The Sochi Olympics ended yesterday, however the Olympics were not the only thing making news in the world of sports over the weekend, but we will start there. The top individual medal winner was Out Speedskater Ireen Wust of the Netherlands with 2 Gold and 3 Silver Medals. Ryan Quinn from Outsports also did a terrific interview with Gay Biathlete Brian Olsen on why the definition of 'Out' has changed in the world of Olympic Sports. Also on Outsports, Ryan Sifferman of Fox Sports did a series of Ryan in Russia posts about the observations of an Openly Gay Sports Fan/Media person attending the Sochi Olympics.
Meanwhile, back here in the US, the NFL combine was in Indianapolis over the weekend. The combine is where prospective NFL players coming out of college showcase their talent for the scouts and team officials. The big story of the combine was of course Missouri Defensive End Michael Sam who is set to become the first openly Gay NFL athlete. Sam gave a press conference during the combine and from all accounts handled all the media hype wonderfully well. His operative phrase: "I just want to do what I love to do and that's play football". Cyd Zeigler also did an excellent analytical article, The Phantom Now Has A Face, on how the conversation is moving forward on a Gay player in the NFL.
Then last but not least, Jason Collins made history last night when he took to the boards with the Brooklyn Nets in their game with the Los Angeles Lakers as the first openly Gay active player in the NBA. His appearance was met with some light applause and then it was on to business as usual and the game continued without incident. In fact, it was almost a 'ho-hum, oh he's Gay, so what' kind of moment. Would that that would become the normal reaction to professional Gay athletes no matter the sport. Jason Collins road from prospective to actual first openly Gay player in the NBA was paved with patience and a lot of hard work. There is also this photograph of Jason Collins on the court in an NBA game which says more than a million words about Gays in pro sports. Now all we need is some courageous athletes from the NHL and MLB to join Jason Collins and Michael Sam so we can sound the trumpets around Jericho and the walls will come tumbling down. How inspiring that will be to young Gay athletes as they are coming up and 'Out'. To know that they can be that top flight athlete that makes it to the elite level of professional sports, even if they are Gay. It could be the difference between another potential suicide and success in the sport they love. We can only hope (and work our butts off to get there)!
This week on Monday with Mozart is the Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in A Major, KV581 with a performance by Valter Vitek on Clarinet along with the Kubin Quartet. This recording was made in Ostrava, Czech Republic in 1989. You may also hear the master's Violin Concerto Number 3 over on my tumblr.
Finally for today, to get your week started right is this collection of handsome hard bodied hunks lounging about the page in their Monday's Undies below the video. Check out the Hottie of the Day! to be found on my tumblr as well. Thanks for starting your week with a visit here at Nichevo, see you again tomorrow. Until next time as always, Enjoy!
Meanwhile, back here in the US, the NFL combine was in Indianapolis over the weekend. The combine is where prospective NFL players coming out of college showcase their talent for the scouts and team officials. The big story of the combine was of course Missouri Defensive End Michael Sam who is set to become the first openly Gay NFL athlete. Sam gave a press conference during the combine and from all accounts handled all the media hype wonderfully well. His operative phrase: "I just want to do what I love to do and that's play football". Cyd Zeigler also did an excellent analytical article, The Phantom Now Has A Face, on how the conversation is moving forward on a Gay player in the NFL.
Then last but not least, Jason Collins made history last night when he took to the boards with the Brooklyn Nets in their game with the Los Angeles Lakers as the first openly Gay active player in the NBA. His appearance was met with some light applause and then it was on to business as usual and the game continued without incident. In fact, it was almost a 'ho-hum, oh he's Gay, so what' kind of moment. Would that that would become the normal reaction to professional Gay athletes no matter the sport. Jason Collins road from prospective to actual first openly Gay player in the NBA was paved with patience and a lot of hard work. There is also this photograph of Jason Collins on the court in an NBA game which says more than a million words about Gays in pro sports. Now all we need is some courageous athletes from the NHL and MLB to join Jason Collins and Michael Sam so we can sound the trumpets around Jericho and the walls will come tumbling down. How inspiring that will be to young Gay athletes as they are coming up and 'Out'. To know that they can be that top flight athlete that makes it to the elite level of professional sports, even if they are Gay. It could be the difference between another potential suicide and success in the sport they love. We can only hope (and work our butts off to get there)!
This week on Monday with Mozart is the Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in A Major, KV581 with a performance by Valter Vitek on Clarinet along with the Kubin Quartet. This recording was made in Ostrava, Czech Republic in 1989. You may also hear the master's Violin Concerto Number 3 over on my tumblr.
Finally for today, to get your week started right is this collection of handsome hard bodied hunks lounging about the page in their Monday's Undies below the video. Check out the Hottie of the Day! to be found on my tumblr as well. Thanks for starting your week with a visit here at Nichevo, see you again tomorrow. Until next time as always, Enjoy!
