But Does He Pitch or Catch?

It's been said before, perhaps in different words, but the sentiment is the same: I look forward to a freewheeling, adult conversation that will never approach boundries of taste and/or maturity. Game on. As for Ozzie, damn, his act is wearing thin. I'd be eager to hear from somebody else from Venezuela, just to get their take on the disputed word "fag." I know the word has different meanings (I used to date a British girl who, instead of saying she was going to the store for a pack of cigarettes, would instead go for "twenty fags."), I just don't know all of 'em.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 12:37 PM - reply - flag:

The bottom line is this: The ChiSox are winning and everybody is blowing Ozzie's rants off. If they were losing, his ass would have been gone a long time ago. Don't get me wrong. I've always liked Guillen as a player, and did like him when he started managing. But it's getting old.

I like to poke fun at people and say a lot of off-the-wall comments. But those comments are 99.9% of the time directed at people who know me and know how much of a goofball I am. I go out of my way not to say the same exact things to or around people who do not know me. Personally, that is what I think Ozzie's problem is. He needs to figure out when and where to say certain things.

posted by wingnut4life at 12:54 PM - reply - flag:

who cares?!?! come on let him be himself no matter what!

posted by altbravesrock1887 at 01:23 PM - reply - flag:

"I don't have anything against those people. In my country, you call someone something like that and it is not the same as it is in this country.'' You call anyone in Venezuela a "fag" that isn't, and it would easily escalate into an ugly brawl or gun-fight.... easily. In my country, that is one of the most hurtful things to call another straight-man, and Guillen knows it. So Guillen should not be using the second language excuse! He needs to change his act, and start behaving as a Manager and not a street-punk. I love the guy for what he has done for Venezuelan ball, but I hate the way he's behaving now that he has power. I think he may feel invincible.... and he needs a wake up call, soon! For his own sake.

posted by zippinglou at 01:28 PM - reply - flag:

Black Hand and Wingnut, amen. It's getting real old. Almost forgot, rcade. Awesome title for this one

posted by timdawg at 01:38 PM - reply - flag:

I used to date a British girl who, instead of saying she was going to the store for a pack of cigarettes, would instead go for "twenty fags."), I just don't know all of 'em. You don't know all the idioms, or you don't know 20 fags? I'm starting to get sick of Ozzie, although I'm a little shocked. I mean, if he went to a Madonna concert, doesn't that pretty much mean he's gay? C'mon, Ozzie, Truth or Dare!

posted by wfrazerjr at 01:53 PM - reply - flag:

Lighten up FRANCIS!!! Since when did all the little girls start commenting on the big bad manager who said absolutely NOTHING wrong??? Get a life people,this guy is refreshingly honest in a time of too much PC. GO OZZIE GO!!!

posted by frankiem at 01:54 PM - reply - flag:

"Girls?" Really? *sigh.* It is Gay Pride Week, and the fact that what he said was wrong is beyond question (I should hope), but ... he was yelling at Jay Mariotti, fergodsake.

posted by chicobangs at 02:00 PM - reply - flag:

It does seem weird to be defending (if indirectly) Mariotti. He's putrid. Ozzie is in that category of people who think you just can't handle their "honesty." I refer you to the urban dictionary for a more accurate description of this type of person.

posted by ninjavshippo at 02:05 PM - reply - flag:

nice one ninja, i came across urban dictionary awhile back and i still crackup while reading it.

posted by ptluigi at 02:12 PM - reply - flag:

This organization has fought for decades to erase a lower-class label, starting with Disco Demolition Night, Huh? Way to go Ozzie, all the goodwill that was started with Disco Demolition Night and you go and ruin it by calling a reporter a fag.

posted by tselson at 02:15 PM - reply - flag:

At what part was Ozzie being "refreshingly honest," Frankie -- when he called someone a "fag" or the stuff about how he's already bought his tickets for the Gay Games?

posted by rcade at 02:54 PM - reply - flag:

posted by altbravesrock1887 at 1:23 PM CDT on June 21 Who are the alternative Braves?

posted by jerseygirl at 03:06 PM - reply - flag:

If only he'd stabbed Mariotti in the face instead. Then we could all agree on the morality of the act.

posted by tieguy at 03:16 PM - reply - flag:

Since when did all the little girls start commenting on the big bad manager who said absolutely NOTHING wrong??? Way to jump in on your first day, first post, and show your ass. In fact, considering you chose this thread to show your ass in, perhaps this is a subtle way for you to express your interest in the love that dares not speak its name. frankiem, if you're gay, it's nothing to hide. You should be proud of the fact that you are a homosexual. And, if you're not, then what I've said won't bother you at all, becuase you A - don't think there's anything wrong in saying it; B - think it's refreshingly honest to call someone gay in public, whether they are or not. So, no problem, right?

posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:33 PM - reply - flag:

If only he'd stabbed Mariotti in the face instead. All I can say is, thank God Greg Maddux pitches for the Cubs and not the White Sox, or a face-stabbing would've been the least of Mariotti's problems.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:35 PM - reply - flag:

posted by daddisamm at 03:37 PM - reply - flag:

Oh ninja, you're such a genius! I, too, have referenced a word in the urban dictionary. The closest FAG term that I can relate to Guillen's "Venezualen Slang" is number 9: 1. A ciggarette (British Slang) 2. Slang pejorative term for a homosexual person, often used as an insult. Shortening of faggot. Often used by adolecents that are either uncomfortable with their sexuality. 3. Abbreviation of "Film Actors' Guild", originating from the film Team America - World Police. Parody of SAG (Screen Actors' Guild) 4. A personal servant to a senior boy at a school (British, no longer used as it now implies meaning 2) 5. Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca) 6. FAG Kugelfischer - A company in Germany that makes ball bearings 1. "I'm going to the shop to buy some fags." 2. "You're a fag." 3. Alec Baldwin in Team America - "That's the FAG way..." 4. "I'll just get my fag to do it." 5. "The FAG are planning an attack." 6. "I need some ball bearings, so I'll go to FAG."

posted by wingnut4life at 03:52 PM - reply - flag:

When the going gets tough, just blame the gays. Hey, if it worked for the Republican Party, why not Ozzie Guillen? ] (...and at the same time make sure to tell everyone that you don't have a prejudiced bone in your body and that some of your best friends are Those People)

posted by lil_brown_bat at 04:30 PM - reply - flag:

Should have just called him a marcon.

posted by yerfatma at 04:40 PM - reply - flag:

if he went to a Madonna concert, doesn't that pretty much mean he's gay? or he has no taste in music

posted by graymatters at 04:53 PM - reply - flag:

You know what I don't get? Why, if you suck ONE dick - all of a sudden you're a fag forever. C'mon, man - it was that ONE time. Just get off my back. I mean, gay, straight - don't be so suburban (one of my favorite insults), I think I can safely speqk for everyone here when I say that we all seceretly harbour a desire to touch countless monkeys. Touch my monkey. He went to a Modonna concert? Yep, gay.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 06:31 PM - reply - flag:

Political correctness run amuk.

posted by budman13 at 06:59 PM - reply - flag:

Ozzie used "fag" with intent to insult and humiliate Mariotti. Since he chose to use the word "fag" as the word to humiliate and insult Mariotti, it seems pretty clear that (regardless of whether Ozzie has friends who "putt from the rought" or not) he figured that word would be an effective put down. Claiming that he has many gay friends does not change the fact that Ozzie views this word as an appropriate put down. This is somewhat akin to calling somebody a racial slur and then saying "but I have a lot of friends of that ethnicity so it is all right." Even if you are totally homophobic yourself, you should recognize that somebody in Ozzie's position is (whether he likes it or not) a role model. Behaving like this in public is unprofessional behavior regardless of whether he called Mariotti a fag, an asshole or even a moron. It makes Ozzie (and, by extension, the White Sox) look bad, which really shouldn't be his goal. This why baseball players and managers do better in public if they stick to Bull Durham style sports cliches in their interviews. They might not come across as colorful, but they also don't end up with their feet in their mouths quite as often. Also, seeing Madonna does give Ozzie a certain amount of rainbow cred, but until he let's Michael Strahan crash on his couch for a week he isn't allowed to use the term "fag" even as a term of endearment.

posted by Joey Michaels at 07:09 PM - reply - flag:

Now why would Ozzie go and say something like that? I mean Mariotti is so thin and neat. Sorry Weedy, I swear I didn't tell anyone. I have no idea how those pictures got on the net. Can we still get together this weekend? I just want to cuddle.

posted by MrFrisby at 08:05 PM - reply - flag:

Political correctness run amuk. it's fun to use inexact isms to support non-arguments. silly fags with their silly hats and feelings.

posted by ninjavshippo at 08:07 PM - reply - flag:

every country has has a different way of saying gay fag homo ozzie is right but when you say in the u.s. it's demeaning your basically calling him that, ozzie needs to shuty up and start thinking on ways to catch detroit because mags is the one laughing at this moment

posted by rem at 08:13 PM - reply - flag:

I refer anyone interested to the album "Failure" by King Missile. See the song "Gay/Not Gay" It explains all.

posted by pauleye at 08:41 PM - reply - flag:

Double fucked by two dumb stumps.

posted by yerfatma at 08:57 PM - reply - flag:

At the beginning of the season, I felt that the White Sox and Ozzie would implode soemtime during the season. What you are seeing is the beginning of the end of the White Sox run. Of course, this is just my lowly opinion! posted by daddisamm at 3:37 PM CDT on June 21 You got to be kidding! They just exploded beating one of the best teams in baseball by scoring 20 runs (last night) and half as many so far tonight.... Not only that, they are just a game and a half behind Detroit... and hold one of the best records in baseball....

posted by zippinglou at 09:08 PM - reply - flag:

Mariotti is the professional version of a troll and there are many times when I read something he wrote or saw him on Around the Horn and ended up calling him worse stuff than what Guillen did. But I'm not a role model and beat writers aren't camped outside my door. I understand why Ozzie took a shot at him, but that doesn't make it OK. Guillen is getting dangerously close to Marge Schott territory, if he's not there already. I just hope he won't get away with it for nine years like she did.

posted by forrestv at 09:36 PM - reply - flag:

Over the past couple years, I have found Ozzie's mouth to be somewhat entertaining...I don't really think too highly of Mariotti myself, but honestly, I do think Ozzie went too far this time. I'm glad Ozzie is the manager and that he is so brutally honest, but he did cross the line with this one.

posted by whitesoxbears at 10:42 PM - reply - flag:

Political correctness run amuk. posted by budman13 at 6:59 PM CDT on June 21 it's fun to use inexact isms to support non-arguments. silly fags with their silly hats and feelings. posted by ninjavshippo at 8:07 PM CDT on June 21 I don't wear silly hats.

posted by budman13 at 10:56 PM - reply - flag:

I'd add to this thread, but I just can't shake the feeling that Mariotti has this thread open and is madly spanking it between fervent pressings of the "Refresh" button. (I caught you, didn't I, Jay? I thought so. Now, put that thing away and go talk to Ozzie. It's your job, you know.)

posted by chicobangs at 01:24 AM - reply - flag:

(...and at the same time make sure to tell everyone that you don't have a prejudiced bone in your body and that some of your best friends are Those People) Yeh I love that part too. I actually have more then a few friends that are gay (I do live in Hollywood after all), but I also have a son who is gay and so is my oldest step-son. Both are great guys involved in full time long term relationships. I can't say much for the guys they picked, but what's a dad to do? It's not like I can pick out their men for them. The upshot is it's sort of like I can call my sister whatever I want, but damned if anyone else can. So if a straight person called either of them a fag (along with getting their teeth bashed in...my son is one big boy and so is his step-brother) they'd consider it an insult because it rarely means anything else from a straight man. However it doesn't stop them or our other gay friends from using the word (or queer) on each other because they all know what they've been through growing up gay in America.

posted by commander cody at 01:25 AM - reply - flag:

White Sox fans/observers: was Ozzie this outspoken as a player? Did he say things this controversial and just escape widespread notice because he was a light-hitting (but solid defensively) shortstop? I'm sure that the "Blizzard of Ozz" will turn to slush or melt completely the more Chicago wins and Guillen gets increased publicity. "If you don't know now you know."

posted by curtangle at 03:12 AM - reply - flag:

I am sorry I cant get all upset by Ozzie's use of the word. He meant it as a put down and more than likely didnt think about the homphobic nature (if there is such a thing) of the word. Quite frankly, Mariotti, has more written stuff that I found offensive than anything Ozzie has ever said. Should Ozzie be fined or suspended? I dont know. Something should be done about jounalists who throw insults from a distance and hide behind the old "freedom of speech" line. This is too much about Marrioti being made the victim here and that is not right.

posted by daddisamm at 07:29 AM - reply - flag:

Something should be done about jounalists who throw insults from a distance and hide behind the old "freedom of speech" line. Like not reading them?

posted by rcade at 07:33 AM - reply - flag:

Everything's "forgiveable", "saying it like it is" and "refreshing" when the guy saying it is winning and coming off a World Series championship. I've said it before, once the Sox start losing, whether it be this year or next, whenever, the comments will move directly into the "unacceptable" category, and that same "Ozzie being Ozzie" attitude will be used as a reason he'll be let go. The guy needs to eventually realize that every stupid comment that comes out of his mouth will be put in print, so sometimes it's best to just shutup. It may be a little bit entertaining, but as a manager, he needs to show some class and good judgement sometimes.

posted by dyams at 07:41 AM - reply - flag:

This is too much about Marrioti being made the victim here and that is not right. If Ozzie had said, "He's such a shit-for-brains," do you really think you ever would have heard about this? This isn't about Marrioti at all.

posted by 86 at 07:43 AM - reply - flag:

Something should be done about jounalists who throw insults from a distance and hide behind the old "freedom of speech" line. Yeah we should censor them. Hooray America.

posted by jerseygirl at 07:51 AM - reply - flag:

if he went to a Madonna concert, doesn't that pretty much mean he's gay? The Madonna shit is getting real old. I also like John Waters pictures and I have seen almost every episode of the L-word, so say what you will about me. I am sorry I cant get all upset by Ozzie's use of the word. He meant it as a put down and more than likely didnt think about the homphobic nature (if there is such a thing) of the word. The problem is the word he used as put down is synonymous with homosexual. What's really insulting about Ozzie's useage of the word is that is implying that gay men are cowardly or less manly than a straight man. I can't wait until Ozzie's chronic foot in mouth disease gets his ass fired.

posted by HATER 187 at 07:54 AM - reply - flag:

Ozzie went too far. I mean comparing a group of people to Mariotti? That's just wrong. They have a right to be upset.

posted by SummersEve at 08:00 AM - reply - flag:

Does anybody read Marrioti? Maybe you would form a different opinion.

posted by INOALOSER at 08:06 AM - reply - flag:

Okay, I'm actually going to jump in here with an opnion now instead of that other thing I wrote, which sounded a lot funnier in my head than how it reads. Who's surprised an athlete called a writer he didn't like a fag? Really. It's not surprising. It's predictable. Context is everything. Ozzie's context was clear. It was meant as an insult. It's not appropriate behaviour. You're a public figure Ozzie, have some class. I think we're ready for the gay players to start coming out, now. Shit like this isn't sad or shocking, it's just embarassing. I really hope there's one (or two) on the White Sox.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:19 AM - reply - flag:

I have seen almost every episode of the L-word Not sure what you're trying to prove here. You watched a lot of episodes about women making out. Diagnosis: GHEY!

posted by yerfatma at 08:30 AM - reply - flag:

His comment was sophmoric at best. A third grader at the school yard could have matched wits with Ozzie.

posted by panteeze at 08:46 AM - reply - flag:

I think most of my co-workers went to this grade school you speak of.

posted by forrestv at 08:54 AM - reply - flag:

Not sure what you're trying to prove here. I'm trying to prove that liking the Material Girl or the movie Pecker or crying when Dana died on the L-word doesn't make you a gay man. I'm a man who discovered the wheel and built the Eiffel Tower out of metal and brawn. That's what kind of man I am.

posted by HATER 187 at 09:11 AM - reply - flag:

Is it time? You're a smelly pirate hooker.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 09:27 AM - reply - flag:

When this all gets sorted out, I think you and me should get an apartment together.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 09:42 AM - reply - flag:

I'm Brian Fantana, I'm the stylish one of the group.

posted by jerseygirl at 09:52 AM - reply - flag:

I'm Jimmy Carl Black and I'm the Indian of the group.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 10:41 AM - reply - flag:

Ok...so Ozzie Guillen called Jay Mariotti a fag. And what? I'm sorry but I really couldn't care less about that. The bottom line is that the White Sox are winning and he made a stupid remark that should've stayed behind closed doors. If the Sox were losing, management would've had his head. But people, how many times have you called ur friends or maybe even someone you didn't like, a fag? It's really not a big deal but the fact that he was surrounded by a group of reporters makes it so much worse. I know he meant it as a disrespect to Mariotti and to try to defend his remarks was too funny. Him saying "those people" and going to see Madonna at one of her concerts. Absolute brilliance!! Ozzie Guillen IS a role model, he's a role model to all the people that got a sense of humor and can laugh it off.

posted by BornIcon at 10:51 AM - reply - flag:

I'll go on the record as saying, I don't think this is a HUGE deal, but... But people, how many times have you called ur friends or maybe even someone you didn't like, a fag? That's called a slur, Chief. Ozzie Guillen IS a role model, he's a role model to all the people that got a sense of humor and can laugh it off. You just made me have a stroke.

posted by jerseygirl at 10:54 AM - reply - flag:

That's called a slur, Chief. I'm offended by that comment Jersey. I am not Indi, er...Native-American-

posted by BornIcon at 10:59 AM - reply - flag:

Ozzie Guillen IS a role model, he's a role model to all the people that got a sense of humor and can laugh it off. You just made me have a stroke. Right behind you jerseygirl Ozzie's behavior is gonna cost him his job...watch, if the Sox fail to make the playoffs (they're Wild Card leaders) then its gonna cost him big time...I honestly am disappointed with this comment...its not the kind of thing you make out in public...and he's lived here for 25 years...he should know better...

posted by chemwizBsquared at 11:02 AM - reply - flag:

Let's see, a columnist writes a column disagreeing with a comment that Guillen made. Another reporter asks Guillen his opinion of that column getting the exact reaction he wanted so that he could write a column. Everyone got what they wanted and now we're complaining about it. Barrett's suspension is over the first game of the White Sox series with the Cubs. There will be plenty more comments where that one came from!

posted by INOALOSER at 11:22 AM - reply - flag:

The Madonna shit is getting real old. Fixed that for you. Seriously, she looks more like Flo from Alice with every passing tour. I'm not saying you've caught the ghey if you like Madonna. I'm saying if you've paid to see her live in the last 5-6 years ... well, have fun at the parade, honey.

posted by wfrazerjr at 12:21 PM - reply - flag:

But if I got the tickets for free from one of the fellas at the salon I'm still in the straight club, right?

posted by HATER 187 at 12:25 PM - reply - flag:

Seriously, she looks more like Flo from Alice with every passing tour. Who? Britney Spears? I thought she was going to tell Matt Lauer to kiss her grits.

posted by jerseygirl at 12:26 PM - reply - flag:

Who? Britney Spears? I thought she was going to tell Matt Lauer to kiss her grits. Believe you me, when Britney leaves the table, there aren't any grits left over to kiss. Or toast, or eggs, or bacon, or sausage, or butter, or juice, or coffee, or partially hydrogenated corn goo, or anything else. Hell, by the looks of her, you'd be wise to keep little Sean Preston away from her...in a pinch, she might mistake him for a Butterball.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 03:08 PM - reply - flag:

"I warsh mah-self with a rag on a stick."

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:25 PM - reply - flag:

Who? Britney Spears? I thought she was going to tell Matt Lauer to kiss her grits. I'd still hit it like Willie Stargell.

posted by wfrazerjr at 04:05 PM - reply - flag:

Who? Britney Spears? I thought she was going to tell Matt Lauer to kiss her grits. I'd still hit it like Willie Stargell I don't know man, after that trailertrash hillbillys' been there first? Yuck!

posted by commander cody at 04:15 PM - reply - flag:

Federline, Yo.

posted by SummersEve at 04:48 PM - reply - flag:

Federline, Po (po Zao).

posted by jerseygirl at 05:03 PM - reply - flag:

Now I KNOW they don't make a condom thick enough to make me want to go where that boys been! My God I'm not gonna sleep well tonight! Thanks!

posted by commander cody at 05:21 PM - reply - flag:

Uh, fraze?

posted by yerfatma at 05:50 PM - reply - flag:

I hope Guillen enjoys his sensitivity training. "What class? What is it? Mr. Selig said I have to do something about this," Guillen said. "It was not good for me and baseball to be involved in this."

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 07:39 PM - reply - flag:

Hell, by the looks of her, you'd be wise to keep little Sean Preston away from her...in a pinch, she might mistake him for a Butterball. You do realize she is pregnant again, right? So now we are taunting a young lady for being fat while pregnant, after recently giving birth to her first child? I'm okay with making fun of celebrities for doing/saying stupid things, but this is a bit over the line and mean spirited. The worst part about the Britney taunting/harassment by the media is that she hasn't done anything in the entertainment business in about 2 years. She wouldn't even be in the public eye if the paparrazi didn't stalk her.

posted by grum@work at 09:34 PM - reply - flag:

Okay, now that I've got it out of the way, I'd like to point out that there is no "good side" in this Guillen/Mariotti feud. I think Guillen is a blowhard, and Mariotti is an idiot. However, in a battle of the wits between Mariotti and Guillen, I'd support Mariotti. I mean, how bright can Guillen be if he's been caught by the "hidden ball" trick 3 times in his career?

posted by grum@work at 09:38 PM - reply - flag:

The worst part about the Britney taunting/harassment by the media is that she hasn't done anything in the entertainment business in about 2 years. She wouldn't even be in the public eye if the paparrazi didn't stalk her. Sorry Grum but she didn't do anything entertaining when she was in entertainment!

posted by commander cody at 09:52 PM - reply - flag:

how bright can Guillen be if he's been caught by the "hidden ball" trick 3 times in his career? I generally don't want to be found defending Ozzie Guillen, and least of all in this thread. I gotta say, though, that for this particular "feat" I charge about 33% blame to Ozzie and 66% to coaches on the corners. A player running the bases can't always be 100% aware of where the ball is. I find it no small coincidence that all three events happened within three years -- all under the watchful eye of Jeff Torborg and his staff. That said... Guillen? Dim bulb. As a manager, I see him taking a career path similar to the equally-low-watted Billy Martin -- always hired to add fire to a lackluster club, and eventually dismissed when his antics become counterproductive.

posted by BullpenPro at 10:36 PM - reply - flag:

She wouldn't even be in the public eye if the paparrazi didn't stalk her. O.k. A little off topic, but someone like britney (I can't believe I'm going here) can't simply turn of the paparrazi when she doesn't need them anymore. Not to mention if you don't want attention you might want to leave L.A., not do super hyped interviews, not agree to star in your own reality show (within the last year grum), etc. etc. Actions speak louder than words. "I want to be left alone" rings hollow. Weight aside, that interview was embarrassing.

posted by justgary at 10:57 PM - reply - flag:

I think Guillen is a blowhard, and Mariotti is an idiot. "Blowhard."

posted by chicobangs at 11:10 PM - reply - flag:

I'm still waiting for wfrazierjr to chastised like the fellow who said "He'd do Michelle Wie in a minute", or, was it only Wie's age that made that inappropriate? Methinks a double standard is in effect. And the bitching about mispelling and improper puncuation pale in comparison to some of the crap posted here and in the thread about Strahan the last couple of days. I find the language and juvenile humor just as offensive than Ozzie's remark. Weedy, I hope there are "one (or two ) on the White Sox" as well, then we'll find out what Ozzie really thinks.

posted by mjkredliner at 11:30 PM - reply - flag:

mjk, my problem with the Wie comments was that she's only 16 years old. No matter how she looks, acts, plays, or anything else, she's still technically a child. Britney, on the other hand, is a fully grown adult (who was on the Anna Nicole Smith career/physique path long before she got preggers!), so all comments about doing her, while offensive to you, don't constitute somebody saying they want to have carnal knowledge of a minor.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 05:17 AM - reply - flag:

was it only Wie's age that made that inappropriate? That. Then there's the aspect of a young girl (literally, a child) who is an athlete versus the woman who made/makes her living off her looks and sexuality, basically. Because God knows she wasn't making her living off her brains. Eeesh. So no double standard.

posted by jerseygirl at 05:18 AM - reply - flag:

She wouldn't even be in the public eye if the paparrazi didn't stalk her. Kind of iffy on this one. She has been releasing perfumes, and doing a lot of magazine articles/press too. Plus she's launching a line of baby clothes too. And... her husband's been in the news, launching his crap music career, doing magazine articles, trying to save the penny. Honest to god, I have no idea how he got involved in saving a coin. I mean, I don't begrudge her for that - (Ok, the perfumes kind of smell like a discount hooker on Double Coupon night, so I begrudge her for the perfumes) but when she's still making herself somewhat minorly relevant (in comparison to her former status) and her husband is out and about and usually alone, there's an aspect of curiousity of "Kevin's here and here, what's Britney think/doing/blahblah?" that the tabs are going to pursue. Plus, I think the public is still shocked she married that useless no-talent Sperminator, will have popped out two kids in less than two years, etc. I'm not excusing the paparazzi (or pavarotti as KFed calls them), but you can see why there's interest. Plus when she does the Matt Lauer interview, clearly without any help from a publicist (or hair and makeup at all) it just ramps everything up a notch - it probably made her more of a general topic of discussion. Look how we're discussing it here.

posted by jerseygirl at 05:32 AM - reply - flag:

Why on earth are people debating (not discussing, debating) Britney Spears on SpoFi? And why on earth are people seemingly comparing being pursued by paparazzi with being stalked?

posted by lil_brown_bat at 05:46 AM - reply - flag:

Didn't you see that movie lbb? Paparazzi are some dangerous motherfuckers who'd like nothing better than to ruin your life and the life of anyone you care about. Mel Gibson's hairdresser told me.

posted by yerfatma at 06:12 AM - reply - flag:

Why on earth are people debating (not discussing, debating) Britney Spears on SpoFi? I blame jerseygirl. Seriously, she looks more like Flo from Alice with every passing tour. [previous comment] Who? Britney Spears? I thought she was going to tell Matt Lauer to kiss her grits. posted by jerseygirl at 12:26 PM CDT on June 22

posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 06:35 AM - reply - flag:

You are no longer allowed to e-admire me, pal.

posted by jerseygirl at 07:54 AM - reply - flag:

Why on earth are people debating (not discussing, debating) Britney Spears on SpoFi? Excellent question. Britney shouldn't even be discussed on music-related threads, let alone sports threads.

posted by dyams at 07:58 AM - reply - flag:

Why on earth are people debating (not discussing, debating) Britney Spears on SpoFi? Because the thread and the topic has basically spent itself. More homosexual slur arguing? Fine, if we must... Didn't you see that movie lbb? Paparazzi are some dangerous motherfuckers who'd like nothing better than to ruin your life and the life of anyone you care about. Tom Sizemore is a dangerous motherfucker.

posted by jerseygirl at 08:01 AM - reply - flag:

Because the thread and the topic has basically spent itself. More homosexual slur arguing? Fine, if we must... Well, we could always talk about Wimbledon. (women's group 1 is where the action's at!)

posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:06 AM - reply - flag:

Why on earth would we debate Wimbledon in a thread about Britney Spears?! : ) Yes, I did a smiley for lbb. It's Friday and I reserve the right to emote on Friday. Bite me.

posted by jerseygirl at 08:22 AM - reply - flag:

It's Friday and I reserve the right to emote on Friday. Oh, so that's your tongue? And all this time I thought you were a Red Devil fancier.

posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:35 AM - reply - flag:

Just because a man has sex with men, it doesn't mean he's gay; just because a man doesn't have sex with men, it doesn't mean he isn't gay. Ozzie Guillen is a loudmouth , and one of these days he's gonna get either punched or fired if he keeps insulting folks. Britney Spears hired a terrific songwriter for "Hit Me Baby" and "Oops!" Her contribution to pop history is solid gold. Making fun of pregnant women because they gain weight is beyond churlish; it's despicable, and anyone engaging in it ought to know better.

posted by Hugh Janus at 10:40 AM - reply - flag:

Making fun of pregnant women because they gain weight is beyond churlish; it's despicable, and anyone engaging in it ought to know better. posted by Hugh Janus at 10:40 AM CDT on June 23 I don't think they would have made fun of her if she didn't dress in a low-cut shirt and teeny tiny miniskirt while pregnant? That was what made her look awful.

posted by skydivemom at 11:00 AM - reply - flag:

and the clumpy eyelashes and the horrible hair extensions. She looked just awful, and that's totally aside from anything weight related. Her publicist, after the fact, said "She's a big girl, she can take care of herself." What is Britney paying you for again?

posted by jerseygirl at 11:05 AM - reply - flag:

And your definition of sex is rather androgynous, Hugh. And, I bet that Ozzie throws the first blow, and, Britney's contribution to pop history is solid gold amongst the teenybopper set, and, what skydivemom said.

posted by mjkredliner at 11:08 AM - reply - flag:

And your definition of sex is rather androgynous, Hugh. Really?

posted by lil_brown_bat at 11:14 AM - reply - flag:

This is androgynous.

posted by jerseygirl at 11:26 AM - reply - flag:

Plus when she does the Matt Lauer interview, clearly without any help from a publicist (or hair and makeup at all) it just ramps everything up a notch - it probably made her more of a general topic of discussion. Look how we're discussing it here. I'd like to plead ignorance as I had no idea she did an interview with Matt Lauer, and didn't even hear about the Brittney perfume. I withdraw my complaint. She's fair game for paparrazi if she's still putting herself out for public display like that. But I do hold true to my comment that making fun of a woman's weight while she is pregnant is just mean.

posted by grum@work at 11:37 AM - reply - flag:

It is mean. The pregnancy chub isn't the problem, at all. It's her Tammy Faye eye makeup, bad extensions or using "We're country!" as an excuse for being an idiot with her son. Oh and the gum chomping during the interview...

posted by jerseygirl at 11:55 AM - reply - flag:

I withdraw my complaint. She's fair game for paparrazi if she's still putting herself out for public display like that. But I do hold true to my comment that making fun of a woman's weight while she is pregnant is just mean. If only all our discussions could reach such amicable resolutions. I wish I had a gavel to slam and declare britney discussion 'done'. It's her Tammy Faye eye makeup, bad extensions or using "We're country!" as an excuse for being an idiot with her son. Oh and the gum chomping during the interview... posted by jerseygirl Thank you jerseygirl. I have a lot of country relatives. When she excused putting a baby in her lap while driving as "country" I cringed. That's not country. That's being an idiot.

posted by justgary at 12:10 PM - reply - flag:

Just because a man has sex with men, it doesn't mean he's gay; just because a man doesn't have sex with men, it doesn't mean he isn't gay. That's what Michael Strahan has been trying to tell his wife. What part of that doesn't she get? Note to self: Don't get drunk with Hugh, he can be pretty persuasive.

posted by tselson at 12:31 PM - reply - flag:

Everything I said is true, and if I went up to every pregnant woman who made bad wardrobe or makeup choices (due to her vanity, her hormones, or that feeling many pregnant women get that they just aren't pretty anymore) and called her fat, I'd deserve the beating I'd get, and I'd hope that others would step in and spare said pregnant woman the trouble of kicking my ass. And hell, tselson, just tryin' to live up to my name.

posted by Hugh Janus at 12:44 PM - reply - flag:

Androgynous traits are those that have no gender value, or have some aspects generally attributed to the opposite gender, which, to me, he seems to be saying something of the sort, or referring to BI-sexuality, but forgive me if I am slightly confused, I understand only heterosexuality, and my grasp of that is tenous at best. (Trying the 'ol self deprecation thing again.) But, just because a man doesn't have sex with other men, doesn't mean he isn't gay. ???? I think that, yes, that is a pretty damn good indicator that he ain't gay, or interested in whatever you wish to call it. I guess some folks CAN have their cake, and eat it too. Funny thing, too. My wife enjoyed being pregnant, and was quite able to joke around about being "fat" as did her sister who was pregnant at the same time. Some people aren't so sensitive about every little damn thing that is said.

posted by mjkredliner at 01:10 PM - reply - flag:

And hell, tselson, just tryin' to live up to my name. Classic. You almost made this list, last name Jass. Ah, maybe we could have one beer...wait a minute...

posted by tselson at 01:32 PM - reply - flag:

Being gay or straight isn't about who you have sex with; it's about who you're attracted to. Plenty of straight guys have sex with men in prison and never look back once they're released (that's a bad example because of the coercion and isolation involved, but you should get the point), just as there are plenty of gay men who are married, have functional families who they love, and unrequited love for other men. It's true. If it's all about sex, then virgins of either persuasion are neither gay nor straight, even if they've made it to third base a hundred times.

posted by Hugh Janus at 02:24 PM - reply - flag:

Being gay or straight isn't about who you have sex with; it's about who you're attracted to. True, my son knew he was attracted to men from the time he hit adolescence, which caused him no small amount of confusion considering most of his friends were straight. I'm glad he found his way though and is happy now On the other hand one of my oldest and closest friends was gay, but in his 30's he got married to a woman (sweet girl) and tried to live the straight life. After 10 years he drank himself to death (liver failure). I'm sure his lifestyle change wasn't completely at fault, but I have no doubt it contributed.

posted by commander cody at 03:26 PM - reply - flag:

Being gay or straight isn't about who you have sex with; it's about who you're attracted to. I have to ask... who has sex with someone that they are not attracted to? Or let me rephrase, why would they have sex with someone that they aren't attracted to?

posted by tselson at 10:49 PM - reply - flag:

Two words, drunk and horny.

posted by MrFrisby at 11:16 PM - reply - flag:

Two words, drunk and horny. Been there, done that. Almost even got married once that way. (shudder)

posted by commander cody at 12:20 AM - reply - flag:

John Rocker, who knows a thing or two about sensitivity, weighed in on Ozzie's sensitivity training. "This is a free country. If he wants to use a lewd term, he should be able to use a lewd term," Rocker told the newspaper. "Can't you use a lewd term in America if you want?" Hats off to the reporter that thought to go to Rocker for comment.

posted by BullpenPro at 02:21 PM - reply - flag:

Hats off to the reporter that thought to go to Rocker for comment. He also said: "[The sensitivity training] was a farce, a way for the scared little man, Bud Selig, to get people off his (backside)." At which point said reporter probably started drooling uncontrollably.

posted by SummersEve at 03:55 PM - reply - flag:

At which point said reporter probably started drooling uncontrollably. Which Rocker probably misinterpreted as a leer, to which he probably responded with a nasty slur in reference to the reporter's sexuality and told the reporter to go back to Queens. Which, weird, that, the reporter being from Chicago and all. Here's an op-ed that sort of defends Ozzie. Most Chicagoans, I bet, would say that all this fighting over what Guillen can or cannot say sounds too much like manufactured news. Which I can buy, but: Losing a job for exercising a constitutionally protected right is a sanction that Guillen, and even Mariotti, should not suffer. This mentality that getting fired is the same as getting arrested is widespread and ridiculous. The government, not your employer, protects your rights in this case -- if you are a public representative of an organization, and you publicly embarrass the company, you better believe they have a great reason to dismiss you.

posted by BullpenPro at 04:19 PM - reply - flag:

"Can't you use a lewd term in America if you want?" *uses lewd term to describe John (off his) Rocker*

posted by curtangle at 02:44 AM - reply - flag:

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

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