Games, there is a varied supporting program with lots of parties and events. Register between May, 21 and May, 23 for the Gay Games and win twice!

read more: www.games-cologne.com

Be part of it!

THE Megaparty of the year on 6 areas

Colour presents the official Opening Party – The ingredients are explosive !


Germany's biggest event hall, five dancefloors, DJ's on the the main floor: TONY MORAN, FABIO WHITE, STEVEN REDANT, MICKY FRIEDMANN. Djane LUSKY from Italy will be the Star of the night on the women's floor. On the Pop floor a mix of Cologne and Berlin: GLORIA VIAGRA will be representing the german capital and the DJ's KRIS and RALF ROTTERDAM from the Cologner Clubbing range POPTASTIC. Internationally renowned „Kraft-Artists“ will heat up the crowd. A super live act by FLAVA. A VIP Area, that deserves its name and probably the only Party with a carroussel, the KETTENFLIEGER! And for those who need a small break, go to the OUTSIDE CHILL OUT Area.

A Clubbing Night of the superlatives, that Cologne, that Germany, that Europe has not seen yet.

The Opening Party will take place on 07/31/2010 immediately after the Opening Ceremony in the RheinEnergieStadion. You can take the Line 1 of Straßenbahn in front of the stadion and directly go the LanxessArena. Furthermore the Deutsche Bahn will provide EXTRA TRAINS from to the Stadion to the Arena. You haven't seen this goody at no Gay Games before.

Triumph & Temptation“ - the sportiest Women Party Event 2010

Sporty Ladies party on three floors with Live Percussion Acts and Gogogirls!

The Women Pleasure Party, Organizer of the largest CSD Women-Party in Germany, exclusively invites you to the official Gay Games Female Party „Triumph & Temptation“. After having intensely practiced sports during daytime you can party, dance and flirt with sporty ladies from all over the world in the Stollwerck Arena on THREE FLOORS. Djane Jessica from Berlin will spoil the women with ALLTIME FAVOURITES and POP and INDIE Hits. DJ Miss Diamond will assure a fiery show on the HOUSE floor. Beneath hot beats the percussions, balearic and deep house rhythms in the right party mood.
In the Chill Area on the third floor, under a magical starry night, you'll be able to rest your dancing feet. Kölsch, sparkling wine, Selters and Tropical Cocktails and more exquisite drinks will bring you back on the saddle in order to party until the break of dawn.

Triumph & Temptation – THE Party for all sporty women.

On 08/06/2010 starting 21:00 in Stollwerck, Dreikönigenstr. 23, 50678 Cologne

Get your tickets here.

Pride-Express connects Community Metropoles

The special Party train starts from Berlin for all athletes and visitors of the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010

The specially chartered train will be starting from the german capital Berlin in the Ostbahnhof (Eastern train station). In order to enjoy the journey direction Rheinland, there will also be beneath the cosy 6 persons compartments the Bar waggon with disco... and dancefloor. There will also be a smoking area on the train and adjustable speakers for the onboard entertainment within the compartments. Different actions on the way will guarantee a short journey and the best accommodation for the Gay Games.

Possibilities to get on board: Berlin Ostbahnhof (Eastern train station) (Departure at appr. 10 AM), Berlin Hbf (Main Station), Berlin Zoologischer Garten, Potsdam Hbf (Main Station), Braunschweig Hbf (Main Station) and Hannover Hbf (Main Station).

SWIMSUIT ISSUE TEASER

Here are a few photos from our Swimsuit Issue to hold you over until you get your copy of COMPETE

COMPETE Magazine Celebrates Third Anniversary

Tempe, AZ –May 7, 2010— COMPETE Magazine defies the publishing industry and economic times by celebrating its third anniversary. As in previous years, COMPETE’s anniversary will be marked by its Fourth Annual Swimsuit Issue.

The year’s most popular issue is the Swimsuit Issue, known for including actual GLBT athletes. This year’s photo shoot took place in Las Vegas, and was shot by Scottsdale-based photographer Don Thompson in various locations. It includes swimwear from designers such as Andrew Christian, Tulio, kikidoll and N2N.

COMPETE’s May 2010 Issue will also include coverage of the 2010 Coady Roundball Classic, the United States’ first Gay Polo Championship, “All Out” by best-selling author Patricia Nell Warren and actor Chad Allen as this month’s “Couch Potato.” COMPETE also includes monthly sections such as “Intangibles” (short bits of news from the world of sports), “MVP” (an athlete from within our own community), “Gym Bag” (products of interest to our readers), and “Sportlight on Bars” (a list bars that cater to gay sports fan and athletes).

COMPETE’s Fourth Annual Swimsuit Issue will be available late in the first week of May. Subscriptions may be purchased at www.competemag.com/new-subscription.

Compete provides the most comprehensive global sports information to, and for, the gay community. We promote both the importance of sports to the gay community and the gay community to sports. We connect and inspire our readers to get involved and participate in sports as athletes and fans. Compete is most well-known for it’s annual swimsuit issue, but it’s most distinguished accomplishment is being the first publication to recognize a gay Athlete of the Year. It’s publishers of were runners-up for PlanetOut.com’s 2007 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

More information about Compete Magazine can be found at www.competemag.com. Media inquiries should be directed to press@competemag.com.

Tomorrow at Nellie's

Ticket sales start for the opening ceremony

Imagine: You´re sitting with thousand of people in a soccer stadium. It gets quiet. All are eagerly waiting what´s going to happen. Then the entrance of the participants of the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 begins. Led by the traditional Rainbow Flag the 10,000 sportsmen and women enter the stadium. Yes, you are part of it, you are in the RheinEnergieStadium in Cologne.

With 34,000 spectators, the opening ceremony will be the biggest and most important event at the Gay Games VIII.

The Rainbow Flag, which traditionally leads the entry of the participants, started its journey to Cologne at the beginning of this year, visiting host cities of the past Gay Games, including Chicago, the city which hosted Gay Games VII in 2006. 70 country groups follow the flag. The participants of the 35 sports and 5 cultural events will be the center of attention as they are welcomed by the 34,000 spectators. For one week they are going to achieve their personal best in sports events and cultural performances that are the heart of the Gay Games.

You should not miss this colorful picture that will release many emotions. After the procession of participants, you can enjoy the exciting program of music, dance, and acrobatics. It will remain a big secret until the last minute which artists are going to perform. But we can promise you now that it will be a huge party.

The Gay Games will also make a political statement regarding equal rights for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people. Vice-Chancellor and Secretary of State of Germany Dr Guido Westerwelle, who is openly gay, has taken over the patronage of the Gay Games VIII and will give a speech at the opening ceremony.


After the official opening ceremony the party continues! The After-Show-Party starts at 22:00 (31.07.2010) in the LanxessArena, presented by the colour-team. To participate in the after-show-party, you need a separate ticket! The tickets for the official opening ceremony at the RheinEnergieStadion are NOT valid for the after-show-party in the LanxessArena!

Tickets can be obtained from now on at the website of the Gay Games VIII.
www.games-cologne.com .

Watch the Kenturcky Derby at Nellie's @ 2PM

First Anniversary of Locker Room (Gym Bar NY)

Chris Morgan Takes Powerlifting Deadlift Gold in Moscow

Defending Gay Games champion and openly gay

British Powerlifter wins his 3rd world gold medal



Moscow, Russia - Gay Games defending Powerlifting champion and Federation of Gay Games Ambassador Chris Morgan has successfully defended his world deadlift gold medal at the 2010 WDFPF World Single Event Championships in Moscow, Russia. Representing Great Britain, Chris won the World Open Deadlift Title in the 82.5kg weight class with lifts of 210kg, 240kg and 250kg to clinch the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Championship. WDFPF Championships were held 23-25 April 2010 at the Park Hotel Ognikovo in the Istrinsky district of Moscow.



Chris Morgan’s achievement was all the greater since he had extraordinary difficulty traveling to Moscow. Flights from the UK were grounded due to atmospheric ash from the Iceland volcano. World-class Powerlifters like Chris typically arrive at competitions days in advance so they can acclimate and finish their preparations.



Speaking about the competition, Chris said: "I’m absolutely delighted to have won my third World ‘Open’ Gold Medal here at the World Drug-Free Powerlifting Championships, completing my aim of winning back-to-back World Championship titles. It has been my goal since failing to regain my first world open title in 2005 to once again win and then defend the World Open Championship. It feels very satisfying to achieve something that I’ve never managed to do before in my sporting career."



"Russia is the ultimate tournament location for a competitive Powerlifter,” Chris added, “and I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in Moscow. This was always going to be the most difficult backdrop for this year’s world championships, providing both challenging conditions and environment. These championships have been one of the most fulfilling and interesting experiences of my career to date, especially meeting participants from former Soviet nations such as Moldova, Turkmenistan and Ukraine that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to meet.”



"It fills me with great pride to be arriving at this year’s Gay Games in Cologne as a three time World Open Champion and to be representing the Federation of Gay Games as one of their global ambassadors,” said Chris. “One of the key objectives at this year’s Gay Games is outreach to Eastern Europe, so it seems particularly relevant to have been able to carry the Gay Games message at this year’s World Powerlifting Championships in Moscow, Russia.”

LifeCycle Fundraiser at Nellie's

Check out our first commercial!

Winners from our Phoenix Pride Drawing

If you didn't get to see us at Phoenix Pride, we gave held a drawing from all of our subscribers and people who signed up to be on our email list. Here are the winners of our FABULOUS prizes:

COMPETE T-Shirt
Cody T.
Chris M.

BoyRio Swimsuit (www.boyrio.com)
Andrew C.
Anderson N.

SPRI Xercise Ball Professional Plus (Provided by Fitness4Home www.fitness4homesuperstore.com))
Sidney S.

Core CrossFit T-Shirts (Core CrossFit is located in Phoenix at 7th St, just south of Roosevelt on the east side www.corecrossfit.com).
L.A. Wade
David H.

One Month Membership at Core CrossFit
Jeremy W.

Two Sets of Phoenix Mercury Tickets (www.wnba.com/mercury)
Ryan M.

Autographed Photo of Diana Taurasi
Bob D.

*GRAND PRIZE*
Two-Night Stay at the Blue Moon Resort in Las Vegas (www.bluemoonlv.com)
Pedro C.

Check out our posters for Spring/Summer 2010

What do you think of our posters?

New Gay Sports Bar Coming to NYC

Boxers NYC is a new bar, set to open in late April. The 3,000 square foot bar will have 13 large-screen televisions, a brick oven, two levels and two bars. The first floor will include one of the bars and will also be used for local gay sports leagues to hold their meetings and gatherings. The second floor will include a 40-foot bar, two pool tables, electronic dart boards and a patio.
Boxers NYC plans to form a couple of darts or pool leagues and host tournaments. The large-screen televisions will be used to showcase statistical and event information from gay sports leagues in the area to share it with their customers.
Owner Ray Geerlof explained why he and his three partners decided to open Boxers NYC.
“Three of us played softball. On Saturdays, we didn’t have anyplace to go after our games. We would have to go eat [at one place] and then go to the bar if we went to a place on Christopher Street.”
Boxers NYC will be opening at the end of April at 37 W 20th St., right behind what used to be Limelight [the nightclub].
“What sets us apart is that we want to be more than just a bunch of TVs playing sports. We’re going grassroots with the community. We want to cater to the athletes, but we also want to cater to the athletic supporters,” said Ray.
Boxers NYC also plans to launch a line of boxers and jerseys, which will be available for purchase on the Web site by mid-May.
To stay informed of the progress of Boxers NYC visit www.boxersnyc.com, where you may also join their e-mail list. Once the Web site is up and running, they’ll also have coupons available to print.

New Drink Special at Sidelines Ft. Lauderdale

It's hard to keep those dollars these days and Sidelines Ft. Lauderdale wants to help a sister out. Check out their new special:



Back by popular demand, Sidelines will offer its private-labeled Super Premium Vodka at 2-4-1 pricing from 9:00 PM - Close. And, for beer lovers, Sidelines is featuring a special price of $2.75 for all bottled beers, also from 9:00 PM - Close.

So, come by Sidelines on Saturday, have some fun while giving your pocket a little break!

This is a REALLY big deal

Dr. Guido Westerwelle will be a Sponsor of Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010

Cologne – The Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Guido Westerwelle, has agreed to be a sponsor of Gay Games Cologne. On July 31, 2010, Dr. Westerwelle will preside over the ceremonial opening of the sports and cultural event in RheinEnergie Stadium in Cologne. “We are so pleased to have found such a prominent advocate. With his commitment Dr. Guido Westerwelle sends an important signal for more tolerance and acceptance of gays and lesbians in our society.”, said Annete Wachter, Chief Executive Officer of Games Cologne gGmbH.

Between July 31 and August 7 Cologne will be the showplace for the largest sports and cultural event in the world. Approximately 12,000 athletes will take part in sports competitions and cultural exhibitions. The Cologne Gay Games are based on an Olympic structure. The opening ceremony expect 34,000 spectators, along with the 12,000 participants, at the RheinEnergie Stadium. The Gay Games are a sports and cultural event that take place every four years. The goal is to create an awareness that will develop more tolerance for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.

Guido Westerwelle has been the Chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) since 2001, and previously was the party’s General Secretary. On October 28, 2009, he was named the country’s foreign minister. In this position he is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. He holds a Doctor of Laws degree from Bonn University. Dr. Westerwelle began openly acknowledging his homosexuality in 2001. The overwhelming acceptance of his openness is an excellent example of the ability of people with different sexual preferences to live and work together. Dr. Westerwelle’s support of the VIII Gay Game Cologne 2010 is a significant contribution that should allow the participants to experience even greater acceptance throughout the competition and in their everyday lives.

Congratulations to Emerald Warriors

In 1854 a group of students from Dublin University (aka Trinity College) came together to form a football club to play under the rules formed by students of Rugby School, England. This made Trinity College the oldest rugby club in the world.

In 2003 a small group of men came together to form a Rugby Club that would be open to all and would be based in and built by the Gay and Lesbian community of Dublin. This rugby club became know as Emerald Warriors RFC. While a lot of people dismissed the initial hard work of the founders, even the IRFU, they never gave up. Richie Whyte, Nick Costello, Steve Gardner Nick Barniville plus a whole rouges gallery of enthusiastic volunteers, all bonded together and grew the club to be in a position to compete in official IRFU leagues.

Over the years the Emerald Warriors have had many detractors, non-believers and a lot of competitors that just would not take us seriously. However, THE WARRIORS NEVER GAVE UP!

Today that hard work paid off. Today the youngest rugby club in this country beat the oldest rugby club in the world!! The players, members, supporters and sponsors of Emerald Warriors RFC enjoy a convincing victory over the oldest rugby club in the world, the score was; Emerald Warriors RFC 27 - 10 Trinity College.

Everybody involved with the Warriors is overjoyed by this victory and would like to invite all our supporters to joins us this evening for a lot of drinks in our venue sponsor The Front Lounge on Parliament street, Dublin. If you can't be in Dublin tonight, then take a few moments and have a drink and enjoy the celebration with us.

Kind regards

Brian Healy
Membership secretary
Emerald Warriors RFC - Make It Happen

Tickets to Parties at Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 Now On Sale

Cologne’s Gay Games Parties To Celebrate the Spirit of

San Francisco, Vancouver, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney and Chicago

Cologne, Germany – If you watched any of the Vancouver Winter Games, you know that serious sports competition was followed by big celebrations. The 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany, will be no different and the organizers have announced details for 7 (seven) great official parties including special events for women, bears, leather men & women, soccer players, and 3 big events for everyone.



With a nod to the Gay Games legacy, the party names have been drawn from the slogans of the previous 7 (seven) quadrennial Gay Games. More details, including ticketing links are available for all parties at www.games-cologne.com, select “Events” and then “Parties” (directly link is at http://www.games-cologne.de/en/static/events/parties).



Under New Skies – Gay Games Pre-Opening Party – 30 July 2010

The Cologne LGBT community will be ready to welcome all early arrivals at the first official party of the Gay Games on Friday, 30 July 2010. This “Pre-Opening Party” takes place a day before the Gay Games get underway. The slogan of Gay Games VI Sydney 2002 was “Under New Skies” and this party will help you celebrate the return of the Gay Games to Europe for the first time in 12 years. Venue, time and ticket information to be announced.



Be Part Of it! - Gay Games Opening Party - 31 July 2010

Tickets Now Available Online

On no fewer than 6 dance floors, DJs will heat up the night with the sounds of Pop, House, Electronic, Techno, and Indie music immediately following the Opening Ceremony for one of the hottest parties of the VIII Gay Games Cologne 2010. Stage acts and great music will revive up to 10,000 tired bodies, excite the senses, and create a great party atmosphere at the first official social event of the Cologne Gay Games. Cologne’s slogan is “Be Part Of It!” so get your tickets now. Tickets are 90 Euro for VIP, 40 Euro General Admission, and 35 Euro for Participants, Partners and Volunteers. www.games-cologne.com



Celebration - Football Party – 4 August 2010

Tickets Now Available Online

Soccer players and their fans are invited to a special Football “Celebration” on Wednesday, 4 August 2010, from 6:30 pm to midnight. The party is inspired by the slogan from Gay Games III Vancouver 1990 – “Celebration.” Organized and hosted by Cologne’s men’s & women’s soccer teams this party is especially for all international soccer players, friends and fans. The venue is "Playa in Cologne," also the venue for the Gay Games Beach Volleyball competition, right next to RhineEnergy-Stadium (Cologne's soccer venue and Opening Ceremony location). Advance Tickets are just 5 Euro, 7 Euro at the door. www.games-cologne.com



Where the World Meets – Bear Party – 5 August 2010

The international bear community will gather in Cologne for a party inspired by the slogan from Gay Games VII Chicago 2006 – “Where the World Meets.” Time and location are still to be announced.



Triumph & Temptation - Women’s Party – 6 August 2010
Tickets Now Available Online

Athletes and spectators from around the world, along with countless enthusiastic women from Köln, will meet in the Stollwerck-Arena for “Triumph & Temptation,” the official Female Pride Party. Inspired by the slogan from Gay Games II San Francisco 1986 – “Triumph” – this event will be created by the producer of Europe’s largest Christopher Street Days (Pride) Women’s Party. Watch for amazing music, live percussion and even Go-Go Girls. DJ Vanessa (Berlin) and DJ Miss Diamond (Zürich) will create their world-renowned fiery rhythms and excitement over three dance floors. For quieter surroundings women can relax in the Chill-Out Area or the outdoor smoking lounge with tropical cocktails, Kölsch, or Champagne. Tickets can be purchased for 13 Euro, or 17 Euro at the door. www.games-cologne.com



Unity Ball – 6 August 2010

In New York, anything is possible, and the 1994 slogan for Gay Games IV represents the goal for everyone at the Gay Games – “Unity.” The Gay Games are open to everyone - whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or straight, and the Unity Ball will be for everybody. The venue is the beautiful Maritim Hotel, also the site of the Gay Games Ballroom Dancesport Competition. Time still to be announced.



Challenge – Black Party – 6 August 2010

“Challenge” was the slogan of the very first Gay Games in San Francisco in 1982 and Cologne’s legendary leather community has embraced that slogan to create a concept for a “black party” sure to be remembered. Dress code is “black” (whether leather or not). Organizers promise an unforgettable night with top DJs and plenty of fun. Time and location are still to be announced.



Friendship – Closing Party – 7 August 2010

The last time the Gay Games were in Europe was 1998 in Amsterdam and the spirit of Gay Games V – “Friendship” – will infuse the official Closing Party of the 2010 Gay Games. While details are still being finalized, Cologne’s organizers promise a gorgeous location where participants and fans alike can celebrate with their new friends from around the world. Time and location are still to be announced.



To receive notification when tickets for parties go on sale, visit www.games-cologne.com, and select “Newsletter” at the top of the website.

What are you doing for St. Patrick's Day?

Here are some of the events taking place around the US at your local gay sports bars.

All times are local.

Sidelines in Ft. Lauderdale
Darts Tournament Starting at 8PM

Gym Bar New York and LA
2 For 1 Happy Hour from 4-9PM
$2.50 Bud/Bud Light Bottle 9PM-Close

Roscoe's in Phoenix
Corn Beef and Cabbage, Happy Hour all day, Guiness and Harp $3 and $5 Jamesons

Nellie's in DC
$4 Jameson $6 Car Bomb $8 Flying Irishmen $3 Nellie Beer $4 Guiness

Woody's Dallas
Green Beer and Green Drinks, The Wanda Show

Woof's Atlanta
Corn Beef & Cabbage, Green Stuff EVERYWHERE and a crowd of people

Pilsner Inn San Francisco
$4 Guiness Pints and Blue Moon $3.75

Crew Chicago
Homemade Corn beef and cabbage while you enjoy $2 green beer.

The North End Chicago
Karaoke

Score @ Oil Can Harry's Austin
$3 domestics and well $4.50 calls

PW's Sport Bar & Grill Laurel (MD)
Conr Been & Cabbage $1.50 16 oz shot $3 Guiness and Harp $5 Irish Car Bombs


Woof's Madison (WI)
Green Miller Lite Guiness Creamy Irish Man Shots, "Decorated to the nines"

Fritz Boston
Chorus at 10PM

George, Your Country Sports Bar Houston
Happy Hour

Out A Bounds Kansas City
$4 well $5 16 oz beer $5 Cheesburgers

Madison Pub Seattle
$4.25 Guiness and $5 Shamrocks Shakes and Green Beer- handing out swag

R Place Seattle
Green Beer, Absolut Specials, Wet Underwear Contest

Sidlines Charlotte
Green Beer (Bud Light) Irish Car Bombs $5 Peppermint Paddy Shots

Joq's Portland
Corned Beef Hash, Two Rib Eye Steak Dinners $15, Happy Hour 4-7

Sydney, Australia, is the Next Step for Gay Games

Symbolic “Rainbow Run” will travel to New York, Vancouver, Sydney, Amsterdam and Chicago before heading to Germany for the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne



Sydney, Australia – This Saturday, 27 February 2010, the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take on new significance for the world’s LGBT athletes. Local sports groups, led by Sydney’s Frontrunners gay & lesbian running club, will carry a special memorial rainbow flag during the parade as the 2nd leg of the International Rainbow Memorial Run (IRMR), the “Torch Run” for the quadrennial Gay Games.



Sydney was the host of Gay Games VI in 2002 and the Mardi Gras Parade is their annual “pride” parade. The parade steps off at 7:45 pm local time. Live TV coverage is available in Australia on Fox’s Arena Network. For more info, visit www.mardigras.org.au.



San Francisco

The Rainbow Run got underway last weekend in San Francisco, 21 February 2010, the birthplace of the Gay Games movement and host of Gay Games I and II in 1982 and 1986. A special ceremony at the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park was followed by a ceremonial run of the flag to San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium, home of the Gay Games I (1982) and Gay Games II (1986) Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Following that ceremony, the flag was shipped to Sydney, Australia, for the Mardi Gras Parade.



Rainbow Run

Every four years, the Rainbow Run helps the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) celebrate the lives of those who have graced the Gay Games movement and served or participated in the Games. “In many ways, this is our own ‘torch’ run,” said Brent Nicholson Earle, founder and organizer of the IRMR, “and we begin by renewing our connection with San Francisco, ‘our Athens,’ the city of our birth. We then travel to all past host cities to honor their role in the movement.” The event celebrates friends of the Gay Games lost to AIDS and other diseases, including US Olympian and Gay Games founder Dr. Tom Waddell.



World Tour

The Rainbow flag will travel to the former Host Cities of the Gay Games with symbolic or 5K runs held in each city. Having now been in San Francisco and Sydney, the flag will travel to Vancouver, Canada (Gay Games III, 1990), New York, USA (Gay Games IV, 1994), Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Gay Games V, 1998), and Chicago, USA (Gay Games VII, 2006) before traveling to Cologne, Germany, host of Gay Games VIII, this coming 31 July to 7 August 2010. Similar events are being held throughout Germany in cooperation with local AIDS service organizations.



Cologne 2010 Opening Ceremony

The International Rainbow Memorial Run will make its way to Cologne after a tour through Germany in late July. On the morning of Saturday, 31 July 2010, a special ceremony will be followed by the official International Memorial (5K) Rainbow Run. The flag and flag bearers will enter RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne’s famous soccer stadium, that evening during Gay Games VIII Opening Ceremony leading the parade of athletes.



To learn more about the history of the Gay Games movement, or to learn about an upcoming stop by the International Rainbow Memorial Flag, visit www.gaygames.com. For information about the 2010 Gay Games, visit www.games-cologne.com (English) or www.games-cologne.de (German).

HCG Diet Day 20

MY SKIN IS SO DRY!!!
I've been trying to avoid any oil with soap and bought some Na-PCA spray, which is one of the products approved for the diet to replace moisture in dry skin. It has been SO itchy, so much so that there are cracks that have turned into cuts. There is a lot of dryness in my feet and hands if I don't use the Na-PCA.
On the bright side I've lost 20 pounds in 20 days. This all makes it worth it. I have also realized I'm going to either load up on eating celery (for fiber) or have some laxitive tea every three days.
I do have to admit a little bit of embarrassment for chewing food I'm not supposed to have on the diet and spitting it into the trash. Hey, I'm not going bulemic or anything, I just don't want to give in to my cravings. That's the funny thing, I'm not hungry, but I do get some cravings. I eat something approved for the diet instead. Just two days ago, I was so hungry I ate five celery stalks. FIVE! And I still didn't have to go to the restroom the next day!
On the bright side, I only have four more injections after today and seven more day of eating the HCG Diet-approved food. One more week until I can eat cheese and have butter! One the negative side, I still have four more weeks without any starches or grains. It's all worth it, though!

HCG Diet Day 15

Ok, so I got my days mixed up and yesterday was actually day 14, not 13.
Hallejuah! I'm down five pounds since last Sunday. The plateu has officially been busted! I also had a buffalo steak today. It had about half the calories about of a beef steak and 1/4 of the fat! When I can have bread again, I will definitely have buffalo burger. They are so low in fat, they really don't shrink much when you cook them!
My approximate loss so far is 15 pounds. I'm really hoping for at least ten more pounds lost for a total of 25.

HCG Diet Day 13

FINALLY! I lost two pounds. The plateau is busted. I cut out oranges and started eating strawberries instead (they're lower in sugar). Today I'm going to get some buffalo steak and eat those instead of beef. Hopefully the lower fat content will help. Oh and I'm going to try to stick to organic meat. Hopefully that will help, too.

The Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 need your help!

The Cologne Gay Games is major international event, and there is a place for you even if you are not going to participate in the sports or cultural programs. The Games are a huge project that requires a great deal of individual and group support. You can become a part of Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010. We need you! Become one of more than 3,000 volunteers who will make the Cologne Gay Games the largest sport and cultural celebration in the world. Be part of it!

So far there are over 100 different types of Volunteer positions identified. In the upcoming weeks more tasks and needs will be identified. We are looking for support from a wide range of different areas and abilities. The jobs range from accreditation workers and tournament escorts to driving services, support for visitors, and specific sports support.

It does not matter whether you come from Cologne, Germany or another part of the world. We want your help whether you speak German, English, or another language. You can volunteer if you want to help with a certain sport, with the cultural and events area, or with the opening ceremony. We will have the perfect Volunteer task for you!

Here is how it works:

- Review the positions offered in the Volunteers Portal and choose one of the options.

- Not finding the position you want? Register as a volunteer and you will receive information about new positions which you can choose.

The Volunteers Portal offers even more. It puts you in contact with other volunteers. You may find someone in your area. The portal will provide training for your task in Cologne. You will also receive information about the special masters program for the Volunteers, about admission to evening meetings, and much more. The volunteer coordinator for your chosen area will provide you with up-to-date information over the portal.

Of course you can also register as a volunteer, even if you have already registered as a participant in a sport or a cultural event.

HCG Diet Day 11

Tina! Christopher! DAMN IT!

I hit a plateau. It sucks. I called Deb at Dr. Budnick's office at a co-workers urging. She said I should try a laxative. It could just be constipation.

I'm going to try that and see what happens.

MATTHEW MITCHAM SHOWS: EVERYONE CAN PARTICIPATE

Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham makes his way to Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010

5,300 artists and athletes have already registered at Cologne's sports and cultural festival Gay Games VIII (www.games-cologne.com) and every new day the numbers grow. Now, Australian Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham has announced he will travel to Germany to be part of Cologne's edition of the Gay Games. Matthew will be making appearances at several events while in Cologne, but won’t be competing in the sports program.



“I’m excited to be part of something so important for our communities around the globe. This event brings lesbian and gay life out on the court, onto the track, and into the pool", Matthew explains. “Being ‘out’ means for me being just as I am with nothing to be ashamed about and no reasons to hide. Participating at the Gay Games is a great chance for all gays and lesbians to show that we as a community are not like the stereotypes the straight media loves to portray. I will take time off from training and travel to Cologne, since I strongly feel we have to celebrate our own values and help others to accept that it is ok to be different.” Matthew will capture his trip to Germany and participation in the Gay Games on his Facebook page, allowing people who can’t be there to follow his personal story of being involved in a life-changing event like the Gay Games.

HCG Diet Day 10

Today is a good day. I'm not hungry. I've also decided on doing the 23 day Diet and then doing a second round after six weeks. This allows me to lose more weight on the diet. I still get hungry, but I think it's more a matter of cravings than actual hunger. The headaches have completely gone away, but the gas has not. It sometimes comes without warning, but that could just be my own body and the diet itself. I still have a little bit of soreness from a workout last Wednesday, but I think it should have gone completely away by tomorrow. I won't be doing any working out again until after I'm done with the HCG part (as recommended by the doctor).
Last week, I did find that raw broccoli and raw kale are two of the most awful tasting vegetables. I can't eat them anymore. On the bright side I found a recipe for the most delicious salad dressing (which can also be a marinade) that has almost no calories at all. I also found a recipe for chicken celery soup, which is more filling, thanks to the water.
To date, my weight loss has slowed to a pound a day, which I'm still very happy about. I will admit I did cheat a bit yesterday. I had 3/4 of a lemon with salt.

Australian Olympic Gold Medal Diver Matthew Mitcham

Sydney, Australia – More than 5,000 artists and athletes have already registered to participate at Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 Sports & Cultural Festival (www.games-cologne.com) and every day the numbers grow. Now, Australian Olympic gold medalist Matthew Mitcham has announced he will travel up to Germany to be part of Cologne's edition of the Gay Games.

“I’m excited to be part of something so important for our communities around the globe. This event brings lesbian and gay life out on the court, onto the track, and into the pool," Matthew explains. “Being ‘out’ for me means being just as I am with nothing to be ashamed about and no reasons to hide. Participating at the Gay Games is a great chance for all gays and lesbians to show that we as a community are not like the stereotypes the straight media loves to portray. I will take time off from training and travel to Cologne, since I strongly feel we have to celebrate our own values and help others to accept that it is ok to be different.”

Matthew Mitcham won the gold medal in 10 meter platform diving at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, winning on a final dive that had the highest single-dive score in Olympic history. He was one of 11 openly-gay athletes at the Beijing Olympics.

Matthew will capture his trip to Germany and participation in the Gay Games on his Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matthew-Mitcham-Olympian/23129711303), allowing people who can’t be there to follow his personal story of being involved in a life-changing event like the Gay Games. Matthew will be making appearances at several events while in Cologne, but will not be participating in the sports program.




Caption: Clockwise starting from upper right: Matthew Mitcham; Kate Rowe (seated)(also a COMPETE Magazine 2009 Athlete of Year Finalist), Federation of Gay Games; Philipp Lischke (kneeling), Australian representative of Games Cologne; Kai Peters, General Manager Lufthansa in Australia. Photo by Will Chiung. See link below for high resolution photo.


Emy Ritt and Kurt Dahl, co-presidents of the Federation of Gay Games, are thrilled to have in Matthew Mitcham another top athlete supporting this year’s quadrennial sports and cultural event. “Matthew, one of the most recognised openly gay sports persons of our time at just age 21, is a fantastic role model, especially for younger people. He is focused and successful in his sport and doesn’t have to hide being gay. This is something of which Gay Games founder Dr. Tom Waddell would have been so proud. After almost 30 years, the Gay Games continues to make lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life visible through sports and culture, thus allowing new generations to be accepted just as they are. The wonderful video he recorded for us (viewable at http://www.gaygames.com/) has already generated significant positive reaction from around the world.”

German Airline Lufthansa has generously agreed to provide Matthew’s air travel to Germany. Kai Peters, General Manager of Lufthansa Australia: “Lufthansa created an attractive discounted airfare-package for all Gay Games participants from Australia. By flying Matthew to the Gay Games in Germany, Lufthansa wants to give something back to the community, as he represents something no money can buy. We will have a fantastic young Australian athlete in Cologne at the Gay Games who fascinated so many of us when he proudly hugged his partner in public and in front of the world’s media after receiving his gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.”

HCG Diet Day 6

Well the last two day were not much fun. I would have that "I'm fine" feeling in the morning, but in the afternoon and at night I would get some pretty bad headaches. Usually when I ate something, they went away. I've also found that mint lemonade is pretty darn good (with Stevia instead of sugar).
I did have times when I felt pretty lethargic and today I am a little worried that I had to eat a chicken breast from a restaurant. I don't know what kind of chicken breast it is and if it is going to cause me to gain a pound by the time I wake up tomorrow.
On the bright side I have lost 10 pounds but I also wish I were already done. I also went to workout today and thought I was going to die, but I didn't. Hopefully tomorrow's workout will be easier.

HCG Diet Day 4

Well, yesterday as I was eating chard (I found it's easier to eat if you eat it with an orange) I was keeping mind the fact that I could lose a couple of pounds on my first very low calorie diet (VLCD) day. I also made myself some lemonade with stevia and it was REALLY good. I felt really full after drinking two glasses right before bed. I was also amazed how good a ground beef patty can be with raw spinach.
Anyway, that isn't what I really wanted to say. What I really wanted to say is that I woke up very excited this morning hoping to see that I had lost about five pounds (aim high, right?). I know this was a ridiculous goal, but I figured if I set ridiculous goals and I get halfway there, I'm still in pretty good shape.
I went to the restroom as instructed and weighed myself. Yesterday I was 238.
This morning I was 234!
That is freaking COOL! Then I gave myself my morning injection and went on my merry way.
Wow, this kale is sooo delicious. Tastes way better than obesity.

HCG Diet Part 2

I enjoyed my weekend by gorging myself on food. The book that came with my HCG indicated that I would probably gain a pound or two on these days. I did gain one pound (putting me at 238) and my weight loss will be measured from this point on. Today, I begin the 500 calorie process. Before I get in that, I do want to mention that I was struck by reality and measured myself. REAL measurement, with my abdominals relaxed. Here they are (in inches):

Date 2/5/10
Weight 237 (How did I let this happen to myself?)
Chest 52 3/4
Waist 51 1/4 (Shoot, scratch that, harpoon me)
Hips 47
Left arm 15
Right arm 16
Left Calf 17 1/2
Right Calf 17
Left Thigh 28 1/2
Right Thigh 28 1/2 (hooray for symmetry)
Left Ankle 9 3/4
Right Ankle 9 7/8
Neck 16

So there you go. My REAL weight and measurements. If I paint a very grim picture, that means I'm more motivated.
Back to the diet. There is small menu of items I can eat, steak (VERY lean steak), chicken breast (with the fat trimmed off of it), a short list of vegetables and fruits and grissini breaksticks or melba toast. I can use spices, as much as a want, but nothing oily or with oils in it. Not even moisturizers or shampoo because the HCG will burn those fats instead of the ones in my body. It even says not to use deodorants with aluminum, but I just can't do that because my pits get stinky.
I have experienced a little bit of nausea in the mornings after my injections, at least until I eat something.
Well that's all for now, we'll see how it goes.

HCG Diet Journal

A member of our staff recently decided to give the HCG Diet a try. It is a diet where you inject yourself with a hormone (produced by pregnant women which will cause your body to burn an additional 2000 calories of fat a day (if followed EXACTLY). The diet works by resetting your hypothalamus to recognize your weight, after having lost some, as its new weight. Again this requires following a very specific eating plan, even after you're done with the diet. If you deviate from it IN ANY WAY, it does not work. This diet requires ALOT OF DISCIPLINE. If you can't do that, don't waste your money. Also, there are two forms, one is taken orally, the other is injected. Our staff member will be taking the injections.
My first day was meeting with the Deb at the Anti-Aging Institute of Arizona. She says she prefers to be the person who instructs people as to how to follow the diet because she is the most strict person at the office about it. She don't play when it comes to instructing patients using the HCG Diet. She goes over certain things about the diet, how to initially mix the dry HCG with the fluid (to "activate" it), what to eat, how to eat, what will cause the diet to not work. She also gives me her personal cellphone number so that I can call her if I have any questions. Most places with have you meet with someone at their office at certain intervals, but she says she prefers to have patients call, text or email her whenever they want. This method saves the patient money by not having to pay for office visits until they have finished their round of injections. They also gave me an wire-bound instruction book. I was instructed to start the diet only after having first read the instruction book, which explains how the diet works and what will cause it to not work. I did read it first and learned quite a bit about how the HCG works within the human body.
This morning I woke, passed urine, weighed myself and then mixed the two solutions and gave myself my first injection. This was all required as a morning routine when following the diet. The doctors office weighed me yesterday at 243. My scale shows 237, first thing in the morning (I think I like my scale better). I had to psych myself out to give myself the first injection since I'm not a really big fan of getting them and doing it myself wasn't exactly my idea of a good time, It took three false starts before I did it and was very happy with myself when the syringe was attached to a very fatty area of my abdomen. Now it was time to inject the liquid. Ugh. I knew I could do it. I gave the stopper (injector?) a push and felt the liquid burn a little. I waited a few seconds and tried some more and it burned a little less and the pushed the rest of it in. I can do this (every day).
For the first two days I am able to eat all the really fatty foods I want. The diet requires it to get that unneeded fat to start circulating in my blood stream so that it recognizes the fat it will be devouring. If this does not take place, it will take longer for fat loss to begin (about a week, if I read correctly). Monday I will begin the required eating plan, which includes almost no wheat, only five kinds of fruit and a few kinds of meat (organic is preferred) and about 5-10 kinds of vegetables. I can also have tea and coffee. I'm not a coffee drinker, so tea it is. I am also required to drink half my body weight in ounces of water or more every day.
Let the fun begin.