Pride House to host gay Olympic athletes

Refugee claims expected during 2010 Vancouver Winter Games

Gay and lesbian Olympic athletes from countries consumed with conflict or that have laws against homosexuality will have a safe place to seek refugee status during the 2010 Winter Games, says the creator of Pride House, which will have locations in Vancouver and Whistler.

Pride House creator Dean Nelson said no one will encourage athletes to seek asylum, but he added based on past experience he and other organizers decided to have refugee information readily available.

"It happened during the World AIDS Conference here and in Toronto," he said. "And even during the Commonwealth Games. We have athletes coming from places of conflict and they could ask about seeking asylum. We just want to be prepared."

Both locations of Pride House will have information and support services for queer athletes, but the Whistler venue, which will be located at the Pan Pacific Village Centre, will have more of a celebratory theme. The Vancouver location, housed within Qmunity, formerly known as the Centre, on Bute Street, will be the base for athletes and visitors looking for information about queer services and support, as well as on immigration and seeking asylum in Canada.

Keep your EARS on the road!

An Ontario law came into effect Monday making it illegal for drivers to use hand-held cellphones, BlackBerrys and other electronic devices while behind the wheel.

Drivers are forbidden to use hand-held devices to talk, text or email while behind the wheel, or to use portable video games or DVD players.

The only exception to the ban is a 911 call.

[NOTE: Today, 2 days after the ban went into effect, I saw 2 morons driving and talking!!! Knock it off, BOZOs!]

Canada quietly marks anniversary for gays in military while U.S. debate rages

MONTREAL - While Barack Obama plunges his country into a controversial debate about gays in the U.S. military, he could perhaps find comfort in the Canadian experience which just passed it's 17th anniversary.

On Oct. 27, 1992 Canada's Federal Court ruled that barring homosexuals from military service violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in a landmark verdict that prompted more openly gay men and women to join the ranks of the Army, Air Force and Navy.

The U.S. president has promised to repeal America's policy of, 'Don't ask, don't tell,' reviving a heated debate in his country.