Who will you nominate for the 2009 Mayor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts?

Click to embiggen and read.

Then, be sure to head over to the website and nominate your favorite local artists.

Soccer team booted from league over homophobia

Remember hearing about that (mostly) Muslim soccer team that refused to play that (mostly) gay soccer team? They got booted from the league over it.

Photo from the Paris Gay Foot website.

The Ultimate Fighter: Hot guys and hotter fights

The new season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' is off to a bloody good start.

Unfortunately, the hottest guy in the competition, former Colorado Springs resident Abe Wagner (above), got sent home first but tonight's bout between Kimbo Slice and Roy Nelson is the most anticipated of the season (see below).

Can the world's most famous street fighter match up against an experienced and well-rounded mixed martial artist?

Check out 'The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights' tonight on Spike.

Sneak Peek: Kimbo Fights! | UFC | SPIKE.com

Cleveland wins bid to host 2014 Gay Games

MetroWeekly is reporting that Washington D.C. has lost out to Cleveland in the bid to host the 2014 Gay Games.

The 2010 Gay Games will be held in Cologne, Germany.

Hardball 6.0 - Hit a home run for charity!

Hardball 6.0 has arrived, and it’s time to dust off your spikes, find your old glove, pick up your baseball bat, and hit a home run for charity.

Hardball was originated in 2003 by Jared Polis and Josh Metnick, and has been rotated and played annually in either the Chicagoland area or Colorado.

The charity chosen for this year’s event is Community Computer Connection (C3). C3 has been refurbishing computers since 2001 and has distributed over 17,000 computers to more than 130 schools and 470 organizations across Colorado.

“This is a really special event for everybody each year— pulling together a pick-up soccer, basketball or even football game doesn’t require all that much – but after most of us reach eighteen years of age, or even after little league, playing an actual game of baseball requires significant planning to do it right. It is not every day you get to play in a real minor league stadium, with real minor league umpires. And, it is all for a great cause. Many of us who play in the tournament owe much of their career successes to early exposure to computers and programming, and it is good to give back in the same manner,” says Josh Metnick, one of the event co-founders.

This year’s event will be played in the Chicagoland area at the Windy City Thunderbolts stadium in Crestwood, IL (http://windycitythunderbolts.com). It will be a one-day best of three game tournament, held on October 3.

Players interested in registering to play for Hardball 2009 may do so at www.heilio.com/baseball2009. The cost to play is a tax-deductible $125 which includes uniform, lunch, and the amenities provided by the Thunderbolts (umpires, staffed press box, extra equipment, grounds-keeping, etc.)

Tips for Guncles: Colorado Youth Soccer Kids Fest

Hey guncles, get the nieces and nephews together and don't miss “Colorado Youth Soccer Kids Fest 2009” this Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. This free event will give all kids the chance to watch the Rapids train on the stadium pitch, and then come down on the field to meet their favorite players, while getting pictures and autographs, all in a festival atmosphere.

USA versus Mexico today at 2 p.m.

Don't miss one of the biggest soccer matches of the year! It's USA vs. Mexico today at 2 p.m. Take a long lunch and get to the official viewing party at Fado to watch the USA as they take on El Tri in this huge World Cup Qualifier.

Broncos' training camp kick off

The Broncos' 2009 training camp kicks off on July 31. When the camp begins, you can check this page on a daily basis to see all of the newest practice blogs, photo galleries, Broncos TV videos and top stories from training camp.

DATE night tonight

Monday tennis with DATE is at City Park from 6-8 p.m.

Denver Wildfire: Denver's Gay Rugby Team

The Denver Wildfire, Denver's first gay rugby team, is recruiting for new members and supporters. Rugby season will begin in August , but the team is holdling fitness practices every Saturday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on the north end of Cheesman Park. Come on down to learn the sport with, get in shape, or just cheer the Denver Wildfire on.

Naked rugby!

A little naked rugby makes everything better!

Find out why they're naked - and see the full monty - here.

Fun Fact: A fully clothed streaker interrupted the game.

Get to know the Broncos' Rulon Davis

Not only is he one good-lookin fella but, from the Marines to professional football, the Denver Broncos' Rulon Davis has already packed a lot of living into his 25 years.

Go fishin' in Gunnison

With hundreds of miles of scenic waterways and 3 million new fish released each year from the state’s Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, Gunnison County is an excellent choice for a fishing vacation. The Gunnison River, East River, Taylor River, Blue Mesa Lake and Taylor Reservoir are among the many exceptional habitats for kokanee salmon, northern pike, and brown, rainbow, cutthroat, brook and Mackinaw trout. The people who like to fish also are well fed with a plethora of fishing events and great package deals available for this summer and fall.

Visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com for a list of outfitters and to sign up for an email newsletter about fly-fishing conditions. 


Check out a full list of fishing events after the jump.

Kiwanis/Monarch Blue Mesa Lake Fishing Tournament, May 16 – 17
Kiwanis and Monarch Search & Rescue are combining their fishing tournaments into one this year on May 16 – 17. Teams of two will start at Elk Creek Marina and angle for trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat and other). The entry fee is approximately $120 per team, with an extra cost to enter the Mackinaw trout competition. Historically, the prize has been in excess of $1,000 for first place.

In addition, the names of 10 lucky participants will be drawn on May 16 to be eligible for the grand prize drawing on May 17 sponsored by Canyon Marine. For information and a registration form visit www.GunnisonChamber.com or call Joanne Stone at (970) 641-2663 and Bruce Saunders at (970) 901-0110.

Ninth Annual Taylor Park Marina Fishing Derby, June 13
Cash prizes will be presented for longest northern pike, largest pike by weight, most pike caught, and largest trout caught in the Taylor Park Reservoir. Registration begins at 6 a.m., with eligible fishing times between 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The entry fee is $25 per person. Registration for the kids’ division is free (non-cash prizes). Everyone receives a door prize. For information, contact Taylor Park Marina at (970) 641-2922 or (719) 395-6484 or visit www.taylorparkmarina.com.

Eighth Annual Caddis Cup Fly-Fishing Tournament, July 16 – 17
Catch the biggest flopper or tell the biggest whopper during the Crested Butte Land Trust Caddis Cup fly-fishing tournament. The event will start with a casting and knot-tying clinic followed by an opening barbecue at Cement Creek Ranch, where guides are matched with competitors to plot strategy. The next morning, each pair heads into the wilds for catch-and-release fly-fishing adventures in the valley’s most prized (and secret) fishing holes. At day’s end, everyone gathers for prizes, beer and tall fish tales, all on behalf of land conservation. The event entry fee is $600. For more information, contact the Crested Butte Land Trust at (970) 349-1206.

FLY-fishing & package Deals
High Alpine Backcountry Fishing Trip
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the West Elk Wilderness on horseback as you ride into “cow camp” and fly-fish high alpine streams. This five-day, four-night excursion from July 12 - 15 includes two nights at the Water Wheel Inn in Gunnison, two nights at camp with Tenderfoot Outfooters, all breakfasts, a cowboy dinner the night off arrival, three lunches and a fly rod if needed. Free time is built in to explore and fish other areas in Gunnison County. There are only 10 spots available at a cost of $674 per person, not including taxes. For all the details, visit www.waterwheelinnatgunnison.com or call (800) 642-1650.

Fly-Fishing School
Surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest and situated at the confluence of three of Colorado’s best fishing rivers, Three Rivers Resort in Almont is the perfect getaway for fishing. Willowfly Anglers, the resort’s Orvis-endorsed outfitting service, offers its fly-fishing school for anglers of all ability levels. Participants work one-on-one with instructor guides to learn casting techniques, essential knots, stream entomology, equipment selection, reading water and more. Choose one day or multiple days. A basic package starts at $395 per person (based on two people) and includes two nights’ lodging in a modern riverfront cabin, one full day of professional fly-fishing instruction and all fishing equipment (if needed). Custom packages may be requested. Visit www.3riversresort.com or call (888) 761-FISH.

Run with the Salmon
Come and experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. At Three Rivers Resort in Almont, just 3 miles from the final salmon destination at the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, utilize Willowfly Anglers, to help land the fish. When purchasing any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations of two nights or more. This offer applies to Sunday – Thursday night stays only, and Labor Day weekend is excluded. Call (888) 761-FISH or go to www.3riversresort.com.

Free Flies
Stop by the Gunnison Visitor Center at 500 E. Tomichi Ave. and pick up a coupon for two free flies from Gene Taylor’s Sporting Goods, located just down the street at 201 W. Tomichi Ave. While there, book a fishing guide for area lakes and rivers.



Tickets on sale now for Broncos Fan Fair

* click to embiggen and read

Rapids host Rocky Mountain Rumble this Saturday

The Colorado Rapids host their archrivals Real Salt Lake at Dick's Sporting Goods Park for the only time this year this Saturday night, May 2nd. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm at the home of the Rapids; don't miss this huge first match of 2009 for the battle for ownership of the Rocky Mountain Cup!

For the full match preview of this game, featuring interactive projected lineups, insider game notes, head-to-head stats, the latest injury and suspension reports, as well as details on all the promotions taking place at the stadium on Saturday, click here.

Tips for Guncles: Mammoth host free NLL Playoffs viewing party

The Colorado Mammoth organization will host a viewing party at Brooklyn’s at Pepsi Center on Sunday, May 3. The Mammoth will be in Calgary that afternoon for their first round NLL Playoff Game against the top-seeded Roughnecks. The event will be free to attend, but fans are asked to RSVP by email to Mammoth@PepsiCenter.com.

Tips for Guncles: Rapids Soccer Clinic for Kids

Hey guncles, let your nieces and nephews learn from the Rapids players! Sign up for the 2009 Rapids Kickoff Clinic with the players, rescheduled to its new date of Wednesday, April 22, from 5:30-7pm at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Denver Bronco cheerleader auditions

Think you have what it takes to be a 2009 Denver Broncos Cheerleader? Well, now is your chance to prove it. I don't see anything that bars guys from trying out and I know Denver used to have a big gay cheerleading team.

Join the Denver Broncos this Sunday, April 19, 2009 at noon (registration begins at 11 a.m.) for preliminary auditions at INVESCO Field at Mile High (west club). The finalists will then be divided into two groups of 30 and scheduled for finalist workshops on April 21, 23, 28 and 30.

Denver Broncos Cheerleader Finals will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 6 p.m. at the University of Denver Davis Auditorium Theater and will be open to the public. Tickets are on sale now

Click here for more information on the audition process and/or to purchase tickets to finals today.

Outsports.com names Best Gay Sports Team

Colorado's elite gay hockey team, G-Force, made the Final Four in Outsports.com's Best Gay Sports Team contest but just missed out on nabbing top honors. Here's a letter from G-Force president Glenn Witman:

Thank you so much for your support over the past month. The contest for the Best Gay Sports Group of 2008 is now over. The GForce Hockey Club made it to the Final Four (out of 42 teams) but a judges panel awarded the Madison Hockey Association the top group. Congrats to them!

During the past 45 days, I was very proud of our team, friends, family, and fans around the world. More people know about GForce today then when this thing started. Plus we have received several emails/ contacts from players who wanting to know about the team. One such email was from a freshman college student in Wisconsin. He was the captain of his high school hockey team as a junior but the team found out he was gay. His teammates harassed him to the point he could not play anymore. He was unable to complete the hockey season and has not played hockey since. He has been inspired by GForce and wants start playing hockey again and possibly join the team. It's a shame but there are many other stories like this. The Co-founder of Outsports.com, Cyd Zeigler, had this to say about GForce:

"It's no surprise that our readers voted G-Force as a finalist for this award. Their undying efforts to bridge the gap between gay and straight elite athletes is unparalleled, and I am proud that they are such a vibrant part of our community."

I know this economy is tough, but if you are able, please consider making a tax deductible gift to the GForce Hockey Club by sending a check or donate by credit card on the website at http://www.gforcehockey.com/donatenow.php.

Travel: British Columbia

In British Columbia, an ocean of kayaking adventures awaits, with more than a few shores perfect for launch. Synonymous with adventure, the Broken Group Islands, situated off the west coast of Vancouver Island, is simply a kayaker’s dream; here you’ll find an archipelago of more than a hundred islands and islets in Barkley Sound.

More after the jump.


From April through October, Majestic Ocean Kayaking mans the paddles during half-day, full-day and multi-day glides through quiet coves and sheltered bays; hands-on instruction mingles with the promise of eagle, sea lion and even whale sightings. With a base in Ucluelet, just south of the Broken Group Islands, Majestic Ocean Kayaking supplies gourmet lunch on a sandy shore, treks into an old growth forest and cosy beach-front camp accommodations ideal for multi-day excursions. In the province’s Haida Gwaii, or Queen Charlotte Islands, July marks the beginning of ocean kayak adventures which blend wilderness terrain, a distinctive ecosystem and a storied First Nations heritage. Set amid the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in Northern BC, Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures promises eight to 15-day sea kayak expeditions, all within an area hailed as Canada’s Galapagos (this archipelago is a hotbed for uniquely evolved flora and fauna). And with opportunities to visit remote Haida villages and cultural sites sheltering the remains of long houses and a handful of still-standing mortuary and memorial poles, you’re assured adventure, complete with a deeply defined sense of wonder. Time to test the waters.